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

[Army Air Corps]

I get a page that states that I am denied access. No biggie; I give to you an A++ for effort! :-)

[TheresaKett]

looks good

[tuliptree76]

I'm currently teaching undergrad students, too.

[Victoria Delsoul]

LOL! Ooops.

[rzeznikj at stout]

I see...

Never been overseas--so I don't know English other than American. Perhaps this is why I'm taking English as a first AND a second language...;)

Had a classmate in high school who was English. Though she's notorious among my class.

[snugs]

Well have just looked at the time and realised it about time I went to bed, I can hear the birds tweeting and it is light outside.

Good night all thanks for the company -

[TheresaKett]

Good luck. We need more attorneys with proper morals. I wanted to be a prosecuting attorney. Double majored in Criminal Justice and Business Administration. But, got so frustrated with the system, and lack of true justice, that I ended up going into Business Transactional Law instead.

[Maximus_Ridiculousness]

Happy Easter! Night!

[rzeznikj at stout]

Thanks!!

As for our governor troubles, I hope we'll be through with them by the end of the year...

Although some of my peers have joked that I should run for Governor...;)

[snugs]

I like mine cut in half toasted and spread with butter, dad likes his just buttered but not toasted.

[TheresaKett]

Good Night and Happy Easter to you too.

[MHGinTN]

Typically, I'm already lost!

[ilovew]

Good night, snugs. Happy Easter!

[snugs]

Really now - good night

[rzeznikj at stout]

Good for you!!

Teaching is just something I couldn't do...

There's probably also a very good reason I'm a political adviser to the CR's leader than being a tutor ;)

[Army Air Corps]

Rest well! I am certain that all of us enjoyed the company from across the Pond. I would say, "Buenas noches", but, for you, it is morning.

[Supernatural]

That pizza looks good! I just had a few slices of pizza. Makes a fine snack.

Do you know what Buffalo Wings are?

They were invented in Buffalo, NY, hence the name.

Breaded chicken wings, usually served with some kind of sauce. The original ones were very hot and spicy. My favorite are from Kentucky Fried Chicken, honey BBQ.

Do you have them in England?

[snugs]

[MHGinTN]

NICE phot, snugs. You're quite photogenic.

[snugs]

Yes we do but we call them chicken wings.

KFC is big in the UK we have 3 in Ashford