Showing posts with label Angels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Angels. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Monday, September 12, 2016
Since When?
Facebook has a lot of things going on that we don't know about. It's not that facebook is actually trying to hide this stuff, it's just that it's not right out in the open, and, well, no one ever really looks. Of course, we all agree to it by being on facebook to begin with, so it's not like you have any right or grounds on which to complain. If you don't like it, don't be on facebook.
But I digress as all of that is really beside the point. Or behind it. Or something. I only bring it up because what I'm about to talk about came out of one of those "hidden" facebook things.
Unsurprisingly, facebook labels you in different ways based on the kinds of things on which you click through and all sorts of ways. A lot of it has to do with advertising so that their advertisers can target you so that they're sending ads to people who might actually be interested in them rather than just whatever to whomever and hoping something sticks. One of the labels they attach to you has to do with how you lean politically.
Yeah, I checked my label.
It said "machine wash, hot."
Oh, wait! Wrong label.
Oh, yeah, I know what a lot of you out there are thinking: "We don't need you to tell us your label. We all know you're one of those crazy, hippy liberals." Well, as it turns out, not quite. See, there are three categories: liberal, conservative, and moderate. Makes sense, right? And I fully expected to get pegged in the "liberal" category. But, no, my label... You want to know my label? "Very liberal." Not just liberal but "very liberal."
It's funny, because I don't feel "liberal." What I feel like is someone who believes that all people; independent of their race, sex, sexuality, financial status, whatever; ought to get a fair shake. What I wonder is this: Since when did that idea become "liberal"? Because I have a hard time with the idea of people being treated fairly and equally being a liberal idea. Not today. Today, that ought to be the norm.
Why?
Because we use the Declaration of Independence as one of our founding documents, I'd like to point out a few things. All men (mankind) are created equal, not just white men and not just rich men and not just rich, white men.
All men have the right to life, which does not include being shot dead by people working for the government, especially not for walking down the street or driving your car.
All men have the right to liberty. I'm going to say that as freedom. People have the right to choose how they want to live. As long as you're not hurting some other person, you should get to live the way you want to. And, honestly, I don't understand why this is even a thing. What you do in your own house is your own business (as long as it isn't beating your kids or your spouse). Or it ought to be. I don't want you coming in my house telling me how to live, so I shouldn't be going into your house telling you how to live. That's a metaphoric "I," people.
All men have the right to pursue happiness. Again, as long as it doesn't mean harming someone else or denying someone else their right of life or liberty. You get to decide what makes you happy and pursue that thing and, just because that is not a thing that makes me happy, it doesn't make it okay for me to tell you that it shouldn't make you happy.
These do not seem like "liberal" ideas to me. They seem like fairly decent human ideas. But let's take it back some more. Now, if you are a Bible believer, you have to get the whole part where God created man to be free. See, the angels were not free, and God wanted some piece of creation that would have freedom of choice. The freedom to live as that piece of creation would choose to live. So it seems to me that the people who should be most invested in protecting the right of choice for individuals would be Christians. Or "Christians," if we're speaking politically.
Not to mention that it should be Christians most in support of social programs that help the poor. Seriously, what do they think it means when Jesus said, "Feed my sheep"? But that's really a different topic.
The point is that I don't feel liberal, certainly not "very liberal." Which is not to say that I feel conservative, because I don't feel that, either (although I think I did actually feel conservative when I was young and growing up in the South). I don't think of myself in those kinds of terms.
As I said, I do think of myself as someone who believes that people deserve and should receive equality. Equal opportunity. Equal pay for equal work. An equal chance at life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. My wife frequently says I'm the best feminist she knows, but I don't think of myself that way, either. I'll say equalist. I believe in equalism.
And, again, as the title says, since when did that idea become liberal?
But I digress as all of that is really beside the point. Or behind it. Or something. I only bring it up because what I'm about to talk about came out of one of those "hidden" facebook things.
Unsurprisingly, facebook labels you in different ways based on the kinds of things on which you click through and all sorts of ways. A lot of it has to do with advertising so that their advertisers can target you so that they're sending ads to people who might actually be interested in them rather than just whatever to whomever and hoping something sticks. One of the labels they attach to you has to do with how you lean politically.
Yeah, I checked my label.
It said "machine wash, hot."
Oh, wait! Wrong label.
Oh, yeah, I know what a lot of you out there are thinking: "We don't need you to tell us your label. We all know you're one of those crazy, hippy liberals." Well, as it turns out, not quite. See, there are three categories: liberal, conservative, and moderate. Makes sense, right? And I fully expected to get pegged in the "liberal" category. But, no, my label... You want to know my label? "Very liberal." Not just liberal but "very liberal."
It's funny, because I don't feel "liberal." What I feel like is someone who believes that all people; independent of their race, sex, sexuality, financial status, whatever; ought to get a fair shake. What I wonder is this: Since when did that idea become "liberal"? Because I have a hard time with the idea of people being treated fairly and equally being a liberal idea. Not today. Today, that ought to be the norm.
Why?
Because we use the Declaration of Independence as one of our founding documents, I'd like to point out a few things. All men (mankind) are created equal, not just white men and not just rich men and not just rich, white men.
All men have the right to life, which does not include being shot dead by people working for the government, especially not for walking down the street or driving your car.
All men have the right to liberty. I'm going to say that as freedom. People have the right to choose how they want to live. As long as you're not hurting some other person, you should get to live the way you want to. And, honestly, I don't understand why this is even a thing. What you do in your own house is your own business (as long as it isn't beating your kids or your spouse). Or it ought to be. I don't want you coming in my house telling me how to live, so I shouldn't be going into your house telling you how to live. That's a metaphoric "I," people.
All men have the right to pursue happiness. Again, as long as it doesn't mean harming someone else or denying someone else their right of life or liberty. You get to decide what makes you happy and pursue that thing and, just because that is not a thing that makes me happy, it doesn't make it okay for me to tell you that it shouldn't make you happy.
These do not seem like "liberal" ideas to me. They seem like fairly decent human ideas. But let's take it back some more. Now, if you are a Bible believer, you have to get the whole part where God created man to be free. See, the angels were not free, and God wanted some piece of creation that would have freedom of choice. The freedom to live as that piece of creation would choose to live. So it seems to me that the people who should be most invested in protecting the right of choice for individuals would be Christians. Or "Christians," if we're speaking politically.
Not to mention that it should be Christians most in support of social programs that help the poor. Seriously, what do they think it means when Jesus said, "Feed my sheep"? But that's really a different topic.
The point is that I don't feel liberal, certainly not "very liberal." Which is not to say that I feel conservative, because I don't feel that, either (although I think I did actually feel conservative when I was young and growing up in the South). I don't think of myself in those kinds of terms.
As I said, I do think of myself as someone who believes that people deserve and should receive equality. Equal opportunity. Equal pay for equal work. An equal chance at life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. My wife frequently says I'm the best feminist she knows, but I don't think of myself that way, either. I'll say equalist. I believe in equalism.
And, again, as the title says, since when did that idea become liberal?
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Friday, May 6, 2016
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
A Gathering (pictures I like) (Lailah)
Angel week!
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Clone Wars -- "Corruption" (Ep. 3.5) (Gadreel)
-- The challenge of hope is to overcome corruption.
One thing I think (know) people often (almost always) miss about the prequels, especially The Phantom Menace, is how much political commentary is contained therein. People get all distracted and wound up by Jar Jar and miss everything else. Some of everything else being a kind of warning about the state of politics, right now, and I think we can see even more of what was in Phantom going on in the US, right now, with the polarization of Congress and the fear-mongering of the Republicans, especially Donald Trumpatine. This episode touches on the same material.
And it's eerily reminiscent of the water issue in Flint, Michigan.
All of that said, I like seeing Satine back even without Obi-Wan in the story.
Mandalore is having some issues due to the fallout of the previous Mandalore story line in which they assert their neutrality. Now, no one will trade with them, and things like food prices are skyrocketing. Corruption and the black market are booming. That's really all you need to know. That and Padme joins Satine in an investigation dealing with sick school children.
Just go watch it.
Now for Angel week!
"Gadreel" is FREE! today! Go get a copy!
And it's eerily reminiscent of the water issue in Flint, Michigan.
All of that said, I like seeing Satine back even without Obi-Wan in the story.
Mandalore is having some issues due to the fallout of the previous Mandalore story line in which they assert their neutrality. Now, no one will trade with them, and things like food prices are skyrocketing. Corruption and the black market are booming. That's really all you need to know. That and Padme joins Satine in an investigation dealing with sick school children.
Just go watch it.
Now for Angel week!
Monday, May 2, 2016
Sunday, May 1, 2016
It's Angel Week! (Asbeel)
Today, "Asbeel" is FREE! Totally. Completely. Go get it.
Yes, now.
You don't even have to come back. Go read, instead.
Oh, and remember, it contains adult material.
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Angels Unbound: Zuriel (an a-to-z post)
Zuriel
The Archangel of Wisdom. He represents understanding and judgement, good judgement. He is often sought out by the other Angels, especially Michael, who has become his confidant. Since the War of Heaven, they always fight side-by-side. Zuriel cannot be moved for he is the "Rock of God."
Already released:
The Archangel of Wisdom. He represents understanding and judgement, good judgement. He is often sought out by the other Angels, especially Michael, who has become his confidant. Since the War of Heaven, they always fight side-by-side. Zuriel cannot be moved for he is the "Rock of God."
Already released:
Friday, April 29, 2016
Angels Unbound: Yahoel (an a-to-z post)
Yahoel
Yahoel likes to bill himself as the Manifestation of the Power of God. He is the restrainer of the Leviathan and will be the one to unleash it upon the Earth during the End of Days. After the War of Heaven, and because of it, Michael has formed close bonds with Yahoel. He is the Guardian Angel of the Chosen.
He is also the choirmaster of Heaven and taught the Angels to say the praises of the Father.
His body is like a sapphire with hair like snow.
Already released:
Yahoel likes to bill himself as the Manifestation of the Power of God. He is the restrainer of the Leviathan and will be the one to unleash it upon the Earth during the End of Days. After the War of Heaven, and because of it, Michael has formed close bonds with Yahoel. He is the Guardian Angel of the Chosen.
He is also the choirmaster of Heaven and taught the Angels to say the praises of the Father.
His body is like a sapphire with hair like snow.
Already released:
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Angels Unbound: Xantros (an a-to-z post)
If ever there was an Angel who could have been called a loser, it was Xantros. He just never knew what to do with himself. Even during the War of Heaven, he just stood and watched, waiting for someone else to tell him what to do. When it came time to retrieve Raziel's Book from Man, Xantros was just the right amount of expendable.
Get "Xantros" FREE! today!
Already released:
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Angels Unbound: Wormwood (an a-to-z post)
Wormwood
During the War of Heaven, Chemosh, the Destroyer consumed Wormwood. But Angels are eternal and cannot be unmade except by the Father, which is not to say that they can't be changed... What was left of Wormwood was not something that could be called humanoid. He has become the Angel of Bitterness for bitterness is all that is left to him. One day, he will achieve his Purpose and fall from the heavens, striking the waters of Earth into blood.
Already released:
During the War of Heaven, Chemosh, the Destroyer consumed Wormwood. But Angels are eternal and cannot be unmade except by the Father, which is not to say that they can't be changed... What was left of Wormwood was not something that could be called humanoid. He has become the Angel of Bitterness for bitterness is all that is left to him. One day, he will achieve his Purpose and fall from the heavens, striking the waters of Earth into blood.
Already released:
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Angels Unbound: Vehuel (a to z) and Clone Wars -- "Sphere of Influence" (Ep. 3.4)
Vehuel
Not all Angels are satisfied with their place in the order of Creation. Thus was the case with Vehuel, created as only a minor Guardian. He was never quite satisfied with that. After the fall of the Grigori, he took to hanging out with them on Earth, but as a woman, so as not to risk ending up being banished with them. He's on the fringes of Angel "society."
Clone Wars
Not all Angels are satisfied with their place in the order of Creation. Thus was the case with Vehuel, created as only a minor Guardian. He was never quite satisfied with that. After the fall of the Grigori, he took to hanging out with them on Earth, but as a woman, so as not to risk ending up being banished with them. He's on the fringes of Angel "society."
Clone Wars
-- A child stolen is a hope lost.
I think this episode is really about politics. Of course, it doesn't look like that on the surface. It looks like an episode dealing with a kidnapping. But, really, at least to me, the episode is about how the Trade Federation can continue to do bad stuff and retain their status. "Bad stuff" includes dealing with the Separatists, which they do right alongside dealing with the Republic by claiming neutrality. In a world where economic sanctions and bans are a part of the way politics works, I sometimes find this puzzling. Then I remember Saudi Arabia and how we buy oil from them.
Anyway...
Baron Papanoida's daughters are kidnapped in an effort to coerce him to bring Pantora into the Separatist movement. Rather than comply, Papanoida, along with Ahsoka, takes matters into his own hands.
I'm more interested in the politics involved than the rescue attempts.
Fun fact: Baron Papanoida was first seen in Revenge of the Sith played by George Lucas himself.
"I still can't believe they let you teach."
Monday, April 25, 2016
Angels Unbound: Uri'el (an a-to-z post)
Uri'el
Yes, this is the same Uri'el who appears in Shadow Spinner (see Chapter 34: Uri'el) and who guards the entrance to the Garden with a flaming sword. Some say the sword is a manifestation of Uri'el, while some hold that the sword is a separate entity. One thing is certain, the sword can guard the entrance without the presence of Uri'el, and Uri'el can always keep watch over the entrance, no matter where he is, because of his thousand eyes.
He is known to be as pitiless as the most heartless of Demons, even Lucifer himself, even though he is an Angel of Repentance. He watches over "thunder and terror."
Perhaps because of his farseeing gaze and despite his pitiless nature, Uri'el was one of The Three who pleaded the case for humanity when God sent the flood to destroy the Nephilim. It was Uri'el who warned Noah and instructed him on the building of the ark.
It was also Uri'el who rescued John the Baptist from the Massacre of the Innocents. He returned the body of Adam (and his son Abel) to the Garden for burial after their deaths. Uri'el, in his aspect of Angel of Repentance, was the one who checked the door posts for the blood of a lamb in Egypt when Azrael (the Archangel of Death) came to take the first borns. Uri'el told him whom to spare.
He has killed many who have tried to enter the Garden, but it is whispered that he has also killed those who have not. The flaming sword was noticeably absent during the mysterious assassination of Sennacherib, king of Assyria.
Already released:
Yes, this is the same Uri'el who appears in Shadow Spinner (see Chapter 34: Uri'el) and who guards the entrance to the Garden with a flaming sword. Some say the sword is a manifestation of Uri'el, while some hold that the sword is a separate entity. One thing is certain, the sword can guard the entrance without the presence of Uri'el, and Uri'el can always keep watch over the entrance, no matter where he is, because of his thousand eyes.
He is known to be as pitiless as the most heartless of Demons, even Lucifer himself, even though he is an Angel of Repentance. He watches over "thunder and terror."
Perhaps because of his farseeing gaze and despite his pitiless nature, Uri'el was one of The Three who pleaded the case for humanity when God sent the flood to destroy the Nephilim. It was Uri'el who warned Noah and instructed him on the building of the ark.
It was also Uri'el who rescued John the Baptist from the Massacre of the Innocents. He returned the body of Adam (and his son Abel) to the Garden for burial after their deaths. Uri'el, in his aspect of Angel of Repentance, was the one who checked the door posts for the blood of a lamb in Egypt when Azrael (the Archangel of Death) came to take the first borns. Uri'el told him whom to spare.
He has killed many who have tried to enter the Garden, but it is whispered that he has also killed those who have not. The flaming sword was noticeably absent during the mysterious assassination of Sennacherib, king of Assyria.
Already released:
Saturday, April 23, 2016
Angels Unbound: Temeluchus (an a-to-z post)
Temeluchus
We like to think of Angels as "good" and Demons as "bad," but the truth is that our own, human, perceptions of good and evil come nowhere close to applying to Angels and Demons. For instance, Temeluchus is the Chief Angel of Torment. And he likes it. He likes to cause pain and is known as merciless, the Merciless Angel of Fire. But he has a soft spot for infants and children and considers himself their special caretaker. Therefore, he especially likes to torture those he considers under his care.
Already released:
We like to think of Angels as "good" and Demons as "bad," but the truth is that our own, human, perceptions of good and evil come nowhere close to applying to Angels and Demons. For instance, Temeluchus is the Chief Angel of Torment. And he likes it. He likes to cause pain and is known as merciless, the Merciless Angel of Fire. But he has a soft spot for infants and children and considers himself their special caretaker. Therefore, he especially likes to torture those he considers under his care.
Already released:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)