Naica Crystal Cave - Mexico 2/5

Nature is amazing and the Intelligence behind it all.

Owning a Canadian (Living by God's Laws?)

This is too brilliant to pass up. It is a perfect example of the impossibility of living by a set of strict written laws, due to all the contradictions, the passing of time, environments, climates, and myriad sets of circumstances. Such laws are designed to have people fail, to sin. So instead of focusing upon basking under the ever-shining rays of a loving God, living under so many rules one cringes from a finger-wagging judgmental god. And of course, is it not the priests, the mouth pieces of this god, who the people go to for such absolutions? And how busy those priests must be!

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In her radio show, Dr Laura Schlesinger said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22, and cannot be condoned under any circumstance. The following response is an open letter to Dr. Laura, written by a US man, and posted on the Internet. It’s funny, as well as informative:

Dear Dr. Laura:

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God’s Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination … End of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of

God’s Laws and how to follow them.

1.      Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can’t I own Canadians?

2.      I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

3.      I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of Menstrual uncleanliness – Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

4.      When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord – Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

5.      I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?

6.      A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination, Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don’t agree. Can you settle this? Are there ‘degrees’ of abomination?

7.      Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?

8.      Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?

9.      I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10.  My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16. Couldn’t we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I’m confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God’s word is eternal and unchanging.

Your adoring fan.

James M. Kauffman, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus, Dept. Of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education University of Virginia

PS (It would be a damn shame if we couldn’t own a Canadian)

Yothu Yindi - Timeless Land

I have great love for the land of Australia, ever since I was a boy. In the Olympics or any other nation games I would pull for the Aussies. When I was in my twenties I landed in Perth and hitched pretty much around the whole continent, going into the interior, meeting wonderful people, and going out alone in the wilderness for walkabouts. There is an Ancient Spirit that watches over the land, of Whom the Aboriginals have such a connection; or perhaps they are an extension of that Spirit.

Never, Ever Give Up. Arthur's Inspirational Transformation!

The indomitable human spirit--when we believe we can. A great inspirational story. Well done Arthur!

Flash mob in the Copenhagen Metro. Copenhagen Phil playing Peer Gynt.

Imagine a world where we met with such beauty in our daily routines. That we had a culture that supported the arts to make our lives full of meaning and connection.

How To Be Alone

One can never be alone, for there are unseen hands holding us and unseen eyes watching everything we do without an ounce of judgment. How people lose out when they fear being alone from the distraction of other bodies; so they are always on the cell phone, listening to their music, always needing to entertained.