Link and Zelda Don't Stand a Chance

Yes, I absolutely waste time in a day. It’s not very mature of me, but I like to play video games, and my favorite is the Legend of Zelda series.

The genius behind the Legend of Zelda series is that the protagonist, Link, has no dialogue, no personality, and virtually no background. He is my puppet, and I can imagine him thinking whatever I want him to think, say whatever I think he should say, and dream up whatever kind of tragic back story appeals to my sick, sadistic mind. Nintendo designed him so that Link can be anyone and anyone can be Link. Keep that in mind as you read my interpretation of the Legend of Zelda series.

Link and Zelda cannot have a romantic relationship. It would be completely awkward, contrived, and utterly doomed. I have three major reasons why.

Reason 1: Zelda is out of Link’s league

Link is depicted as a commoner in every single version of the game I’ve seen. Zelda is usually a princess, sometimes even the reigning monarch. A monarch, in order to maintain the prestige and respect of her kingdom, will not marry a commoner. No matter how good, courageous, virtuous, or totally awesome and good looking he may be, it would be far beneath her.

lifted from calmdown.com

Several times she has been a pirate, but with a recognized noble ancestry and a royal inheritance or destiny. Despite her high lineage, she is of questionable moral character, and demonstrates a cringe worthy superiority complex. I don’t think Link and Zelda would get along if she remained a pirate. They would constantly be arguing whether the ends justify the means.

The one and only time, as far as my experience serves me, that Link stood a chance of having a romantic relationship with Zelda was in Skyward Sword; but even then Zelda was still out of his reach. She was an upper classman, having already passed the knighthood exam. She was also the daughter of the headmaster of the academy, and if their manner of dress is any indication, Zelda and her father were considerably wealthy. Zelda wears a bright pink dress, a jeweled broach, and a gold belt (her fashion consultant has an eye for opulence and bright colors); her father dresses in gold trimmed robes. Link’s clothing is faded and worn looking (it’s like he dresses himself or something). He definitely seems of a lower caste. There were some indications that Zelda wanted a relationship with Link. She was flirtatious and unusually concerned whether he would pass the knighthood exam or not. It is possible that Zelda’s father would approve of them as a couple if Link moved up in the world, but later it is revealed that Zelda is a reincarnation of the goddess Hylia and she was manipulating Link the whole time (albeit unconsciously, so maybe I can cut her some slack).

Really, Link and Zelda just don’t belong together. They don’t have enough in common for it to work out in the long term and Link would probably not be able to support Zelda’s lifestyle.

2. A relationship with Zelda is dangerous and one sided

Zelda is chronically in trouble, and needs constant rescuing. At first that might serve as an attractant. A little adrenaline makes a good aphrodisiac. But after a while, you would think that Link would get tired of the constant danger and horror he faces on Zelda’s behalf.

lifted from wattpad

In Ocarina of Time, Zelda not only puts Link in danger as a child, but also, inadvertently, she endangers the whole kingdom. She virtually handed Gannondorf the Triforce while (ironically) trying to stop him from getting it, ruined Link’s childhood (in fact, may have driven him to an early death according to some theorists), and barely managed to help Link banish Gannon after Hyrule was almost completely destroyed.

In Wind Waker, she’s a little bit more pro-active and helpful; but still not particularly concerned about Link’s safety and well being.

In Twilight Princess she loses the kingdom (again) and only pays lip service to her concern for Link (maybe that was not really her fault, as she was being held prisoner and couldn’t do much).

In Skyward Sword, she finally appears truly concerned (oh yeah, her inner goddess is manipulating Link) and actively seeks for the best for Link, but she still gets in trouble. Link spends the first act of the game chasing her all over the world, the second act proving his worth, and in the third act, fails, and gets to watch Zelda basically murdered. Then he needs to confront Demise (who in spite of Link’s best efforts to prevent his return, manages to be resurrected) and redeem Zelda’s spirit so she may be revived.

In most cases, Zelda could give significant assistance: guards, fellow pirates, or even the stupid light arrows she doesn't give him until the last minute possible. She could at the very least pay him for his expenses, travel, and hazardous work environment; but she doesn’t.

Zelda could recognize Link’s accomplishments and give him knighthood, invite him to dinner, or at least say, “Thank you”, but she’s a horrendous ingrate. In fact, aside from beauty and a typically gentle manner, she has virtually no redeemable qualities. She is careless of Link’s trouble, manipulative, naïve, unable to muster significant military might, has no sense of strategy, and is generally unworthy of the Triforce of Wisdom.

If Link and Zelda are destined to be lovers, then Link obviously has mental illness ingrained in his soul.

But what if Link is not crazy? What if he is sincere in his devotion to Zelda? Could it possibly be something other than romance? Most definitely yes; which leads to the final point why Link and Zelda can never be together.

3. Incest!

My six year old son and my four year old daughter pointed this out to me. Link and Zelda are brother and sister, or to be precise, half siblings.

Don’t believe me?

Think about it. In no iteration of the game is Link’s father mentioned. Once, a mother was mentioned. He has lived with an uncle and a grandmother in turn. It’s not much of a stretch of imagination to think that Zelda and Link have different mothers, but I really believe they share the same father in every game. I can’t prove it, but consider the resemblance between the two.

In the 3D versions, their faces are almost the same. Zelda’s face is a little softer, but they both have narrow chins, wide foreheads, blond hair, and blue, diamond shaped eyes with thick upper lashes. Link’s nose is a little longer, his mouth wider, and his eye brows thicker (he’s a guy, after-all).

In the 2D or more cartoony versions of the game, they round faces, black eyes, and blond hair. Zelda/Tetra is darker toned most of the time, and Link has harder facial lines and thicker eyebrows, but again they almost look the same. Put Link’s hat on Zelda, and Zelda’s dress on Link and it may take a minute or two to notice the difference.

In all the Legend of Zelda games since The Ocarina of Time, every other character (except Link’s little sister in WindWaker, who also bears a striking resemblance to Zelda) looks very distinct from the two leading characters. I don’t think that’s a mistake.

While it is possible that Link are Zelda are cousins, or aunt or uncle to each other, Link wouldn't be in such a low caste, and it wouldn’t be necessary to hide Link’s parentage.

This is what I think about Link's parentage:

As the case may be, Link’s father is the king, a pirate, or the some high ranking member of society. For my purposes I’ll call him the King. The King had a queen or wife for whom he had respect, even affection; but he also had a lover. Princess Zelda was born first, and within two years, Link was born. The lover may have told the king, but in order to keep appearances, the King never acknowledged Link publically, and may never have told Zelda. Link’s family or guardians let him know of his unconventional heritage, which is why he keeps Zelda at arm’s distance, yet follows her orders and rescues her with complete and unfailing devotion.

Link truly loves his older half sister, and cannot refuse her.

lifted from deviant art

These are just my, crazy, twisted ideas. Perhaps you have ideas, less scandalous and more satisfying. Maybe I’ve ruined your childhood... Your welcome.

Gun Control: Saving Us From Ourselves

I'm trying to set aside my emotions on the matter. I'm trying to understand, in an unbiased way, why those that follow liberal politics want to control guns. What is the logic in reducing the number and type of guns available to law abiding citizens?

I took my information from the comment section under Politico's Should Military Gun Rules Be Eased. There was plenty of rudeness and high emotions on both sides of the argument, but once I managed to sort through things, the running theme in favor of gun control is to reduce the availability of guns for criminals, the insane, and the suicidal by making them unavailable for purchase by anyone, including the law abiding and emotionally stable.

Said LiberalXaltotun:
The top 10 states for per-capita firearms deaths are also the top 10 states for firearm ownership.

The bottom 10 states for per capita firearms deaths are also the bottom 10 states for firearm ownership.

Sure, let's make sure more people have guns. Brilliant

Gumpchun:

copyright Florida Today, by Jeff Parker

The bad TV-show-generated fallacy that ubiquitous guns means less violence is laughable, statistically bogus and utterly false.

More guns equals more dead soldiers. More guns on our streets means more dead Americans.

Even a child knows that. Having even grandmas packing heat so that every dispute, misunderstanding, grievance or show-and-tell is between people armed to the teeth with the ability to kill again and again is no prescription for safety.

Never was, never will be.

Rick W4:
I doubt there are many current or retired (like me) service members who want folks walking around bases/posts with loaded weapons. Weapons are for using against the enemy, in combat, not at home. I served on active duty for 25 years and only touched firearms for training or deployment purposes. There is no protection against a deranged person who is willing to sacrifice his life to commit a criminal act. The notion of more guns equals more protection is absurd. More guns only increases the opportunity for tragedy.

Of course these were just opinions. None of them had any attached substantiating links.

The problem I see with the argument of taking away the weapon is it doesn't resolve the reason why one person would want to kill himself or another.

No one commits murder or suicide just because he has a gun. It's a problem of the human heart (or the mind as is often the case), and taking away one weapon would only lead humanity to seek other weapons. Remember, guns are a relatively recent innovation in weapons technology. For most of recorded human history we've killed each other and ourselves with knives, swords, arrows, spears, rocks, poisons, farm and fishing equipment, even our bare hands.

Passion is inherent in human nature. No doctor has fully succeeded in drugging away our darker feelings, and no politician has yet drafted a law against death that we've been willing to follow. Until such time, we take a risk with every moment that it may be our last. Accept it.

A Criminal Mastermind and a Bumper Sticker

An evil genius wakes up one morning and says to himself, "Hmm. I wonder what I'm going to do today. I think I'll let fate decide".

He drives to the grocery store and sees this on a car:

He also sees a bumper sticker proclaiming an honor student at Local Middle School, and a parking pass for Standard Heights HOA.

"Huzzah!", he says to himself, "I know exactly what I'll do today. I'll kidnap a football player, terrorize a woman and a baby, rob their house, and kick their little dog! Mwah ha ha ha ha! No one will be able to stop me because soldiers are never home! Bwah ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha! Snort! Mwah ha ha! Bwah ha ha ha! Cough cough. He he!"

Of course because Billy was at football practice and surrounded by witnesses, matters were too difficult to manage, so our criminal mastermind decided that kidnapping a football player might not be ideal today. After that he drove to the Standard Heights neighborhood and realized he didn't actually have an address; but after driving around a while, he found the car with the bumper stickers. The evil genius broke into the house and was promptly barked at then bit by a very large dog, then a very large man with a gun came around a corner...

You decide out how it ends.

This story was inspired by the geniuses behind this unsubstantiated, fear inducing visual currently circulating on Facebook:

There is nothing of use to a criminal on these kind of bumper stickers, save that the dad is trained in the use of firearms.

Does it matter to a would be kidnapper where a random child goes to school or what sport he plays? No. Kidnapping is almost never a random occurrence, in spite of what popular media leads us to believe. Usually kidnap is carried out by close family members, in which case, they don't need to consult bumper stickers because they already know the pertinent information. Even is the very rare case of kidnap by stranger, it's not a crime where research determines the victim.

Do cute stick figures matter to a crook bent on breaking and entering? No. It's a crime of opportunity, not affected by how you personalize the family minivan.

Rape, identity theft, car theft, stalking, harassment, assault, murder, etc; none of these crimes are attributable to bumper stickers. No one with intent to do evil cares about your stick figures or honor students. They just do what they do.

Star Wars: The Destruction of Innocence

lifted from here

I'm looking forward to evenings this week. My inner trickster has been scheming this week with pleasure for years.

We have allowed our son to watch the cartoon series of Star Wars: The Clone Wars since he was three years old and he idolizes Anakin Skywalker.

We have also allowed him to see A New Hope and he knows of Darth Vader and that he is a really bad guy.

He doesn't know of the relationship between Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader (chuckling evilly to myself).

Under supervision, we are letting Colin see Star Wars, episodes one through six this week. This is going to be fun.

Bwah ha ha ha ha!!!

Not Having Such a Great Day Today

Two sick boys, dreary weather, and a messy house.

It wouldn't be so bad if Gideon would turn down the drama machine and let me clean. He's not in pain, he just doesn't feel so great, and since Mom is the source of all goodness and comfort she must not be lost or misplaced. Gideon squawks whenever I turn my back toward him, and raises the alarm whenever I leave the room. I wish he would just take a nap and wake up two hours closer to a calm stomach.

Colin is a bit of a ray of sunshine. In fact, he's way too happy. I want him to calm down already and rest so as to ensure the bug passes. However, five year old boys do not calm down on command; and for me to try and make him calm down will only serve to make him more excited. At least he knows how to do his business in the toilet and clean up the mess when he misses. I like that. It makes my life just a little easier.

lifted from this website

The weather matches my mood quite closely today. Grey, raining, snow still clinging thickly to the ground... but it is raining and not snowing. I wish for sun because I'm tired of feeling depressed all the time. I'll just have to take what I can get. It's not like I can go out today anyway.

The house is such a mess and I'm losing sleep over it. Really, that is the dumbest most treatable reason to lose sleep that I know of. Why? Why do I not just clean? Oh yeah. Children that want to make the mess, but don't seem to know how to clean it up, and don't especially like taking orders.

Still, I am blessed. Gideon is easy to console and get to stop crying, he's even showing signs of getting ready to finally take a nap. Again, Colin is happy and also starting to calm down now that he thinks I'm ignoring him. Karyn is healthy and trying to make Gideon feel better (maybe I should get her a doll to dress), and the weather is not so cold today.

How to Ruin Your Professional Life Before it Even Begun: A Friendly Guide

So many bad ideas, so little time...

So, you want to ruin your professional life before you've even landed you first real job. Congradulations! You are one of a growing group of enterprising young people that want to have no gainful employment! Guess what. Bringing your reputation to destruction and catastrophe is as easy as the click of a button. You to can ruin your prospects like a "pro".

Step one:
Post compromising pictures of yourself on Facebook including, but not limited to pictures of yourself naked, high, drunk, involved in illegal activities, or tormenting the weak or helpless. Yes, you will definitely make an employer think twice about hiring you if he sees pictures of you actively engaged in wrongdoing.

Step two:
Post compromising pictures of other people on your Facebook page, again including, but not limited to, pictures of other people naked, high, drunk, involved in illegal activities, or tormenting the weak or helpless. You definitely want any prospective boss to think that everyone you surround yourself with is just as reprobate as you.

Step three:
Frequently write and post updates that showcase poor grammar and spelling. Few things shut down the employment search process as quickly as a flagrant display of typographical ignorance.

Step four:
Profanity, sarcastic references to violence, sincere references to violence, and sexually explicit posts will make you stink to high heaven. By all means, generously sprinkle your public conversations on Facebook and Twitter with lewd references to your school teachers, and previous romantic partners.

Step five:
This may require some imagination. If you have nothing unkind to say about anyone... LIE! Make up stuff to embarrass everyone dumb enough to be alone in the room with you or with ten feet of your person. It will work miracles on any human resource department that you never want to deal with if you are known to commit slander.

Step six (closely related to step five):
Get your teachers fired from their jobs, especially the most innocent and high quality ones. Your infamy should strike terror into the heart of any honest business owner.

There you have it. Six easy things to do to ruin your career prospects before you've even left high school! This list is by means comprehensive. The author is sure you can come up with many original ideas for how to turn off potential employers.

A Brief Open Letter to Microsoft

lifted from:another blog

No! Dang it! Not all of your customers replace their computer every year! Every time you've sent an update in the last year, it has paralyzed my computer. I've tried changing the settings so that any updates require my approval before installation, but you keep going around my user permission settings! What's it going to take to secure my computer from you? Do I need to surgically remove the modem? (Ah, the good ol' days when a modem could simply be disconnected or shut off. Those were good times!)

Sincerely, A customer that wishes to be left alone until I personally think it is time for an update.

The Sick Baby Hoax

Perhaps you've seen this heart rending picture that I've edited or something like unto it.

It came with a claim that Facebook and CNN would donate money for each "like" or "share" that it got. Well don't... just don't. It's a tasteless scam put out there by a "like-whore".

Don't "like" it, don't "share" it, certainly don't comment on it. Click the picture itself and if you look to the right, there should be a report option. Click "report" and go through that process so that Facebook is in-the-know that an abusive picture is being circulated. It should only take a minute or two.

"But what if it's real?" It is not. Facebook never donates money based on how many "likes" and "shares" a photo gets.

"But it's harmless." No it is absolutely not harmless. Hoax slayer words it well:

The people who create these hoaxes - fittingly referred to as "like-whores" by the Facebook community at large, do so to amass likes and shares and to drive Internet traffic to their websites or Facebook Pages. They take images of children from other sources without permission and reuse them in their despicable hoaxes.

Some who create such hoaxes apparently do so simply out of a sick and twisted desire to see how many likes and shares their disgraceful lies can muster. Others are motivated by greed. Facebook Pages with large numbers of likes can be sold on the black market to other unscrupulous Internet marketers and/or used to peddle products and services and launch further spam and scam campaigns.

hoax-slayer

It's hard to ignore these things because we are mostly good inside and want to help, but some people are dead inside and favor exploiting human goodness and vulnerability. I know it can be difficult, but vet your charities first. If it seems easy and cost free to support a charity, that should be the first indication that it is a scam.

The Facebook Menu of Genders... What shall I try today?

Here are my options should I decide to change my gender on Facebook. Please forgive me if there are repeat genders, either as a typographical error on my end, or as it appears as given from Facebook:

Male

Female

Agender

Adrogyne

Adrogynous

Male to Female

Pangender

Trans

Trans Female

Trans Male

Trans Man

Trans Person

Bigender

Non-binary

Cis

Cis Female

Cis Man

Cis Woman

lifted from this blog

Gender Fluid

Gender Non-conforming

Gender Questioning

Gender Varient

Gender Queer

Cisgender

Female to Male

Genderqueer

Neither

Neutrois

Cisgender Female

FTM

MTF

Trans*Female

Transgender Female

Cisgender Female

Cisgender Male

Cisgender Man

Cisgender Woman

Other

Intersex

Trans*Male

Transsexual

Transmasculine

Trans*man

Two-spirit

Trans*Person

Transsexual Person

Trans*

Transsexual Female

Transsexual Male

Transsexual Man

Transsexual Woman

Trans Woman

Trans*Woman

Transgender Woman

Interestingly enough, they did not include the regular, less scientific gender options of man, woman, or person. I would have added to the list a few Jedi versions of several genders; but that’s just where my sense of humor leads me. I have so many options, but only one life to live. May I live it honestly.

Open Letter to Disney II: Hurray for Diversity! Now, when's it my turn!

Dear Disney,

I just read about your weeklong Family Outfest (July 1 - 7 2014), which you have officially attached your name to as a partner, as opposed to simply hosting as a private party event. That's fine. You do what's good for your business. As per my understanding, it is being marketed to LGBT families specifically, yet claims to be inclusive at the same time. Isn't that a little... er... contradictory? Why not just celebrate the Fourth of July like a normal theme park? You'll make more money that weekend if all families are equally invited.

Also, to be fair to the nuclear heterosexual families, that form most of your fan base, who were not invited to the Family Outfest; will you be having Disney Traditional Family Week? It's up to you how you run your business; all I'm saying is that just because we are a majority, doesn't mean our feelings don't get hurt when we are not invited to the party.

Sincerely,
Christine S. Hancock

Not invited! I was hoping it was simply do to some oversight. Well, in that case, I'll be on my way...

Sources: ORLANDOGAYTRAVEL.COM, The Blaze

An Open Letter to Disney Studios

Dear Disney,
To be honest, I don't watch the Disney Channel and am not interested in it. Too childish for me. That does not mean, however, that I am unaware of the culture and occasional controversies that spring from it. "Good Luck Charlie" is no longer in production so I need not worry that much about Taylor's two moms even if I did let my children watch the Disney Channel. Still it bothered me that the subject of single-sex headed households were brought up in a kids' show. Family structure is such a sensitive and adult issue, it seems inappropriate for children's entertainment programming.

I felt angry at first that you had broached the issue and immediately wanted to throw out everything Disney produced or affiliated, and never watch another film or broadcast from you again. Later, I started to feel sad that I would have to leave behind such an important part of my own life and my family's culture. Finally, after some thought, it occurred to me that it would never affect you if I walked away. In fact, if I convinced a thousand people to walk away, you wouldn't bat an eye or wonder where they went. Maybe if my argument persuaded a million customers to abandon you, you might notice, but not enough to actually hurt.

The fact I face is that if I want to have an impact on you, I won't be able to do it by saying nothing and walking away. If I want you to better reflect the values I want to teach my children, then I must let you know personally what those values are and whether what you have produced matches those values.

Clearly you make money from the promotion of alternative family structures. Fine. The free market can work for everyone willing to use it honestly, and maybe you are on to something; but I will not be allowing my children to view anything contrary to my values. Not to say I am intolerant or over sheltering. Same sex households and families are here to stay and deserve human dignity. However, I want a higher ideal presented to my children.

I challenge you to produce more films and broadcasts that cast the traditional family in a heroic light, like The Incredibles, The Princess and The Frog, and Lion King. Please continue to produce films like Brave, and Frozen, where women are shown to have nobility and courage; and Tangled which shows that even men as incorrigible and irresponsible as Eugene (Rider) can be redeemed. Oh, and thank you for the revisit to Winnie the Pooh several years ago. My family loves it. I must also thank you for dubbing and/or distributing so many of Studio Gibli's movies. Most of them are wonderful and beautiful family entertainment and they have a prominent place on my movie shelf.

From now on, for every show I watch with your tag on it, I will write an open letter letting you know what I think about it, and write at least three detailed reviews on different movie websites.

One of the major reasons I can't just let you go...

A New Year's Resolution: Become a Better Me

Credit: "Calvin and Hobbes" Bill Watterson

My resolution this year is to become a better version of myself. I'm tired of feeling regret and the nagging and irrational self doubt I suffer. I can become better and I have a plan to do so. The following is a list of twenty changes I want to make in my life over the next year:

1. Go to bed six nights a week by nine at night, and wake at four in the morning. If I can change that one bad habit, of staying up late and oversleeping, I know I can change any aspect of my life.

2. Set high and achievable goals and persevere until they have been accomplished.

3. Write my goals down.

4. Maintain a to do list.

5. Focus on one goal at a time.

6. Eat healthier.

7. Exercise four to five days a week.

8. Listen to audio-books and talks every day, especially while I am crocheting or doing chores around the house.

9. Rediscover my love for reading (I know I love reading, but I need make it a priority).

10. Read 30 minutes a day, non-fiction.

11. Stay curious and pursue learning for the love of it.

12. Watch less tv.

13. Continue to avoid watching reality tv (OK, not technically a change, but a good reminder).

14. Do all I can to help my son, Colin, become a proficient reader and skillful in mathematics.

15. Encourage my children to be helpful and compassionate.

16. Teach my children good habits.

17. Make birthday calls.

18. Make friends with positive, optimistic people.

19. Eliminate negativity and delusions of failure from my life.

20. Believe that the good habits I make will lead to good fortune, health, happiness, and prosperity.

Happy New Year!

What do I teach about politics?

I was reading aloud and article about the huge security snafu that allowed a known violent schizophrenic to work as a sign language interpreter at Nelson Mandela's memorial service, and stand within four feet of Mr. Obama. It included the phrase, "President Obama" which I read over and didn't really think that much about it; but five year old Colin, with his sharp wit, noticed and asked me, "Mom, who's President Obama?"

It occurred to me that he has never heard me say those two words in that context, seeing as how I don't consider Mr. Obama to be president of anything (my opinion; you don't have to think the way I do).

Not quite sure what to say, I simply told him that Mr. Obama is the elected President of the Unites States, and dropped the subject, because I don't think sharing the details of my political opinions would be appropriate with a child that young.

Oh the challenges of being a homeschool mom! On the one hand, my children need facts (not necessarily my opinions), and a working knowledge of American politics. But on the other hand, too many of the facts surrounding this administration have turned out to be not factual, and I don't think I understand the political workings of our nation anymore.

Where do I turn for reliable information?!

I couldn't find a picture to fit this post, but I thought this would be interesting to look at.

Dear Mr. Zielinski...

"COL WARREN L. ANDERSON  USAF 4-26-66 NVN  MI"

That's what's written on the MIA bracelet I got from you while you taught a class of rowdy eight graders at Pattengill Middle School about the Vietnam War. Whenever I see it, or put it on, I always give my first thought to Col. Anderson and the circumstances of his disappearance; but invariably, the next thought I have is of the history teacher who gave me the bracelet.

This morning my three year old daughter found it. After I got the bracelet from little Karyn, I promised to teach her what it meant to me when she was old enough to understand. Then, as usual I thought of the colonel, next I thought of you.

To identify myself, at the time my name was Hart; Christine Hart. I'm happily married and have changed my name to Hancock. I was one of those rowdy eight graders you taught in the school year 1995-1996, and to be honest I don't think is was the brightest of them; however I remember you and think about those months in your class frequently.

Mr. Zielinski, you stood out to me from among all the other teachers I had; maybe because you were recently a soldier and you taught from that perspective. I also never ever caught you in a lie. Everything you taught in history class, as far as I can remember, was verifiable by historical document, news report, or witness' testimony. I've had a number of teachers for whom the same could not be said. Another thing that stood out about you was that you taught us that history and wars are not just bland facts confined solely to dusty, poorly written texts; but that our history was real and the wars had not just dull political ramifications, but also human consequences. I think was Mr. Vance you had come give a lecture on what it was like to fight and lose friends in the Vietnam War; then of course was that infamous prank you pulled with the hollowed out grenade (Ahh, the days before zero tolerance policies) That object lesson still makes me smile and laugh, but I also remember the point, that any moment could be my last.

I know you also taught math. While it's not the thing I remember you best for, I am thankful to you for enlightening me as to how to add and subtract with fractions. Your lectures cleared some things up that I had been struggling with for a couple years, and made algebra in high school much less painful than it otherwise would have been.

You influenced at least one underprivileged youth for the better, and it's felt today. Thank you. I hope you are well, and that you obtained your degree, and that you are still teaching.

Best wishes,
Christine S. Hancock

Mr. Zielinski's self portrait. Yeah, the publisher missed him.

I was recovering from a mullet. I've been wearing my hair long ever since.

Why I Don't Share Sob Stories... as a rule

As a rule, I do not pass along sob stories that find their way on to my FB wall. To illustrate I've attached an article about a viral poverty story I've seen shared way too much.

Not quite that bad...

I did read that story and it made my blood boil so much that I could not finish it on the first try. While I felt a little sorry for her, more than anything I wanted to throw my android to the floor and smash it to bits because of the incessant whining and self pitying nature of the piece.

After I calmed down a little, I had the feeling I needed to finish reading the blog entry and when I got through it, I thought to myself that this is a talented, articulate, educated, and experienced writer... is the situation really as bad as she made it out to be?

Who am I to judge, after all, Vincent Van Gogh was very poor and highly disadvantaged too; so I said nothing, but couldn't help but think I was reading a work of at least partial fiction designed to garner attention and sympathy... Go figure.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/12/04/author-of-viral-poverty-essay-apparently-isnt-as-poor-as-she-led-readers-to-believe/

Oh Noes! Christmas is Under Some Unspecified Attack!

The bone I am chewing on tonight is this perception that Christmas is under attack in some way.

Really? I mean, have you ever been prevented from buying toys for the kids, putting up Christmas lights on your home, singing Christmas Carols, or wishing people a Merry Christmas? When was the last time someone spied through your window, looking for a tree to burn or a Nativity set to smash? I've never seen it.

Not once, in my entire life, have I needed to celebrate the Lord's birth in secret. Isn't that wonderful. I am so privileged. I've never even heard of a government sponsored Bible burning, or contemporary Americans Christians being thrown to the lions by a dictator on American soil (maybe that will change this year, but I highly doubt it).

The phrase "Happy Holidays" seems to be raising some extra ire this year. Why? The Holiday Season has three HUGE holidays, back to back, that nearly every Christian in the US celebrates. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. Might it be possible that some people are saying "Happy Holidays" in order to cover their bases should they not contact you again between the holidays?

Then of course is the blanket politically correct statement that is intended when it comes from government and large businesses. By law the government may not endorse Christianity (although the individual members may offer Christmas greetings at their discretion), and businesses hurt their bottom line when people think they are promoting one faith above another. However, does any true Christian, from the bottom of his heart, think Christmas can not happen without a government endorsement, or (to quote Dr. Suess) "Christmas comes from a store"?

There seems to be this fear that if people stop saying "Merry Christmas", that the meaning will be lost. This is untrue to the point of absurd. Christmas is only lost when we really forget what it's about. 

The point of the holiday is not to say the name correctly or to be smiled upon by government and businesses; and even the celebration of the birth of Christ is only a part of what Christmas commemorates. The true message of Christmas is contained in the message from the angels to the shepherds outside of Bethlehem:

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men (emphasis added).

(New Testament | Luke 2:10–14)

Remember, going to battle to defend against some perceived attack on Christmas will not preserve the true meaning of the holiday. If anything, it will only distract from God's true message of redemption, peace, and goodwill.

Tell you what, no matter which holiday greeting you get, remember that the intent was to express goodwill, not attack your faith. Do return goodness for goodness and say, Merry Christmas, if that's what you celebrate. I doubt that person will take offense; and even if they do return with a "bah-humbug", you can still wish that person a Happy New Year, or even a Good Afternoon.

Late but interested is better

Am I Common Core aligned? No, of course not.

Today, homeschool was informal. I let them watch Cars before school (I was having a slow morning), then we played with salt dough for while. After the movie we had a prayer, recited the Pledge of Allegiance and then we did some arithmetic problems in salt dough (no deep thinking, just the standard algorithm). After that we did a short reading lesson from a primer that is most definitely not Common Core aligned (long live the McGuffey Series and Mother Goose).

Now they are eating popcorn while I make pizza crust for tonight's dinner and do some cleaning.

I'm of the opinion that children should be pushed as far as they can go individually go academically, but until they are about eight years old, at least the better half of their academic day should be play time and personal interest.

Why blunt their brains by killing their curiosity in the name of education? No. Late with a strong desire to learn is better than early and disinterested.

Mother Goose. Not educational, possibly violent, not Common Core approved.

Righteous Teachers vs Unrighteous Teachers

I was studying in the Book of Mosiah today, my new favorite book, and I read Alma the elder's teachings on kings and teachers which I find very interesting.

His people asked him to be king over them, which he declined, feeling he was unworthy. He taught them to trust no man to be be king over them because (having first hand knowledge) not all men are righteous. He also said not to trust anyone not of God to be a teacher over them.

As I am a teacher of my own children and in Primary it stands out to me the importance of righteous teaching.

Eventually, even though they were a Godly people, they were taken into bondage by the Lamanites (this is a fallen world, bad things happen to everyone from time to time), but the Lord protected and favored them. The wicked priests of King Noah (of whom Alma the Elder was once counted before his sore repentance) were also placed in bondage.

The wicked priests gained political advantage and the King over the Lamanites placed them in charge of the people of Alma, and appointed them teachers.

How interesting what happens when unrighteous teachers are appointed. Alma's people are persecuted. and while it is true, the Lamanites benefitted economically by learning secular teachings; ultimately, because God's law was not taught, corruption and greater wickedness resulted.

In these days, while removing religious instruction from schools has not the cause of every evil in our society, I do note some similarities between our society and that of those mentioned above: Unrighteous people gaining political advantage, the elimination of God from schools, religious persecution. Now, obviously there are some differences between this story and ours. We don't have literal burdens tied to our backs, nor have I once been threatened with death for praying aloud in public; but the dangers of ungodly teachers and leaders has become more clear to me in recent years.

Eventually, the Lord enabled the people of Alma to escape, and the wicked priests of Noah were left behind to whatever fate befell them. I hope to be among the people the Lord favors in the end.

No more teachers. No more books. No more Lam'nites dirty looks!
lifted from here

Not all Wrongdoing is Mom's Business

Do you think Mom will notice? lifted from this blog

Link to Blaze article

The above article reminded me of a situation I had with my five year old son the other day.

Colin was playing quietly in the living room while I was upstairs sleeping in a little bit as the baby, Gideon, was sleeping in. When he woke up I went downstairs with him to change his diaper and get breakfast going. Nothing in the living room appeared out of place or unusual, but Colin ran up to me and with a big mischievous smile and admitted he had been in the bassinet, which I had clearly and repeatedly told him not to even touch.

I hate moments like that, where Colin in his zeal to be honest admits to wrongdoing I never would have noticed or cared about. On the one hand, to maintain order in the house and keep my authority in tact, I have to enforce the rules. On the other hand, I am now in the terrible position of having to punish a child essentially for being honest.

I sent Colin to his room, which of course made him very unhappy, while I got matters settled before going back upstairs to address Colin's problem with the bassinet.

We sat down together and I explained that he was wrong to be in the bassinet and not to touch it again. Then, with a sigh and wondering what horrible can of worms I was opening, explained that not everything is Mom's business to know and that if I don't see anything wrong, and don't ask, then (most of the time) I don't need to know about it. I can not watch him all the time and some sins are strictly between him and God.

Since then I wondered if it was wise of me to tell Colin that essentially he can get away with wrongdoing as long as he keeps it to himself; somehow, after reading the above article on the Blaze I am reassured that I told him the right thing.

A Productive Mess

My house is a mess, and I am properly ashamed of it, but not too much so. I've been very busy today.

I had homeschool with Colin and Karyn (our schedule is any five days between Monday and Saturday... I usually prefer to relax on Mondays).

I got started on the yearly dejunking and cleaning. I decided to start in the basement as that will be the biggest project. After moving most of our random storage upstairs for analysis and to get it out of the way, I moved the rest over to one side, opened the basement windows, and swept and mopped the other half with bleach water (even the best basement gets a few nasties in a year and needs disinfecting). I checked the furnace air filter for good measure and discovered it definitely needed replacing.

This afternoon, after Aaron got off work, I went shopping with Colin for groceries and sundries. Colin helped me pick out a pair of new Sunday shoes, went with me to the Goodwill and behaved himself very well while I found a bed frame and a few other useful items. I offered to get him a book or a toy, but he didn't want any today; so after I found a new air filter at the hardware store, I bought him his choice of a chocolate bar, which made him very happy. Then we bought some groceries and came home.

I made dinner, instructed Colin and Karyn on how to remove and replace the furnace air filter, and put the finishing touches on my projects for Primary Singing Time tomorrow. Then helped get the kids off to bed, put together the bed frame (finally my bed is off the floor... hallelujah!), washed some dishes, and now I am finally some taking time to relax.

The problem with relaxing right now, however, is my mind keeps thinking of more essential things that need to get done! Time for some chamomile.