tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56752256158937481592024-03-06T00:28:46.710+08:00Aldrin is the Hermês BoyRandom musings of Aldrin the polyethnic pagan pomosexual son of HermêsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger258125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5675225615893748159.post-23368123913917106252013-03-20T08:57:00.001+08:002013-03-20T09:07:36.280+08:00This blog may eventually move to WordpressYou may see me at <a href="http://aldrinft.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">aldrinft.wordpress.com</a> until Google decides to improve Blogger. I've already got a few unmirrored updates there as we speak, and I may or <i>may not</i> mirror them here <i>ever</i>.<br />
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If you decide that I am still worth following, best you be updating your Google Readers (which is also going away #sniff) with <a href="http://aldrinft.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">my new address</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5675225615893748159.post-36606259920675084652012-12-31T23:34:00.002+08:002012-12-31T23:34:12.857+08:00A Happy and Prosperous 2013! May you always have good food, good company, and a good fire.<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lALU0EhT2vE?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5675225615893748159.post-6016607227486602022012-12-02T21:45:00.001+08:002012-12-02T21:50:57.695+08:00KFC is serious with their "manning up" bullshitBecause <a href="http://aldrin-ft.blogspot.com/2012/11/well-someone-obviously-wants-to-take.html" target="_blank">one ad</a> apparently isn't enough to spread vile, stateside heterosexism to the unsuspecting, burger-crazy indios, they had to make a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JE2RW4X5HPY" target="_blank">second ad of rivalling stupidity</a>. As if this country needed more brain damage.<br />
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But hey, you can be cheap, heterosexist cretins if you like, KFC. Eat your fucking hearts out. <i>In private.</i> Don't feed it to people. You're not authorised to poison us. (That's somebody else's job.) And, even if I were to believe in this appalling misogyny, what the fuck does it have to do with the fucking burger? Sick.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JE2RW4X5HPY" width="560"></iframe><br />
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PS: You disappoint me, KC. You disappoint gender sensitivity. You disappoint human decency.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5675225615893748159.post-75680001240375462762012-11-18T06:58:00.002+08:002012-12-17T08:24:12.173+08:00Well, someone obviously wants to take the path of Colt .45 in making the stupidest, most sexist, most homophobic commercials<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cB5cAjMurw4" width="420"></iframe><br />
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Thank you, KFC, for making Philippine advertisement a stupider, more sexist place for men to feel awkward about their honest-to-god intimacy. Not to mention, you've just estranged an entire sex with that stupid tagline. Man up? Really? In 2012? This is stupid and absurd, KFC. Really.<br />
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These guys have probably never watched a <i>real</i> football match in their entire lives or met a woman with a titanic appetite for flesh. Human up, wankers.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5675225615893748159.post-37299060520311068682012-11-15T09:52:00.001+08:002012-11-15T09:52:28.766+08:00I is still here.Greetings! <div>
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Just to let you know, I'm still here, a bit busier at work, but still on fire for the world. I still immensely care about the issues that affect us and the wonders that keep us going. I just can't write about them so much as I used to because of time and all that <strike>shite</strike> jazz. I do tweet about them whenever I can, though, and I post pictures on Facebook quite often. If we're already contacts, you should know.</div>
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BTW, I started a new blog, focused on modern polytheism and ethnic religion. I'm keeping it separate because it targets a specific audience, namely the modern polytheist community and our <a href="http://adf.org/" target="_blank">fellowship</a>. </div>
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If you're interested (and you better be), come and visit me there: <a href="http://undertwotrees.blogspot.com/">undertwotrees.blogspot.com</a>.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5675225615893748159.post-31420827944530686302012-09-03T08:19:00.000+08:002012-11-15T10:09:53.238+08:00Sometimes, one needs an unbreakable oath to start a change in one's life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strike>By Excellent Apollon and Swift-footed Hermes, Gods of the Gymnasium, I swear this oath, on the 3rd day in the 9th month of the Gregorian calendar, 17th in the month of Metageitnion:</strike></div>
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<li><strike>To pursue <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P90X" target="_blank">P90X</a> to glorious victory</strike></li>
<li><strike>To preserve this oath in honour and care</strike></li>
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<strike>Under the promise of priceless reward at its accomplishment, yet under pain of punishment in reckless failure, unless released for reasons judged necessary and dire, may it be so.</strike></div>
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<strike>By Unerring Apollon and Unfailing Hermes, and by the human body in its magnificence, for the next 90 days, it shall be so.</strike><br />
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<u>Update: 16.9.2012</u><br />
Programme on hold until modified appropriately for skinny, underweight dedicant. Oath paid with seven days of sacrifice.<br />
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<u>Update: 15.11.2012</u><br />
Oath fully paid. Programme slightly modified for lanky, energetic lads who travel 4 hours a day, sleep 7.5 hours of daylight, and are conditional pesceterians. Sort of. New oath is as follows:<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">By Excellent Apollon and Swift-footed Hermes, Gods of the Gymnasium, I swear this oath, on the 15th day of November, 1st in the month of Maimakterion:</span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #0b5394;">To pursue the well-being of my body and mind in the best way known to modern science, to the best of my capacity</span></li>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">By Unerring Apollon and Unfailing Hermes, and by the human body in its magnificence, until the day I change form, it shall be so.</span></div>
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Now wasn't that a lot easier?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5675225615893748159.post-62371572090044732942012-07-26T21:59:00.000+08:002012-07-26T22:00:58.203+08:00All dogs go to heavenThe passing of a loved one is never easy, whether you get a year of saying goodbye or a day. Little Walker's passing broke my heart today. I wept as his tiny body withered in my arms; I wept as I returned his body to the Land.<br />
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Farewell, baby brother. You will always be here in my heart, well-loved and well-remembered. I will miss your cuddling the most. Thank you for the short but well spent time together. 'Til we run together again.<br />
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5675225615893748159.post-87275731330608765652012-07-12T18:11:00.000+08:002012-07-12T18:11:57.303+08:00On the never ending flame wars on [same sex] marriageEvery now and then, <a href="http://ph.news.yahoo.com/taiwan-stage-first-same-sex-buddhist-wedding-061917131.html">somebody finds the courage to marry the person they love</a>, and others open their mouths in disgust. What the fuck?<br /><br />It is all too simple, really: it is none of our business what people do with their lives as long as no one else's rights are infringed.<br /><br />I am not at all disturbed by two people in love who want to get married, be they man on woman, woman on woman, or man on man. It is within their fundamental human rights, it picks no one else's pockets, and it steps on no one else's shoes. What do you care if I marry the person I love and that person turns out to be man? How is that going to affect your indoor plumbing? How is that going to burn down your house?<br /><br />I would be a terrible, terrible father if I took that happiness away from my child. That joy of marrying the person you love only comes to us a few times in our lives. Why would I want to stop my child from being who he is and from doing what will make him a happier, healthier human being? If you think that is twisting what is wrong to make it right, then I think you have a twisted understanding of love, decency, and humanity.<div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5675225615893748159.post-56675722698958801472012-05-27T22:11:00.004+08:002012-05-27T22:13:24.971+08:00Pagans for RH?I am Aldrin and I am a Filipino-Lebanese naturalistic pagan in favour of the immediate legislation of the Reproductive Health Bill. But, where does one start in talking about the 'pagan" opinion on reproductive health? Nowhere, to be honest. We are not a church, nor a tribe; we're not even a single religion. 'Pagan' is an umbrella term (a very <b>LARGE</b> umbrella term) for various religious paths from the fairly modern Wicca to the indigenous religions of our non-industrial neighbours that stretch back thousands of years into prehistory. How united are we, really? Not so much, last I checked. We love our autonomy, and it's exactly this love for self-rule and free thinking that got our pre-colonial ancestors into trouble with the forces of cultural hegemony. Hundreds of years later into the age of portable computers and 3-in-1 coffee, here we are again, in another 'clash of cultures'. A clash between those who look past religious differences to work together for the benefit of our people, and those who wish to impose their 'sectarian' dogma on a secular, multicultural nation.<br />
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We, of the neglected 'minorities', wish to remind the "Dámasos" of our age that -- though they are free to stand by what they claim to be 'true' -- it is up to the conscience of each individual, Christian or otherwise, to decide on what to do with one's own body, and how each should go about one's life.<br />
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We, of the neglected minorities, would like to remind these self-declared "holy" men that they can no longer bully families into being 'good sheep' rather than free thinking, rational human beings.<br />
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Coming from a life-affirming, celebratory religion, I not only uphold the importance of life, but also the quality of life. Couples, and especially mothers, should be able to choose how many children they can afford to sustain, or if they want to have any children at all. Consequently, our children should not be denied of their right to proper education about their bodies -- a right long denied to our people by our backward cleric-run hierarchy.<br />
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All that said, I come here before you as one pagan, not as a representative of many -- however similarly inclined we are. To declare full representation would be contrary to the pagan spirit of autonomy. But this, I can say: I will not be silenced, and neither should any of my brothers and sisters. To be defeated by silence would be against our values as pagans; an insult to our ancestors who bravely fought and died for liberty.<br />
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So, I urge those of you who walk similar paths as I, honouring our ancestral gods and celebrating the cycles of nature, to stand up and step forth from the shadows of indifference and passivity. We will neither be silenced by others nor allow ourselves to be silent. As we speak, our pro-RH brothers and sisters within the Catholic Church have voiced out their support; I likewise urge other pagans to do the same if they truly care.<br />
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We are a secular, multicultural democracy, guided not only by our noble ancestry, but also by modern science and reason. But, all this is babble if we do not stand up for it; if we do not live by it.<br />
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I, as a Filipino pagan, but more importantly, as one who strives to be a decent, rational human being hereby sign my full support to the RH Bill. If you truly care about our women, our children, and our future... you will, too.<br />
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<span style="color: #999999;">[Written originally for the Interfaith RH Forum, 22 March 2012]</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5675225615893748159.post-22504077530509226912012-05-27T21:25:00.002+08:002012-05-28T09:06:05.139+08:00A Traveller's PrayerGuardians of our family, <br />
Keepers of our dwelling and land:<br />
hear my prayer from afar;<br />
sweet and clear, may my words reach you.<br />
Look after my family and our home today;<br />
my friends and theirs, too.<br />
Avert all evil and danger from them,<br />
and keep them safe and happy and healthy.<br />
With these words to you,<br />
may all be well in our house and land, <br />
and with our people.<br />
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Spirits of this place and Gods of this land:<br />
we make the same prayer for us here;<br />
as travellers and foreigners, <br />
I give you your dues. <br />
Be kind to us, Gracious Ones,<br />
as good hosts do to their guests.<br />
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Hail the All-seeing and the Traveller!<br />
To you, we pray for your sleepless watch on home and way.<br />
And to the Gods of this land, <br />
we pray for your affection,<br />
that we may remember our journey here <br />
with only joy and nothing less.<br />
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May it be so.</div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">Special thanks to Ian Fernandez for the photos and <a href="http://evernote.com/">Evernote</a> for making it possible to jot down my prayer without a computer in Cambodia. </span><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5675225615893748159.post-54803782282000171952012-05-06T12:47:00.000+08:002012-07-15T05:47:16.126+08:00To the AncestorsA prayer to the Ancestors authored by a <a href="http://a-mad-light.blogspot.com/">dear friend and brother</a>:<br />
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<span style="color: #999999;">O Ancestors,<br />those who have tread upon this earth before us<br />those whose blood now flows inside us<br />those whose journey we continue<br />those who have seen the years of old, as we now see the new<br /><br />we open our eyes to the time you have seen<br />may we now learn from the things that have been<br />we open our ears to your wise words and voices<br />you who have walked many roads, and named many choices<br /><br />we ask that you lend us wisdom and light<br />when troubles and vices blur our sight<br />we ask that you lend us courage and desire<br />that no dark act can erase our inner fire<br /><br />we ask that you lead us to our destinations<br />that we may not fall into resignation<br />to make decisions we were born to make<br />to choose the paths we were born to take<br /><br />O Forebears,<br />those who have tread the soil that we now tread<br />those who have breathed the air that we now breathe<br />my gratitude I send across the Greatest sea<br />to the light in the horizon, shining endlessly<br />we remember and wish you well,<br />wherever you may dwell<br />a sound that never dies<br />an infinite bell</span><br />
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And the ship-burning offering that came with it:<br />
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Our ships sail to the Undying West bearing our gifts to those who've gone before us. <span style="background-color: white;">Hail the Ancestors! Hail the Traveller! Hail the Liberator!</span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5675225615893748159.post-66902889916693135552012-05-03T21:30:00.000+08:002012-05-27T21:33:28.154+08:00On Miriam Quiambao and ignorant, violent cretinsI support Miriam's freedom to express her beliefs, no matter how bigoted I think they are. If she thinks being a "true" Christian is all about following biblical morality, so be it. If she thinks all the absurd and barbaric customs in the Bible are God's absolute "Truth", so be it. She can have these beliefs for herself if she wants to. But, they are hers; other people don't have to share it, and we are not required to respect them, especially when they don't make any sense, or when they incite violence or espouse inequality.<br /><br /> Miriam's sugar-coated homophobia is only a speck of a larger problem: the rampant, barbaric homophia in our country. Look to any article where Miriam Quiambao's homophobic comments are discussed and you will find hordes of ignorant, violent cretins who call out for LGBT genocide. <br /> <br />I'm sure there were some people who wanted her dead for her repetitive, hypocritical tweets. But, only from the anti-LGBT wall have I seen self-identified "human beings" calling for the death of their fellowmen just because they are not straight. And they call themselves Christians? Jesus must be very proud.<br /> <br />In response to: <a href="http://theguywithablog.blogspot.com/2012/05/miriam-as-homophobia-indicator.html">theguywithablog.blogspot.com</a><br />Image from: <a href="http://filipinofreethinkers.org/2012/05/02/catholic-revolution-against-prejudice-supports-miriam-quiambao/">filipinofreethinkers.org</a><div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5675225615893748159.post-36330038439237599992012-04-10T21:51:00.000+08:002012-05-27T21:56:55.956+08:00A birthday prayer to my DaimônEautou Daimôn, be thou increased in power<br />
on this day; the day of my birth; the day of my naming.<br />
As I step into another year of my life,<br />
protect me and watch over me;<br />
guide my feet and my way,<br />
my thoughts and my speech,<br />
that everything I do be according to what-is-right;<br />
that my acts be just, be true, be pure;<br />
that in all this, I may secure for myself and my family<br />
the friendship of the Gracious Ones,<br />
the protection of the Mighty Ones;<br />
the guidance of the Wise Ones;<br />
that in all this, I may honour the names<br />
of my beloved father and our noble ancestors<br />
today and tomorrow,<br />
and for all the days of my life.<br />
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May it be so.<br />
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More love to you, my Daimôn!<br />
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Footnotes:</span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #666666;">The personal deity known as the <b>Eautou </b>(personal or "one's own") or <b>Genethlios </b>(birthright) <b>Daimon </b>is the guardian spirit who watches over the fate of an individual from birth. They are similar to 'guardian angels' in Christianity.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666;"><b>Daimon </b>in Greek, and especially in ancient Greek religion, means 'divine spirit'.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5675225615893748159.post-32382967778979708742012-04-09T02:03:00.001+08:002012-04-10T00:42:58.364+08:00The only valid reasons for asking about another person's sexual preferences are if...<div class="mbl notesBlogText clearfix" style="font-family: inherit;">
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<li>You're interested in them.</li>
<li>You want to stay away from them (because you're either homophobic or heterophobic).</li>
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That you're <i>only-curious-but-it-doesn't-matter</i> is suspicious. If it doesn't matter, why do you even want to know?</div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5675225615893748159.post-7485317363663512732012-02-01T11:07:00.003+08:002012-02-01T17:20:15.002+08:00Atheist temples, why and how?Today, I shared <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2012/jan/26/alain-de-botton-temple-atheists" target="_blank">this</a> on Facebook with a comparatively long commentary that I thought I should blog about it, too:<br />
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My first reaction was <b>why</b>? What for? What does an atheist represent? What does it accomplish?<br />
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My second reaction was <b>how</b>? I think building atheist temples is particularly problematic because atheism doesn't belong to any single culture (although many atheists, arguably, seem to engage in a particular cultural trend, "New Atheism", but that's another story). We know that atheists are found in virtually all cultures, and can really be <i>anything</i> from intellectuals to culturally illiterate trolls. How ever can you make a temple that represent such a variety? And, what do all atheists have in common other than nonbelief in deity, anyway?<br />
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However, whilst I do question the point to building an atheist "temple", I also disagree with the suggestion that atheists already have their sacred spaces in libraries, laboratories, museums, and the LHC. They are, to use the word loosely, "temples" of knowledge, art, history, and science -- not atheism alone! And, these temples belong to all humankind, no matter what their beliefs are. Are atheists more likely to hold libraries 'sacred' than theists? From a very narrow definition of religion (Dawkins' atheism vs orthodox monotheism), one might be tempted to say yes, but a narrow definition of such a truly complicated matter is ultimately undesirable.<br />
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Besides, I think atheists, in general, don't need religious temples because they either: 1. already have their own (religious atheists who pray at Buddhist temples or atheist Jews who attend synagogue, etc); 2. their respective cultures don't distinguish temple from library from grove (atheist pagans, mostly); or 3. they're simply not interested in enshrining their nonbelief.
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Your thoughts?<br />
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<a href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2012/1/27/1327659368114/Atheist_temple_460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2012/1/27/1327659368114/Atheist_temple_460.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5675225615893748159.post-67121377816199319132012-01-20T08:59:00.001+08:002012-01-20T09:11:51.720+08:00Gay beauty pageants and early morning conversations on politically correct terms (or lack thereof) in the Tagalog language<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of my dear friends, via text, so early in the morning: <b>"Anó ang <i>politically correct term </i>ng baklâ?"</b><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">Me: </span>No exact word, but roughly: effeminate homosexual.<br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">Her: </span>No, in Tagalog.<br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">Me: </span>Ah. <i>Walâ </i>because we are currently an unsophisticated people. But Tagalog used to have one: <i>bayog-ín</i>. It is archaic, but some scholars have revived its usage.<br />
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Note, though, that <i>baklâ </i>is largely pejorative whilst <i>bayog-ín </i>is neutral-to-positive. The latter is obviously older and comes from a more sophisticated past.<br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">Addendum: There is also </span><i style="color: #666666;">binabaé </i><span style="color: #666666;">(for boys) and </span><i style="color: #666666;">binalaki </i><span style="color: #666666;">(for girls), but these are in reference to transgender, not homosexuality.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">Her: </span>Oh, okay. Salamat. I was asking <i>kasí </i>I saw a news clip <i>kanina </i>when I was on the bus going home. And Pinky Webb said '<i>mga badíng</i>'. And I found it off-key.<br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">Me: </span>Yes, it's always off-key. It's roughly the equivalent of "faggot" or "nigger" on American television. They would never openly say it on air. Dito kebs kasí tangá tayo. Ha ha!<br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">Her: </span>I know! She was talking about a gay beauty pageant, BTW.<br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">Me: </span>Ah, gay beauty pageants. Where gay men are always assumed to be the same as transgender.<br />
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<span style="color: #999999;">Her:</span> I would post this conversation on Facebook.<br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">Me: </span>I WAS THINKING THE SAME THING!<br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">Me:</span> I actually get up at around 10:30, but I read your message, and couldn't go back to sleep unless I answered you. Damn you!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgiVV1ZdAtbti-veoheJI3TT-OwtF67H1u-tGaE7Ul0rbSOSsOzhB5PlHmpOJlJ0bm31S-88Xhyw_u3PJr8s73Put1znHcx3sZ0jNC1sC0ZcHbG5uaD_fcj5aQN1AQvEicGQQ1qxitrB7/s1600/bayog.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgiVV1ZdAtbti-veoheJI3TT-OwtF67H1u-tGaE7Ul0rbSOSsOzhB5PlHmpOJlJ0bm31S-88Xhyw_u3PJr8s73Put1znHcx3sZ0jNC1sC0ZcHbG5uaD_fcj5aQN1AQvEicGQQ1qxitrB7/s320/bayog.PNG" width="291" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: http://www.iias.nl/nl/35/iias_nl35_13.pdf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5675225615893748159.post-34364433436992671242012-01-17T18:18:00.002+08:002012-01-17T18:59:43.424+08:00Adorations to HeraI'm sure you're all (?) aware of the adoration trend going on in the polytheistic quarters of the Internet. I couldn't resist making one for Hera.<br />
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I drew a lot from her ancient epithets, but also added in my own experiences with her (I use 'mother' a lot, as you may notice). One other source is Ceisiwr Serith's <a href="http://www.ceisiwrserith.com/pier/deities.htm#12">prayer to the cow-mother Gwouwindā</a>, which I absolutely adore.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://sonjaterheijden.com/vergrotingen/Hera_time-will-tell_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sonjaterheijden.com/vergrotingen/Hera_time-will-tell_3.jpg" width="253" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;">I adore you, Hera.<br />I adore you, undoubted queen.<br />I adore you, splendid daughter of Rheia and Kronos.<br />I adore you, grandchild of broad-breasted Gaia and wide-arching Ouranos.<br />I adore you, sister and wife of loud-thundering Zeus.<br />I adore you, mother of peerless Ares.<br />I adore you, mother of youthful Hebe.<br />I adore you, mother of skillful Hephaistos.<br />I adore you, foster-mother of many gods.<br />I adore you, born in Samos.<br />I adore you, raised in Argos.<br />I adore you, mother of cows.<br />I adore you whose stream of blessings is ever-flowing.<br />I adore you whose shining body delights the eyes.<br />I adore you whose holy purity blesses all.<br />I adore you, nourishing one.<br />I adore you, fertile one.<br />I adore you, abundant and gracious.<br />I adore you, providing milk overflowing.<br />I adore you, lady of the pomegranate.<br />I adore you, lady with the lotus-staff.<br />I adore you, queen of heaven.<br />I adore you, bringer of sweet rain.<br />I adore you, kindler of stars.<br />I adore you, sending cool gales.<br />I adore you, shining heifer.<br />I adore you, dreaded lioness.<br />I adore you, cuckoo.<br />I adore you, drawn by peacocks.<br />I adore you, attended by the seasons.<br />I adore you, mother of kings.<br />I adore you, mother of heroes.<br />I adore you, source of sovereignty.<br />I adore you, highly crowned.<br />I adore you, knowing heaven and earth.<br />I adore you, mother of law and order.<br />I adore you, exalted one.<br />I adore you, mother of people.<br />I adore you, protector of women.<br />I adore you, patron of marriage.<br />I adore you, keeper of keys.<br />I adore you, protector at childbirth.<br />I adore you, keeper of harmony.<br />I adore you, faithful one.<br />I adore you, my lady, my queen, my mother.</span><br />
<br />
Other adorations:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://thehouseofvines.wordpress.com/2011/12/27/the-99-adorations/">Adorations to Dionysos</a> (thehouseofvines.wordpress.com)</li>
<li><a href="http://melittabenu.wordpress.com/2012/01/04/93-adorations-to-persephone/">Adorations to Persephone</a> (melittabenu.wordpress.com)</li>
<li><a href="http://aithaloeistheos.wordpress.com/2012/01/08/71-adorations/">Adorations to Hephaistos</a> (aithaloeistheos.wordpress.com)</li>
<li><a href="http://lykeiaofapollon.wordpress.com/2012/01/05/63-adorations-for-apollon/">Adorations for Apollon</a> (lykeiaofapollon.wordpress.com)</li>
<li><a href="http://flamingthyrsos.wordpress.com/2012/01/03/the-66-adorations-of-hekate/">Adorations of Hekate</a> (flamingthyrsos.wordpress.com)</li>
<li><a href="http://inahawksi.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/64-adorations-for-hermes/">Adorations for Hermes</a> (inahawksi.wordpress.com)</li>
<li><a href="http://youngflemishhellenist.wordpress.com/2012/01/10/adorations-for-athena/">Adorations for Athena</a> (youngflemishhellenist.wordpress.com)</li>
<li><a href="http://youngflemishhellenist.wordpress.com/2012/01/14/adorations-for-zeus/">Adorations for Zeus</a> (youngflemishhellenist.wordpress.com)</li>
<li><a href="http://aediculaantinoi.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/adorationis-antinoi-cxxxiii/">Adorations for Antinous</a> (aediculaantinoi.wordpress.com)</li>
<li><a href="http://aspisofares.wordpress.com/2012/01/08/adorations-of-ares/">Adorations of Ares</a> (aspisofares.wordpress.com)</li>
<li><a href="http://thehouseofvines.wordpress.com/2012/01/11/i-am-really-adoring-all-of-these-adorations-posts/">Sannion adores the trend he started</a> </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br />
I hope we get to see more!</div>
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5675225615893748159.post-57250168867716056332012-01-02T22:40:00.001+08:002012-01-02T22:40:40.527+08:00Hail and be thou well, 2012!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.psdgraphics.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/happy-new-year-2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.psdgraphics.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/happy-new-year-2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Have a happy and prosperous New Year, friends. Never fail to live life
excellently, and to be excellent towards as many people and non-people
as you can.<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5675225615893748159.post-49271329496042106112011-12-24T22:36:00.001+08:002011-12-26T14:56:07.258+08:00Reasons for the season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kiXISNd1rw8/TvXkpE0ds-I/AAAAAAAAAZo/wHpzrI20xKk/s1600/Yule+Ball_Christmas+Wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kiXISNd1rw8/TvXkpE0ds-I/AAAAAAAAAZo/wHpzrI20xKk/s320/Yule+Ball_Christmas+Wreath.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Okay, now this is what I intend to do as an Anglo-Graeco-Roman pagan <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/revert">revert</a> from Roman rite Catholicism for the following days:<br />
<ul>
<li>Tonight (also the new moon, by the way): give birthday presents to the baby saviour gods (Jesus and Dionysus, or <i>Dion-esus</i> if you will)</li>
<ul>
<li>Light and frankincense for Baby Jesus</li>
<li> Wine and grape juice for Baby Dionysus</li>
</ul>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C5%8Ddraniht">Honour ancestral mothers</a> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matres_and_Matrones">Matronae</a>) with milk, and agricultural gods with bread or grain for past week of safe and joyful <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturnalia">Saturnalian festivities</a></li>
<li>Feast with family, wishing strength to saviour babies </li>
<li>Watch <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0170016/">Jim Carrey play Grinch</a> and miss father</li>
<li>Have <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings_film_trilogy">LOTR</a> movie marathon </li>
<li>Tomorrow morning: greet dawn goddess, then greet baby sun god (Sol Invictus) and invite him to bless planet for another year, wishing him long life</li>
<li>Tomorrow evening: greet celestial gods of the night sky</li>
<li>Have an awesome last week of the year</li>
<li>Clean house on or a day before eve of New Year</li>
<ul>
<li>Make sure shrines, threshold, and hearth are at their best, festive condition</li>
</ul>
<li>On eve of New Year (also the <a href="http://www.novaroma.org/nr/Kalends">kalends</a> of January): light fire at hearth shrine (both the last for 2011 and the first for 2012), use fire to light sacrificial fire at threshold shrine, offer goods symbolising happiness and health of family for next year (sweet fruit, butter, rice, flour, milk, honey, and oil preferably), have both fires meet by lighting candle from sacrificial fire and bringing it inside house, hearth first then dining table</li>
<li>Music and lights at maximum</li>
<li>Feast with family, wishing all auspicious and fortunate things to dominate the incoming year (top blessings are happiness, health, peace, bounty, and long life) for family, friends, and larger community</li>
<li>On dawn of New Year, perform very first offerings and prayers to hearth goddess, threshold god, border gods, storage gods (all household gods, to be brief), land spirits, and ancestors - make sure ritual etiquette is observed for full auspiciousness</li>
<li>Have super awesome start of 2012 for entire year</li>
<li>Live excellently for self, family, and fellowmen</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krtVbcrhXf8/TvXmGM9npdI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/ZaJyVJZiwO0/s1600/yulelog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krtVbcrhXf8/TvXmGM9npdI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/ZaJyVJZiwO0/s320/yulelog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
</ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5675225615893748159.post-87549555961275608922011-12-01T00:12:00.001+08:002011-12-01T01:22:54.386+08:00Why are we so obsessed with who's gay?Perhaps because we are a hapless bunch, insecure of our own sexual and/or gender identities? Perhaps because we aren't amongst the most comfortable when it comes to the topic of sex, nor amongst the most educated? In fact, we're so ignorant that we've piled up everything we can't define about gender <i>and</i> sexuality into one word: <b>baklâ</b>.<br />
<br />
Hapless, indeed, to have only one word (a <i>bad </i>word, not to mention) for everything else we are unwilling to introduce to decent society.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5675225615893748159.post-83397826038934975042011-11-28T19:26:00.001+08:002011-11-28T22:18:16.250+08:00This is for my old phone and the ruffians who took itWhen you find something that isn't yours, with information readily available for you to return it to its owner, you return it. Else you are a petty thief, deserving of neither anger nor sadness, but indifference.<br />
<br />
<b>Nonetheless, may you perish for an afternoon.</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5675225615893748159.post-53683687545048866562011-11-20T23:36:00.001+08:002011-12-01T01:49:53.895+08:00Three poems in Esperanto I wish I had made but did notI've been too focused on French lately, that I've forgot(en) I'm learning Esperanto, too. Fortunately, my friend/language partner is still up to it. He's just made three poems, much to my envy. <br />
<br />
With his permission, since he is blog-less, I am reposting all three. Comment away, <i>amikoj</i>. (As you can see, I did not even have the patience to write this introduction in <i>la lingvo</i>.)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PW4m49O9iMQhaTxy_1Zgf1fe6O64ZwUApHTDFbqJ-yWM2R-qMJZ48T0eR3kcJOOfIkfd3R4Z9P2rTTM3ifsOsO-2Zw5O13v9dYEr_X4XQJf4pxgJPDGomtd7AqdJrw2PwJmz_n2Gz3YA/s1600/Apollo_and_the_Muses_2.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PW4m49O9iMQhaTxy_1Zgf1fe6O64ZwUApHTDFbqJ-yWM2R-qMJZ48T0eR3kcJOOfIkfd3R4Z9P2rTTM3ifsOsO-2Zw5O13v9dYEr_X4XQJf4pxgJPDGomtd7AqdJrw2PwJmz_n2Gz3YA/s320/Apollo_and_the_Muses_2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">mi supozis ke ĝi estis vi</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">starante trans la fervojo </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">sed ĝi estintus nebulo nur </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">estintus fumo nur</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">estintus mia penso nur</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">estintus io pli</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">trajnoj faras ankoraŭ </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">nebulo sternas ankoraŭ en la funga cielo</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">fumon spiratas ankoraŭ, pulmo al pulmo </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">pensojn pensatas ankoraŭ </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">la dioj</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">la dioj marŝintis ekster de aĵoj jam</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">ni estas iliaj piedoj kaj manoj, okuloj kaj nazoj</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Mi, mi ĝuas estanta la lipa angulo de unu dioj</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">kaj la pubvilaro de alia</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><b>mia poŝtelefono</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Mi preterlasis mian poŝtelefonon ree</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">sur la tablo?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">sub la seĝoj?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">ĉu vi povus alvokas min? rrrring rrrring!!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">ahh, tio bonfartigas min.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5675225615893748159.post-75652882848410111752011-11-09T19:59:00.002+08:002011-11-11T19:25:37.215+08:00'Wag kang haharang-harang sa daan ko.Lalaki ako. Mahal ko ang titi ko. Sapat na 'yun para maging lalaki. Hawak ko ang kasarian ko, hindi mo o ninuman. Iiyak ako kung gusto ko, at uurong ako sa inuman kung kailan ko gusto.<br />
<br />
Desisyon ko ring hindi mag-asawa kung gugustuhin ko; hindi ito kabasawan sa pagkalalaki ko. Kung babae man o lalaki -- o pareho -- ang hilig ko ay wala na kayong pakialam dun. Sino'ng sira-ulo bang may sabi na ang lalaki ay para lamang sa babae?<br />
<br />
Wala nga palang kasarian ang tela. Lalaki pa rin ako kahit ano'ng isuot kong damit. Hindi malalaglag ang bayag ko kapag nagpalda ako o headband; kaya pa rin kitang upakan (at kaya ka ring upakan ng lola ko -- ang kakayahang umupak ay walang kinalaman sa kasarian o edad ng isang tao). <br />
<br />
Hindi kita mapipigilang tawaging akong bakla kung 'yun lang ang konseptong kaya ng makitid mong utak. Wala rin akong pakialam kung utos ng relihiyon mong bano na kamuhian mo ako. 'Di ko kasalanang tanga ka. Basta, ako, lalaki ako -- isang taong pinanganak na may titi, at nagmamahal sa kanyang titi. Kung 'di mo ako kayang igalang, bahala ka, buhay mo 'yan. 'Wag mo lang akong pagkaitan ng karapatan kong pantao para pagharian ang sarili kong kasarian at pagkakakilanlan. <b>'Wag kang haharang-harang sa daan ko.</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.myconfinedspace.com/wp-content/uploads/tdomf/126192/get%20out%20of%20my%20way.jpg"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://www.myconfinedspace.com/wp-content/uploads/tdomf/126192/get%20out%20of%20my%20way.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Siya nga pala, kahit sino pwedeng uminom ng Colt .45, mapababae o mapalalaki.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5675225615893748159.post-74141298603547726002011-10-31T21:34:00.000+08:002011-10-31T22:37:38.943+08:00Hocus Pocus turns 18Watching <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107120/">Hocus Pocus</a> on its 18th year, on the same night the movie was set in, on the same night I first saw it when I was 7. A tradition I shan't break.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_40ftVlb1Xm9OuBEZxsPBxwUj-Ftx_bg99jNB2lheSPpTPwlCyjgDPW3v_hkAtlaMtasRKj1PBC5805h_y8eqqS96L_IhtiwmIX6h_XboqcZgXh34RAG4V_JM28Fi6o_7xsWflOQRyXqy/s1600/glorious+morning.PNG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_40ftVlb1Xm9OuBEZxsPBxwUj-Ftx_bg99jNB2lheSPpTPwlCyjgDPW3v_hkAtlaMtasRKj1PBC5805h_y8eqqS96L_IhtiwmIX6h_XboqcZgXh34RAG4V_JM28Fi6o_7xsWflOQRyXqy/s320/glorious+morning.PNG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzGgy7UW_Qk35Kn1twx071WYKyQe-6iMmQgOi0TuOY1CXXxWrCuD2_6QWTgjx6KTx_zKzjgQPCa4ba5IyXgjbFn7GPpitW0yj8CALifj6l4C_3ueW7YqmUU1g18rN9X7AAUiBnum-SYMW/s1600/glorious+morning2.PNG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzGgy7UW_Qk35Kn1twx071WYKyQe-6iMmQgOi0TuOY1CXXxWrCuD2_6QWTgjx6KTx_zKzjgQPCa4ba5IyXgjbFn7GPpitW0yj8CALifj6l4C_3ueW7YqmUU1g18rN9X7AAUiBnum-SYMW/s320/glorious+morning2.PNG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcxKTVV3Af7WQSef1viW5tQPpe2a7U5RZo2vf9Rk3Youv96zXWh0Vb1sXbE6XzlfGNI0bzM-zHigC_rEBZ6QQx7kEHizp1irFAN8FGGAUhZoHxUoNFO9miuhdnJjThAtn9EemTCw8V4ut/s1600/winnie.PNG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcxKTVV3Af7WQSef1viW5tQPpe2a7U5RZo2vf9Rk3Youv96zXWh0Vb1sXbE6XzlfGNI0bzM-zHigC_rEBZ6QQx7kEHizp1irFAN8FGGAUhZoHxUoNFO9miuhdnJjThAtn9EemTCw8V4ut/s320/winnie.PNG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnftsva0JXigqrkkJOqOUi628C6LlS74CguPdDNGu4QyASkkoSGfS0XRX8C62KzQfK-DZqpL6O66T85Kp6B_f9CTxegHd8SX4laGbv8x_zR5C557dkJ3JPba7wuDQxIln9q6SKXhcYABR/s1600/mary.PNG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnftsva0JXigqrkkJOqOUi628C6LlS74CguPdDNGu4QyASkkoSGfS0XRX8C62KzQfK-DZqpL6O66T85Kp6B_f9CTxegHd8SX4laGbv8x_zR5C557dkJ3JPba7wuDQxIln9q6SKXhcYABR/s320/mary.PNG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9V3i5iiQhme2vJtx2tu4bLJdMEFOjJcelVkTYdQ8MKA698l1yTbSpFchLZtMS21mbNvVWzMdrJBs8NSWs15U0JWdiM3xhD6O73NntQVYuMtWxPWf7Cizfrm-zRtSp95DS5ACl1fEkgda/s1600/sarah.PNG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9V3i5iiQhme2vJtx2tu4bLJdMEFOjJcelVkTYdQ8MKA698l1yTbSpFchLZtMS21mbNvVWzMdrJBs8NSWs15U0JWdiM3xhD6O73NntQVYuMtWxPWf7Cizfrm-zRtSp95DS5ACl1fEkgda/s320/sarah.PNG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOhxixtPX_GfCrisHOYoV3BEvziyK-3pjNjEH-p5GIj2k2HPxeLi8ycUmS2C8tehmkY2b_DkfKvAqLdWFuiMbMLU2hPsfFTXVsU5zn4bQ5lFmR1EllLT_eL8HGHt6Ow8n2BCAFlZxjjtp/s1600/lilchildren.PNG"><img border="0" 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src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKhqTmElp5qBe7FxAZA0GTe_kjsqGkujwk54Z3Rlw-2ELx7390-ajeP1TaVyHi5dsx86nPuLFOpoe69vAsXPjgNoycsv0RggbTPQ38_ogd8cXOPWeN1RCuckh7YcyLpNMBtAtEkhhXcC7/s320/bewithyou.PNG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBt0m69-ptTHpk69CYpqxRaiArFUXgDRpvAZqynTEsKqGL34-9_DaB2ttuh1IqKqZoRCs8W21CKaljiiM0Ns92idCeEjhW0E5ForfwXBaebAdpAD8aPu0AY9jxxy83pS9b4uxDvEVdsR-1/s1600/credits.PNG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBt0m69-ptTHpk69CYpqxRaiArFUXgDRpvAZqynTEsKqGL34-9_DaB2ttuh1IqKqZoRCs8W21CKaljiiM0Ns92idCeEjhW0E5ForfwXBaebAdpAD8aPu0AY9jxxy83pS9b4uxDvEVdsR-1/s320/credits.PNG" /></a><br /><br />I had really hoped for a sequel.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5675225615893748159.post-56938670060643114282011-10-19T15:54:00.001+08:002011-10-19T18:29:59.237+08:00AVE MERCVRIVSToday is the third Wednesday from the Kalends (Noumenia) of October, and the third day of my three-day thanksgiving to Hermes-Mercurius as god of commerce and travel. I have so far already offered <a href="http://www.callmethirsty.com/wp-content/gallery/starbucks10worst/007%20Iced%20White%20Chocolate%20Mocha.jpg">white chocolate mocha</a> on the first day, <a href="http://www.applepiepatispate.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/hot-chocolate-caramel-cinnamon-pierre-herme.jpg">hot chocolate with cinnamon and nutmeg</a> on the second day at our house herm, and <a href="http://media.onsugar.com/files/2010/05/21/2/854/8542555/72/greentea.jpg">green tea latte</a> today (though, I did originally promise <a href="http://foodbeast.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/strawberry_creme.jpg">strawberries and cream</a>).<br />
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I joyfully consumed them all in his honour; but, of course, not without a symbolic libation (our business areas are carpeted).<br />
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As someone who depends on sales, wit, and cunning for a living -- not to mention being in a business that involves travel and hospitality -- I owe him heaps. So, be thou well, Mercator! Agoraios! Fortunus! Beloved lord and friend!</div>
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As you will recognise, this is the prayer I offer you before beginning every work day:<br />
<blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Hear thou Mercury, full of luck,<br />Who guides the traffic of merchants and travellers:<br />Praises I pour out to thee,<br />O champion of commerce, silver-tongued god.<br />Open my day today to all things auspicious and fortunate,<br />To joyous business and prosperous sales,<br />As you have always done, faithful friend.<br />Be thou increased in power, o god dearest to mankind,<br />So that we may be increased in joy.</span></blockquote>
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If you like it, please continue to bless my path, my words, and my business -- and that of my kin -- every single day.<br />
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<a href="http://www.lessing-photo.com/p2/100105/10010541.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.lessing-photo.com/p2/100105/10010541.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0