Oh, the old gray mare, she ain't what she used to be,
Ain't what she used to be, ain't what she used to be.
The old gray mare, she ain't what she used to be,
Many long years ago.
Many long years ago, many long years ago.
The old gray mare, she ain't what she used to be,
Many long years ago.
The old gray mare, she kicked on the whiffletree,
Kicked on the whiffletree, kicked on the whiffletree
The old gray mare, she kicked on the whiffletree
Many long years ago.
Many long years ago, many long years ago,
The old gray mare, she kicked on the whiffletree
Many long years ago.
What made me think of this old song we sang as kids? Maybe because I'm an old gray mare now. I looked up the song online so I wouldn't have to type it all out, and, much to my surprise, the second verse is different from what we sang when I was a child. Here's our version:
Oh, the old gray mare, she ain't what she used to be,
Ain't what she used to be, ain't what she used to be.
The old gray mare, she ain't what she used to be,
Many long years ago.
Many long years ago, many long years ago.
The old gray mare, she ain't what she used to be,
Many long years ago.
The old gray mare went (raspberry sound) down the avenue,
(raspberry sound) down the avenue, (raspberry sound) down the avenue.
The old gray mare went (raspberry sound) down the avenue,
Many long years ago.
Did anyone else sing the vulgar version, or was it just naughty New Orleans kids?
Sunday, June 7, 2009
From the BBC:
Female students are ahead of men in almost every measure of UK university achievement, according to a report from higher education researchers.
A Higher Education Policy Institute report shows that women are more likely to get places in the top universities and go on to get better grades.
Women also outnumber men in high status subjects, such as law and medicine.
The institute's director, Bahram Bekhradnia, says the cause of this gender gap remains uncertain.
Cambridge and Oxford are the exceptions. The numbers of men and women are equal.
Female students are ahead of men in almost every measure of UK university achievement, according to a report from higher education researchers.
A Higher Education Policy Institute report shows that women are more likely to get places in the top universities and go on to get better grades.
Women also outnumber men in high status subjects, such as law and medicine.
The institute's director, Bahram Bekhradnia, says the cause of this gender gap remains uncertain.
Cambridge and Oxford are the exceptions. The numbers of men and women are equal.
Trinity Sunday
RUBLYOV, Andrey - "Trinity" - c. 1411 - Tempera on panel
Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow
Trinity Prayer
God for us, we call You Father,
God along side us, we call You Jesus,
God within us, we call You Holy Spirit.
You are the Eternal Mystery
that enables, enfolds, and enlivens all things,
even us,
and even me.
Every name falls short of your
Goodness and Greatness.
We can only see who You are in what is.
We ask for such perfect seeing.
As it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be.
Amen.
Richard Rohr
Preface of Trinity Sunday
Almighty and everlasting God, who hast given unto us thy servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of thy Divine Majesty to worship the Unity: We beseech thee that thou wouldst keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see thee in thy one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(Book of Common Prayer, p. 176)
As I searched for a painting for this post, I noted that many of the Trinity paintings depicted the dead Christ or the crucified Christ. I didn't want that. What's the theology there? The few that did not were, as they say, de trop, too busy, too pretty, too, too, too.... The icon is lovely.
Richard Rohr's poem from The Mercy Blog.
Image from The Web Gallery of Art.
"What Facebook Is For"
My apologies to all Facebook lovers. C'mon, forgive me. I know you laughed.
Thanks to Lapin for the link.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Please Pray For Izzie
From MotherAmelia:
Took my little Izzie to the emergency vet today. She can't jump on or off the bed or go up and down stairs. The vet thinks it's a back problem. More details on my blog. Prayer requested.
My Letter On The Secret Sub-Committee
Dear Bishop Parsley and members of The Committee on Theology,
As I understand it, the names of the members of sub-committee to study same-sex relationships are secret. Where is the openness and transparency in this policy? Why are the names of the members secret? This should not be. I believe that you, as leaders in the Episcopal Church, made a grave miscalculation in your decision not to release the names of the members of the sub-committee. I understand and agree that the deliberations may be confidential until the report is delivered, but not the names of the members.
And why the need for another study and committee? The subject has been studied and committeed to death already. Is this sub-committee another delaying tactic by the church leadership to keep from making a decision to move forward to include all baptized members in the full life of the Episcopal Church?
As for the suggestion that "academic freedom" is in play in withholding the names of the committee members, that seems nonsensical to me. Academic freedom has to do with openness and transparency, not secrecy. I hope that you give thought to reversing your policy of withholding the names of the members of the sub-committee.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Yours in Christ,
June Butler
I sent the letter to all of the members of the Committee on Theology with copies to others in leadership positions in the Episcopal Church listed in this post.
As I understand it, the names of the members of sub-committee to study same-sex relationships are secret. Where is the openness and transparency in this policy? Why are the names of the members secret? This should not be. I believe that you, as leaders in the Episcopal Church, made a grave miscalculation in your decision not to release the names of the members of the sub-committee. I understand and agree that the deliberations may be confidential until the report is delivered, but not the names of the members.
And why the need for another study and committee? The subject has been studied and committeed to death already. Is this sub-committee another delaying tactic by the church leadership to keep from making a decision to move forward to include all baptized members in the full life of the Episcopal Church?
As for the suggestion that "academic freedom" is in play in withholding the names of the committee members, that seems nonsensical to me. Academic freedom has to do with openness and transparency, not secrecy. I hope that you give thought to reversing your policy of withholding the names of the members of the sub-committee.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Yours in Christ,
June Butler
I sent the letter to all of the members of the Committee on Theology with copies to others in leadership positions in the Episcopal Church listed in this post.
"Transparency" And "Openness" No Longer Apply
From Bible Belt Blogger, Frank Lockwood:
Facing criticism for withholding information from its 2.3 million members, the Episcopal Church has quietly removed from its new IAmEpiscopalian.org website assurances that the church is committed to openness and transparency in government.
For months, the site had proclaimed on its home page: “Our controversies and conversations have been public. Our governance is tranparent. You are free to see our imperfections…” (See a copy of the original message here.)
But sometime this week, after the church was repeatedly criticized for concealing key governance decisions from the people in the pews, the “transparency” and “openness” message disappeared.
Go to Frank Lockwood's site for the links. This is not good news, but if the powers in the church have decided that transparency and openness no longer apply, then it's best that they not say that they do. This is very sad news, and I pray the members of the Episcopal Church do not take this policy lightly or complacently.
Thanks to Ann for sending the link.
UPDATE: On the other hand, Mark Harris takes a different view:
What I think we have here is not a plot to remove a pledge of transparency. What we have here is a fallback from the creative edge. It’s not a plot, it’s a program. Plots are at least exciting, and sometimes creative, programs get dull unless poked.
Facing criticism for withholding information from its 2.3 million members, the Episcopal Church has quietly removed from its new IAmEpiscopalian.org website assurances that the church is committed to openness and transparency in government.
For months, the site had proclaimed on its home page: “Our controversies and conversations have been public. Our governance is tranparent. You are free to see our imperfections…” (See a copy of the original message here.)
But sometime this week, after the church was repeatedly criticized for concealing key governance decisions from the people in the pews, the “transparency” and “openness” message disappeared.
Go to Frank Lockwood's site for the links. This is not good news, but if the powers in the church have decided that transparency and openness no longer apply, then it's best that they not say that they do. This is very sad news, and I pray the members of the Episcopal Church do not take this policy lightly or complacently.
Thanks to Ann for sending the link.
UPDATE: On the other hand, Mark Harris takes a different view:
What I think we have here is not a plot to remove a pledge of transparency. What we have here is a fallback from the creative edge. It’s not a plot, it’s a program. Plots are at least exciting, and sometimes creative, programs get dull unless poked.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Without Me?
"Red Mr. Peanut Bank and Gallito Mescalito AND Ms. Egyptian Hippo of Love. All of them. All together in the same place at the Harvest Moon Brewery and Cafe in New Brunswick, NJ where some of the Episcobloggers gathered."
A party be happenin' tonight in New Jersey, and I'm not there. I ask you, "How can they have a party without me?" But they're doing it anyway! It's just not right.
Here's the comment that I left at Elizabeth's blog:
Grandmère Mimi said...
Not only looking sad, but feeling sad. Boo-hoo. That's no joke, but a serious cry. I'm happy for y'all and sad for me, me, me. I can't stand it!
I'm tempted to say, "Call the whole thing off. It's no party if I'm not there." But I won't say that, because I'm a good Christian woman, and I'm generous-hearted, and I'm glad for y'all to have a rip-roaring good time, even if I'm not there.
Hugs all around for everyone from me. Kisses, too. Raise a glass to those of us who are not there in body, but very much there in spirit.
Love to all.
UPDATE: See Telling Secrets for more pictures.
Prayers Please - From Fran
From Fran:
My husband's sister is having surgery today. If the cancer is contained, it will be radiation and on with life. If not... Well, prayers please. And thanks for those already offered and on-going.
My husband's sister is having surgery today. If the cancer is contained, it will be radiation and on with life. If not... Well, prayers please. And thanks for those already offered and on-going.
THE LAWS OF ULTIMATE REALITY
Law of Mechanical Repair
After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch and you'll have to pee.
Law of Gravity
Any tool, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner.
Law of Probability
The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.
Law of Random Numbers
If you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal and someone always answers.
Law of the Alibi
If you tell the boss you were late for work because you had a flat tire, the very next morning you will have a flat tire.
Variation Law
If you change traffic lanes, the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now (works every time).
Law of the Bath
When the body is fully immersed in water, the telephone rings.
Law of Close Encounters
The probability of meeting someone you know increases dramatically when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with.
Law of the Result
When you try to prove to someone that a machine won't work, it will.
Law of Biomechanics
The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach.
Law of the Theatre
At any event, the people whose seats are furthest from the aisle arrive last.
The Starbucks Law
As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold.
Murphy's Law of Lockers
If there are only two people in a locker room, they will have adjacent lockers.
Law of Physical Surfaces
The chances of an open-faced jam sandwich landing face down on a floor covering are directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet/rug.
Brown's Law of Physical Appearance
If the shoe fits, it's ugly.
Wilson 's Law of Commercial Marketing Strategy
As soon as you find a product that you really like, they will stop making it.
Doctors' Law
If you don't feel well, make an appointment to go to the doctor, by the time you get there you'll feel better. Don't make an appointment and you'll stay sick.
Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
Thanks to Susan S.
After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch and you'll have to pee.
Law of Gravity
Any tool, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner.
Law of Probability
The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.
Law of Random Numbers
If you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal and someone always answers.
Law of the Alibi
If you tell the boss you were late for work because you had a flat tire, the very next morning you will have a flat tire.
Variation Law
If you change traffic lanes, the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now (works every time).
Law of the Bath
When the body is fully immersed in water, the telephone rings.
Law of Close Encounters
The probability of meeting someone you know increases dramatically when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with.
Law of the Result
When you try to prove to someone that a machine won't work, it will.
Law of Biomechanics
The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach.
Law of the Theatre
At any event, the people whose seats are furthest from the aisle arrive last.
The Starbucks Law
As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold.
Murphy's Law of Lockers
If there are only two people in a locker room, they will have adjacent lockers.
Law of Physical Surfaces
The chances of an open-faced jam sandwich landing face down on a floor covering are directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet/rug.
Brown's Law of Physical Appearance
If the shoe fits, it's ugly.
Wilson 's Law of Commercial Marketing Strategy
As soon as you find a product that you really like, they will stop making it.
Doctors' Law
If you don't feel well, make an appointment to go to the doctor, by the time you get there you'll feel better. Don't make an appointment and you'll stay sick.
Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
Thanks to Susan S.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Allow Lt. Col. Fehrenbach To Continue To Serve
From the Seattle Times:
Barack Obama's campaign promise to scrap the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy gave Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach hope. Now the pilot is wondering if the president will deliver in time to save his 18-year Air Force career.
The winner of nine air medals for distinguished service in flight, including one for heroism the night U.S. forces captured Baghdad International Airport in 2003, Fehrenbach is getting kicked out of the military a year after a civilian acquaintance told his bosses he was gay.
He thought he could hang on until the government eliminated the military's policy forcing gays and lesbians to keep their sexual orientation secret, but now he isn't so sure.
Obama "was someone who had experienced discrimination firsthand and that's why I had a lot of faith," Fehrenbach said. "I thought, OK I can fight this, and maybe by January Obama could be inaugurated and this won't matter.
"That hasn't happened."
The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, an advocacy group seeking equal treatment of gays in the military, estimates that more than 200 service members have been discharged under "don't ask, don't tell" since Obama was sworn in.
....
He stands to lose the $46,000 a year in retirement benefits, plus medical benefits, he would receive for the rest of his life.
Under the honorable discharge he is facing, he would receive $80,000 in separation pay.
To forcibly discharge a service member who has served bravely and honorably for 18 years is shameful. Lt. Col. Fehrenbach is only one amongst 200 others who have been ushered out of the military services prematurely because of the stupid "don't ask - don't tell" policy, because President Obama has not yet kept his promise. I'm without words.
Watch the video and sign the petition at Servicemembers Legal Defense Network asking Air Force Secretary Donley to allow Lt. Col. Fehrenbach to continue to serve.
Thanks to Doug for sending me the link.
Barack Obama's campaign promise to scrap the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy gave Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach hope. Now the pilot is wondering if the president will deliver in time to save his 18-year Air Force career.
The winner of nine air medals for distinguished service in flight, including one for heroism the night U.S. forces captured Baghdad International Airport in 2003, Fehrenbach is getting kicked out of the military a year after a civilian acquaintance told his bosses he was gay.
He thought he could hang on until the government eliminated the military's policy forcing gays and lesbians to keep their sexual orientation secret, but now he isn't so sure.
Obama "was someone who had experienced discrimination firsthand and that's why I had a lot of faith," Fehrenbach said. "I thought, OK I can fight this, and maybe by January Obama could be inaugurated and this won't matter.
"That hasn't happened."
The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, an advocacy group seeking equal treatment of gays in the military, estimates that more than 200 service members have been discharged under "don't ask, don't tell" since Obama was sworn in.
....
He stands to lose the $46,000 a year in retirement benefits, plus medical benefits, he would receive for the rest of his life.
Under the honorable discharge he is facing, he would receive $80,000 in separation pay.
To forcibly discharge a service member who has served bravely and honorably for 18 years is shameful. Lt. Col. Fehrenbach is only one amongst 200 others who have been ushered out of the military services prematurely because of the stupid "don't ask - don't tell" policy, because President Obama has not yet kept his promise. I'm without words.
Watch the video and sign the petition at Servicemembers Legal Defense Network asking Air Force Secretary Donley to allow Lt. Col. Fehrenbach to continue to serve.
Thanks to Doug for sending me the link.
We Remember The First Book OfCommon Prayer
In 1549, under the reign of Edward VI, successor to Henry VIII, the primary language of public worship in England and other areas ruled by Edward was changed from Latin to English, and the first Book of Common Prayer came into use. It was first used on Pentecost Sunday, 9 June 1549, and the occasion is now commemorated "on the first convenient day following Pentecost."
....
All Christians who worship in English, from Roman Catholics to Southern Baptists and beyond, are in some measure influenced by it, and all to whom it is important that the people of God understand the worship of the Church and take an active part therein have cause to be grateful for the Book of Common Prayer.
PRAYER
Almighty and everliving God, whose servant Thomas Cranmer, with others, restored the language of the people in the prayers of your Church: Make us always thankful for this heritage; and help us so to pray in the Spirit and with the understanding, that we may worthily magnify your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
From James Kiefer at the Lectionary.
The Secret Sub-Committee - No Names For Now
Once again, I refer you to Mark Harris at Preludium for his commentary on the letter from Bishop Parsley, Chair of the Theology Committee, presumably in response to the calls for transparency in releasing the names of the members on the sub-committee to study same-sex relationships.
Mark notes the same silly reference to academic freedom in Bp. Parsley's letter that struck me. The secrecy of the membership has nothing to do with academic freedom.
We believe that for a season the work can best be accomplished by allowing the panel to work in confidence. This supports the full collegiality and academic freedom of the theologians and provides the space they need for the deep dialogue and reflection that is taking place among them.
Few of us have a problem with keeping the discussions confidential. The problem is secrecy about the names of the people who serve on the sub-committee, who are apparently drawn from outside the members of the Committee on Theology.
Mark adds:
I am distrusting of any statement by anyone that talks about "for a season." Time and season are different sorts of measuring beasts. "For a season," roughly translates, "until we wish otherwise."
For the present, the phrase "for a season" resonates negatively with some of us in the Episcopal Church. I recommend that the phrase be laid aside "for a season", until I wish otherwise. What are the chances?
Bp. Parsley answers the question as to whether the discussions are simply "about" GLTB persons, as is so often is the case, or "with" them.
I wish to assure those concerned that the panel very intentionally represents a robust range of views on the subject and includes gay and lesbian persons.
UPDATE: IT in the comments suggests we watch an amusing supplement to the discussion at YouTube.
Mark notes the same silly reference to academic freedom in Bp. Parsley's letter that struck me. The secrecy of the membership has nothing to do with academic freedom.
We believe that for a season the work can best be accomplished by allowing the panel to work in confidence. This supports the full collegiality and academic freedom of the theologians and provides the space they need for the deep dialogue and reflection that is taking place among them.
Few of us have a problem with keeping the discussions confidential. The problem is secrecy about the names of the people who serve on the sub-committee, who are apparently drawn from outside the members of the Committee on Theology.
Mark adds:
I am distrusting of any statement by anyone that talks about "for a season." Time and season are different sorts of measuring beasts. "For a season," roughly translates, "until we wish otherwise."
For the present, the phrase "for a season" resonates negatively with some of us in the Episcopal Church. I recommend that the phrase be laid aside "for a season", until I wish otherwise. What are the chances?
Bp. Parsley answers the question as to whether the discussions are simply "about" GLTB persons, as is so often is the case, or "with" them.
I wish to assure those concerned that the panel very intentionally represents a robust range of views on the subject and includes gay and lesbian persons.
UPDATE: IT in the comments suggests we watch an amusing supplement to the discussion at YouTube.
Another Victory For Marriage Equality
From Human Rights Campaign:
Yet another major victory in New England: today New Hampshire's governor signed marriage equality into law, making it the sixth state to allow loving same-sex couples to marry.
The bill survived a spate of propaganda from the right-wing National Organization for Marriage – the same group that ran the fake "Gathering Storm" ad – hammering Gov. John Lynch to veto equality.
Watch their video.
The battle is won. No longer "if" but "when". True the "when" may be far too distant in some states, but the tide has turned. It flows toward justice and equality.
Yet another major victory in New England: today New Hampshire's governor signed marriage equality into law, making it the sixth state to allow loving same-sex couples to marry.
The bill survived a spate of propaganda from the right-wing National Organization for Marriage – the same group that ran the fake "Gathering Storm" ad – hammering Gov. John Lynch to veto equality.
Watch their video.
The battle is won. No longer "if" but "when". True the "when" may be far too distant in some states, but the tide has turned. It flows toward justice and equality.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Please pray....
Klady's daughter has been sick for several days, along with several girls on her soccer team. Their team was in the Final Four in their area, but they suffered heartbreaking losses playing the games while they were ill, with the added burden that their coach resigned abruptly. Klady has other stresses in her life, and she wouldn't mind a few prayers directed her way.
Also, one of my grandsons is having a bad time with the separation of his parents, and is acting out. Please pray for him.
My daughter's finger has been infected for two weeks, and medication did not clear up the infection. Today the doctor ordered a battery of blood work to try to find out just what kind of infection she has, in order for them to treat her specific problem. She is the mother of the boy who is acting out, so it's a difficult time for her.
An update on the miracle cat: Tigger is still doing well, even after disappearing for two days after a dog chased him. He returned home last night, thinner, but otherwise okay. Thanks be to God.
Also, one of my grandsons is having a bad time with the separation of his parents, and is acting out. Please pray for him.
My daughter's finger has been infected for two weeks, and medication did not clear up the infection. Today the doctor ordered a battery of blood work to try to find out just what kind of infection she has, in order for them to treat her specific problem. She is the mother of the boy who is acting out, so it's a difficult time for her.
An update on the miracle cat: Tigger is still doing well, even after disappearing for two days after a dog chased him. He returned home last night, thinner, but otherwise okay. Thanks be to God.
Afternoon At The Movies
This afternoon, my grandchildren and I went to see "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian". The movie was good fun, delightful, really, a movie for all ages. Our ages are 9, 13, and 74. I wondered about the years in between and asked my granddaughter if she thought her dad would enjoy the movie. She said, "Oh, yes. He would."
The cost of going to the movies continues to surprise me - $40.50 for the three of us, including items from the concession stand, and admission prices here are not nearly as high as in some areas.
The children went back to their mom's house today, and I will miss them, but at the same time, I'll enjoy the time off from being a part-time mom for a week.
Grandparents
1. She was in the bathroom, putting on her makeup, under the watchful eyes of her young granddaughter, as she'd done many times before. After she applied her lipstick and started to leave, the little one said, "But Gramma, you forgot to kiss the toilet paper good-bye!" I will probably never put lipstick on again without thinking about kissing the toilet paper good-bye...
2. My young grandson called the other day to wish me Happy Birthday. He asked me how old I was, and I told him, 62. My grandson was quiet for a moment, and then he asked, "Did you start at 1?"
3. After putting her grandchildren to bed, a grandmother changed into old slacks and a droopy blouse and proceeded to wash her hair. As she heard the children getting more and more rambunctious, her patience grew thin. Finally, she threw a towel around her head and stormed into their room, putting them back to bed with stern warnings. As she left the room, she heard the three-year-old say with a trembling voice, "Who was THAT?"
4. A grandmother was telling her little granddaughter what her own childhood was like: "We used to skate outside on a pond I had a swing made from a tire; it hung from a tree in our front yard. We rode our pony. We picked wild raspberries in the woods." The little girl was wide-eyed, taking this all in. At last she said, "I sure wish I'd gotten to know you sooner!"
5. My grandson was visiting one day when he asked, "Grandma, do you know how you and GOD are alike?" I mentally polished my halo and I said, "No, how are we alike?'' "You're both old," he replied.
6. A little girl was diligently pounding away on her grandfather's word processor. She told him she was writing a story. "What's it about?" he asked. "I don't know," she replied. "I can't read."
7. I didn't know if my granddaughter had learned her colours yet, so I decided to test her. I would point out something and ask what color it was. She would tell me and was always correct. It was fun for me, so I continued. At last, she headed for the door, saying, "Grandma, I think you should try to figure out some of these, yourself!"
8. When my grandson Billy and I entered our vacation cabin, we kept the lights off until we were inside to keep from attracting pesky insects. Still, a few fireflies followed us in. Noticing them before I did, Billy whispered, "It's no use Grandpa. Now the mosquitoes are coming after us with flashlights."
9. When my grandson asked me how old I was, I teasingly replied, "I'm not sure..." "Look in your underwear, Grandpa," he advised, "mine says I'm 4 to 6."
10. A second grader came home from school and said to her grandmother, "Grandma, guess what? We learned how to make babies today." The grandmother, more than a little surprised, tried to keep her cool. "That's interesting," she said, "how do you make babies?" "It's simple," replied the girl. "You just change 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'."
11. Children's Logic: "Give me a sentence about a public servant," said a teacher. The small boy wrote: "The fireman came down the ladder pregnant." The teacher took the lad aside to correct him. "Don't you know what pregnant means?" she asked. "Sure," said the young boy confidently. 'It means carrying a child."
12.. A grandfather was delivering his grandchildren to their home one day when a fire truck zoomed past. Sitting in the front seat of the fire truck was a Dalmatian dog. The children started discussing the dog's duties. "They use him to keep crowds back," said one child. "No," said another. "He's just for good luck." A third child brought the argument to a close."They use the dogs," she said firmly, "to find the fire hydrants."
13. A 6-year-old was asked where his grandma lived. "Oh," he said, "she lives at the airport, and when we want her, we just go get her. Then, when we're done having her visit, we take her back to the airport."
14. Grandpa is the smartest man on earth! He teaches me good things, but I don't get to see him enough to get as smart as him!
15. My Grandparents are funny, when they bend over; you hear gas leaks, and they blame their dog.
SEND THIS TO OTHER GRANDPARENTS, ALMOST GRANDPARENTS,
OH HECK,
SEND IT TO EVERYONE..........
Thanks to Erika.
2. My young grandson called the other day to wish me Happy Birthday. He asked me how old I was, and I told him, 62. My grandson was quiet for a moment, and then he asked, "Did you start at 1?"
3. After putting her grandchildren to bed, a grandmother changed into old slacks and a droopy blouse and proceeded to wash her hair. As she heard the children getting more and more rambunctious, her patience grew thin. Finally, she threw a towel around her head and stormed into their room, putting them back to bed with stern warnings. As she left the room, she heard the three-year-old say with a trembling voice, "Who was THAT?"
4. A grandmother was telling her little granddaughter what her own childhood was like: "We used to skate outside on a pond I had a swing made from a tire; it hung from a tree in our front yard. We rode our pony. We picked wild raspberries in the woods." The little girl was wide-eyed, taking this all in. At last she said, "I sure wish I'd gotten to know you sooner!"
5. My grandson was visiting one day when he asked, "Grandma, do you know how you and GOD are alike?" I mentally polished my halo and I said, "No, how are we alike?'' "You're both old," he replied.
6. A little girl was diligently pounding away on her grandfather's word processor. She told him she was writing a story. "What's it about?" he asked. "I don't know," she replied. "I can't read."
7. I didn't know if my granddaughter had learned her colours yet, so I decided to test her. I would point out something and ask what color it was. She would tell me and was always correct. It was fun for me, so I continued. At last, she headed for the door, saying, "Grandma, I think you should try to figure out some of these, yourself!"
8. When my grandson Billy and I entered our vacation cabin, we kept the lights off until we were inside to keep from attracting pesky insects. Still, a few fireflies followed us in. Noticing them before I did, Billy whispered, "It's no use Grandpa. Now the mosquitoes are coming after us with flashlights."
9. When my grandson asked me how old I was, I teasingly replied, "I'm not sure..." "Look in your underwear, Grandpa," he advised, "mine says I'm 4 to 6."
10. A second grader came home from school and said to her grandmother, "Grandma, guess what? We learned how to make babies today." The grandmother, more than a little surprised, tried to keep her cool. "That's interesting," she said, "how do you make babies?" "It's simple," replied the girl. "You just change 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'."
11. Children's Logic: "Give me a sentence about a public servant," said a teacher. The small boy wrote: "The fireman came down the ladder pregnant." The teacher took the lad aside to correct him. "Don't you know what pregnant means?" she asked. "Sure," said the young boy confidently. 'It means carrying a child."
12.. A grandfather was delivering his grandchildren to their home one day when a fire truck zoomed past. Sitting in the front seat of the fire truck was a Dalmatian dog. The children started discussing the dog's duties. "They use him to keep crowds back," said one child. "No," said another. "He's just for good luck." A third child brought the argument to a close."They use the dogs," she said firmly, "to find the fire hydrants."
13. A 6-year-old was asked where his grandma lived. "Oh," he said, "she lives at the airport, and when we want her, we just go get her. Then, when we're done having her visit, we take her back to the airport."
14. Grandpa is the smartest man on earth! He teaches me good things, but I don't get to see him enough to get as smart as him!
15. My Grandparents are funny, when they bend over; you hear gas leaks, and they blame their dog.
SEND THIS TO OTHER GRANDPARENTS, ALMOST GRANDPARENTS,
OH HECK,
SEND IT TO EVERYONE..........
Thanks to Erika.
Hmmm...Interesting
Mark Harris at Preludium points out:
Assuming that resolutions of General Convention require passage by both houses, the Theology Committee of the House of Bishops is NOT a creature of the House of Bishops, but rather of General Convention. The Theological Committee is listed as one of the CCAB's (Committees, Commissions, Agencies and Boards) of General Convention.
Read Mark's entire post. Lots of interesting stuff there.
Assuming that resolutions of General Convention require passage by both houses, the Theology Committee of the House of Bishops is NOT a creature of the House of Bishops, but rather of General Convention. The Theological Committee is listed as one of the CCAB's (Committees, Commissions, Agencies and Boards) of General Convention.
Read Mark's entire post. Lots of interesting stuff there.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Send A Letter Demanding Transparency
The Committee on Theology in the House of Bishops formed a sub-committee to study same-sex relationships. The membership of the sub-committee is secret. Read the article at the Lead at the Episcopal Café for further details.
Where's the transparency? Why are the names of the members secret? This should not be. I believe that our leaders in the Episcopal Church made a grave miscalculation in their decision not to release the names of the members of the sub-committee. I understand and agree that the deliberations may be confidential until the report is delivered, but not the names of the members.
Those of you who are members of the Episcopal Church and who agree that the veil of secrecy should be lifted may want to send your own communication to our church leaders, along with a copy to your bishop.
Dennis, whom many of you know from our blog world, sent the letter below. His is a fine model, but, of course, use your own wording in your letter.
Bishops Subject: HoB "secret" theology committee and our lives
Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 17:19:31 -0700
The news that the House of Bishops has a select committee to examine the inclusion of gays and lesbians into the life of our church is really shocking. So now there is a secret committee to, once again, talk about what to do about us. How sad.
Instead of moving toward inclusion we are seeing the issue delayed, once again, by another study, this time by a committee whose members' names haven't been released.
For the House of Bishops to pass on a discussion about our lives (after countless studies and listening) to a committee without releasing the names the names of the members looks like a delay tactic and is below what I expect from bishops.
When bishops start acting like machine politicians from Tammany Hall it smells suspicious and looks like the fix is going to be put in place, once again, to close the door to acceptance. This is the Episcopal Church, not one of the churches where bishops do as they please and answer to no one.
I am sure that we are to be treated to the kind of explanation best saved for political spin, that a secret committee would allow for "prayerful" deliberations or some other tale. Whatever the answer it will surely desecrate the idea being used to cover the secrecy.
I have great hopes that this year we will be rid of B033 and start allowing the church to bless our unions. It would be so nice if my partner and I, after eight years together, could look to the church to welcome us as a couple. Wouldn't that be nice?
But with secret committees discussing our place in the church, who knows?
I get so tired of being disappointed in my church. I really do.
Dennis
Send your emails to:
Katharine Jefferst-Schori, Presiding Bishop - pboffice@episcopalchurch.org
Bishop Henry Parsley, Chair, Committee on Theology - hparsley@dioala.org
Neva Rae Fox, Public Affairs Officer - nrfox@episcopalchurch.org
Dr. Charles Robertson, Canon to the Presiding Bishop - crobertson@episcopalchurch.org
Sharon Jones - Executive Assistant to the Presiding Bishop - sjones@episcopalchurch.org
Dr. Bonnie Anderson, President, House of Deputies - banderson@episcopalchurch.org
Kim Tucker, Assistant to President of House of Deputies - ktucker@episcopalchurch.org
UPDATE: Louie Crew lists the addresses of the diocesan bishops.
UPDATE 2: From Ann in the comments:
Here are the names and email addresses of the members of the Theology Committee (not the secret committee):
The Rt. Rev. Henry Nutt Parsley, Chair, hparsley@dioala.org
The Rt. Rev. David A. Alvarez, obispoalvarez@spiderlink.net
The Rt. Rev. John C. Bauerschmidt, jcbbishop@episcopaldiocese-tn.org
The Rt. Rev. Joe G. Burnett, jburnett@episcopal-ne.org
Dr. Ellen T. Charry, ellen.charry@ptsem.edu
The Rev. Dr. Sathianathan Clarke, sclarke@wesleyseminary.edu
Dr. Stephen E. Fowl, sfowl@loyola.edu
The Rev. Dr. A. Katherine Grieb, kgrieb@vts.edu
The Rt. Rev Robert W. Ihloff, rihloff@verizon.net
Dr. Charles T. Mathewes, ctm9d@Virginia.EDU
Dr. Joy A. McDougall, jamcdou@emory.edu
The Rt. Rev. Steven A. Miller, bishop11@diomil.org
Dr. Kathryn Tanner, ketanner@midway.uchicago.edu
UPDATE 3: The Lead posted the latest word from Bishop Henry Parsley, chair of the Committee on Theology.
Where's the transparency? Why are the names of the members secret? This should not be. I believe that our leaders in the Episcopal Church made a grave miscalculation in their decision not to release the names of the members of the sub-committee. I understand and agree that the deliberations may be confidential until the report is delivered, but not the names of the members.
Those of you who are members of the Episcopal Church and who agree that the veil of secrecy should be lifted may want to send your own communication to our church leaders, along with a copy to your bishop.
Dennis, whom many of you know from our blog world, sent the letter below. His is a fine model, but, of course, use your own wording in your letter.
Bishops Subject: HoB "secret" theology committee and our lives
Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 17:19:31 -0700
The news that the House of Bishops has a select committee to examine the inclusion of gays and lesbians into the life of our church is really shocking. So now there is a secret committee to, once again, talk about what to do about us. How sad.
Instead of moving toward inclusion we are seeing the issue delayed, once again, by another study, this time by a committee whose members' names haven't been released.
For the House of Bishops to pass on a discussion about our lives (after countless studies and listening) to a committee without releasing the names the names of the members looks like a delay tactic and is below what I expect from bishops.
When bishops start acting like machine politicians from Tammany Hall it smells suspicious and looks like the fix is going to be put in place, once again, to close the door to acceptance. This is the Episcopal Church, not one of the churches where bishops do as they please and answer to no one.
I am sure that we are to be treated to the kind of explanation best saved for political spin, that a secret committee would allow for "prayerful" deliberations or some other tale. Whatever the answer it will surely desecrate the idea being used to cover the secrecy.
I have great hopes that this year we will be rid of B033 and start allowing the church to bless our unions. It would be so nice if my partner and I, after eight years together, could look to the church to welcome us as a couple. Wouldn't that be nice?
But with secret committees discussing our place in the church, who knows?
I get so tired of being disappointed in my church. I really do.
Dennis
Send your emails to:
Katharine Jefferst-Schori, Presiding Bishop - pboffice@episcopalchurch.org
Bishop Henry Parsley, Chair, Committee on Theology - hparsley@dioala.org
Neva Rae Fox, Public Affairs Officer - nrfox@episcopalchurch.org
Dr. Charles Robertson, Canon to the Presiding Bishop - crobertson@episcopalchurch.org
Sharon Jones - Executive Assistant to the Presiding Bishop - sjones@episcopalchurch.org
Dr. Bonnie Anderson, President, House of Deputies - banderson@episcopalchurch.org
Kim Tucker, Assistant to President of House of Deputies - ktucker@episcopalchurch.org
UPDATE: Louie Crew lists the addresses of the diocesan bishops.
UPDATE 2: From Ann in the comments:
Here are the names and email addresses of the members of the Theology Committee (not the secret committee):
The Rt. Rev. Henry Nutt Parsley, Chair, hparsley@dioala.org
The Rt. Rev. David A. Alvarez, obispoalvarez@spiderlink.net
The Rt. Rev. John C. Bauerschmidt, jcbbishop@episcopaldiocese-tn.org
The Rt. Rev. Joe G. Burnett, jburnett@episcopal-ne.org
Dr. Ellen T. Charry, ellen.charry@ptsem.edu
The Rev. Dr. Sathianathan Clarke, sclarke@wesleyseminary.edu
Dr. Stephen E. Fowl, sfowl@loyola.edu
The Rev. Dr. A. Katherine Grieb, kgrieb@vts.edu
The Rt. Rev Robert W. Ihloff, rihloff@verizon.net
Dr. Charles T. Mathewes, ctm9d@Virginia.EDU
Dr. Joy A. McDougall, jamcdou@emory.edu
The Rt. Rev. Steven A. Miller, bishop11@diomil.org
Dr. Kathryn Tanner, ketanner@midway.uchicago.edu
UPDATE 3: The Lead posted the latest word from Bishop Henry Parsley, chair of the Committee on Theology.
Thought For The Day
Why is it that people who continually spew forth hate-filled rhetoric are suddenly surprised when other people become angry and commit violent acts against those to whom their hate-filled rhetoric was directed?
The speakers then back away and say, "Oh, I didn't mean that!"
My thought for the day was inspired by this article in the Huffington Post by Frank Shaeffer, who was, in his own words, "both a leader of the so-called pro-life movement and a part of a Republican Party hate machine masquerading as the moral conscience of America."
Schaeffer says:
Like many writers of moral/political/religious theories my father and I would have been shocked that someone took us at our word, walked into a Lutheran Church and pulled the trigger on an abortionist. But even if the murderer never read Dad's or my words we helped create the climate that made this murder likely to happen.
Schaeffer appeared on Rachel Maddow's show last night. Here's the link to the video.
Thanks to John for sending me the link to the HP article.
The speakers then back away and say, "Oh, I didn't mean that!"
My thought for the day was inspired by this article in the Huffington Post by Frank Shaeffer, who was, in his own words, "both a leader of the so-called pro-life movement and a part of a Republican Party hate machine masquerading as the moral conscience of America."
Schaeffer says:
Like many writers of moral/political/religious theories my father and I would have been shocked that someone took us at our word, walked into a Lutheran Church and pulled the trigger on an abortionist. But even if the murderer never read Dad's or my words we helped create the climate that made this murder likely to happen.
Schaeffer appeared on Rachel Maddow's show last night. Here's the link to the video.
Thanks to John for sending me the link to the HP article.
Now Is The Time To End "Don't Ask - Don't Tell"
We're waiting Mr. President. We're waiting, Democratic senators and representatives. Why no movement to end the ridiculous policy that requires gays and lesbians to stay in the closet?
When President Clinton announced the policy, I laughed out loud. I know. It's not funny at all, but it seemed so ridiculous to require gay folks to stay in the closet in order for them to serve their country in the military. I remember early in the war with Iraq a number of members of the military who spoke the languages of the Middle East were discharged for being gay or lesbian, right at the time when we were in great need of folks who spoke those languages. How stupid was that?
I've heard murmurings, and I've been wondering when the reversal of the nonsensical policy would take place, so I was disappointed to discover this article from MSNBC News:
The U.S. military says it has no plans to repeal the "don't ask-don't tell" policy regarding homosexual troops.
Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said Tuesday the military's top leaders have had initial discussions with the White House about whether gay troops should be open about their sexuality.
Under current rules, openly gay troops can be discharged from the U.S. military.
Morrell said the White House has not asked for the 1993 policy to be scrapped.
"I do not believe there are any plans under way in this building for some expected, but not articulated, anticipation that 'don't ask-don't tell' will be repealed," Morrell told reporters at the Pentagon.
....
Morrell said Defense Secretary Robert Gates and the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, Adm. Mike Mullen, both have discussed the issue with Obama.
"They're aware of where the president wants to go on this issue, but I don't think that there is any sense of any immediate developments in the offing on efforts to repeal `don't ask-don't tell'," Morrell said.
If that's the case, isn't it time for President Obama to bring the Pentagon on board with his plan and for him to urge the Congress to move forward to end 'don't ask - don't tell' and keep the promise he made during his campaign?
When President Clinton announced the policy, I laughed out loud. I know. It's not funny at all, but it seemed so ridiculous to require gay folks to stay in the closet in order for them to serve their country in the military. I remember early in the war with Iraq a number of members of the military who spoke the languages of the Middle East were discharged for being gay or lesbian, right at the time when we were in great need of folks who spoke those languages. How stupid was that?
I've heard murmurings, and I've been wondering when the reversal of the nonsensical policy would take place, so I was disappointed to discover this article from MSNBC News:
The U.S. military says it has no plans to repeal the "don't ask-don't tell" policy regarding homosexual troops.
Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said Tuesday the military's top leaders have had initial discussions with the White House about whether gay troops should be open about their sexuality.
Under current rules, openly gay troops can be discharged from the U.S. military.
Morrell said the White House has not asked for the 1993 policy to be scrapped.
"I do not believe there are any plans under way in this building for some expected, but not articulated, anticipation that 'don't ask-don't tell' will be repealed," Morrell told reporters at the Pentagon.
....
Morrell said Defense Secretary Robert Gates and the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, Adm. Mike Mullen, both have discussed the issue with Obama.
"They're aware of where the president wants to go on this issue, but I don't think that there is any sense of any immediate developments in the offing on efforts to repeal `don't ask-don't tell'," Morrell said.
If that's the case, isn't it time for President Obama to bring the Pentagon on board with his plan and for him to urge the Congress to move forward to end 'don't ask - don't tell' and keep the promise he made during his campaign?
Childbirth At 65
With all the new technology regarding fertility recently, a 65-year-old friend of mine was able to give birth. When she was discharged from the hospital and went home, I went to visit.
'May I see the new baby?' I asked
'Not yet ,' She said 'I'll make coffee and we can chat for a while
first.'
Thirty minutes had passed, and I asked, 'May I see the new baby now?'
'No, not yet,' She said.
After another few minutes had elapsed, I asked again, 'May I see the baby now?'
'No, not yet,' replied my friend.
Growing very impatient, I asked, 'Well, when can I see the baby?'
'WHEN HE CRIES!' she told me.
'WHEN HE CRIES?' I demanded. 'Why do I have to wait until he CRIES?'
'BECAUSE I FORGOT WHERE I PUT HIM, O.K.?!!'
Thanks to Ann.
By the way, Ann has a lovely Pentecost sermon posted.
'May I see the new baby?' I asked
'Not yet ,' She said 'I'll make coffee and we can chat for a while
first.'
Thirty minutes had passed, and I asked, 'May I see the new baby now?'
'No, not yet,' She said.
After another few minutes had elapsed, I asked again, 'May I see the baby now?'
'No, not yet,' replied my friend.
Growing very impatient, I asked, 'Well, when can I see the baby?'
'WHEN HE CRIES!' she told me.
'WHEN HE CRIES?' I demanded. 'Why do I have to wait until he CRIES?'
'BECAUSE I FORGOT WHERE I PUT HIM, O.K.?!!'
Thanks to Ann.
By the way, Ann has a lovely Pentecost sermon posted.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Whose Fault, Dick?
From Frank Rich at the New York Times:
Once again Cheney and his cohort were using lies and fear to try to gain political advantage — this time to rewrite history and escape accountability for the failed Bush presidency rather than to drum up a new war. Once again Democrats in Congress were cowed. And once again too much of the so-called liberal news media parroted the right’s scare tactics, putting America’s real security interests at risk by failing to challenge any Washington politician carrying a big stick.
"Dick Cheney and his cohort" are just doing what they do, taking the slimy low road to deceive, manipulate, and now weasel out of their responsibility for the giant, smelly pile that they left behind. But WTF is wrong with the Democrats in Congress and the news media?
The Democrats are in charge, now but they're still scared silly by the Republicans, even after their massive repudiation by the citizens of the country. The Senate hands Obama a 90-6 "NO!" vote to shutting down that hall of horrors and shame called Guantanamo. What will it take to stiffen the spines of the Congress critters? What will it take?
And the so-called liberal media, the media who view themselves as unbiased, not Fox News, not Rush Limbaugh and his ilk, but those whom we expect to inform us of the true state of things, what are they doing? Only a very few call Cheney and his pals on their lies - and none in face to face confrontation with the Dick himself. Ooooh! If they laid out Cheney's deceptions before him, he might not appear again on their shows. And what a profound loss THAT would be to us all! I ask the media, "Why do you give Cheney a forum to repeat his lies over and over, even after the lies have been repudiated and exposed for what they are? What's wrong with you?"
The reporters and columnists who do their jobs look like heroes today. A big "THANK YOU" to Frank Rich for this column and for his many other truth-telling columns and to Jonathan Landay and Warren Strobel at McKlatchy who lay out the "omissions, exaggerations and misstatements" in Cheney's speech at the American Enterprise Institute and who also were amongst those who called attention to the "omissions, exaggerations and misstatements" of the Bush maladministration before the Iraq War.
Shame on you, Democrats in Congress. Shame on you hotshots and pundits in the media. You're not doing your jobs. I'm compiling an "Enemies in the So-called Liberal Media" list, and David Gregory's name is on it.
Paul, the BB, highlights the money quote, and I thank him for calling my attention to Rich's column.
The harrowing truth remains unchanged from what it was before Cheney emerged from his bunker to set Washington atwitter. The Bush administration did not make us safer either before or after 9/11. Obama is not making us less safe. If there’s another terrorist attack, it will be because the mess the Bush administration ignored in Pakistan and Afghanistan spun beyond anyone’s control well before Americans could throw the bums out.
UPDATE: Heroes of the Senate who voted against the amendment to prevent appropriation funds to be used to close Guantanamo:
Dick Durbin (D-Ill.)
Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.)
Tom Harkin (D-Iowa)
Carl Levin (D-Mich.)
Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)
Jack Reed (D-R.I.)
Thank you, Senators. I am proud of you.
Once again Cheney and his cohort were using lies and fear to try to gain political advantage — this time to rewrite history and escape accountability for the failed Bush presidency rather than to drum up a new war. Once again Democrats in Congress were cowed. And once again too much of the so-called liberal news media parroted the right’s scare tactics, putting America’s real security interests at risk by failing to challenge any Washington politician carrying a big stick.
"Dick Cheney and his cohort" are just doing what they do, taking the slimy low road to deceive, manipulate, and now weasel out of their responsibility for the giant, smelly pile that they left behind. But WTF is wrong with the Democrats in Congress and the news media?
The Democrats are in charge, now but they're still scared silly by the Republicans, even after their massive repudiation by the citizens of the country. The Senate hands Obama a 90-6 "NO!" vote to shutting down that hall of horrors and shame called Guantanamo. What will it take to stiffen the spines of the Congress critters? What will it take?
And the so-called liberal media, the media who view themselves as unbiased, not Fox News, not Rush Limbaugh and his ilk, but those whom we expect to inform us of the true state of things, what are they doing? Only a very few call Cheney and his pals on their lies - and none in face to face confrontation with the Dick himself. Ooooh! If they laid out Cheney's deceptions before him, he might not appear again on their shows. And what a profound loss THAT would be to us all! I ask the media, "Why do you give Cheney a forum to repeat his lies over and over, even after the lies have been repudiated and exposed for what they are? What's wrong with you?"
The reporters and columnists who do their jobs look like heroes today. A big "THANK YOU" to Frank Rich for this column and for his many other truth-telling columns and to Jonathan Landay and Warren Strobel at McKlatchy who lay out the "omissions, exaggerations and misstatements" in Cheney's speech at the American Enterprise Institute and who also were amongst those who called attention to the "omissions, exaggerations and misstatements" of the Bush maladministration before the Iraq War.
Shame on you, Democrats in Congress. Shame on you hotshots and pundits in the media. You're not doing your jobs. I'm compiling an "Enemies in the So-called Liberal Media" list, and David Gregory's name is on it.
Paul, the BB, highlights the money quote, and I thank him for calling my attention to Rich's column.
The harrowing truth remains unchanged from what it was before Cheney emerged from his bunker to set Washington atwitter. The Bush administration did not make us safer either before or after 9/11. Obama is not making us less safe. If there’s another terrorist attack, it will be because the mess the Bush administration ignored in Pakistan and Afghanistan spun beyond anyone’s control well before Americans could throw the bums out.
UPDATE: Heroes of the Senate who voted against the amendment to prevent appropriation funds to be used to close Guantanamo:
Dick Durbin (D-Ill.)
Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.)
Tom Harkin (D-Iowa)
Carl Levin (D-Mich.)
Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)
Jack Reed (D-R.I.)
Thank you, Senators. I am proud of you.
On A Plane
A PLANE IS ON ITS WAY TO TORONTO, WHEN A BLONDE IN ECONOMY CLASS GETS UP, AND MOVES TO THE FIRST CLASS SECTION AND SITS DOWN. THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT WATCHES HER DO THIS, AND ASKS TO SEE HER TICKET. SHE THEN TELLS THE BLONDE THAT SHE PAID FOR ECONOMY CLASS, AND THAT SHE WILL HAVE TO SIT IN THE BACK.
THE BLONDE REPLIES, "I'M BLONDE, I'M BEAUTIFUL, I'M GOING TO TORONTO AND I'M STAYING RIGHT HERE."
THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT GOES INTO THE COCKPIT AND TELLS THE PILOT AND THE CO-PILOT THAT THERE IS A BLONDE BIMBO SITTING IN FIRST CLASS, THAT BELONGS IN ECONOMY, AND WON'T MOVE BACK TO HER SEAT.
THE CO-PILOT GOES BACK TO THE BLONDE AND TRIES TO EXPLAIN THAT BECAUSE SHE ONLY PAID FOR ECONOMY SHE WILL HAVE TO LEAVE AND RETURN TO HER SEAT.
THE BLONDE REPLIES, "I'M BLONDE, I'M BEAUTIFUL, I'M GOING TO TORONTO AND I'M STAYING RIGHT HERE."
THE CO-PILOT TELLS THE PILOT THAT HE PROBABLY SHOULD HAVE THE POLICE WAITING WHEN THEY LAND TO ARREST THIS BLONDE WOMAN WHO WON'T LISTEN TO REASON.
THE PILOT SAYS, "YOU SAY SHE IS A BLONDE? I'LL HANDLE THIS, I'M MARRIED TO A BLONDE. I SPEAK BLONDE." HE GOES BACK TO THE BLONDE AND WHISPERS IN HER EAR, AND SHE SAYS, "OH, I'M SORRY." AND GETS UP AND GOES BACK TO HER SEAT IN ECONOMY.
THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT AND CO-PILOT ARE AMAZED AND ASKED HIM WHAT HE SAID TO MAKE HER MOVE WITHOUT ANY FUSS.
"I TOLD HER, "FIRST CLASS ISN'T GOING TO TORONTO".
If you think this joke is sexist, you need to know that a woman sent it to me, and the woman's name is Erika. Don't blame me. Blame Erika.
THE BLONDE REPLIES, "I'M BLONDE, I'M BEAUTIFUL, I'M GOING TO TORONTO AND I'M STAYING RIGHT HERE."
THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT GOES INTO THE COCKPIT AND TELLS THE PILOT AND THE CO-PILOT THAT THERE IS A BLONDE BIMBO SITTING IN FIRST CLASS, THAT BELONGS IN ECONOMY, AND WON'T MOVE BACK TO HER SEAT.
THE CO-PILOT GOES BACK TO THE BLONDE AND TRIES TO EXPLAIN THAT BECAUSE SHE ONLY PAID FOR ECONOMY SHE WILL HAVE TO LEAVE AND RETURN TO HER SEAT.
THE BLONDE REPLIES, "I'M BLONDE, I'M BEAUTIFUL, I'M GOING TO TORONTO AND I'M STAYING RIGHT HERE."
THE CO-PILOT TELLS THE PILOT THAT HE PROBABLY SHOULD HAVE THE POLICE WAITING WHEN THEY LAND TO ARREST THIS BLONDE WOMAN WHO WON'T LISTEN TO REASON.
THE PILOT SAYS, "YOU SAY SHE IS A BLONDE? I'LL HANDLE THIS, I'M MARRIED TO A BLONDE. I SPEAK BLONDE." HE GOES BACK TO THE BLONDE AND WHISPERS IN HER EAR, AND SHE SAYS, "OH, I'M SORRY." AND GETS UP AND GOES BACK TO HER SEAT IN ECONOMY.
THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT AND CO-PILOT ARE AMAZED AND ASKED HIM WHAT HE SAID TO MAKE HER MOVE WITHOUT ANY FUSS.
"I TOLD HER, "FIRST CLASS ISN'T GOING TO TORONTO".
If you think this joke is sexist, you need to know that a woman sent it to me, and the woman's name is Erika. Don't blame me. Blame Erika.
Feast Of The Visitation Of Mary
Fra ANGELICO - Visitation - 1433-34 - Tempera on wood
Museo Diocesano, Cortona
Readings:
Psalm 113 or Canticle 9;
Zephaniah 3:14-18a;
Colossians 3:12-17;
Luke 1:39-49
Canticle 9
Surely, it is God who saves me;
I will trust in him and not be afraid.
For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense,
and he will be my Savior.
Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing
from the springs of salvation.
And on that day you shall say,
Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his Name;
Make his deeds known among the peoples;
see that they remember that his Name is exalted.
Sing praises of the Lord, for he has done great things,
and this is known in all the world.
Cry aloud, inhabitants of Zion, ring out your joy,
for the great one in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel.
Isaiah 12:2-6
As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:12-17
In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leapt for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.’
And Mary said,
‘My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
Luke 1:39-49
PRAYER
Father in heaven, by whose grace the virgin mother of your incarnate Son was blessed in bearing him, but still more blessed in keeping your word: Grant us who honor the exaltation of her lowliness to follow the example of her devotion to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
I honor Mary, I love the Magnificat, and I love Fra Angelico's paintings, therefore in this post I give myself the gift of joy.
Image from Web Gallery of Art.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)