One of our "group" who frequents this board has recently been studying in Manchester. When he returns he faithfully comes back to the session, where he enjoys the status of a paid performer.
So he comes back last night, the eve of Christmas Eve. Firstly there were a number of musicians present, so no seat for the returning hero, but as session leader/manager/trade union rep I sorted this for our hero.
However at the end of the night we took a collective decision not to pay him. More money for us we said.
Have I finally grasped the true essential meaning of the modern Christmas? We celebrate the birth of Mammon, and greed consumes us all? I really believe that I am now celebrating Christmas as it should be, make a profit at every opportunity and never give a sucker an even break. We are immensely proud of ourselves for having the moral courage to take such a stance.
Obviously as most of you abuse the trust of your employer and contribute to this board at work, I do not anticipate many responses. Abuse of work equipment and work time is on a par with stealing plectrums from music shops.
Happy and greedy Christmas to you all. But I must go, time is money.
Your conscience will smite you when you find him selling his body in the Arndale Centre to pay his tuition fees, which his session wages could have covered.
Oh, and there was me thinking that's what St Patrick's day was for - purely so that we musos, and others, could make a couple of bob. So glad this ethos is spreading to Christmas. That's the only reason Jesus was born, as far as I can see.
Hang on. Christmas is an adoption of the winter solstice , not related to the birth of JC. If he existed at all, he was likely born on the 6th of jan. But as there is absolutely no contempory record of him at all, one wonders where the whole story comes from.?
Ooops religion again, best shut up eh? befor I upset someone's belief system. Oh what do I hear you say?too late! oh well, never mind, at least they can't crucify me!
Jig, whether Jesus was the Son of God is an open question for many, but there is no question that a man named Jesus really did live in first-century Judea. You know how we know that? Because there are contemporary historians that mention him, such as Josephus and Tacitus. It's not your disbelief that offends me but your ignorance.
I love that bit about the Arndale Centre, that would be great.
And as I live in N.Ireland we do not really have a St Patrick's Day, so I don't know much about it, but fail to see the connection to Christmas, unless it is a religious one?
smw- yes, there is proof that Jesus existed, but there is also proof that the Church altered the date of his birth to accommodate the greater masses. personally I can't possibly believe anything the Church may say if I know they have already lied.
jig- isn't it terrible that you cant express a view or opinion without the fear of insulting someone?
I think it's important to make a distinction between the individual figure, Jesus, (and his teachings, as recorded in the New Testament) and what lesser beings have done in his name during the last two thousand years, with their dubious claims to be promoting Christianity.
Whoever or whatever the guy was, I'd like to have spent a bit of time chatting with him, because he did say some really astounding things. For instance, when the crowd were going to stone that poor woman to death and he intervenes and said 'Who ever is without sin can throw the first stone', and shamed them all. What would any of you said or done in a similar situation ?
It's so sad that, when a guy like that says that the first thing to remember is to "love God and love your neighbour as your self" and "Thou shalt not kill", people having been killing other people in his name ever since.
As rob_handel says, it's difficult to feel anything but contempt for branches of the Christian establishment that lie and distort Jesus's words to excuse evil actions like abusing little children and sending soldiers to kill people in other countries.
My favourite example is the British military chaplains in WW1 blessing the rifles and artillery. Another is the fact that the Anglican Church used to own brothels in London and slave plantations in the West Indies. I wonder what Jesus would have had to say to guys responsible for those examples of 'Christianity' ?
There is Xmas and there is Christmas. I keep the two seperated. It is easy, for there is little in common. I avoid and dispise the first.
The problem we have with Christ is his familiarity. Because we think we know him, we pass him by. (Winifred Kirkland)
I always wonder what exactly is it in Jesus' teachings that offends so much. I conclude it is the interpretation of what he said and did that is most people's problem, but certainly not Him. It seems to me that Jesus would be a fellow who would enjoy hanging out with types like us. But what do I know of these things?
"It seems to me that Jesus would be a fellow who would enjoy hanging out with types like us."
Erm, well, it's easy for you to say that, feardearg, but what if he pulled up a chair, introduced himself, smiled at everybody, got his instrument out of it's bag, "Behold, brothers and sisters, my new bodhran! Never played one before, but ..... "
smw, There is no contempory evidence what so ever. none. The evidence indicates that the 2 mentions of 'the son of god ' were later additions to Josephus's work, presumably by christian scribes.
Organised religion is about power and control. The christian religion is a mish mash of pagan and Jewish beliefs dressed up in a new form. For someone who suggests that I am ignorant to actually know so little about their professed belief system is quite normal I am sure. I suppose Jesu was the only virgin birth around that part of the world ......Agh, whats the point, If it makes you happy to be part of a system that is responsible for the burning and slaughter of many millions of women,, genocide in the Americas, slavery and the the rest then go ahead, enjoy your Christmas.
I always assumed that in Presbyterian Northern Ireland anyway they practised strict hibernation from the start of Advent till New Year's Eve. This could save a lot of money, brain cells and grief and if it wasn't for the fact that the UK economy more or less depends on the population's embarking on huge credit binges on a predictable basis Gordon Brown would surely consider introducing it here.
Is it just that there's nothing on telly, or the family can't agree what to watch, or you couldn't get a session together at home ?
What a sad lot we are all posting on Christmas day !
AND;
I was expecting a happy little moral homily from the title of this discussion............
But I'm enjoying the external speakers my daughter bought me for my cd player - Waterson-Carthy have just finished - while browsing and posting.
Try and spot me in Terry Pratchett's Hogfather if you have Sky - I'm one of the hairy beardies in the Hogwatch banquet scene at the Unseen University - actually we nearly all were HBs.
St Patrick's Day was introduced into N.Ireland about 1995 to coincide with the peace process, they even made it into a holiday. However not much happens.
Newry was quite good, something in Downpatrick, and some sort of parade now in Belfast, but that's about it. Nothing compared to Manchester, London, New York or Tokyo
"The medieval calendar was filled with holidays. Official -- that is, church -- holidays included not only long "vacations" at Christmas, Easter, and midsummer but also numerous saints' and rest days. These were spent both in sober churchgoing and in feasting, drinking and merrymaking. In addition to official celebrations, there were often weeks' worth of ales -- to mark important life events (bride ales or wake ales) as well as less momentous occasions (scot ale, lamb ale, and hock ale). All told, holiday leisure time in medieval England took up probably about one-third of the year. And the English were apparently working harder than their neighbors.
A Christmas Tale
A Christmas Tale
One of our "group" who frequents this board has recently been studying in Manchester. When he returns he faithfully comes back to the session, where he enjoys the status of a paid performer.
So he comes back last night, the eve of Christmas Eve. Firstly there were a number of musicians present, so no seat for the returning hero, but as session leader/manager/trade union rep I sorted this for our hero.
However at the end of the night we took a collective decision not to pay him. More money for us we said.
Have I finally grasped the true essential meaning of the modern Christmas? We celebrate the birth of Mammon, and greed consumes us all? I really believe that I am now celebrating Christmas as it should be, make a profit at every opportunity and never give a sucker an even break. We are immensely proud of ourselves for having the moral courage to take such a stance.
Obviously as most of you abuse the trust of your employer and contribute to this board at work, I do not anticipate many responses. Abuse of work equipment and work time is on a par with stealing plectrums from music shops.
Happy and greedy Christmas to you all. But I must go, time is money.
Bliss
# Posted on December 24th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: A Christmas Tale
Your conscience will smite you when you find him selling his body in the Arndale Centre to pay his tuition fees, which his session wages could have covered.
# Posted on December 24th 2007 by nicholas
Re: A Christmas Tale
Oh, and there was me thinking that's what St Patrick's day was for - purely so that we musos, and others, could make a couple of bob. So glad this ethos is spreading to Christmas. That's the only reason Jesus was born, as far as I can see.
# Posted on December 25th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: A Christmas Tale
Hang on. Christmas is an adoption of the winter solstice , not related to the birth of JC. If he existed at all, he was likely born on the 6th of jan. But as there is absolutely no contempory record of him at all, one wonders where the whole story comes from.?
Ooops religion again, best shut up eh? befor I upset someone's belief system. Oh what do I hear you say?too late! oh well, never mind, at least they can't crucify me!
# Posted on December 25th 2007 by jig
Re: A Christmas Tale
Jan 6th? Does Santa know about this?
# Posted on December 25th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: A Christmas Tale
Jig, whether Jesus was the Son of God is an open question for many, but there is no question that a man named Jesus really did live in first-century Judea. You know how we know that? Because there are contemporary historians that mention him, such as Josephus and Tacitus. It's not your disbelief that offends me but your ignorance.
# Posted on December 25th 2007 by smw
Re: A Christmas Tale
Something tells me that three ghosts may visit you tonight. Chains may rattle to wake you. Know anyone named Marely or Tim?
# Posted on December 25th 2007 by grumblingoldwoman
Re: A Christmas Tale
I love that bit about the Arndale Centre, that would be great.
And as I live in N.Ireland we do not really have a St Patrick's Day, so I don't know much about it, but fail to see the connection to Christmas, unless it is a religious one?
# Posted on December 25th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: A Christmas Tale
.....and to all a good night.
# Posted on December 25th 2007 by whistler gan ainm
Re: A Christmas Tale
smw- yes, there is proof that Jesus existed, but there is also proof that the Church altered the date of his birth to accommodate the greater masses. personally I can't possibly believe anything the Church may say if I know they have already lied.
jig- isn't it terrible that you cant express a view or opinion without the fear of insulting someone?
# Posted on December 25th 2007 by rob_handel
Re: A Christmas Tale
I think it's important to make a distinction between the individual figure, Jesus, (and his teachings, as recorded in the New Testament) and what lesser beings have done in his name during the last two thousand years, with their dubious claims to be promoting Christianity.
Whoever or whatever the guy was, I'd like to have spent a bit of time chatting with him, because he did say some really astounding things. For instance, when the crowd were going to stone that poor woman to death and he intervenes and said 'Who ever is without sin can throw the first stone', and shamed them all. What would any of you said or done in a similar situation ?
It's so sad that, when a guy like that says that the first thing to remember is to "love God and love your neighbour as your self" and "Thou shalt not kill", people having been killing other people in his name ever since.
As rob_handel says, it's difficult to feel anything but contempt for branches of the Christian establishment that lie and distort Jesus's words to excuse evil actions like abusing little children and sending soldiers to kill people in other countries.
My favourite example is the British military chaplains in WW1 blessing the rifles and artillery. Another is the fact that the Anglican Church used to own brothels in London and slave plantations in the West Indies. I wonder what Jesus would have had to say to guys responsible for those examples of 'Christianity' ?
# Posted on December 25th 2007 by wolfbird
Re: A Christmas Tale
There is Xmas and there is Christmas. I keep the two seperated. It is easy, for there is little in common. I avoid and dispise the first.
The problem we have with Christ is his familiarity. Because we think we know him, we pass him by. (Winifred Kirkland)
I always wonder what exactly is it in Jesus' teachings that offends so much. I conclude it is the interpretation of what he said and did that is most people's problem, but certainly not Him. It seems to me that Jesus would be a fellow who would enjoy hanging out with types like us. But what do I know of these things?
# Posted on December 25th 2007 by feardearg
Re: A Christmas Tale
"It seems to me that Jesus would be a fellow who would enjoy hanging out with types like us."
Erm, well, it's easy for you to say that, feardearg, but what if he pulled up a chair, introduced himself, smiled at everybody, got his instrument out of it's bag, "Behold, brothers and sisters, my new bodhran! Never played one before, but ..... "
# Posted on December 25th 2007 by wolfbird
Re: A Christmas Tale
I am sure his playing would be absolutely divine.
# Posted on December 25th 2007 by feardearg
Re: A Christmas Tale
LOL
# Posted on December 25th 2007 by wolfbird
Re: A Christmas Tale
Isn't it sad that in the season where we are supposed to exhibit tolerance and goodwill to all, we couldn't quite manage it on the board.
Nonetheless, have a wonderful Christmas and celebrate it in your own way and with much happiness.
D
# Posted on December 25th 2007 by Welshman
Re: A Christmas Tale
Why just be tolerant at Christmas? What is wrong with the rest of the year. Do we just be nasty then?
If so, it would be difficult to break the habit for a short, designated period at the end of the year.
# Posted on December 25th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: A Christmas Tale
smw, There is no contempory evidence what so ever. none. The evidence indicates that the 2 mentions of 'the son of god ' were later additions to Josephus's work, presumably by christian scribes.
Organised religion is about power and control. The christian religion is a mish mash of pagan and Jewish beliefs dressed up in a new form. For someone who suggests that I am ignorant to actually know so little about their professed belief system is quite normal I am sure. I suppose Jesu was the only virgin birth around that part of the world ......Agh, whats the point, If it makes you happy to be part of a system that is responsible for the burning and slaughter of many millions of women,, genocide in the Americas, slavery and the the rest then go ahead, enjoy your Christmas.
# Posted on December 25th 2007 by jig
Re: A Christmas Tale
I think this is what we need, tax incentives to promote the forgotten art of hibernation.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/25/opinion/25robb.html
# Posted on December 25th 2007 by wolfbird
Re: A Christmas Tale
NICE segue, wolfbird!
And there's a handy reply there to bliss' first question, which I will precis as 'Make Music, Not Money'.
# Posted on December 25th 2007 by oldstrings
Re: A Christmas Tale
Hey Bliss,
Great to read that you've finally gotten the hang of this brave new world.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Peace,
Ed
# Posted on December 25th 2007 by ejsant
Re: A Christmas Tale
Since when did St Patricks day cease in the north of Ireland?
# Posted on December 25th 2007 by gooseinthenettles
Re: A Christmas Tale
I always assumed that in Presbyterian Northern Ireland anyway they practised strict hibernation from the start of Advent till New Year's Eve. This could save a lot of money, brain cells and grief and if it wasn't for the fact that the UK economy more or less depends on the population's embarking on huge credit binges on a predictable basis Gordon Brown would surely consider introducing it here.
# Posted on December 25th 2007 by nicholas
Re: A Christmas Tale
Is it just that there's nothing on telly, or the family can't agree what to watch, or you couldn't get a session together at home ?
What a sad lot we are all posting on Christmas day !
AND;
I was expecting a happy little moral homily from the title of this discussion............
But I'm enjoying the external speakers my daughter bought me for my cd player - Waterson-Carthy have just finished - while browsing and posting.
Try and spot me in Terry Pratchett's Hogfather if you have Sky - I'm one of the hairy beardies in the Hogwatch banquet scene at the Unseen University - actually we nearly all were HBs.
# Posted on December 26th 2007 by Guernsey Pete
Re: A Christmas Tale
St Patrick's Day was introduced into N.Ireland about 1995 to coincide with the peace process, they even made it into a holiday. However not much happens.
Newry was quite good, something in Downpatrick, and some sort of parade now in Belfast, but that's about it. Nothing compared to Manchester, London, New York or Tokyo
# Posted on December 26th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: A Christmas Tale
Sounds a bit like putting on a Passion Play in Tel Aviv, if you ask me...
# Posted on December 26th 2007 by nicholas
Re: A Christmas Tale
"The medieval calendar was filled with holidays. Official -- that is, church -- holidays included not only long "vacations" at Christmas, Easter, and midsummer but also numerous saints' and rest days. These were spent both in sober churchgoing and in feasting, drinking and merrymaking. In addition to official celebrations, there were often weeks' worth of ales -- to mark important life events (bride ales or wake ales) as well as less momentous occasions (scot ale, lamb ale, and hock ale). All told, holiday leisure time in medieval England took up probably about one-third of the year. And the English were apparently working harder than their neighbors.
From
http://www.swiss.ai.mit.edu/~rauch/worktime/hours_workweek.html
# Posted on December 27th 2007 by wolfbird