Hey there again. This time on the blog I'm going to review the 5 worst epidemics of all time. I'm not doing this by number, rather by the epidemics impact on the world surrounding it. So let's dive in....
5. Antonine Plague (165-180AD)
This plague hit the Roman empire harder than any other army could. It claimed the lives of two emperors and some 5 million other Romans. This plague had a large social and economic impact, as well as damage to the military. Battles were postponed and the economy suffered a great deal do to this plague, which was either an outbreak of smallpox or measles. Either way, it's effects were felt in a very quick and harsh manner.
4.Spanish Flu (1918-1920)
The Spanish Flu caused more hospitilizations than war wounds. Many of the victims of this flu were young healthy kids. It killed between 50-100 million people right after WW I had just ended. Many were displaced and lost many that they had loved. However, this disgusting loss of life still does not compare to the upcoming epidemics.
3.Plague of Justinian (541-544)
This plague, occuring almost everywhere in the world, was one of the first records of Bubonic plague. An estimated 25 million people were killed by the plague. The plague had many effects oh the future of the entire world. Populations were in shambles and little hope was felt.
2. Black Death (1340s-???)
The Black Death is one of the worst epidemics to ever strike the world. It spread to all ends of the Earth and took at least 75 million lives. That was almost half of Europe's entire population at that point. With little to do, the world had to live in a fright of paranoia. The disease spread like wildfire all over Europe and Asia and there was litteraly nothing anyone could do. The after effects decimated towns, cities, cultures, and families. The Black Death changed the world very drastically and very quickly, as paranoia over trade and its effects on this slowed down those business as well.
1. AIDS (1959-Current)
Since AIDS came along, it has spread all over the world. Although AIDS has only claimed 21 million lives since it came along, it has 38.6 million current diagnoses. 2-3 million people die of it each year and it continues to spread in rural Africa. With no known cure, AIDS promises to kill more unsuspecting pleasure seekers than any other epidemic in history. Numbers and infected people are suspected to rise heavily in the years to come. AIDS has slowed down our economic growth through loss of production and has made sex more dangerous without a condom. AIDS has had many victims and unless a miracle cure comes, this may be the most ongoing epidemic, lasting for years on end.
Well, I hope you enjoyed my depressing column on death and destruction. Next time I'll ease up and do a blog exploring Major Sports records.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Sunday, March 25, 2007
An Oscar Review
Hey there again, I know your probably sick of my posts on movies and stuff but I'm gonna give you another one anyway. I'll tell you what Best Pictures deserved to win, which didn't, and stuff like that of the past 20 years. Here we go.
1986, Winner: Platoon
Deserved it? Yes sir, it did. The other movies nominated are nothing to remember and Platoon was one of the great Vietnam war movies.
1987, Winner: The Last Emperor
Deserved it? Yes, but I'm officially appointing this year the worst movie year of the last 20. Let's just say Cher was nominated for Best Actress. Yikes.
1988, Winner: Rain Man
Deserved it? Sure did. However, this was also a terrible movie year. The 80s were pretty bad in general.
1989, Winner: Driving Miss Daisy
Deserved it? I'm going to say no, it was probably the 4th best movie nominated. Field of Dreams, Dead Poets Society, and My Left Foot were all better films than Driving Miss Daisy, which was a nice, heartwarming story, I just think Field of Dreams or Dead Poets Society (probably F.O.D.) should have taken home Oscar.
1990, Winner: Dances with Wolves
Deserved it? No way. Goodfellas was a much better movie and much more memorable. Honestly, I can see why Scorsese was pissed, Goodfellas was MUCH better than Dances of Wolves, Academy just making up for not giving Costner a win in Field of Dreams.
1991, Winner: Silence of the Lambs
Deserved it? Why, hell yes it did. This movie is probably one of the last good horror movies. Plus, it was amazingly creepy and Anthony Hopkins simply made this movie far and above better than JFK, Bugsy, Prince of Tides (Barbara Streisand? Come on, now), and Beauty and the Beast. Thank god JFK didn't win.
1992, Winner: Unforgiven
Deserved it? I would say so, Clint Eastwood at his very best, throw in Morgan Freeman and this is probably the best "modern" western we have seen. Plus, Scent of a Woman was all Pacino and A Few Good Men was all one line (You can't handle the truth!).
1993, Winner: Schindler's List
Deserved it? BY FAR. 2nd place was The Fugitive, a good movie, but nothing like the emotion captured in Schindler's List.
1994, Winner: Forrest Gump
Deserved it? No. Although it was a good movie, both Pulp Fiction and The Shawshank Redemption were better. Shawshank should have taken home Oscar, it was the best movie of the 90s and go snubbed by a retarted southerner on a bench.
1995, Winner: Braveheart
Deserved it? Sure, I guess. Probably the worst movie year of the 90s. BABE (yes, the pig movie) was nominated for Best Picture! So the anti-semitic William Wallace can take home his Oscar without controversey.
1996, Winner: The English Patient
Deserved it? No NO NO NO AHHHH NO!!!! WHAT A BAD MOVIE! Fargo and Jerry Maguire were MUCH MUCH better than this CRAP. This is the teh worst best picture winner of the 90s. Fargo should have taken home the prize but the Academy always has to go conservative.
1997, Winner: Titanic
Deserved it? Not really. It just won because it made 1 billion dollars and if it didn't win, alot of people wouldnt watch the Awards anymore. L.A. confidential was a better movie but Jesus couldn't have beat Titanic this year.
1998, Winner: Shakespere in Love
Deserved it? I look back at this year as the biggest upset maybe ever in the awards in any category. Saving Private Ryan and Life is Beautiful both were a lot better and alot more meaningful than this crap. I'm absolutely dumbfounded as to how this won. Maybe since three World War 2 movies were nominated this year, but that doesnt matter because they all dealt with different sides of the war. (Life is Beautiful from a Jew, Thin Red Line from Guadalcanal, and Private Ryan from Germany. The Academy was just plain dumb making this decision.
1999, Winner: American Beauty
Deserved it? Sure, it was a great movie, probably a little better than Sixth Sense and The Green Mile. Plus, American Beauty really showed the darker side of suburban America that we rarely see in film or TV.
2000, Winner: Gladiator
Deserved it? Yeah, I guess. Although it's a little overrated it was better than the other crap nominated. Chocolat? Erin Brokovich? Both crap. Traffic was mediocre. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was excellent and may have been better but no Foreign film has ever won Best Picture.
2001, Winner: A Beautiful Mind
Deserved it? No. Now I'm no Lord of the Rings nut here but I think the Academy should have gave it to the first Lord of the Rings here as it was better than A Beautful Mind.
2002, Winner: Chicago
Deserved it? Hell no it didnt. This is one of the worst decisions ever. The Pianist, Lord of the Rings 2, and The Hours all deserved it more than Chicago. The surprise is that nobody was even surprised when this happened. WHY?
2003, Winner: Lord of the Rings 3
Deserved it? Probably but not in my opinion. Maybe I'm the only one that liked Lost in Translation better but I did and I'll stand by my opinion. The Academy just gave ever single award to the LOTR this year, in what was the worst ceremony ever. This is what I mean when I say LOTR 1 should have won, not this one.
2004, Winner: Million Dollar Baby
Deserved it? Ehhh. I'm going to say no. Finding Neverland, Ray, Sideways, The Aviator were all just good, not great but so was MDB. I think Finding Neverland was better as well as Ray but not by much so it's not that big a goof up. Plus, it's Clint and teh Academy has their lips attached to his butt.
2005, Winner: Crash
Deserved it? Sure did, 2nd biggest upset though. Everyone thought that Brokeback Mountain was going to win and alot thought it actually deserved it. But it didn, the gays were trying to get a moral victory with the movie, which I still haven't and won't see. Sorry, gay cowboys don't win Oscars.
2006, Winner: The Departed
Deserved it? Yes, it was the best of the year. I was surprised it won, I Little Miss Sunshine would but it didnt. I'm happy this won though, it wasn't Marty's best but it was the best of 06.
So here's how the Academy did: 11/20
What should have won:
Field of Dreams over Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
Goodfellas over Dances with Wolves (1990)
Shawshank Redemption over Forrest Gump (1994)
Fargo over The English Patient (1996)
L.A. Confidential over Titanic (1997)
Saving Private Ryan/Life is Beautiful over Shakespere in Love (1998)
Lord of the Rings 1 over A Beautiful Mind (2001)
The Pianist/LOTR 2 over Chicago (2002)
Finding Neverland over Million Dollar Baby (2004)
So the Academy is retarted, that's all I have to say about that really. But enough about my ranting about movies, I just had to publish my hate for the MPAA and the Academy. If I went further back, I could have found some worse picks than these but I won't take up my whole blog on that, maybe some other time.
I promise you a political/war themed blog next time, so I don't get the Christian right campaigning to get my blog shut down. (see the Post below: Why there's no God) Until next time, Tot ziens!
1986, Winner: Platoon
Deserved it? Yes sir, it did. The other movies nominated are nothing to remember and Platoon was one of the great Vietnam war movies.
1987, Winner: The Last Emperor
Deserved it? Yes, but I'm officially appointing this year the worst movie year of the last 20. Let's just say Cher was nominated for Best Actress. Yikes.
1988, Winner: Rain Man
Deserved it? Sure did. However, this was also a terrible movie year. The 80s were pretty bad in general.
1989, Winner: Driving Miss Daisy
Deserved it? I'm going to say no, it was probably the 4th best movie nominated. Field of Dreams, Dead Poets Society, and My Left Foot were all better films than Driving Miss Daisy, which was a nice, heartwarming story, I just think Field of Dreams or Dead Poets Society (probably F.O.D.) should have taken home Oscar.
1990, Winner: Dances with Wolves
Deserved it? No way. Goodfellas was a much better movie and much more memorable. Honestly, I can see why Scorsese was pissed, Goodfellas was MUCH better than Dances of Wolves, Academy just making up for not giving Costner a win in Field of Dreams.
1991, Winner: Silence of the Lambs
Deserved it? Why, hell yes it did. This movie is probably one of the last good horror movies. Plus, it was amazingly creepy and Anthony Hopkins simply made this movie far and above better than JFK, Bugsy, Prince of Tides (Barbara Streisand? Come on, now), and Beauty and the Beast. Thank god JFK didn't win.
1992, Winner: Unforgiven
Deserved it? I would say so, Clint Eastwood at his very best, throw in Morgan Freeman and this is probably the best "modern" western we have seen. Plus, Scent of a Woman was all Pacino and A Few Good Men was all one line (You can't handle the truth!).
1993, Winner: Schindler's List
Deserved it? BY FAR. 2nd place was The Fugitive, a good movie, but nothing like the emotion captured in Schindler's List.
1994, Winner: Forrest Gump
Deserved it? No. Although it was a good movie, both Pulp Fiction and The Shawshank Redemption were better. Shawshank should have taken home Oscar, it was the best movie of the 90s and go snubbed by a retarted southerner on a bench.
1995, Winner: Braveheart
Deserved it? Sure, I guess. Probably the worst movie year of the 90s. BABE (yes, the pig movie) was nominated for Best Picture! So the anti-semitic William Wallace can take home his Oscar without controversey.
1996, Winner: The English Patient
Deserved it? No NO NO NO AHHHH NO!!!! WHAT A BAD MOVIE! Fargo and Jerry Maguire were MUCH MUCH better than this CRAP. This is the teh worst best picture winner of the 90s. Fargo should have taken home the prize but the Academy always has to go conservative.
1997, Winner: Titanic
Deserved it? Not really. It just won because it made 1 billion dollars and if it didn't win, alot of people wouldnt watch the Awards anymore. L.A. confidential was a better movie but Jesus couldn't have beat Titanic this year.
1998, Winner: Shakespere in Love
Deserved it? I look back at this year as the biggest upset maybe ever in the awards in any category. Saving Private Ryan and Life is Beautiful both were a lot better and alot more meaningful than this crap. I'm absolutely dumbfounded as to how this won. Maybe since three World War 2 movies were nominated this year, but that doesnt matter because they all dealt with different sides of the war. (Life is Beautiful from a Jew, Thin Red Line from Guadalcanal, and Private Ryan from Germany. The Academy was just plain dumb making this decision.
1999, Winner: American Beauty
Deserved it? Sure, it was a great movie, probably a little better than Sixth Sense and The Green Mile. Plus, American Beauty really showed the darker side of suburban America that we rarely see in film or TV.
2000, Winner: Gladiator
Deserved it? Yeah, I guess. Although it's a little overrated it was better than the other crap nominated. Chocolat? Erin Brokovich? Both crap. Traffic was mediocre. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was excellent and may have been better but no Foreign film has ever won Best Picture.
2001, Winner: A Beautiful Mind
Deserved it? No. Now I'm no Lord of the Rings nut here but I think the Academy should have gave it to the first Lord of the Rings here as it was better than A Beautful Mind.
2002, Winner: Chicago
Deserved it? Hell no it didnt. This is one of the worst decisions ever. The Pianist, Lord of the Rings 2, and The Hours all deserved it more than Chicago. The surprise is that nobody was even surprised when this happened. WHY?
2003, Winner: Lord of the Rings 3
Deserved it? Probably but not in my opinion. Maybe I'm the only one that liked Lost in Translation better but I did and I'll stand by my opinion. The Academy just gave ever single award to the LOTR this year, in what was the worst ceremony ever. This is what I mean when I say LOTR 1 should have won, not this one.
2004, Winner: Million Dollar Baby
Deserved it? Ehhh. I'm going to say no. Finding Neverland, Ray, Sideways, The Aviator were all just good, not great but so was MDB. I think Finding Neverland was better as well as Ray but not by much so it's not that big a goof up. Plus, it's Clint and teh Academy has their lips attached to his butt.
2005, Winner: Crash
Deserved it? Sure did, 2nd biggest upset though. Everyone thought that Brokeback Mountain was going to win and alot thought it actually deserved it. But it didn, the gays were trying to get a moral victory with the movie, which I still haven't and won't see. Sorry, gay cowboys don't win Oscars.
2006, Winner: The Departed
Deserved it? Yes, it was the best of the year. I was surprised it won, I Little Miss Sunshine would but it didnt. I'm happy this won though, it wasn't Marty's best but it was the best of 06.
So here's how the Academy did: 11/20
What should have won:
Field of Dreams over Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
Goodfellas over Dances with Wolves (1990)
Shawshank Redemption over Forrest Gump (1994)
Fargo over The English Patient (1996)
L.A. Confidential over Titanic (1997)
Saving Private Ryan/Life is Beautiful over Shakespere in Love (1998)
Lord of the Rings 1 over A Beautiful Mind (2001)
The Pianist/LOTR 2 over Chicago (2002)
Finding Neverland over Million Dollar Baby (2004)
So the Academy is retarted, that's all I have to say about that really. But enough about my ranting about movies, I just had to publish my hate for the MPAA and the Academy. If I went further back, I could have found some worse picks than these but I won't take up my whole blog on that, maybe some other time.
I promise you a political/war themed blog next time, so I don't get the Christian right campaigning to get my blog shut down. (see the Post below: Why there's no God) Until next time, Tot ziens!
Friday, March 23, 2007
Top 10 Reasons God Don't Exist
Hey there, sorry for the extended absence but I've been busy doing this whole school thing. This will be a short post composed of about 10 reasons, but it's not about the length, it's about what you do with it.
Top 10 Reasons God Doesnt Exist
WHOA! I know what your thinking, Did he just go there? Well, yeah, here me out though.
1. War
Most, if not all, religions preach peace and understanding. But it seems to me that humans are inherently violent in nature. When he get angry, we get violent. Fights, insults, killing to protect land, family, and numerous other things. Yes, God supposedly gave us free will, but why would such a "merciful" God allow such things to happen? (P.S. Are all soldiers in the army going to hell? They are looked at as heroes, by me and our nation, but if they kill someone aren't they going to hell?)
2. Disease
Ahem: Plague, AIDS, Cancer, Strokes. It's not just how, its who. Why does God allow innocent children to die of these horrible diseases? How the hell is that a test of faith, that's bullshit and you know it. Go to a childrens cancer ward and tell me that it's just a test of faith, bullshit to the highest degree, it simply is not fair.
3. Poverty
Another problem I have with this whole God thing is that good people suffer, while dickheads and assholes get rich. You can say that rich people are going to hell but if it's so important to be a good person, shouldn't you be at least rewarded with hapiness on earth? This reason is debatable but I firmly believe it's just more crap.
4. Free Will
If we have free will, how does God know everything that we are going to do? And if God knows everything we are going to do, why would he create people that are going to hell? It would make a lot more sense, that if we all have a certain destiny in this world , to not create rapists, murderers, and gays (if he's so against them). This is the favorite argument for disproving God because there is no response. Either God or Free Will doesnt exist, so pick one.
5. Evolution
OK, this is basically proven. God supposedly created man in his own image, but was his image, than god is an ape. You can see evolution in every species that has every been bored. However, not everything in the bible should be taken word for word. God could be the answer to why we exist but not how we exist. Stil, evolution happened and it poses a serious problem regarding the validity of relgion
6. Time
If God appeared to Moses and other such prophets, then why hasn't he shown himself to anyone before or after him? What's so important about the people of Jesus time to have these spiritual experiences and not people now? These books were written to convert people into the Catholic faith, not handed down by God. Isn't the whole basis of Christianity is to have faith that God exisits. So why does God appear to anyone in history. Just another contradiction in the bible. It could just be possible these "visions" the prophets had were dreams after they went to bed (eye for an eye vs. thou shall not kill)
7. The Universe
It is abundantly clear that we are not the only planet or solar system in the universe. So what's the point of it if God only created man? Plus, if alien life is ever found then no religion can survive. Is space just a waste of space? I dont think so, but religion would have you believe that. The "Big Bang" theory seems to be gaining steam in finding proof.
8. The Gullibility of Man
Back when Catholocism was formed, people were much more gullibe in terms of religion and spiritual experience. Jesus was not the only self-proclaimed prophet in his time. Jesus' immortality was voted on by a council of man? How can that hold water today without debate? People were looking for a reason for their being and certainly religion gives them a reason. The more converts you get, the more attractive your religion looks. Jesus was a popular prophet and started a large following. The Bible could easily be exaggerated to make Jesus look as if he is the son of God.
9. Different Religion
I know this goes back to the whole free will but if God appeared to Jesus, Muahammed, Adam Smith (mormon), then why would he not preach the same doctrine to all. No offense to Mormons, Muslims, Buddhists, Catholics, or Confutionists, but why does God have such a different doctrine in each of these faiths. There are thousands of religions out there, so if you don't choose the right one, you are worshiping idols and going to hell. This means at least 5/6 of the world is going to hell, maybe more if Islam and Christianity is wrong. Why doesn't God guide these people to the right path?
10. Life
All God gave us was life and nothing else. The rest, man has innovated every thing from tools to computers without any "Divine" help. If the big bang is right and it sparked life, he didnt even give us life. PLus, look at the 10 commandments. (No Kill, No Steal, No Covet, No Covet Wife, Sabbath, Honor Mom and Dad, No Idol Worship, Name in Vain, No other gods) These commandments can easily be interpreted as an excuse to form a peaceful society created by man. What if your Dad's a rapist? Should you honor him? What if your working to save lives on the Sabbath?, What if you need to Steal to survive, What if someone's about to kill your father? Should you honor him by killing the guy or let him die to not kill?
There are so many contradictions in these laws it makes my head spin.
So this is what happens when you attend Catholic school for 13 years in a row. Is it so hard to believe that rather than God being real, it is the human spirit that drives us to do good. Atheists do good all the time and they don't believe in anything. Why does everyone need a reason to do good, because thats just what religion is. People do good to get a reward in heaven. Well, ins;t that selfish in itself? We should do good not to be rewarded, but to make the world a better place when we are gone. So what if you dont go to heaven and nothing happens when you die? Because when you die, you know you've helped the world become a better place, there can be no greater reward than that, to help your fellow man.
I don't expect everyone to believe or listen to what I'm writing here. I just hope you can read it objectively, as I know religion is a sore subject for anyone. You can say this is just because I've lost faith in religion because of current events, but I'd like to believe that I've gained perspective through certain events in MY life. And for those who are angry with this column, I'm going to hell if God does exists, so there you go.
Au Revoir, Dieu est avec vous, S'il est en haut là-bas (French, translate it on your own)
Top 10 Reasons God Doesnt Exist
WHOA! I know what your thinking, Did he just go there? Well, yeah, here me out though.
1. War
Most, if not all, religions preach peace and understanding. But it seems to me that humans are inherently violent in nature. When he get angry, we get violent. Fights, insults, killing to protect land, family, and numerous other things. Yes, God supposedly gave us free will, but why would such a "merciful" God allow such things to happen? (P.S. Are all soldiers in the army going to hell? They are looked at as heroes, by me and our nation, but if they kill someone aren't they going to hell?)
2. Disease
Ahem: Plague, AIDS, Cancer, Strokes. It's not just how, its who. Why does God allow innocent children to die of these horrible diseases? How the hell is that a test of faith, that's bullshit and you know it. Go to a childrens cancer ward and tell me that it's just a test of faith, bullshit to the highest degree, it simply is not fair.
3. Poverty
Another problem I have with this whole God thing is that good people suffer, while dickheads and assholes get rich. You can say that rich people are going to hell but if it's so important to be a good person, shouldn't you be at least rewarded with hapiness on earth? This reason is debatable but I firmly believe it's just more crap.
4. Free Will
If we have free will, how does God know everything that we are going to do? And if God knows everything we are going to do, why would he create people that are going to hell? It would make a lot more sense, that if we all have a certain destiny in this world , to not create rapists, murderers, and gays (if he's so against them). This is the favorite argument for disproving God because there is no response. Either God or Free Will doesnt exist, so pick one.
5. Evolution
OK, this is basically proven. God supposedly created man in his own image, but was his image, than god is an ape. You can see evolution in every species that has every been bored. However, not everything in the bible should be taken word for word. God could be the answer to why we exist but not how we exist. Stil, evolution happened and it poses a serious problem regarding the validity of relgion
6. Time
If God appeared to Moses and other such prophets, then why hasn't he shown himself to anyone before or after him? What's so important about the people of Jesus time to have these spiritual experiences and not people now? These books were written to convert people into the Catholic faith, not handed down by God. Isn't the whole basis of Christianity is to have faith that God exisits. So why does God appear to anyone in history. Just another contradiction in the bible. It could just be possible these "visions" the prophets had were dreams after they went to bed (eye for an eye vs. thou shall not kill)
7. The Universe
It is abundantly clear that we are not the only planet or solar system in the universe. So what's the point of it if God only created man? Plus, if alien life is ever found then no religion can survive. Is space just a waste of space? I dont think so, but religion would have you believe that. The "Big Bang" theory seems to be gaining steam in finding proof.
8. The Gullibility of Man
Back when Catholocism was formed, people were much more gullibe in terms of religion and spiritual experience. Jesus was not the only self-proclaimed prophet in his time. Jesus' immortality was voted on by a council of man? How can that hold water today without debate? People were looking for a reason for their being and certainly religion gives them a reason. The more converts you get, the more attractive your religion looks. Jesus was a popular prophet and started a large following. The Bible could easily be exaggerated to make Jesus look as if he is the son of God.
9. Different Religion
I know this goes back to the whole free will but if God appeared to Jesus, Muahammed, Adam Smith (mormon), then why would he not preach the same doctrine to all. No offense to Mormons, Muslims, Buddhists, Catholics, or Confutionists, but why does God have such a different doctrine in each of these faiths. There are thousands of religions out there, so if you don't choose the right one, you are worshiping idols and going to hell. This means at least 5/6 of the world is going to hell, maybe more if Islam and Christianity is wrong. Why doesn't God guide these people to the right path?
10. Life
All God gave us was life and nothing else. The rest, man has innovated every thing from tools to computers without any "Divine" help. If the big bang is right and it sparked life, he didnt even give us life. PLus, look at the 10 commandments. (No Kill, No Steal, No Covet, No Covet Wife, Sabbath, Honor Mom and Dad, No Idol Worship, Name in Vain, No other gods) These commandments can easily be interpreted as an excuse to form a peaceful society created by man. What if your Dad's a rapist? Should you honor him? What if your working to save lives on the Sabbath?, What if you need to Steal to survive, What if someone's about to kill your father? Should you honor him by killing the guy or let him die to not kill?
There are so many contradictions in these laws it makes my head spin.
So this is what happens when you attend Catholic school for 13 years in a row. Is it so hard to believe that rather than God being real, it is the human spirit that drives us to do good. Atheists do good all the time and they don't believe in anything. Why does everyone need a reason to do good, because thats just what religion is. People do good to get a reward in heaven. Well, ins;t that selfish in itself? We should do good not to be rewarded, but to make the world a better place when we are gone. So what if you dont go to heaven and nothing happens when you die? Because when you die, you know you've helped the world become a better place, there can be no greater reward than that, to help your fellow man.
I don't expect everyone to believe or listen to what I'm writing here. I just hope you can read it objectively, as I know religion is a sore subject for anyone. You can say this is just because I've lost faith in religion because of current events, but I'd like to believe that I've gained perspective through certain events in MY life. And for those who are angry with this column, I'm going to hell if God does exists, so there you go.
Au Revoir, Dieu est avec vous, S'il est en haut là-bas (French, translate it on your own)
Friday, March 9, 2007
Holiday History
I know what your thinking: 2 posts in 3 days?!?! Is he crazy? To answer both your questions, yes and yes. But with St. Patty's Day coming up I thought I could show you where your favorite holidays come from and stuff you may not know about these respective holidays. I will cover Christmas, Halloween, St. Patricks Day, Valentine's Day, and Thanksgiving. LETS DO IT.....
St. Patricks Day
Celebrated since: 1903
St. Patricks Day is just that: the feast day of the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. The foundations of the "Irish Catholic" is usually attributed to him. It was a religous holiday until Ireland made it a public holiday in 1903. Believe it or not, all bars in Ireland were closed on this day until the 1970s and the first St. Patricks Day celebration in Ireland didn't happen until 1996. Although most wear green, people used to wear orange and blue to celebrate the day before it became an Irish festival, rather than a Saint's day.
Christmas
Celebrated since: between 220-250 AD
Christmas was immortalized by the Romans who held a celebration for the winter soliciste, or the shortening of days. It almost was put on March 25, the supposed day of Jesus' crucifixtion. However, Christmas didn't even have it's own mass until the 9th century. Christmas in America was looked down upon after the American Revolution, because it was mainly an English holiday. It was Charles Dickens' and Washington Irving's writings on Christmas related themes that sparked new interest and Christmas was finally declared a national holiday in 1870 in the U.S. The commercialization of the holiday started to try and seperate the religous holiday from the secular holiday that is recognized by the government. "X-mas" comes from the Greek for "Christ" as X= C (Chi) in the Greek alphabet.
Halloween
Celebrated since: Around 1850
Halloween comes from the Irish celebration of the Gaelic New Year. Although celebrated since the 4th century as a holiday in Ireland, it didn't become Halloween until the Irish potato famine brought 2 million Irish to the U.S. It was celebrated in Irish communities with a traditional dinner, reading of folklore, and children's activities (bobbing for apples, pranks, etc.). The commercialization of Hallowwen began in 1905 when numerous postcards and catalogs were produced celebrating the holiday. People didn't dress up until the 1930s and didn't trick or treat until the 1950s. 93% of kids go trick-or-treating in the U.S.
St. Valentine's Day
Celebrated since: between 1300-1400 BC (High Middle Ages in Europe)
The day comes from at least 3 Christian martyr's all named Valentine. The holiday didn't become "romanticized" until the 12 century in Europe, when courtship began to become popular over arranged marriages. Chaucer's "Parlement of Foules" was the first recorded association of the holiday with romanticism. It was imported into the U.S. by British settlers and valentine's started being produced in 1847. The oldest "valentine" ever found was a 1415 letter from a French Duke to his wife. Since then, it has become the most recognized "Hallmark Holiday" and costs men around the world millions and millions of dollars.
Thanksgiving
Celebrated since: 1623
The holiday first celebrated by the Pilgrims didn't become an annual event until 1863. It was celebrated in celebration of the end of droughts, war victories, and harvest festivals by the United States. There were usually more than one celebrations of Thanksgiving every year. A speech by Abraham Lincoln, during the Civil War, led to the annual celebration. FDR set the date for the 4th Thursday of November in 1941. Turkey became associated with the holiday through myths of the Pilgrim celebration, in order to forge a common American identity in the melting pot after the Civil War.
Hope you enjoyed my look at the holidays. I hope to be back in blogging action next week with a topic TBA. Enjoy your break if your on it and keep reading THE blog.
St. Patricks Day
Celebrated since: 1903
St. Patricks Day is just that: the feast day of the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. The foundations of the "Irish Catholic" is usually attributed to him. It was a religous holiday until Ireland made it a public holiday in 1903. Believe it or not, all bars in Ireland were closed on this day until the 1970s and the first St. Patricks Day celebration in Ireland didn't happen until 1996. Although most wear green, people used to wear orange and blue to celebrate the day before it became an Irish festival, rather than a Saint's day.
Christmas
Celebrated since: between 220-250 AD
Christmas was immortalized by the Romans who held a celebration for the winter soliciste, or the shortening of days. It almost was put on March 25, the supposed day of Jesus' crucifixtion. However, Christmas didn't even have it's own mass until the 9th century. Christmas in America was looked down upon after the American Revolution, because it was mainly an English holiday. It was Charles Dickens' and Washington Irving's writings on Christmas related themes that sparked new interest and Christmas was finally declared a national holiday in 1870 in the U.S. The commercialization of the holiday started to try and seperate the religous holiday from the secular holiday that is recognized by the government. "X-mas" comes from the Greek for "Christ" as X= C (Chi) in the Greek alphabet.
Halloween
Celebrated since: Around 1850
Halloween comes from the Irish celebration of the Gaelic New Year. Although celebrated since the 4th century as a holiday in Ireland, it didn't become Halloween until the Irish potato famine brought 2 million Irish to the U.S. It was celebrated in Irish communities with a traditional dinner, reading of folklore, and children's activities (bobbing for apples, pranks, etc.). The commercialization of Hallowwen began in 1905 when numerous postcards and catalogs were produced celebrating the holiday. People didn't dress up until the 1930s and didn't trick or treat until the 1950s. 93% of kids go trick-or-treating in the U.S.
St. Valentine's Day
Celebrated since: between 1300-1400 BC (High Middle Ages in Europe)
The day comes from at least 3 Christian martyr's all named Valentine. The holiday didn't become "romanticized" until the 12 century in Europe, when courtship began to become popular over arranged marriages. Chaucer's "Parlement of Foules" was the first recorded association of the holiday with romanticism. It was imported into the U.S. by British settlers and valentine's started being produced in 1847. The oldest "valentine" ever found was a 1415 letter from a French Duke to his wife. Since then, it has become the most recognized "Hallmark Holiday" and costs men around the world millions and millions of dollars.
Thanksgiving
Celebrated since: 1623
The holiday first celebrated by the Pilgrims didn't become an annual event until 1863. It was celebrated in celebration of the end of droughts, war victories, and harvest festivals by the United States. There were usually more than one celebrations of Thanksgiving every year. A speech by Abraham Lincoln, during the Civil War, led to the annual celebration. FDR set the date for the 4th Thursday of November in 1941. Turkey became associated with the holiday through myths of the Pilgrim celebration, in order to forge a common American identity in the melting pot after the Civil War.
Hope you enjoyed my look at the holidays. I hope to be back in blogging action next week with a topic TBA. Enjoy your break if your on it and keep reading THE blog.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
The Most Underrated......
Hello! Sorry for the extended abscence but I have been struck with a bit of writers block, homework, and Spring Break. So here it is, where I offer you my most underrated of Hollywood, life, history, and whatever comes to mind. And don't think that I've lost the blogging "touch", just prepare to be wowed.
The Most Underrated World Empire
The Mongol Empire
Now you can spout that shit about how the "sun never set on the British empire", but give me a break. Genghis Khan started an empire that expanded from the entirity of Asia to Central Europe, covering over 12 million miles. Plus, the British empire screwed up the entire world. The Mongol Empire succedded where the British failed in setting up systems of trade, governing, and law in their new territories. Genghis Khan also has the largest amount of relatives of anyone ever. (suck on that Wilt Chamberlin)
The Most Underrated War
Hundred Years War (British vs French) (1337-1453)
The 100 Years War, actually spanning 116 years, was a very significant war in terms of new technology, European history, and the middle finger. The war saw power shifts, mass casualities, and a change in society. The war changed the way the world would look at war for years to come. Plus this is the last war the French won without any help.
(In case your wondering about the middle finger reference, here's a link: )
The Most Underrated Movie
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
The best thing to come out of Britain since they came over to America. I mean, I don't wanna give a review here but this movie is utterly hilarious. A action/comedy zombie-spoof film centered around two borderline alcoholic losers in London. Need I say more? Fine, I will: Shaun of the Dead is the epitome of comedy and all who have not seen it, go rent it or buy it or something.
The Most Underrated Example of Pure Stupidity
American Idol
Quick: Where are Ruben Studdard, Taylor Hicks, Fantasia Barrino now? Failures. Sure, Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson rose to stardom from the show, and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson owes the show her popularity, but who cares? The fact that this is the 2nd highest rated show on TV, behind Grey's, makes me wonder why good people die young, yet people who watch American Idol are allowed to live on.
The Most Underrated Massacre
Armenian Genocide (1915-1917)
It's a sad world when 9.8/10 people wouldn't even know what this is. Over one million Armenians were cleansed away during WWI at the hands of the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey). Yeah, I feel bad for the Jews in WWII, but at least people remember and mourn that. The Turks blamed their defeats in the war on the Armenian population and preceded to take all their land, property, money. They sent them to concentration camps (over 25 of them) and burnt, poisened, starved, and drowned the helpless Armenians. Fuck the Turks.
The Most Underrated World Economy (current)
Austria (25th in GDP)
A well-developed system of trade and the social market economy has led to an extremely high standard of living, and the 4th richest country in the EU. Exporting and Importing everything and anything, the privatized Austrian economy has led to some pretty rich Austrian people. Their strong labor movements have also led to better working salaries and conditions. Tourism is also a plus, as Vienna is basically the classical music capital of the universe. Plus, they invented Red Bull. Go Austria, keep it up.
The Most Underrated Event in World History
The Scramble for Africa
Colonization screwed up Africa so very bad. What do we do to make up for it? We ignore the continent completely. The war-torn regions of Sudan and Ethiopia have been offered little help. When the British, Italians, Dutch, Belgians, and the rest of the colonizers attempted to rape the land of it's resources and leave the territory to fend for itself, they turned this continent into a living hell for all who resided in it. And now, there's no solution for what is a growing problem that will somehow show global consequences in the future.
Last, but not least.....
The Most Underrated Hollywood Actor/Actress Ever
Marilyn Monroe
Now, I don't mean this in the acting sense. I mean she changed the way the world looked at Hollywood. She showed one of the first scenes of sexuality for the sake of it in a movie. Her celebrity status bred the Britney Spears, Paris Hiltons, and other celebrities that crave the attention of the cameras. Also, she really fueled the media and ordinary persons interest in movie stars lives. She really revolutionized the obsessive-celebrity culture that we now, unfortunately, live in are are, not coincidently, obsessed with ourselves whether we admit it or not.
Thanks for joining the Dolan's Poonings blog once again. I'll be back sometime before next week hopefully. Hope you enjoy and be sure to keep my blog ahead of all other Internet sites in terms of importance. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go enjoy my snowy Spring Break.
The Most Underrated World Empire
The Mongol Empire
Now you can spout that shit about how the "sun never set on the British empire", but give me a break. Genghis Khan started an empire that expanded from the entirity of Asia to Central Europe, covering over 12 million miles. Plus, the British empire screwed up the entire world. The Mongol Empire succedded where the British failed in setting up systems of trade, governing, and law in their new territories. Genghis Khan also has the largest amount of relatives of anyone ever. (suck on that Wilt Chamberlin)
The Most Underrated War
Hundred Years War (British vs French) (1337-1453)
The 100 Years War, actually spanning 116 years, was a very significant war in terms of new technology, European history, and the middle finger. The war saw power shifts, mass casualities, and a change in society. The war changed the way the world would look at war for years to come. Plus this is the last war the French won without any help.
(In case your wondering about the middle finger reference, here's a link: )
The Most Underrated Movie
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
The best thing to come out of Britain since they came over to America. I mean, I don't wanna give a review here but this movie is utterly hilarious. A action/comedy zombie-spoof film centered around two borderline alcoholic losers in London. Need I say more? Fine, I will: Shaun of the Dead is the epitome of comedy and all who have not seen it, go rent it or buy it or something.
The Most Underrated Example of Pure Stupidity
American Idol
Quick: Where are Ruben Studdard, Taylor Hicks, Fantasia Barrino now? Failures. Sure, Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson rose to stardom from the show, and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson owes the show her popularity, but who cares? The fact that this is the 2nd highest rated show on TV, behind Grey's, makes me wonder why good people die young, yet people who watch American Idol are allowed to live on.
The Most Underrated Massacre
Armenian Genocide (1915-1917)
It's a sad world when 9.8/10 people wouldn't even know what this is. Over one million Armenians were cleansed away during WWI at the hands of the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey). Yeah, I feel bad for the Jews in WWII, but at least people remember and mourn that. The Turks blamed their defeats in the war on the Armenian population and preceded to take all their land, property, money. They sent them to concentration camps (over 25 of them) and burnt, poisened, starved, and drowned the helpless Armenians. Fuck the Turks.
The Most Underrated World Economy (current)
Austria (25th in GDP)
A well-developed system of trade and the social market economy has led to an extremely high standard of living, and the 4th richest country in the EU. Exporting and Importing everything and anything, the privatized Austrian economy has led to some pretty rich Austrian people. Their strong labor movements have also led to better working salaries and conditions. Tourism is also a plus, as Vienna is basically the classical music capital of the universe. Plus, they invented Red Bull. Go Austria, keep it up.
The Most Underrated Event in World History
The Scramble for Africa
Colonization screwed up Africa so very bad. What do we do to make up for it? We ignore the continent completely. The war-torn regions of Sudan and Ethiopia have been offered little help. When the British, Italians, Dutch, Belgians, and the rest of the colonizers attempted to rape the land of it's resources and leave the territory to fend for itself, they turned this continent into a living hell for all who resided in it. And now, there's no solution for what is a growing problem that will somehow show global consequences in the future.
Last, but not least.....
The Most Underrated Hollywood Actor/Actress Ever
Marilyn Monroe
Now, I don't mean this in the acting sense. I mean she changed the way the world looked at Hollywood. She showed one of the first scenes of sexuality for the sake of it in a movie. Her celebrity status bred the Britney Spears, Paris Hiltons, and other celebrities that crave the attention of the cameras. Also, she really fueled the media and ordinary persons interest in movie stars lives. She really revolutionized the obsessive-celebrity culture that we now, unfortunately, live in are are, not coincidently, obsessed with ourselves whether we admit it or not.
Thanks for joining the Dolan's Poonings blog once again. I'll be back sometime before next week hopefully. Hope you enjoy and be sure to keep my blog ahead of all other Internet sites in terms of importance. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go enjoy my snowy Spring Break.
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