December 23, 2008
Christmas Greetings
To All My Liberal Friends:
Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2009, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishes.
To My Conservative Friends:
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Show Comments »
And that pretty much says everything. Same at cha.
posted by
Two Dogs at December 23, 2008 02:35 PM
Well Said. MUD
posted by
dennis at December 24, 2008 10:10 AM
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December 18, 2008
Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus
This is one of those anonymous e-mails that goes around. Don't know where it originated, don't know if it's true...but even if it's just a story, the sentiment is lovely. Enjoy!
I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"
My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true.
Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" she snorted.... "Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go."
"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun. "Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything.
As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.
I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church. I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class.
Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat! I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.
"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby." The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas.
That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it. Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers.
Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going." I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma. Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.
Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were, ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team.
I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95.
May you always have LOVE to share, HEALTH to spare and FRIENDS that care. And may you always believe in the magic of Santa Claus!
Show Comments »
December 24, 2007
Merry Christmas!
Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas! See you on the flip side!
Show Comments »
Is this art some kind of sexist depiction of Christmas? Methinks this is bigoted.
Merry Christmas, Pam.
posted by
Two Dogs at December 24, 2007 04:15 PM
Merry Christmas, Pam!
posted by
Tuning Spork at December 25, 2007 11:31 AM
Have a Merry Christmas, Pam!
posted by
John Ruberry at December 25, 2007 06:11 PM
Merry Christmas, Pam!
posted by
Wyatt Earp at December 27, 2007 11:33 AM
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December 18, 2007
I've Been CHRISTmas Tagged!
Aaron said, "Tag, you're it!" So here goes:
1. Wrapping or gift bags?
Depends on the gift; I like paper, but bags are better for some items.
2. Real or artificial tree?
As a kid, we had fake trees until my parents divorced and my mother remarried...my stepfather is a real tree fan. I now prefer a real tree, but a couple of years ago informed hubby that I was tired of the yearly arguments that would invariably break out when choosing, lugging home, and struggling to put up the real tree. This way I only have to nag him to get it down from the attic; the girls and I can handle it from there.
3. When do you put up the tree?
Usually the weekend after Thanksgiving, but no later than two weeks before.
4. When do you take the tree down?
New Year's Day.
5. Do you like eggnog?
A cup or two is fine, but I am not crazed about it. And no booze, please; I have a very low alcohol tolerance and don't like to make a fool of myself in front of the relatives.
6. Favorite gift received as a child?
My Easy Bake Oven.
7. Do you have a nativity scene?
No.
8. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
I can't remember...perhaps I blocked the terrible memory?
9. Mail or e-mail Christmas cards?
Mail, but I have gotten worse and worse about getting them out in a timely fashion; as of this writing, none have gone out this year. Bad, Pam, bad!
10. Favorite Christmas movie?
A Christmas Story, followed closely by Trading Places (that Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy classic)
11. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
A couple of weeks before...and usually right before (but not including) Christmas Eve.
12. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
I have to pick a favorite? I love everything (and my waistline proves it). Okay, um...turnips, because we usually only have them at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
13. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
Colored.
14. Favorite Christmas song?
Gloria In Excelsis Deo
I TAG:
Wyatt Earp
Reverse Vampyr
Kris
Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share Christmas facts about yourself.
3. Tag random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
Show Comments »
Damn you . . . .
I mean, I'm on it! :)
posted by
Wyatt Earp at December 18, 2007 11:56 PM
Posted and tag passed.
posted by
Reverse_Vampyr at December 19, 2007 03:37 PM
Done, thankyouverymuch. I'd post a link here, but your site doesn't like the name of my provider - Square Space. When I try that as all one word, it doesn't like me.
posted by
Kris, in New England at December 19, 2007 03:39 PM
Uh, turnips are your favorite thing to eat at Christmas? I think that I would rather eat the real Christmas tree. No, no the partially dried paint stuff when you kinda leave one of the paint cans open. Or glass Christmas tree ball-things. Or fire. Or the dirt that turnips grow in. I just realized that I do not like turnips.
Turnips? Blechq.
posted by
Two Dogs at December 19, 2007 05:31 PM
I've never seen turnips on a restaurant menu.
posted by
John Ruberry at December 19, 2007 11:28 PM
All y'all - you just don't know what is GOOD. Turnips, properly prepared, are DELICIOUS.
Pam, the tree in front of your house is gorgeous! As is your house. Turrets and everything!
MERRY CHRISTMAS FOLKS!
posted by
Gayle Miller at December 20, 2007 08:56 AM
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December 03, 2007
'Twas the Month Before Christmas
Mark D. sent this poem along...it reflects my feelings quite adequately.
Twas the month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
See the PC Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas -- no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say,
December 25th is just a "Holiday."
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing other folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X-BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Target was hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears,
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree"
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say:
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS!
(Related: a list of "important days in December" as per the Spokane public schools.)
Show Comments »
if you really think there's a "war on christmas" then you're completely delusional. there's no argument to be had, christmas is everywhere, on everything.
posted by
steve at December 3, 2007 04:19 PM
Steve, Pam isn't the delusional one. There has been a war on Christmas, as well as anything at all that even remotely resembles the reason for the season for at least the past 10 years. Stores where employees are now forbidden to say Merry Christmas - even in reply to people who say it to them. Other stores that FORBID the use of the word Christmas in advertising. It's all part of the secularization of America by the leftwing elites whose only religion is global warming.
Pam is right and you are wrong.
posted by
Gayle Miller at December 3, 2007 04:37 PM
I cannot believe that you didn't get the memo, look who got killed. Christmas and all religions are hereby cancelled.
http://www.news-record.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071203/NRSTAFF/71203017
posted by
Two Dogs at December 3, 2007 04:58 PM
And, oh, goodness, what a violent "X-tian," that Gayle is. You, you, CHRISTIAN!
posted by
Two Dogs at December 3, 2007 05:00 PM
Even Jesus had his feisty moments - remember the moneychangers in the Temple?
I am just so weary of people feeling quite free to insult and demean and denigrate my belief system while paying overly zealous heed to the feelings of "the religion of peace" adherents whose only goal in life is to kill every Christian and Jew on Planet Earth.
These are days for "muscular" defense of our beliefs and our traditions or surely, they will be taken from us by force!
posted by
Gayle Miller at December 4, 2007 09:45 AM
Speaking as a non-Christian, if some tried to quelch all mention of one of my holidays, I'd be pretty racked off.
posted by
Charles at December 4, 2007 11:48 AM
the dominant holiday is still christmas. the christmas season still begins just after thanksgiving. stores still put up christmas decorations and christmas displays. they still offer christmas savings and christmas sales. businesses still display christmas decorations. they still give their employees christmas vacations.
if you're so offended by someone saying "happy holidays" and not "merry christmas" out of respect for someone who might celebrate hanukkah instead then maybe you shouldn't go out of doors. do us all a favor.
but enough of that.
happy holidays everyone.
posted by
steve at December 4, 2007 12:17 PM
Even though steve is wrong for his reasoning, he is right with his idea. The people who celebrate Christmas and like to say "Merry Christmas" should stay at home during the Christmas Holidays and not spend a cent. Celebrate the holiday the way that we should instead of spending money with the rest of the country that is worried about upsetting some dumbasses. Then the merchants would immediately stop this ridiculous pc thing when 95% of the population bankrupts the country because of the stupid people. Yes, it is 95% of this country that celebrates Christmas, steve, the Jooooos should stay home, instead.
posted by
Two Dogs at December 4, 2007 04:04 PM
The "Jooooos"? Yikes. Maybe there is a reason minority religions feel, erm, less than comfortable. Also, isn't it just as silly to be offended by someone saying "Happy Holidays" as "Merry Christmas"? Why must we all get our panties into a bunch over this? Besides, of course, I'm pressed to think of a Christmas tradition that doesn't have pagan roots anyway, so unless your "reason for the season" is the Pagan winter festival of Yule, the whole argument seems a little off-kilter.
posted by Ro at December 4, 2007 06:21 PM
Uh, Ro? My comment was tongue in cheek. Humor? Remember? I am a severe smartass, read my blog. And yes, "CHRISTmas" is a pagan holiday, because the HOLIday celebrates the birth of CHRIST Jesus.
That giving of gifts certainly was a pagan ritual started by the three wise men offering gifts to CHRIST Jesus in that manger, on that day that CHRIST Jesus was born, which we now celebrate on December 25th each year on a HOLIday that we call CHRISTmas.
Yes, the decorated tree thing is a pagan ritual that was asimilated in with CHRISTmas, the celebration of CHRIST Jesus.
Dense people crack me up with their urban legends.....
posted by
Two Dogs at December 5, 2007 11:18 PM
Sorry, Ro. I am not a religious bigot at all, but I am a severe smartass. I cannot help it, but I do try. As far as Yule is concerned, the pagans changed the date of THEIR festival to coincide with Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Christ our Lord after Christianity became the prominent religion, but you already knew that, you just skewed the facts about the celebration for your own benefit and point.
And I don't hate Jews, they are my absolute favorite religious minority. Some of my best friends are Jews.
posted by
Two Dogs at December 5, 2007 11:25 PM
*sigh*
If only Jesus had been aborted... Sure would have saved us from a hell of a lot of your pathetic whining!
posted by
aa at December 6, 2007 09:25 AM
We have a winner in the race to Hell, congrats aa!
posted by
Two Dogs at December 6, 2007 09:39 AM
you know you're a bigot when you have to point out that "some of your best friends are jews."
posted by
steve at December 6, 2007 12:44 PM
Ok, Two Dogs, I'll totally buy that you are not a religious biggot. Groovy. However, MY favorite religious minority is the pagans, and your statement that the pagan midwinter holiday changed their time of year to be in late December is pretty much, well, totally not true. Yule is the winter festival. The one celebrating midwinter. Like, the same midwinter that falls sometime near mid-to-late December. Longest night of the year. Every year since the beginning of time. Pretty hard to change the date of that one without changing the position of the Earth around the sun. And I'm the dense one? Most Christian holidays do, in fact, have traditions steeped in paganism, and Christmas is almost as rife with it as Easter (almost). The tree, the "faery" lights people put on their homes, the yule log(of course), ringing bells, mistletoe kissing.
posted by Ro at December 6, 2007 01:00 PM
Sorry, Ro, you are absolutely incorrect about the pagans NOT changing the date of the festival as well as the near dates of the seasons, which most fourth grade students could tell you, if you would ask them for that commonly held knowledge. If yule WAS a mid-winter festival, according to you, I would assume that it would not be celebrated on December 25, seeing how that is at the VERY beginning of winter, since the beginning of time, I might add. However according to Wikipedia, which is notorious for its bad information, granted, (I really don't care enough about this topic to search further) Yule generally was celebrated on December 22 and then was moved after the popularity of Christianity, so, I'm right yet again on both counts. According to your statements, Yule was mid-winter festival, Winter which begins this year on December 22 and runs to March 22 and which generally runs in the Northern hemisphere from late December to late March, again since the beginning of time. If you would like knowledge instead of ignorance and lipping about something that you made up or completely misunderstand, I suggest the download of this tome, free! from Project Gutenberg: http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/598 Therein lies the TRUTH about your pagan Yule Festival. You say that paganism is your favorite "religious" minority, yet know nothing about your favorite "religious" minority's celebrations or the fact that paganism is actually defined as ritualistic behavior that is not generally regarded as religious. Way to go, Ro.
As an aside, I willingly bet money that you did not know that "pagan" loosely translated means "hillbilly." That is damn funny to me.
Damn, steve, it was a joke. You leftists really have no sense of humor at all, except in Presidential candidates. I actually think that I know two Jews personally, I live in Mississippi and our Jewish population is rather small. I know quite a few from blogging, though, and they seem to be okay except for that murder of Christ. (Just for steve: That's a joke.)
Just to clear up the confusion about me, like it matters, I am Catholic and my fiance is Seventh Day Adventist, which to me is pretty close to Judiasm, oh with the Christ thing thrown in. (Just for steve: That's another joke.)
posted by
Two Dogs at December 6, 2007 01:43 PM
Um...wow. Just wow. Don't even know where to start with that one. How about here: Yule is not celebrated on December 25. It's celebrated on the longest night of the year, the solstice. I'm still not sure how you think that anything was changed to fit Christianity, especially considering the total lack of documentation on the actual, real birthdate of Jesus. Since we don't know when he was born, I think it's awesome that they chose a day on which to celebrate his birth -- great thing to celebrate, certainly. But, again, most of the modern trappings of the holiday have their roots in paganism.
And holy cow yes, paganism is a religion. Obsessive hand-washing is defined as "ritualistic behavior". Paganism is defined as a polytheistic, nature-based religion that follows many rich mythological traditions going back millenia -- much like Christianity. Also like Christianity, the religion sets certain guidelines for proper behavior, there are sacraments, churches, community gatherings, community outreach and charity programs, and it's even based on a holy trinity. It's a government-recognized religion. And I don't have to go to Wikipedia to look this up, so let's not pretend that you know more about it than me, k?
Oh, and Jesus WAS a Jew. Born a Jew, died a Jew.
None of this, though, is the point, right? I celebrate Christmas, and it doesn't ruin my day to hear "happy holidays". Why in the world does it ruin your? Why do Target and Walmart need to reaffirm you in your faith?
posted by Ro at December 6, 2007 03:52 PM
This is my final comment on this topic and probably my final response to anything that Ro may submit, Pam. I shall ignore her from this point forward, she is dead to me.
Ro, I thought you were just being silly and I enjoyed the banter, but now I realize that you actually believe the nonsense that you are typing, I don't know whether or not to be afraid of you. Ah Hell, you're just a girl, I think that I could whup you. And I can't tell if you are just overwhelmingly misinformed or actually ding-dong nuts, honestly it does seem like the latter. You really should download that FREE! book, it will correct your overwhelming wrongness regarding your favorite minority "religion."
That said, I have a problem whenever someone decides to use a certain word and has no idea what it means. Call it an obsession or whatever, I like to call it "words actually have a meaning." "Pagan" is derived from the Latin word pāgānus, which means dweller from the country, hence my terminology "hillbilly." Since you have obviously been named Keeper of the Linguistic Flame and are commissioned with the determination of the meanings of words all by yourself, I shall submit to your daffynition, ma'am. Paganism is a religion, even though forever it has been regarded as the exact opposite, a synonym is "heathen" and I will NOT try to debate the meaning of that word with you, either, I know better. But, I am just going on what is in the dictionary, and you ARE Keeper of the Linguistic Flame, remember?
Also, you first said that Yule was a mid-winter festival, but since the soltice does generally fall at the onset of winter, since the beginning of time, that IS why the seasons were set up that way, you were obviously mistaken that yule was celebrated during mid-winter or simply made a typo when you typed "midwinter" instead of "at the very beginning of winter." My keyboard kinda sets up like that, too, if I close my eyes, take a bunch of LSD, and continually hit myself in the face with a hammer while driving a Hum-Vee cross-country through the desert and getting a tattoo at the same time. I just took you at YOUR word, I don't know you, so I read what YOU typed and went from YOUR words. However, the FACT, which you totally ignore, is that yule was generally celebrated on December 22 and it was moved to coincide with Christmas after Christmas moved from around January 6. That is FACT, ma'am and it is available every single place that has a single reference to Yule on the entire Interwebs, but that is not the database that IS RO! KEEPER OF THE LINGUISTIC FLAME!. Maybe you have also been named Keeper of the Historical Timeline, then again I shall defer to your expertise. As a matter of fact, I just called YOUR office at Keeper of the Historical Timeline, Inc. and your secretary informed me that YOU have decided to celebrate yule on December 24 or 25 or maybe the even 22nd or YOU might even wait until NEXT YEAR on June 21. She also said that YOU as Keeper of the Historical Timeline, as well as Keeper of the Linguistic Flame, had a bit of a problem digging your head outta your ass long enough to catch a breath. I think that YOU as Keeper of the Historical Timeline and Keeper of the Linguistic Flame might want to talk to your office staff about their insubordination.
Anyhoo, Merry Christmas, doo-doo head.
posted by
Two Dogs at December 6, 2007 05:00 PM
Very cute. I'm so going to miss our little talks, TD, although I'm a little unsure as to how I offended you so much as to be "dead" to you. I was, actually, enjoying the banter. I hope you're not afraid of me, although I'm not sure how you came to the conclusion that I'm a girl. So be it. I couldn't actually get through your last paragraph, as it didn't seem to make much sense. Something about a timeline and a flame...anyway, Merry Christmas to you as well, fart-face.
posted by Ro at December 6, 2007 05:13 PM
Since this is not that asinine yule/pagan topic, my assumption that you were female was based on the absolute lack of logic in your argument which was based solely on ideas pulled straight from your nether regions. I'm a sexist, too. And I figured you were not a gay man because since the total homosexual population of the entire world is less than one percent and all of them are flouncing around together right now, because they are completely unemployable, the odds were obviously in the favor of you being a girl. That's called logic. Try it sometime, but wear a helmet, your head may explode.
posted by
Two Dogs at December 6, 2007 05:55 PM
Oh good, so were talking again. Neat-o. Overt sexism aside, I'm very curious as to your "lack of logic" statement, as nothing about the "asinine" pagan/yule discussion requires any logic, just a small knowledge of the subject itself. Purely factual, not an argument at all. You didn't read the Wikipedia article too well, because most of what I said is there. Including calling Yule "midwinter". But whatever, you think what you think, and I guess the more words you can capitalize the more you think you're right. So, super-duper. Just curious -- what pissed you off so much about my post? Was it the Jesus was a Jew thing? Or just the info on a rather obscure religion?
posted by Ro at December 6, 2007 06:23 PM
Ro, I am not pissed off in the least. It's just that a debate requires some ground rules, much like the game of Scrabble. Again, I must say that words mean something. That is a pet peeve of mine. For instance, you may say "reverse discrimination" all you want, but it still means hating someone that is just like yourself. Pagan has a definition and it has an origin. Much like the term "midwinter." If you do not want to accept definitions and fact, you might as well call eveything the same thing and I hereby nominate every word to immediately be changed to "premblememblemation." Your turn.
posted by
Two Dogs at December 6, 2007 07:01 PM
Well, good, I'm glad you're not angry -- it sure did look like it from your post.
To your point re: meaning of words. Obviously our separate experiences infuse different meanings to words, as they will do for everyone, and starting from a common lexicon will ensure complete communication. That does not, however, mean that I am uninformedly making up non-existent meanings for words (although it happens often, but not in this case); it simply means you do not have the background for the lexicon I was using in this particular area -- not to insult your intelligence (although you seem pretty eager to insult mine). I don't need to argue with you over the meaning of the word "pagan" -- you have it exactly right, along with the word "heathen". The history of how it came to mean something close to "heretic" or "without religion", and then was reclaimed to mean those who practiced a religion of those in the "outskirts" who were uninfluenced by (or simply ignorant of) the rising popularity of Christianity is actually a pretty cool story. The fact that you don't know that bit of history is totally fine and cool -- most people don't -- but maybe it's not entirely appropriate to call me illogical and scary and egotistical because I do. And whether or not the pagan midwinter festival is actually in the middle of what we call winter doesn't change the date when the festival actually takes place, or the fact that it's called the midwinter festival. I didn't decide on the name, or the date, I'm just relating facts.
I guess my point is: yes, it is helpful to have a consistent use of language, but the fact that it's your pet peeve doesn't make you the Grand Decider of what the correct, culturally relevant definition of a word is. I'm not saying that I am, but I do have a much stronger background in history of world religions than just looking up something in the dictionary.
posted by Ro at December 6, 2007 07:43 PM
Ro, I did not write the dictionary and my life experience doesn't allow me to change the meanings of words. It must be liberating to you to be able to make up anything that you want and make it be fact. That means that you can never be wrong in your insulated, albeit padded world. Like now.
posted by
Two Dogs at December 6, 2007 07:58 PM
Didja read my last post, or are you being purposely obtuse? Just because you don't know something does not mean it was made up or untrue. Let me repeat that so you get it (read it s l o w l y): just because you don't know something does not mean it was made up or untrue. Sorry if that's a rough concept. I tried to be civil, I made no personal insults (except "farty-face"), I can scarcely remember what our original topic was, but I guess there's no talking with a self-professed sexist who cannot grasp easily-verifiable facts or maintain civilized discourse when being confronted with a word or concept he doesn't know. I think your earlier declaration that you're a "smartass" needs be shortened to simply "ass."
I'm out, but my my my Pam, the poem sure did shake up just about as many comments as I've ever seen posted here. Good on ya.
posted by Ro at December 6, 2007 08:34 PM
Forgive me, Ro, I did not realize that this "debate" was still ongoing. I offered you a link to the online text Heimskringla, which would have hopefully cleared up your confusion regarding the history of your "religion" which I have studied extensively, albeit, in a roundabout way. It seems that I produced a thesis upon which I received a thirty thousand dollar research grant from your Federal government for further study, along with a two year stay in Norway with a archaeological team that I sponsored with that money and a good portion of my own personal wealth at that time.
Portions of this research have been published in Sir Banister Fletcher's A History of Architecture, since the 19th edition. Ro, we will have to agree to disagree on the matter, you know best. I would like you to understand that every single living human in the world that has any knowledge at all regarding ancient Norway and its history, along with its customs, knows that you are extremely confroooosed. We do not begrudge you that. I also want you to know that anyone that has ever experienced confusion over the meaning of a word or the meaning of anything for that matter has usually consulted a dictionary or some type of reference book. I like your way better in all honesty. It is very liberating to me to simply slide through life never understanding anything and arguing to your dying breath about something which you have no clue. You are obviously a genius and I respect that. Openmindedness is cetainly a bad thing, especially when you are clueless on a topic.
In honor of the Ro Method of defining words, customs, traditions and anything else that strikes my fancy: I hereby proclaim the word "progressive" to mean someone who wishes to return to the sand-poundingly stupid political ideas that were monumental failures from forty years ago!
Am I done? Yeah, I think so.
posted by
Two Dogs at December 6, 2007 11:48 PM
Holy cow, it's Christmas miracle! Two Dogs has gone in one day from "I really don't care enough about this topic to search further" [than Wikipedia] to having developed an expertise by sponsering a 2 year Federal research program into the "non" religion of Paganism (which, of course, doesn't exsist)! That's truly miraculous, my friend, and I commend you for it. Go on with your bad self.
posted by Ro at December 7, 2007 01:09 AM
The topic to which I was referring as irrelevent to me, the world, as well as history, was Yule. And in my prior post, simply to solidify the fact that you have no clue about the subject to which you have professed an undying love, I stated quite clearly, "I offered you a link to the online text Heimskringla, which would have hopefully cleared up your confusion regarding the history of your 'religion' which I have studied extensively, albeit, in a roundabout way." This means that the study of any local custom was NOT the primary focus of our studies, we were much more interested in techniques and skills that actually have withstood the test of time, much unlike Yule.
One of the main things that you will develop as you enter your teen years, Ro, will be a little character trait known to most learned people as "reading comprehension." That trait was what allowed me to completely dismantle your "facts" and inform you of your mistakes regarding every single tidbit of your ideas. Do not fret, it will come, but if you maintain the Little Miss Know-It-All routine without knowing the person that you are debating, it will be much more difficult, and just like what happened in this thread, you will appear to be a fool.
posted by
Two Dogs at December 7, 2007 01:16 PM
Just a comment or two and I'll be off of here. I agree with most of what Two Dogs is saying. However there are a couple of points that most people don't know.
One is as early as 98 AD Christmas was celebrated on Dec. 25th. NOT January 6th. As a matter of fact in most of the Christian world it never has been celebrated on January 6th LET ME EXPLAIN that. Also just so you know under the Bishop of Roman Pope Julius I, Christmas was officially set not just a tradition as it had been but now officially set on Dec. 25th in 350 AD. However in the 1500's the calender changed.. you can check this all out.. From the Julian 2 calendar used at the time of Christ until the 1500's to the Georgian or Christian Calendar. What that meant was Dec 25th on the Julian calendar was now January 6th on the Georgian Calendar.. The Greek and Russian Orthodox churches kept the Julian 2 calendar while the rest of Christendom was now on the Georgian Calendar. Both however were celebrating the birth of Christ on Dec. 25th, on each Calendar. There was just a 12 days difference between the two. Thus most of the Christian Churches now had 12 days of Christmas which also honored the 12 apostles and also the 12 tribes of Israel. Starting with day one as Christmas day Dec. 25 and ending on Jan.6. Since, as it was pointed out by Ro, that Christ was a Jew indeed He was. Never did He ever suggest downing Jewish tradition. So in most Christian Churches the 6th of January is celebrated as epiphany when the wise men (pagans) came to worship and bring their gifts to baby Jesus the King of the Jews. Remember Christ died and went to hell for all of us: Pagans, Jews, Gentiles,Rich, Poor, Beggar, Thief, etc. Then on the third day He conquered death, for everyone as well if we just believe it, and rose from the dead. Simple plain and free.
I might point out in 98 A.D. that there indeed would have been some living that would have known exactly when Christ was born. So very likely He was born on Dec.25. The reason why most of the Christian world decided to celebrate it on Dec. 25 under the new calendar was to keep confusion down to a minimum when they switched calendars to the much more accurate Georgian Calendar. Likely everyone kept their birthday's they had been celebrating rather than figuring the difference. But again although Christ was born in the time of the Julian 2 calendar (under Caesar Augustus) .. which was more accurate than the Julian 1 calendar..Both the Greek's, Roman's and the rest of Christendom celebrated Christmas on Dec. 25 on both calendars. There now. Holiday as it looked very much like someone knew it meant "Holy Day". I don't mind Happy Holidays since there are a bunch of Christian religious holidays near the same time, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years..Seasons Greetings though, hey come on what is that? I personally love to say Merry Christmas and I am personally seeing much more of it this year than in the last two years and that is good to know. Also depending on which one you read there are somewhere between 86 to 90% of the people in the USA claim to be Christian that is a lot of offending going on here. My Jewish Friends .. all celebrate Christmas and have Christmas Trees and wow even call them Christmas Trees.. and say Merry Christmas So there you go. This is America! So for nearly 2,000 years we have been Celebrating Christmas on Dec. 25 more than any other pagan heathen group has.
The Winter Solstice is not DEC 25 and it, as far as I can tell, never was on Dec. 25. But if it were Christ wouldn't care. He would not hold it against them that they shared that date.. But the fact is there is just no proof of that. So back to the poem it is good. I like it and thank you so much for putting it on your website.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a very good night.
joyful226
posted by at December 10, 2007 04:48 AM
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November 30, 2007
Merry Tossmas!
A new tradition for you and yours! Click here to see the how-to video.
h/t: Mark D.
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December 12, 2006
The Night Before Christmas: Updated for 2006
T'was the month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
The Politically Correct Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About shepherds and wise men and angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a "holiday."
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X-Box, an i-Pod ,
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa,
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Target was hanging its trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas was nowhere to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, now Darden, now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree"
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday!
Thanks to Jeanette for passing on the e-mail!
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December 11, 2006
Regarding the War on Christmas
Via GOP and the City:
It is frequently thrown in our face that some feel excluded by Christmas, therefore we have to cease and desist in our celebrations. But every year during Ramadan, non-Muslims are excluded. Should we dumb-down Ramadan as a result? Moreover, white racists feel excluded from Black History Month. Should we cancel it? Or should we educate the bigots? If the answer is obvious, why do we tolerate different rules when it comes to the bigots who hate Christmas?
New York City is Exhibit A when it comes to multicultural madness. It allows the Catholic League to put a Nativity scene in Central Park, but not in the schools; it allows Jews to put a menorah in both places. This is religious discrimination and it explains why we have this case before the courts.
Some say that people like me are making a big deal about nothing. But it must mean something to the radical secularists - the ones who started this fight - otherwise they'd just sit back and enjoy Christmas like the rest of us.
At the risk of being called a bigot, let me wish all New Yorkers a very Merry Christmas.
Full text here at the Daily News.
Offensive?
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Merry Christmas to you too!
posted by
oddybobo at December 11, 2006 01:38 PM
Merry Christmas Pam!
posted by
Anna at December 12, 2006 01:26 AM
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December 06, 2006
Tips for Eating this Christmas Season
A good friend of mine sent this along, and I simply had to share it with you. I know it sure made me feel better, especially with my company Christmas party coming up this Friday. Enjoy!
***
CHRISTMAS SEASON EATING TIPS
1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly; it's rare. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the centre of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin. Mincemeat, have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"
Have a great Christmas season!
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Good post.
Over the course of the year, I had managed, at one point, to lose 26 pounds. As the holidays draw closer, unfortunately, I seem to be finding those lost pounds a few at a time.
I hope to be at least 10 pounds lighter by the end of 2006 than I was at the end of 2005. At least that would be a small victory.
This is only important as there are planned backpacking trips next spring, so it is better to start planning now, than to get within two weeks of the first (overnight) trip and realize that you ain't ready.
So I will try to balance being bad (pumpkin pie with whipped cream, pecan pie, that extra helping of turkey and dressing,...) with having a couple of oranges or grapefruit for breakfast or lunch, at least once in a while.
Now ya got me thinking about lunch.
posted by
joe-6-pack at December 6, 2006 12:30 PM
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November 22, 2006
Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving
My family and I are heading down to Virginia tonight to visit my father, and will be returning on Sunday. Posting will be spotty at best, so if you don't hear from me, don't say I didn't warn you! The only thing I am not looking forward to is the drive...
We'll be doing some touristy things in addition to feasting, like going to Mt. Vernon (my first time since childhood), and I'll be getting together with Aaron on Friday. (I am most definitely looking forward to meeting him face to face!)
Best wishes to you and yours on this unique American holiday. Please take a moment, while giving thanks for your own blessings, to remember those who make our freedoms possible: our military.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
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Best wishes for a bountiful Thanksgiving to you and your family, Pam!
posted by
Anna at November 22, 2006 06:12 PM
Pam,
We wish you safe travels and a very happy Thanksgiving!
Andrea & Mark
Radio Patriots
posted by
Andrea & Mark - Radio Patriots at November 22, 2006 08:46 PM
Happy Thanksgiving Pam...
My best wishes to you and yours...
posted by
hnav at November 23, 2006 12:50 AM
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October 31, 2006
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
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December 31, 2005
Happy New Year!
The family and I are headed out into the snow to Rhode Island, where we plan to ring in the New Year with some of our oldest and dearest friends. May all of you have a great time tonight, and stay safe! I'll catch you in 2006!
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Happy New Year, Pam. Keep up the good work over here.
posted by
Two Dogs at January 1, 2006 11:21 PM
Happy New Year, Pam! Hope there wasn't too much sleet comin' at ya on the way the RI.
posted by
Tuning Spork at January 1, 2006 11:31 PM
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December 26, 2005
This Post Will Stay At the Top Until December 26--Scroll Down for Updates
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Oooooo, you gonna git in trouble for saying that "Merry Christmas"!
posted by
Two Dogs at December 7, 2005 12:28 AM
That's the whole idea!
posted by
Pam at December 7, 2005 11:17 AM
WOW, new look! Not bad!
posted by
Kitty at December 11, 2005 08:45 AM
Yes, I just posted about it below...I'm very excited!
posted by
Pam at December 11, 2005 09:20 AM
Merry Christmas! I love the new look too!
posted by
Mrs Media Matters at December 21, 2005 03:46 PM
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December 24, 2005
Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah!
I'll be MIA for the next couple of days, as I imagine most of you will be, visiting relatives and making merry.
I'll be back to posting after Christmas!
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Merry Christmas, Pam!
posted by
Tuning Spork at December 25, 2005 09:53 AM
Frohe Weinachten und Gute Rutsch :)
posted by
Chris at December 26, 2005 01:00 AM
Merry Christmas, Pam!
posted by
Kitty at December 26, 2005 07:20 AM
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December 14, 2005
No Christmas for YOU!
OMG, this is hilarious! If you're annoyed by the tolerance-based anti-Christmas crowd, this little video is for you. Fair warning...there are a few profanities.
h/t: American Dinosaur
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That was funny!! I love the part, "'Tis the season to STFU!" Thanks for the laugh, Pam.
posted by
THIRDWAVEDAVE at December 14, 2005 11:46 PM
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December 13, 2005
Put the "Gore" Back in Christmas
No, I'm not talking about Al Gore. I'm talking about Killer Santa Claus, hanging outside a ritzy Manhattan brownstone.
The Man at GOP and the City has all of the details.
What the h*ll is wrong with people?
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I don't know what's up with some people when it comes to Christmas.
I saw a short film online yesterday where somebody slipped "rufies" into Santa's milk & cookies and then sodomized him after he passed out.
Guess they're getting coal this year...
posted by
reverse_vampyr at December 13, 2005 12:24 PM
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November 24, 2005
Happy Thanksgiving!
May it be a wonderful day for you and your family.
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