Control beyond the grave

"In one of history's more absurd acts of totalitarianism, China has banned Buddhist monks in Tibet from reincarnating without government permission."

read more...

Oppressive religious control within China has long been documented- the more publicised examples are the banning of Falun Gong practices and also banning recognition of the Pope and any of his appointed leaders within China. In fact Catholic Churches are illegal in China, and Chinese Catholics must instead worship in the communist-controlled Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association. Protestant worship is only permited, but only in state-sanctioned churches.

However, trying to control reincarnation of the Dalai Lama just takes the cake.

(thanks again to Phil for forwarding the link)

Updated: I wanted to provide links for the Falun Gong example I cited, but the Great Firewall of China was one step ahead of me, even when using proxy servers. You'll have to look it up yourself.

Rainy Sunday fun

Cooper doing his best immitation of one of his dad's favourite quotes from Different Strokes

It's hard to be this cute.

Sign of the times

I don't know whether to be sad or happy at the fact that we just bought full retro 80's outfits for an 80's-themed roller disco party... in regular shops.

The only thing that bothers me more is that the majority of teenagers wearing this stuff have no clue that it is actually a retro style.

Excuse me while I go an polish my zimmer frame.

Friday Video #1

You know at point at about 3pm on Friday afternoon, when you are so over work, but you still can't leave yet? Don't you hate that?

Yeah, me too.

So because we all need something to make Friday afternoons go a little faster, I've decided to include a Friday Video section on this blog.



Thanks to Phil for the link. If you have any suggestions/favourite youtube videos, I'd love to hear them- leave the link in the comments.

Welcome to the World, Naomie Maree

Another Welcome to the World- seriously guys, stop reproducing! It's hard enough to get all the family in one house at Christmas as it is!

Hehehe, just kidding.

Presenting Naomie Maree:

Pictured here with her Great-grandmother (we always knew she was great), Marie-Jeanne... otherwise fondly known to one and all as The Crazy Old Biddy.

Naomie is the younger sister of Laura and Tommy... and, oh how I am starting to feel old!

Congratulations to proud parents Jules and Rodney.

Now send her old auntie in China some more pictures, will ya?!

Hint, hint...

How to know when it is time to de-frost your refrigerator:

Tricks

Although I learned to play the piano and flute as a kid, I have decided that at nearly 28 years old, it is time I learnt to play the guitar.

My friend Asbury is taking me on Monday to buy a cheap guitar and teach me the basics.

Am I crazy? Can an old dog really learn new tricks??


As an aside, it seems that while I want to learn the guitar, Phil is instead learning to be a father: When I told him of my grand guitar plans he looked at me sternly and said: "Are you going to take this seriously? Are you going to practice and everything? Or is it going to be just another fad....?"

I'll admit that his concerns aren't entirely without reason.... but this time it will be different!!

Teaching Dilema

I know I am supposed to correct my students' English, but would it be evil of me to not correct one kid's syntax because I find it hilarious that he speaks like Yoda?