David McCullough's bestselling new book, "The American Spirit," takes up a cause he has long championed, lends it added urgency and aims it squarely at young adults. "We are raising a generation of young Americans who are by and large historically illiterate," McCullough writes.
At 83, the Pulitzer Prize winning historian has ample evidence. His preferred mode is to be holed up in his writing studio, a tiny shed in the backyard of his Martha's Vineyard home with no running water or working phone. To keep from startling him, visitors whistle as they approach.
The trouble, McCullough writes, is that we don't know who we are or where we're headed without a sense of where we came from.
Here's where I must admit that my summer reading has gotten a bit light, reduced to the bleary eyed boomerang of blogs and Instagram feeds. I was surprised how good it felt to hold this book and entertain its ideas. It illuminates the footbridge from knowledge to character, and it offers a clear takeaway for the Catholic Church.
McCullough dedicates the book to his 19 grandchildren and doles out plenty of wholesome advice. Read widely. Be generous. Take an interest in people.


One day at JoAnn's a piece of animal print sweater knit jumped right into my hands. Really. It was a bit over 1 yard and of course enough for a top. I don't normally wear animal prints but I guess I was feeling a little wild that day.
My aim was to make something I could wear over my favorite fleece leggings. Something that would cover my rear end, ya know? So I picked McCalls 6612, because I happened to have a copy and even though it said I needed 1 5/8 yds, when I laid it out I could actually fit the pattern on my little yard of fabric (but I did shorten the sleeves and length a bit).
Close-fitting, pullover dresses have neckline/sleeve variations and narrow hem.
Mostly. I had trouble with the back neck area, but that's probably just me. Otherwise it was pretty simple.
This was the first drape neck type top I made, and while the drape neck is ok, I later made one from another pattern that I like much more. I also took off the rouching on the sides, it seemed like it added too much bulk, maybe because of my sweater knit. The pattern ran large, I was swimming in it until I took it apart and cut it down a couple sizes in the shoulder/bust area.
Shortened length and sleeves, narrowed shoulder (a lot), removed side rouching.
I would never do it again in a sweater knit, but possibly in a lighter knit fabric.
This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 25th, 2014 at 8:46 pm	and is filed under Sewing. You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.
Oh this is sharp! I love the print with this pattern- nice flow.


Descripción: La ziconotida, un subtipo de bloqueante de los canales de calcio, puede ser una alternativa para el tratamiento del dolor crónico severo refractario.
Pharmacological management of severe chronic pain is difficult to achieve with currently available analgesic drugs, and remains a large unmet therapeutic need. The synthetic peptide ziconotide has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency for intrathecal treatment of patients with severe chronic pain that is refractory to other treatment modalities. Ziconotide is the first member in the new drug class of selective N-type voltage-sensitive calcium-channel blockers. The ziconotide-induced blockade of N-type calcium channels in the spinal cord inhibits release of pain-relevant neurotransmitters from central terminals of primary afferent neurons. By this mechanism, ziconotide can effectively reduce pain. However, ziconotide has a narrow therapeutic window because of substantial CNS side-effects, and thus treatment with ziconotide is appropriate for only a small subset of patients with severe chronic pain. We provide an overview of the benefits and limitations of intrathecal ziconotide treatment and review potential future developments in this new drug class.


Dale Mulfinger was born and raised on a dairy farm in Minnesota, and the rural landscape and vernacular architecture have informed his many designs. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, he worked nationally and internationally before becoming a Founding Partner in 1983 of what is now SALA Architects, Inc. The breadth of his work at SALA includes modest remodels and additions, lakeside cabins, along with urban and rural homes from St. Paul to Buenos Aires.
He has taught architectural studios at the University of Minnesota and other schools since 1976. He is a fellow of the American Institute of Architecture and author of five books include the The Architecture of Edwin Lundie and The Cabin. He has authored over 100 articles in regional and national magazines and his sustaining research on cabins has earned him the title, "Cabinologist". He along with his wife and chef Jan Mulfinger, have lived in the Linden Hills neighborhood of Minneapolis for 40 years, raising two daughters.
In 2015 he was named "Architect of Distinction" by AIA-MN and Midwest Home magazine.


We make red, white and blue bib aprons, wasit aprons and any British combination of self respecting colours, blue red white, red blue white, white blue and red etc. All made in Great Britain. By jove. Yes we are textile manufacturers awaiting your email to enquire "are you really a British textile manufacturing company" well yes we are. What about the Queen on the London Olympic opening night. Good on her we say.


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About a cause
City Story
Films, documentaries, and inspiring visual content from all around.
Dhruvi Meel
PUSHPAVALLI – The creeper that creeps up on you
In a country where the first stage of love is stalking, comes a show, well about a stalker. Pushpavalli, streaming on Amazon Prime, stars the creator Sumukhi Suresh as the protagonist who leaves her home in Bhopal to follow her crush, Nikhil to Bangalore. The show bends the norm of
Pratik Bijlani
Lipstick Under My Burkha : Why censorship sucks!
Finally, after much controversy, debutante Alankrita Shrivatava's movie Lipstick Under My Burkha is set to release on July 21. This movie has gained a lot of attention and won several accolades abroad, but gained little recognition in India due to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) banning it. Even
Yash Maheshwari
The Mystic Mountains by Akshay Nair
Lush green foliage, snow white peaks, winding roads, clear streams of water flowing through and beautiful hospitable people. This is Spiti Valley. "When God gave men tongues, he never dreamed that they would want to talk about the Himalayas; there are consequently no words in the world to do it
9 YouTube Channels Worth Following
Addiction is perhaps the worst of all vices. It makes you lose control over your life which results in a landslide of all your arduous dreams and aspirations, making you spiral down into a void of self depreciation and despair. Me? I'm addicted to YouTube. I spend more time than
Sumedh Sengaonkar
Int. Cafe Night- Film Review
No matter anything else we talk about, our life is based on the several critical decisions we make. While elders talk about gaining an experience and maturity by making decisions; right or wrong; the fact remains that most of our decisions are in the youth years, and are made we're
Stereotypical Role Reversal At Its Best
When Adam and Eve first set foot on this planet, little did Eve know how popular she would become for all the wrong reasons. Nevertheless, eve teasing still remains a cause of major concern in India. It's rather ironic that in India, where a women is given the stature of
'I love you too' – Short Film Review
The feeling of love is considered to be one of the best feelings a person has. A person might have nothing with him; but if he has love, he has everything. While most see only the positive side of this feeling, little are aware about the dark side that it
Sujoy Ghosh's Modern Epic 'Ahalya' Will Keep You Guessing
Living in a culturally rich and diverse land like India, mythology has always intrigued me. As much as I love to write stories, I enjoy more in reading and listening to them. Couple that with mystery, I'd just grab a tub of popcorn and behave as if time does not
'LUDO of a dice and a decision' – Short Film Review
Trust is one of the greatest things that a woman can give you. A trust, that asks you to protect her; a trust that asks you to care about her. But it's upto you, whether you make or break that trust. 'LUDO of a dice and a decision' showcases
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A complete and growing list of the literary magazines available for submissions as well as a list of the Top 50 with descriptions and reasons for their place in the lineup.
My name is Kelsey and I'm a cocktail server.
I've never been ashamed to be a cocktail server, in fact I have always kind of enjoyed being able to do well in a job where I get to meet new people (even if most days I have convinced myself of otherwise) and the perks of working somewhere where I get to indulge (occasionally) on high end tequilas and whiskeys has never been half bad either–to quote Hemingway: "Write drunk; edit sober." Dually noted Ernest.
Here, fellow bloggers, I provide for you a list of odd end jobs that those of our ilk (albeit higher) took part in prior to their lives as literary geniuses.
Bestselling author of Harry Potter, JK Rowling, shares here top five writing tips.


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Lagos News
Gidi Hub
ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY: SANWO-OLU COMMENDS NATION'S SECURITY OFFICERS
LAGOS'LL GIVE NDUBUISI KANU BEFITTING BURIAL, SAYS SANWO-OLU
Ighalo eyes MLS move
COVID-19: Ignore Fake Lockdown Alert, PTF tells Nigerians
Fashola Confirms February 15 As Date For Reopening Third Mainland Bridge
Singer Kiss Daniel…
Singer Kiss Daniel Splits With G-Worldwide Entertainment
Tolani Giwa
Some music enthusiasts, on Thursday advised record label owners and their artists to ensure proper signing of contract agreement to avoid disputes.
They gave the advice in a reaction to popular Nigerian singer, Anidugbe Daniel, a.k.a Kiss Daniel's announcement on his exit from his record label, G-Worldwide Entertainment.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that G-Worldwide Entertainment is owned by Emperor Geezy.
Kiss Daniel, who is best known for his chart-topping single "Woju", announced his `divorced' from the record label after `a four year romance' on his twitter handle @iamkissdaniel.
"All is set for the take-off of "FLY BOY I.N.C" which is my label. This implies that all activities regarding Kiss Daniel will be carried out under this new arrangement" Daniel said.
"This is an important move for me and I sincerely want to thank the fans who have always been there for me and also the media for their constant support," he said.
The artists also confirmed his exit with the removal of G-Worldwide from his profiles on social media handles with the new label called `Flyboy INC.'
Capital Hill` music record label owner, Tobechukwu Ejiofor, a.k.a Illbliss told NAN that for some bizarre reason, most artistes do not treat the music business as a business.
"First of all I think the artist need to take a little bit more control over the music and they need to become partners in the business.
"That era where you are an artist, is fading. So when you are stepping in and meet a record label, how about raising 50 per cent of the money?
"So that when you sit down at the table, it becomes a partnership in its true sense.
"That is where we should go to now, because everybody should become like an investor in the course.
"Not the artist pops up, the label spends a lot of money, then the artist wakes up one day and says I'm leaving and you don't even know if the label has recouped all of its investment.
"On the other side the labels need to also spell it out from onset, from day one, make it clear cut, we are looking for partners, we are not looking for people to just sign and help their lives.
"It's being unofficial, the record label artist relationship has been very unofficial in Nigeria, let's make it official," he said.
Also, Akinyemi Ayinoluwa, a popular entertainment lawyer in his reaction described music as a high risk for both the label owner and the artists.
Ayinoluwa on his instagram said, "Nothing is promised in the music business. It is high risk for both parties.
"Investors sink in huge sums of money and talent keeps faith and surrenders the control of his career for a number of years, with the expectation that he will embrace success someday.
"It is a business; you see value in an artist. You source for funding and human resources, and build leverage relationships to try to make profit from investment made.
"Usually there is an agreement in the document but most artistes will proceed with a gentleman's handshake.
"Either party may default in terms agreed to, and for every act of breach there is a consequence. You can terminate the relationship or sue for breach of contract if fundamental enough to pursue a claim," he said.
He expressed optimism that "If Wizkid could force an exit from the canopy of EME to a brighter rewarding future, perhaps Kiss Daniel can.
"Artists always have reasons. With money and fame, they become something else, just like anyone with both.
"Like EME, what will happen to G-Worldwide after the departure of its most prized asset? The label going downhill is very likely.
"It is difficult to break through twice. The owner of the label will be frustrated and might leave the business," he said.
Meanwhile, Kiss Daniel's latest released titled "YEBA" has been receiving positive reviews.
Daniel started music professionally in 2013 when he met G-worldwide boss, Emperor Geezy.
His debut single "Shoye" released in 2014 was produced by Beatburx.
However, he came into limelight with the release of his follow up single "Woju" produced by DJ Coublon.
The multiple–award winning singer also released his debut album "New Era" in 2016.
About LTV
Lagos State Broadcasting Corporation (LSBC) established under the enabling edict of 1978 was comprised of Lagos Television and Radio Services under the same management.
© 2020, LTV. All rights reserved


The Lodi Collection from OSP combines an open, contemporary appearance and modern quality details with space-saving, budget-saving solutions.
Workstation is boxed/flat-packed. Assembly is required, hardware included. Professional assembly available – please call your atWork Team Member for details.
Depth Desk: 35" - Bridge: 24" - Credenza: 20" - Hutch: 14"
Width Desk: 71" - Bridge: 48" - Credenza: 71" - Hutch: 71"
Height Desk, Bridge, Credenza: 29" - Hutch: 36"
Overall footprint: 71" x 103" x 71"
Loads of space at a value price. I really like the Urban Walnut finish. Easy to assemble. Better for lower traffic'd offices.


Armen Donigian has undergraduate and graduate degrees in Computer Science from UCLA and USC. He started his career building tracking & navigation algorithms at Orincon (later acquired by Lockheed Martin). Armen then joined the Global Differential GPS group at Jet Propulsion Laboratory, performing clock and orbit corrections using GPS/GLONASS satellites, which were also used for testing of Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity Rover.
Bitten by the startup bug, Armen has helped several startups build products and scale infrastructure as a Senior Data Engineer. Armen currently works as a Lead Data Science Engineer at Zest Finance.
An introductory workshop for how to build Spark applications using PySpark.


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Hapalomus är ett släkte av rundmaskar. Hapalomus ingår i familjen Desmoscolecidae.

Kladogram enligt Catalogue of Life:

Källor

Rundmaskar
Hapalomus

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Home	political	Fighting Back The Right
Fighting Back The Right
by devnym November 3, 2015
By David Niose
If you were writing a political novel in which senior policymakers for the world's leading economic and military power inexplicably refuse to accept undisputed scientific facts, most publishers would probably reject the manuscript as being too far-fetched. But truth is stranger than fiction in modern America, where ignorance of science has become a necessary qualification for public office in many parts of the country.
A prime example is James Inhofe, chair of the Senate environmental committee, who ignores the 97% of climate scientists who assert that global warming is caused by human activity. The Oklahoma Republican threw a snowball on the Senate floor in February, arguing with dumbfounding logic that winter snow proves that climate concerns are a "hysteria." Like many conservative politicians nowadays, Inhofe cites scripture to support his position. "I take my religion seriously," he tells readers in his book The Greatest Hoax. "God is still up there, and He promised to maintain the seasons and that cold and heat would never cease as long as the earth remains."
If Inhofe were some kind of isolated crackpot in Congress, his stature as an elite Washington power broker might be a comic anomaly, like the crazy uncle who amuses the kids at family gatherings but otherwise does little harm. The realities of today's political scene, however, show that he's a symptom of a much wider, and much more serious, phenomenon.
Many sensible Americans chuckled, for example, when Rep. Paul Broun of Georgia declared in 2012 that evolution and the Big Bang are "lies straight from the pit of hell," adding (just in case any doubt remained about his world view) that the earth is only about 9000 years old and "was created in six days as we know them." But it's no laughing matter that Broun speaks for an enormous demographic, an anti-science faction that comprises a majority in many parts of the country.
As anyone who follows American politics knows, Inhofe and Broun reflect not some fringe element within the modern GOP, but a current that flows within the party's mainstream. This explains why few Republican candidates, even presidential contenders, make any effort to contrast sharply with the Inhofe-Broun strain, and why none will call it out as downright stupid and dangerous.
Wisconsin governor Scott Walker, for example, when asked in February for his views on evolution, said he would have to "punt" on the issue, knowing that expressly embracing natural selection—which is the foundation of modern biology and universally accepted by the scientific establishment—would put him at odds with much of the GOP base. A recent Bloomberg report showed that all major GOP presidential hopefuls were reluctant to outwardly accept evolution, varying only in how zealous they were in advocating for creationism.
The rejection of science, however, can be a sticky wicket for GOP contenders seeking approval outside the conservative base, since anti-science positions are not so popular among the general electorate. This explains why Walker would "punt" rather than outright reject evolution, and it explains why other GOP contenders—Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio, for example—have responded to questions on issues such as climate change by disqualifying themselves on competence grounds, declaring: "I'm not a scientist."
For rational, progressive-minded Americans grappling with what has gone wrong with the country, the rejection of science should be seen as one symptom of a larger problem. A comprehensive assessment of America's dysfunction would list a multitude of factors—racism, sexism, nationalism, fundamentalist religion, militarism, corporate power, and others—that obstruct effective policymaking.
But as I show in my recently released book, Fighting Back the Right: Reclaiming America from the Attack on Reason, if there is a common thread that connects these phenomena, it is that each, in one way or another, results from a severe aversion to reason. By understanding America's abandonment of reason—why ordinary people allow it to happen and how institutional interests encourage it—one can better understand the sad state of contemporary American politics, and more specifically the failure of progressivism.
Reason isn't sexy, which perhaps explains why few politicians, left or right, tend to emphasize it. Emotional connections, charisma, enthusiasm, and momentum are key ingredients in electoral politics; and as any ad executive or political consultant knows, these have little to do with reason.
What many Americans have discovered, however, is that while reason may lack sex appeal, the total absence of reason gives rise to conditions that can make passions rise very quickly. For example, when birth control—not abortion, but birth control—suddenly became a controversial issue in America last year, the absence of reason in public policy caused widespread emotional escalation. This unpleasant development came courtesy of the Supreme Court in its Burwell v. Hobby Lobby ruling, which declared that claims of "religious freedom" can give employers the right to deny employees contraception coverage. The same rationale is being used to advocate for laws that would allow businesses to refuse service to gays and lesbians based on religious beliefs.
Seen in this light, the concept of reason—coming to the defense of sane public policy in the midst of unexpected and irrational assaults on our private lives—may inspire more passion than any Hollywood leading man. As major-party contenders debate the wisdom of contraception (and not just the Hobby Lobby case: in 2012 Rick Santorum talked openly of the evils of birth control and criticized the landmark 1965 case of Griswold v. Connecticut which overturned the criminalization of contraception), rational and critical thinking have become heroic traits amid an anti-intellectual wasteland. Their resurgence in American culture would come not a moment too soon.
Consider that in today's America we now see major-party candidates launching their presidential campaigns with Christian prayer rallies. Texas governor Rick Perry did it for his 2012 campaign, packing 30,000 religious enthusiasts into a Houston football stadium and simulcasting the event to churches around the country. Perry came out of the event leading in GOP polls (only to subsequently fade, mainly due to poor debate performances). The concept was so successful that Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal tried to replicate it for his upcoming 2016 campaign, with an event in January held at LSU's basketball arena. Levelheaded Americans may roll their eyes and snicker at such activity, but they should realize that this kind of campaigning is a modern phenomenon. Even in the Republican Party, launching a campaign with a revivalist prayer rally would have been political suicide not very long ago, but it has become the new normal.
The late Senator Barry Goldwater, once known as Mr. Conservative, saw the rise of the Christian right in his party in the 1980s and was stupefied, calling Pat Robertson and his fundamentalist supporters a "bunch of kooks." Those kooks, of course, have now come to dominate the GOP and much of the political culture in many parts of the country. Moreover, the stark reality is that these crackpots greatly affect everyone, even in areas that are more moderate and liberal. Our federal system necessitates that the chambers of power in Washington are shared by all, red states and blue, from sea to shining sea, and thus we have Inhofe and Ted Cruz sitting just a few desks away from Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren in the Senate, with red-state anti-reason ultimately influencing policy everywhere.
There can be no doubt that the rise of politically active religious fundamentalists has moved the center of gravity rightward and contributed to the attack on reason, but as suggested above there are many other factors as well. After all, biblical literalists who insist that God gave men (yes, men) the earth to exploit are not the only ones who deny global warming. In fact, there is an entire fossil fuel industry that, for reasons of economics rather than theology, often shares such views with equal or greater devotion.
And even beyond the joint enterprises of Christian fundamentalists and corporate interests to oppose environmentalism and other rational policy, there are many more layers to consider. The pacification and disengagement of the American public—even the educated, relatively secular, and seemingly moderate and liberal sectors—is an immense undertaking that defies simple explanations.
As I point out in Fighting Back the Right, there is a tendency to assume that the trajectory that America has taken over the last two centuries was inevitable, that what is today unquestionably considered "the American way"—highly charged and militarized patriotism and American exceptionalism, for example, and an economic and political system totally dominated by multinational corporate interests—was the nation's destiny from the start. In truth, however, there were many paths that could have been taken—and more importantly, there are still choices about directions to be taken going forward.
This is where the need to push back against anti-reason, and the systemic deficiencies that encourage it, becomes apparent. As the nation gears up for another election cycle—which, if it follows recent trends, will be another embarrassing example of democracy, sadly lacking in substance, with the institutional interests that really run the show in this country as its real beneficiaries—some who feel that change is needed are looking at the situation anew, from a framework of reason.
To be sure, much of the nation will focus on the usual questions: Are the candidates wearing the mandatory flag pin on their lapels? Which would I most want to have a beer with? But increasingly, more will be looking beyond the façade of contemporary American politics to consider the underlying attack on reason. It is this attack, in all of its manifestions, that has made a farce of democracy.
I've been asked whether I would support a Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren presidential candidacy, and I suppose I would. America has an abundance of wealth, talent, resources, and technology that should enable its people—regardless of race, sex, religion, or sexual orientation—to thrive, and like many I see a progressive political agenda as being most likely to produce that result. But to be honest, a Sanders or Warren candidacy doesn't excite me as much as the idea of a more broad-based movement that elects more candidates like them around the country.
With America as it stands today, a Sanders or Warren presidency would stand little chance of achieving much, because the Inhofes, Rubios and Ryans of Congress would assure four years of obstruction and turmoil. This is why the fight for sane, rational policy must be broad-based and local. A progressive president would be great, but a sane legislature would be even better.
Today, an America that suddenly embraces social democracy, electing a Sanders or Warren and then passing one piece of progressive reform after another, is akin to the aforementioned political novel: an unrealistic story, too implausible to get past the editor. Real change must occur at the grassroots level, and right now the problem with the country's grassroots is that they have been decimated by the attack on reason.
David Niose is author of Fighting Back the Right: Reclaiming America from the Attack on Reason (Palgrave Macmillan). He serves as legal director of the Washington-based American Humanist Association.
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27 movies you need to watch, now, before the Oscar nominations (and the Golden Globes)
Chris Foran
Don't look now, but the Oscars are gaining on you.
The nominations for the 92nd Academy Awards will be announced in the early morning hours of Jan. 13, possibly the earliest the nominations have ever been unveiled.
Eight days before that — this Sunday — the Hollywood Foreign Press Association will hand out its Golden Globe Awards, which are touted (rightly or wrongly — mostly wrongly) as a harbinger of what'll win at the Oscars.
If you're one of those people who like to watch as many of the Oscar-nominated movies as you can before the big night, you've got to get going.
Here are 26 movies that'll likely be in the Oscars mix that you can watch this weekend — and how you can watch them. (It doesn't include two serious Academy Award contenders, "1917" and "Just Mercy"; they don't reach Milwaukee theaters until Jan. 10.)
'The Irishman'
In the running for: best picture, director (Martin Scorsese), actor (Robert De Niro), supporting actor (Al Pacino, Joe Pesci), adapted screenplay, cinematography
Where you can see it now: streaming on Netflix
'Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood'
In the running for: best picture, director (Quentin Tarantino), actor (Leonardo DiCaprio), supporting actor (Brad Pitt), supporting actress (Margot Robbie), original screenplay, cinematography
Where you can see it now: available on DVD/Blu-ray, and for rental/purchase at digital outlets
'Parasite'
In the running for: best picture, director (Bong Joon Ho), supporting actor (Song Kang Ho), original screenplay, cinematography, international feature film
Where you can see it now: Oriental Theatre (return engagement starting Jan. 3)
'Marriage Story'
In the running for: best picture, director (Noah Baumbach), actress (Scarlett Johansson), actor (Adam Driver), supporting actress (Laura Dern), supporting actor (Alan Alda), original screenplay, original score
'Joker'
In the running for: best picture, director (Todd Phillips), actor (Joaquin Phoenix), adapted screenplay, cinematography, original score
Where you can see it now: available for rental/purchase at digital outlets (out on DVD/Blu-ray Jan. 7)
'Little Women'
In the running for: best picture, director (Greta Gerwig), actress (Saoirse Ronan), supporting actress (Florence Pugh), adapted screenplay, original score
Where you can see it now: Oriental Theatre, AMC Mayfair Mall, Silverspot Cinema, Marcus Theatres' Bistroplex Southridge, Movie Tavern Brookfield Square and Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, North Shore, Ridge, Saukville, South Shore cinemas
'Ford v Ferrari'
In the running for: best picture, actor (Christian Bale), original screenplay, cinematography
Where you can see it now: AMC Mayfair Mall
'Bombshell'
In the running for: best picture, director (Jay Roach), actress (Charlize Theron), supporting actress (Margot Robbie, Nicole Kidman), original screenplay
Where you can see it now: Landmark Downer Theatre, AMC Mayfair Mall, Marcus Theatres' Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, North Shore, Ridge, Saukville, South Shore cinemas
'The Farewell'
In the running for: best picture, director (Lulu Wang), actress (Akwafina), supporting actress (Zhao Shuzhen), original screenplay
Where you can see it: available on DVD/Blu-ray, and for rental/purchase at digital outlets
'The Two Popes'
In the running for: best picture, best actor (Jonathan Pryce), supporting actor (Anthony Hopkins), adapted screenplay
'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood'
In the running for: best picture, best supporting actor (Tom Hanks), adapted screenplay
Where you can see it now: AMC Mayfair Mall, Marcus Theatres' Hillside, Ridge cinemas
'Knives Out'
In the running for: best picture, original screenplay
Where you can see it now: Avalon Theater, Oriental Theatre, AMC Mayfair Mall, Silverspot Cinema, Marcus Theatres' Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, North Shore, Ridge, Saukville, South Shore cinemas
'Avengers: Endgame'
In the running for: best picture, visual effects
Where you can see it now: streaming on Disney Plus; available on DVD/Blu-ray, and for rental/purchase at digital outlets
'Rocketman'
In the running for: best actor (Taron Egerton), original song, for "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again"
'The Lighthouse'
In the running for: best actor (Robert Pattinson), supporting actor (Willem Dafoe)
'Hustlers'
In the running for: best supporting actress (Jennifer Lopez), adapted screenplay
'Us'
In the running for: best actress (Lupito Nyong'o), original screenplay
Where you can see it now: streaming on HBO Now; available on DVD/Blu-ray, and for rental/purchase at digital outlets
'Booksmart'
In the running for: best actress (Beanie Feldstein, Kaitlyn Dever), original screenplay
Where you can see it now: streaming on Hulu; available on DVD/Blu-ray, and for rental/purchase at digital outlets
'Pain & Glory'
In the running for: best picture, director (Pedro Almodóvar), actor (Antonio Banderas)
'A Hidden Life'
In the running for: best picture, director (Terrence Malick), cinematography
Where you can see it now: Landmark Downer Theatre, Marcus Theatres' Hillside, Saukville cinemas
'Uncut Gems'
In the running for: best actor (Adam Sandler)
Where you can see it now: Oriental Theatre, Times Cinema, AMC Mayfair Mall, Silverspot Cinema, Marcus Theatres' Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, North Shore, Ridge, Saukville, Southgate, South Shore cinemas
'Harriet'
In the running for: best actress (Cynthia Erivo), original song, for "Stand Up"
Where you can see it now: Rivoli Theatre, Marcus Theatres' Showtime Value Cinema
'Judy'
In the running for: best actress (Renee Zellweger), adapted screenplay
Where you can see it now: theaters theaters; available on DVD/Blu-ray, and for rental/purchase at digital outlets
'Late Night'
In the running for: best actress (Emma Thompson)
Where you can see it now: streaming on Amazon Prime
'Dolemite Is My Name'
In the running for: best actor (Eddie Murphy), supporting actress (Da'Vine Joy Randolph), original screenplay
'The Report'
In the running for: best supporting actress (Annette Bening)
'Richard Jewell'
In the running for: best actor (Paul Walter Hauser), supporting actress (Kathy Bates)
Where you can see it now: AMC Mayfair Mall, Silverspot Cinema, Marcus Theatres' Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, Ridge, South Shore cinemas
There's a good chance that most, if not all, of this year's Academy Award documentaries for best documentary feature will come from streaming services. Here are five likely nominees you can watch via streaming service right now.
"Apollo 11": The NASA-footage-fueled look at the first moon landing is now streaming on Hulu.
"American Factory": The study of what happens to a shuttered American auto plant when it's taken over by a Chinese manufacturer is on Netflix — the first movie released under Barack and Michelle Obama's production shingle.
"The Edge of Democracy": This personally told tale of the rise, and fall, of democracy in Brazil is also on Netflix.
"One Child Nation": China's one-child-per-family policy, and the impact it had on the families and children it touched, is on Amazon Prime.
"Honeyland": A clash over neighboring old-school beekeepers in Macedonia is one of the year's best-reviewed movies — making some critics' 10-best lists — is available for rental or purchase on digital services, and will be on Hulu Jan. 20.
Contact Chris Foran at chris.foran@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @cforan12.


In Freemasonry, the term "brother" is used to demonstrate a closeness of relationship that is not necessarily based on blood ties. It is formed from a common bond, shared obligations and experiences. In addition, being a child of the Divine Father (or Great Architect) accounts for a sacred cemented kinship with each other.
Lately, the question, "am I my brother's keeper?" has been echoing in my mind in terms of my own masonic obligations. This question goes to the foundation of what it means to be of service in the Great Work. The ultimate aim in masonic teachings is the mastery of self, through reflection, actions and acceptance of the sublime lessons of immortality. The student is encouraged to temper their emotions and control their vices and practice the tenets of brotherly love, relief and truth.
This line of thinking led me to revisit the story of Cain and Abel, and the actual source of the "brother's keeper" phrase. As in any holy book like the bible, there is fair debate whether passages should be treated literally or as a malleable allegory. The seeming contradictions are common for writings that span over centuries. Each individual's faith, academic viewpoint, view of religion, or personal worldview certainly comes into play in interpreting the text. I was hoping to find some masonic insight in this age- old bible story.
Cain was the first son of Adam and Eve and Abel was the second son. Cain was a farmer and Abel was a shepherd. When it came time to bring an offering to the Lord, Cain offered fruit and Abel offered a slain lamb. The Lord was satisfied with Abel's offering, but unsatisfied in Cain's. Cain, filled with jealousy, killed his brother.
Things did not go well for Cain.
What is the symbolic meaning of these two characters? Could they relate to the quest of a Freemason?
Some theories say that Cain and Abel were twins and each twin could represent our higher and lower natures. This speaks to the heart of the masonic work which is learning to navigate the duality of our existence. For example, there would be no light without darkness, no good without evil, no love without hate and so on.
Comparing light vs. darkness is an important study. However, what's curious about the subject of light is that everyone knows what it is until you ask them. In the Bible we read that "God is light." This quotation evokes a mystery. It suggests there is a deeper connection to the subject of light than meets the eye. It seems unlikely that when you go into a room and flip a switch, you are turning on God. Equally mysterious is the concept of darkness.
Recently, in a Lodge meeting we studied Brother Leonard Bosman's work, "The Light of a Master Mason." Bosman proposes that the myth of Cain and Abel is about the Freemason's battle between two opposite aspects of mind. The grand struggle deals with the incompatibility of these two natures, especially when the ego is in control.
Bosman makes a good point that Abel is not the one struggling. The struggle is about Cain because the ego is always in a constant struggle to kill off the higher nature. The ego wants total control because to sacrifice the ego is to die to self and let the Light nature live through you. No easy task.
If this is all true, then how do we "master" these two aspects of our nature?
In other words, the more we cling to self-importance and ego, the more we are undoubtedly living in darkness.
The mystical worker will often cry, "When I'm nothing, I'm everything!" This might possibly be why so few people truly seek an authentic path to enlightenment. Who wants to be nothing? We've all been told the whole purpose is to be somebody.
We could draw two conclusions from all this. We could decide that the Cain and Abel legend is simply a good story — an illusory tale to tell our children. Or we can assume that it does have some merit in its symbolic import. I prefer the second option myself, if only because it jibes with my own intuition as a masonic worker that we can learn about ourselves from symbols.
Am I my Brother's Keeper? Indeed, I try. "To make daily progress in masonic light" sounds simple, but it's probably the hardest concept a Freemason has to learn. That's OK, because it also offers a lifetime of value.
Is Freemasonry a Time Capsule?
Freemasonry can be and is many things to many people. Some see it as a conspiracy to take over the world; others, an ancient method to guide and improve humanity; yet others still, an old boys club with funny rituals and charitable activities. Following on the perspective theme of last week's blog Is Freemasonry Dying or Evolving?, I'm going to explore yet another lens on Masonry: the possibility that it may be a kind of time capsule.
This may seem an odd take on our proud tradition at first glance, but bear with me. Without a doubt, Freemasonry is an institution passing down rituals often believed to be ancient in origin, with layers of meaning which are revealed as one progresses through the degrees. Great emphasis is placed on the idea that Masonic Ritual is passed on with regularity, with major changes typically requiring approval through the hierarchy.
This is not to say that Masonry never changes, nor that there are never outliers in terms of individual Lodges deviating from the norm, but rather that the ratio of tradition preservation to novel permutation is relatively high. So, if Freemasonry can be seen as a time capsule, what is it preserving?
As always, this post is not representative of the official views of Universal Co-Masonry, but is simply the reflections of one Co-Mason.
Some debate goes on both within and outside of Masonic circles over the true age and origins of Masonic Ritual. More conservative and scholarly historians have settled on the Middle Ages as the coming together of operative masonry (builder's guild) with it's Speculative components (philosophy and esotericism), and the Renaissance founding of the Grand Lodge in England in 1717 demarcates the official culmination point of modern Freemasonry into what it is today. However, it's possible that this is merely when Freemasonry came into its modern form, and began leaving a neat paper trail.
On the other hand, more speculative Brothers have traced its origins to the ancient mystery traditions of old, supposing it to trace back as far as ancient Israel, Egypt, even Atlantis. Certainly the Speculative Masonic elements which joined and transformed Masonry from an architectural guild into the modern spiritual tradition it is today were inspired by, if not actually directly descended from, those ancient mystical traditions.
In a way, the question we're asking is two-fold, because it depends on what we're referring to when we say "Freemasonry." If, by that term, we mean the unified Fraternity we know today, under the auspices of Grand Lodges, combining the symbolism of Masonic Builders with the teachings of the ancient Mysteries, then the conservative historians are probably correct. On the other hand, if we are referring to the origin of the Mysteries it preserves, which are the Speculative elements that have made it significant enough to be preserved when all other such organizations from medieval times faded away, then we must look much further back into the past.
What is a time capsule? It is a container in which is placed one or more items of significance which one wishes to preserve through the process of time. If those same items had not been placed in the capsule, they would likely have succumb to the inevitable forces of entropy and change. They would have been thrown away, fallen apart, or given away and forgotten about. The central intention of creating a time capsule is to preserve something so that it may be rediscovered at a later time.
You might be thinking that the comparison of Freemasonry to a time capsule seems a bit of a stretch, and in some ways, I'm inclined to agree. It is not merely a time capsule; but can we think of that as one of the purposes it serves?
Freemasonry in its modern form comes to us from a time when certain freedoms such as democratic government, open philosophical discourse, and personal spirituality had all but been eradicated from the Western world by means of despotism, mass psychological manipulation, torture, and genocide. Is it any wonder that those passing along these ancient virtues converged and found an adequate container in which to place them? Operative masonry, with its democratic hierarchical structure, secret terminology and tokens, and international nomadic mode of existence particularly lent itself to being an ideal container for these timeless Truths, to preserve them against decay and tyranny.
That being said, Freemasonry is also different from a time capsule in many ways. It does not simply sit there, buried somewhere, to be found at a later time; it lives on and raises men and women to higher stages of their own evolution, contributes to the world charitably, and attempts to steer humanity towards freedom and enlightenment. Yet, it would not be capable of doing so if it weren't maintaining the ancient Mysteries within the container of symbolism and fraternal organization.
What do you think? Do you find this to be a useful perspective of the Craft?
Masonic Ritual: Living Myth, Ritual Magic, or Both?
When participating in Masonic Ritual, it's clear that there is a mysterious significance to every aspect of the heavily structured procedure. Like clockwork, all is orderly, and layered with symbolic meaning. As we become more and more aware of the meanings of the various aspects of it, it becomes clear that the ritual is like a fractal representation of both the cosmos and the individual.
What exactly are we doing when we participate in masonic ritual? Are we living out a myth, reprogramming our own minds, conducting a magical ceremony, maintaining an ancient institution, or all of the above? What is the relationship of masonic ritual to concepts of myth and magic? Without revealing any particular aspect of the ritual, let us consider the import of masonic ritual, and reveal what we may.
As always, this writing is not representative of any official statement or position of Universal Co-Masonry, but is merely the reflections of one Co-Mason.
Masonic Ritual's origins, of course, may be found in the confluence of medieval operative masonry, which, much as a builder's guild, concerned itself primarily with the literal building of sacred and often monolithic structures and maintaining the arcane knowledge thereof, with the various occult and esoteric traditions of Hermeticism, Gnosticism, Kabbalah, Astrology, and others considered heretical by the church, and therefore persecuted and suppressed. The marriage of these two traditions resulted in a transformation from Operative (purely practical) to Speculative (philosophical) Freemasonry.
What seems most clear is that the temple itself and the rituals which take place within it contain enormous symbolism, which exist in layers which are continuously revealed in degrees as one progresses through the Masonic path and hierarchy. Freemasonry describes itself as a "Peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols." To any practicing Freemason, it should become apparent that the symbols, movements, pronouncements, and elements of the temple itself can be understood on many symbolic levels.
What lies between us and transcendent Truth? Joseph Campbell would likely say Myth or symbolism, and a knowledgeable Mason would likely agree. There is tremendous advantage in passing down timeless truths in the form of allegory, ritual, stories, and symbolic objects. An odd thing happens when we put Truth into words, particularly static doctrines: it becomes frozen, solidified, and thereby incapable of changing, evolving, and growing with those who read, speak, and understand it. Any change is perceived as a challenge to the old. On the other hand, embodying Truth in symbolism, even those which are locked into a certain form which is maintained down through many generations, can be continually renewed and understood in new ways, because its true meaning is inherently subjective, being unspoken.
Oh, Oh, Oh, It's Magic?
Undoubtedly, for many it is a leap to go from passing down symbolic knowledge to practicing ritual magic. Yet some posit that at the foundations of every great religion and tradition, there is a magical thread. To bridge the philosophical materialism (or physicalism) so prevalent today, among the modern intelligentsia and conventional mainstream culture alike, with the magical worldview is a task for another writing, but certainly many of the traditions which transformed ancient operative masonry into modern Speculative Freemasonry shared some version of this worldview, whatever differences they may have had. What role, then, does magic play in Freemasonry's Rituals? Is the average Freemason practicing magic, perhaps without even knowing it?
If we accept or entertain the idea that the world is magical, that the fundamental tenets of magic are real, then it becomes clear that any institution and ceremony which conjures and directs human belief, emotion, and intention must necessarily have an element of magic to it. If this be the case, then all religions are inherently magical, the chief difference from other forms of magical practice being perhaps merely the format, wherein the power and intent of the many is directed and conducted by the magical elite, in the form of priests or ministers, although most members and clergy alike would probably be incensed at the re-definition.
We can also reasonably suppose, then, that the Craft which is practiced in Freemasonry may have an equally magical significance and purpose, again supposing that the magical view of reality is true. However, (perhaps) unlike most religions, it seems far more likely that this more esoteric understanding of Masonry may be explicitly passed down or taught, at some point along one's journey through the Masonic hierarchy, especially in a more mystically oriented body of Masonry. This is not by any means ubiquitous, with many Masonic Lodges, particularly in mainstream masculine Masonry, being focused primarily on simple fraternity and charity.
However, this aspect of masonry is both subjective, and subject to all sorts of misinterpretations and misunderstandings, particularly by the uninitiated. Indeed, the chief accusation of many anti-masonic conspiracy theories is that they are secretly practicing "black magic" and satanism. Perhaps this is one reason why the more magical side of Masonry is not often openly discussed, even among the initiated. After all, the reason that purveyors of the magical worldview sought refuge in operative masonry in the first place was because of such accusations and misunderstandings, which although less consequential today, still are with us.
My conclusion to the title question of this post is that Freemasonry seems to be both, or neither. In the end, Freemasonry is what you make of it. Yet, nevertheless, regardless of how various individuals may conceptualize it, Freemasonry itself does seem to have a certain presence, almost a consciousness of its own. I find that the occult concept of the Egregor is useful to me, in understanding what this might be. Whatever the explanation, it seems apparent to me at least that Freemasonry contains an element which goes beyond the physical and intellectual, into the realm of the magical, though not all Masons may recognize it as such.
In our previous discussion in Part 1, we began an examination of the elements as symbols, and we will continue with that here.
We covered the first two elements, Earth and Water, and discussed their essential qualities, and symbolic correlates in mind or consciousness. As we continue with Air and Fire, the reader will do well to recall the importance of structure and fluidity, as well as inertia and change.
The element Air is a step up in dynamic quality from Water, yet not quite like Fire. In many ways, Air is different and yet not so different from Water. Like Water, it rises when heated, and falls when cooled. Like Water, it flows around the globe, in the form of wind. Yet, unlike Water it has a quality of expansiveness, there is more outward pressure, and less downward pressure, as it doesn't fall or flow in a liquid form. One critical aspect of Air in our own experience is that it is the most immediately necessary element to our biology, we can go much longer without food (Earth) or drink (Water), than we can without Air. Air is an essential ingredient of Fire, and without it, Fire will immediately die. Air has a spacious quality to it, it offers very little resistance to movement, and anything light enough can actually float or fly, which is essentially like swimming in the ocean of Air.
So, what is Air within us? As with the previous elements, clues lay in our direct experience of it. When we are in the Air, we can see clearly the furthest, like the eagle flying high above, yet able to see the smallest mouse. We refer to the most intellectual human endeavors as the "Ivory Tower," which is of course high above and far removed from the rest of human life, able to see it all through the Air. The same could be said of mountains, which are also where saints and great teachers are often said to be found, those who are wise and "see" the true perspective of life. Air also resonates with the concept of freedom, precisely because of the lack of obstruction, and freedom is often embodied symbolically as flying – like a bird. Therefore, Air is freer and less inert than the previous three elements, and corresponds to aspects of our mind and experience which are most free and clear. Part of what Air represents is pure mind, or intellect, it is the mental space within which clear images, thoughts, and conceptual models can be formed.
In many ways, the element Fire seems to be separate from the other three elements. Rather than being a something, a substance, fire is more of a process, a change. Fire transforms one thing into another, and also separates one thing from another. The simplest example is the separation of the gases trapped within a log from the inert earth that is left over in the form of ashes, after the burning of that log. Additionally, it involves radiation, the freeing of not just gas, but also energy which was latent within the substance that burned, giving off both light and heat. Thus, in a way it can be viewed as a transformation of that which is bound into that which is free, of matter into energy.
We can say that the essential qualities of fire are dynamism, change, transformation, and purification. In a sense, although it appears separate, fire is also the source of all other elements, for it is only by the fire of the sun that all things have motion and existence. Without Fire, all would be motionless darkness.
For these reasons, it can also be difficult to pin down the exact symbolic meaning of Fire within us, although it clearly seems significant. Certainly, Fire dwells within us, in the form of energy produced by the slow chemical "fire" of the gut, and without the Fires of our various biochemical processes, including neural Firing, we would die even more quickly than we would without Air. In terms of our consciousness, represented by light, since Fire emits light, perhaps Fire represents that which creates or liberates consciousness from matter?
In myth, Fire is featured as the gift which Prometheus stole from the Gods to give to man, which allowed humanity to have knowledge and civilization. Certainly, the discovery of Fire and how to use it is often regarded as the beginning of true Human existence, and also technology. Even those Human cultures which we regard as most primitive still possess and utilize Fire. In terms of the gradient from inertia to dynamism, certainly Fire is at the farthest dynamic end of the spectrum; representing a release of energy, it is even more "free" than Air. Fire, in a way, represents pure change, pure dynamism.
What is this universe? One way to answer is to say that it consists of these elements, but what does that really tell us? Another compatible perspective is the one given in the perennial philosophy, the philosophy of the Vedas and the Idealists, that this reality is most fundamentally consciousness, or mind. This is a concept being re-visited by many modern philosophers as panpsychism, due to various shortcomings in our attempts to explain the universe purely in materialistic terms. This is also the perspective generally accepted within the occult traditions, and in fact the wisdom traditions of most cultures, if you dig deeply enough. That all is ultimately mind is also described in the Principle of Mentalism, from the Kybalion.
If all of the universe contains elements of mind or consciousness, then perhaps the dichotomy between viewing the elements symbolically vs. literally is unnecessary. If all is mind, which is tantamount to saying that all is a dream, perhaps these are simply different iterations of the same essential dynamic or pattern, at different levels of the dream; as above, so below; as within, so without. If the different elements are different forms of the same fundamental mind-stuff, whatever that fundamental substance might be. It seems to me that these elements represent a process which begins being bound by inertia, of which Earth would be the extreme, being gradually subjected to change, until it eventually becomes more and more free, of which Fire is the extreme.
This whole process could be viewed as a transmutation from matter into energy or light, just as the Fire is matter being transformed, to light the darkness. Of course, as without, so within, and some version of this same process is going on within all of us. The most matter-bound aspects of us are gradually being acted upon and transformed by the forces of change, whether from within, or from without. Every experience is to some greater or lesser degree a catalyst within this process, and causes "movement upon the waters of the deep". Eventually, this process culminates in the ignition of Fire within us, of the inner Light.
Our pains and our pleasures, our highs and our lows ultimately give birth to the dawn of true Awareness, what some might call Gnosis. Why? Because just as the light which is emitted by Fire was previously trapped within the matter of the fuel, that Divine Spark has always been latent within us, watching, waiting for its moment to arise.
Now, we come full circle to Freemasonry, and the significance of the elements symbolically to the Craft. What are we doing as masons, if not kindling, stoking, and maintaining a light in the darkness – a Fire in the denseness and confusion of material existence? Every element plays its part, and exists within all of us; the culmination of the interplay of those elements, when utilized skillfully, is the igniting of that Promethean Light, within the self and within the world. What nobler endeavor could one set oneself to, than that of bringing light to the darkness within oneself, and within all of humanity?
As Freemasons, the concept of the Word is very important to us, both in ritual, as well as in daily life. The Word represents the medium through which truth is transmitted, it's how we express ourselves, and ultimately is the essence of the creative principle of the universe. In the beginning, the Word was with God, and the Word was God. One interpretation is that the Word represents the abstract essence of the ideal structures of information which form reality itself, the thoughts of the G.A.O.T.U., perhaps.
On a more practical level, in day-to-day life in civil society, how we communicate with one another via language can determine our success in life, the harmony of our social environment, and in some cases can be a matter of life and death. Some would even argue that language is the primary differentiator which makes us human and places us in a category above the animals. The importance of language to human life truly cannot be overstated, but exactly how we communicate with one another is also a subject of much debate and controversy, currently.
It seems to be exceedingly difficult these days to communicate with those we disagree with in any meaningful way, and almost every discussion, particularly on the internet, tends to devolve into divisiveness and anger. This is partly because of the lack of face-to-face interaction and partly because of the filter bubble or echo chamber effect, which occurs when either we or the algorithms that control what we see in social media cause us to only hear or communicate with those with whom we agree. These factors, thereby, contribute to increasingly polarized and radical views, and the atrophy of our capacity to tolerate opposing views.
What seems to be lacking in modern times is civil discourse. Civility, or Civil Discourse, is a long tradition of philosophy and communication, and throughout history, it has undergone various transformations, or has at times been rejected. So, what is civility, and how should we use it in our approach to communicating on subjects where there is so much disagreement?
The root of the word civility is the same as the root for citizen, and civilization, the latin "civilis." In the larger sphere of human life beyond communication alone, it means "working together productively to reach a common goal, often with beneficent purposes." In other words, civility is cooperation towards a shared goal, which is the basis of civilization – hence the words' etymological relatedness.
In communication specifically, we refer to this as civil discourse. Just like the definition of civility more generally, civil discourse is when we communicate together towards a common goal. This concept is most important, naturally, when there is a disagreement of some kind, for it's easy to be civil when we agree. According to the principle of civil discourse, we should do everything in our capability to communicate with those we disagree with in a manner which allows us to work together towards a common goal: namely finding or approximating truth together. Alternatively, in some cases, it is simply coming to some level of mutual agreement or common ground.
The tricky part comes when civility sometimes might require us to restrict our sense of freedom of expression.
Alongside this principle of civility, we also have the concept of free speech, or freedom of expression, which, as we all know, is written into the U.S. Constitution as a fundamental right, at least insomuch as the government should not be able to prohibit it. Many people go a step further and believe that not only should we have the right not to have our speech censored by the government, but also that this should be a more broad cultural ideal; so that, in general, people are able to speak their mind without fear of retribution, ostracization, or termination from their job.
Today, speech and its regulation are yet another highly polarized and debated topic, to a large extent along political party lines. On one side, we have those who wish to utilize authority to limit certain kinds of speech which are deemed to be harmful, such as hate speech, racism, mis-gendering, and "fake news." On the other, we have those who believe in a fundamental concept of free speech, so that anyone should be able to speak their own opinion, regardless of the effects it might have, as long as actual threats are not being made. This includes opinions that many would find extremely offensive, perhaps even harmful in some ways, such as inciting violence.
This polarity is an interesting one and is reminiscent of many other polarities we may take notice of in nature and in human life: Chaos and Order, Progress and Conservatism, Intellect and Feeling; in a way, I can see all of these dichotomies at play in this singular issue. At times, it seems as if everything we do is some sort of interplay of opposites, and which side we identify with crosses over into other spectra of life, which might otherwise seem unrelated.
While I fall firmly onto the side of free speech as far as the government is concerned, how to approach the dichotomy of civility and free speech on a personal level is much more interesting and also relevant to the Masonic life.
As Freemasons, we are simultaneously compelled to seek and speak truth, as well as, to unite humanity, which can seem paradoxical given all of the divisions over what is true. We are expected to tolerate differences of opinion and worldview. In our speech, as in many other aspects of our lives, we are encouraged to seek balance: the middle way. Not only that, but we also aim to serve as a balancing force on the world around us, for we believe that the truth is in the center point.
When we are able to balance free speech and civility in ourselves and when we are able to speak in a way that is not hateful or divisive without avoiding speaking our truths, we can act as a balancing force to the polarized culture of the day, around whatever topic of discussion we come into contact with. Part of the work we must do in the world is to be the level which brings balance to that which is askew.
In a world where polarized opinions seem to perpetuate themselves in an endless feedback loop, how do we do this? I think the answer has to be that we first seek balance in ourselves and then seek it in others. Every radical on one side has a nascent version of the opposite view and traits buried deep within them, somewhere. As in Jungian psychology, every introvert has an unconscious extrovert, or vice versa; whatever we identify with consciously, the opposite dwells in darkness within us, and it is our job to bring light to it – both in ourselves and in others.
How do we do that? We ask probing and thought provoking questions, rather than tell people what to think. We notice the imbalances in ourselves and others and seek out their counterbalance. We act as moderators, bridge builders, and help people find common ground. Perhaps most difficult of all, we maintain respect for the inner light that dwells within each individual, however concealed with the muck of dogma it might be.


Plains, food, culture and heritage are some of the elements that make up the Alentejo, a region that increasingly attracts visitors in every season of the year. Here, time goes by slowly and the active tourism and nature experiences are marked by the particular character of the region.
Every day we give you the opportunity to experience an amazing Alentejo that, at the same time, is proud of its nature with activities for all tastes and ages.
Wine isn't just one of the richest aspects of the Portuguese culture and tradition - but also of Vila Galé. Visit us.
Come spend unforgettable days of adventure at this Vila Galé hotel, with extreme moments and in harmony with nature.
Equestrian Activities for you and your family.
Children aged up to 12 staying in their parents' room are not charged for accommodation and meals. The offer of meals is only provided on a half board basis, provided that parents are boarding on the same basis. The number of children depends on the capacity of the selected room type.
Program designed for women and women only. It is an ideal moment to relax with friends and enjoy the SPA, massages and a special snack for all the ladies.
At the estate, take the opportunity to take some of the suggested walks and to visit the vineyards and the olive grove. Or the dams, the orchards and the old iron bridge.


text:
Growing up in the steel mill city of Springfield, Massachusetts, living with her parents, and four brothers, being the youngest child and the only girl, her imagination became her best friend. During her teen years, She studied music and dance, ran track, played tennis and watched lots of movies.
At the age of 11, She was deeply moved by a 25 year old actress named Cicely Tyson in The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman. "The climactic monologue under the Oak Tree, when Miss Jane was 103 years old, stirred my soul so deeply that I knew at that moment...I wanted to move people, to open their hearts and minds, to inspire them to be fearless. I wanted to be a great Actress, like Cicely Tyson!"
Years later, being deeply involved with the Arts, inspired her to become Co-Founder of The Commonwealth Theatre Alliance in Springfield with her mentor, Broadway Dancer, Clinton King, Jr. The outreach program for inner-city youths, provided dance and acting classes and their performance credits included: musicals, such as Purlie Victorious to dramas, such as Arthur Kopit's, Chamber Music.
JoAnna got her start in professional acting after a move to Boston, where she got the chance to be in local theatre projects, commercials, instructional films and on TV. While in Boston, she appeared in For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide, When the Rainbow is Enuf with Marla Blakey, Speaking Out of Character: Women in Theatre with Estelle Parsons and Hamlet with Tina Packer, directing.
And TV projects such as the American Playhouse Film The Trial of Bernhard Goetz and on the 80's TV drama Spenser for Hire.
Upon moving to New York City, JoAnna's career continued to catapult, with an appearance on The Cosby Show and in plays such as The Tempest, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and To Be Young, Gifted and Black. Hurt Village by Katori Hall, The Bluest Eye , Crumbs From the Table of Joy , Our Town , From the Mississippi Delta , The Odyssey by Derek Walcott. She also starred in The Trial of One Shortsighted Black Woman vs. Mammy Louise and Safreeta Mae, which won 6 Audelco Awards including Best Ensemble Performance.
JoAnna started up JJ Films LLC in December 2008, and as Executive Producer in 2010, wrapped up production on a film entitled Feeding Pigeons.
In addition to her work as an actress and a producer, JoAnna also is a freelance acting coach and mentor to young women hoping to achieve their life's goals. One of her immediate goals is to develop a non-profit The HARTFoundation Mentorship Program.
Studied The Bel Canto Opera Vocal Technique, 10 years with Kenneth Kamal Scott
Vocal Coaching with Gerald Brown
Lifetime Member of The Actors Studio/NY
Member of New York Women in Film and Television, NYWIFT (2006-Present)
Co-Founder of JJ Films LLC (2008-2015))
Reinventing Oneself brings vitality and longevity to ones Life and Career. So Darlings, Live Life, Fully!
To view/print resume: http://resumes.actorsaccess.com/joannarhinehart


When Russell Brand told Jeremy Paxman there would an anti-capitalist revolution, the comedian was speaking for all those who despise what growing inequality is doing to their lives.
Russell Brand is right of course, Labour and the LDs have moved so far to the right they are almost indistinguishable from the Tories. The problem is what will happen if a sizeable chunk of the youth take notice and don't vote? This disillusioned youth is unlikely to consider voting Conservative. Yet even a small drop in the anti-Conservative vote in marginal seats will yield big gains, exactly what they wan't! The rich will always vote for the hand which feeds them, the poor however are generally anti-political and need little incentive not to vote. Whilst it is at least conceivable that Labour could be changed from within, there is no way the Tories won't stop supporting their rich business friends. Unless Brand can be reasonably sure of overturning the system altogether, his policy is more likely to entrench the status quo.
The answer is to encourage the spoiling of ballots on a huge scale, to the point where our wretched polititians recognise that the government is no longer legitimate. Sure it'll mean in all probability that we'll have an unapposed Tory government, but even they have shame, don't they...?
Look at the current politicians, the expenses scandal, and their current attitude do you really think they have shame? They can't see beyond their own self-interests.
Spoil your ballots in safe seats, if in a marginal seat vote carefully for the least bad candidate (there are even some decent Tories who are much more trustworthy than most of New Labour.) Or vote tactically - that is what got Caroline Lucas elected, probably.
Having spoiled your ballot paper, photograph your protest, put the paper in the box and put your picture on the internet.
My spontaneous reaction to Brand was,"Of course you should vote." However, looking at my 40+ years of voting, in not one case has my vote ever counted, wherever I was. My vote may literally have been counted, but otherwise it has been worthless.
Whilst we need incentives to get on and innovate, create wealth, work hard, etc, (and that will mean extremely diverse income levels), we do need to have a more progressive tax system, e.g. richer pensioners paying National Insurance, reduced level of tax relief on pension contributions for higher rate tax payers, and in terms of the political system - change it from within - more independents and decent people in Parliament. Less 'professional' politicians that have never run anything in the real world. A revolution is unlikely, undesirable and would only lead to something worse in the long run - e.g. Zimbabwe!


Danville News Archives - Everything Danville, California!
SafeWise recently published a list of the safest cities in California, and we were both surprised and delighted to find that Danville came out on top. Danville CA has a total population of 44,897 and according to the 2016 FBI crime report statistics, it has 0.20 violent crimes per 1,000 people, and 8.13 property crimes per 1,000 people. Yes, you read that right!


Myal is a variation of African spirituality practiced in Jamaica. It includes: skills in herbalism, healing aspects, preparation of fetishes, and other objects for influencing behaviors, assuring protection, and reaching one's goals.
Next event is a partnership with Wild Diversity!


Click here for electric meat grinders.
Manual meat grinders have been used since the early 1800's when a German revolutionist, Karl Friedrich Christian Ludwig Freiherr Drais von Sauerbronn, also known as Karl Drais invented it. Manual meat grinders are an economical way to make homemade sausage. They are available in tin, epoxy coated cast iron or stainless steel. You would be surprised at how well the new manual meat grinders work! They are a handy addition to any kitchen. Actually, we think a meat grinder is a must-have to make the modern kitchen complete.
What type of Manual Meat Grinder are you looking for?
This is a smaller size grinder but great for around the kitchen. It is made of cast iron with an epoxy coating and includes one hamburger plate.
American made! This meat grinder is great for smaller batches of meat when you don't want to pull your electric meat grinder out.
Great for around the kitchen. Made from aluminum alloy and comes with one hamburger plate and one knife.
This is a Weston meat grinder. Great for grinding your own meat to make the best hamburger patty that made to your own specifications. It includes a 3/16" grinder plate.
This meat grinder it very high quality and it includes a 3/16" and 3/8" grinder plate plus sausage stuffing tubes.
This meat grinder is the same size as #10 above except it is able to be bolted down.
Very sturdy!! This meat grinder is ready to make some homemade sausage and is also American made!!! Includes a 3/16" hamburger plate and knife.
Process your own sausage, bratwurst and hamburgers with ease using this Cast Iron Meat Grinder. Blend meat with your favorite seasonings for fresh and healthy homemade meals. Use your own casing for homemade sausage, pepperoni and bratwurst. Add your own spices and seasonings to make each recipe just the way you like it. You can even grind vegetables to prepare great tasting meals. Hand grind up to 4 pounds of your choice of meat per minute. The cast iron body is durable and easy to clean. This Grinder can be bolted to a table or counter top for stability. Includes 1 cutting knife, 2 cutting plates (1 Fine 1/4 in. and 1 Course 1/2 in.), 3 sausage tubes.
Made in America! Comes with a 3/16 hamburger plate.
Rugged stainless steel construction. Durable crank handle design; uses a nylon bushing to ensure smooth operation.
This #22 grinder comes with a pulley and handle for manual grinding but can be attached to a motor for electrical operation. New design allows removal of the auger without removing the pulley!
Must be used with a meat pusher!!
This grinder CAN CAUSE AMPUTATION!!!
Meat pusher is available below.
Durable crank handle design uses a nylon bushing to ensure smooth operation.
Secures to your table or countertop.
Includes Fine & Coarse Grinding Plates, Precision steel grinding knife, stuffing star, a set of 3 stuffing funnels 14 mm, 19mm, 24mm & flange.
This grinder is similar to the #22 above but BIGGER! Comes with a pulley and handle for manual grinding but can be attached to a motor for electrical operation. New design allows removal of the auger without removing the pulley!
Comes with a 4mm grinder plate and grinder knife.
Important safety feature for motorized grinders. If you intend to motorize your grinder, you should put this extension onto your grinder. The picture shows the extension mounted on a #22 grinder. It also shows the #699783 pan mounted on the extension which can be purchased separately.
Replacement grinder pan. Holds extra meat in preparation for grinding. This pan fits the aluminum safety extension cones for the #12, 22, & 32 grinders.
This pan has a 2.5" throat.
Measures 8 3/4" W x 13" L x 2 1/2" D.
One of the Old, old favorites. Better for chopping cooked foods or fresh vegetables than it is for grinding meat. It includes fine, medium and coarse blades that are cast iron with tin plating.
Also one of the Old, old favorites. Better for chopping cooked foods or fresh vegetables than it is for grinding meat. It includes fine, medium and coarse blades that are cast iron with tin plating.
Pushes meat through grinder with your fingers safely out of the way. Measures 12.5" long and 6" deep & 1 5/8" in diameter.


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text:
Balanced attack leads Wave past Knights
Michael Hughes
HUNTERSVILLE – Lake Norman Charter came out inspired on Senior Night, but Ashbrook sophomore running back Z'Andre Givens ran for two touchdowns and had two long scoring receptions to lead the his team past the Knights, 42-0. Junior quarterback Austin Mitchell added 250 yards through the air on 12-of-19 passes and three touchdowns.
The Green Wave (7-3, 4-1) scored all their points in the second and third quarters, with five of their six TDs coming from at least 47 yards.
"We were a little bit more athletic than they were on the boundary," said Ashbrook coach Greg Hill. "We tried to get the ball out there and let our kids run."
Run they did after a scoreless first quarter, as Givens flew down the sidelines for a 58-yard score less than a minute into the second quarter.
Barely three minutes later senior Tre Brice bounced into the end zone after a 61-yard gallop, and then Givens caught a short pass from Mitchell and scooted 62 yards for his second TD of the half.
Junior kicker Matt Cloyd booted three of his six successful point afters to give the Green Wave a 21-0 halftime advantage.
"In the first half I wasn't very pleased," said Hill, speaking mostly of the first quarter. "I just know we've got to get better."
Givens (78 yards rushing) plunged in from a yard out midway through the third and took a Mitchell screen pass another 62 yards for his fourth TD just moments later.
Brice (6 rec., 89 yards) ended the scoring for the night with a 47-yard romp with 5:15 left in the third.
"We're young; we're inexperienced. I'm starting a lot of freshmen and sophomores," said Lake Norman Charter coach Bob McKay. "I was really proud of the way we did in the first half."
Knights' senior Jake Foran suffered a scary concussion on the last play of the game after a head-on collision while making a tackle near the Lake Norman Charter sideline. Foran was caught in the middle and went facemask to facemask with his teammates and the Ashbrook runner.
Both teams stayed on one knee while Foran lay motionless on the ground while medics tended to him before the ambulance arrived. Ashbrook senior Luke Pauley led the teams in a moment of prayer at midfield after Foran and his parents entered the ambulance.
"I think he'll be alright," said McKay before he drove on to the hospital. "He's moving his arms and legs. He's just really numb. He got sandwiched between two guys and then it was almost helmet to helmet. When he went down his head hit again."


From the moment you step into the lobby to the closing of your curtains at night, a visual connection to the blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico is omnipresent. There is no corporate feel here; instead, the ambiance is distinctly leisure-orientated.
A short boardwalk just outside the hotel brings guests directly to the wide, four-mile expanse of beach that is the island's prime feature. Restaurants, shops, a cinema and a convenience store are located directly across main road Collier Boulevard, and the Collier Area Transit bus stop is a 10-minute walk, though a car is useful for exploring beyond the island. The Florida Everglades are a 40-minute drive and Miami International Airport is just over two hours' drive away. The quirky dome house, Cape Romano, is a local feature best viewed on one of the area's scenic boat tours.
Modern luxury meets laid-back sophistication, starting with the lobby's 'sunken treasure' artworks and crystal shells chandelier symbolic of the area's maritime history. This 11-storey tower block's graceful curves mimic the Gulf's gentle waves, with oversized and floor-to-ceiling windows take full advantage of the view and Florida's glorious sunshine. Public areas are comfortable and inviting, but Marco Island's fantastic weather puts the focus firmly on seaside pastimes.
Welcoming staff know the island well, and are eager to point out its best features. Main pursuits are relaxing at the pool or on the beach, or getting active with jet-skis, water-skiing, and sight-seeing tours. Additional amenities include a gift shop with sundries, concierge service, fitness centre, and transportation to and from Fort Myers Airport. Guests also receive access to nearby Fiddlers Creek and Hammock Bay 18-hole courses. Enjoy Saturday Movie Night, shelling and birding, or indulge in a service or treatment at the on-site salon and Spa.
Over-sized rooms further the sea connection, each with balconies facing the Gulf, while ground floor rooms feature inviting garden lanais, with the ability to make them connecting for families occupying adjoining rooms. All rooms have a sleeper sofa, mini fridge, Cuisinart coffee maker, safe and robes. Bathrooms boast granite vanities with twin sinks and frosted-glass showers. Some rooms include a bathtub. There are plenty of power points and USB ports for charging technology, and Hilton Serenity Beds add to a restful night's sleep.
Main restaurant The Deck at 560 serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with the option to sit indoors, outdoors on the covered deck, or with your toes literally in the sand. A daily breakfast buffet includes hot, cold and made-to-order items at $27 (£21), but à la carte selections are also available, including original creations such as roasted baby vegetable hash and key lime ricotta blueberry pancakes. Coconut smoothie bowls are must-try standouts. Crispy Yellowfin Snapper is a highlight on the dinner menu, as are lobster corn dogs and grilled chicken lollipops. The Bar at 560 is the spot for pre and post-dinner cocktails. 560 MKT offers grab-and-go lunches and Illy coffee, and surf-side snacks and drinks are available from the mobile Gulf Cart.
Double rooms from $294 (£229) in low season; and from $830 (£647) in high. Breakfast excluded ($10-$20/£7.80-£15). A $30 (£23) resort fee covers Wi-Fi, non-motorised beach sports, spa discount, towels and beach chair, and in-room bottled water. Nightly self-parking is $15 (£12), valet is $25 (£19).
Accessible rooms feature audio and visual alerts, doorbells, roll-in showers, and lowered furnishings, sink, commode, thermostat, closet rod and peephole.
Children can enjoy outdoor games, ping pong, arts-and-crafts, volleyball and foosball, with a wide array of daily Hilton Hot Shots family activities added in high season. Kids Night and babysitting are available.
560 South Collier Boulevard, Marco Island, Florida, 34145, United States.


text:
540 (DXL) var ett skottår som började en lördag i den julianska kalendern.

Händelser
En andra köldtopp på kort tid inträffade, efter den år 536. Orsaken kan ha varit ett stort vulkanutbrott.
 Ildibad blir kung över ostrogoterna.

Födda
 Galswinthia, gotisk prinsessa
 Gregorius I, påve 590–604

Avlidna
 Dionysius Exiguus. skytisk-romersk munk
 Witigis, ostrogotisk kung

Källor

Noter

Externa länkar


ARE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS CONDEMNED IN THE BIBLE?
2. If birthday celebrations are evil simply because Scripture records evil acts that Pharaoh and Herod executed on their birthdays (Genesis 40:1-23 and Matthew 14:3-11), why doesn't Scripture come right out and explicitly condemn birthday celebrations as pagan, rather than just condemning the evil deeds that these men carried out on their birthdays? If birthdays themselves are evil, why does the Bible praise Job as a righteous man (Job 1:1) when he allowed his sons and daughters to celebrate their birthdays at Job 1:4? Scripture records that Job's only concern was over actions that might have occurred during these celebrations, not that the birthday celebrations themselves were evil (Job 1:5). Furthermore, if these celebrations were indeed evil, why didn't Satan point this out to God when they were discussing the blamelessness of Job and his blessed family at Job 1:8-10?
3. If birthdays should not be commemorated because evil events took place on Pharaoh and Herod's birthdays, then wouldn't we have to argue that celebrating the Lord's evening meal (Lord's Supper) during Passover is also evil because the evil event of Jesus' betrayal and death is recorded as taking place during one of these Passover celebrations? Obviously, such conclusions would be flawed when we consider that Jesus commanded His followers to commemorate the redemption offered in His death by observing His Passover meal (Matthew 26:2, 17-28 and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Therefore, shouldn't we conclude that it is not the birthday celebrations themselves that are condemned by Scripture, but rather the evil acts that took place during these events?
WHAT ABOUT CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS AND ANCIENT PAGAN CUSTOMS?
4. It is true that similarities exist between some of the customs of the Christmas holiday and traditions of ancient pagans, but did you know that most wedding ceremonies today use traditions that were once immersed in pagan superstition? The use of a bridal party, bridesmaids, bridal veils, wedding cakes, carpet, shoes, and rings all come from paganism. Why is it permissible for Christians to use these symbols if they originated from ancient false religion?
5. If God abhors the use of Christmas traditions that may have originated from ancient pagan rituals, why does the Jehovah's Witness religion claim that Christians who practice other traditions rooted in paganism do not dishonor God as long as these traditions have lost their pagan significance? Isn't it hypocritical for Jehovah's Witnesses to accept other pagan traditions while rejecting all Christmas customs even though most of these Christmas traditions are no longer linked to ancient paganism?
6. Did you know that the Bible allows Christians to eat meat offered in sacrifice to pagan idols as long as the Christian eating the meat does so with a heart of gratitude toward God and does not cause a weaker brother to stumble by doing so? Since God allows Christians to eat pagan meat if their heart-motives are pure, why would God be displeased with Christians today who would choose to honor God by focusing on Christ during the Christmas holiday? Isn't the heart motive what is most important to God?
"So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one. … But not everyone knows this. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat such food they think of it as having been sacrificed to an idol, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do." —1 Corinthians 8:4, 7-8 1.
SHOULD WE CELEBRATE EVENTS THAT ARE NOT COMMANDED BY GOD?
7. Some object to Christmas on the basis that Scripture does not provide a clear command for Christ's followers to annually celebrate Jesus' birth, but neither does Scripture command the annual observing of wedding anniversaries. Yet, Jehovah's Witnesses and others who reject Christmas celebrate their wedding anniversaries. Why?
8. If it is wrong to commemorate an event that Scripture does not command to be observed, why did Jesus celebrate the Hanukkah holiday by being in the temple for the Feast of Dedication aspect of this holiday at John 10:22-23? Since it is permissible for Jesus to celebrate a holiday that God did not command to be observed, why can't Christians likewise commemorate Jesus' birthday by putting their focus on honoring Christ during the Christmas holiday?
9. Did you know that in keeping with Christ's practice of freely celebrating Jewish holidays regardless of whether they were commanded by God, the Bible allows Christians to freely choose whether or not they want to observe religious holidays?
IS DECEMBER 25TH A PAGAN DATE?
10. If celebrating Jesus' birthday on December 25th is dishonoring to God because it falls on a date that was once used by pagans to celebrate Saturnalia and the winter solstice, why did Jesus celebrate the Jewish holiday Hanukkah that falls on the 25th day of Kislev which is the ninth month in the Jewish calendar that corresponds to our December? 2. Since Jesus celebrated the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah near December 25th, why would it be wrong for Christians to celebrate a Christian holiday that falls on that date? Why don't Jehovah's Witnesses and others who have strong convictions against the Christmas holiday celebrate the Hanukkah holiday instead since Jesus celebrated that holiday?
11. Jehovah's Witnesses often object to celebrating Christ's birth on Christmas because they believe His birth took place in the fall rather than the winter, 3. but did you know that Jehovah's Witnesses used to celebrate Jesus' coming on Christmas because a late September or early October birth would have required a late December date for Christ's conception? Since it is quite possible to conclude that Jesus' conception took place on or near December 25th, why would celebrating the beginning of Jesus' coming on Christmas day dishonor God?
12. Throughout Scripture we read how God transformed the hearts of pagan non-Christians who turned to Christ in faith and repentance and sought forgiveness for their sins. If God can transform ancient pagan hearts into God-honoring Christians, why condemn the decision of Christians and Catholics who chose to transform the date of December 25th into a Christ-honoring holiday by setting up a rival Christmas holiday to replace the pagan Saturnalia and winter solstice holidays of antiquity? While these pagan celebrations are largely unknown to today's culture, this holiday is now surrounded by materialism. Why would it be wrong to follow the example of past Christians by turning this materialistic holiday into an opportunity to reach out to a lost and dying world with the message of hope in Jesus Christ? Why not focus on the Christian message of God's salvation in Christ by implementing the following Christ-honoring Christmas traditions?
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED THE CHRISTIAN ORIGINS OF THESE CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS?
There are many accounts of evergreen trees and branches being used in ancient pagan celebrations long before the practice of decorating an evergreen tree in the home became a Christmas tradition, but legend points to the Middle Ages as the timeframe for the origin of this custom. While some assert a pagan origin for the Christmas tree simply because evergreens were used in pagan ceremonies before the Christmas tree became a widespread tradition, such theories are no more convincing than claiming that the pagan teaching that the false god Tammuz resurrected from the dead proves that the belief in Jesus' resurrection originated in paganism. It is obvious that such similarities between traditions do not prove a pagan origin for the Christian tradition.
Just as Winfrid (1,200 years ago) explained to the people of Germany how the evergreen tree represents eternal life in Christ, Christians today use the evergreen Christmas tree to illustrate Christ's eternal gift of salvation.
Another aspect of the Candy Cane that is representative of Christ is its peppermint taste. Peppermint is an herb that is known for its many digestive healing qualities. Its use in the Candy Cane not only represents Jesus as the Great Healer but also the herbal gifts of Myrrh and Frankincense that the ancients gave to Jesus as they were also used as medicine for physical ailments in ancient times.
The custom of using Christmas lights to represent the Light of Christ is attributed to Martin Luther in the late 1400's and early 1500's.
If the star was really sent by Satan, why didn't Satan send the star to guide Herod instead of the Magi who obeyed Jehovah by not telling Herod where to find the child (Matthew 2:12)? If the Magi were sent by Satan, why did Jehovah prophesy that Jesus was to be sent into Egypt (Matthew 2:15) and then provide the Magi's expensive gifts (Matthew 2:11-12) to help Mary and Joseph finance their trip with Jesus to and from Egypt? Isn't the evidence is clear that instead of the Christmas Star being Satan's Star, it was Jehovah's Star sent to provide financially for the fulfillment of ancient Messianic prophecies?
While legends involving Saint Nicholas (or Santa Claus) bear little resemblance to the pure story of Christ's birth, one aspect that ties all of the legends about him together is the generous nature of this Catholic man. His example in gift giving has become a symbol of the Christmas spirit that is often used by Christians as an opportunity to share God's ultimate gift of love and salvation in Jesus Christ at Christmas time. Franklin Graham's Samaritan's Purse ministry that delivers Christmas gift boxes stuffed with useful toys, hygiene items and Gospel message tracts to impoverished children across the world is one of the many ways Christians reach out with the Good News of Jesus Christ during the Christmas holiday. 5.
Christians traditionally view the evergreen Christmas wreath and holly as symbols of the eternal life that Christ offers because these do not brown or die in the winter. The holly's white flowers are representative of Christ's purity and virgin birth, and the holly's thorns and red berries symbolize the crown of thorns Jesus wore and the blood He shed to atone for our sins.
The poinsettia is a native of Mexico and it was brought to the United States over a hundred years ago by Dr. Joel Poinsett, the first US ambassador to Mexico. Legend tells of a poor Mexican girl named Maria and her little brother Pablo who always looked forward to celebrating the birth of Christ at Christmas time. One year they were saddened because they had no money to buy presents or bring something special for the baby Jesus on Christmas Eve. So, on their way to the church, they picked some weeds that were growing along the roadside. Of course, other children teased them when they arrived with their gifts, but they placed their green plants around the manger anyway because these were all they had to give. Miraculously, the green top leaves turned into bright red petals that soon surrounded the manger with these star-like flowers. Since this time, the red, star-shaped poinsettia flower that blooms around Christmas time has become a Christian symbol of the love of Christ in coming to earth to atone for the sins of mankind.
1. All Scripture quotations are taken from the New International Bible.
2. See the Chart of the Jewish Calendar printed on page 1587 of the 1984 New World Translation Reference edition. This chart correctly places the "Festival of Dedication" for Hanukkah on the 25th of Chislev in December. To try to avoid the obvious implications that a December date for the Jewish Hanukkah gives for a God-honoring origin of the December 25th Christmas date, the Watchtower Society later adjusted their chart to incorrectly change their "Festival of Dedication" date to November in their 1988 printing of the chart in Insight on the Scriptures, vol. 1, p. 391.
5. To learn more about this ministry see www.samaritanspurse.org.