Does organized religion foster intolerance?

As we begin to get together for the holiday season with family and friends I want to put a little nugget to think about in your brain.  Does religion encourage intolerance of those who are different?

Ten Commandments Cartoon

Let’s say for example you’re with the extended family over the break and your favorite uncle or auntie who has maybe had a few too many comes over and attempts to debate how wrong (value x) is.  Let’s also say since they are recently born again into the religion of their choosing, they start to fling bible quotes to back up this belief of hatred.

Some days we all feel a little like a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree.

I just watched my all time favorite Christmas program, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and in watching it a couple of things dawned on me.

Sometimes we all feel like that sad little tree that Charlie and Linus pick up in the crowded Christmas Tree lot.  You know what I mean, a little or a lot beat up, maybe feeling scrawny on the inside.  Unloved or just a bit crazy around the edges for the holiday season.

Ice Castles and Flashing Blades

In the lull between Christmas and New Years Day many in the city either have the week off outright or work reduced hours.  It seems to suit the character of Winnipeg, families get a chance to spend time together and enjoy a little break before things start back up in earnest.

I took a little drive one afternoon to check out one of my favourite haunts, The Forks Market.  It was alive with activity skaters as flew by everywhere on the icy paths that are converted for the season. The chilly temperature of -18c seemed warm in the afternoon sun.  People walked and skated laughing just enjoying the day.  Children held mom and dad’s hand or ran with friends everywhere.  The centre of activity for the little ones is an ice castle, complete with 4 entrances and an ice slide in the middle.

Ice skating under the canopy at The Forks.

The big tent, I helped build and install this canopy in the early 90's.

The Ice Castle.

Even adults can't resist playing with the kids in the castle

A nice day out for families in the sun.

Elven Villages and Wondrous Eyes: Christmas Eve in Winnipeg.

Since the new year is now fully upon us, I have finally had a chance to look at some of the hundreds of pictures that I took from my Christmas vacation.

I know that many of you may have expected a Dungeons and Dragons themed post today with a title like I have today, but before my memories of Christmas fade here is a look at Winnipeg in the heart of the season.

Bright lights and Snowy Streets:

The people of Winnipeg tend to embrace winter like no other place I have lived.  Let’s face facts when you live in a city that is covered in snow and ice for roughly a third of the year, it’s the only way to go.  Lights and decorations also play a big part in celebrating the holidays.  Families go all out so that Santa knows exactly where to land.

Driving down Polar Bear Lane Christmas Eve

Wishing You a Very Geeky Christmas!

Well people it seems that Christmas has finally come.  Here it is Christmas Eve.  The presents are wrapped, the stress level is finally starting to drop and Christmas cards are being opened and hung for everyone to see.

The subject of cards got me thinking about all the wonderful off beat Sci-Fi cards I had received over the years.  Here is a selection of the best from the net that I could find.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Rockin’ New Year!

A little something for a Dexter Christmas? (Via Cracked)

This first one strictly speaking is not a Sci-Fi themed card the from the guys at Cracked.com.  But more to the taste of a serial killer with a Martha Stewart flair!  Why not use Scotch brand tape to decorate your latest kill for the holiday season.  Yikes!  Better call out Scooby and the gang, old man Pederson is killing cheerleaders again!