Easter

Resurrection, by Mark Grunenwald, 1515To paraphrase Charlie Brown, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Easter is all about??”

Matthew, Chapter 28
New American Standard Bible

Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. The angel said to the women,”Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. “Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.”

And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me.” Now while they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened.

And when they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, and said, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’ “And if this should come to the governor’s ears, we will win him over and keep you out of trouble.” And they took the money and did as they had been instructed; and this story was widely spread among the Jews, and is to this day.

But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

… That’s what Easter is all about, Charlie Brown.

Have GunXSword, Will Travel

The latest Animé series we’re watching with Eric is GunXSword, about a western-style character named Van, seeking revenge against a man named Claw, for the death of his betrothed. There are giant robots involved that look like the Transformers. It’s not as silly as it sounds!

In this 10-minute clip there are no robots. Carmen99, overly endowed and scantily dressed, is visiting her hometown. She finds the townsfolk suspiciously happy.

[flv:http://www.dograt.com/Video/APR07/GunXSword.flv 425 240]© AIC

A Feud Thar Wuz

The legendary Hatfield v. McCoy feud is once again in the news, nearly 150 years after it began in West Virginia.

Hatfield Men

The name behind all of the fussin’ and fightin’ may in fact be Von Hippel-Lindau. [Link Here] It’s a disease that’s marked by tumors on the adrenal glands that can result in aggressive behavior. And all this time I thought it was due to bad moonshine. Hey, maybe Von Hippel-Lindau disease explains the Shiite v. Sunni conflict!

I first learned of the famous feud from watching a 1938 Tex Avery cartoon on TV, “A Feud There Was”. Ya wanna see? Shore y’all duz. Don’t know why the name Hatfield was changed to Weaver.
[flv:http://www.dograt.com/Video/APR07/AFeudThereWas.flv 400 300]© Turner

Note: I transferred this cartoon from LD using a new method that’s both troublesome and slow. But the results are about as good as it gets, folks, without getting ridiculous with the bit rate, or paying real money for a FLV encoder.

It Was The Worst Of Times, It Was The Worst Of Times

The Great Depression. What was so great about it, anyway?

Actually, a lot of positive things came out of the 1930’s despite, and because of, economic hardship. There were many technological advances, and FDR innovated many social and public works programs that remain with us today.

But times were indeed extremely harsh for working people. PBS is running a show called Novel Reflections on the American Dream. One of the featured books is John Steinbeck’s unflinching look at the plight of migrant farm workers in California, The Grapes of Wrath.
[flv:http://www.dograt.com/Video/APR07/GrapesOfWrath.flv 400 260]© PBS

Pet Project

Dame Petula Clark

Let’s see how that online PETition is coming along. The one in England, asking Tony Blair to recommend Petula Clark be granted the title of Dame. [Link Here]

Hmm. At the moment, 134 136 138 140 166 UK residents have signed it. Not too bad for three four weeks, but let’s hope those Brits step it up. I have to admit I’m not quite sure to whom the recommendation must be made. The Queen herself?