Thoughts on Halloween

In the interest of discovering the origins of a celebration before participation, here is some food for thought: Wikipedia.

In addition, here is a quote from the book The Worship of the Dead by Colonel J. Garnier because I couldn't find an electronic copy to link to: "The mythologies of all the ancient nations are interwoven with the events of the Deluge... The force of this arguments is illustrated by the fact of the observance of a great festival of the dead in commemoration of the event, not only by nations more or less in communication with each other, but by other widely separated, both by the ocean and by centuries of time. This festival is, moreover, held by all on or about the very day on which, according to the Mosaic account, the Deluge took plac, viz., the seventeenth day of hte second month -- the month nearly corresponding with our November." Halloween and other Saints days are on the anniversary of the distruction of a world of ungodly people at the Flood.

Mid-Term Blues

October. For so many people it is a glorious month, with fall colors, harvesting, and crisp autumn mornings. For me, the shadow of mid-terms still lurks in my sub-conscious. And none of my answers or tests were ever this amusing: Chemistry, History/Lit, Science Lab, or Computer Science.

Frenetic Friday Fantasm

I'm all over the map with posts today so lets get started. Right.

I've always thought there should be a play about the office. Okay. So I'm lying and I spend too many days in a cube. But this piece is just a hoot.

Have some inspiration. Er. Rather maybe some desperation? A delightful way to de-motivate yourself.

Who knew math could disprove vampires? Poor Buffy.

Fox and Universal are beginning to crack down on fan-made Firefly/Serenity merchandise (or 'merch'). Here is one fan's reply. Way to go B!x. And the Whedonesque thread about it all is here, here and an original forum post from a merch-maker here.

Second Reality

Second Life tries to be real life.

Of course, that reminded me of a story I heard on Escape Pod (podcasting speculative fiction to your ears) all about who really hides behind the avatars.

Portland Fear Mongering

In light of the American Highway's Users Alliance evacuation study, which gives Portland, OR a failing grade, some controled fear mongering may be in order. Something along the lines of "O God, we're all going to die" could be appropriate. Here is my research:

The coast has it covered.
No car means you need to plan to use your bike.
It has happened and it could happen.
Operation Greenlight: Downtown Portland was evacuated in 1955 in 19 minutes. They even made a documentary called "A Day Called X" staring "the people of Portland."

Side Note: Why would the American Highway's Users Alliance conduct a study that concludes that we need more roads. Think about it.

Monday Postings!

The Interview with God – Because it is Monday – And we could all use an interview with God. I hope you will listen, watch and forward it to those who need some inspiration in their lives.

God's Yellow Pages - Let your fingers do the walking thru the Bible.

This post contributed by insuregal.

nanowrimo

You too can write a novel. I'm already signed up.

An argh! Friday

Frugality at work.

Judicial changes in South Dakota. South Dakota - also known as the complete Oregon opposite.

So, that mail you never got. Now you know why.

The end of humanity as we know it?

Textbooks - way to expensive anyway. Get 'em cheaper. Or free.

I've Used One

A non-sequitur on a yellow note-pad about kitty litter boxes lead me to this.

Random blogs and today

Friday the 13th Myth Makers.

U.S. Casino magnate gives Picasso's dream the elbow .

This post contributed by insuregal.

Too much Tuesday

An interesting look at some of the service-men/women from extremely small towns.

If you somehow didn't know Battlestar Galactica is going to get darker as the season progresses, here it is from the Commander's mouth.

Get your grown up tree house.

Get non-beauty pageant election news.

Nathan Fillion and Fox. Soon to be cancelled.

I knew there was a reason I was feeling cramped.

For all the Leftwing Nutjobs out there. A little leftwing love, a little leftwing outrage. Politics in a podcast.

You feel fine, I feel fine

A really cool way to feel with the rest of the world.

And in case you want some Geeky cross-word fun, this is for the scifi geek in all of us. Now go feel geeky and fine.

links!!

A green earth and Christianity.

The internet – will it remain available to everyone? -

Solid Rock Christian Church (downloadable teachings).

Child hunger and the Oregon Food Bank.

Dance, learn to dance, watch others learn to dance.

Portland flunks – Catastrophic event in the Rose City and how Portland would not be able to safely evacuate.

This post contributed by insuregal.

Morning Madcap Mashup Madness

Major surgical change?
Thumbelina - the real little pony.
Whil Weaton lives!
Do it yourself - beginner bicycle maintenance in PDX.
YouTube: Crazy, stupid deal? Or maniacal Google genius?
Another MediaShift article about an attempt to be pan-European.

The Best One Minute of Your Day

http://www.rinkworks.com/bookaminute/

Because Cliff Notes are too long.

Its Terrible Tuesday . .

Harry Potter says no to Dobby?
I've always wanted to walk like a zombie.