Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Questionnaire Assistance

Fire Lake, BC 

I am Russ Murray, a PhD candidate at the University of Wales, although I am working by distance learning and live in the Greater Vancouver area. My dissertation topic is the problem of evil, and this is a continuation and progression of my MPhil. I have tentatively completed PhD chapters on Free Will Theodicy with Augustine, and Alvin C. Plantinga, Sovereignty Theodicy with John S. Feinberg (and yours truly), Soul-Making Theodicy with John Hick, and Practical/Empirical Theology and Theodicy from Dutch Roman Catholics. 

My questionnaire will be based on these approaches to the problem of evil and a few feminism questions which my original advisor wanted included. I am working on a questionnaire and once it is accepted by a new advisor I will be looking for people from local churches to assist me by filling out the questionnaire, but I am also willing to send the form out via the internet. If you are attending a Christian church and desire to fill out a questionnaire for me when I have it ready, please let me know, by leaving a comment here, or by emailing me at: rnmwales@shaw.ca The survey results are anonymous and completely confidential. Although I am looking for assistance from people attending Christian churches, I will have 'other' listed as a denominational option. I can email a copy of the completed questionnaire results upon request to a person who has participated in the survey. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated as I will probably need a sample in the hundreds. 

Thanks Russ

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Should Islam be beyond criticism?



I do not claim to be an expert on Islam, I have studied Christian Theology and Biblical Studies for 15 years, in particular the problem of evil, free will and determinism, please see my philosophical theology blog, thekingpin68 under links. I have taken a few courses that deal with Islam,and am aware that there are some key differences between Christianity and Islam.

A brief comparison between the two religions from by Garry K. Brantley.

http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/225

From a Christian perspective, and from an Islamic one, there is plenty of disagreement on key issues. I would state that clearly that although both religions are monotheistic, the same God is not being worshipped. If God is triune, yet one is substance and nature as in Christianity, then Islam which denies the trinity has a different concept of God, and a different God. Brantley (1996: 1). Matthew 28:19 demonstrates that God is triune in his call to make disciples in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In Acts 5:3-4 the Holy Spirit as God is described as being lied to. If Christ is God, then he is more than a prophet as with Islam, and Islam worships a different God. Brantley (1996: 1). In Hebrews 1:3, Christ is explained as the exact representation of God's nature who upholds all things by the word of his power.

Contrary to Islam, if Christ did atone for sins and was resurrected, then to deny this would be to deny God's key work within humanity, and would indicate that within Islam a different God is worshipped. Brantley (1996: 1). Christ is stated to have died for sins in Hebrews 10:12, and is documented as being resurrected in Matthew 28, Luke 24, Mark 16, John 20-21, and Acts 1.

The Pope by quoting Emperor Manuel II Paleologos of the Byzantine Empire, was pointing out a difference between Christianity and Islam, at least radical Islam on the matter of promoting their religion by violence. Sadly, Christianity has been promoted through violence in the past, including through the Roman Catholic Church and some Reformers, but this approach was not a New Testament teaching. In John 18:36, Jesus stated that his Kingdom was not of this world, and that was why his servants were not fighting with authorities. As well, Christians in the New Testament era were known for being martyrs by the hands of the Roman Empire and were not attempting to overthrow their rulers. The BBC quoted the Pope as follows:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5347876.stm

"Stressing that they were not his own words, he quoted Emperor Manuel II Paleologos of the Byzantine Empire, the Orthodox Christian empire which had its capital in what is now the Turkish city of Istanbul.

The emperor's words were, he said: 'Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached.'"

Since some within Islam believe in exporting their religion by the sword, Christians, adherents of other religions, and secularists alike have the right to criticize people within Islam, or any other philosophical movement that believes in spreading ideals through force and the murder of opponents. I discussed religious tolerance on thekingpin68 in my article here

http://thekingpin68.blogspot.com/2006/09/religion-ethics-and-blogging.html

Tolerance is defined by J.E. Wood Junior, as the indulgence of belief or conduct other than one’s own. This would include respect for the opinions and practices of others when they are in conflict with one’s own. Wood (1996: 1098). This tolerance in no way means that all religious philosophies must be viewed as true, rather people are respected for holding a religious view even if views are considered false by others on several points.

These radical Islamic groups are intolerant of any world-view that opposes their own and for this reason Christians, adherents of other religious, and secularists should unite in criticism, and unfortunately if needed, support military actions by Western governments against Islamic states and terrorist groups that are intolerant of views that oppose their own and wish to bring death to their chosen enemies. The Pope was correct in originally mentioning this criticism of Islam, or at least those within Islam that believe in the use of spreading the faith by the sword, I realize that not all in Islam agree with the concept of using force to spread the faith. As a Christian, I respect the right of Islam to exist in this present age, yet disagree with key central tenants of Islamic theology. I can agree with those of other philosophical views that radical Islam is a danger to tolerance and democracy in our present age and join in criticism of radical Islam and any philosophical movement that believes in murdering opponents. Clearly Islam should not be beyond criticism despite the protests and sometimes violent actions of some of its adherents.

BRANTLEY, GARRY K. (1996) 'Christianity and Islam: Points of Tension', Apologetics Press, Montgomery, Alabama, http://www.apologeticspress.org.

WOOD J.E. JUNIOR. (1996) ‘Tolerance’ in Walter A. Elwell (ed.), Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Books.

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Don't state it unless you are going to stand by it


A statement from the Vatican has failed to quell criticism of Pope Benedict XVI from Muslim leaders, after a speech touching on the concept of holy war. Speaking in Germany, the Pope quoted a 14th Century Christian emperor who said the Prophet Muhammad had brought the world only "evil and inhuman" things... Stressing that they were not his own words, he quoted Emperor Manuel II Paleologos of the Byzantine Empire, the Orthodox Christian empire which had its capital in what is now the Turkish city of Istanbul. The emperor's words were, he said: "Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." Benedict said "I quote" twice to stress the words were not his and added that violence was "incompatible with the nature of God and the nature of the soul". "The intention here is not one of retrenchment or negative criticism, but of broadening our concept of reason and its application," he added in the concluding part of his speech. "Only thus do we become capable of that genuine dialogue of cultures and religions so urgently needed today." 

In my view, if a religious teacher critiques another religious philosophy or leader, the religious teacher must make it as certain as possible that the comments are accurate. However, once the comments are made the religious teacher must not back down and apologize for them because of pressure from the group that is being criticized. 

If Pope Benedict XVI agreed with what Emperor Manuel II Paleologos said about Muhammed, he could have remained silent on the issue, but once he made the comments, for the sake of credibility as a Christian leader he cannot appear to back down and apologize because of pressure from people within Islam, whose founder he was criticizing. If the Pope did not agree with the comments of Paleologos, then he should have realized that in quoting the Emperor he would cause confusion in regard to his personal view. I am not by any means an apologist for the Roman Catholic Church, but if the Pope is going to criticize Islam, he must stick to what he says for the sake of integrity. If the Pope actually made an incorrect comment he should apologize, but should not apologize because of political pressure.


Pope Benedict XVI has not apologised enough for making comments offensive to Muslims, Islamic leaders in the UK say. In a statement, the Vatican said the Pope was "very sorry" for using a quote saying the Prophet Muhammad brought the world only "evil and inhuman" things. 

The apology he has made seems to amount to him giving in to political pressure, and we need Christian leadership stronger than this example.

Monday, September 11, 2006

"Miami Christ"?, hmm not according to the Bible

Miami Beach: trekearth

Thanks to Chucky, for finding out about the "Miami Christ" on another blog. Catholic apologetics.org quotes verses which state that for the Second Advent, Christ shall return in the clouds, Mark 13:26-27, with his angels Matthew 16:27, and shall do so with obvious signs, Matthew 24:27. Clearly this does not allow for the "Miami Christ" to be the one.

He has not demonstrated himself to be the Biblical Christ, with a Biblical return. As well with the Second Advent, Christ shall gather believers as in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18. This of course has not occurred either! Perhaps Jan Hammer should write a "Miami Christ" theme song.

The website of cult expert Rick Ross describes some of José Luis De Jesús Miranda's theology. I will discuss some of the things mentioned briefly. The site notes that sin is viewed as being abolished, when Jesus died on the cross.

Interesting from 1 John 2:2 in the NASB, John states that Jesus was the propitiation (atonement for the wrath of God) for our sins, not for ours only, but the whole world. Earlier in the same book John states in 1:8 that we deceive ourselves if we say we have no sin, and in 1:9 he writes that if we confess our sins God will forgive and cleanse us from unrighteousness. Biblically, Christ has atoned for sin, yet sin still remains presently.

Here José Luis De Jesús Miranda, who states he does not read the Bible according to the site, is clearly theologically wrong. Paul mentions also from the NASB in 1 Corinthians 15:43, that the old body was sown in dishonour and weakness, and the new resurrected body shall be raised in glory and power. In verses 15:55-58 Paul makes it clear that sin had been defeated through Christ. Sin has been atoned for by Christ on the cross, and will be completely eliminated in followers at the resurrection.

Concerning José Luis De Jesús Miranda's claim that the Devil does not exist, this is also not in accordance with the Biblical theology. Satan is shown to be thrown into the lake of fire in Revelation, Chapter 20. From the NASB, in 20:10, the Devil is thrown into the lake of fire, and this takes place after the resurrection of believers and the thousand year millennium according to a chronological understanding of Revelation, Chapter 20. It seems clear that Satan will exist after the resurrection of Christians, and since the resurrection and the millennium have not occurred, Satan and his demons still work in our realm.

http://www.catholicapologetics.org/ap090500.htm

http://www.rickross.com/reference/creciendo/creciendo3.html

Friday, September 08, 2006

Old news but still relevant: James Randi Debunks Peter Popoff



Like James Randi, I want to stay in the real world. I don't want to be influenced by poor reasoning. I think that God has revealed himself historically and supernaturally in Scripture, and I depend on divine guidance. There are thousands of Biblical manuscripts which speak of the same God dealing with his creation, and it is reasonable to accept his inspired word.

As stated with my comments on Hinn and Angley, in the Bible healing and the supernatural did take place. I myself have witnessed the power of the supernatural by seeing an exorcism of a person I know. However, personal experience is not my primary reason for being a Christian, rather I trust in God's guidance, and revelation, and I accept that God is hyper-rational, not illogical, and able to make truth known to me.

Clearly, in the case of Popoff and his wife, deception has taken place. Is his wife going to claim that the Holy Spirit guided her to know the information that she passed on to her husband? I never want to judge the inner motives of anyone, but from both the Randi clip and the wikipedia article in the comments, it can be seen that the Popoff's have made a lot of money from their racket, and this is likely an obvious motivation.

Although these healing ministries appear fraudulent, they still preach some type of gospel message. Philippians mentions in 1:17-19 that some preach Christ out of selfish ambition, and not from pure motives, but Paul rejoices that Christ is still being proclaimed. To many in the Church perhaps these phony healing ministries are fraudulent, but not the threats to Christianity that pseudo-Christian cults are. In posting Hinn, Angley, and Popoff, I hope to share a satirical laugh, but also point out that these type of ministries are not in line with the Biblical New Testament model. Jesus and the Apostles did not attempt to perform phony healings for selected people, but from Scriptural evidence were empowered by God. I believe that God can empower someone to perform a healing, but so often I think certain people want to make supernatural things happen and for this reason I think scepticism is healthy in regard to healing and miracles.

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Pointless?



San Marino 0 - 13 Germany
Euro 2008 Qualifiers Wed, 06 Sep 06 19:45

Venue: Stadio Olimpico
19:45, Wednesday, 6th September 2006
Euro 2008 Qualifiers
Attendence: 5019

San Marino

Population

January 2005 est.
28,117 (212th)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germany

Germany

Population

2005 est.
82,438,000(ultimo) (14th)

The photo from Germany pretty much represents the soccer pitch in the match. The field decline favoured Germany. The highlights were classic.

I can understand UEFA wanting all European countries and UEFA members to participate in Euro 2008 qualifying, but in my opinion certain countries with small populations should be excluded. It seems pointless for certain national teams to beat on a clearly inferior opponents.

Heal!



According to the New Testament, God healed certain people, and as an eternal, almighty being he would have that same ability today. I would not be surprised if a few people have been healed through Christ over the years while watching Angley, despite the televangelist's shenanigans. However, Angley presumes much in thinking that God would heal and recreate a child's brain via the television, just because Angley thinks it should happen. Perhaps God has other sovereign purposes in the suffering of an individual apart from the ideas of Angley. I therefore generally think these types of healings are bogus, as would many in the Christian Church.

If Angley indeed has such a healing gift, I would hope he would be famous for healing in hospitals and the streets rather than with a television ministry.

In regard to the conversation at the end, I would deduce that there is no good evidence that all or most Roman Catholics molest little boys. The clip at the end should have been edited out.

Noonward Race 1972


Tuesday, September 05, 2006

The Danger of Theological Error

London: trekearth

On a British comedy T.V. program in 2004, Jonathan Ross stated that a Muslim extremist suicide bomber was expecting to be taken to heaven where he would be rewarded with 72 virgins. Instead he was given a 72 year old virgin.

The Dance of Maya



I have met John Mclaughlin in person after a concert. He is a very nice man and good to his fans. He was nice enough to send me an autographed photo by an email request, and he gave me another autograph when I met him later in person. Contrary to what some Christians think, it is possible for Christians to appreciate music from artists with different world-views, while still disagreeing with those philosophies. Christians can be guided by God and Scripture to know truth, and appreciate the good in things while recognizing the bad at the same time.

November 7, 2019

The former You Tube video was pulled, so I have updated the post with this rare clip from the limited box set, extra tracks, which I am blessed to own.

I viewed John Mclaughlin again perform as Mahavishnu Orchestra in late 2017 in Seattle. A life highlight. The Dance of Maya was one of the tracks. John's last North American tour; so if I see him in concert again, it will be in Europe.

La Villa Strangiato 1978 with electric guitar intro

The NHL needs to be more Canadian

The 2006 Stanley Cup will likely go to the United States this year, and I think that in general the United States will continue to dominate the championship.

I am not anti-American at all. As a Canadian I am glad the Americans are our neighbours. I use many American products and appreciate many aspects of their culture. I know Americans personally that I like, and have American friends. The United States is currently the greatest (most prominent) country in the world, no question. I study theology and I am very appreciative of the theological contributions the United States has made to the world, among other things.

I have been fed up with the Americanization of the NHL since 1990s. I firmly believe that most of the teams in the NHL should be located in the United States, but not with the current 24-6 ratio. That ratio makes it very difficult for Canada to win the Stanley Cup on a regular basis. Some may say that the last two finals have had Canadian teams in them, but I would reply that being in the finals and winning are not near the same. History is filled with teams that go on a run one year and never win championships in following seasons; in fact most finalists are in that category. Canada has not won the Stanley Cup since 1993, and with a 24-6 ratio it will be fortunate to win the Cup every twenty years.

Many Americans cities in the southern part of the United States are not really hockey towns. Those franchises in those cities are like the Montreal Expos, and Vancouver Grizzlies, basically sports teams that will make it if they contend, but if the teams are average they will not be that popular. Sure, winning the Stanley Cup in Tampa Bay and Carolina brings fan support, but how long will hockey succeed in areas with a non-hockey culture and a mediocre team. Like The Expos and Grizzlies in other sports, those hockey teams should be moved to cities where the sport is popular.

The NHL did nothing to save Quebec and Winnipeg from moving to the States, caused largely by out of control salaries and a weak Canadian dollar. The league did not bring in a salary cap and revenue sharing until years later. As well, many in the Canadian media at the time thought it was for the good that the NHL was focusing on the United States at the expense of Canada. However, now many in the media complain about the non-hockey markets and that Canada has not won a Cup since 1993. When talking about good for the game, whose game are we talking about? Professional hockey in Canada has suffered since the 1990s. Sometimes I just shake my head at Canadian attitudes. I lived in England for two years, I did not hear the British media stating that it was good for football/soccer that top players and teams go to the United States, at the expense of England. If the United States was to succeed in soccer, then it was good for them and the game in a sense, but England would look out for its football/soccer program first and foremost. No one is really looking out for professional hockey in Canada first and foremost. This is stupid and ridiculous.

Without a salary cap and revenue sharing only the clubs in the bigger markets would have succeeded in the future. We have three cities in Canada that with the present salary cap and revenue sharing likely could support an NHL team. Those are Winnipeg, with a new arena which is barely NHL size, Hamilton, and Quebec, that could fix up their old arenas to NHL standards, until new arenas were ready. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman states that Canada may have viable cities without clubs, but has no plans to provide them with teams. In other words, too bad, no. The NHL does not care much about the growth of professional hockey in Canada. It takes Canada for granted.

Despite the fact Canada produces the majority of NHL players, because of the draft there is no benefit for Canadian franchises. In Europe football/soccer clubs have academies which can develop and then sign young players, but the NHL has taken away any advantage for Canadian teams by producing local players. Obviously with the 24-6 ratio, and the draft, the league is primarily American focused, hoping to make it big financially in the States one day. The American national TV ratings are mediocre despite the fact the hockey is almost as old in the United States as it is in Canada. Clearly hockey is a popular regional game in the northern states, and in southern states, at least temporarily if the team is a contender. The league has basically taken Canada for granted thinking that most Canadians will support at least one team despite the lack of championship success. This lack of success will continue in the future, unless there is a movement by the Canadian clubs and the NHL to stop taking Canada for granted. Not only is the growth of the professional game important in the United States, but also in Canada. Since the professional game has been taken for granted here, they have lost one fan, as over the last few years I have become just a casual observer.

Additional

A dear relative of mine who read an earlier version of this post stated that I appeared to be anti-American, or bordered on being anti-American, and that Canadian players earned money in the United States. These statements demonstrate a misunderstanding of my writing, which I know can easily happen when one is reading the writing of another person. I shall attempt to make myself more clear concerning this post.

I supported the moves of the Vancouver Grizzlies and Montreal Expos from Canada to the United States, a place where basketball and baseball are popular national sports. I am opposed to the Americanization of the NHL, to the extent that a major emphasis has been made to grow the game in non-hockey markets. I think this philosophy generally will not work, in hockey or any other sport. I would deduce, that a look at most professional sports in the world would show that successful sports teams generally succeed over the long term where the sport has been part of the culture before the professional team existed, or the sports franchise was one of the early members of a new league and a new sport. I am in favour of the NHL providing a team for Hartford for example, which is a legitimate hockey city, but as a Canadian, my main focus in the growth of the game in Canada. If the NHL was experimenting with non-hockey markets in one or two places, I would not like it, but it would not be the same large problem it is for the NHL today, in my view.

As far as Canadians earning money in the USA, I have no problem with the concept. The draft does, however, in my mind, prohibit some of the elite Canadian players from staying in Canada. If the Canadian clubs did have academies in place, the top Canadian players would often likely play close to home, which should be their right as Canadian citizens, although as I said, I have no problem with Canadians working abroad. I am in favour of the free enterprise system, and if a hockey club can succeed in the United States in the long run, so be it, but I think the NHL has blundered by putting teams in several non-hockey markets, overlooking three Canadian cities, and at least one American one as well. This is not only an questionable approach to building the NHL, but is also stifling the growth of the professional game in Canada, and ultimately will greatly limit the number of Stanley Cups won by Canadian clubs.

It is of course necessary for Canadian cities and business people to have the money to purchase teams and renovate and build arenas. Hamilton and Quebec do not presently have updated arenas, but I reason that if the NHL made it clear it wanted to come to those markets that the support and money would come. American cities, that are sometimes non-hockey markets, are often more willing to build the arena first and try to bring in a franchise later. But according to the media, many of these cities are looking for either a NHL or NBA team, and this approach would not work in Canada where basketball is not a national sport. It would therefore be even more risky for a Canadian city to build a new NHL size arena as there is no chance of an NBA franchise.

National Hockey League
;


















April 2, 2016

In light of reading and listening, I provide this additional perspective as well:

I still reason the hockey business favours hockey markets, but reading and listening to more on building ownership I will add the following:

Basically it seems, if a sports team has a good stadium ownership or lease deal, it can stay in place even with a mediocre club and/or mediocre market for that sport. This allows a sports league to place teams in markets that are mainly theoretically good image wise markets (large population, large television market, corporate support), even if not very successful entities in the sport. Bad news if you are in locale or country that is not considered good image, even while a potentially profitable market. So with the NHL, Quebec City is considered by most observers a more profitable hockey market than Las Vegas, but I could see the reasonable possibility that Las Vegas being a major city for travel would have the more profitable arena. I would rather own the arena in Las Vegas than in Quebec City.

Soccer and Platoon

Benny Hinn and Benny Hill



Did his jacket have killer BO?

Facebook

The non-conformist of the year awards



Bobby Buff-10x winner
Chucky-2x winner
Documentary Man-2x winner
Jeff Jenkins-2x winner
Zombie-2x winner
Cousin Buff-1x winner
Manson-1x winner
thekingpin68-1x winner

January 11, 2010

2009: Mr. Jeff Jenkins (2x winner)

Jeff is also a very fine graphic artist.

I have still have not met Jeff in person, and when I do will wear a bullet-proof vest and have the bomb squad on speed dial, but for the second straight year he is our winner. For his 2008 write-up and all the other write-ups about these clowns please see below.

Hey, Jeff, please don't open any anonymous packages at your door.

Well, I thought that my blog posts concerning theodicy, the problem of evil, free will, determinism, the NHL, Latter-Day Saints, Jehovah's Witnesses, save the gay whales, and relationships were controversial enough, but THE JEFF blows that away. Here are some recent post titles:

Islamic Slavery

Islam: Tears of Jihad

Muslim Brotherhood 'Conspiracy' to Subvert America

Barack Obama the Beast of Revelation...okay, that is not on Jeff's blog.

The Jeff

Now, I provide his link while selfishly stating that you are better off reading my wonderful, awesome, 'fatastic' blogs thekingpin68 and satire and theology. So if you have ten minutes to spare please give Jeff's two minutes and mine eight.

Jeff mellowed a bit in the fundi department this year which was nice to see. Thankfully, however, he still does not think that humankind evolved from apes, although when I think of couple of my male friends...I do wonder.

The also-rans...

thekingpin68: Yes, I ran a fair amount in 2009 as my dental apnea appliance is moving me in a healthier direction. I of course remain macho theology/philosophy man. I would have blown a gasket had Wales given me a MPhil in January 2009 instead of a PhD with revisions. Now I just need that final word from Wales.

BTW, Wales is a country Americans as opposed to save the gay Whales.

Bobby Buff: I am glad you have that 'radio' installed in your chest for your ticker. But, I do not know why you cannot connect it to my computer speakers and play us some good music. Thanks for all the smart*** blog comments in 2009.

Saint Chucklins: Perhaps you should open up your own Mennonite/Presbyterian monastery/psych ward, with funding from governments of course. See previous entries.

January 4, 2009

2008: Mr. Jeff Jackson (a.k.a. Jenkins) (1 x winner)

Mr. Jeff Jackson is my supportive friend and has the Thoughts and Theology blog. He is the first person that I have not actually met in person to win the non-conformist of the year award. This award that has existed, at least in my mind since 1989, has been dominated by Bobby Buff, who also has various other aliases, but in my mind Jeff deserves it for 2008.

The award existed in paper text format for years and has been on-line since 2006.

From Jeff's one profile picture I must state that it is nice to do the cross-cultural friends thing with someone that at least looks part black.;) I reason I am doing my bit for world peace and for peace and diversity within the 'body of Christ.'

Hey baby you're cool.

What has Mr. Jackson done in 2008?

He has supported my blogs thekingpin68 and satire and theology. Thank you, Jeff.

He has taken a stance against the acceptance of homosexual practice in the church and in society to the point of sometimes 'fundi' zeal. He attempted to take my head off/choke me out/Chuck Norris me/toss me like the Lochness Monster tossed that British presenter/force feed me an entire bottle of 'Happiness' spice from Rick Beef one time in a post where I stated that in Canada as we now have same-sex marriage, I would rather have the compromise in our very secular and non-Christian society of same-sex civil unions. Of course I would more prefer neither same-sex marriage or civil unions, but Mr. Jackson was worked up over the issue in Florida and let his canons rip!

Jeff acted like the last man remaining in a Zombie movie!

Sometimes Mr. Jackson needs to have a cold shower running because he gets so overheated as he begins to burn his keyboard. He actually fried a couple of the deadly spiders that infest his house by breathing on them. He would have snacked on them if he had a bottle of 'Happiness', but he did not.

Mr. Jackson also can go nuts on Facebook. He is a great supporter of my blogs on Facebook, thanks Jeff, but he goes a bit crazy with the applications...wow, he has stated he often has about a hundred messages to deal with. Perhaps Mr. Jackson should get a job as a graphic illustrator for Facebook.

Mr. Jackson is wisely not a supporter of the theory of macroevolution, however, if he saw my hairy friends Chucky and Deeaaaan, he may reconsider.

Chucky stated: Golly gee whiz, that Bobby sure features prominently in the awards, don't he?



2007: Chucky (2x winner)

A.K.A.:

Chuck
Sir Charles Nelson Chuckles

Congratulations, Sir Chucklins!

Chucky is so committed to his family that he has dedicated himself to near monastic like existence. He even forsakes many job opportunities in order to stay closer to Maple Ditch and assist his family. He has also forsaken purely hypothetical opportunities for true love, although they were seemingly few and far between, kind of like Manson’s nose hair trimming escapades, Zombie’s Bible studies, thekingpin’s dates, and Bobby’s trips over seas. It is tough finding a compatible Christian woman in ‘Vangoober’ (as the NBA commissioner kind of sounded like he pronounced it).

Chucky is such as nice guy, that in 2007 he visited on-line an atheist blog to assist a Christian blogger who was facing abuse, and Sir Charles was called an a hole is the process. Chuckles will walk ‘into it’ for a fellow human being, and that is the good Mennonite way! They should be called Men no knights. Chucky would give you the shirt off his back, and Bobby Buff would definitely give you the shirt off his back. Some guys are so hairy or have so much stomach muscle that they should never give someone the shirt off their back.

Also-rans:

Bobby Buff had a rough 2007, but still managed to shine…thanks to Crisco. He helped lead a peasant’s revolt against a tyrannous industry and now works for higher wages and with more reasonable hours, and yet an evil still lurks.

Cousin Buff our 2006 champion, had a lavish wedding attended by the College of Cardinals and Pope Benedict XVI. I asked the Pope that since the NFL’s Saint Louis Cardinals moved to Arizona, if the College of Cardinals would ever consider moving to the United States for a better lease, and more revenue from outside sales, and he gave me a flat ‘no comment’. Cousin Buff’s wedding featured dancers from 190 nations, although the Palestinian dancers would not go on the same stage as the Israeli ones. Cousin and Bobby Buff did an impromptu dance with their shirts off all greased up to raise money to pay for the wedding and reception. Cousin Buff and his new bride went to her Asian homeland to rent a huge truck and deliver garbage into neighbourhood bins. It was called ‘Project Buff Up’.

Documentary Man continues teaching at a preppy school in central Florida and avoided having his tires slashed in 2007.

Zombie is still paying his debts, although he does not seem to own a heck of a lot despite all the payments he makes. Zombie’s finances are perhaps like one big hole in the ground.

Philosophy Man and the Bulgarian Princess had a beautiful baby girl and not the triplets as speculated. The two month old has already shown a great interest in samba dancing and has the run of the house. She is being taught, sub-consciously as we speak, how to nag Daddy…;) Thanks for the New Year’s party!

Thekingpin68, yours truly, has had his sleep apnea relapse. With all the taxes we pay in this country the government will not pay to have my jaw moved forward. I need ideas for collecting the $15,000 plus needed for the jaw surgery. I need to finish my PhD and find work…duh.

February 10, 2007

Update:

Philosophy Man and his dear wife Bananjela today sent out one of those this is how our year has been emails to friends. It was well done and highlighted some nice new pictures on their website. I admit myself to have sent out those kinds of mass emails with bcc when I was in England, as in this is how crappy my year has been, but thankfully things are somewhat better now. Thankfully, or perhaps not, depending on your perspective the email gave me an idea for a satirical, somewhat fictional account of the year of the non-conformists.

Here it is:

Greetings this is thekingpin. I am sorry for writing this impersonal mass, bcc email but I have spent much of the last two evenings and mornings staying up sending out problem of evil questionnaires to those persons I know worldwide. I was therefore tired and was faced with the option of writing to each and every one of my dear friends personally, or trying to win an Actual Soccer tournament on my Mac clone. Clearly you can see which choice I made. Please don’t feel bad as losing occasionally does not make you a loser.

2006 was fatastic for me as I lost almost 20 pounds after my two sleep apnea surgeries. I also lovingly welcomed several large dark clumps of vitreous floaters into the back of my eyes, especially the right. It is so cool trying to read and having those pretty artistic black wispy lines floating back and forth. I really appreciate my local eye doctors telling me how acceptable they were and warning of me of the evils of heading down to the Excited States to have them removed, even though these local doctors were not technically familiar with what the doctor in the Exited States did, and were not willing to find out. Thanks to the wonderful surgeon here my nose no longer closes up at night, and without my tonsils and uvula I no longer wake up at night gasping for air and scaring the tar out of anyone who happens to hear me.

Academically it appears that things are going well. I am cool with the department as long as I don’t talk about everlasting hell, evolution, abortion, ufos, homosexuality, Michael Jackson, or why England has not won the FIFA World Cup since 1966.

Chucky’s star has continued to rise in the church choir circles. Chucky Saint Divine: Choir Boy for the 21st century. As well, he is becoming known on the net as Sir Charles Nelson Chuckles the debonair comic book collector. Clearly this man is on his way up. He has purchased a new pair of glasses, which give him that baby eyes look, as opposed to the other pair of Lennon’s, which at times give him the snotty French debonair comic book collector look. With French accent, “Oui, Oui, you English pig dog, how dare you want to trade that modern age comique for my bronze age masterpiece!”

Documentary Man’s star also rose in 2006 as he is becoming known as the most overeducated and intellectual prep school teacher in America. Since it is too much of a pain in the ass to get a PhD and teach graduate students, Documan wisely simply teaches the youngsters at a PhD level. Documan had a difficult time in the beginning convincing the administration that a 50% grade in his class was an A, but they eventually went along with it.

Bobby Buff is quickly become known for his book and CD; congratulations my friend. Bobby’s deal with Crisco has paid dividends as each book and CD has a Crisco coupon within. Crisco donates 1 cent from all sales to the Columbia Bible College: East Maple Ridge project. Bobby hopes to one day build a satellite Columbia site in East Ridge and coax all the old retired professors from the 1990’s out of retirement, or out of the grave if need be by prayer, in order to teach there.

Cousin Buff has continued with his environmental awareness and rumour has it has been visiting several lonely garbage bins throughout the Lower Mainland.

Philosophy Man and Bananjela have continued with their environmental work as well. There is hope that eventually their family shall increase in size and they can buy the lot across the street and build a centre for environmental awareness and samba.

Little John has had a good year of work and his career is blossoming. He is planning a few trips and may one day work on his PhD. Have you looked at Brown University?

2006: Cousin Buff (1x winner)

He dethrones his cousin, Bobby Buff, and the throne is a sensitive subject in our group!

Bobby Buff wanted:

The body of Arnold...
The voice of Elvis...
The spirituality of Jesus...

He received:

The body of a 'Big Jim'...
The voice of Buddy Holly...
The spirituality of Mister Rogers...

Sir Chuckles of Haney, thinks I was lenient in not giving the 2006 award to Bobby Bluffeuffofus because I somewhat overlooked the seriousness of Bluff stating one night that his children, presently under the age of 10 years old, would not in the future attend college or University.

The Garbage Man cometh!! We have a new, first time winner of the non-conformist of the year award. Cousin Buff, congratulations!! Why is Cousin Buff our 2006 winner, especially since I saw him less than five times this year? At the Buff family fire a few months ago, Cousin Buff was ranting and raving on cousin Bobby Buff's new book, 'Son, don't just bluff look buff'. Cousin Buff went on and on, "wow, wow, wow, wow". Meanwhile Chucky and I looked at each other thinking, the book is good, but not that good. One would think that Cousin Buff was considering Bobby's book for Biblical canon status, or perhaps if not canon, Bobby's book should considered for Church Father status, as the volume would be credited to the Greek Father, "Saint Bobbus Bluffeuffofus". One would think that Bobby would soon be on Oprah flogging the book. Cousin Buff and his girlfriend apparently set up a table at his church presenting Bobby's book. Yes, of all the books in the world, they push the book of a 160 pound, greased up, well meaning weight trainer who wants his sons to grow up right, and slight. Were the writings of Augustine, Luther, or Calvin at the table? No! Instead the table featured the work of theological wizard Bobby Buff. Months later, I heard from Bobby that Cousin Buff listened to the pre-production version of Bobby's new CD, "Plastic Retractions" and once again the response was "wow, wow, wow, wow". The CD is good, but by no means should be confused with a classic. Perhaps it would be "plassic"?

The main reason Cousin Buff is the winner for 2006, is that he has shown an uncommon care and concern for the environment. Cousin Buff failed to make it to the dump to drop off garbage in the back of his pick-up truck at the end of a work day. He knew that the dump would be closed for the weekend and was so concerned with environmental problems such as garbage odour, sabotage from rats and dogs, the ozone layer, and global warming, that something had to be done with the trash that night! After viewing a hockey game with yours truly, Cousin Buff, driving us home in his truck, searched the local area for a garbage bin located in a empty industrial park lot with no security. Cousin Buff, with his compassionate heart saw an empty, and lonely garbage bin on an industrial lot and quickly unloaded his twenty bags of garbage into the formally ignored, and overlooked bin. Cousin Buff then floored his pick-up truck on the wet streets and headed towards home. I laughed so hard as Cousin Buff modestly did not want anyone to see his love for the environment or his compassion for that formerly lonely, unappreciated, and empty garbage bin. Cousin Buff you deserve this award!

I had my nasal reconstruction surgery done in July and I am recovering. That combined with my March uvula and tonsil removal means I have slightly more energy and have lost 16 pounds. I am no longer a great candidate for DQ magazine. Bobby has been a T.V. star this year as a fairly lame man on the street interviewed Bobby about his book. At the end of the interview the man on the street wisely stated that "Bobby's world was the only world Bobby knew." How amazing that the man on the street figured Bobby out in less than a day! Bobby thinks I should be non-conformist of the year this year, but I think not. Bobby has still produced some gems. He loves his children tremendously and is a great father, but his desire/obsession to impose his "phony lifestyle" upon them is fascinating. While driving in the car one night, Bobby, Little John and I went by a technical high school, and the well meaning Bobby stated that his kids would go there, because they would not likely go to college or University. Keep in mind his kids are not even 10 years old! So, because Bobby and Daddy, work at the mill, Grandpa worked at the mill, Great gramps smuggled moonshine, Great, Great gramps trapped raccoons, Great, Great, Great gramps smuggled and sold manure, Great, Great, Great, Great gramps fought for the south in the civil war, then Bobby's boys won't go to college or University. How does Bobby know? He is a prophet or the amazing Kreskin? Or does God always let Bobby know what is going to happen by intuition? If so he should start his own pseudo-Christian cult, The Church of Bobby Buff, Latter-Day Fakes. Did Bobby find mystical golden weights buried on his parent's estate? Hmm, come to think it, looking at this list, Bobby you're right, your kids won't go to college or University.;) Anyway, Bobby is sure to bring his kids up in a godly household, and if they rebel it will be of a serious nature of crossing a bridge and moving to another town, or even worse moving to a big city for a job. I can imagine Bobby having to drive out to Vancouver on the weekend to see one of his kids...

2005: Bobby Buff (10x winner)

Wow golly gee, Bobby is a professional labourer, body builder, Elvis fan and newly published author, with this book 'Son, don't just bluff look buff'.

Chapters include:

Like me don't use "roids", because "bitch tits" are a possibility
I love myself am real significant, I think so anyway
Be yourself, and don't be too realistic
Never give up! Be obsessive
Crisco is crucial for personal self-esteem

Bobby congrats!

Bobby-"Thank you, thank very much".

The 2005 candidates (cheesy music playing from The Apprentice)

thekingpin (1x winner)-Although I am a muscular force and work out a lot and eat a little, the results of sleep apnea make me look more like a DQ (Dairy Queen is an American fast food place that is not located world-wide) model than a GQ model. I am looking forward to getting some energy and losing some weight. I have my throat surgery in March and will actually breath well while sleeping for once is my life. This all could avoided if the MDs would have heeded the calls of my Mommy when I was little and removed my constantly swollen tonsils, but no, no, "We know better in the early 1970s, after all look at our Charles Manson inspired hair styles". In 2005 I have actually come close to finishing my PhD, so I can actually get a real job, wowee! I have a part-time job in security and have had to put up with crap from drunk idiots smashing up the can after a wedding, and people who refused to close the fire exit door. I also need more plastic surgery on my weak eye lid, with the idea being for the eye to close better while sleeping and for me to have a shot on being on the cover of DQ. I was cornered at church by an emotional chick that claimed I must get on the C-PAP machine, or else she would be angry with me in heaven forever, if I died young. She said @#$% the money, just get the machine. I don't want it anyway, and I can't sleep with cotton in the ears, forget trying to breath with that thing. I appreciated her intentions, but can't afford C-PAP even if I wanted it, but she would not listen, and what she was saying made slightly more sense than John McLaughlin's 1972 bootleg, pot influenced religious rant at the Whisky A Go Go club.

Chucky (1x winner)-Boop, boop, boop, Chucky's year has been so tough that his blood pressure is now sky high, and that perhaps is why his head is sometimes so red it looks like it could blow up. Chucky has also had to look after his sick Dad and help out his family, for which he deserves much credit. He has as well had to beat off some 40 something chick chasing him all over...go Chucky go! Hey Chuck, Ron Popeil sold that spray that covers up bald spots remember?

Documentary Man (2x winner)-The defending champion gets a break since I have not seen him since 2004. thekingpin-"Hey, thanks for the photo copies from Harvard for my PhD".

Documentary Man-"Shhh, I am in the middle of my daily 5 hour walking and kneeling prayer". Documan and Mrs. Documan are currently in California and may be meeting in-laws...EVERYBODY PRAY! See 2004.

Philosophy Man aka the late (real name)-Your puppy is a real piece of work with his championship dumps on the carpet and eating the New Year's Eve grub...good luck with the training sessions. It may be easier for you to train Chuck and I to find Christian women to date...

2004: Documentary Man (2x winner)

In 2004, he has been married twice, and been in several controversies concerning religion. He has attempted to persuade some of his critics of the truth of his arguments using theatrical prose and poetry, but often has dug himself a bigger hole. Now he must wait for his green card, and can hopefully stay a choir boy until he can go back to the USA. However, this will likely only be possible if he can avoid Bible study discussions, vicars, and family members.

Bobby stated: Hey, Documentary Man, the years (2004) not over yet, but I admit that taking the title from you this year would be quite a feat even for me, Bobby Buffster. thekingpin stated: There is no way I could win the award this year (2004). Documentary Man is marrying twice with godly intentions but controversy, and Bobby did his protest at the mill baba. Bobby stated: Congratulations Documentary Man on getting married. I wish all the best to you and your new wife. I hope that you will place your comments here on this highly commendable website. Beware of the WebMaster, He may spin a web of nonconformity upon us all!

COUSIN BUFF: Well I think the King Pin has out done himself this time. Non conformist of the year hey. Well it seems as though if this king pin finishes his schooling and finally gets his dream job. He might become the conformist of that year. who knows when that will be though. lol kidding buddy it will be soon Im sure. Oh imagine the auther and creator being elected for something he invented.

2003: Manson (1x winner)

"Call and confirm" : For me to be expected to call you to confirm, when you were supposed to come out to visit me, sealed it Manson.

2002: Documentary Man (1x winner)

The Documentary Man visits Canada, as well as making a splash in NYC. "Do you speak English?", NYC female Burger King server to Mr. Oxbridge of the English upper class.

2001:Bobby Buff (9x winner)

I return to Canada to find a Bobby who is more willing to spend time, but now I hear comments such as him having the "best build of all his friends"...nuff said.

2000-Chucky (1x winner)

DECEMBER 24 2000, IS A DAY THAT SHALL LIVE IN INFAMY. The bottle incident, Mr. Freeze...nuff said.

1999-thekingpin68 (1x winner)

I was squabbling with both Trinity Western University and Manchester University over "well meaning" advisors at the same time, so I win.

1998:Bobby Buff (8x winner)

Bobby begins to question some of his phoniness as some of his friends move away or threaten to (like me). His plan to keep all the same friends, in the same town, all his life, now goes to pot, as does his hope that we can set up a major Bible College in his parents back 40.

1997:Bobby Buff (7x winner)

Bobby wonders if having children will cause him to lose weight.

1996:Bobby Buff (6x winner)

Married life and Bobby now feels he has even better reasons to be as he is...in his own little worl...there.

1995:Zombie (2x winner)

Two time winner as marriage hits the rocks faster than the Canucks in the playoffs.

1994:Zombie (1x winner)

Trojan condoms and April 5 1995...nuff said. However, my squabble with Columbia Bible College over me taking Greek via correspondence cannot be overlooked, as I was called a Bulldog by a professor known as the Undertaker.

1993:Bobby Buff (5x winner)

I invited Bobby to go to the UK with Chuck and I after we graduated, but he declined stating that he was "too disciplined" with bodybuilding.

1992:Bobby Buff (4x winner)

Getting Plastic Man over the Pitt River bridge was an amazing feat. He needed to attend Missionsfest to pass a course, and he had to temporarily consider my assertion that the McDonald's truck we passed on the highway was a roving McDonald's restaurant.

1991:Bobby Buff (3x winner)

"I'm not showing off my muscles at Columbia with my muscle shirts, Russ". What a load of cow pie, as he admitted many years later.

1990:Bobby Buff (2x winner)

Getting Bobby out of the gym or away from watching He Haw reruns was quite difficult this year.

1989:Bobby Buff (1x winner)

When I met Bobby for the first time I figured that he was a godly Christian guy, and a "big phony". Well, sometimes first impression are sometimes true.

Monday, September 04, 2006

Scammer Files

The following is a summary of some of the suspected scammers who have emailed me. Please feel free to mention your own dealings with suspected scammers in the comments. Thanks.

Tufaina/Rita Bush has apologized for her dishonesty, so I have removed her email addresses and the pictures she used, but the article remains for educational purposes. She states:

Okay, sorry and thank you.Christianity is forgiveness. Previously from Gold Insurance=Tufaina=Rita Bush +Why all this sinful act of a christian brother,who told you am a scammer and why you put my picture in your web site and claimed that im scammer? please remove it and walk in the Lord. tufaina

My reply: Thanks, another comment for my blog! Stating that you are not a scammer proves nothing. Real dialogue would at least show you are not scamming me...

From early in 2005. She claimed to be a former Mrs. Miami and stated:

Jesus is God.How are u?pls this is my office account,kindly contact me with my personal.

RitaYes, Rita Bush. She sent me magazine cut out photos of a blonde, who was obviously not the same person as the brunette, who Tufaina claimed to be in 2006.

She emailed the following:

You hurt me and disgrace my personality,my friend saw my picture and told me about this,please for God sake take this out.What is my sins for you?do i take money from you or cheat you?you are the one that gave me your email address when we chat .Im not interesting in this again and pease take this out.Im a missionary and servant of God.

Tufaina you have not cheated me out of money, because I have not sent you any. You have been dishonest with pictures of obviously two different women.

You gave this to me in christian site and my heart is pumping blood for you act,please take this out for Christ sake.I never knew you are like this.You sent you pictures to me but if i do like you will you like it?God is seeing we all.

My email address is not on a Christian site, and I did not send it to you as Gold Insurance or Tufaina. It has just recently changed since we emailed in early 2005. I remember now that as Rita previously, she ultimately wanted me to send money to Africa. There was some link to buy some crafts or such for 'ministry'.

Other scammers...

Message:Hello, I pray that this email reaches you in the best of health. This letter may come to you as a surprise due to the fact that we have not yet met. The message could be strange but it's real if you pay some attention to it. I want to notify you about it at least for the sake of your integrity. In a brief introduction, I am Tony, the Director of Operation with Cooperative Bank of Benin-Cotonou ,Republic of Benin. I have a very interesting transaction to discuss with you. The business under discussion has to do with George Stearns a national of your country, who is a Consultant/ contractor with Societe Nationale Des Products D' Agricole (SONAPRA) Company in Benin-Cotonou. I managed to get your contact details through the Internet search myself because time is of importance to it and I am desperately looking for someone to assist me to pull this money out from the bank before our corrupt government officials will confiscate the money. On Thursday, December 25, 2003, George Stearns , his wife and their only daughter were involved in Air-Crash near the Atlantic Ocean in Cotonou suburb. For more clarifications, you can visit the CNN web news for the tragedy. http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/africa/12/26/benin.crash/ Since then I have made several inquiries to your Embassy, in a bid to locate any relation of George Stearns . All attempts to reach the next of kin of George Stearns has been futile as He had no family here in Benin Republic. Hence my decision to contact you. I want you and I to go into partnership, the nature of your business is completely irrelevant to this transaction as all I need from you is an assurance that my interest will be fully protected once this transaction is concluded. George Stearns , made a numbered time (fixed) deposited for twelve calendar and his account with our Bank accrues to about (Four Million, Three hundred and Fifty- Two Thousand US Dollars) $USD4.352M. According to the Benin Law, at the expiration of (Two) years, the money will revert to the ownership of the Benin government if nobody applies to claim the funds. Consequently, my proposal is that I will like you as a foreigner to stand in as the next of kin to George Stearns so that the fruits of this old man's labour will not get into the hands of some corrupt government officials who will latter use the money to sponsor war in Africa and kill innocent citizens in the search for political power/seat. Please note that There will be no problem at all, my position as the Director of Operation guarantees the successful execution of this transaction within 7 Banking days and the money will be paid into your account for us to share in the ratio of 40% for you and 60% for me. This is very simple, I will like you to reply immediately so that I can send you the Text of application which you will fill and apply to the bank as the next of kin to George Stearns and I will use my good position in the bank as the Director of Operation to make sure that the application is approved, during board meeting for immediate payment. If you are interested, reply immediately via my private e-mail address: so that we can proceed at once. Please send to me also your private phone, or mobile numbers for easier correspondence or you can give me a call on . I look forward to hearing from you soon. Best Regards. Tony

I reported Tony as spam on the website from which he emailed me. Tony the phoney was dealt with according to the rules of the site.

Yet another scam from the same site...

Dear Pastor I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, we have to worship our Lord Jesus christ with all our heart because we have determined to remain under the covering of His anointing, Obedience to His purpose and living a life that honours Him will keep us under His hand of blessing. I am Mrs Lili Hanis from Kuwait. I am married to Mr Patrick Hains who worked with Kuwait embassy in Ivory Coast for nine years before he died in the year 2004.We were married for eleven years without a child. He died after a brief illness that lasted for only four days.Before his death we were both born again Christian. Since his death I decided not to remarry or get a child outside my matrimonial home which the Bible is against.When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of US$2.480million dollars in a Bank here in Abidjan Cote d'Ivoire.Presently, this money is still in bank. Recently, my Doctor told me that I would not last for the next Eight months due to cancer problem. The one that disturbs me most is my stroke sickness. Having known my condition I decided to donate this fund to a charity organization that will utilize this money the way I am going to instruct herein. I want an organization that will use this fund for orphanages, school and church ,widows, propagating the word of God and to endeavor that the house of God is maintained. The Bible made us to understand that "Blessed is the hand that giveth".I took this decision because I don't have any child that will inherit this money and my husband relatives are not Christians and I don't want my husband's efforts to be used by unbelievers. I don't want a situation where this money will be used in an ungodly way. This is why I am taking this decision. I am not afraid of death hence I know where I am going. I know that I am going to be in the bosom of the Lord.Exodus 14 VS 14 says that "the lord will fight my case and I shall hold my peace". I don't need any telephone communication in this regard because of my health hence the presence of my husband's relatives around me always. I don't want them to know about this development.With God all things are possible. As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of the Bank here in Abidjan Cote d'Ivoire. I will also issue you an authority letter that will prove you the present beneficiary of this fund. I want you and the church to always pray for me because the lord is my shephard. My happiness is that I lived a life of a worthy Christian. Whoever that Wants to serve the Lord must serve him in spirit and Truth. Please always be prayerful all through your life. Contact me on the this e mail : @yahoo.com:any delay in your reply will give me room in sourcing another church for this same purpose. Please assure me that you will act accordingly as I Stated herein. Hoping to receive your reply. Remain blessed in the Lord . Yours in Christ, Mrs Lili Hanis.

My reply, after reporting the person as spam: "Oh sure, please mail me a cheque. I keep my money in my condo."

The following email is from Yana, who is in my estimation a Russian scammer. There are sites on these scammers on the net, if you care to look. Yana, and I have never had meaningful dialogue, and she did not deal directly with my letters, instead relying on a script. Most scammers would have given up on me by now, but not Yana, even though I do not answer her anymore. She originally contacted me on a Christian site.

hi My love.I did not receive your letter. I very strongly worry. Whether all at you is good. You were not ill. I suffer for you. I ask you calm of me, write to me the letter. Now it so is necessary for me your letter. I strongly love you also I wait from you for the letter. Always yours Yana.

This is my friend Bobby's parody of Yana...Hello Russ,This is Yana, I am not a Russian Scammer, there is no phoney baloney coming from Russia, I AM REAL. Please believe me, I am not (how you say in english) "Bluffing" I will come over and see you soon, Please help me, Plane Trip.....3000,00 Taxi.....120.00 Food....5800.00 (Hey, I eat a lot!) I have to eat like this so that I can be 285 pounds, it's important to me to be bigger than my CANADIAN MAN!

Sincerely,Yana PS Maybe I will see you Saturday night

Here is yet another email from "Yana the scamma" which arrived. She calls me Mark; what a bimbo.

mark.Today on April, 1 day of jokes and laughter.Today I would like to congratulate you on this holiday.Tell and you mark this holiday at you in the country and as you do it to me it would be very interesting to know.I hope to hear more detailed story about it in the following letter.At us in Russia this day people play people, joke and have fun.I would would like that also you this day did not despond and would be pleased lives that in it has not taken place. I too would like to cry and much because of what problems. But I not such was necessary to smile and be pleased always lives that I successfully do. I know that 1 minute of laughter will replace one glass of sour cream, and you knew it tell to me.So be dared if you do not drink sour cream:)I wait from you for the letter and a good joke.Have remarkable day.Always yours Yana.

From sweet ol' Nadya, we have had no deep dialogue whatsoever, and she does not use my name.

I have offended you why you do not write me I wait for the answer. So your letters are interesting to me and suddenly they are not present I has thought that you have found another it so? If there is no that write to me at least two words or tell even hi! Nadya.

My reply: Hello Nadya, I hope all is well. However, having received many letters from Eastern European women, I must say your letter reads like scammer script. So if you are not a scammer, please tell me specifically why I am so interesting. I post scammers on my website. Good luck.

The following is another goofy email from a Christian site. I have had a few of these from males. I wrote a short note back to this guy stating that it would be "nicer to meet a girl".

I am louis from Ghana i just came from church and i decided to come and browse for a while ,i was browsing when i got you online and i am very happy to have you.and i will like to be your friend if u dont mind.in other words i will like u also to read through my profile and see and no much about me whethere u like me as a friend or not.i will be glad to hear from u soon,this is my cell phone number +233yayayaya bye for now and have a great day. LOUIS WRITES.

My friend Xtreme said... Time to change your deodorant.

The following is interaction with a probable Afriscamma.

Subject: HELLO MY DARLINGMy dearly beloved in Him, Many thanks for your wonderful mail...though I am so sorry for the late reply. the reason however was not intentional, but rather due to some unforseen emergency.I do hope things are generally fine with you. i am persuaded that our frendship will last a long time. i love the Lord, and generally the things of God. i love christain all over the world. Thanks for the word of encouragement also your photo it's very fine...and l pray for your quick recovery.May the blessing of almighty God remain your portion.I WISH YOU MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR IN ADVANCE.I LOVE U SO MUCH!!!Thanks and God bless you.Lucy.

Hmm love, as this point, boy I must be something else:).

Comments from when this article was posted on kingpinned:

3 Comments:

At 1:18 PM, Anonymous said...Hi I just recieved this exact email on 8-23-05 from this same person a search of the net brought me here

At 8:44 AM, Xtreme said...Strike up a conversation with this fella. reply and see what happens. Pretend to be a rick rock-god or something

At 9:49 AM, Anonymous said...I just recieved that email about the plane crash and George Stearns. I'm not easily fooled so I knew it was bullshit (he changed his name to Peter Daniels by the way) but I think it's kind of funny that he's even trying.

Strange Creatures

I used to have a cat when I was a child, his name was Muffin. He followed my brother home from a party as a kitten, and the family kept him. About three years later we picked up a 1.5 year old German Shepherd Husky, named Rebel (Jerk). Prior to Rebel moving in, Muffin seemed to think that he pretty much ruled the house, frequently closing his eyes while on his back in the kitchen sun tanning. The day we brought Rebel home, he charged into the house and sniffed the cat. The sun tanning Muffin jumped several feet in the air and then darted upstairs to my room running through my partially open bedroom window on to the roof of the house. Rebel followed but was not quick enough to get close to the cat. Muffin stayed up on the roof for a week. I think we fed him on the roof of a nearby garage for that week, and then he decided to come down.

Mysteriously, when I would go see Rebel in the backyard for the next few weeks, his nose was covered with scratch marks. I suppose the big Jerk had been sticking his nose near Muffin and was getting hammered. Rebel was often a good natured dog, as I only saw him paw Muffin once, and that was after he had been drilled in the head several times. Muffin would at times hide under a car and then take a swipe at Rebel when he would walk by. When we moved out into the country for a short time, Rebel would be nasty to the cat. I would feed Rebel in the backyard, and Muffin in the front yard. However, there was no fence and Rebel would dart to the front of the home immediately after I gave him food and would attempt to eat Muffin's smaller portion. Muffin would then dart to the back of the house and attempt to eat Rebel's larger meal. Rebel would of course finish first and then come back to retake his meal after lunging at Muffin. I was therefore forced to feed Muffin inside.

Muffin like many cats was secretive. Many times as I took Rebel for a walk I would notice Muffin several feet behind us hiding in a bush. The cat would then dart out heading to another place to hide while spying on Rebel and I. Perhaps the cat was making sure that Rebel and I did not abandon him? I don't know I am not a cat shrink, but I suppose there are some who think that may be a worthy profession. To me there are enough unstable people out that need spiritual, psychological, and psychiatric help that the "crazy cat" can do without professional spiritual assistance, although I think veterarian clinics are important. To be realistic, I loved my animals very much, but compared to human beings my animals seemed kind of "baked". Animal actions seem to make less sense compared to human ones usually, although, I have chatted with a couple of questionable people on the internet recently;). Rebel was nicknamed Jerk because of his notorious wanderings around the neighbourhood. At two of our homes that had fences, he would dig under, jump over, or just go through the fence in order to get out and run around. He was hit lightly by cars twice, but never hurt. Rebel would basically attempt to break out of the backyard and then post a parcel on neighbour's front yard, mate with a female dog (or male, he was a bit confused that way, after being neutered), or start a fight with a male dog, all within 15 minutes or so.

Unofficial CD trading list

SOUND QUALITY

CD UNOFFICIAL

SOUND QUALITY

E=EXCELLENT
G=GOOD
F=FAIR
P=POOR

ARTIST ALBUM DATE DISCS SOUND QUALITY

 RUSH THREE GREAT SUITES AUG 14 74 ONE F
 RUSH CIVIC ARENA AUG 14 74 ONE F
 RUSH FLY BY CLEVELAND AUG 24 74 ONE F
 RUSH RUSH HOUR DEC 5 74 ONE G
 RUSH BAD BOYS IN CLEVELAND MAY 15 75 E
 RUSH THE AGE OF WONDERS JUN 25 75 ONE F
 RUSH DOWN THE TUBES TOUR NOV 15 75 ONE F
 RUSH 2112 DAYS OCT 25 76 ONE G
 RUSH DISCOVERIES NOV 28 76 ONE E
 RUSH OUT OF HIDING DEC 10 76 ONE E
 RUSH THE HALLOWED HALLS FEB 6 77 ONE F
 RUSH WE HAVE ASSUMED CONTROL APR 17 77 TWO F
 RUSH THE ART OF SOUND NOV 12 77 TWO F
 RUSH FLY IN THE NIGHT DEC 12 77 ONE F
 RUSH FLY IN THE NIGHT CDR DEC 12 77 ONE F
 RUSH FLY IN THE NIGHT RMST CDR DEC 12 77 ONE F
 RUSH KINGS ON THE STAGE DEC 29 77 TWO F
 RUSH PREMIUM IMPORTS FEB 6 78 TWO F
 RUSH ROCINANTE NOV 4 78 ONE E
 RUSH WALZ OF THE SHREVES NOV 4 78 TWO E
 RUSH UNIVERSE DIVIDED NOV 15 78 TWO F
 RUSH CYGNUS NOV 28 78 ONE F
 RUSH CYGNUS GOLD NOV 28 78 TWO G
 RUSH OAK OPPRESSION DEC 2 78 TWO E
 RUSH OAK OPPRESSION CDR DEC 2 78 TWO E
 RUSH FAREWELL TO FRANKFURT MAY 28 79 TWO E
 RUSH A RIGHT TO PASSAGE JUN 4 79 ONE E
 RUSH RUSSIAN ROULETTE JUN 4 79 ONE E
 RUSH TWO GREAT SUITES SEP 12 79 TWO F
 RUSH INVISIBLE AIRWAVES JAN 21 80 TWO F
 RUSH NATIONAL SOUND JAN 26 80 E ONE
 RUSH THREE MAGICIANS FEB 2 80 TWO F
 RUSH LA VILLA STRANGIATO FEB 14 80 ONE E
 RUSH SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW SEP 30 80 TWO E
 RUSH EXIT STAGE RIGHT MAR 1 81 TWO G
 RUSH RED BARCHETTA MAR 27 81 ONE E
 RUSH MOVING STAGE JUN 14 81 TWO G
 RUSH ATMOSPHERIC DISTURBANCE JUN 16 81 TWO G
 RUSH VITAL SIGNS PLATINUM EDITION NOV 11 81 TWO G
 RUSH MOVING PICTURES STORY DEC 20 81 TWO G
 RUSH GEOMETRIC ORDER APR 11 82 TWO F
 RUSH SIGNALS FROM LONDON MAY 21 83 TWO G
 RUSH SIGNALS FROM LONDON RMST MAY 21 83 TWO G
 RUSH CURRENTLY IN VOGUE SEP 21 84 ONE E
 RUSH TEMPLES OF SYRINX SEP 21 84 ONE E
 RUSH LIVE IN TORONTO SEP 21 84 ONE E
 RUSH TIP OF THE ICEBERG SEP 24 84 ONE E
 RUSH ANOTHER WASTELAND NOV 20 84 TWO G
 RUSH POWER WINDOWS DEMOS 1985 ONE E
 RUSH QUEBEC MAR 3 86 TWO P
 RUSH DIAMONDS IN THE WASTE MAR 24 86 ONE G
 RUSH MYSTIC DREAMS APR 16 86 ONE E
 RUSH VISIONS AND ILLUSIONS APR 16 86 TWO E
 RUSH ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN APR 2 88 TWO F
 RUSH ALTERNATING CURRENTS MAY 2 88 TWO F
 RUSH VANCOUVER MAR 23 90 THREE P
 RUSH LIVE USA JAN 1 1992 E
 RUSH MIRRORS JAN 30 92 TWO E
 RUSH VANCOUVER FEB 2 92 TWO F
 RUSH OVER THE EUROPE MAY 29 92 TWO G
 RUSH VITAL DREAMS JUN 14 92 TWO E
 RUSH NORTHERN HEROES JAN 22 94 TWO P
 RUSH COME TO A STANDSTILL MAR 2 94 TWO F
 RUSH MAJESTIC SYPHONIES MAR 22 94 TWO G
 RUSH NEVER STANDS STILL OCT 19 96 TWO F
 RUSH GREAT WOODS JUN 23 1997 THREE E
 RUSH THAT MAY 11 97 THREE G
 RUSH THAT RMST MAY 11 97 THREE G
 RUSH HARTFORD JUN 28 02 TWO G
 RUSH VANCOUVER AUG 9 02 THREE F
 RUSH TORONTO SARS CONCERT JUL 31 03 ONE E
 RUSH MOLSON AMPHITHEATRE AUG 22 04 THREE E
 RUSH AUBURN JUL 07 TWO F
 RUSH TRIBUTE WORKING MAN 1996 ONE E
 RUSH TRIBUTE RED STAR 1999 ONE E
 JETHRO TULL JETHRO TULL LIVE 1970 ONE E
 JETHRO TULL A SACKFUL APR 6 77 TWO F
 JETHRO TULL TOO OLD TO ROCK NOV 25 87 ONE G
 JETHRO TULL SALMON RISING 1991 AND 1976 ONE G
 TEMPEST LIVE IN LONDON 74 1973 ONE E
 UK LIVE JUL 4 78 ONE G
 JAZZ EXPLOSION JAZZ EXPLOSION JAN 21 88 ONE F
 A HOLDSWORTH CELL BLOCK WEST 1982 ONE E
 A HOLDSWORTH LIVE IN JAPAN 1984 1985 ONE E
 MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA BOSTON JAN 26 72 ONE G
 MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA ETERNAL MAR 27 72 ONE E
 MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA PUERTO RICO APR 3 72 ONE E
 MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA WILD STRINGS APR 4 72 ONE E
 MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA WILD STRINGS APR 4 72 ONE E
 MAHAVISNHU ORCHESTRA SYRACUSE MAY 12 72 ONE E
 MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA HUNTER COLLEGE MAY 15 72 E
 MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA LENOX JUL 21 72 G
 MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA MUNICH AUG 17 72 TWO E
 MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA SUISSE AUG 20 72 TWO E
 MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA ONE 1972-73 ONE F
 MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA IRISH APR 1 73 ONE G
 MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA BETWEEN SEP 19 73 TWO G
 MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA ETERNAL FIVE 1973 ONE E
 MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA ETERNAL FIVE CDR 1973 ONE E
 J MCLAUGHLIN DEVOTION 1971 UNOFFICIAL E
 SOFT MACHINE 1974 ONE E
 THE BEATLES FROM US TO YOU 1962-1968 ONE E
 THE BEATLES SGT PEPPER'S REMIX 1967 ONE E
 THE BEATLES SGT PEPPER'S MONO 1967 ONE E
 THE BEATLES YELLOW SUBMARINE MONO 1968 ONE E
 THE BEATLES GET BACK 1968 ONE E
 K BUSH BUTTERFLY KISSES 1979-1988 ONE E
 K BUSH AND P GABRIEL ANGELS ON EARTH 1979 ONE G
 G HARRISON SONGS FOR PATTY 1970 ONE E
 G HARRISON THE MAKING OF ALL THINGS 1970 THREE E

MP3

MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA PARAMOUNT THEATRE SEATTLE MAR 26 1973 E
RUSH ABC LIVE FROM CLEVELAND'S AGORA BALLROOM AUGUST 26, 1974 E
RUSH SPIRIT OF THE AIRWAVES SAINT LOUIS FEBRUARY 14, 1980 E
RUSH EXIT STAGE LEFT DVD MONTREAL MARCH 27, 1981 E
RUSH A DESPERATE VOICE BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND APRIL 21, 1988 E
RUSH A SHOW OF HANDS BIRMINGHAM ENGLAND APRIL 21, 1988 E