Monthly Archives: February 2014

Human Cockfighting

PublishedFebruary 22, 2014 Post authorraggedclown

The animal is put into a cage, and stress is introduced.  Threats abound, and the animal defends itself at all costs.

This is the reality of hockey in the NHL. Players who do it “for the love of the game” are put into situations where they are powerless to defend themselves other than with their fists.  The rules protect them, but the rules are put on hold at the discretion of the coaches, the league administrators, and the other players.

It’s a bait and switch game.  Play hockey.  But the threat is constant.

Every argument about how it can’t change is proved false by the Olympic tournament.

February 22, 2014

The Plow Bullies

PublishedFebruary 14, 2014 Post authorraggedclown

Dear Tim:

Have you seen them out there?  Gangs of snowplow operators, 4 abreast on a 4 lane street, after dark, intimidating motorists who are unfortunate enough to be out and about in the wrong place at the wrong time?

It’s not pretty.  They have no regard for the flow of traffic, courtesy, or the comfort of smaller vehicles.  There is no way to tell if they will yield even a little to let you by.  They stand broad shouldered, yellow muscles rippling under the twinkle of snow in streetlights, kicked up by their frolic.

I hope the city founders do something about this soon.

rc

February 14, 2014

I already know what I want

PublishedFebruary 13, 2014 Post authorraggedclown

Dear Tim:

I went to the drive though this morning.  As has been their habit of late, the operator of the microphone asked me if I wanted something particular before I ordered.  She was guessing, I think.  Of course it was not the thing I wanted, I wanted something else.  My usual in fact, I suppose.  But really, why are these people guessing what I want? I miss the part where they would say “Good morning.”  I didn’t answer her.  I just ordered.  It seemed to go ok for all concerned.

rc

February 13, 2014

Grace for the graceless

PublishedFebruary 10, 2014 Post authorraggedclown

Sometimes I find myself graceless.  Like when I am asked to “give thanks” before a meal in public.  Sometimes it’s a Christian gathering.  Often it’s not.  I don’t mind but maybe others do in a mixed crowd.  They might be Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, atheist, or even agnostic.  I don’t mind giving thanks, but how do I do this appropriately?

What’s worse is when someone else, say the agnostic is asked to do it and they say yes.  It is not honouring at all to my faith to hear something insincere.  I tried finding some “non-religious” grace or invocations to give thanks before a meal.  There are some, but sometimes the traditional religion is just replaced with new age, which does not accomplish neutrality at all.

So I wrote these with the intent that anyone should feel comfortable using them. Just choose your favourite.

Please use them if you like.  Change them if you like, Share them with others if you like.  Don’t use them if you don’t like.  The “amens” are optional.

Share these under the terms of the GPL. (www.gnu.org)

Download a PDF version of grace_for_the_graceless

1.

Our thanks we give for living well,
Our thanks for things that time will tell.
Our thanks for folks and food that will
By providence our needs fulfil.
(Amen.)

2.

In time of need our thankfulness
Is given here without distress
Despite our shortcomings and wants
We’re thankful for these flowing fonts.
(Amen.)

3.

While generosity abounds
From hands that made and from beyond
We thank all those from whom this came
And trust therein for more again.
(Amen.)

4.

Protection from the world surrounding
Is our desire and hope abounding
While others suffer and won’t heal
Here we are thankful for this meal.
(Amen.)

5.

Each one who needs or feels like giving,
Remember now how life may treat you.
Our hearts’ desire is for a sharing.

Each other and our food we cherish.
And so we hope and ask to witness
Our colleagues and our business flourish.
(Amen.)

6.

In sharing in this meal right now
Let us make a thankful bow
For things we have that we enjoy,
For hospitality employed,
For joining company that’s good
To benefit ourselves with food.
(Amen.)

7.

As we celebrate this time together
Pause we, thoughtful now, to just remember
Thankfulness for all that is so tender.
Hands and food and grace supply and render
Meals for us while we recline in splendour.
(Amen.)

8.

The blessings we receive each day
Do make our daily thankfulness.

Our source of all prosperity
Produces joy in us by this.

In spite of lack or lots by chance,
Fulfilled in any circumstance.
(Amen.)

February 10, 2014