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]

Good, good, good to hear that.

[rzeznikj at stout]

Lucky You!!!

I don't.

Then again, class doesn't start until 10am...

[Victoria Delsoul]

10 am? That's not bad.

[Supernatural]

Here's a lawyer story that comes under "He should have quit while he was ahead".

A lawyer was cross-examing a witness who knew something about his client alledgedly biting off a man's ear in a bar room fight.

The lawyer asked him repeated if the man knew that his client had bitten off a man's ear. The man answered repeatedly that he knew that for a fact.

The lawyer then asked the man is he had seen his client bite off the man's ear. The man said he hadn't seen the lawyer's client bit off the man's ear.

The lawyer should have quit right there. Instead he asked the next question: So how do you know that my client bit off the man's ear?

The witness replied; I saw him spit the ear out of his mouth.

[rzeznikj at stout]

I did have an 8am, but that was for the first five weeks of this semester.

It's English class, and my prof is a flaming liberal...

[Nowhere Man]

My condolences and prayers. Lost a few pets myself over the years. Always a place in the heart for them forever afterwards.

Thanks. Yeah, totally, I have had 10 cats in my life, 7 of which are still alive. My first cat, Cricket, was 10 when she passed on in 1994, then Muffin in 2004 and Greystone ysterday. I few minutes ago, I heard Pansy meowing up a storm, playing. She is the second cat we took in (1987) and she will be 19 in August. Except for her hyperactive thyroid, which we got under control, she is problem free and I hope she still stays that way. Greystone is hard to take, he was only 5 but then again I have a fair share of older cats too.

[Victoria Delsoul]

Just as she was celebrating her 80th birthday, our friend received a jury-duty notice. She called to remind the people at the clerk's office that she was exempt because of her age.

"You need to come in and fill out the exemption forms," they said.

"I've already done that," she replied. "I did it last year."

"You have to do it every year," she was told.

"Why?" came the response. "Do you think I'm going to get younger?"

[Victoria Delsoul]

OMG! LOL!

[Supernatural]

LOL!

Common sense doesn't work too well on bureaucrats.

[Victoria Delsoul]

Yikes, down with the liberals.

[trussell]

My pleasure. I lost my beloved Doogie...a 3/4 coyote 1/4 australian shepherd to liver failure...we still miss her 4 years later. :(

Lotsa prayers...the memories can carry you through...it'll be like your belove baby is still there sometimes.
Hugs
T

[TheresaKett]

I like your tagline :-)

[Victoria Delsoul]

For sure.

I got another one... men vs women, but something tells me am gonna get in trouble. Well, here it is: (remember, it's only a joke, lol)

WOMEN

Women are honest, loyal, and forgiving. They are smart, knowing that knowledge is power. But they still know how to use their softer side to make a point. Women want to be the best for their family, their friends, and themselves. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They have sorrow at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. A woman can make a romantic evening unforgettable.

Women come in all sizes, in all colors and shapes. They live in homes, apartments and cabins. They drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what makes the world spin!

Women do more than just give birth. They bring joy and hope. They give compassion and ideals.

They give moral support to their family and friends. And all they want back is a hug, a smile and for you to do the same to people you come in contact with.

MEN

Men are good at lifting heavy stuff and killing spiders.

[trussell]

Thank you. :)

[Supernatural]

WINTER CLASSES FOR MEN

WINTER CLASSES FOR MEN AT THE LEARNING CENTER FOR ADULTS

REGISTRATION MUST BE COMPLETED BY

Monday, Jan. 30, 2006

NOTE: DUE TO THE COMPLEXITY AND DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF THEIR CONTENTS, CLASS SIZES WILL BE LIMITED TO 8 PARTICIPANTS MAXIMUM.

Class 1

How To Fill Up The Ice Cube Trays --- Step by Step, with Slide Presentation.

Meets 4 weeks, Monday and Wednesday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM.


Class 2

The Toilet Paper Roll --- Does It Change Itself?

Round Table Discussion.

Meets 2 weeks, Saturday 12:00 for 2 hours.


Class 3

Is It Possible To Urinate Using The Technique Of Lifting The Seat and

Avoiding The Floor, Walls and Nearby Bathtub? --- Group Practice.

Meets 4 weeks, Saturday 10:00 PM for 2 hours.


Class 4

Fundamental Differences Between The Laundry Hamper and The Floor ---

Pictures and Explanatory Graphics.

Meets Saturdays at 2:00 PM for 3 weeks.


Class 5

After Dinner Dishes --- Can They Levitate and Fly Into The Kitchen Sink?

Examples on Video.

Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning

at 7:00 PM

Class 6

Loss Of Identity --- Losing The Remote To Your Significant Other.

Help Line Support and Support Groups.

Meets 4 Weeks, Friday and Sunday 7:00 PM

Class 7

Learning How To Find Things --- Starting With Looking In The Right Places

And Not Turning The House Upside Down While Screaming.

Open Forum .

Monday at 8:00 PM, 2 hours.


Class 8

Health Watch --- Bringing Her Flowers Is Not Harmful To Your Health.

Graphics and Audio Tapes.

Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 9

Real Men Ask For Directions When Lost --- Real Life Testimonials.

Tuesdays at 6:00 PM Location to be determined.


Class 10

Is It Genetically Impossible To Sit Quietly While She Parallel Parks?

Driving Simulations.

4 weeks, Saturday's noon, 2 hours.

Class 11

Learning to Live --- Basic Differences Between Mother and Wife.

Online Classes and role-playing .

Tuesdays at 7:00 PM, location to be determined


Class 12

How to be the Ideal Shopping Companion

Relaxation Exercises, Meditation and Breathing Techniques.

Meets 4 weeks , Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM.


Class 13

How to Fight Cerebral Atrophy --- Remembering Birthdays, Anniversaries and

Other Important Dates and Calling When You're Going To Be Late.

Cerebral Shock Therapy Sessions and Full Lobotomies Offered.

Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 14

The Stove/Oven --- What It Is and How It Is Used.

Live Demonstration.

Tuesdays at 6:00 PM, location to be determined.



Upon completion of any of the above courses,

diplomas will be issued to the survivors.

[HitmanLV]

Yes I would welcome them! I love it when lawyers get caught flat footed! :-)

[HitmanLV]

Works for me! :-)

[TheresaKett]

Men are good at lifting heavy stuff and killing spiders

LOL.....I hate spiders or any bugs for that matter. One day I took out the trash and screamed because there was a tarantula on the lid of the can. My husband had heard the "bug scream" often and sent his brother (who was living with us at the time) out to see what was up. His brother started screaming louder than me and so my hubby finally came out to see what it was all about. Every time he killed a bug, I would call him my hero for the day.

[TheresaKett]

lol

[Army Air Corps]

Groovalicious! It is good to have some sort of holiday for Easter.

Would you happen to have any Brasil 66 laying about in your musical archive? What about Tamba Trio? Also, I have Astrud Gilberto on the brain...