Monday Blog — Skips Fish and Chips???

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I received a lot of response to my blog of Monday 24th July (The Holy Bible is the one unique word of the one true God). It made me wonder if we weren’t being a little tough on Paul from Skips Fish and Chips.  I realise that to a person who has never experienced having a gay son or daughter in the family it might be a little difficult to understand and accept?  I can’t claim to have always been gay friendly myself.  As a young man in the Royal Navy we often used gays as the subject of many jokes on the mess deck. We had no time for them treated them badly, called them names like hairy fairy etc.  Of course in those days (1950’s 60’s) we were also racist and felt superior to other races. Today I’m wiser and more accepting thank goodness (at least I hope so). However, to get back to Paul, when my youngest daughter phoned me one afternoon several years ago, I could tell right away she was up set and had something important she needed to tell me. Naturally as a not too bright father I immediately assumed she was going to tell me she was pregnant!. Not the case! she told me she was gay and the minute she said it she stopped talking, there was a sudden silence on the phone line. I knew I had to respond quickly she was scared and upset, she needed my support. I will never forget my reaction, I immediately said to her, my love was unconditional. I believe my response was what she needed so very badly at that moment. The need to be re-assured and to know she had our support and love was of paramount importance. Over the next few months it was a learning experience for both my wife and I. We had silly worries at first, what would the neighbours think, maybe we should keep it a secret etc etc. This was in the 1990’s and acceptance in those days was still slow to come. Pride marches had not yet happened, at least not on PEI.

These days I struggle with the thought of some parents disowning a son or daughter because they are gay. How can a parent ever stop loving their child, ones own flesh and blood. I love and cherish both my daughters equally and I have absolutely no  trouble mixing with there friends whether straight or gay. Indeed what is the difference when its all said and done?? I’m certainly not an ardent a Christian or a born again type as Paul is,, however, I have attended church for the greater part of my life and when the girls were young I took them to church. I didn’t force them and I didn’t send them, it was always their choice. Today neither of them attend church, certainly not on a regular basis, accept maybe a wedding or baptism.. I have belonged to the United Church of Canada for more than 45 years and I’m very proud that we are an all accepting church. I once attended a Baptist service out of curiosity, I was stunned to hear the preacher state his shock that in the USA the Boy Scouts of America were now accepting gays!! Wow, now that is what I call being self righteous, I could hardly believe I was hearing this in a church. Where was their love of their fellow human beings?? I expect you can guess, I never attended another Baptist service, and to this day I have trouble understanding their views and values. Just like Paul ,I doubt he has ever been confronted with a gay child, so until he experiences such, I think he needs to do a lot more soul searching, just claiming to be born again doesn’t cut it, ,attempting to use the Bible to justify his beliefs, sorry but its just a lame excuse.  God so love the World, He didn’t say he only love certain people, or gays need not apply?? He loves everyone,  I admit I have some trouble accepting parts of the Bible,.  Even more so I have particular problems with Bible thumpers who’s outrage and abhorrence condemn others simply because of their sexual orientation or differences.

So Paul, why not give your born again Christian understanding a refresher course in Love Thy Neighbour . You might be very surprised, with a degree of acceptance and uunderstanding you might meet some very good people.

God Bless and keep reading

A New Hamburger Filler

One needs to be very careful when dining at MacDonalds, especially when the server asks what you want on your burger. I usually asked for lettuce, mustard, Tomato and a pickle, but hold the mayo.!!! Although, these days I rarely eat at these fast food places. We sometimes go in for an early morning coffee and a muffin, joining the many other pensioners!  Eating our lunch there was something we did when our girls were young, they always wanted MacDonald’s. No doubt it was the clever marketing used in luring kids in to eat. Have a close look at the attached photo and be warned!! What you might find between the two hamburger bun halves might come as quite a shock. It could very easily ruin your lunch break!! Is it a bug or a worm or even some unidentifiable sauce! No its a BUDGE BUG!!! a rare Newfoundland pest that haunts the local fast food establishments.  I guess we’d call that a budgeburger

Bon appetite! God Bless and keeping

 

Holy Bible is the unique Word of the one true God?????(Skips Fish and Chips)

Perhaps Paul of Skips Fish and Chips plus his born again cadre can check out this particular section of the bible before making judgements and using the Bible as their final argument .

 

Go to Leviticus, chapter 18 and read verse 22. Hey why stop there, there is all sorts of do’s and dont’s in this section of the Old Testament. Don’t sleep with your Aunt, your brothers wife, your granddaughter, don’t commit adultery etc. Not that I can imagine those Holier than thy Baptist or Evangelist committing  such sacrilegious  sins!!! Never happen right? That could be  interpreted as throwing stones in a glass house.  It is time true Christians stood up and denounced these hypocrites that claim to know the “Word Of God” How about is old standby ” Thy Shalt Not Judge ”

Below is the apology offered by Paul,(Skips), doesn’t sound too apologetic to me??

I regret that my comments on the subject of homosexuality have caused grief for many people. I regret even more that they have incited otherwise decent people to say hateful things on either side of the issue. My readers and customers may not all agree with me, but I want make a few things clear so we can get on with our lives in this beautiful hamlet we call home. As someone who is convinced that the Holy Bible is the unique Word of the one true God, I have a world view that is distinct. I believe that all of humanity sins against the God who made them. We know about our sin from either the clear teachings of God’s Word or the witness he has given us in nature or in our own consciences. The twofold division of the Ten Commandments suggest that we sin against God in two ways; We sin against Him personally and we sin against people, whom He has created to be like Him or in His Image. Our sinfulness is well documented throughout our sad history of violence, sloth, slander, injustice, hatred, perversion etc. I believe that homosexuality is simply one of the thousands of ways we sin against God and that it deserves no special treatment or condemnation. It is a sin against God’s design for human sexuality. It is not, in my view a genetic disposition such as race or gender. It is an impulse, albeit a powerful one, to commit acts that are unnatural or sinful. As a sinner myself, I don’t want to “throw stones”, at other sinners, but neither do I want to nor should be compelled to celebrate someone’s sin. The reason why I am so enthralled with the Bible is its message of forgiveness and the power to change. Just think, the God I sin against is the God who paid the penalty for my sin which was the awful death of His son Jesus Christ, a satisfactory payment that was confirmed by His resurrection from the dead. Add to that the gift of His Holy Spirit by which we are born again and reoriented to love God and our fellow man and you have a global movement of hope in a sinful world. This is an “Amazing Grace” that saved a wretch like me. So I appeal to my readers, neighbors and customers to tolerate my faith if you cannot agree with it, and give me the space to love you while disagreeing with your world view and life choices. In the end it is God who judges. I just want to be faithful to Him and serve great fish and chips.
– Paul

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I’d like Paul (Skips) to answer the list of questions listed below. After all he is a self proclaimed expert on all matters pertaining to the Bible

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God’s Law. I have learned a great deal from you. and will try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination.  End of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God’s Laws and how to follow them.
1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are from neighbouring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can’t I own Canadians?
2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness – Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odour for the Lord – Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbours. They claim the odour is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
5. I have a neighbour who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?
6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination, Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don’t agree. Can you settle this? Are there ‘degrees’ of abomination?
7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?
8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?
9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16.  Couldn’t we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I’m confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God’s word is eternal and unchanging.
Your adoring fan,
James M. Kauffman, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus,
Dept. Of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education
University of Virginia
God Bless and keep reading

A Little Sunday Humour!

Three lunatics approach their Asylum doctor with a request for a weekend pass to the local city. “That’s impossible says the doctor. You’re all nuts. You’ll get lost and never come back.” But, the lunatics wouldn’t relent until finally, exasperated, the doctor says “OK! If you can answer a simple question I’ll sign the pass.” He turns to the first lunatic and says “What’s three times three?” The lunatic starts counting on his fingers “3, 7, 19, 38?. Is it 128?” The doctor shakes his head and turns to the next lunatic: “What’s three times three?” The lunatic immediately shouts “WEDNESDAY!” The doctor, beginning to get disgusted turns to the last lunatic: What’s three times three?” The lunatic thinks for a moment and then asks for a pencil and a piece of paper. That provided, she writes for some time furiously, and finally looks up and says “Nine.” The doctor is amazed, but true to his word he begins filling out the pass. As he’s writing he says “This is incredible, you’ve always been thoroughly insane. How’d you do it?” The lunatic responds, “Oh, it was easy I divided 128 by Wednesday!”

God Bless and keep reading

Read A Good Book Lately?????

How about my latest work of fiction? Chapter XXl Armageddon. If you enjoy believing the impossible can be possible, if you enjoy fantasy and adventure, if you like to dream of what might be, or what could be. If you enjoy a glass of Irish or Scotch and have a nice comfortable chair to sink into for an hour or so, then this is the book to take with you.
It is available at Amazon as hard copy or an Ebook, it is available at http://www.smashwords.com as an Ebook and of course a signed copy it is available from me. Trust me you will enjoy this strange and fast moving story that takes the reader from the Highlands of Scotland to NASA and under the North Atlantic in a nuclear submarine.
Please read the following review.
Below is an except from a review.
Somehow the author combined a whiskey bottle, time travel, Hunter River Prince Edward Island, a Naval submarine, Jesus, complex machinery, a spy, a world terrorist crisis, the Vatican, Islam, Adam & Eve and a great mystery story all in one book! You have to read it to see what I mean – you will not be disappointed as it is well worth it.
So, in summary, a ‘good read’ as they say… I enjoyed it from page one until the final page. I must admit that the ending was a surprise as I figured that it would conclude the way I thought it should. I am sure that is what the author wanted me to believe. The actual ending was rather different, and a complete and thought-provoking surprise. A very clever ending indeed!
I would recommend this book to anyone who desires a good story, well-written, exciting and a pleasure to read. You will not be disappointed and you will be wanting more from this author when you finish this book!
Now readers!!! rush out and by several copies!!! I’m still waiting to order my Lexus!!

Other books by this author.

 

God Bless and keep reading

 

 

My Latest Camping Campaign????

Over the last few years I have toyed with a variety of camping ideas. None have ever come to fruition, indeed they have cost me money. First I bought a Dodge camper van, did extensive work on it but never used it. Finally sold it to a friend who drove it across the country from PEI to Victoria BC. Next I bought a tent that fits over the back of a vehicle such as an SUV/hatchback. This time it looked like it might happen, bought two sleeping bags, two burner stove, unbreakable dishes etc. But alas, once more I chickened out and once more sold everything and lost more money.  

 

 

 

Well Folks!! I’m at it again! just bought this antique caravan of 1962 vintage. Its a lovely little rig, very light to haul with the Ford Ranger. My theory this time is, I have very little to do, just get in the truck and go with Linda driving. When we get to a camp site all I have to do is get out and go into the caravan. No working setting up, don’t care if its raining, and my bed is already waiting. I think I have hit this latest project spot on, can’t wait to get out on the open road. I already have a few local places of interest to visit. Annapolis Royal to see the fort, Louisburg to visit the French fort and settlement, and finally tour the Gaspe. We don’t plan to start until September when the weather is cooler, the roads less crowded, and schools are back in. What did you say? is it for sale yet??????? Noooooooo

God Bless and keep reading

Legion Stuff Again.

 I think I might be forgiven if I misunderstood the legion advertisement. It states that on Wednesdays they serve chicken wings from 1pm to 10pm. It also states in the add there is eat in only (.It doesn’t mention children not admitted). Now I realise I’m no longer a legion member but I’m a veteran and still expect to be greeted in a pleasant and courteous manner. We arrived at 1pm and headed down to the basement where it appeared the food was served. You will note the place was empty, just the barman behind the bar. I asked where the wings were being served? His response was, “no children allowed, this is a bar”. We had our 13 year old grandson with us. Now I’m sure he was correct regarding the liquor laws for this province. However, the way he confronted me was less than friendly, his attitude made me feel as though I should know better. He was decidedly unfriendly and blunt, while he could have so easily said ,I’m sorry folks, but children are not allowed.  We left and will probably never set foot in that branch again. The point I’m making is important and should be important to the branch. It is the height of the tourist season and we could have

chosen from one of many competing diners and cafes.  I decided on the legion from a sense of loyalty as a veteran, why not give this local branch some support. Unfortunately my concerns about the Royal Canadian Legion in general are now more firmly confirmed. All the talk at Dominion Command that legions should be friendly and inviting places,that visitors should be greeted an welcomed in a pleasant manner.

Regarding the law, I have phoned the Provincial Liquor Commission to ask about the laws governing clubs that advertise and serve food. One can enter almost any restaurant with a liquor license on PEI and children are welcome. I understand the dining areas should be separate from the bar but that should not pose a problem in most legions. If they are going to be in the food business then they need to meet the standards required. I’m still waiting to hear an answer from the Liquor Commission

God Bless and keep reading.

The Old Familar Promises!!!

I sit here wondering how many other people feel as I do about federal and provincial politics? I’m sure I ‘m not alone in saying I have become cynical of the actions of recent politicians. I think back to Ghiz with a degree of horror and when I look at our present premier I shudder. The scandals, payoffs ,backhanders, roundabouts! PNP, Geo Sweep, no transparency, broken promises and the list goes on and on. In fact its very difficult to remember all that has gone down in the last few years. That of course is what these politician hope for, that we will forget. The overwhelming question,what can we do about it, how can we stop it? Just recently we completed the federal PC’ leadership race and now have a new leader of the PCs’.  Andrew Scheer smiles and makes promises to change the way government is doing business?? Provincially we have a young politician seeking the leadership of the PC part,y Brad Trivers.. I know Brad well and I’m sure he means what he says, however, its what the back room boys want that counts. He is using a slogan “Back to Basic’s” not sure what that means? However, it doesn’t matter who wins what, in the end we are going to be subjected to the same broken promises. Nothing changes unless we the voters change it. We cannot continue voting in the same Red or Blue party’s because there is no way to distinguish between them. Locally, all that changes when a party changes power is the patronage goes to new people. In other words that is what is meant by going back to basic’s. Do the Island party’s really think voters are stupid? take the Party presidents as an example. The Liberal party president and the Conservative party president are work colleagues in the same law firm. How is that for being different???? Trudeau was full of new promises and we the voters were sucked in by him,” hey this will be the last FPTP election” he cried. I don’t need to tell you how that turned out. He is popular with young girls posing for selfies, wearing demims sleeves rolled up etc. But no real substance no real integrity, no real honesty and certainly no real commitment to make Canada better. He talks about the middle class? but never mentions, the working class, the homeless, the mentally ill, the veterans. Too busy with pipe lines, and helping terrorists with rich bags of money

If things are going to change we have to make the changes. I would never tell others how to vote I only ask that you consider the NDP or the Green Party in the next elections. I’m not ashamed to admit I shall vote Green all the way.

God Bless and keep reading

A New Camping Notion???

Not sure what we need or want? but guess a Boler would be my first choice. However, the Boler’s are few and far between, not forgetting they are usually expensive. A small trailer would be next, but like the boler they are hard to come by, they are either cheap needing work or good condition and expensive. That leaves the Pop Top or tent trailers, they are plentiful and prices are good. The problem here is the work involved in raising and lowering the camper? I have no experience what so ever, have never owned or even slept in one, so need advice. Anyone reading this blog who has experience (good or bad)with any of the above I would appreciate your insight/advice. Thanks in advance.

God Bless and keep reading

Outrage about the Khadr settlement

I believe this needs to be shared widely.

Outrage about the Khadr settlement | Indignation au sujet du règlement de Khadr
Posted by Webmaster on July 16, 2017 at 6:44am
Some of the reasons why veterans, their families and Canadians might feel outrage about the Khadr settlement
By Sean Bruyea
Fierce and passionate responses surround Omar Khadr’s reported $10.5 million settlement. Some have compared the amount to what Canada begrudgingly gives its soldiers injured and killed in the line of duty. We should listen to them.
Calculations to arrive at settlements for both Khadr and veterans occur in the world of tort law. The Supreme Court of Canada noted that, “general principles underlying our system of damages suggest that a plaintiff should receive full and fair compensation, calculated to place him or her in the same position as he or she would have been in had the tort not been committed, insofar as this can be achieved by a monetary award.”
Although we don’t know the details of Khadr’s settlement, it was likely calculated according to “our system of damages”. Awards for wrongful convictions have used this approach. The trailblazer in the fight for justice for the wrongfully convicted, Donald Marshall Jr., was imprisoned at the age of 17. After 11 years of imprisonment, he continued to suffer the lasting damage from a system of judges, lawyers, police and bureaucrats embedded with racism and incompetence. He would never recover from this miscarriage of justice. He was awarded $1.5 million.
Steven Truscott was sentenced to hang at the age of 14. He spent 10 years in jail and almost 50 years with the stigma of a convicted murderer until that conviction was overturned. His award: $6.5 million.  The judge advising on the matter acknowledged this amount was comparable to $250,000 per year of incarceration and $100,000 per year of parole.
David Milgaard was wrongfully imprisoned at the age of 16 for 23 years wherein he suffered a violent sexual assault amongst other horrific indignities. He received $10 million.
For injured veterans, the “system of damages” covers both economic loss like wages as well as non-economic loss such as level of disability and life impairment. Comparing Khadr’s settlement to that of veterans’ has focused upon the maximum of $360,000 for injured veterans. Ten years into the program, only 570 of 60,000 injured veterans received the maximum lump sum for pain and suffering. The average: a mere $44,500 per lump sum awarded with few veterans receiving additional monetary assistance.
Injured veterans, if unable to work in their previous capacity, are entitled to lost wages until age 65. A large number of these severely injured veterans are receiving the minimum of $45,000 annually with some supplemental allowances. Whatever the lost wages, the government deducts military pensions, CPP disability and other payments, including any work undertaken to give their life meaning.
Courts consider previous lost income, past suffering, previous medical costs, and maltreatment by public officials in calculating settlements. Veterans are denied such compassion.
Court settlements account for lost potential to receive promotions and the accompanying raises as well as pension benefits to accrue from lost capacity. Veterans receive no such consideration. Their wage loss is calculated at no more than 90% of their last military income (nominally adjusted for inflation) resulting in veterans financially frozen in a lifetime prison of lost human potential.
A completely disabled veteran, aged 28, leaving the military as a corporal would collect from all government sources, in 2017 dollars, approximately $4.3 million over the next 52 years. Remember, 95% of  this money is taxable and reflects an exceptional case of a most severely injured veteran who atypically was treated very well by the system. Very few of Canada’s 90,000 Canadian Forces veterans with lifetime disabilities receive such respect and recognition. As for the remaining 500,000 veterans, they receive no assistance from Veterans Affairs Canada to rejoin civilian life.
Court awards are non-taxable. Whatever monies are received or capacity recovered after the settlement does not affect the settlement. Veterans are subjected to yearly scrutiny to prove they still no longer have their legs or, that their minds and spirits are still decimated.  Should they try to seek the most modest of employment, any income is deducted, dollar for dollar. There is no incentive to offer meaningful contributions to society.
In a telephone conversation, eminent criminal and civil litigator Laurence Greenspon emphasized that the case of Khadr cannot be compared to either wrongful convictions or injured veterans. However, he recognized what most Canadians are coming to realize: “The kind of money that veterans are getting is bad enough on its own. You don’t need to put it up next to the Khadr settlement to demonstrate that veterans’ settlements are just not adequate. They are inadequate.”
Khadr’s settlement at the very least provokes conversation so that veterans do not have to suffer in silence. Maybe, politicians and bureaucrats will likewise comprehensively settle with veterans and their families. Only then will all those cosmetic words of sacrifice, dignity, and respect for veterans transcend inept figurehead ministers. Maybe then, real action can make veterans and their families somewhat whole again.
Sean Bruyea, vice-president of Canadians for Accountability, has a graduate degree in public ethics, is a retired Air Force intelligence officer and frequent commentator on government, military, and veterans’ issues.