That Photo from Facebook: A Child Grasps the Full Meaning of Xmas

This was from George (“oh, my!”) Takei’s feed this morning.

I don’t think that I need to elaborate. As a Buddhist, I see things differently, so best wishes for the winter holidays, folks. In classical, medieval Japan, the people believed that the gods were absent during these times, that they could not be reached or called upon during this season. I don’t believe that. I believe that they—the Buddhist gods—are always present, both within and without. Always, light emerges from darkness at any time, at any moment. Even when the sun does not appear to shine.

“Xmas” or “Christmas”? An interesting tidbit. Did YOU know? (mybookofstories.wordpress.com)
…white xmas… (codenameday.wordpress.com)
On The Hidden Pagan Meaning Of Santa Claus (disinfo.com)

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~ by blksista on December 25, 2012.

Posted in Celebrities/Royals, Class, Holidays, Love, Spirituality
Tags: "Oh my!", Buddhism, Child, Children, Christmas, Christmas Eve, Christmas Presents, Christmas Tree, George, George Takei, Gifts, Growing Up, Killings, Letters to Santa, Love, Missing Xmas, Murder, Newtown Connecticut, Religion and Spirituality, Santa, School Shootings, United States, Xmas

This Black Sista’s Archives

December 2012
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Twitter on ThisBlksistasPage

James Baldwin in Turkey — YES! Magazine yesmagazine.org/multimedia/yes… 1 week ago
Getting Back to Business This P.M. wp.me/psAK5-4oJ 1 week ago
"Fruitvale Station," The Drama About The Death of Oscar Grant, Premieres in July, 2013 wp.me/psAK5-4ox 1 week ago
Multiple Arrests Of Liberal Activists In North Carolina (You Read That Right) Breed More Protests p.ost.im/p/d4WbXv via @AddInfoOrg 1 week ago
My Racist Encounter at the White House Correspondents' Dinner huff.to/YsA9ki via @HuffPostDC 2 weeks ago
The soul of miso latimes.com/features/food/… 2 weeks ago
Three parties to split reward in Christopher Dorner case latimes.com/local/lanow/la… 2 weeks ago
'Hero' Charles Ramsey: 'I Don't Want' Media Attention, I'm Just An 'American' And A 'Human Being' mediaite.com/tv/cleveland-h… via @mediaite 2 weeks ago
Is Charles Ramsey Being Exploited? theroot.com/blogs/grapevin… via @TheRoot247 2 weeks ago
Harvard historian Niall Ferguson apologizes for tying Keynes’ economic views to his sexuality boston.com/metrodesk/2013… Flipping puke... 2 weeks ago
Oil Pulling With Sesame Oil And Its Many Health Benefits hub.me/acI8v 2 weeks ago
Meanwhile, Back in Wisconsin: Ex-"Lambeau Leap" Footballer Leroy Butler Gives a Four-Word Tweet of Support for Jason Collins; Loses Church… 2 weeks ago
Can Prayer Lead to Enlightenment in Buddhism? on People - Opposing Views people.opposingviews.com/can-prayer-lea… 3 weeks ago
Hemp Is Harmless, a Potential Economic Miracle, and Still Illegal in America, but the Tide Seems to Be Turning truth-out.org/news/item/1459… 3 weeks ago

Amazons & Valkyries

Born on the Bayou

Bread & Circuses

Brothas & Sistas

Fellow Travelers

Mad City

Reading, Writing & Writers

SGI Nichiren Buddhism

The Madison WI Capitol Times

Historical tidbit: Scott Walker went after unions way before he was governor May 24, 2013
Early on in his political career, Scott Walker had his sights on labor unions. In fact, his first major bill as a legislator sought to limit the ability of labor groups to raise money for poli…
State Debate: Racine Journal Times tells legislators to dump the anti-flu shot bill May 24, 2013
A daily roundup of interesting newspaper editorials and blog posts from around Madison and Wisconsin.
Future of state land a hot topic in budget process May 24, 2013
From state property for sale, to shunning foreign investors' purchasing power, plus cuts to stewardship and farmland conservation funds, there have been plenty of land-related budget items to debate.
Paul Fanlund: These days, even breaking news stories instantly divide us May 24, 2013
In the wake of most any tragedy, we immediately split into partisan tribes and strive to blame the other side.
Boy Scout gay ban shift offers mixed message May 24, 2013
First Congregational Church already cut ties with the BSA earlier this year because of its discriminatory policies.
Morning briefing: Scott Walker in Iowa, UW tuition freeze, rent-to-own, open records May 24, 2013
Stories that are making the news today in Madison and around the state and country.
Plain Talk: Can Scott Walker really take credit for improved state revenues? May 24, 2013
Scott Walker shouldn't pat himself on the back over the state's budget surplus.
Amy Goodman: Another Memorial Day in this endless war May 24, 2013
After the 9/11 attacks, Congress gave the president and the Pentagon carte blanche to wage war. Now the world is a battlefield.

The Chicago Tribune

Truck crash may have caused Washington bridge collapse May 24, 2013
Witnesses say an oversize load on a truck hit the bridge before a large section collapsedA truck crashed into a four-lane freeway bridge in Washington state, possibly causing it to collapse, sending vehicles into the frigid Skagit River.
Evanston High baseball team pulled from playoffs over 'sexting' May 24, 2013
Allegations involved girls, varsity baseball playersThe athletic director of Evanston Township High School has pulled the varsity baseball team from the state playoffs after "inappropriate photos" of girls at the school were distributed among some players, officials said.
Revised meter deal still a gain for vendor May 24, 2013
Revised city deal still a gain for vendor, analysis findsTribune analysis: Chicago taxpayers still could end up pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into the coffers of the company leasing the city's parking meters under Mayor Rahm Emanuel's revamp of the much-reviled deal.
Bears to retire Ditka's No. 89, 1st since Butkus and Sayers May 24, 2013
Hall of Fame tight end will become 14th Bear honored and 1st since Butkus and SayersTwo sources have told the Tribune the Bears will retire the No. 89 of Michael Keller Ditka Jr., also known as Da Coach, in a ceremony during the Dec. 9 "Monday Night Football" game against the Cowboys at Soldier Field.
Hawks one game from elimination after 2-0 loss to Detroit May 24, 2013
With Toews in box for 2nd of 3 penalties in 5 1/2 minutes, Wings net game-winner in 2nd periodJonathan Toews barked at officials from the penalty box, venting his frustration during an almost-surreal string of three penalties called against the Blackhawks captain in a span of 5 minutes, 34 seconds.
One-on-one with Phil Jackson May 24, 2013
Legendary Chicago Bulls coach Phil Jackson discussed his new book, "Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success" with Tribune sports reporter K.C. Johnson Thursday evening. Watch the live interview and learn how the "Zen master" grew to be one of the most innovative coaches in sports.
British police ponder conspiracy in slaying of soldier May 24, 2013
Police investigating the murder of a soldier hacked to death on a busy London street were looking on Friday into whether the two suspected killers, British men of Nigerian descent, were part of a wider conspiracy.
Jury sides with Trump in condo dispute with Evanston woman May 23, 2013
Dispute over condo became theatrical slugfest; lawyers get last digs in during closing argumentsDonald Trump won a heated court fight today when a federal jury in Chicago awarded no damages to an 87-year-old Evanston resident who sued the TV celebrity over a disputed condo deal at his high-rise Chicago hotel.

The New York Times

Lens Blog: Luke Sharrett's Photographs of Arlington National Cemetery Gravestones May 24, 2013
During assignments at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, Luke Sharrett, whose cousin was killed in Iraq, began to notice the mementos left by friends and family.
DealBook: Banks’ Lobbyists Help in Drafting Financial Bills May 24, 2013
In a sign of Wall Street’s resurgent influence in Washington, bank lobbyists are aiding lawmakers in preparing legislation that softens financial regulations.
Obama Speaks to Naval Graduates About Sexual Assault Issue May 24, 2013
President Obama urged them to follow an “inner compass” and to “do what’s right, even when it’s unpopular.”
The Lede: NOAA Predicts Extremely Active Hurricane Season May 24, 2013
Oceanic and atmospheric conditions are expected to create stronger and more hurricanes in 2013, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.
The Lede: Video of Bridge Collapse North of Seattle May 24, 2013
A bridge collapse north of Seattle sent two vehicles and three people into the Skagit River.
Inside an Institution May 24, 2013
Perspectives of the Boy Scouts of America’s as it voted to allow openly gay members.
Boy Scouts to Admit Openly Gay Youths as Members May 24, 2013
The Boy Scouts of America voted to allow openly gay youths as members, while continuing its policy of excluding openly gay adult leaders.
Interstate Bridge Collapses in Washington State May 24, 2013
Three people were injured after the failure of an Interstate 5 bridge north of Seattle dumped vehicles into the Skagit River, the authorities said.

The San Francisco Chronicle

BART plans another test for bicycles
BART plans another test for bicycles After a nearly two-hour hearing, the BART board voted 6-3 to conduct the test instead of the other option it was considering, which was to end its policy of banning bikes on trains during peak commute hours. All but a couple of them urged BART to get rid of the rush-hour prohibition, which many said kept them from getting […]
SF Chronicle names new management team
SF Chronicle names new management team Hearst Corp. on Thursday named a new management team to lead The San Francisco Chronicle, picking a newspaper industry veteran to serve as publisher and a seasoned digital media executive as the paper's president. Incoming Chronicle President Joanne Bradford, in contrast, has spent much of her career in online medi […]
Presented By:
Boy Scouts vote to allow gay youth
Boy Scouts vote to allow gay youth The Boy Scouts of America voted Thursday to allow openly gay Scouts to join troops for the first time in the group's 103-year history, but sought a political middle ground by retaining a ban on gay adults serving as leaders. The Scouts didn't appear to satisfy many people with their decision, leaving local troop l […]
S.F.'s new tack in fighting metal theft
S.F.'s new tack in fighting metal theft San Francisco prosecutors have opened a new front in the battle against copper theft, filing a $10 million lawsuit against a scrap-metal recycler that allegedly chose to shut down and trash its files rather than comply with a city subpoena seeking sales records. The unusual suit against J&S Recycling, which un […]
Court rejects Arizona abortion law
Court rejects Arizona abortion law A federal appeals court that included an ardent opponent of abortion struck down Arizona's ban on abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy Tuesday, citing 40 years of Supreme Court precedents that allow a woman to terminate her pregnancy if the fetus is not yet viable. Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproducti […]
Supplier urged use of banned Bay Bridge rods
Supplier urged use of banned Bay Bridge rods San Francisco Chronicle Copyright 2013 San Francisco Chronicle. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Updated 9:11 am, Wednesday, May 22, 2013 Caltrans decided to install high-risk steel rods on the Bay Bridge's new eastern span after a supplier pointe […]
Ray Manzarek, Doors keyboardist, dies
Ray Manzarek, Doors keyboardist, dies Ray Manzarek, the founding member and keyboard player for the Doors whose haunting and sweetly melodic organ riffs loomed large in the psychedelic rock era, died Monday at the RoMed Clinic in Rosenheim, Germany. Formed in 1965, when Mr. Manzarek had a chance encounter with aspiring poet and film student Jim Morrison at V […]

The San Jose Mercury News

Gunn High School string orchestra picked to perform at prestigious Midwest conference May 24, 2013
Hitting a high note for Palo Alto and the entire Golden State, Henry M. Gunn High School's string orchestra has been picked to perform at the 67th annual Midwest Band and Orchestra International Conference.
Hicks: Amanda Bynes arrested May 24, 2013
New York police arrest actress for pot possession, after she throws bong out her window.
Toronto mayor's allies urge him to address crack rumors May 24, 2013
TORONTO -- Close allies of Toronto Mayor Rob's Ford said Friday they will release a letter that urges the mayor to address a purported video that apparently shows him smoking crack cocaine.
Action Comics No. 1 found in house insulation -- Holy Grail of comic books May 24, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- It's considered the Holy Grail of comic books: Action Comics No. 1 from 1938, featuring the debut of Superman.
Source: FIFA task force seeks 5-game racism ban May 24, 2013
A person with knowledge of the situation says FIFA's new anti-racism task force will ask soccer's governing body next week to approve a mandatory five-match minimum ban for any player found guilty of racist abuse
Atlanta airport: Hotel shuttle crash injures 18 May 24, 2013
ATLANTA (AP) -- Authorities say 18 people have been taken to the hospital following a crash between a hotel shuttle bus and a tractor-trailer near Atlanta's airport.
Cupertino: Deputies searching for two men who robbed bank May 24, 2013
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a bank robbery that occurred Wednesday afternoon at a US Bank in Cupertino.
Former NFL kicker accused of damage and theft May 24, 2013
Former NFL and University of Arizona kicker Max Zendejas has been indicted on damage and theft charges in connection with his recently closed Tucson restaurant

The New Orleans Times-Picayune

Jefferson Parish charter board completes report, declines again to endorse contracting changes May 24, 2013
Jefferson Parish activists Thursday night urged a charter review committee to submit as charter amendments contracting proposals that have stalled at the Parish Council. But members of the Charter Advisory Board declined to add the proposals to their final report
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office West Bank crime report, May 23 May 24, 2013
This information reflects initial calls for service reported by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office for the west bank of Jefferson Parish. Locations are approximate due to automated location methods and address inconsistencies, the Sheriff's Office says. Burglar alarm calls...
Reporter Andrea Shaw closes Crescent City Connection account May 24, 2013
The Crescent City Connection refund process was quick for reporter Andrea Shaw, who closed her 15-year-old toll tag account Friday. Second of two parts.
New Orleans law firm Adams and Reese merging with South Carolina firm May 24, 2013
The New Orleans law firm Adams and Reese has merged with the South Carolina business law firm Ellis Lawhorne, the two firms announced this week.The merger is effective June 1.By adding 23 attorneys in Columbia, the state capital and largest...
Man murdered Thursday morning on I-10 in New Orleans identified May 24, 2013
The man shot and killed early Thursday morning while driving on Interstate 10 in New Orleans has been identified as Kim Thompson, 31. The victim was from New Orleans, according to John Gagliano, chief investigator for the New Orleans coroner's...
With Crescent City Connection refund forms in hand, reporter seeks to collect May 24, 2013
After 15 years together, it's time to part with my Crescent City Connection toll tag. More than 3,000 refunds -- to the tune of $105,000 -- have been issued since the May 4 referendum to extend the bridge tolls for...
NOLA Now: Tax holiday, beating arrests, Greek Fest and Fox8 forecast May 24, 2013
Check out what's happening with Diya Chacko in the Nola.com | The Times-Picayune newsroom and get Fox8's weather forecast for Friday morning, May 24, 2013.
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office east bank crime report, May 23 May 24, 2013
This information reflects initial calls for service reported by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office for the east bank of Jefferson Parish. Locations are approximate due to automated location methods and address inconsistencies, the Sheriff's Office says. Burglar alarm calls...

The Guardian, UK

RAF jet escorts diverted Pakistani plane May 24, 2013
Typhoon jet escorts flight diverted from Manchester to Stansted after concerns about disruptive passengerA Pakistan International Airlines plane at the centre of a security alert has landed at Stansted airport after being escorted by RAF fighter jets.The plane, flight number PK709, took off from Lahore with 297 people aboard and had been due to land at Manch […]
Syria to attend Geneva conference May 24, 2013
Assad regime agrees 'in principle' to conflict resolution initiative as Syrian opposition comes under pressure to take part as wellThe Assad government has agreed to take part in next month's international conference in Geneva aimed at resolving Syria's civil war, according to ally Russia, as the Syrian opposition came under pressure to a […]
Hague: two-state solution slipping away May 24, 2013
British foreign secretary says there is no 'plan B' and warns of consequences of failure of US mission to revive peace processThe British foreign secretary, William Hague, has warned of the risks of failure of the US-sponsored mission to revive the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, suggesting that it was the last attempt possible at reaching a two […]
Two passengers arrested after RAF jets escort diverted Pakistan plane May 24, 2013
British men held on suspicion of endangering aircraft after Manchester-bound flight is diverted to Stansted as a precautionTwo men have been arrested after a passenger jet from Pakistan was escorted into Stansted airport by RAF fighter planes following a security alert.The Pakistan International Airlines plane took off from Lahore with 297 passengers people […]
Eurozone crisis live: Markets slide after rollercoaster session in Japan May 24, 2013
FTSE 100 down 40 points after Japanese market suffers turbulent sessionJosephine MouldsNick Fletcher
New to nature special: the top 10 new species May 24, 2013
From a snail-eating snake to a harp-shaped sponge… Quentin Wheeler on whittling down 18,000 new species to 10 favouritesOn 23 May,the International Institute for Species Exploration announced the annual top 10 new species for the sixth time. A committee of taxon experts led by Dr Antonio Valdecasas of the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales in Madrid made t […]
From the Heathrow incident to the latest developments in Woolwich: the best news pictures of the day May 24, 2013
Our coverage of the day's events in the UK and around the world
US travel industry 'optimistic' for summer May 24, 2013
Americans' plans for summer travel mirror current state of US economy with slow but steady recovery likelyThe forecast for summer travel, 2013: partly sunny.Airlines, hotels and campgrounds are commanding higher rates and seeing more customers than a few summers ago, and luxury hotels are selling out. Local businessmen and state officials are optimistic […]

The BBC

Afghan Taliban attack central Kabul May 24, 2013
Afghan security forces fight a lengthy gun battle with insurgents in central Kabul, after an explosion hitting a guesthouse for foreign workers.
Two held after plane alert over UK May 24, 2013
Two men are held on suspicion of endangerment of an aircraft after RAF jets were scrambled to escort a akistan plane in UK airspace.
UN hails 'historic' Obama drone vow May 24, 2013
The lawyer leading the UN's inquiry into drones welcomes President Obama's speech as a "significant step towards increased transparency".
Turkey to ban late-night drink sales May 24, 2013
The Turkish parliament approves controversial legislation to restrict the sale and advertising of alcohol.
Extra police heading for Stockholm May 24, 2013
Reinforcements of specially trained police are being sent to Stockholm after five nights of unprecedented rioting in the capital's suburbs.
Syria 'to attend peace conference' May 24, 2013
Russia says the Syrian government has agreed "in principle" to attend an international peace conference set to be held in Geneva in June.
'Comfort women' snub Japan mayor May 24, 2013
Two South Korean women forced into sexual slavery in WWII cancel a meeting with Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto, citing fears of "political exploitation".
Czech murder suspect arrested in US May 24, 2013
An American accused of stabbing his relatives to death in the Czech Republic and setting fire to their bodies has been arrested, the FBI says.

The Independent, UK

Hairy moment for tiger Ty as football-sized furball is removed from his stomach May 24, 2013
A cat getting a hairball is not usually a life-threatening situation, unless the cat in question is a 27-stone Serbian tiger, and this particular hairball is the size of a football.
Hairy moment for tiger Ty as football-sized hairball is removed from his stomach May 24, 2013
A cat getting a hairball is not usually a life-threatening situation, unless the cat in question is a 27-stone Serbian tiger, and this particular hairball is the size of a football.
She's The Man actress Amanda Bynes arrested after throwing marijuana bong out of window May 24, 2013
American actress Amanda Bynes, star of 2006 film She's The Man, has been arrested in New York City after she threw a marijuana bong out of a window.
Video: Bridge linking Washington and Canada collapses May 24, 2013
A major bridge linking Seattle, in Washington State, US, and Canada collapsed last night, dropping cars and people into the river below.
US rapper Tim Dog accused of faking his own death May 24, 2013
Lack of a death certificate or burial site and sparse obituary information has led to talk in hip-hop circles that rapper Tim Dog, who owes thousands of dollars to women he was convicted of swindling, faked his own death.
Boy Scouts of America to admit openly gay boys May 24, 2013
The Boy Scouts of America has thrown open its ranks to gay youngsters, but not adult leaders, in a compromise that some warned could fracture the organisation and lead to mass defections.
President Barack Obama defends US drone strikes - but moves to rein them in as Guantanamo Bay closure rears its head again May 23, 2013
President Barack Obama combined a vigorous defence of his controversial use of drones with a no less impassioned demand for the closure of the notorious prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, which he called “a symbol around the world for an America that flouts the rule of law.”
President Barack Obama defends drone strikes - but moves to rein them in as Guantanamo closure rears its head again May 23, 2013
President Barack Obama combined a vigorous defence of his controversial use of drones with a no less impassioned demand for the closure of the notorious prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, which he called “a symbol around the world for an America that flouts the rule of law.”

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