The ***OFFICIAL*** Weekend Singles' Thread -- Easter Weekend (April 14-16)

April 14, 2006 | Victoria Delsoul and Army Air Corps

[Victoria Delsoul]

The True Meaning of Easter

By: Paul Arinaga

There's a lot of controversy about the true meaning of Easter. Some claim that it's actually a pagan celebration in origin. Others lament that retailers, greeting card companies and television are changing Christianity's greatest feast into something with meaning "the size of a jelly bean."

In any case, the most common view about the real meaning of Easter is that it's a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that through this act, sin and death are conquered. Easter also can be seen as a season of joy. The time of sorrow is over. Lent's penitential forty days have passed, and the fifty days of the Easter season have begun. Winter is over and spring is in the air. In times past, it's said that priests would regale their parishioners with funny stories. Easter was truly a time to rejoice. To rejoice that Our Lord has Risen and that one day we too shall pass through death (which has lost its sting) and rise to New Life!

While I am certainly not erudite enough to give you the definitive answer on what Easter means. I believe that it offers many valuable insights about life, no matter what your religious beliefs. In fact, the Easter story is so powerful that it probably offers something even to an open-minded atheist!

One of the biggest lessons from the Easter story, I believe, is the power of forgiveness. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about what forgiveness actually is. In my opinion, it doesn't mean condoning the wrong that has been committed or allowing it to happen again. Moreover, the act of forgiving is not necessarily something you do for the transgressor (although it can be), although its power can transform the transgressor, too. It is something you may do for yourself.

When you can forgive, you can finally be free of the burden of guilt, anger, hatred or resentment. The healing process can begin or finally conclude. You can also let go of the person who hurt you. This makes you stronger and removes the power that person has over you. It's somehow ironic that by not forgiving we allow the person who has harmed us to continue to harm us, even if they themselves are unaware of the long-term damage that is being inflicted. Of course, ultimately, we are responsible. By taking responsibility now for our own interpretation of what happened in the past, we become much stronger - I think that's what people mean when they talk about "self-empowerment".

I'm not sure whether forgiveness is the main lesson of the Easter story or even a primary message from it. But I am sure that it is a valuable one. And I'm also certain that if we can learn how to forgive, we will be more productive - and happier - human beings.

Hi everybody. The themes for today are sports and movies:

1- Strange sports stories where you either participated or were a spectator. (Anything that seemed out of the ordinary and made you laugh.)

2- Favorite romantic films. Tell us about your most memorable tv/movie romances, or romantic moments.

3- Tell us about your favorite romantic movie dance scene: actors, actress, songs, soundtrack... which particular scene you thought was the best, famous quotes, etc.

And as you all well know, “in this world nothing is certain but death and taxes” and since it is also a tax weekend, we'd like to add some tax trivia, too.

Make sure to read this great essay regarding the history of taxes in the U.S. written by Army Air Corps. Outstanding job, AAC. Thanks.

Tax Trivia:

1. In 1913, the Sixteenth Amendment to the U. S. Constitution was passed. What did it do?

2. About how much did the U. S. government collect in Income Taxes in the year 2001?

3. Which country does NOT have an income tax?

4. Why was the first U. S. Income Tax implemented?

5. Which U. S. President was responsible for the largest Federal Income Tax cut in the 20th century?

6. Which President implemented the very first Income Tax in the United States?

7. As a percent of income, which country has the highest tax rate?

8. As of the year 2000, the U. S. Internal Revenue Code (or tax code for short) is how many pages long?

9. Who writes the Income Tax laws in the United States?

10. What does the Internal Revenue Service call their electronic method of filing Income Taxes?

Please, join us for some fun.

Your hosts for the weekend are:

Victoria Delsoul                             Army Air Corps

This weekend's Music

Sergio Mendes & Black Eyed Peas - Mas Que Nada

Shakira - Whenever, Whatever

Los Lonely Boys - Heaven

Los Lonely Boys – Heaven (Spanish Version)

Etta James – At Last

Charlie Rich – The Most Beautiful Girl

The Cardigans – Lovefool

Maroon 5 - This Love

Frank Sinatra – I've Got You Under My Skin

Smokey Robinson – Just To See Her

Mariah Carey - Emotions

Barry Manilow – Copacabana

Wayne Fontana & the Mindbenders - The Game Of Love

Andy Williams – Moon River

Louie Prima – Jump Jive And Wail

Shania Twain - You're Still The One

Smokey Robinson – Cruisin'

The Mamas & The Papas – California Dreamin'

Ricky Martin – Livin' The Vida Loca

Goo Goo Dolls – Give A Little Bit

Neil Diamond - America

Lou Bega – Mambo No. 5

Bobby Darin – Mack The Knife

Wayne Newton – Danke Schoen

Neil Diamond – I Am I Said

Bobby Darin – Beyond The Sea

The Marcels – Blue Moon

Sam Cooke – Another Saturday Night

Elvis Presley – My Way

Patti Labelle – Lady Marmalade

The Pretenders – Back On The Chain Gang

Bobby Darin - More

Joni Mitchell – Both Sides Now

Roy Orbison – Pretty Woman

Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance With Somebody

Sheryl Crow – All I Want To Do

[Victoria Delsoul]

Haahahaha, you're making a fortune now. I'm sure you get nostalgic and misty eyed from time to time!

[HitmanLV]

I do ok. :-)

[rzeznikj at stout]

Well, I have had a fascination with it for a long time...

Who knows. Maybe I'll prove to be the last of a dying breed--honest laywers. ;)

[Victoria Delsoul]

Yep.

[trussell]

Doogie lived to be an old girl...her liver failure started because she had hip displacia, and had to be medicated for pain management.

She went downhill fast, she was gone within a couple weeks. It's special being able to do for our pets...they rely on us

[rzeznikj at stout]

Neither am I--I'm still an undergrad for another two years, then the three plus to get the JD.

Long story short--from honest Boy Scout to slimy weasel lawyer in five years or less. Guaranteed or triple your money back...;)

Hoping to take the LSATs next year or early Senior year...

[tuliptree76]

I prefer teaching.

[HitmanLV]

Teaching is a wonderful career. One of the finest people I know is a teacher and she is awesome!

[tuliptree76]

Actually, there is a need for "good" attorneys. If I practiced, I would be poor - I can't get myself to charge much to those who can't afford legal services, so I'd end up doing a lot of pro bono work!

[tuliptree76]

I'm just teaching part time at a university while I'm finishing up the current degree. Then I'd like to teach full-time at a university.

[HitmanLV]

I can't stand the thought of teaching our best & brightest university kids day to day. Good luck - it sounds like torture to me!

[Army Air Corps]

Five hundred dollars for a pair of glasses?!

Gads, they had best be made of gold.

[rzeznikj at stout]

Well, I haven't decided which specialty of la

I'm mulling Constitutional law and corporate law, as well as becoming a prosecutor (district attorney, asst. AG, etc.). Maybe a defense attorney. I just don't see myself being a trial lawyer--they're way too slimy.

Nor as a public defender--I'd be inclined to take many cases pro bono or to work for the state at a salary. Both of which just don't seem right for whatever reason.

[Supernatural]

Every time I see a cat now I think of you and Greystone. I have my neighbor's cat in the house right now "visiting".

If I were a cat I can't think of a better "owner" I could have had than you.

[Army Air Corps]

Ooooh, a chocky Dalek. Mmmmmmm.

[Supernatural]

My attorney told me I was the best prepared client he has ever seen in over 30 years of his being an attorney. He also said that I have the best memory for detail he has ever come across.

I often think what it would have been like had I been an attorney.

I think I would have spent some time in jail for contempt of court.

[Victoria Delsoul]

One of the finest people I know is a teacher and she is awesome!

Well, thanks Vinnie. I appreciate it.

[Rca2000]

I think I will retire early tonight. been a long day(but a GOOD one). Talk at ya' all later!!

Ciao, Amigos!!

[Supernatural]

I can't believe so many attorneys have quit the business.

The legal profession needs people like you in it to help keep things honest.

[Victoria Delsoul]

Nighty night, and let me know about you upcoming thread. Freepmail me if you need to.