Home Sweet Home,
Ah Ray - leave it to you to put it all in perspective.
Just having a lazy evening - no house stuff, just watching the UConn women play a bit of hoops and partaking of dinner (sorry ladies - not that often the CFO cooks but it's always good).
I see where mother MTH has announced an HO lil Joe. Could it be too much to hope a New Haven EF-4 is in the cards as well? I have a Brazillian kitbash of an EF-4 in stasis just now. Really need to do a shell (hence the emphasis lately on developing casting skills). But much like the projected Sayre coal distribution project, if a kit or finished model emerges from the ether, I'm willing to support it. Thank you Lasermodelling 3 in the case of the Sayre, Pa. facility. Lots of plans so far and little action on my part.
J.R.
fec153Jeff- LHS gave me an old Tyco BN #4301, looks like a UC28 or one of dem types. The body reminds me of early Athearns with the metal rails, each upright seperate. Real pita to install. My question is- what, if any , more modern chassis will the body fit? If any.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
Evenin' folks!
Choe I'll have the BBQed Chicken ........ (you know THAT word we can say.....), green beans with almonds, a baked potato with sour cream, and I'll wait 'til later for desert.
I'll go sit in the back and relax for a bit.
I won't get into the "Conversation of the day", except to say it was probably "over the line" right from the beginning. Frankly I can't get too far over on any side of the issue, as I think the "Season" is way more than what most of us take it to be. I have been getting ready to do my "Nicholas, Bishop of Smyna" routine and have spent most of the day preparing stuffing for the local "Community Lunch Program, Christmas Dinner" It is a Council of Churches and Synagogue continuing program for the needy here in my community. I have been so well blessed with all kinds of friends. Some right here at the forum. I have many friends who are Black/Hispanic (notice I didn't say Black/Hispanic friends! They are just friends, who happen to be black), friends who are Native people and of almost all other ethnic groups that make up my country, friends that are Jewish, friends who are Islamic, friends who are devout Christians and many other religions, Friends who are agnostics, even friends who don't believe at all... friends from the right and friends from the left. Only thing we have in common may be the friendship, and that is based on a mutual respect that we have for each other! I try my best to inclusive whenever possible with them even when it means I have to hold my tongue.
From the Valluvar (Hindi),
"Guard your tongue, for it is highly dangerous; Unguarded words can cause terrible distress. A single bad word can destroy a vast quantity of good. A wound caused by fire will eventually heal; but a wound caused by the tongue leaves a scar that never heals."
May you each have a most joyous Christmas Season (however you celebrate it) and a very Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year! (Yes Mabel I do know that Christmas isn't really until Jan. 7..... Mabel is an Orthodox Teacher Friend of mine!)
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Jeff- LHS gave me an old Tyco BN #4301, looks like a UC28 or one of dem types. The body reminds me of early Athearns with the metal rails, each upright seperate. Real pita to install. My question is- what, if any , more modern chassis will the body fit? If any.
Flip
Good Afternoon-
Notice that the diner got a little lively in the last while-- to Silver Pilot and EMD F7A ---- tell us a bit about yourselves and what you model sometimes!
Got the relatives home after we picked them up from the airport( flight took a bit longer to get here) and took them to some stores here in town. The car was a little stuffed needless to say
Chloe, I'll have a coffee and a bagel with cream cheese please---i'll be at the RC for a bit--
Any argument carried far enough will end up in Semantics--Hartz's law of rhetoric Emerald. Leemer and Southern The route of the Sceptre Express Barry
I just started my blog site...more stuff to come...
http://modeltrainswithmusic.blogspot.ca/
Hey ya'll, just a quick stop.
Got the U25C shell taken apart to get it ready for detailing. I though the handrails were unprotoypical, but apparently they are right for the ex-NP unit I want to model. I'm probably just going to put sperate MU hoses and coupler bars on the unit, since I really don't want to try to scrape some of the ladders off since they are molded onto grilles. Drilling out the gyra-light and making it work is on the list of things to do. I'm going to do some work on the dchassis e because the electrical pick-up isn't that great since 1 truck gets power from 1 rail. I have a bunch of busted kadee centering springs I can use to make wipers. Also have to mill a place so I can mount the Kadees to the frame.
Jim, I found what was causing the problem. It's a little nylon nut of some sort on a slide. It wasn't far enough up the slide. I didn't start the car yet, but I finally got voltage to the starter. Right now the battery is being charged since it doesn't have enough juice to start the car.
Vincent
Wants: 1. high-quality, sound equipped, SD40-2s, C636s, C30-7s, and F-units in BN. As for ones that don't cost an arm and a leg, that's out of the question....
2. An end to the limited-production and other crap that makes models harder to get and more expensive.
EMD F7A: Let me buy you a cup of Diner coffee...
Still off-track, but non-controversial, local TV is reporting a "dangerous" ice condition, on guy wires on another TV station's transmitting tower. The question is, is it the one way out in the countryside? Or the one just a few blocks from my parents' house???
Winter in Iowa...ya gotta hate it just a little.
Chris
The Cedar cRapids Industrial Branch: Proudly Shipping Yesterday's CrunchBerries Tomorrow!
pcarrell AmanaMedicPC: Nope, didn't bore me at all...I found it very interesting. Hopefully, some others did as well. I just hope I didn't cross a line. I know this whole subject is dangerously close to the line! It's just that it can be such a fruitful topic for dicussion. I think that if it remains civil and factual, and not given to opinions or namecalling (which our one dissenter opened his post with......not the best foot forward there maybe), then we should be OK.
AmanaMedicPC: Nope, didn't bore me at all...I found it very interesting. Hopefully, some others did as well.
I just hope I didn't cross a line. I know this whole subject is dangerously close to the line! It's just that it can be such a fruitful topic for dicussion. I think that if it remains civil and factual, and not given to opinions or namecalling (which our one dissenter opened his post with......not the best foot forward there maybe), then we should be OK.
The line! Haha yes, MR's forum guidelines.... No matter which side of the line we stand on, there's no better a season for the basic principles of your comments to serve as a reminder of the good intent our forefathers had in mind for future generations, and their keeping of freedoms. Now let's all go have an extra libation or two and sing some carols!
PC- Philip- You are right, not the place for this BUT it is the time. We are off track with this and all I can say, everyone has there own belief. The how and why of it is up to them. I personally don't care what others believe in
. If it brings comfort and peace of mind, great. I respect all that LIVE by what they believe as long as it does not hurt anyone else. That said, I wish everyone MERRY CHRISTMAS.
To All, I wish you Enough sun to keep your attitude bright, Enough rain to appreciate the sun more, Enough happiness to keep your spirit alive, Enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger, Enough gain to satisfy your wants, Enough loss to appreciate all that you possess Enough hellos to get you through the final Goodbye.
Prayers for all.
Good Afternoon All,
I'll have a coffee and a slice of blueberry pie ala mode please. Still beavering away on the Cooper but making good progress.
While the little ones are waiting for Santa I see we had a visit from the Christmas troll. Hope he can get the burr out from underneath his saddle before he rides on. As an historical aside, the Danbury Baptists became the Church of Christ, Disciples (affiliated with the American Baptist Convention) and that is in fact the very church to which we belong. It is now up the hill from the original building which burnt down last century.
Jef, Ulrich and Rob - we're thinking of you all and keeping you in our prayers.
Jim - thanks for asking. We're still doing trim and finishing work in the house and sorting through the stack of boxes we had stored in container. The container however is gone though we haven't done anything with the yard and still have a coupl;e of stacks of off-cuts , old radiators, etc in the back yard. The neighbors have been very good about it all, but we will start on the yard and landscaping in the spring. Hopefully the interior will be 100% by then.
The pie was good - time to wander back to the shop. CUL, J.R.
pcarrellI just hope I didn't cross a line. I know this whole subject is dangerously close to the line! It's just that it can be such a fruitful topic for dicussion
My thoughts exactly. I just don't want to be the one who gets the padlock put upon the door... while trying to push back the frontiers of ignorance. Informed, educated, respectful debate "should" be OK...but, with some people THAT just isn't possible. I've got a cousin who is 180 degrees opposite of my views...which is fine. BUT, it just isn't possible to have a discussion with her. I have several friends whose politics I don't agree with and vice-versa. When all is said and done, we agree to disagree. No harm, no foul.
'Twere THAT THAT were possible with all.
I quote Thomas Sowell: "I refuse to be reasonable with unreasonable people." THAT's part of why I like this Diner so much...it's been (at least during my brief time here) populated with reasonable people. I can't say the same for the rest of the Kalmbach property.
Good afternoon,
JIM: Welp...it depends. We were out for 30+ hours a couple of years ago when "the big one" (ice storm) hit and tore down hundreds of miles of power lines: transmission, sub-transmission, distribution...you name it, if it carried 'lectricity, a lot of it was down. Local TV reports the suspected cause this morning was ice-covered lines slapping together, tripping breakers. THAT makes sense as it went out, came back...went out......came back, went out. Done. My theory is the system tried to reset itself, but then the right (wrong) breakers tripped...and THAT was THAT until the guys found it and reclosed it.
TOM: Glad you came through the crash-landing mostly OK... Hmmmmm, maybe we oughta keep a stock of braces here in the Diner... Honey-Do list? Ohhhhhhhhh nooooooooooo, sorry, I got this brace on you see... Nah, I think some of us are ducking the skillet enough as it is!
PC: Nope, didn't bore me at all...I found it very interesting. Hopefully, some others did as well.
“Our Nation’ s motto - "In God We Trust" - was not chosen lightly. It reflects a basic recognition that there is a divine authority in the universe to which this nation owes homage." - Ronald Reagan
Have a great, SAFE afternoon...
Good afternoon everybody,
Well, I almost made it through an entire year without some medical problem or physical therapy. That record went out the window yesterday morning. I took my usual three mile walk in the morning and safely negotiated many ice and snow covered sidewalks, only to lose it in front of the house next door on the way home. Yep, 25 feet from my front door and look out, I'm coming in for a landing without brakes. Other than my dignity, it seemed the only damage was that I jammed my wrist. However, after dinner my wrist was really thumping away, as well as my shoulder, So we took a ride out to the Emergency Room. Fortunately, x-rays didn't show any fractures. The doctor said it was a really good sprain and all I needed was a wrist splint for seven to 10 days. Pretty sore today, but fortunately no biggie. At least I can remove the splint for showers, etc.
All I'm going to do this afternoon is take some photos of 4 new pieces of rolling stock I recently acquired for my Western Pennsylvania collection. Needless to say, I've been explaining to my wife why I should be giving this wrist plenty of rest. Maybe I'll hang onto this splint longer than required.
Have a good one and Merry Christmas to all...
Tom
Pittsburgh, PA
JimRCGMOTonight I want to get some groceries, see if maybe the store has a small turkey *** I could easily fix, but at least get some eggnog and some jellied cranberry
Dang forum software filters - okay, the part of the turkey that has the 'white meat' in it... Sheesh! (walks back to counter muttering...)
Now, back to my lunch...
Jim in Cape Girardeau
Hi, Zoe - I'll have a grilled cheese sandwich and a bowl of tomato soup, with a RBF for my lunch, please. Thanks! It's in the 50's (F) today and dampish, so something to warm me up would be good.
blownout cylinderHow long did you have that cork roll around? There is a roll of this in our neighbour's garage that he is trying to find out how long it does last---
Barry, I would guess I'd had that roll at least 10+ years. I glued it down, and used pushpins (and in some bigger places, weighted the cork down) to make sure it stayed flat until the glue dried (plain ol' Elmer's, I think I used).
Todd - you mean, understand them BEFORE you have to pick yourself up off the floor? (Those cast iron skillets hurt, don't they?)
Rob, glad to hear you got back in with your 'old' doctor (and sounds like he (she?) is open to some additional choices for you). As you said, now comes the part of him/you figuring which options/choice are more likely to help. will continue.
Ulrich, to borrow your analogy a bit, maybe some feeder wires got crossed? The symptoms do sound stroke-like, though. Does your doctor have any therapy planned for you to try to 'rewire' things, so to speak? Ah, your son is 6'2" - I was guessing your 'wee one' was probably not very tiny! Enjoy your holiday and may your Christmas be blessed (since you're half a day closer than we are currently).
Todd, I'll limit myself to: "Hear, hear", and 'check your email'...
CN Charlie, it wouldn't warm up there so much if you'd quit sending your 'clippers' (Alberta and otherwise) down SOTB to us in the USA.. And if I had the time off and gas enough, I might take you up on that invite! Sounds like your CFO will have you busy today and maybe the rest of the week. And you know, you could post some pics of your forested layout (to shame me and the other (few) slackers who haven't done as much lately on our own layouts...
Ray, sounds like your son's in-laws must not have enough places at all the tables. Heck, when I was younger, we'd just get out those folding tray tables for any overflow. That, or use the (low to the floor) coffee table and sit on the floor...
Silver Pilot, I'm with DerJohn - tell us about your layout/plans (era modeled, any particular RR - or freelancing like myself and others - etc.)? I've been back to MRR'ing about two years (or maybe a little longer this go-round), and sorta follow a Four Corners area idea (AZ-CO-NM-UT intersection), set in the 1950's. Yourself?
Chris, when you have power outages in the winter there, does it take very long most times before they get things back up and running? I've been spoiled by living in towns for so long (where they have more resources (and maybe more people calling the utilities company, 'asking' when the power will be back on in *their* part of town). Hope THAT editor and her publisher hubbie drop off somethng to stuff your Christmas stocking.
It has been amazingly nice at w**k today - two phone calls is definitely what I would call 'nice'... Tonight I want to get some groceries, see if maybe the store has a small turkey *** I could easily fix, but at least get some eggnog and some jellied cranberry (couple of things I associate with both Thanksgiving AND Christmas dinners). Also, want to get pad and paper and try to decide what things I'd like to fiddle with/w**k on over my vacation time next week (including layout stuff). One thing I think I'll do is get back to the scratchbuilt 'community church' building. Need to cut the openings for the arched windows and for the doors first before I start gluing the walls together.
For any who may be travelling tomorrow or who won't be in the Diner until afterward, I will offer my wishes for a Christmas that may be a blessing for you and your family.
Afternoon all!
Strange turn of events here in the coffee shop this morning! One I can hardly ignore (being a pastor and all)......however.......as has been pointed out, this is not the place to delve into these subjects in any real depth. (Too bad, as it makes for excellent conversation!) I will say this though.....
At, and for long after the time of Jesus, I do not know of ANY credible sources who actually denied His existance. Believers and unbelieves alike, even those who hated Him and His followers, all agree that Jesus was a real man. Also, the events recorded in the New Testament were all written down within the lifetime of people who would have been eye witnesses to those events, and those documents were widely circulated throughout the area, and as far as I'm aware (and I've looked into this in pretty high detail), NOBODY ever stood up and said, "Thats not the way it went down, and I know because I was there". The historicity and humanity of Jesus was never questioned at or around the time of His life. There are WAY too many sources OUTSIDE of the Bible to really have that statement hold any water. I mean, we know more about Jesus from sources OUTSIDE of the Bible then we know about George Washington, and nobody questions Washingtons existence. That's simply a non-argument.
Yes, it's most likely that Jesus was born in the spring or fall. If you remember your Bible stories, it says that the shepherds were out in the fields grazing their flocks. That only happens in that part of the world at two times a year.....spring and fall. On the other hand, there are lots of holidays that we celebrate on days other then the actual date......Washington's & Lincoln's birthdays for example.
As to our third President, Thomas Jefferson, he is the source of this "Seperation of Church & State" that you hear so much about. More on that in a second. First, let me say that the seperation of church & state is NOT in the Declaration Of Independence, The Constitution, or the Bill Of Rights. Strangely enough, though it's not in any of those sorts of United States documents, you will find it in a document of that caliber of another large country......The Constitution Of The USSR! Interesting, huh? Now, back to Jefferson......
Thomas Jefferson was a man of deep religious conviction - his conviction was that religion was a very personal matter, one which the government had no business getting involved in. He was vilified by his political opponents for his role in the passage of the 1786 Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom and for his criticism of such biblical events as the Great Flood and the theological age of the Earth. As president, he discontinued the practice started by his predecessors George Washington and John Adams of proclaiming days of fasting and thanksgiving. He was a staunch believer in the separation of church and state.
Jefferson wrote a letter to the Danbury Baptist Association in 1802 to answer a letter from them written in October 1801. A copy of the Danbury letter is available here. The Danbury Baptists were a religious minority in Connecticut, and they complained that in their state, the religious liberties they enjoyed were not seen as immutable rights, but as privileges granted by the legislature — as "favors granted." Jefferson's reply did not address their concerns about problems with state establishment of religion - only of establishment on the national level. The letter contains the phrase "wall of separation between church and state," which led to the short-hand for the Establishment Clause that we use today: "Separation of church and state."
The letter was the subject of intense scrutiny by Jefferson, and he consulted a couple of New England politicians to assure that his words would not offend while still conveying his message: it was not the place of the Congress or the Executive to do anything that might be misconstrued as the establishment of religion.
Note: The bracketed section in the second paragraph had been blocked off for deletion in the final draft of the letter sent to the Danbury Baptists, though it was not actually deleted in Jefferson's draft of the letter. It is included here for completeness. Reflecting upon his knowledge that the letter was far from a mere personal correspondence, Jefferson deleted the block, he noted in the margin, to avoid offending members of his party in the eastern states.
This is a transcript of the letter as stored online at the Library of Congress, and reflects Jefferson's spelling and punctuation.
Here is that letter;
Mr. President
To messers Nehemiah Dodge, Ephraim Robbins, & Stephen S. Nelson a committee of the Danbury Baptist association in the state of Connecticut.
Gentlemen
The affectionate sentiments of esteem & approbation which you are so good as to express towards me, on behalf of the Danbury Baptist association, give me the highest satisfaction. my duties dictate a faithful & zealous pursuit of the interests of my constituents, and in proportion as they are persuaded of my fidelity to those duties, the discharge of them becomes more & more pleasing.
Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man & his god, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, thus building a wall of separation between church and state. [Congress thus inhibited from acts respecting religion, and the Executive authorised only to execute their acts, I have refrained from presenting even occasional performances of devotion presented indeed legally where an Executive is the legal head of a national church, but subject here, as religious exercises only to the voluntary regulations and discipline of each respective sect.] Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties.
I reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection and blessing of the common Father and creator of man, and tender you for yourselves and your religious association, assurances of my high respect & esteem.
(signed) Thomas JeffersonJan.1.1802.
The idea here is "Freedom OF Religion", not "Freedom FROM Religion".
As to the personal religious beliefs of Mr. Jefferson, I've found this link to be a fair assessment of that.
Now, speaking to the horrible attrocities that have been done in the name of religion, Christian and otherwise, it's all sin. It's all bad. It was done by sinful people who made horrible mistakes, and it continues to this day. While I don't wish to, in any way, dismiss those actions and their consequences, those actions do not necessarily represent the God of the Bible. We must be careful not to confuse the two.
Now, for my model railroad tie-in.......
Clearly, this nation was founded on Christian principals. As such, most any government building built before, say, 50 years ago, had some sort of religious statue, inscription, or reference somewhere on the building or property. To accurately model the building, we must include that detail.
Now, I've said way more then I intended. I'm sorry if I bored you all to tears, but I've tried to present nothing but actual facts, not opinions, because, as a friend of mine is famous for saying, "Opinions are like armpits....everyone has a couple, and some of them stink!"
Anyways, Merry Christmas everyone!
Howdy all...Its rain and 40 here but not shoveling snow!..
Prayers for all those in need..
I'll drop back latter..have a good one...Jerry
Hello ...
We're leaving this afternoon on our trip. We'll have about 300 miles of cold, wet weather. I will have hardly any computer time the next few days.
Prayers continue for Rob, Jeff, Ulrich, and others in need.
Todd.... If I get computer time later I'll read you rant message. Cheers.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Good noontime Diners: here's the sausage rolls (Kris says the burnt ones are for Todd LOL!) and some mince pies and the snacking quiche. Had one for lunch yesterday, and shortly after Kris took a call from our doctor's office informing me he was referring me to a specialist about my allergy to eggs and penicillin. She said "I hope that isn't right, as we've just had a quiche for lunch! John hasn't got any such allergies - here, I'll let you speak to him..." So I took the phone and told the secretary (medical specialist associate?) that Kris has it right, and I don't have any such allergies. "He must have the wrong file" I said. It isn't me. I got to thinking how times have changed. Years ago one would never have talked back to, or questioned the Doctor; even in the persona of his staff!
Todd: I just go ahead and get a few things anyway, despite whatever arrangements we may have made for "no big gifts"...I figure I'd like something under the tree myself, and so probably Kris would too. Besides that, we always do a stocking, things to eat mostly, for each other (and Kris' mom ), and those "magically" appear at the foot of the bed Christmas morning. They always have, whether the place we live in has a chimney or not! LOL. Same stockings BTW, put away with the decorations each January 6th. Those puppies must be close to 35 years old now!
On the Happy Holidays thing, I was in the Esso station picking up the repaired spare yesterday. One of the staff is Heather. I said to her "Heather I'm going to resist the temptation to wish you "Happy Holidays Heather!" and instead say "Merry Christmas!" She said "Good, because that's just what I would say too! - Merry Christmas"
PC: A funeral for a close friend, or especially a relative, isn't easy. AS many have said, you are in our thoughts and prayers. I'm sure you'll be given just "what to say and how to say it" (John 12:49)
Chris:
I think Loving Wife wanted to continue our "tradition" of opening Christmas presents early...
Silver Pilot: Welcome to the Diner. I hope you'll tell us about your mrr / railfan interests. On your remarks, I agree with Chris.
Things to do, and a trip into the Harbour to pick up Kris' Mom from her Seniors' Day Clinic (Usually Thursday but there was space today, so she's gone in a day early.) TTFN.
"There are always alternatives, Captain" - Spock.
Mornin' everyone!
Zoe, how about a nice big bowl of oatmeal with brown sugar, and a lot of dark roast coffee in a FGLK mug. Thank you ma'am, I'll be in the back booth by the stove keeping warm.
It is a nice seasonable 19°F outside my window this morning. The high may get all the way up to 22°F. There are also a few little white things floating around out there as well.
I will be spending some time making up a very large batch of my "World Famous Bread Stuffing" for the Community Lunch Program's Christmas Dinner here in Geneva. Figure I'll get it made up today and in the fridge ready to take with me to church on Christmas Eve. Tomorrow I will be making a large dish of Winter Squash for Christmas Dinner at my Son's Inlaws (I got invited since my sister is in Mexico).
Prayers for all in need!
Good mornin', Chloe? stack of pancakes please 'n thank-you...with butter and maple-flavored corn syrup. Oh, and a bucket of coffee. Also, can I get some sausages to go? Rerun could use a little breakfast after he finally comes out from his blanket bunker.
TODD: AMEN BROTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As noted previously, I'm not overly religious...BUT, I've made it a point to say "Merry Christmas," AND mean it. Partially because THAT is the "reason for the season," partially to irritate certain people, partially to stand up for traditional American values. Yes, Christ's birth is the No. 1 reason...by far.
Good luck in your shopping today, and "let's be careful out there..."
ULRICH, JEFF, ROB: Best wishes and "good vibes" continue in your direction.
Like ULRICH, I couldn't sleep last night either. So, was wide-awake when the ice storm/winter weather event knocked out our power a little after 0400. It came back on shortly after 0700. Never have heard what happened: tree down, wire snap, fried squirrel, blown transformer, aliens from outer space... Just wondering if it will stay on. We're pretty well glazed over, and it's supposed to be "just warm enough" to be freezing rain...all day. Yippee.
THAT called, said I should stay home today (today is "Friday" for THAT and her papers). Seems she was "slippin' and slidin'" around Solon. I'd already filed everything in anticipation of being iced-in. Sounds like she got "gift baskets" for everybody... I'm wondering if Mr. Owner/Publisher will slip a "bonus" in with the paycheck he's mailing me today.
Today: One way or another, I'm going to put all the nonsense of this week OUT of my head, forget about budgets, financing, repairs and replacements. Today...I'm gonna find something to do at the RR table.
It's a "screw-off" day.
Be safe, and MERRY CHRISTMAS...
EDIT: Silver Pilot, I just saw your post... normally, I'd engage you in spirited debate. BUT, this is not the place for it. I won't jeopardize The Diner. I will say however, when a Fire Department is ordered to take down a sign saying "Merry Christmas" because it "may offend" somebody...then things are headed in the wrong direction. When "Christmas" can't be celebrated in schools...but a completely fabricated holliday can and is...or when a religion foreign to this country is celebrated, but NOT Christianity...there is a problem.
“The Constitution was never meant to prevent people from praying; its declared purpose was to protect their freedom to pray." - Ronald Reagan.
Merry Christmas, Silver Pilot.
TMarsh (and others) Your rant has really struck a nerve. I don't normally post in the 'Diner' thread, but your big head, ignorant rant is in need of a response.
First off, there is no historical, documented, archealogical proof that Jesus ever existed, let alone that his birth was actually December 25th. The date of December 25th was chosen centuries ago as a way to assimilate non-christians and their traditions. Many Christmas (and christian) traditions and symbols do not have Christian roots but instead are based on ancient pagan traditions and symbols. The 25th was chosen becuase of its close to the winter solstice, an event celebrate in many ancient, non-christian societies. Christmas symbols like Christmas trees, mistletoe, yule logs, etc have nothing to do with Christmas. Do a little open minded research into the background of many of the Christmas traditions and you will see that they are rooted in ancient pagan traditons.
Most scholars that have studied and analyzed the biblical stories of Jesus' birth belief that he would have been born in either Spring or Fall - if born at all. The information in the stories do not match a December birth.
So, according to your thinking, all other non-christian holidays should be ignored. SInce these religions, and their holidays, are celebrated by a minority of people, they therefore are worthless. All people should work on Christmas or non should. I'm sure the policemen, firemen, hospital workers, hospitality (hotel, restaurant, etc) workers would love that. Also, since the telemarketers will be working on Christmas I'm sure you won't mind getting a few phone calls soliciting you to donate to any number of fine charitable organizations. I mean, after all it is Christmas day and what better way to show your goodwill toward man then to donate when call on that day. Can we call you on Easter too. Recognizing the diversity that makes up our society is what makes our society stronger. Recognizing the rights of others who think or act differently that you do, and respecting them, maybe by saying Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas shows that the world doesn't revolve you and your religious beliefs.
As far as the Happy Holidays versus Merry Christmas greeting goes, say what you want, most people are not offended in the greeting of Merry Christmas but instead see the gesture as one of friendliness. I see you suffer from the common misconception that many people suffer from in thinking that because you are in the majority group that what you say, want, need, demand and think must be correct and done. That is not the belief this country was founded on. This country was founded on the belief that the minorities views and rights must be protected, not trampled upon by the majority. Consider that we just observed Thanksgiving. The puritans came to North America to flee the religious persecution they were experiencing in Europe. They were part of the minority and were unable to practice their religous beliefs as they wanted because of restrictions imposed by the state sanctioned religion. That right to religous freedom is at the foundation of our founding as a country and of our society. Does it allow Hare Krishnas at airports, I guess so, but I can't recall the last time I saw any religious group handing out propaganda at an airport. It is also this belief that allows fundamentalist Christian groups to protest at the funerals of servicemen killed defending this country. According to your statements, they should be allowed because they're Christians and in the majority so their protests must be right and accepted by everyone. It is also this "accept Christianity or else" mentality that lead to such historical events as the Inquisition, The Crusades, the destruction of ancient civilizations and other human tradegies all in the Jesus.
I've read the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. And frankly, when I do it brings tears to my eyes. When you read it and understand it in the context of when and why it was written. They are amazing documents. Consider that the person(s) who wrote the Declaration was not this devote Christian that most people what to think Jefferson was. He was a Universalist. He had a belief in a higher authority, a supreme being, I've not seen or read anything where he was this devote, God fearing Christian to whom Jesus was the answer to all his concerns.
What sets this country apart from others is the watchful protection of the rights of the minority, yes even at the expense of the majoity sometiimes, by the government and the majority.
I don't know about others, but I'd prefer to think of God as something to be loved, that is accepting of all regardless of their beliefs and faults instead of being "God-fearing" and living my life in fear that if I do, say, or even think of the wrong thing that God will somehow seek revenge on me for my actions or turn me away.
TMarsh - do a little reading and give a little thought to what you say next time instead of showing such ignorance.
Good Morning Diners!
It's a balmy -7C here right now and it is supposed to be that for the rest of the day. Can you say 'Heat Wave'?
I'm off on my 1 remaining day of holidays for this year as I have to do the running around to get various food stuffs on a list my wife has prepared for me. She is at work today after being up until 2 a.m. making the dessert for Christmas. It's called 'Frozen White Christmas' and it is really good.
Jeff, Gosh that was, how shall we say, disturbing news regarding your leg. I really admire your attitude in dealing with all the health issues you've been facing. Anyway I hope you can enjoy the holiday and that there is good news before the end of the year.
Ulrich, Great to see you back in the diner!
Jim, I wish you lived a little closer as I'm sure we could find a space for you at our table this year.
Amazingly I've managed to do a little here and there on the layout and put in another half dozen large trees in the village. It looks a lot better. I also re-soldered up the headlight for my Hudson that I had disconnected when I installed a decoder. It is on all the time but that is fine for a passenger loco.
Well it will soon be time to start out on my errands. I'm just waiting for the back to work traffic to die down a little.
CN Charlie
Good morning. It's 58 and cloudy with rain. Showers and isolated thunderstorms this morning and afternoon. Chance of rain is 70%.My schedule for today is pretty much open. A Home Health nurse should be coming out around noon to change the dressing on my foot and reattach the suction line for the wound vac. It had to be removed yesterday so the doc could examine the wound and do a debridement on it. The vac can't be reattached within 24 hours of such a procedure. Beyond that I have nothing planned except ,aybe some light work getting the layout cleaned up. Lately it's been the catch-all for pieces left over from projects, packages I'm preparing to send out and some things that just don't seem to have a place. There are also a few Pola structures I have to find a place for. Failing that they'll go into the storage bin under the layout. There's stuff in there that hasn't seen the light of day for years, some of it dating back to my N Scale days in the 80's.
Robby P. Todd......I agree. You have the right to religion, but you have to walk on egg shells. I have several tattoos( on both arms) and almost all of them are religious. When I wear short sleeves to work, I am waiting for someone to tell me to cover them. Hasn't happened yet, but I'm waiting for that day. Plus I read somewhere, that the group wanting to stop the "Merry Christmas" is also wanting to stop all of the Christmas stuff (parades, tv shows, malls, etc...).
Todd......I agree. You have the right to religion, but you have to walk on egg shells. I have several tattoos( on both arms) and almost all of them are religious. When I wear short sleeves to work, I am waiting for someone to tell me to cover them. Hasn't happened yet, but I'm waiting for that day.
Plus I read somewhere, that the group wanting to stop the "Merry Christmas" is also wanting to stop all of the Christmas stuff (parades, tv shows, malls, etc...).
I'm just going to say a couple of things about this. I would like these people to see the faces of the kids that we had in the local childrens hospital when we started in on our little christmas caroling concertina we did. There is not a lot of joy in a hospital for them at this time of the year--like there is any at any other time of the year---and they love it when we sing to them. Wonder if these miserable louts would even be kind enough to even visit these children And another thing. You can have any other holiday from any other religion--the group mentions does have an animus for christianity after all--EXCEPT Christmas-----I just love it!! Christianity as the RADICAL OTHER. These poor people need Him and they can't stand it---
I'm getting off this heat treated -----
Good morning. Its sunny!!!!! Almost forgot what the sun looked like.
Not mcuh planned today. Maybe finish up some shopping, and I was going to "hang out" at the wifes work. No kids today, and her staff is off. Its only 8:50am and since 8:00am its been three trains!! Her job is about 100ft from the Norfolk Southern line. I hope to get some video.
Well I better get the camera ready.
Everybody have a good morning.
"Rust, whats not to love?"
Good morning. Coffee and a jumbo caramel roll please. I smell them baking. mm-mm-MM!
Today: Occasional rain and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 39. Breezy, with a east southeast wind between 15 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Tonight: Occasional rain. Low around 39. Breezy, with a east southeast wind between 17 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Supposed to get about an inch by tomorrow.
I've made up my mind. I'm not going shopping at all today. If there is no present under the tree, well then maybe next year she'll say what she means or realize I'm not jumping through hoops every time she says boo. I'm the man of the family and that is the way it will be.
So, a modeling I will do as it is raining now. Maybe I'll hunt for an avatar. Maybe I'll take a nap, watch a little TV, scratch the dog. Who knows.
edit: WARNING!! A SIMPLE THOUGHT HAS TURNED INTO THE FOLLOWING LONG RANT!!
Ya know, I've been thinking about all this "Happy Holidays" "Seasons Greetings" anything but "Merry Christmas" And I noticed very few people say something other than Merry Christmas. The Stores and the media are the ones who spread the un cheer. Come to think of it, between the restaurant customers and my travels throughout the city, yesterday, not today I already said I'm not going, of all the people, strangers mainly, I recall one person who said 'Happy Holidays". One. EVERYone else said "Merry Christmas". Funny thing, the one who said Happy Holidays is the High School Principal. A very nice guy and a fellow Trustee at our Church. I guess as a leader in the public school system he must not show any political or religious favor. Weird. I guess they don't get the days off. I mean gee, as far as I know the ONLY reason we celebrate the 25th of December is the birth of Jesus. So, you take a holiday you are adamantly against. I wonder what they would say if, the business said you will work Christmas just like any other day. No day off, no early dismissal, no extra pay, no bonus, just another day. Of course I've personally never met, that I can recall, any of these don't offend me with your holiday people, so I can't say it would really be an issue. From what I see, it's Christmas time or well, Christmas time. They believe or they don't really care.
OK, here's where the REAL ranting started so I'll give another WARNING if you want to skip.
I think it's our Government scared of offending the tiny majority, has to be a majority because that's how our country is run, this tiny majority may stomp there feet and, and, and, what? Stomp their feet? We need to get someone who will REALLY read the Constitution, and all the other documents of the time. The Declaration of Independence for instance. Really read them, not just hit and miss, and then tell me our forefathers were not a God fearing people and that they in no way intended this to be a Christian country. HOGWASH!!! Stand up law makers and Judges! What are they going to do? Leave? I mean for crying out loud, they can stand up and cry about how there is no God at the top of their lungs, sing the praises of Allah, dance in the streets dressed like some weirdo in womens fishnet stockings and a bra on Gay rights day, or punch a Mule in the butt, but as soon as I say Jesus, I'm a criminal and must be hushed. The LARGEST religion in the world. Christianity, and I'm squashed. I don't go preaching like a mad man, and our ministering or spreading the word is not like the Bible thumping you hear about. Just a normal not afraid to say I go to church and talk of the things we do as in normal conversation not pushy buy always an invite to attend kinda thing. So why are the Hairy Krishna's allowed to stand in airports accosting people in the name of Religious Freedom, but I can't say Jesus unless I pronounce it Hey-Zoos. Sorry for the rant so early in the morning, but it really bugs me to see something in effect (or is it affect), potentially taken away for a reason I have only heard about and never witnessed. EVER!
Edit: RANT OVER SAFE TO UNPLUG EARS.
Well I best get a move on if I want to get some stuff done before heading into town. What? Oh, ehem, yah, uh, er, ahem, well I, uh have decided to go test my theory and wish people a Merry Christmas and see how many grumble or complain. Yup, that's the plan. NOT to buy any presents. Unless something catches my eye.
Have a Great Day!!!
Todd
Central Illinoyz
In order to keep my position as Master and Supreme Ruler of the House, I don't argue with my wife.
I'm a small town boy. A product of two people from even smaller towns. I don’t talk on topic….. I just talk.
pcarrellAnd Jeff, when is it you find out more on that leg?
Mornin'!
Good to see Ulrich back in here! Hang in there buddy! Lots of folks are prayin' for ya! (like me!)
And Jeff, when is it you find out more on that leg?