hamilton

Happy Birthday!

They are also planning to allow downloads in the near future.

In what way? Do you mean that because many Greeks are Eastern Orthodox Christians that promoting a Greek festival week on the Danforth is an indirect promotion of Eastern Orthodoxy? Or that simply partaking of the customs of being Greek constitutes a religion in itself, regardless of any spiritual beliefs? By that definition, I am experiencing a religious moment every morning when I have that necessary extra-large coffee. Likewise my weekly viewing of Hockey Night in Canada. Is it so hard to distinguish between a religion and a ritual?

Maybe not, but I'm sure that homosexuality isn't a religion, nor does being Italian or Greek constitute being a member of a religion.

Sloan, Twice Removed.

If the government wanted to use public funds to create public displays of approximately equal size and value to celebrate *all* religious holidays and festivals, perhaps I would have a diferent opinion. But that solution is practically and financially untenable. As for the pride parades and other cultural festivals, I have no problem with them because they are not religious in nature. Whether it is cast in stone in the constitution or not, church and state *should* be separate. The pride and ethnic culture festivals help to celebrate our differences and similarities by showcasing *minorities*. Why don't we have a "Straight Parade?" Because *every* day is straight day! I have no problem with Christians expressing their Christianity, as long as they are not spending public money to do it - particularly if other religious groups do not have similar access to public funds for the same purpose. Put up a tree, hang up your lights, go carolling in public - it's all cool with me.

Miles Davis, Aura.

No sense of humour, eh?

I have to be honest... I completely agree. I also miss the little "take me to the first post made since the last time I read this thread" arrow that used to be at the top of the thread when you opened it. That was handy.

Words that are meant to hurt other people aren't just words. But words like "Christmas" aren't meant to hurt anyone - Christmas is just the name of the holiday, so in that sense it is just a "word". In all fairness, if one group of people isn't allowed to call Christmas Christmas, then why should another group be allowed to call Kwaanza Kwaanza, or Yom Kippur Yom Kippur? Why don't we just rename all holidays by their dates? hamilton's New Rules for Holidays: 1. If something is for Christmas, it keeps its name; a Christmas tree is a Christmas tree, because it is peculiar to Christmas. 2. Holidays are allowed to keep their names, because that is what they are called; it's what distinguishes them from other days. Christmas stays Christmas. Just because it has its origins in Christianity doesn't mean that it is still only a religious holiday, nor that it is inherently exclusive. 3. Businesses throwing staff parties in December must call them "Holiday Parties" because it is an inclusive term. Employees may be celebrating any number of holidays, so let's allow everyone to have their fun and feel included. 4. Similarly, employees in stores should use "Happy Holidays" when greeting people, and announcing "Holiday Sales". There's more than one holiday, and any given person should be celebrating any given holiday. 5. Conversely, parties in your own home can be Christmas parties if that's what you want them to be. You are celebrating, you are hosting the party; other people are being invited into your home to take part in your celebration. If you want to invite me to your Kwaanza party, I will go, without complaining that it should be a "holiday party" instead. I will have fun, and I will be thankful that you honoured me by inviting me to share in your happiness. 6. Taxpayer money should not be spent to erect Nativity scenes in public places, because they play only to the religious aspect of the holiday. The messsage on the side of the Hamilton escarpment should be "Happy Holidays", not "Merry Christmas". Everyone pays taxes, so it is ridiculous to use taxpayer money to celebrate a holiday that isn't observed by everyone.

Aimee Mann, I'm With Stupid.

Not in Alberta! Apparently the whole province is rat free.

Lesbian pregnant! Christians angry! Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Check out the girlfriend. I'm sure she's a nice person and all, but why do so many lesbians end up with partners that look like men? I mean, if you are attracted to women, shouldn't you be attracted to women who actually look like women?

Sparklehorse, It's A Wonderful Life.

Yep.

Happy Birthday.

Happy Birthday, Scottie!

You have an idea what people do with their used Xmas trees, or you have an idea what people can do with their used Xmas trees?

Brian Eno with Daniel Lanois and Roger Eno, Apollo (Atmospheres and Soundtracks).

Shain's been complaining about being old ever since he turned 19. "Fuck, I'm old enough to legally drink! I'm so old, I might as well just die!" I guess it's been five years for me, too - #121.

Happy Birthday!

"Phil Donahue and Sam Waterston share a tender moment at the Emmy Awards."

World Psychedelic Classics, Volume 3: Love's A Real Thing - The Funky Fuzzy Sounds of West Africa

World Party - Egyptology Uncle Tupleo - No Depression Stars - Set Yourself On Fire Bob Dylan - Nashville Skyline Love - Forever Changes

World Party, Bang!