Charles Nelson Chuckles

A&W fanatic Charles Nelson Chuckles is in mourning...

Recent interesting comment, I have heard, twice.

(Quote from a person that has moved back to Maple Ridge after years away) 

• Maple Ridge is retarded.

(In the context of little new shopping and business development, Maple Ridge is known historically for lacking shopping and business.)

• I do support maintaining significant green areas, including trees, in Maple Ridge.

• I support high-rises being built to save space, but rest assured, someone will complain about their lost view from their residence.

• There are some good restaurants. But there needs to be more shopping and business development.

Facebook

• I am attempting to take a moderate conservative position of supporting protecting both the environment and the economy. A philosophical tension.

• My Columbia Bible College mentor, Uncle 'I have a theory' Gerry taught me in regard to theological tension. This can be applied to philosophy.

• Incidentally, Uncle Gerry is not really my Uncle, but is sort of the Uncle of Charles Nelson Chuckles...You know with them ethnic Mennonites.

Free golden cross (1974)

Life-Study Fellowship

I recently purchased a book online and noticed this interesting advertisement within.

Of course, I would never cut the book up...

Priorities...near mint book from 1974 versus ruining the grade and receiving the message and cross, if done in 1974.

(Thankfully, I am pretty certain Mommy would have never let me clip the book, even if I wanted to)

We would have needed a photocopier.

I would have been troubled by the advertisement.

Lame, false facebook app

Only my name and destination are true. The motto has some merit.
Brazil...seriously?

The name and destination are true. The motto is not mine!

This one is so sad, only my name is right.

Name and future are correct...

For sale! (Please advise)

Babylon Bee

Babylon Bee June 20 2017

Perhaps if we pool cash, we can purchase it?

But it needs to sit in my new academic library (my former storage room). I will make sure it never rests on the floor, in case the hot water tank bursts or leaks, one day. I promise.

Please let me know. Thank you, thank you very much.

Cited

U.S.—A new eBay listing confirmed Tuesday that the Apostle Paul’s leather-bound edition of the King James Bible—the only translation he was known to use—is at long last up for auction. The $10 million reserve was quickly exceeded as excited Christians...

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“You can own the majestic text of the 1611 Authorized Version used by the church fathers to found the Christian church. Free economy shipping, no returns.” 

The owner of the historic heirloom also stated that the Bible is in used but good condition, with all of Scofield’s study notes still clearly visible at the bottom of the page.

Friday thoughts & bullets: Pastor tried to make me sing worship music

Babylon Bee header, not link

• A wise person admits he/she made a mistake. 

• Now, I do not sing. I do not like singing worship music, but in the 1990's a kind pastor attempted to make our group, and more specifically me, sing worship music onstage at church. So, I decided to go up on stage wearing a paper bag on my rather large sized head (fat head?), with holes cut out for the eyes, and choir boy, Chucky did the same.

• The bags were messaged...(paraphrased)...Why are we up here?, etcetera.

• In hindsight, today, in such a situation, I would simply be a 'no show'.

• My friendly neigbour Mr. Bobby Buff has confirmed the 'farting @ Walmart' practice, that I have also smelled from others. I will comment that people should keep it at home and not drop in the aisle and then leave quickly. Some people need to spend more time 'sitting'.  I prefer many other stores...

• I had predicted to Saint Chuckles, that our good friend Zombie, would contact us once again to associate, once his latest relationship ended. Sure enough...

 • I agree with Mr. Bobby Buff that it was wrong for that driver to flip the finger to my 81 year old driver, that was attempting to follow the speed limit in the slower right lane, during rush hour (s). Show some respect and some intelligence, sir...you could have attempted to pass via the faster left lane.

Cult leader (s) with delusions of grandeur

New York: History.com

CBC: The Associated Press · Posted: Jun 19, 2019 3:09 PM E

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NXIVM leader Keith Raniere found guilty on all sex-cult charges

After a 7-week trial, the jury took 5 hours to convict Raniere

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The former leader of an upstate New York self-help group has been convicted in a U.S. federal case on charges that centred on lurid details of what prosecutors called a secret society of "sex slaves" within a community of followers described as a cult. 

A jury in federal court in Brooklyn took less than five hours to find Keith Raniere guilty on all counts of sex-trafficking and other charges accusing him of coercing women into unwanted sex using systematic shame and humiliation. 

Raniere listened attentively, but showed no visible reaction as he learned the verdict. His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, said Raniere plans to appeal. "Keith maintains his innocence. It's a very sad day for him," Agnifilo said. "I think he's not surprised, but he maintains that he didn't mean to do anything wrong." 

Raniere's sentencing is set for Sept. 25.

Cited

Prosecutors said the 58-year-old Raniere's organization, called NXIVM (pronounced Nexium), was more like a cult. They told jurors Raniere was known as "Vanguard" and revered as "the smartest man in the world" among some followers, but was actually a creepy con man who barely got passing grades in college. 

Among the more damning allegations against Raniere were that he had some women branded with his initials and that he started having sex with one of his followers when she was 15. Prosecutors said he took a series of nude photos of the teen that were shown at trial, one by one, to the eight women and four men who comprised the jury. 

Cited

Raniere was arrested at a Mexican hideout in 2018 following an investigation of his Albany-area group that once had an international following with a foothold in Hollywood but was called a cult by critics. His adherents included TV actor Allison Mack, best known for her role as a friend of a young Superman in the series Smallville, and Seagram's liquor fortune heiress, Clare Bronfman. 

Cited 

Raniere's organization began to crumble amid sensational reports about The Vow — a sorority prosecutors said was created "to satisfy the defendant's desire for sex, power and control"— which alleged its members were held down and branded in ceremonies at a "sorority house" that had a mock dungeon.
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I heard and read about this group, again today. On the news and internet.

called a secret society of "sex slaves"  

In my years of academic study, I have heard and read it more than once from critics of cults, that cult leaders are often in it for the money, power and women (not all women, but the ones that can be manipulated in a cult).

They told jurors Raniere was known as "Vanguard" and revered as "the smartest man in the world" among some followers, but was actually a creepy con man who barely got passing grades in college. 

Common from my hearing and reading. Cult leader (s) with delusions of grandeur. A false concept of one's own importance and greatness.

A reasonable biblical theology of one's finite and sinful nature and the need for the applied atoning and resurrection work of Christ for believers, by grace through faith in regeneration, counters this type of cultic reasoning.

'For sale'

Facebook: Throw in a left-handed hammer...

Not going to end well?

Facebook

Easy meme maker

Related as in also not going to end well...

(Reasoning the biblical worldview as correct)

In the last two conversations I have had with Big D while he was driving us around Maple Ridge and Mission, we discussed that many in the western world, simply dismiss Christianity, religion and God as meaningless within premises and therefore arrive at conclusions of atheism or agnosticism.

However, Religious Studies (Biblical Studies, Theology, History and related) and Philosophy of Religion are legitimate, reasonable academic disciplines, because they do at times, offer meaningful and reasonable premises and conclusions.

Therefore:

A closed-minded, blanket dismissal of all premises of Religious Studies (Biblical Studies, Theology, History and related) and Philosophy of Religion is error.

Epic Fail: Mistaking groups

April 12 2016 Church Pop

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It’s normally beautiful sight to see someone who is living the consecrated life to be out and about in public with their habit. 

But, recently, on the campus of the University of Indiana, it was a cause for serious panic. On April 4th, 2016, a frightened student posted on Twitter that he had spotted member of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) walking around campus with some sort of weapon in his hands.

Cited

An email was even sent out to students by a resident assistant warning them of the threat, but saying that nothing could be done since wearing a KKK uniform is protected by the First Amendment. 

Cited

Notice he believed that the person was carrying a whip. Of course, this was just one big misunderstanding: The person wasn’t a member of the KKK but a Dominican priest; and he wasn’t carrying a whip but a rosary.

How does something like this happen? Is all of this a result of poor education, the small number of habited members of religious orders – or both?
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A reason would be the secularization of Western society and the lack of familiarity with religious dress.

Of course, as Western society is very politicized, some will be aware that the KKK (Ku Klux Klan) exists, even while, by some in this case, a lack of focused reasoning (perhaps a little research would help?) means the KKK uniform is confused with that of a Dominican priest.

April 13 2017: BBC This white hood carries many meanings

(I am not going to post the photo on my website, but please check the link. I do not want my website potentially blacklisted by persons that make hasty conclusions)

Cited

Captured during a parade celebrating Holy Week (which precedes Easter Sunday in the Christian calendar), the photos chronicle the procession of la Borriquita brotherhood, whose members (or ‘penitents’) hide their identities with pointy hooded hats (or ‘capirotes’) in a ritual that dates back at least as far as the Inquisition. Historically, the capirote was intended as a mark of humiliation and was worn by those publicly punished by Church officials for doctrinal violations. In time, the cap was adopted by Catholic brotherhoods as a voluntary guise for their flagellants (those flogging themselves as penance for their sins).

If you like confidence...

You Tube

For good works

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Image: A sign of true Christian regeneration and discipleship is good works (Ephesians 2, James as examples). A true Christian is saved (justified) by grace through faith, not by works, but for good works (Ephesians 2, Romans as examples). The Christian should live in the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Video 1: Impressive.

Video 2: Like many social democrats (and politicians), our Prime Minister panders to what is politically correct.

Video 3: My cat used to walk on top of anything paper, I wanted to read.

Video 4: I will bet a female dressed the cat...

Piranhas dinner John the Rage?

Facebook

Harry Howard Daily Mail June 9

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The Daily Star claimed the North Korean leader may have been inspired by the 1965 James Bond movie 'You Only Live Twice' to pursue the gruesome execution method. 

In the film, villain Blofeld has a pool filled with piranhas, which he uses to execute assistant Helga Brandt. 

A UK intelligence force told Daily Star: 'The use of piranha is classic Kim.
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My good friend John the Rage, loves to hit the all you can eat fish and chips restaurants.

What could be an interesting game show would be to throw John the Rage into a piranha tank and see who eats whom first.

Apparently worth a few dollars...

If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men (people)

Medicalexpress.com

March 25 2019

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An elderly couple who lived in a quiet retirement community in Stockholm, Sweden has reportedly been sued for blasting Iron Maiden too loud...

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According to Aftonbladet, the couple used the English heavy metal band's music to take revenge on a new couple that moved to their neighborhood. Other neighbors say the issues started in October when the new neighbors arrived and their sex life was too loud. Apparently the new couple would go at it "all night" - just a reminder, this is a retiremnt community. Respect.

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However, the unnamed couple - an 81- and 71-year old - were having none of it and decided to make more noise but turning up the dial on their sterio and chucking on some Maiden.

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Police reportedly charged the couple with harrasement and the lawsuit was later dropped.
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Romans 12:18

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

Romans 12:18

English Standard Version (ESV)

18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Romans 12:18

King James Version (KJV)

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
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For me, living at peace with all men, all persons. my neigbours, would be respecting their peace and quiet, by being reasonably considerate in noise production.

I happen to be rather libertarian in regards to neigbour noise and smells. But I have never been interested in loud music, other than in short time periods (mainly concerts) and have never smoked.

A few years ago, a seemingly deranged neigbour hammered at my door late evening, demanding that I stop smoking.

Cited from this hopefully very fine website on May 14, 2017:

During the writing of the previous entry, I heard someone aggressively hammering on my door, three times. I reasoned, after ignoring them, it must be an emergency and therefore, I answered the door.

I am wearing shorts. It is warm up here. At the door, is my friendly Japanese neighbour holding some kind of breathing device. She states that she does not want to offend me but needs to finally ask me after years to... STOP SMOKING! You are a Dr. right?

I informed my neighbour that I have sleep apnea and would never smoke. I opined that there is likely a Cigarillo and marijuana smoker downstairs, below us. I informed her that owners have the right to smoke in their condominiums.

End cited

Note that since then our Strata council had banned smoking of any kind, but nothing has changed smell wise...

After two warning letters from the Strata to the accused, if compliance does not occur, the Strata lawyer sends a letter threatening a forced sale, unless compliance with Strata bylaws occurs by the accused.

Dodgeball is evil???

You Tube: (Football)

I liked dodgeball as a kid. I remember I was quite good at it.

I also like what Dirty Harry stated in Magnum Force (1973)

A man's got to know his limitations.

National Post June 3 Joseph Breant

Cited

Dodgeball isn't just problematic, it's an unethical tool of 'oppression': researchers 

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The moral problem is that dodgeball encourages students to aggressively single others out for dominance, and to enjoy that dominance as a victory 

When the Canadian Society for the Study of Education meets in Vancouver at the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences, a trio of education theorists will argue that dodgeball is not only problematic, in the modern sense of displaying hierarchies of privilege based on athletic skill, but that it is outright “miseducative.” 

Cited

Games become more like cruel initiation ceremonies into a brutal world
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In contrast, I reason that knowing one's limitations is a biblical concept. Each of us is finite (limited) and has limitations in both strengths and weaknesses. Add sinful nature (example: see Romans) and human beings are both finite and sinful, in this present realm.

I could imagine Chucky getting hit right between the eyes, or somewhere else sensitive, in dodgeball...

Comox bans the great evil of buskers playing an accordion in public

Check June 3 2019

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Posted By: Kendall Hansonon:

Johnny Cunningham plays the accordion and sings. 

He’s been busking in Comox for several years but now the town is saying he can’t play anymore.

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He’s been busking in Comox for four years but recently the town told him to shut his performances down because he didn’t have a busking permit.

Cunningham decided to get one. “I went to go get a license but two weeks later they called and said I can’t because my music is loud, too loud,” said Cunningham. 

A Comox town official said this was the first time that an application has been denied since its busking bylaws were introduced nearly 15 years ago. “I was not happy at all,” said Cunningham. 

The town said it’s received about a dozen complaints about Cunningham being too loud or playing in the same location for too long. It says this is also the first time an instrument has been banned even though there is nothing in the town’s bylaws banning an accordion. 

The Comox residents we spoke to question the decision. 

Cited

Cunningham hopes the media attention will cause the town to reconsider its position. “That I can get my license and can go back and play again by the rules,” he said. Cunningham says everyone might not like his music but that’s part of art. If he does continue playing the town says it could issue him a $200 ticket.
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I know, I mean, why should anyone in the western world have to listen to (usually from a significant distance, such as down the road) music or something he/she does not like!?

It should be illegal...

Obviously, one of the great evils within the problem of evil, is music pollution...

Much more of a problem than invasive government...

Canadian Mark Steyn & Bullies

What 'cracked me up' last night is when Canadian, Mark Steyn stated (paraphrased) that the only Republican celebrities were Pat Boone and one of the Oak Ridge Boys.

In other words, there are no relevant Republican celebrities, he reasons.

Regardless if whether or not that is true or not, I am Canadian, a moderate conservative and have no horse in this race. But, Steyn has some classic funny spins...

By the way, I stand up to bullies. I have zero desire to bully anyone. I embrace that I live in the democratic West.

I agree with Carlson and Steyn, I reject 'group think'. I am to be led by the Holy Spirit and scripture and other sound sources of truth, to reason through Christian faith, theology and philosophy.

I reason too many celebrities love this world (system), in temporary common grace and comfort and are ignoring the documented finalized future, Kingdom of God.

Jesus Christ did state it was very difficult for the rich to inherit the Kingdom of God (Matthew 19, Mark 10, Luke 18). However, like with any person, it is possible for the rich to be saved by God's grace through faith, not works (Ephesians 1-2).

Crucially...

Philosophically and theologically, there are different kinds and types of success. and becoming a celebrity is a type of success, wealth is a type of success; but knowing the true God of scripture through Jesus Christ, is another far more important kind and type of success. That is the only kind of success that maintains meaningful everlasting life (Revelation 20-22).

Sunday advice

My advice sir, stay with real food, and invest extra cash into classic comics...;)

I am not on option for six-pack abs, I am so muscular, I have a twelve pack...

My advice, is to claim reasonable, biblical theology...(Hallelujah)