Hi, I’m Johnny Oops and I’m a virtual genius. What’s your story? Are you tired of not living up to your potential? Don’t worry; I’m here to be your virtual adviser. With me at your side you can virtually realize all your goals and dreams. Isn’t it wonderful?
The first thing I want you to do is to make a short list of what is most important to you and then post these goals in the comment section of my blog. Don’t worry if you are shy about what you really want to do. You can remain anonymous, but please note that I have heard it all before. After all I am a virtual spirit. I go on for eternity. You can’t imagine the kind of stuff people have revealed to me. That brings me to an important point. For this to work you are going to have to use your imagination. To start with you are going to have to imagine that I am real. You do have an imagination, don’t you?
Now to some general thesis that are inhibiting you from achieving your dreams and goals – around these parts we don’t have rules, we have thesis. Remember this is all being done on a virtual basis so I assume you are virtually always correct and don’t need to pay attention to rules. I know that I am a virtual genius and almost perfect. Stick with me and you may become almost perfect too. I really can’t help you become a genius. Either it is in the genes or it isn’t, but I can answer your questions, which for some of you is as close as you are going to get to being a virtual genius.
You may well ask how I arrived at this stage of enlightenment. I will tell you the truth. I have spent a near eternity listening to other people and the garbage they carry around in their heads. Sorry if I sound irritable. How would you like to listen to all that nonsense? Then on the basis of all I have heard, I have formed a point of view – a virtual opinion if you will. Let me tell you it isn’t easy living with all the crazy dreams and goals some of you people have.
… No, I can’t conjure up a beautiful blue-eyed blond for you no matter what sex you are looking for. In my case I don’t do sex. I have been around to long to really care. If you want a virtual girlfriend or boyfriend you are on your own. What you do with them once you find them is none of my business. I don’t even remember how that works.
… No, I can’t make you rich. I don’t do money. Maybe that’s why I’m poor. If you want to be poor; that I can show you how to do.
… Yes, I can help you help yourself with your health problems, its called disease prevention. It’s a do it yourself fixer upper. We tell you where to go to get the information to help fix you up. If you are too far gone that’s too bad. You should have started worrying about your health earlier. If that’s the case go to the doctor.
I can even show you how to stop drinking or smoking or eating too much. I have and the only thing left is breathing, but since I’m a virtual person I don’t have to worry about that.
Do you have anything to worry about? Tell me what the problem is. Maybe I can help and maybe I can’t help. Even if I can’t, it will do you good to talk about it. Remember that I’m your virtual adviser so we don’t have to get too personal, just real friendly if you know what I mean. This is going to be so cozy. I just love it.
So let’s get to work and see how well we can perfect you would be virtual geniuses. What makes you happy, what makes you sad, what do you want to accomplish? The time is now. Seize the moment. Get rid of your inhibitions, use your imagination, and post me a comment. You do want to become a virtual genius, don’t you? You do want to be almost perfect, don’t you? You do want to fulfill your goals and dreams, don’t you? What are you waiting for; my services are absolutely free? The world and I Johnny Oops your Virtual Adviser are waiting to hear what you have to say.
*****
To find out how to become a virtual genius and perfect yourself please visit http://groups.to/johnnysvirtualrealityworld
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Easter – Its origins and relationship to Pagans and Passover
I’m confused about Easter, how about you? There seems to be much scholarly discourse that links the Christian tradition of Easter to the Jewish tradition of Passover and to certain Pagan rituals and beliefs that came before them. There is even some dispute over the actual date of Christ’s death and resurrection, but the faith that each of us hold in our hearts cannot be in dispute. This I believe.
The name Easter may have first been associated with an ancient God, The Venerable Bede, (672-735). He was the father God of the Saxon people in Northern Europe who was known as Eastra.
Many Pagan religions in the Mediterranean area had a major seasonal day of religious celebration following the Spring Equinox. Cybele, the Phrygian fertility goddess had a fictional consort named Attis who was believed to have been born in a virgin birth and to have died and been resurrected each year during the March 22 to March 25th period around 200 B.C. Wherever Christian worship of Jesus and Pagan worship of Attis were active in the same area at around the same time, Christians and Pagans used to quarrel about which of their gods was the true one.
Some religious historians believe that the death and resurrection legends were first associated with Attis many centuries before the birth of Christ. One theory is that they were simply grafted onto stories of Jesus’ in order to make Christian theology more acceptable to Pagans.
My own opinion is that we shouldn’t worry too much about what the experts say. I think its what you feel in your heart and soul that counts at this holy time of year. I think it’s your family traditions, your personal beliefs, and the religious rituals you have grown up with that really matter.
Easter has Judeo-Christian origins. The life of Jesus Christ as recorded in the gospels includes the Christian version of this theme. Good Friday is observed in remembrance of Jesus’ execution by an occupying Roman army, and his burial in a cave. Easter Sunday is the date when a group of his female followers first noticed that the tomb was empty, and concluded that he had been resurrected.
The timing of the Christian celebration of Easter is linked to the Jewish celebration of Passover. The name Passover was derived from the angel of death passing over homes of Jews, which were marked, with the blood of a lamb thus sparing the first born of such homes. Liberal Theologians link Passover to ancient pre-Israelite Pagan rituals practiced by wandering Semitic shepherds in celebration of an agricultural harvest using unleavened bread.
Passover was the most important feast of the Jewish calendar, celebrated around the 22nd of March. The Synoptic gospels of Mark, Mathew, and Luke stated that Jesus’ last supper was a Seder or Passover celebration.
Most Christians believe that Jesus Christ was executed and buried just before the beginning of Passover on Friday evening. A minority believes that the execution occurred on a Wednesday or Thursday. Some liberal Christians have suggested that the early Christian Church arbitrarily selected Passover as the time thus allowing them to link the most important religious days in Judaism and Christianity.
Whatever your personal beliefs are, whatever the actual dates are, don’t let the skeptics amongst us deter you from celebrating your religious beliefs and traditions. Don’t let those of little faith keep you from believing.
Easter is a Christian Festival, which celebrates Christ’s Resurrection. Today eggs are decorated and exchanged with friends and family to commemorate the unification of all God’s children. In ancient times eggs were exchanged to symbolize the continuance of life after death. Eggs have also served as a symbol of fertility Early Christianity is thought to have adopted the idea and incorporated it into their Easter celebration. Let the celebration continue.
Credits and References:
Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Author: B.A. Robinson
The Pagan Origins of Easter
The Christian Origins of Easter
The name Easter may have first been associated with an ancient God, The Venerable Bede, (672-735). He was the father God of the Saxon people in Northern Europe who was known as Eastra.
Many Pagan religions in the Mediterranean area had a major seasonal day of religious celebration following the Spring Equinox. Cybele, the Phrygian fertility goddess had a fictional consort named Attis who was believed to have been born in a virgin birth and to have died and been resurrected each year during the March 22 to March 25th period around 200 B.C. Wherever Christian worship of Jesus and Pagan worship of Attis were active in the same area at around the same time, Christians and Pagans used to quarrel about which of their gods was the true one.
Some religious historians believe that the death and resurrection legends were first associated with Attis many centuries before the birth of Christ. One theory is that they were simply grafted onto stories of Jesus’ in order to make Christian theology more acceptable to Pagans.
My own opinion is that we shouldn’t worry too much about what the experts say. I think its what you feel in your heart and soul that counts at this holy time of year. I think it’s your family traditions, your personal beliefs, and the religious rituals you have grown up with that really matter.
Easter has Judeo-Christian origins. The life of Jesus Christ as recorded in the gospels includes the Christian version of this theme. Good Friday is observed in remembrance of Jesus’ execution by an occupying Roman army, and his burial in a cave. Easter Sunday is the date when a group of his female followers first noticed that the tomb was empty, and concluded that he had been resurrected.
The timing of the Christian celebration of Easter is linked to the Jewish celebration of Passover. The name Passover was derived from the angel of death passing over homes of Jews, which were marked, with the blood of a lamb thus sparing the first born of such homes. Liberal Theologians link Passover to ancient pre-Israelite Pagan rituals practiced by wandering Semitic shepherds in celebration of an agricultural harvest using unleavened bread.
Passover was the most important feast of the Jewish calendar, celebrated around the 22nd of March. The Synoptic gospels of Mark, Mathew, and Luke stated that Jesus’ last supper was a Seder or Passover celebration.
Most Christians believe that Jesus Christ was executed and buried just before the beginning of Passover on Friday evening. A minority believes that the execution occurred on a Wednesday or Thursday. Some liberal Christians have suggested that the early Christian Church arbitrarily selected Passover as the time thus allowing them to link the most important religious days in Judaism and Christianity.
Whatever your personal beliefs are, whatever the actual dates are, don’t let the skeptics amongst us deter you from celebrating your religious beliefs and traditions. Don’t let those of little faith keep you from believing.
Easter is a Christian Festival, which celebrates Christ’s Resurrection. Today eggs are decorated and exchanged with friends and family to commemorate the unification of all God’s children. In ancient times eggs were exchanged to symbolize the continuance of life after death. Eggs have also served as a symbol of fertility Early Christianity is thought to have adopted the idea and incorporated it into their Easter celebration. Let the celebration continue.
Credits and References:
Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Author: B.A. Robinson
The Pagan Origins of Easter
The Christian Origins of Easter
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Brady’s Run Earns Rave Review
Sun River, Montana - A leading online book review site--Coffee Time Romance--has given Brady's Run 4 out of 5 cups in its recent review of the new mystery by award-winning journalist Joseph Collum.
“This is a well-written detective story with quirky characters, an appealing location, and a topical plot.” --Maura, reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Mari Bushman, executive editor for publisher Jigsaw Press, said that while the entire staff was thrilled with the review, no one was particularly surprised. "This review merely confirms what we've known since our first look at the manuscript. Joseph Collum and his main character, Max Brady, could easily pick right up where John D. MacDonald and his Travis McGee left off."
For the full review by Maura of Coffee Time Romance, go to: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/Bradysrun.html
To preview the first fifty pages of Brady’s Run, visit http://www.jigsawpress.com.
******
Sun River, Montana - A leading online book review site--Coffee Time Romance--has given Brady's Run 4 out of 5 cups in its recent review of the new mystery by award-winning journalist Joseph Collum.
“This is a well-written detective story with quirky characters, an appealing location, and a topical plot.” --Maura, reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Mari Bushman, executive editor for publisher Jigsaw Press, said that while the entire staff was thrilled with the review, no one was particularly surprised. "This review merely confirms what we've known since our first look at the manuscript. Joseph Collum and his main character, Max Brady, could easily pick right up where John D. MacDonald and his Travis McGee left off."
For the full review by Maura of Coffee Time Romance, go to: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/Bradysrun.html
To preview the first fifty pages of Brady’s Run, visit http://www.jigsawpress.com.
******
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Today’s Fantasy Becomes Tomorrow’s Reality
It’s all a matter of perspective and imagination. Have you ever dreamed up an idea and then seen someone come up with your idea in the form of a new invention or service and get credit for a brilliant new discovery?
Everything from submarines to airplanes have been dreamed up and written about as fantasy before they became part of our reality. What does this teach us about fantasizing about things? Is it just a form of presenting new discoveries before they become functionally possible or practical?
Maybe our imaginations are outstripping our ability to perform so we have to create new concepts in the form of fantasy before we can express them as new realities. Maybe we have to write about it before we can live it. Maybe we are living it already and do not know that what we write is not fantasy, but the real thing.
Perhaps the discovery of new dimensions, or time travel is going to be part of our new reality at some time in the future. There are some who believe that if you can imagine it someone someday will make it happen, or it already exists and we haven’t developed sufficiently as a society to see it and understand the reality of it.
Is God always by our side? Does the devil really exist? Are there aliens in our midst? Can we travel into the future, or go back to change the past without destroying the fragile fabric of our culture, and our world?
There are so many things to conceive of. How do we know they have all not been thought of before? How do we know they are not just fantasy, but instead a new reality we cannot yet comprehend?
When does our imagination run so wild that projecting the fantasy it creates becomes impossible to confirm as real? When will we have answers to our questions? When will we experience a sense of peace and wellbeing?
How can we learn to translate the fleeting thoughts of new worlds and concepts into the actuality of multiple layers of existence and uncharted universes? When does one man’s fantasy become another person’s reality? How do you really know what is real and what is not?
How will we know the difference? How will we know whether we are dreaming and fantasizing, or really experiencing the product of our imagination? How will we know when what we think and do is the real thing?
*****
Hi this is Arthur Levine. I invite you all to visit Johnny’s Virtual Reality World and help us determine what is fantasy and what is real. Membership is free. http://groups.to/johnnysvirtualrealityworld
Everything from submarines to airplanes have been dreamed up and written about as fantasy before they became part of our reality. What does this teach us about fantasizing about things? Is it just a form of presenting new discoveries before they become functionally possible or practical?
Maybe our imaginations are outstripping our ability to perform so we have to create new concepts in the form of fantasy before we can express them as new realities. Maybe we have to write about it before we can live it. Maybe we are living it already and do not know that what we write is not fantasy, but the real thing.
Perhaps the discovery of new dimensions, or time travel is going to be part of our new reality at some time in the future. There are some who believe that if you can imagine it someone someday will make it happen, or it already exists and we haven’t developed sufficiently as a society to see it and understand the reality of it.
Is God always by our side? Does the devil really exist? Are there aliens in our midst? Can we travel into the future, or go back to change the past without destroying the fragile fabric of our culture, and our world?
There are so many things to conceive of. How do we know they have all not been thought of before? How do we know they are not just fantasy, but instead a new reality we cannot yet comprehend?
When does our imagination run so wild that projecting the fantasy it creates becomes impossible to confirm as real? When will we have answers to our questions? When will we experience a sense of peace and wellbeing?
How can we learn to translate the fleeting thoughts of new worlds and concepts into the actuality of multiple layers of existence and uncharted universes? When does one man’s fantasy become another person’s reality? How do you really know what is real and what is not?
How will we know the difference? How will we know whether we are dreaming and fantasizing, or really experiencing the product of our imagination? How will we know when what we think and do is the real thing?
*****
Hi this is Arthur Levine. I invite you all to visit Johnny’s Virtual Reality World and help us determine what is fantasy and what is real. Membership is free. http://groups.to/johnnysvirtualrealityworld
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