“We learned about the unfortunate fate of ABC’s reality TV show Welcome to the Neighborhood more than six months ago, but why this fascinating show never reached the air (and might never be seen) is the source of new speculation.The show — in which a diverse group of seven families attempts to charm residents of a conservative white-bread neighborhood in Austin, Texas, in order to win a home there — is a lightning-rod for controversy. The participating families consist of African-American, Hispanic, Korean, “tattooed” and “Wiccan” husbands, wives and children, among others, and the contest is eventually won by two gay men, Stephen and John Wright, and their son, Eli.”
The Biggest PC Myths
Although an older article, this is good info for any computer user. How much do magnets really fry data? Does unplugging a USB cable too fast really cause damage? Read more here at this PC World article.
read more | digg storyShould Wiccan veterans be able to get pentacles on headstones?
There are witches in foxholes. But unlike their peers in more mainstream religions, when Wiccan veterans die, they cannot get the symbol of their religion, the pentacle, inscribed on their government-funded headstones.Now, witches, including some on the North Shore, are trying to change that. Two separate groups have asked the federal government to approve their star-in-circle symbol for use on deceased veterans’ grave markers.
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Staff reporter Ben Casselman can be reached at (978) 338-2529 or by e-mail at bcasselman@ecnnews.com.
Symbolic request
When requesting a new emblem be approved for a headstone, the family must submit:
1. A letter from the “recognized central head or primary contact person” for the religious organization, certifying that:
r The emblem is “currently widely used and recognized as the symbol of the organization or its belief system.”
r The organization supports the addition of the emblem to the approved list.
r The organization “does not promote activity that is illegal or contrary to public policy.”
2. A written description of:
r How the organization’s belief system “is comprehensive in nature and addresses fundamental and ultimate questions.”
r The organization’s practices, such as services, ceremonies, clergy, “or other characteristics of a traditional belief/faith system.”
3. “Information about the size and organizational structure of the organization, including total number of members and the location of the congregations.”
Pentacle or pentagram?
The terms pentacle and pentagram are often used interchangeably, but most Wiccans say they are somewhat different. A pentagram is simply a five-pointed star, while a pentacle surrounds the star with a circle.
Both pentacles and pentagrams are ancient symbols that have been used by many different religions, including Christianity and Judaism. Wiccans trace their use of the symbols back to the ancient Celts, whose earth-based religion serves as a model for many modern pagan groups.
Many people mistakenly associate the pentacle with Satanism. In fact, Satanists generally use an upside-down pentacle, often with a goat’s head in the center.
What Technology Will Be Like in 2001
…according to a 1989 Compute! Magazine article: scan the custom newspaper that spills from your fax; capture segments of a show you like and put them in a video report for school for $1,000; ISDN will simultaneously transmit voice, video, and computer data. You’ll talk to your TV set, and it’ll customize itself…
read more | digg storyShould Wiccan veterans be able to get pentacles on headstones?
There are witches in foxholes. But unlike their peers in more mainstream religions, when Wiccan veterans die, they cannot get the symbol of their religion, the pentacle, inscribed on their government-funded headstones.Now, witches, including some on the North Shore, are trying to change that. Two separate groups have asked the federal government to approve their star-in-circle symbol for use on deceased veterans’ grave markers.
Continue reading Should Wiccan veterans be able to get pentacles on headstones?
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EDMONTON, January 18, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) – It would seem there is truth to the warnings against the Harry Potter series if the opening of an honest-to-goodness witchcraft school in Canada is any indication of increased interest in the occult that has resulted from the books.
The new school, Northern Star College of Mystical Studies, is compared to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from the Harry Potter books by a CanWest News Service report. The school offers diploma and two-year certificate programs, open to adults only. The school teaches potions, astrology, tarot, hypnotherapy, divination, magic and other occult practices, among other subjects.
Hindu samiti protests Hussain’s nude paintings of Gods
Thane: A protest march was taken out by a large number of people in this district last evening against noted painter M F Hussain’s nude paintings of Hindu Gods.
The march organised by the Hindu Janjagruti Samiti made its way through the main streets of the city with the protestors carrying placards and slogans against Hussain.
Intel loses market share in own backyard
Intel executives said Tuesday that they expected to lose about one point of market share to AMD during a disappointing fourth quarter. That figure refers to worldwide sales of microprocessors during the quarter, an Intel spokesman confirmed. Among U.S. retail PCs, however, the results were more striking.