LadyV> Hello FRAML a topic has been selected?

FRAML> It is posted. What do you think it is going to be about?

LadyV> The Ides of FRAML?

Skycatcher> I hope you have better luck with the Ides than Julius did!

Skycatcher> Or should I say "had", since the Ides were yesterday. But I'm not gonna be picky ...

FRAML> 1st Question follows.

FRAML> Why do people remember the Ides of March? Is there a reason for this beyond historical knowledge.

Skycatcher> For me, I would not remember the Ides except for the Shakespeare play "Julius Ceaser", and the way the "Beware the Ides of March" line has become a part of our culture. I don't think most folks even know where it's from or to what it refers.

Skycatcher> (going to unabridged dictionary to look up 'Ides')

Skycatcher> the dictionary = ides = the 15th day of the month in Mar, May, Jul, Oct. The 13th day in all other months, in the Roman calendar.

spiritcat> i cannot really say other than sometime in my youth i was told about it.....it has no meaning to me at present....what is it for?

LadyV> I think of doom and betrayal on the Ides of March. I have not thought about it other than in relation to Julius Ceaser.

spiritcat> oh yes jc and betrayal.....hehehe...good thing for me to forget LOL

Skycatcher> In the play, a fortune teller (can't remember if the character had a name) tells Julius Cesear to "Beware the Ides of March" or...."watch out for March 15th, mister!" That turned out to be the day he was killed by Brutus and several others who opposed his politics. It's also where the phrase "Et tu, Brutus?" comes from. Cesear considered Brutus to be one of his best friends, yet Brutus took part in the assassination. The phrase means "And you too, Brutus?"

alremkin> I've got no opinion on the first question.

Skycatcher> Ancient Romans were terribly superstitious, so for Cesear to ignore the warning was a measure of his arrogance.

LadyV> Skycatcher I did not know that about the Ancient Romans....thats interesting.

Skycatcher> He had already had himself declared a god, and probably thought he was invulnerable.

spiritcat> maybe not his arrogance but the level of accepting what happens and not living in fear....Skycatcher *S*

LadyV> ..reason for this beyond historical knowledge? I suppose if someone put a whammy on me on the Ides of March I might get nervous......thinking.

Skycatcher> Terribly, terribly superstitious. That's why they were always "taking omens", doing sacrifices to tell the future of any enterprise.

spiritcat> but then again Skycatcher are we not all gods? only some recognise it and some are not aware of it...

Skycatcher> Ummmm, if someone, a "fortune teller" told me to "beware the 20th of May", I'd probably forget long before the 20th, and wouldn't remember unless something bad happened on the 20th.

selki> I think that the play itself was written so well that the scene that Skycatcher is referring to leaves an impression that we all remember. Beware the Ides of March, Ceasar's day of doom.

FRAML> Skycatcher: Julius didn't declare himself a god, that came with the later emperors.

FRAML> Is it more important to Americans to "Beware the Ides of April" instead?

LEGS> Are we started yet???? Hello everyone ... (((((MaryHugs))))) yes, and income tax day in America used to be the 15th of March... anyone here old enough to remember that besides me????

Skycatcher> LOL I'm certainly not about to declare myself to be in the same "God" league as Cesear. But yes, I do believe we are all of God. I liken it to pie. God is Pie, and we are pieces of pie - the same in One.
spiritcat> which most probably was meant to leave us an awareness of backstabbing *selki* Hi *S*

FRAML> LEGS-Yes we have started.

FRAML> 2nd Question follows

selki> Hi spiritcat. Ah aware of Brutus at least.

spiritcat> why is that FRAML....(not being an american and all) ...did something happen on the 13th April?

FRAML> 2d Question: Do you consult soothsayers and why/why not?

Skycatcher> Hmmmm, OKaaaaaay. (thinking hard) Maybe I'm confusing his acceptance of the emperor's crown with the later emperor's self-declaration of godhood. Have to admit it's been a while since I've read Roman History or Shakespeare.

alremkin> Consulting his dictionary for a precise definition of "Soothsayer"

LEGS> I want a further definition of soothsayer.... please....

selki> Didn't they declare their emperor crown was God given status.

LEGS> thinking alike, hey, alremkin btw, Yopo sent his regrets that he is out of town and won't be able to be here tonite, unless he finds a vacant pc where he is visiting *G*

alremkin> I would consult one if i believed the indivdual could give me information I needed that I couldn't access myself.

LEGS> I do read tarot cards, and put my own slant on them of course, if they are really bad... I figure I didn't concentrate well enough. *s*

spiritcat> yes i have .....when i was changing my life...but found that i knew it all or at least most of what they said....*S*

Skycatcher> I have a tarot reader I see about once a year. I look to her to see trends that I might be missing. I've had readings with her many, many times and know she's in tune with me. Otherwise, I'd only do it as a lark, not knowing the reader's "credentials". Why not more? I have a very strong "gang" of guides with whom I have strong communication and intuitive links, so I'm not often surprised. I seek and usually find a harmonious balanced path, which for me seems well lit. Also, I have a strong faith that whatever happens is for a Reason, and I'm never alone regardless of the difficulties that may arise.

FRAML> A soothsayer is a person who predicts or pretends to foretell the future.

LEGS> I also have runes, and the other devices for "telling your fortune" and usually read my weekly horoscope... and had my numerology cast several years ago... this is the last year on the forecast I received... which was not a "future" but trends, and admonitions to do well myself.

greyman> The Roman leader Gaius Julius Caesar (July 13, 100 - March 15, 44 B.C.) ranks among the greatest men of all times. Julius Caesar: Bio located on: http://ancienthistory.about.com/cs/caesa rbio/index.htm?iam=dpile&terms=Ides+of+March

alremkin> Soothsay: To fortell events or predict.

spiritcat> i reckon they read the energies we put in the cards as we are shuffling....the one i go to has help from spirit....

spiritcat> also it is interesting to be able to get confirmation of how things are going or guides.....

selki> I think I have to agree with my grandma, we're better off not knowing..I do not go to soothsayers.

LadyV> ....I agree with alremkin ....the key is 'I believed the individual could....' it is a degree of discretion and trust that is individual. It is also part of our society with the innocent horoscope in the Newspaper etc. Whether it is Carnival or not...it has always been with us and it will continue to be part of all cultures.

greyman> Sometimes the events of history makes the man, and sometimes the man makes the events of history.

FRAML> Any other replies?

flump> i don't go to soothsayers because what will happen ,will happen so why worry about it

LEGS> I agree LadyV, and when I am feeling bad or sad, I don't read my cards or runes... I don't want any confirmation of the blues I am having, or any portent to come up that might be based on my current bad feelings. I believe that the cards, if done correctly and with proper focus, do reveal what is floating in the subconconcious part of our mind... it is brought forward by the cards, and is what we are hoping or fearing. since I like good news, I only read when I am hopeful and upbeat.

LadyV> flump envy you the assurance and the peace that comes with complete trust that all will go according to destiny. It reflects remarkable composure. [smiling]
 

LadyV> LEGS I read in a Newspaper somewhere that Tarot cards have a purpose in psychology to help release in the mind the subconcious self.....they are 'trigger' symbols....I often wondered if the Ink spots.....and the word I do not know.....for the test....is similiar to the tarot...just a more fancy name. I think they give that test to people going into the military or did at one time....I read about it somewhere.

LEGS> Framl, what is your own take on these questions??? I'm disappointed not to hear your conclusions... or will they come later on in summary????

FRAML> 3d Question follows

FRAML> #3: What are the chances you will have a severe headache tomorrow night or on Monday morning? & Why am I asking you?
 

spiritcat> too late i've had mine yesterday...not severe tho and no thank you i will not allow that energy to happen for me ....you are asking me to see if i have an inch of superstition in my body.....

flump> for me the chances are pretty low from a statistical perspective....i don't get headaches very often. maybe you are asking to plant a subconscious suggestion

spiritcat> FRAML why would you wish that on anyone?????????????????

LEGS> If one celebrates on Sat. nite, they are more likely to have "the Headache" on Sun...... but if they really hate their job and have repressed feelings about it, they may very well have a headache every Monday morning... or Tues if Mon was a long weekend day off. Are you asking because you personally have a Mon-A.M. headache each week?

Skycatcher> Belief can create reality. If I predict a headache, I may be creating the opening for my sub-conscious to create that headache.

LadyV> logic would tell us that we could produce a headache at that time if we worry about it enough...Now is someone told me to stay off the river because the flood stage is about to peak and if I were in a low spot....and I ignored the warning....then that would not be logic....I would drown. We could play around with subconcious programming if we wanted to approach that.......still .....

greyman> FRAML, probability greater than 10%. Perhaps there is a headache occurrence 2 days after the Ides of March?

Ben> FRAML, I think the odds are very low that I will have a severe headache tomorrow night or Monday morning, unless I do something to my head of neck. Yes, Caesar also thought the odds were low that he would be killed on the Ides of March. President Kennedy likewise disregarded the (many) psychics who said he should not go to Dallas. But what if anyone believed the many, many predictions or portents of disaster?

alremkin> #3 The chances are slim, although I'm not over-joyed about my workday life, I don't get headaches about it. However I do sleep much less Sunday night before i return to work Monday morning, so there's a type of dis-comfort. So i think you asked the question to see how we relate to our workday lives.

FRAML> greyman: you are getting close to the point.

spiritcat> there will be a few headaches tomorrow morning as today is St Patrick's day.....hehehehe

FRAML> spiritcat: BINGO----------HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY EVERYONE.

FRAML> Beware the green beer!!!!

spiritcat> ROFLMAO.....FRAML you are one......CHEERS~~~~********~~~~~

Mjollnir> I thought that the 17th. is St. Pat. day?

FRAML> Also Jamison's is a producer of post-17th headaches if one over indulges.

greyman> Tut tut tut. Your all Catholic now! And just in time for St. Pattys Day! *G*

spiritcat> yes dear Mjollnir in australia it is the 17th and St Patricks day.............*VCG*

Skycatcher> Last night, as I went to bed, I thought "We're going to have an earthquake!" I set it aside as being only my fear of earthquakes, but it was persistant. Today we had a 4.6 in the ocean off Los Angeles. L.A. has subtle earthquakes everyday, but this one was noticable. I don't think about earthquakes everyday, so don't "predict" the subtle ones. I certainly didn't create the EQ, so why was my thought of last night so persistant? I don't really see probablility playing a part in this.

LadyV> Skycatcher many of us feel the vibrations when there is an earthquake about to arrive...just as the animals do. So if you are thinking earthquake...you are close to the earth Mother to my mind. Good for you!!

spiritcat> too right Skycatcher....you were obviously being made aware.....precognition with help from your friends.....*G*

Skycatcher> Oh SHEESH! I really fell for that one!!!! (Note to self - in the future, keep an eye on you-know-who!)

LEGS> *laughing* more likely to have a tummyache from too much bubble & squeak the day after St Paddy's Day

FRAML> 4th Question follows

FRAML> What 65th anniversary is being celebrated this week? And why is there a flying circus involved?

flump> whenever i hear the words flying circus i think of monty python

Skycatcher> LOL spiritcat - I wish "they'd" provide more detail, like when, where and how big, so I could leave town if necessary!!!

spiritcat> oh that must be in america so i have no answer........******!!!!!~~~~~~*******

flump> something to do with airplane flight ? amelia earhart or lindbergh maybe?

FRAML> spiritcat: nope, world wide.

Mjollnir> flump... as did I.

greyman> Guess: 1937 Hindenberg?

spiritcat> Skycatcher.....LOL my friend said that to me but i thought bettter of repeating incase of offense......she says get out anyway........and i did not reach BINGO....Yvonne did.....sitting here next to me.....so congratulations yvonne.*************!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LEGS> Surely the Big Top is older than 65...

spiritcat> FRAML i'm not good on history or many things out of my comfort zone.......LOL

alremkin> #4 No clue to this one.

FRAML> Answer to #4 follows

FRAML> Spam, the processed ham and pork luncheon meat that started life in America and was wolfed down by war-time Britons, is 65 years old this year and has no plans to retire gracefully. For British Spam-lovers, this is national Spam week, a chance to celebrate flabby pink memories of meals past and find modern converts to an old pantry standby.

spiritcat> ok shute

greyman> LEGS, Ringling Bro's had their centennial in the early '70s.

FRAML> Spam's ubiquity was such that the Monty Python comedy team wrote a trademark absurd sketch in homage, featuring two Vikings in a restaurant which served only dishes containing Spam. The sketch names Spam 102 times, not counting an accompanying song whose only words are "lovely," "wonderful" and "Spam."

Skycatcher> I think Earhart disappeared in 1935 so it wasn't her.

greyman> Spammity Spam, Spammity Spam, Spammity Spam!

FRAML> And as we have had on our diet in here the last 2 weeks: Since 1994, the term has been embraced in reference to the Internet -- as a verb, meaning to send unsolicited, or "junk" electronic mail, or as a noun, for the e-mail itself.

flump> lol framl

Skycatcher> My Mom used to serve fried Spam as a dinner meat. I still get a craving for it every so often. I even bought a can of it a while ago, but after opening it, I threw it away.

FRAML> Spam, Spam, Eggs, & Spam (what is on the menu)

flump> i believe there was a product called spork as well

flump> i don't like spam

Mjollnir> Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, Wonderful Spam....

FRAML> /topic Happy Saint Patrick's Day & Happy Birthday Spam

spiritcat> FRAML i must have known i would not get it as i have only eaten spam once or twice in my life.....did not go to any camps so it was not necessary.....and was not involved in the wars where it was part of the rations.....*CG*......BUT FRAML....what has the circus got to do with it all?????????????**************||||||||||||||||||

Ben> FRAML, The last time I ate Spam was probably 25 years ago. At the time, I thought it was already 65 years old. Or maybe it was just that one slice of Spam ?

spiritcat> ROFLOAO Ben we second that from australia HAHAHAHAHA

FRAML> spiritcat: Monty Python's Flying Circus is the comedy team that did the Spam sketch I posted.

Skycatcher> Another old family fave you guys might recognize was creamed chipped beef on toast.

Mjollnir> I hope, that this seminar is not about Spam!

spiritcat> so do you like my stars and stripes?*******||||||||||

LEGS> *laughing* and now there is Turkey Spam

selki> good night everyone.

Mjollnir> Skycatcher aloso know as, shit on a shingle.

flump> enjoy the evening selki

FRAML> Good night ((((SELKI))))

Skycatcher> Yeah, me too......Nighty night! Huggles ALL.

spiritcat> sorry guys in australia we eat kangaroo and goanna and grubs......not in cans i might tell you.....LOL nothing like bush tucker or fresh roadkilll......LOL

flump> by skycatcher

FRAML> Mjollnir--to me that is creamed chipped beef on toast.

alremkin> spiritcat: Monty Python's Flying Circus

Skycatcher> Mjollnir - harumph! I was trying to be polite by not mentioning SOS. Ah well, at least I tried. (wicked grins)

Mjollnir> FRAML... you've never been in the Militry.

spiritcat> ty alremkin and FRAML.....i loved the movie in my teenage years.....now i find it hard to laugh at it....obviously my sense of humour has changed.......*S*

FRAML> Mjollnir--about 20 years worth.

greyman> Monty Python In 1969, five overeducated British comics and an American illustrator ambushed the BBC with the strangest show in British history. Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin have all carved out unique individual careers since Monty Python's Flying Circus, but they've never lived down the mix of sophisticated satire and music-hall pratfalls they unleashed on an unsuspecting public. They reunited for numerous books, records, live tours (one of which became a concert film), and four other feature films. Monty Python and the Holy Grail remains one of the funniest, most absurd comedies ever made, the high point of a lunatic reign of hilarity.

LEGS> Actually, a friend of mine used to make her "ham salad" with ground Spam, salad dressing, boiled eggs and pickle relish which make great sandwiches with toast and a leaf of lettuce.

spiritcat> >>>>>>>>>blessings to all those leaving>>>>>>>>>

Me2> al? is that you?

Mjollnir> Skycatcher... I love the stuff. I must be sick?

Me2> alremkin?

spiritcat> we'll still stick to roadkill thanks. LEGS....LOL

FRAML> We still have it occassionally, although not as much because of its high fat and salt content.

Mjollnir> well FRAML for your weak stomach I'll call it, SOS. *S*

LadyV> Mjollnir me too....with fried eggs and fresh bread......and I cannot eat for the rest of the day! It reminds me of cool winter evenings and smells of home and family....the people of Hawaii fix it best though with Pineapple....but I like it fried....and then I grab the seltzer.

greyman> If you get a chance, check out the RUTTLES, all you need is cash. It is a Beatles paroity written by Eric Idle, and most of the 70's cast of SNL.

LEGS> groundbeef fried and added to cream gravy was mom's standby, and served over potatoes any style.. mashed was best.. and thus for me is a "comfort food" not on my diet now. *SIGH*

LadyV> I guess I could handle anything but soy sauce on it....I would be confused then.

alremkin> Hi Me2 we've chatted a few time in kryon?

Me2> It is Marilisa (Alurie-el) lolol how have you been?

LEGS> Fried spam on toast with little fresh mustard leaves from the garden and mayonaise remains the one-time best impromtu lunch memory I ever had... *G*

FRAML> LadyV: Satisfied with what the topic was for tonight? *S*

alremkin> Me2: Lol, I've been wondering what happened to you? I got a new computer and didn't carry over my icq. I'll go check and see if I've got your old email addy you haven't changed it have you?

LadyV> FRAML yes.....still a little lost between Ceaser and Spam....but maybe he had his own version of Spam....or maybe Shakesphere ate Spam [grinning] always glad when you do the seminars.....I certainly would not know where to start with them...thank you.

greyman> Good night dear ones. Intresting twists and turns tonight. I am inspirired to dust off my copy of: Holy Grail!

Ben> LEGS, The usual Air Force version of SOS was hamburger and a little sausage in cream gravy -- not chipped beef -- and I still like it (a lot!) on home-fried potatoes. .

FRAML> LadyV: I got the topic popped into my head and then had to figure out what to do with it. And didn't want this to be a 'heavy' night.

LadyV> Excuse greyman what does Spam have to do with the Holy Grail...

FRAML> Good Night Greyman.

LadyV> FRAML good idea ....

flump> enjoy the evening greyman ...and remember the black knight always triumphs

Me2> good night greyman loads of laughter your way....

LEGS> (((((greyman))))) love ya!

alremkin> Good night greyman

FRAML> Ben: Yes. I buy Libby's Sausage Gravy and pour it over biscuits as breakfast when I'm looking for a comfort food Saturday morning.

Ben> FRAML, I came in late, but I thought this seminar was neat. I like a twist, especially from apparently serious to obviously funny.
 

FRAML> Another question occured to me: Does Maidenform get a royalty for Erin Go Bragh?

LEGS> A St. Paddy's joke.... an Irishman's club always had an evening after a friend died, and the wake and burial was duly handled, when next the club met... so once one of the most obnoxious members passed on, and when the President called for good words to be said in his memory, no one came to the front.... The president finally called the sgt@arms to lock the door and said there would be no dismissal to the barroom, til someone properly said something good about brother Shaun O'Monaghan..... everyone sat and sulked... Finally Casey O'Toole, the tiny shoeman of the village, made his way to the front, removed his tam, cast his eyes downward politely... and said... Well, One good word about Brother Shaun.... he weren't as bad as his brother, our president.

FRAML> Thank you Ben.

flump> thanks for the discussion framl ...cya all later

FRAML> flump: you're welcome. have a good evening.

alremkin> As a personal interest side to this Me2 and I have met beofore in person.

FRAML> Tis time for me to depart for evening services at St. Sealy's. Thank you all for coming and participating in tonight's discussion.
 

alremkin> FRAML: Good night
 

FRAML> *****POOOOOOOOOOOOOOF*****
Me2> night Framl

Ben> FRAML, good night and great morning. no headache. :)

LadyV> FRAML thank you for the time spent....

LadyV> LEGS thats funny!!!

Ben> ALL: Peace and blessings to each of you. *vanish*

alremkin> This particular chat seems to attract a good group

The following are posts that I did prior to the seminar that gave some of the answers to the questions I asked as I got into the lighthearted portion of the discussion.

FRAML> What lies behind and ahead?

FRAML> TOPICS Spam Week Cooks Up Old Memories Reuters | Mar 16 2002 | Reuters LONDON (Reuters) - Monty Python immortalized it, the Soviet Union went to war on it and fish can't resist it. Spam, the processed ham and pork luncheon meat that started life in America and was wolfed down by war-time Britons, is 65 years old this year and has no plans to retire gracefully. For British Spam-lovers, this is national Spam week, a chance to celebrate flabby pink memories of meals past and find modern converts to an old pantry standby. "We're trying to take it to a new audience," said Vicki McDonald, head of Britain's 2,000-strong Spam fan club. Retro-themed "Spam Glam nights" at British universities tap into nostalgia for school dinners of old. As McDonald says: "There's a certain amount of Spam nostalgia out there." Marguerite Patten, a TV chef of the 1940s, told Reuters that Spam fritters in her cookery demonstrations at London's Imperial War Museum still produced gasps of "Ooh -- my favorite!" And humans are not the only fans. "The bigger fish seem to prefer it," said Dave Tarrant of Ron Summer's Tackle shop, which supplies London fishermen. "We flavor it with turmeric, garlic or curry, or we color it -- we use it a hell of a lot," he said. Carp, barbel, roach and chubb are big Spam eaters but, said Tarrant, "There's nothing that won't take it." "SPICED HAM" Spam's origins lie in Austin, Minnesota -- since renamed Spamtown -- where in 1937 J.C. Hormel spotted an opportunity to use beer canning technology to can ham. Spam was born. Since that first can, Hormel Foods has produced more than six billion more and has registered the name, derived from the words "spiced ham," in 111 countries. Spam's ubiquity was such that the Monty Python comedy team wrote a trademark absurd sketch in homage, featuring two Vikings in a restaurant which served only dishes containing Spam. The sketch names Spam 102 times, not counting an accompanying song whose only words are "lovely," "wonderful" and "Spam." Since 1994, the term has been embraced in reference to the Internet -- as a verb, meaning to send unsolicited, or "junk" electronic mail, or as a noun, for the e-mail itself. But the meat really came into its own in World War Two, doled out in U.S. ration packs and used to keep allies in the Soviet Union fighting. "Without Spam we wouldn't have been able to feed our army," Soviet leader Nikita Krushchev later recalled. For war-time Britons, Spam was a delicacy provided by the "lend-lease" American aid program in 1941, but U.S. troops found it much easier to come by. "The American forces, I think, had an overdose of Spam," said Patten, whose "SPAM: the cook book" advises chefs instead to turn the old-world meat into thoroughly modern Thai cakes, Italian risotto and Spanish paella.

FRAML> This beer won't break hikers' backs What Ales You? By Dawnell Smith (Published: March 8, 2002) When exploring the hills, streams and trails of Alaska, many people like to carry a beer or two, even if it means adding weight to an already-bulky pack, pulk or gear bag. Well, thanks to Kevin Tubbs of Yukon Spirits in the University Center, hauling your favorite brews just got a whole lot easier. Nestled amid hundreds of craft beers from around the world are lightweight backpacker pouches, which look like shiny Capri juice packages but contain beer instead. The Great Bear Brewery in Wasilla jumped into the pouch business first and "became the No. 1 selling Alaska brew in a period of one week -- to the point that folks are often waiting at the store when we open just to get a box of pouched brews," Tubbs said. He attributes the popularity to Great Bear's tasty beer and the unique gold foil pouches that reflect light and "really stand out on the shelf in comparison to other brands with traditional packaging."

FRAML> Corned beef, cabbage and kegs of Harp & Guiness
 

FRAML> Ben's website is: http://bswett.com/spirit.html