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Posts archive for: July, 2008
  • Poem by Emily Dickinson

    I went through an Emily Dickinson phase during my first year in college and this is one of my favourite poems that she wrote.

    If I can stop one heart from breaking,
    I shall not live in vain;
    If I can ease one life the aching,
    Or cool one pain,
    Or help one fainting robin
    Unto his nest again,
    I shall not live in vain.     

    Now, if you wait until the song starts, it is truly moving and beautiful. This makes me wish my flute still worked so I could keep playing it.

  • Interesting Thought

    "Bachelors live like Kings, but die like beggars."
                                                                                                                - L.S. Lowry

  • Join Me...



    What a beautiful, tragic song. This is Gregorian and Amelia Brightman (the latter I shall see in concert in November with her sister, Sarah) in a cover of H.I.M's classic. I've been a fan of Gregorian since 2004 and wished more people knew of their cool sound.

    Gregorian
  • Possible Cannibalism in the Ancient Southwestern U.S.?

    For our course, Archaeology of the Natives of the Southwestern United States, my fellow wannabe anthropologists and archaeologists are debating over new research which points to cannibalistic activities in the Southwest during the Anasazi dominated period between 900 and 750 C.E. (Common Era). In this article by Rachel Hartigan, archaeologists have found burned human bones which also have signs of cutting from defleshing tools. We are currently able to tell whether or not an animal has been eaten by the marks present on the bone. Just a rudimentary study of osteology and forensic anthropology can educate you on this matter. But the problem, as it happens, comes from native tribes being opposed to having their ancestors deemed cannibals due to the reinforcement of the negative stereotype which has long persisted. But as scientists, we have to uncover the truth. Here is my own contribution to the debate.


    My opinion of the matter is that is seems that only the most politically-correct persons would argue this theory is racist. We are supposed to be scientists here, and when we are faced with evidence to support another claim, we must change our hypothesis. If some people were cannibals in this region, it follows that they did this for specific reasons.

    Many of us have called cannibalism "barbaric." Sure, it is barbaric from our modern, Western viewpoint, but you have got to take this information in its context. Spirituality was very important among these peoples and in many cultures throughout the world a great person must be consumed in order for that greatness to continue existing in the world.

    Even among the Greeks, known in the West for their wisdom and modernity, had greatly respected Queen Artemisia of Caria who drank the ashes of her brother-husband Mausolus every day out of love veneration for him. Instances of cannibalism such as this are seen throughout history and around the world.

    Why should archaeologists then ignore historical fact and archaeological evidence of cannibalism simply because it may offend modern day peoples? This would be a gross violation to not only scientific truth but also historic truth.

    Modern puebloan beliefs are certainly against cannibalistic practices, but we would do well to remember that in the past practices were different to those seen today. We do not have an Inquisition which burns people at the stake, though we definitely had that in the past. All of us have had less desirable cultural aspects in our ancestry, we understand this but our goal is to seek the truth as much as possible.

  • One Year Ago

    One year ago today I received a message on Facebook from a wonderful man on the topic of reason. We started off with a good friendship, and when we finally met a couple of months later, we hit it off, began dating and are still together to this day. I don't like to think about the time before my Gavin came into my life, because I always felt as though I was missing something. And now I can only hope for more happy memories with him to come. I am always exceedingly flattered and honoured by his attention and love. He is what all men should be if they knew what was best for them. He is thoughtful, kind, manly, gentlemanlike, brilliant, handsome, loving, talented, and intelligent. He is the sun which brightens every day of my life and every day I am grateful and happy to have him in my life. I am what I am today because of him.

    So, my darling, here's to more time in your excellent company. Happy Anniversary of our first contact. You are the best and my one and only. x

    heart

  • Incest?

    A question was asked on a forum which read:
     "Is it wrong to get pregnant by your own brother or father?"

    I answered as follows:

    "I shan't delve into the obvious cultural problems arising from such a circumstance; therefore, I shall stick to the biological.

    Your brother and father share your DNA if they are your biological brother and father (which I can only assume). Your genetic data requires a completely different set of genes to produce a viable offspring. Viable offspring means a child that has more of a probability of being mentally and physically healthy.

    Children born of incestuous unions are more than likely to be deformed or mentally impaired. Some outwardly do not have any signs of problems, but the genetic issue remains. That's why it is a very bad idea to have sexual relations with, and produce offspring with one's family.

    If you or anyone you know has become impregnated by a member of your immediate family, you must contact your local authorities. For, especially if pregnancy occurred while the person was underage, this is sexual and child abuse not to mention other criminal offences.

    Good luck."

  • A great 31:07 minute clip

    This man knows his stuff. If only the power in the world was had by those who are best able to wield it.

  • Why Men Don't Iron

    The following information was taken from an 1998 anthropological survey which sought to answer what emotional differences exist between men and women.

    Men are neurologically primed to find the household routine difficult. The reasons are partly cultural but there is more to it than that. The male brain and neurochemistry make running a home and minding the children more difficult for men. Women, on the other hand, are hormonally primed for maternal behaviour, finding it less stressful than men do.

    According to new research the brains of men and women differ in terms of organization as follows:
    Male brains are more focused.
    Female brains are more integrated.

    Females are much better at multi-tasking than men are. They can do two or more things at a time.

    Men have a lower boredom threshold due to levels of Seratonin which act like brakes in behaviour. Biologically, females are much more mentally and physically sensitive than men.

    On average, men spend 5 minutes a day with their children. The correlation between mother and child is due to the levels of oxytocin in the body immediately after birth. This hormone reinforces the mother-child bond and the results are deeply-rooted in female biology.

    85% of the washing and ironing is done by women and 82% of the household repairs are done by the men.

    My point being that life and any relationship for that matter is a team effort. Man and woman are different because we need each other.

  • Chrysler Building

    It's official. Abu Dhabi has BOUGHT the American landmark this week. What next? Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and others are considering buying the Empire State building, too. O woe...How the vultures begin to encircle and feed...

    CB

  • Import Mexico, Boycott China

    I live in the United States and pretty much everything that is sold in stores comes from China. The products, for the most part, are extraordinarily mediocre in quality, yet are (unsurprisingly) inexpensive to obtain. Our children have been exposed to dangerous amounts of lead from Chinese toys and other household items have been found to be just as dangerous to adults. I've bought a few things from Mexico, which were by far of better quality to the products I have from China.

    Many people here in U.S. have a problem with illegal immigrants crossing the border from Mexico. We need to stop and think about why they do this? They have no work opportunities in their country - and if they do have work, it is usually too little to survive on. And the idea that "the United States is paved in gold" sounds very appealing when you are on the brink of starvation!

    The most obvious best solution to all of this would be to stop importing so much from China and instead build factories in Mexico where poor Mexicans can have an incentive to staying in their country. They will then have good paying work and will not risk themselves by the dangerous crossing of the border and life in a country hostile to them. We will be making our nations more prosperous as a result. Our nation was once powerful because it didn't rely on outside economic forces. It is high time we strengthen our neighbours and ourselves and take back what once was ours.

  • The Good Life

    The show about the self-sufficient couple.

  • Beauty

    Physical beauty has always been important for mate selection, as we wish to continue to see certain physical traits in our offspring. This biological trait is hard-wired into our nature. However, as many learn (sometimes too late), outward beauty does not necessarily correlate to having an inner beauty as well. By "inner beauty" I mean personality, among other things. Far too many externally beautiful men and women have terrible, vicious personalities and little to no intellect. There are some, however, that have some external beauty but have many qualities of character (but are unfortunately overlooked due to their less pleasing physical appearance).

    What people must realize is that in time beauty fades; but the qualities of character in the person remains steady. I know full well what is like to be overlooked by the opposite sex for not being attractive enough outwardly, whilst having important qualities and a good temperament. As I age, I feel I am becoming more attractive physically, but that is all relative, really. Less worthy men in the past were incapable of seeing my worth and that is why I am so glad that I have my wonderful boyfriend, who understands me well and appreciates my qualities (and whose qualities of character I immediately noticed and admired). He is very handsome, the most handsome man I've ever known; but I'm not with him for his looks, I'm with him for the man he is inside.


    "A Rose will bloom
    It then will fade;
    So does a youth,
    So does the fairest maid."

    - Nino Rota

  • Thoughts about Life

    We often ask ourselves the ever-popular question, "what is the meaning of life?" But, as I stared into the face of my little newborn nephew earlier today, a torrent of emotions and thoughts ran through me. It was quite a moving experience. What sorrows will he have to experience, what joys shall he delight in?

    I thought of myself and all people as once having been that small and innocent and vulnerable, and how much one has to change in order to strengthen oneself against the many troubles that come along in life.

    Childhood, as my mother so wisely says, is like placing two supports on the sides of a sapling, in order for it to grow healthy and firmly. Children need a good, solid foundation in order to be good, responsible adults. Without a proper foundation to a building, it shall deteriorate and crumble, as will the life of human.

    We none of us know what our lives will be like. Things change so quickly at times, and ever so slowly at other times. Time is the most important thing in life. I say this because there are some of us who spend their fleeting youth engaged in meaningless encounters and moments of excitement without fully understanding or appreciating the "big picture."

    My brother-in-law today told me that he has never been so fulfilled as he is now with his family and his life. I hardly ever hear that because of the mass apathy that plagues our societies. Many people are in a constant state of confusion and tend to avoid planning for the future out of intense fear of it. I am proud that my sister has this wonderful man in her life. He is very hard-working, devoted and loving to her and the children, and is supportive enough to let her pursue her own interests. But he also takes care of the practical- my sister wants for nothing.

    Nevertheless,I hope I'll be able to see my nephew grow up, and thus see him become a man. I'll admit that as I held him in my arms, that primal yearning to be a mother arose within me (it's only natural!). Realistically, however, I know that I am still too young for such an important and life-changing event such as that, though I know I am far more able than many a modern mother. I also would not want to be a single mother - which is a horrible state for a woman to be in; and thus, would only actively try to have children if married (as my sisters have done)for that is the best way to do things.

    Ultimately, I know not whether I will have any children, but I can at least try to be a great aunt for the time being to all seven of my sisters' children.
    ;)

  • Baby Names

    I just had a conversation with my sister (who's baby is due tonight) and her husband about what names they will give their son. They have chosen Tyler, a name which has historically been given as a surname. Many last names came up, and I thought about what names would be more appropriate for children.

    BOYS:
    Arthur, George, Henry, Gawain, William, Richard, Edward, Corin, Uther, Jolyon, Roland, Merton, Colin, Maurice, Damian, Aragorn, Lancelot, Ralph, Armand, Rupert, Alexei, Victor, Rodolphe, Hugh, Alistair.

    GIRLS:
    Anabel, Chloe, Ifigenia, Arwen, Virginia, Guenevere, Artemisia, May, Helene, Irene, June, Fleur, Eowyn, Viola, Imogen, Daphne, Emma, Hermia, Marianne, Isabel, Selene, Elena.

  • Horrific News

    I was watching the news while working out this morning when a very disturbing news report was shown. A woman in Washington was found tied up and stabbed to death and her unborn child was cut out of her womb and taken by the murderess. This was unbelieveably sick. I understand that some women desperately want to have a child, but to kill another woman and to steal her child is abominable. If you are unable to have children, you must accept it or adopt. Stealing and murdering for a child is wrong on so many levels. This murderer,Phiengchai Synhavong,has destroyed not only the life of the female victim, but also the victim's other children, her family, her baby (who is now on life support) and not to mention herself - for she will no doubt be given a life sentence. I truly wish people would think before doing things. No sane person would even contemplate so heinous an act. For more on this story, click here.

  • A More Family-Oriented Time

    Here are some clips from some great American television shows and commercials which promoted good values, family unity, and just plain human decency. Watch and learn!

    The Donna Reed Show. How Important it is to be a Gentleman:

    Mr. Clean - I still use this stuff!

    Leave it to Beaver.

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