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The ***OFFICIAL*** Weekend Singles' Thread -- Easter Weekend (April 14-16)
April 14, 2006 | Victoria Delsoul and Army Air Corps

Posted on 04/14/2006 4:28:37 PM PDT by 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






TOPICS: Chit/Chat
KEYWORDS: easter; goodtime; mingle; singles; socializing
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To: Army Air Corps

Too funny


221 posted on 04/14/2006 9:04:53 PM PDT by TheresaKett
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To: Army Air Corps

what is "pinger"?


222 posted on 04/14/2006 9:05:11 PM PDT by DollyCali (Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
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To: HitmanLV

Who is Dawn Welles? Did she play in Gilligan's Island?


223 posted on 04/14/2006 9:06:34 PM PDT by Victoria Delsoul
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To: Victoria Delsoul

Dawn Welles played Mary Ann on Gilligan's Island! :-)


224 posted on 04/14/2006 9:07:38 PM PDT by HitmanLV (Some people like to dash it out, but they just can't take it!)
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To: DollyCali
but we do have good exchanges for the most part.

I agree with that.

225 posted on 04/14/2006 9:07:42 PM PDT by Victoria Delsoul
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To: HitmanLV
that is why it is ALWAYS the best to start as great friends and if more develops.. great.. too often it turns into a romantic/lusty relationship before the duo is even half acquainted
226 posted on 04/14/2006 9:07:55 PM PDT by DollyCali (Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
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To: Army Air Corps
Remember Trigger Happy from Wierd Al?

Trigger Happy

Got an AK-47, well you know it makes me feel alright
Got an Uzi by my pillow, helps me sleep a little better at night
There's no feeling any greater
Than to shoot first and ask questions later
Now I'm trigger happy, trigger happy every day

Well, you can't take my guns away, I got a constitutional right
Yeah, I gotta be ready if the Commies attack us tonight
I'll blow their brains out with my Smith and Wesson
That ought to teach them all a darn good lesson
Now I'm trigger happy, trigger happy every day

(Oh yeah, I'm)trigger, trigger happy
Yes I'm trigger, trigger happy
(Oh baby, I'm)trigger, trigger happy
Yes I'm trigger, trigger happy
(Oh I'm so)trigger, trigger happy
Yes I'm trigger, trigger happy
Better watch out, punk, or I'm gonna have to blow you away

Oh, I accidently shot daddy last night in the den
I mistook him in the dark for a drug-crazed Nazi again
Now why'd you have to get so mad?
It was just a lousy flesh wound, Dad
You know, I'm trigger happy, trigger happy every day

Oh, I still haven't figured out the safety on my rifle yet
Little Fluffy took a round, better take him to the vet
I filled that kitty cat so full of lead
We'll have to use him for a pencil instead
Well, I'm so trigger happy, trigger happy every day

(Oh yeah, I'm)trigger, trigger happy
Yes I'm trigger, trigger happy
(Oh baby, I'm)trigger, trigger happy
Yes I'm trigger, trigger happy
(Oh I'm so)trigger, trigger happy
Yes I'm trigger, trigger happy
Better watch out, punk, or I'm gonna have to blow you away

Come on and grab your ammo
What have you got to lose?
We'll all get liquored up
And shoot at anything that moves

Got a brand new semi-automatic weapon with a laser sight
Oh, I'm prayin' somebody tries to break in here tonight
I always keep a Magnum in my trunk
You better ask yourself, do you feel lucky, punk?
Because I'm trigger happy, trigger happy every day

(Oh yeah, I'm)trigger, trigger happy
Yes I'm trigger, trigger happy
(Oh baby, I'm)trigger, trigger happy
Yes I'm trigger, trigger happy
(Oh I'm so)trigger, trigger happy
Yes I'm trigger, trigger happy
Better watch out, punk, or I'm gonna have to blow you away

227 posted on 04/14/2006 9:08:05 PM PDT by Maximus_Ridiculousness
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To: DollyCali

It is the pop-up that FR uses to signal to you when someone sends an FR mail to you or replies to one of your posts.


228 posted on 04/14/2006 9:08:56 PM PDT by Army Air Corps (The UN 1967 Outer Space Treaty is bad for America and bad for humanity - DUMP IT)
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To: DollyCali; Army Air Corps
what is "pinger"?

I guess he means the notifier, LOL!

229 posted on 04/14/2006 9:08:57 PM PDT by Victoria Delsoul
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To: Army Air Corps

230 posted on 04/14/2006 9:08:58 PM PDT by DollyCali (Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
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To: ilovew
Definitely.
231 posted on 04/14/2006 9:09:25 PM PDT by rzeznikj at stout (This Space For Rent. Call 555-1212 for more info.)
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To: HitmanLV

Ohhh, yeah, she was cute.


232 posted on 04/14/2006 9:09:35 PM PDT by Victoria Delsoul
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To: Maximus_Ridiculousness

You bet. I have the CD.


233 posted on 04/14/2006 9:09:37 PM PDT by Army Air Corps (The UN 1967 Outer Space Treaty is bad for America and bad for humanity - DUMP IT)
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To: Army Air Corps

you are kidding.. didn't know it existed. How/where do I find this little gem?


234 posted on 04/14/2006 9:09:45 PM PDT by DollyCali (Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
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To: DollyCali

LOL!!!


235 posted on 04/14/2006 9:10:06 PM PDT by Victoria Delsoul
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To: DollyCali

I think its very difficult to bridge the gap between friends and lovers, unless that attraction was always there anyway. Often it isn't. I say start with someone fresh, and don't pine over a 'friend.'


236 posted on 04/14/2006 9:10:28 PM PDT by HitmanLV (Some people like to dash it out, but they just can't take it!)
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To: DollyCali

On the forum page there is a speaker icon in the upper right-hand corner. Click on it.


237 posted on 04/14/2006 9:12:11 PM PDT by Army Air Corps (The UN 1967 Outer Space Treaty is bad for America and bad for humanity - DUMP IT)
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To: DollyCali
Here is the link. Keep a window open for it, so you so you can hear your pings.

http://www.freerepublic.com/perl/notify?spoken=no;bell=/media/notify.wav

238 posted on 04/14/2006 9:12:40 PM PDT by Victoria Delsoul
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To: DollyCali; Army Air Corps; HitmanLV

I've seen some posters typed... Pingo or Pinga, which in Spanish means the male sex organ.


239 posted on 04/14/2006 9:15:50 PM PDT by Victoria Delsoul
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To: Victoria Delsoul; All
Here’s a great sports story for y’all -- especially the hockey fans among you . . .

The story dates back to the early 1990s, and involves one of the great hockey legends from the Soviet Union -- defenseman Viacheslav “Slava” Fetisov. Fetisov -- sometimes called “the Russian Bobby Orr” -- was one of the greatest hockey players ever to step on the ice. He played for the famed Central Red Army team in Moscow since the late 1970s, and was the dominant player on a Soviet national team that won a total of nine World Championship and Olympic titles in the 1980s. But he was always quite a renegade in the Soviet Union, and was constantly fighting against the heavy-handed tactics of the Soviet coaches who rules their teams with an iron fist.

The New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League had drafted Fetisov back in the mid-1980s, when the Soviet government wasn’t allowing any of its players to play in North America. But during the era of Gorbachev’s glasnost and perestroika they finally allowed some of these players to sign contracts with NHL teams. Fetisov was one of a group of several older Soviet stars who were permitted to emigrate to the U.S. and Canada in the late 1980s.

The Devils used to open their practice sessions to the public, and one day in the early 1990s I stopped by on a day off from school to see the players up close. There were maybe a dozen people in the bleachers at South Mountain Arena that morning before the players came out for practice. Instead of sitting up in the bleachers with everyone else, I casually sauntered over to the other side of the rink and stood just behind one of the benches. Spectators weren’t supposed to be there, but I figured I’d stay there as long as I could until someone came and chased me away.

The players came out of the locker room and skated onto the ice. They went through an informal warm-up period before the practice began, and Slava Fetisov skated right over to the bench and began leaning against the boards and stretching his legs out. He was one scary-looking, stone-faced guy, and when he looked over at me I just nodded at him (it ain’t cool to ask players for autographs when they’re on the rink, and that would surely draw some unwanted attention from the arena security staff). He nodded slightly and then went back to his stretching.

I suddenly remembered a story I had read in the newspaper a few days earlier. Fetisov had written a book about his hockey career in the Soviet Union, and it recently been released to great fanfare in Moscow a week earlier. He was something of a celebrity in Russia -- due to his highly-publicized battles with the governing body of hockey in the Soviet Union -- and the book had a lot of personal details about the trials and tribulations of a great athlete behind the Iron Curtain during the latter stages of the Cold War. I thought to myself: I bet he'll get a kick out of this.

“Hey Slava,” I called over to him, “When are you going to have your book translated into English and released here in the U.S.?”

He didn’t look over at me, but he did answer (same stone-faced expression as always) in broken English with his heavy Russian accent:

“Book is not for Amedi-cans. Is for Russians only.”

“Oh, come on,” I answered, “I think a lot of hockey fans here in the U.S. would love to read what you’ve written.”

“No,” he continued (same stone-faced expression), “Only Russians understand Soviet hockey experience.”

“I still think you should translate it. I’d definitely buy it.”

His stony face didn’t change, and now he even got a bit annoyed as he got ready for the start of practice. He looked over at me with a pissed-off look of the former Central Red Army captain that he was.

“Why you so serious about dis, anyway? And why you want to read dis book?”

“’Cause I think you’ll be the next in a line of great Russian literary giants,” I said, “Dostoyevsky . . . Solzhenitsyn . . . Fetisov.”

He couldn’t resist that one. A small grin appeared on his face, and he shook his head with an expression that said, “What the heck is this dude thinking?” as he picked up his gloves and prepared to skate to one end of the ice for the start of practice.

“You will be veddy disappointed if you tink I write like doze men!”

240 posted on 04/14/2006 9:16:41 PM PDT by Alberta's Child (Can money pay for all the days I lived awake but half asleep?)
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