Jesus and Paul

Jesus and Paul
ItemMediumImageUrl

BestCustomerReview

Jesus and Paul

INTRODUCTION

Jesus and Paul

Jesus and Paul

It is incontrovertible that the discussion on the message of Jesus and Paul is a highly debated area in biblical scholarship. The pendulum swings from the phrase 'Jesus or Paul' to 'Jesus and Paul?' When Paul made ethical pronouncement such as "Bless those who persecute you" (Rom. 12:14), why didn't he cite the authority of Jesus (Matt. 5:10-12)? When Paul says in Romans 8:26, "we do not know what we ought to pray for", does this mean he was unaware that Jesus taught the Lord's Prayer to his disciples (Matt. 6:9-13) and Luke 11:2-4)? Those who claim that Paul takes up an independent attitude towards Jesus would hastily conclude that they had a different message, a discovery I view as misleading. I support the viewpoint that "Paul's understanding of God is completely in line with Jesus' teaching" (Bruce 1977, 19)

Jesus and Paul


Make Money From Blogging

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Jesus and Paul

Jesus and Paul

A question scholars who believe that the messages are different normally ask is "why did Paul on page after page, in paragraph after paragraph appeal to the words of Jesus as authority for what he was advocating?" (Sandmel 1979, 107). They view it as incredible for Paul to give only one quotation from the statements believed to have been made by Jesus namely, His opposition to divorce. Why did he neglect the parables, aphorisms and annunciations of the Pharisees and Sadducees? Some like A.N. Wilson have even claimed that it was Paul, and not Jesus, who founded Christianity. But how does this thesis, which in various forms has been debated for over a century, stand up?

Wright (2001) in his book What Saint Paul Really Said: Was Paul of Tarsus the Real Founder of Christianity leads readers through current scholarly discussion of Paul and gives a devastating critique of views like Wilson's, showing that they fail to take account of all the evidence. Wilson (a journalist and biographer) dismisses Christianity as an unhappy accident, the product of a radical party based on Greek rationalism and partly on Jewish mysticism. Wilson fails in three areas - historical, theological and exegetical. The greatest value of Wright's work is that it clarifies and successfully defends the orthodox position as the only true one. Indeed Paul was not the founder of Christianity, rather a faithful witness and herald of Jesus Christ. Although it is realistic however to observe that without Paul "Christianity would probably never have survived" (Grant 1982, 1), it is misleading to call him its founder.

Wenham (1985) in his book Paul: Follower of Jesus or Founder of Christianity provides a broad look at the relationship between Paul and Jesus. Considering the recurrent position of how much Paul knew and was dependent on the teachings of Jesus, he studies the Gospels and Paul's letters, systematically compares the teachings of Jesus and Paul, and convincingly reveals intriguing connections between them.

Furthermore, Wenham (1995) builds on this study in another text, Paul and Jesus: The True Story, writing against the view that Paul is a religious freelancer who corrupted Jesus' teachings. Writing in dialogue with those who wish to distance Paul from Jesus, he shows the importance the ministry and teachings of Jesus were to Paul's own thought. Indeed, what emerges from a study of Paul's epistles is a man who drew extensively on the traditions of Jesus and faithfully worked to spread his message to the rest of the world. Although Paul never saw Jesus during his life on earth, Lahaye (1997) aptly noted that "his writings show he was thoroughly familiar with the life of Jesus of Nazareth many years before the Gospels were ever written" (103).

Perhaps no contemporary evangelical scholar is better equipped like Bruce to refute the claim by liberal scholars that Paul represented a departure from that of Jesus. Bruce (1974) is among those scholars to delineate Paul's teaching (distinguishing between those elements Paul received directly from God and those that he received from Christian tradition) and demonstrating that the ways of salvation to which Paul and Jesus pointed were identical in essence. The beauty of the argument is in its apt summary:

Paul agrees with the outline which we find elsewhere in the New Testament, and in the four gospels in particular. Paul himself is at pains to point out that the Gospel which he preached was basically one and the same as that preached by other apostles (1Cor. 15:11), a striking claim if we consider that Paul was neither a companion of the earthly Jesus nor of the original apostles, and that he vigorously asserts his complete independence of these later(Bruce 1974, 20)

The above quotation is so central to the viewpoint of the writer that he quotes it verbatim on page 94 of another publication (Bruce 2000). Some portions of his book, A Mind for What Matters, could be sees as a "protest against the tendency to represent Paul as having no interest in himself in the character and teaching of the historical Jesus, and as depreciating any such interest on the part of the others" (Bruce 1990, 114).

Many other writers echo Bruce in several ways. It is incontrovertible that "upon a careful inspection, a fairly full summary of the main contours of Jesus' life can be pieced together from Paul's writings" (Blomberg 1997, 379). Among examples cited are His descent from Abraham and David (Gal. 3:16; Rom. 1:3, upbringing of the Jewish Law (Gal. 4), gathering together of His disciples including Peter and John, having a brother named James (Gal. 1:19,29), an impeccable character and exemplary life (Phil 2:6-8), 2 Cor. 8:9; Rom. 15:3,8), the Last Supper and betrayal (I Cor. 11:23-25) and numerous details surrounding his death and resurrection (Gal.3:1, 1 Thes. 2:4-8). These are therefore "some clear indications of Paul's knowledge of and interest in at least some basic aspects of the historical life and teaching of Jesus" (France 1986, 93).

A closer examination reveals other striking similarities in the messages of Jesus and Paul. Does Romans 12:17-19 contain a cluster of allusions to the Sermon on the Mount and the principles of love? Is Romans 13:7 familiar with Jesus' famous teaching on paying taxes? These could be answered in the affirmative. I Corinthians contains three direct references: the first is on marriage and divorce (7:10), the second on a worker and his wages (Luke 10:7; 11:23-25) and the third with its detailed knowledge of the teaching of Jesus about the Passover bread and wine (11:23-25). According to Blomberg (1997),

I Thessalonians again contains three clear clusters of references to Jesus' teachings: 2:14-16 resembles selections of Matthew 23:29-38, with its invective against the Jewish leaders; 4:15-17 refers to a word of the Lord concerning his return and contains several echoes of the Olivet Discourse (Mark 13); and 5:2-4 refers specifically to the Day of the Lord coming like a thief, in dependence on the parable in Matthew 24:43-44 and Luke 12:39-40. More generally, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 refers to belief in a coming AntiChrist reminiscent of Jesus' teaching about the abomination that causes desolation... (Blomberg 1997, 379).

It is realistic to note that key themes in Paul's theology, as different as it superficially seems to be from Jesus' own thought, also suggest stronger lines of continuity. One cannot deny the fact that "the great mind in the New Testament to interpret the meaning of the person and work of Jesus is the converted Jew, Paul" (Ladd 1974, 360). It is also forcefully argued that although "the hardest of direct reference is meager... it is possible to trace many more echoes of themes of Jesus in his (Paul's) letters" France 1986, 92). Paul's understanding and proclamation of Jesus Christ did not by-pass the life and character of the One proclaimed as crucified and risen.

It is clear from Paul's own letters that he did not know Jesus directly but this does not mean that he did not know Jesus' teachings. He refers to himself as "Paul an apostle - sent not from men or by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead" (Gal. 1:1). Further down he observed that "I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel that I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ" (11-12).

There are similarities in the teachings of Jesus and Paul on divorce, treasure, government and parousia. Paul's fullest discussion of this is I Cor. 7:20, immediately prior to the passage listed above where he issued the maxim. Jesus issued a very firm teaching against laying up of treasure on earth. In admonishing his followers, Jesus said:

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth rust and destroy, and where thieves bread in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be" (Matt. 6:19-21).

Paul had a similar doctrine though one may be tempted to note that it was a different term. As he observed, "set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God" (Col. 3:1-2).

Paul's conviction of the imminent end of the age heavily influenced his acceptance of the Roman authorities. Why rebel or mount a revolution and go to all the trouble and grief of planning and executing a violent overthrow of Roman authority in Judea, when the Lord was about to take care of it any day? Here again, Paul agrees with Jesus in his stance towards the Romans. Jesus also acknowledged the authority of the Romans when Pharisees deceitfully confronted him to know whether it was right to pay taxes to Caesar. In His reply, he observed that one should "give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's".

There are certain similarities in the message of Jesus and Paul in connection with the parousia. All through Paul's writings, one sees a striking parallel with Jesus' emphasis to be prepared and also compared His return with the coming of a thief (Matt. 24:42-22; 13:34-37; 25:1-13; 32:36. In all fairness to Paul, he was consistent with the teaching on watchfulness and preparedness.

Paul's comment on the right of gospel preachers to have their material needs supplied is not inconsistent with Jesus' teaching. Before sending the seventy-two, he gave them several instructions. One was to "stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages" (Luke 10:7). When admonishing the Corinthians, he based his argument on the advice of the Lord when he stated that "in the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel" (I Cor. 9:14). Elsewhere he observed thus: "the Scripture says 'Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading the grain,' and 'The worker deserves his wages" (I Tim. 5:18). Commenting on communion, Paul observed that he was merely passing on what he had received from the Lord. He quoted Jesus directly: "This is my body, which is for you, do this in remembrance of me. In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me" (I Cor. 12:25).

It must be noted that Paul was well acquainted with the sayings of Jesus even in areas where he did not quote His actual sayings. It is realistically noted that.

We ought to compare the ethical section of the Epistle to the Romans (12:1-15:7), where Paul summarizes the practical importance of the gospel for the lives of the believers, with the Sermon on the Mount, to see how thoroughly imbued the apostle was with the teaching of his master. Besides, there and elsewhere, Paul's chief argument in his ethical instruction is the example of Christ himself. And the character of Christ as understood by Paul is in perfect agreement with his character as portrayed in the Gospels (Bruce 2000, 93).

Paul's mention of "the meekness and gentleness of Christ" (I Cor. 10:1) reminds us of Jesus' words, "I am meek and lowly at heart" (Matt. 11:29). When Jesus called the crowd, he said, "if anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to lose his life for me and for the gospel will save it" (Mark 8:34-35). Paul notes that "...even Christ did not please Himself..." (Rom. 15:3). Therefore, "we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves" (Rom. 15:1). If Paul's aim was to preach Christ and Him crucified, it would be misleading to observe that his message was different from that of Jesus. After his conversion, he observed that he no longer lives but rather Christ Himself dwells in him.

One may be tempted to use the first part of a verse in one of the letters by Peter to support the likes of Wilson who see the teachings of Jesus and Paul as different. Peter may generally have been referring to the exhortations of holy living when he observed that "he (Paul) writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction" (2 Pet. 3:16).

A part of the above verse that states that "his letters contain some things that are hard to understand" may be sued by critics to argue that Paul, unlike Jesus, preached on themes that were hard to understand. This argument is merely building on a sandy foundation because even the learned Pharisees could not understand when Jesus observed that he would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days. There is supportive evidence in Scripture that Jesus gathered His disciples to explain what they did not understand when He was preaching to the crowd that followed Him. The second half of the above verse clearly states that unstable and ignorant people would twist Paul's message just as they do other Scriptures, with fatal consequences.

On cannot deny that Paul's writings can be complex. We cannot also presume that everything he wrote about will necessarily be relevant to our twentieth century. In all fairness however, Paul was dealing, after all, with problems arising out of a world very different to the one in which we live. Is it perhaps Paul's style that puts people off him? They may not be the first to discover that he does not always read as smoothly as one would wish. Paul's letters are obviously not carefully planned theological treatises, otherwise one might have the right to complain about his lack of clarity. They are most emergency writings, written... to answer special needs. Paul did not just sit down and write as one might sit and write an article (Richards 1990, 5).

His letters therefore were not the result or product of reflective thinking behind closed doors in the comfort and isolation of a study. They emerged out of his experience as a church pioneer, and their contents inevitably reflect that experience. It is therefore necessary to be sensitive to the above when we read his letters today. Paul never intended these letters- to be read either separately or all together- to be a comprehensive account of the Christian faith. Furthermore, Paul did not expect them to be read by anyone other than those to whom they were addressed. Some were detailed replies to other letters that had been sent to him - letters that no longer exist for us to consult. This is very important in our understanding of Paul. If one is listening to a telephone conversation, it is possible to misinterpret the communication simply because he is not listening to the individual from the other end. It is possible that there could have been some important information in a missing letter that would have explained what now seem difficult to understand.

Maybe the nature of the writings we now have as letters increases our difficulties. Paul's letters are not books of theology dressed to be like letters. It is almost certain that "if Paul had not come up against the Judaisers in the Galatian churches, we should not have had the letter to the Galatians with its explanation of the relationship of the Christian to the Old Testament Law" (Drane 1986, 358). By extension, there would have been no I & II Corinthians had there been no factions in Corinth. Without involving in these arguments, would he have written Romans in the way he did?

CONCLUSION

It would be a misleading oversimplification to state that Jesus and Paul had a different message. If he was "Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead" (Gal.1:1), how can he have preached a message that was different from Jesus? Paul's attitude therefore was not to invalidate Jesus' teaching but rather to carry it on in the proper way. He does not abandon Jesus but continues his teaching. The situation is brilliantly analyzed when it is observed that "Jesus and Paul are looking towards the same mountain range, but whereas Jesus sees it as lying before Him, Paul already stands upon it and its first slopes are already behind him" (Schweitzer 1955, 114). The message however is the same in essence. One may only understand Paul when his background is carefully studied. It is a truism that "a good understanding of Paul's thought as could be gleaned from his writings therefore entails a reference to his background" (Gwamna and Pali 2000, 267).

REFERENCE LIST

Blomberg, C.L. 1997. Jesus and the Gospels: An introduction and survey. Nashville, Tennessee: Appollos.

Bruce, F.F. 1974. Paul and Jesus. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House.
____________. 1977. Paul: Apostle of the heart set free. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

_____________. 1990. A mind for what matters. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

____________. 2000. The New Testament documents: Are they reliable? 6th ed. Leicester:
Inter Varsity Press.

Drane, J. 1986. Introducing the New Testament. 5th ed. New York : Harper & Row Publishers.
France, R.T. 1986. The evidence for Jesus. Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter Varsity Press.

Grant, M. 1982. Saint Paul. New York: Cross Road.

Gwamna, D.J. & Victoria Pali. 2000. Pauline life and thought: selected notes on Pastoral epistles. In
H.D. Danfulani et al. Essentials of Christian religious studies in Nigerian colleges of
education. Jos: CEE Technical Production.

Ladd, G.E. 1974. A theology of the New Testament. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans
Publishing Co.

Layaye, T. 1997. Jesus, who is He?: the amazing truth about Jesus Christ. London: Marshall Pickering.

Richards, H. 1990. The Gospel according to St. Paul. Collegeville, Minnesota: The Liturgical Press.

Sandmel, S. 1979. The genius of Paul: a study in history. Philadelphia: Fortress Press.

Wenham, D. 1995. Paul: follower of Jesus or founder of Christianity. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
__________. 2002. Paul and Jesus: the true story. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans
Publishing Co.

Wright, N.T. 2001. What Saint Paul really said: was Paul of Tarsus the real founder of
Christianity? Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

Jesus and Paul

Jesus and Paul


Make Money From Blogging

ItemPostTime

Jesus and Paul

St Patrick's Day Party Punch Drinks - Green Leprechaun Punch

St Patrick's Day Party Punch Drinks - Green Leprechaun Punch
ItemMediumImageUrl

BestCustomerReview

St Patrick's Day Party Punch Drinks - Green Leprechaun Punch

A st patrick's day party punch will be one of the first patrick's day Punch. This St. Paddy's Day Leprechaun party punch will be the hit of your party that your guests will remember all year long. (they will expect more Leprechaun party punch next year too)

St Patrick's Day Party Punch Drinks - Green Leprechaun Punch

St Patrick's Day Party Punch Drinks - Green Leprechaun Punch
St Patrick's Day Party Punch Drinks - Green Leprechaun Punch


Make Money From Blogging


St Patrick's Day Party Punch Drinks - Green Leprechaun Punch

St Patrick's Day Party Punch Drinks - Green Leprechaun Punch

St Patrick's Day Party Punch Drinks - Green Leprechaun Punch

St Patrick's Day Party Punch Drinks - Green Leprechaun Punch


Make Money From Blogging

ItemPostTime

St Patrick's Day Party Punch Drinks - Green Leprechaun Punch

St. Patrick's Day Lucky Charms CHALLENGE Massacre (World Record Attempt)

Video Clips. Duration : 6.15 Mins.

St. Patrick's Day Lucky Charms CHALLENGE Massacre (World Record Attempt)

Check out my #Eatgreen #Gogreen buddy Juan More Bite: http://www.youtube.com/user/JuanMoreBite No one's done it before, so I eat an entire 11.5 oz box of gre...

St. Patrick's Day Lucky Charms CHALLENGE Massacre (World Record Attempt)

St. Patrick's Day Lucky Charms CHALLENGE Massacre (World Record Attempt)

St. Patrick's Day Lucky Charms CHALLENGE Massacre (World Record Attempt)

St. Patrick's Day Lucky Charms CHALLENGE Massacre (World Record Attempt)

No URL St. Patrick's Day Lucky Charms CHALLENGE Massacre (World Record Attempt)

Who Was St. Patrick and Why Do We Celebrate His Life?

Who Was St. Patrick and Why Do We Celebrate His Life?
ItemMediumImageUrl

BestCustomerReview

Who Was St. Patrick and Why Do We Celebrate His Life?

st patrick's day is known as a day of celebration and fest patrick's day has evolved into more of a secular holiday. Or, rather, 'be Irish Day '. Speculation as to why this holiday is so popular could be the coming of spring that occurs within just a few days.

Who Was St. Patrick and Why Do We Celebrate His Life?

Who Was St. Patrick and Why Do We Celebrate His Life?
Who Was St. Patrick and Why Do We Celebrate His Life?


Make Money From Blogging


Who Was St. Patrick and Why Do We Celebrate His Life?

Who Was St. Patrick and Why Do We Celebrate His Life?

Who Was St. Patrick and Why Do We Celebrate His Life?

Who Was St. Patrick and Why Do We Celebrate His Life?


Make Money From Blogging

ItemPostTime

Who Was St. Patrick and Why Do We Celebrate His Life?

Check out my #Eatgreen #Gogreen buddy Juan More Bite: http://www.youtube.com/user/JuanMoreBite No one's done it before, so I eat an entire 11.5 oz box of gre...

Keywords:

Alcoholism in the Irish Culture

Alcoholism in the Irish Culture
ItemMediumImageUrl

BestCustomerReview

Alcoholism in the Irish Culture

Introduction:

Alcoholism in the Irish Culture

Alcoholism in the Irish Culture

Experience with alcoholics has put this writer in touch with various clients of Irish decent, all of whom have shared similarities in their descriptions of alcohol in their Irish culture. They describe that alcohol is drunk in excess at weddings, at funerals, on holidays, and on sad days. Alcohol is most appropriate on Saturdays and Sundays; and Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Sober clients who are otherwise not so careful with "people, places, and things" still avoid the Irish Day Parade like the plague. What is the relationship between Ireland and Alcohol in context of history, social aspects, and medical considerations?

Alcoholism in the Irish Culture


Make Money From Blogging

Historical Context:

Alcoholism in the Irish Culture

Alcoholism in the Irish Culture

As will be explained, the retail price of alcoholic drinks has consistently been considered an important regulator of alcohol consumption and by implication, a method of controlling the amount of excessive drinking. Regulating alcohol patterns has been a debated issue in Ireland as far back as 1791 when it was actually debated in the Irish parliament. Apparently the problems of alcoholism were rampant in Ireland already back then. At that time, the "Gin Act" in England was used as a proof that a parliament could regulate production and sales to help sober a country. This issue has never been resolved and while at the beginning of last century poverty was blamed for excessive drinking, nowadays affluence is frequently mentioned as a cause. These days, the popular mindset is described in the expression, "Alcoholism comes in people and not in bottles." Irish parliament is still very much uninvolved in alcoholic litigation for various cultural, religious, and political reasons. These will all be touched upon again in farther discussion on the causes and trends of Irish drinking habits (Blaney, 1974).

How much do the Irish drink?

It is significant to mention that in spite of the numbers supporting the notion of higher alcohol consumption with Irish drinkers, a significant proportion of the Irish population do not drink any alcohol at all. In numerous studies, almost three times as many Irish citizens reported that they had not consumed any alcohol at all during the past 12 months than as in any Scandinavian countries and almost twice the abstinence rate as those reported in Germany, UK, France, and Italy (Ramstedt & Hope, 2003).

While Ireland has the highest level of abstinence amid the aforementioned countries, it also boasts twice as high levels of alcohol consumption compared to those same countries. This means that those who do drink in Ireland drink much higher quantities per person as other regions (Ramstedt & Hope, 2003). The most recent statistics of the World Health Organization (2011) reports that Irish drinkers consume an average of 14.41 liters of alcohol per year, the highest among all countries mentioned thus far. This amount is measured in the amount of pure ethyl alcohol. In comparison, the average drinker in the United States only consumes 9.44 liters. That is approximately 5 liters of alcohol less per person than drinkers in Ireland. Amongst the Irish that do drink, the heaviest drinking occurs with Irish second generation (Mullen, Williams, & Hunt, 1996). Ramstedt & Hope (2003) state that the higher overall level of drinking in Ireland is directly associated with higher alcohol-related mortality related to deaths from liver cirrhosis, accidents, and homicide.

Amazingly, daily drinking in the same countries mentioned is lowest in Ireland in spite of the high alcohol consumption per year. Only 1.6% of Irish men drink every day. Comparatively, 42% of men drink every day in Italy, 21% in France, and 12% in Germany. These percentage differentiations are similar among women as well (Ramstedt & Hope, 2003). This would seem to suggest that while the Irish may not drink every day, when they do drink it is in vastly greater quantities per drink.

Why do Irish Drink? Causes and Trends:

Blaney (1974) describes various explanations as to why there is such a link between the Irish and Alcohol. Irish weather and climate is commonly believed to be an important cause of Irish overindulgence. The basic idea is that the damp climate and inclement weather cause people to seek modes of stimulation such as alcohol. This theory was especially prevalent in the mid nineteenth-century.

Lack of quality food has also been blamed. Theorists seek to show how the Irish have a general tendency for substitute drinking for eating in response to certain situations. Additionally, a lack of alternative drinking establishments has long been blamed in Ireland for excessive consumption of alcohol. It is believed that the development of the Cafe and Coffee-House Movement towards the end of the last century occurred in direct response to this association. The political rhetoric of the time included statements like "there are few places to go except the pub" and "there is nothing else for young people to do on Friday nights than to start drinking."

Another cultural dynamic in Ireland is the pervasive availability of open alcohol eateries known as "public houses" or "pubs." Ireland also has very loose legal constraints monitoring public alcohol sales in groceries. The corresponding modern view is that availability of alcohol in public houses and supermarkets leads to excessive drinking - especially in women. On these fronts, licensing laws regulating the availability of alcohol are rapidly re-evolving and researchers are closely following correlations between alcohol litigation and excessive drinking trends.

Obviously, these considerations of pinpointing availability of alcohol - or unavailability of other beverages - as the causes of excessive use of alcohol in Ireland is somewhat faulty. While these may explain the continuation or perpetuation of high rates of alcoholism in second generation Irish youth, it fails to explain how the evolution of an exclusive cultural relationship with alcohol was initiated to begin with. These factors are significant however, in understanding causes for new trends of alcoholism in modern Irish culture.

There is another popular theory that Irish people are physically and psychologically prone to alcoholism. No specific genetic theories have yet become available, but at least one researcher states that "the taste of alcohol in the mouth is more attractive to the Irish than to others." Recent psychological studies point to an "Irish Psychological Constitution" that causes an actual predisposition to alcoholism (Blaney, 1974).

It will be explained further that Bales (1962) understood that the social patterns of Irish drinking actually predisposes the culture to higher rates of alcoholism. In this context, Irish political forces are attempting to counteract the Irish practice of drinking in large groups where each person gets a turn to buy the rest of the group a round of drinks. This is an old Irish social custom which is still being implicated today and seen as a large hurdle in the fight against alcoholism.

Religion:

Butler & Jordan (2006) explain the religious influence of alcoholism in Ireland. Ireland is a Catholic based country. Catholicism considers Protestants as one of the largest threats to traditional Catholic culture. The idea of self-control, temperance, and abstinence is a very Protestant initiative and traditional Catholicism is quite skeptical of the entire notion. In fact, it will be explained later how the Irish Church was against the establishment of AA for this very reason.

Mullen, Williams, and Hunt (1996) explore the common stereotype of the Irish and heavy drinking within this religious context as well. Quoting O'Connor (1978) it is posited that the historical ideas about the medical treatment for alcoholism in both the Irish and the English cultures were similar as both were eventually affected heavily by the religiously orientated temperance movement. As was mentioned, this is in spite of resistance from the Irish Catholic Church (Butler & Jordan, 2006). Mullen, Williams, and Hunt (1996) quote other studies as well finding Irish and English drinking in American cities to be fairly similar. Differences were mainly in comparison with Italians and Jews and with English from a rural or southern Protestant background with strong Baptist and Methodist affiliations. This strongly suggests that religion plays a role as well in drinking patterns and would therefore be an important clinical factor. Indeed, based on data from two studies carried out Ireland, one quantitative, the other qualitative, significant differences according to religious affiliation is shown.

The association of the Irish with Catholicism is strong if not overwhelming in many areas. Religious identity is stronger in Ireland than political identity and conflict in Ireland is more often religious than political. Theorists do in fact hypothesize a close link between Catholic culture and the Irish drinking. Studies show that in Irish-American communities, Irish Catholic drinking practices and problems were seen to relate to a somewhat tolerant normative religious structure which begins a cycle of abusive drinking and "reinstatements" like confession, forgiveness, and re-incorporation into group life that is easily transferable from religious to secular domains. Similar to Butler & Jordan (2006), Mullen, Williams, and Hunt (1996) also quote clear research literature showing that high levels of alcohol consumption are often assumed with Catholic subcultures being viewed as encouraging permissive drinking norms while the Protestant cultures are more ambivalent.

Irish and Jews:

Levin (1995) explains that while we have seen how the Irish have both high levels of consumption as well as significantly high levels of abstinence, Jews were found to exhibit neither high levels of consumption or abstinence. While Jews were found to drink almost exclusively at home with family or as part of religious ceremonies, the Irish rarely drink at home as the majority of drinking done in Ireland is in public houses, as has previously been mentioned. Lastly, the Irish mindset states that getting drunk is excusable and a socially acceptable form of relief and escape, while traditional Jewish values suggests that to get drunk in this manner is "unjewish." Jewish drinking is sacred, formal, and ceremonial.

Bales (1962) studied and compared the 'convivial' or 'utilitarian' drinking of the Irish with the 'ritual' drinking of the Jews. He defines four categories or attitudes. They are abstinence, ritual, convivial, and utilitarian. Defining Irish as convivial and utilitarian means that there is no significance to one's drinking outside of social solidarity and self gratification. The ritual consumption of Jewish drinkers however represents the use of alcohol as a symbolism of communion with God. The theory is that ritual drinking patterns can inhibit and even inoculate members against alcoholism, while utilitarian drinking may actually predispose the drinkers in that culture to eventual abuse and dependency. This theory seeks to explain how the differences in mindset evolved within these cultures.

Alcoholics Anonymous:

The Irish religious arena played a central role in the early foundation of AA in Ireland as well. Butler & Jordan (2006) explain the exact relationship in detail. Historically, AA was quickly accepted in strong Protestant-oriented traditions. Ireland is predominantly Roman-Catholic or Irish- Catholic. Catholicism however, took issue with AA on a few fronts. First and foremost was the fact that AA was conceived through tenants of a non denomination Christian group called the Oxford Group.
Additionally, Irish Catholic bishops favored a centralized teaching authority and found the AA approach heterodoxical. This was because of AA's use of a Higher Power and "God as we understood him" in addition to individual group autonomy and the group conscience. These were seen as a rival to the structure and moral monopoly of the Catholic Church in Ireland.

Lastly, all religious elements in Ireland - even the more "progressive" Catholic Temperance League - were apposed to the disease concept of alcoholism. Traditional belief understands alcoholism as volitional in nature. People drink because they chose to. If they chose otherwise, they could become and remain abstinent if they so desired - particularly by using their Church membership to invoke God's help.

On November 18, 1946 an AA member from Philadelphia, Connor F., established the first AA meeting in Dublin. This was the very first AA meeting held in all of Europe. Connor however, faced the following large hurdles. He first approached religious clergy who informed him there are no alcoholics in Ireland. He then approached medical hospitals who told him to take his [big] book and never come back.

Although Connor himself was protestant, ninety five percent of Ireland at the time was Catholic. No Catholic church was willing to host an AA meeting and no Catholic was willing to even enter a protestant church - even if only to attend an AA meeting. AA could not find any clergy or newspaper to give them positive publicity. The fact that AA originated in the USA was an additional hurdle. The Irish considered the US to be "the land of freak religions" and wanted no part in this new American movement.

The secretary of Dublin's AA group was a man named Sackville who had been asked to retire from the English Army prematurely because of his pervasive alcoholism. In January 1972, Sackville and an English Catholic member of AA obtained a private audience with Pope Paul VI. The Pope described AA as "fine work, a real apostolate." He gave AA his blessing and stated that he would keep AA in his prayers. With endorsement from the Pope, AA in Ireland no longer had any real fear of being censured by the local Catholic Church.

Bibliography:

Bales, R. F. (1962). Attitudes Towards Drinking in the Irish Culture, 157-187. Found in Pittman, D. & Snyder, C. Society, Culture, and Drinking Patterns. Wiley.
Blaney, R. (1974). Alcoholism in Ireland: Medical and Social Aspects. Journal of the Statistical and Social Inquiry Society of Ireland 23(1). Retrieved March 2, 2011
Butler, S. and Jordon, T. (2006) Alcoholics Anonymous in Ireland: AA's first European Experience. Addiction, 102(6), 879 - 886 Retrieved March 2, 2011
Levin, J. D. (1995). Introduction to Alcoholism Counseling: a Bio-Psycho-Social Approach. Taylor & Francis.
Mullen K., Williams R., and Hunt K. (1996) Irish descent, Religion, Alcohol, and Tobacco Use. Addiction, 1996, 91(2), 243-254. Retrieved March 2, 2011
O'Connor, J. (1978). The Young Drinkers. London, Tavistock.
Ramstedt M. & Hope A. (2003). The Irish Drinking Culture - Drinking and Drinking-Related Harm, a European Comparison. Retrieved March 2, 2011
World Health Organization (2011). Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health. WHO Press. Switzerland. Retrieved March 2, 2011

Alcoholism in the Irish Culture

Alcoholism in the Irish Culture


Make Money From Blogging

ItemPostTime

Alcoholism in the Irish Culture

Five Ways to Make Your Family Laugh Out Loud

Five Ways to Make Your Family Laugh Out Loud
ItemMediumImageUrl

BestCustomerReview

Five Ways to Make Your Family Laugh Out Loud

Making your Family laugh is best thing in the world. No monetary value or material thing can bring you the feeling that comes when seeing your family laugh. For you as a family member, it is very easy to make them laugh because you know them better. You know how to make them tickle.

Five Ways to Make Your Family Laugh Out Loud

Five Ways to Make Your Family Laugh Out Loud

Here are 5 Ways to bring belly laugh on your family's face.

Five Ways to Make Your Family Laugh Out Loud


Make Money From Blogging

1- Funny Family Quotes - Some of the Famous Peoples around the world have quoted various Funny Family Quotes. Reading these pithy statements loud in front of your family is sure to cause them chuckle and brighten their day. These Quotes draw your attention to the humorous and funny side of your families. Find some Funny Family Quotes now, share them with your family and enjoy the precious moment of seeing them smile.

Five Ways to Make Your Family Laugh Out Loud

Five Ways to Make Your Family Laugh Out Loud

2- Funny Books - Go to your near book store. Browse and find out some funny books. There are plenty of funny Books available on the book store. They are instantly entertaining and don't require intense, undivided attention. These funny books not only make your family laugh out loud, but also strength your family bond and show your love to them.

3- Use Technology - We should consider ourselves lucky to have so much of amazing technologies like cell phone, instant messaging, internet etc. These awesome technologies help us stay connected with our family even when we are far away from them. It provides us with an opportunity to make our near and dear ones laugh out loud. You can use your cell phone to send Funny SMS Messages to your family. You can create some funny videos using your web cam or mobile cam and upload them to YouTube and send the video link to your family. It will make them laugh out loud.

4-Let the Games Begin - Gather all your family members together and play some games. It is a wonderful way to spend time together and cause them chuckle as well. There are literally hundred of thousand of games to choose from. You can play racing games, party games, Baby showers game, board games, card games and dozens of others games to choose from. So let the Game Begin Now.

5- Funny Movies - Watching funny movies together is a magic pill against sadness and way to give your family ton of laugh. Peoples from all around the world love to see funny movies. There is nothing like a great funny and humorous movie to make you and your family laughs out loud. So buy some such movies DVD and watch them together with your family.

Five Ways to Make Your Family Laugh Out Loud

Five Ways to Make Your Family Laugh Out Loud


Make Money From Blogging

ItemPostTime

Five Ways to Make Your Family Laugh Out Loud

Different Types of Glassware

Different Types of Glassware
ItemMediumImageUrl

BestCustomerReview

Different Types of Glassware

Glass items utilized in tableware settings are usually classified as "glassware" and are used to describe the drinking vessels of a table setting. Additionally, the terminology is used to describe objects manufactured from glass. In the catering industry, glassware usually refers to any drinking vessel, even if it is made from plastic materials such as polycarbonate or polystyrene.

Different Types of Glassware

Different Types of Glassware

Most retailers today carry four types of glassware in their product line-ups, specifically:

Different Types of Glassware


Make Money From Blogging

Barware - beer mugs and pitchers
Crystal - elegant forms of glassware such as carafes and flutes
Everyday Glassware - the more common forms of glasses used for beer, iced tea, juice, or water
Stemware - champagne and wine glasses

Different Types of Glassware

Different Types of Glassware

Whether a person chooses to mix different types of glassware or purchase matching sets is purely a matter of individual taste. Either way, there is no hard and fast rule about mixing or not mixing glassware in your collection. Depending on the types of drinks and foods you are planning to serve, there is glassware available for every occasion. Being aware of the each type of glassware that you need is paramount when selecting the type of glassware you want for your table.

Glassware Market Trends

Just like any other consumer industry, there are certain market trends to be aware of in the glassware industry as well. Currently, the following 4 trends are apparent:

* Cocktail glasses, whether they are the classic version or vintage cocktail shakers, are gaining in popularity again. These are used to create ambiance and add a sense of glamour that makes enjoying a drink more like a festive event or occasion.

* Cut crystal manufactured in the 1930's continues to be an excellent purchase for collectors. It is not uncommon to find sets in styles similar to the modern day collections. Due to the fact that it is more often second-hand quality rather than antique, you won't have the overly inflated price tag that is attached to antique glassware.

* Mixing more modern styles the older types is an increasingly popular trend. For instance, the industry has witnessed an increase in the buying of champagne bowls, both the more modern ones and those manufactured in the 1950's. People would normally only buy champagne flutes in the past.

* Huge red wine glasses that were prevalent everywhere several years back are no longer as popular as they once were. People are beginning to realize that they can finish a bottle of expensive champagne or wine by filling a couple of these. Additionally, the amount of alcohol an individual can consume without being affected also comes into consideration. Smaller glasses are gaining in popularity once again.

Common Types of Glassware

Although there are several schools of thought about the different categories of glassware, the following is a list of the 7 most common categories in the industry today:

Beer glassware
Coffee mugs
Drinking glasses
Shot glasses
Stemware
Tumblers
Wine glasses

Finally, be aware of the fact that not all glassware is dishwasher safe and should only be hand washed in order to care for it properly.

Different Types of Glassware

Different Types of Glassware


Make Money From Blogging

ItemPostTime

Different Types of Glassware

(St Patricks Day)Dancing w/ the STARS|LEAKED try out video

Tube. Duration : 1.67 Mins.

(St Patricks Day)Dancing w/ the STARS|LEAKED try out video

http://www.innerleprechaun.com/ Judge for yourself if you think I should have been selected as a "Dancing with the Stars" contestant. Leaked (St Patricks Day...

(St Patricks Day)Dancing w/ the STARS|LEAKED try out video

(St Patricks Day)Dancing w/ the STARS|LEAKED try out video

(St Patricks Day)Dancing w/ the STARS|LEAKED try out video

(St Patricks Day)Dancing w/ the STARS|LEAKED try out video

No URL (St Patricks Day)Dancing w/ the STARS|LEAKED try out video




http://www.innerleprechaun.com/ Judge for yourself if you think I should have been selected as a "Dancing with the Stars" contestant. Leaked (St Patricks Day...

Tags:

Christmas - Top 7 Funny Christmas Quotes For Family Fun, Laughter & Jolliness!

Christmas - Top 7 Funny Christmas Quotes For Family Fun, Laughter & Jolliness!

Christmas - Top 7 Funny Christmas Quotes For Family Fun, Laughter & Jolliness!
ItemMediumImageUrl

BestCustomerReview

Christmas - Top 7 Funny Christmas Quotes For Family Fun, Laughter & Jolliness!

Sharing funny Christmas quotes gives a family an opportunity to laugh together and feel a sense of joy, jolliness and closeness during the festive season. As an added bonus families will reap health benefits in the process. Laughter helps to project your nervous system, reduce stress, boost your immune system and gives your internal organs a good work-out. Sharing funny Christmas quotes is an opportunity to come together sharing inspiration, joy and a few laughs. Give a gift that brings joy to the ones you love on a whole new level by sharing funny Christmas quotes.

Christmas - Top 7 Funny Christmas Quotes For Family Fun, Laughter & Jolliness!

Christmas - Top 7 Funny Christmas Quotes For Family Fun, Laughter & Jolliness!

You can add Christmas quotes to your Christmas cards to make them even more enjoyable and memorable for the recipient. You could also add them to your own home made Christmas crackers. How about being creative and paint Christmas quotes onto a Christmas bowl, pot plant, a Christmas apron or even onto Christmas cushions or throw rugs which you could also give as fun and inspirational gifts too. With a little imagination and creativity, ideas for sharing funny Christmas quotes and applications are endless.

Christmas - Top 7 Funny Christmas Quotes For Family Fun, Laughter & Jolliness!


Make Money From Blogging

So why not start a new tradition in your home and get the whole family involved in finding on the internet or in books from the library funny Christmas quotes. You could even encourage everyone to make up their own original funny Christmas quote. You could extend an invitation to extended family and friends to bring along a funny Christmas quote to share at your Christmas get-together. You could even have a prize gift for the best funny Christmas quote. You can Google 'Funny Christmas Quotes' and you will find hundreds to choose from and why not even make up your funny Christmas quotes.

Christmas - Top 7 Funny Christmas Quotes For Family Fun, Laughter & Jolliness!

Christmas - Top 7 Funny Christmas Quotes For Family Fun, Laughter & Jolliness!

Here are seven top funny Christmas quotes to help you get started:

1. I once bought my kids a set of batteries for Christmas with a note on it saying, toys not included. Bernard Manning

2. I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph. Shirley Temple

3. The Supreme Court has ruled that they cannot have a nativity scene in Washington, D.C. This wasn't for any religious reasons. They couldn't find three wise men and a virgin. Jay Leno

4. Decorate your homes with lots of mistletoe... this won't really help the environment... But more kissing has got to be good for world peace. GreenPeace

5. Santa Claus wears a Red Suit, He must be a communist. And a beard and long hair, Must be a pacifist. What's in that pipe that he's smoking? Arlo Guthrie

6. Christmas just like a day at the office; you do all the work and the fat guy with the suit gets all the credit. Anonymous

7. In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it 'Christmas' and went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukka' and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say 'Merry Christmas!' or 'Happy Hanukka!' or (to the atheists) 'Look out for the wall! Dave Barry

Introducing some funny Christmas quotes will open the door for extra fun, laughter and holiday jolliness this Christmas festive season. So do not miss an opportunity to add more inspiration, fun and laughter to your celebrations. Remember that family and friends that laughs together create a greater closeness through positive shared experiences and fond memories together. Introducing funny Christmas quotes is an opportunity to add more joy, jolliness and depth to your family, friends and office gatherings this festive Christmas season.

Christmas - Top 7 Funny Christmas Quotes For Family Fun, Laughter & Jolliness!

Christmas - Top 7 Funny Christmas Quotes For Family Fun, Laughter & Jolliness!


Make Money From Blogging

ItemPostTime

Christmas - Top 7 Funny Christmas Quotes For Family Fun, Laughter & Jolliness!

Top 10 Romantic Movies for Valentine's Day

Top 10 Romantic Movies for Valentine's Day
ItemMediumImageUrl

BestCustomerReview

Top 10 Romantic Movies for Valentine's Day

We've all been there, chaps, Googling endless variations - valentine's gifts for her, romantic presents for her, valentine's presents for girlfriend and all the rest. So if you've come this far, don't give up on us now. Don't go running for the hills. Instead, 'man up' and treat your other half to some full-on romance this Valentine's Day.

Top 10 Romantic Movies for Valentine's Day

Top 10 Romantic Movies for Valentine's Day

Don't panic though, we're not suggesting you spend a small fortune on Michelin-starred meals, there's no need to sign up to dancing lessons, and we definitely don't think you should take out a second mortgage on 12 red flowers. No sir. We reckon the personal touch has a lot more going for it.

Top 10 Romantic Movies for Valentine's Day


Make Money From Blogging

Here's what to do. Get yourself a personalised a bottle of champagne and a personalised box of chocolates, both featuring her name. It's a great way of tailoring something just for her. Then simply pick from one of these soppy films, light a few candles and snuggle on the sofa... with the personalised champagne and chocolates ready to go. We're talking serious brownie points.

Top 10 Romantic Movies for Valentine's Day

Top 10 Romantic Movies for Valentine's Day

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

First things first, there's that scene - the one in the cafe with Meg Ryan pretending to really enjoy herself. Then there's comedy legend Billy Crystal, not to mention Princess Leia. So whereas it's definitely one for the girls, it still has a few things thrown in to keep guys happy. Broadly speaking, it's a story about... surprise surprise Harry and Sally, two university graduates who meet when they carpool to New York. Over the coming years, and through the trials and tribulations of failed relationships, their previously prickly bond starts to resemble something closer to friendship. You can guess the rest - might there be a little more to it than just best pals...?

Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

Okay, let's be honest here. If you'd be more inclined to wallop Hugh Grant than watch him, you're going to struggle with Four Weddings. It is, after all, a film with Grant at his charmingly befuddled best. That said, it's also a very funny, smart and well-acted piece of cinema, thanks in no small part to the film's premise. It follows thirty-somethings Charles and his group of friends as they go from one wedding to the next, drinking too much and generally talking rubbish. That is until, at the first wedding in the movie, Charles meets Carrie, played by Andie McDowell. After that, everything changes. To top it all off, the soundtrack includes Wet Wet Wet's cheesy ballad, Love Is All Around.

Ghost (1990)

It's got Demi Moore in it. But perhaps more poignantly, the late, great Patrick Swayze, too - the guy who gave us Point Break's Bodhi, one of the coolest movie criminals of all time. For that reason alone, we ought to cut him some slack with the rather girlie Ghost. Sam and Molly are very much in love, living the American Dream and enjoying a night out at the theatre. Returning home, Sam is murdered in a robbery gone wrong. Finding himself trapped as a ghost, he soon learns his death was no random act of violence and that his beloved Molly is in perilous danger. Unable to communicate with her, Sam uses psychic Oda Mae Brown - played by Whoopi Goldberg - to speak with his mourning missus.

An Officer and a Gentleman (1982)

Richard Gere. Why is it his characters are always these intense, brooding types? You never see him playing a systems analyst or anything like that, do you? An Officer and a Gentleman isn't any different. Here, Rich plays Zack Mayo, a man who enrolls as a trainee at a naval officers' school with the dream of flying jets. What else?! With his new girlfriend, Paula - played by Debra Winger - willing him on, and his tough-as-nails drill sergeant pushing him to the limit, can Mayo fulfill his dream? We've got a sneaky suspicion he will. The film's final scene, where Gere scoops up Winger to the tune of Joe Cocker's 'Up Where We Belong' has since been parodied in The Simpsons and Friends.

Casablanca (1942)

If you're not familiar with the timeless Casablanca, there's still a pretty good chance you'll recognise some of its famous bits. Quotes include "Here's looking at you, kid" and "Play it once, Sam. For old time's sake", while the song 'As Time Goes By' also comes from the movie. Even the younger among you will have heard of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. So what's it about? Well, Bogart stars as Rick Blaine, an American who runs a bar in the Moroccan city. He's one of those guys who's determined never to get involved with anyone. Until, that is, his old flame walks into the bar. Factor in a quality cast of Nazis, thieves and refugees, and even 'romance-a-phobes' are onto a winner.

Titanic (1997)

You'll never guess what? It didn't go well for the Titanic. And now you're going to spend the next three hours of your life knowing what happens at the end. But in among the pleasant sailing, a large iceberg and a sinking ship, James Cameron's epic flick also features a rather nice love story between Leo DiCaprio's poor-boy, Jack, and Kate Winslet's rich-girl, Rose. It's this story that, eighty-odd years later, is recounted by an elderly Rose. By the end, you'll be struggling to maintain dry eyes and a butch persona as you're left with one lingering question - why couldn't they have shared that piece of wood? They could've grown old together! *Sobs*.

Love Actually (2003)

Hugh's back. And this time he's joined by Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Alan Rickman and Bill Nighy. It's swooningly dishy stuff. But, guys, you at least get to console yourselves with Keira Knightley. Plus, the likes of Rowan 'Blackadder' Atkinson, Martin Freeman and Billy Bob Thornton also crop up. As for the story, it follows eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives. Set in the frantic month before Christmas, each tale is loosely related, culminating in a good number of warm, fuzzy, happily-ever-afters at the end. It's definitely another one for the girls, but with a host of one-liners, you'd do well not to smile.

Dirty Dancing (1987)

"No one puts Baby in the corner." It's the line of the film, and one that makes girls over the age of 20 weak at the knees. In fact, the teeny flick with a naughty title melted the hearts of females the world over. A story of first love, the plot's simple. It's the summer of 1963 and Baby - played by Jennifer Grey - is off to a mountain holiday resort with her parents and sister. It's here that she meets the charismatic and entirely sexy Johnny Castle, played by Patrick Swayze (again). While teaching her how to dirty dance, they fall in love - kicking off a romantic tale filled with enough oestrogen to raise the Titanic. If only the course of true love ran smooth...

Pretty Woman (1990)

"We both screw people for money" remarks Edward, Richard Gere's ruthless businessman to Julia Roberts' newbie hooker, Vivian Ward. Charming, you might think. But what follows is a series of improbable events that make them realise just what's missing from their lives. No longer just another trick, Edward learns about a less cut-throat approach to his work, while Vivian gets a social education and the chance to start her life over. It's actually a reworking of My Fair Lady, so it's not exactly groundbreaking stuff. But the chemistry between the two leads makes it work, with Gere's knight in shining armour on the one hand, and Roberts' thigh-high boots on the other.

The Wedding Singer (1998)

If you really can't face an evening sat in front of an unadulterated chick flick, The Wedding Singer is the perfect compromise. The reason it's a great trade-off is because it's got the love story for her, plenty of guy-orientated jokes for you, and more Eighties nostalgia than playing Duck Hunt with The A-Team. The movie sees Adam Sandler's wedding singer, Robbie Hart, ditched at the altar on his very own wedding. Apparently unable to continue in his chosen profession, things only start to look up when Drew Barrymore's waitress, Julia Sullivan, enters the fray. What follows is a really sweet love story that never strays into 'cheesy' and even comes with a blast of the Miami Vice tune. What's not to like?

Top 10 Romantic Movies for Valentine's Day

Top 10 Romantic Movies for Valentine's Day


Make Money From Blogging

ItemPostTime

Top 10 Romantic Movies for Valentine's Day

St. Patrick's Day Reception at the White House: United States and Ireland (2012)

Tube. Duration : 23.25 Mins.

St. Patrick's Day Reception at the White House: United States and Ireland (2012)

http://thefilmarchive.org/ March 21, 2012 Saint Patrick's Day or the Feast of Saint Patrick (Irish: Lá Fhéile Pádraig, "the Day of the Festival of Patrick") ...

St. Patrick's Day Reception at the White House: United States and Ireland (2012)

St. Patrick's Day Reception at the White House: United States and Ireland (2012)

St. Patrick's Day Reception at the White House: United States and Ireland (2012)

St. Patrick's Day Reception at the White House: United States and Ireland (2012)

No URL St. Patrick's Day Reception at the White House: United States and Ireland (2012)

21st Birthday Presents and Greetings That Don't Encourage Drinking

21st Birthday Presents and Greetings That Don't Encourage Drinking
ItemMediumImageUrl

BestCustomerReview

21st Birthday Presents and Greetings That Don't Encourage Drinking

The new technologies we see emerging everyday have led to some significant changes in the world around us from the thousands of electronic business transactions to the millions of individual communications that transpire each day. Modern advances have led to mobile phones that have a faster Internet connection than some home computers and can project full-length movies from the palm of one's hand.

21st Birthday Presents and Greetings That Don't Encourage Drinking

21st Birthday Presents and Greetings That Don't Encourage Drinking

While these latest conveniences have enhanced the lives of people all over the world through amazing feats like those mentioned above, they have also given the average individual the ability to enhance their own lives and the lives of others through a variety of means from the best birthday gift ideas to strengthening faith and morals, and everything in between.

21st Birthday Presents and Greetings That Don't Encourage Drinking


Make Money From Blogging

Using Modern Advances to Enhance a Modern Life

21st Birthday Presents and Greetings That Don't Encourage Drinking

21st Birthday Presents and Greetings That Don't Encourage Drinking

One of the greatest aspects of the Internet and the technologies associated with it that we know today is their impact and applications for the general public. No other technological breakthrough in recent history has had so much influence on the personal and private areas of the common person than what we see in the web and the communications technologies of late. Some of the more popular applications are in the events and gatherings such as birthdays and wedding where the gifts and even the greetings can easily be made as unique as the recipients they are intended for.

Birthdays in particular can prove challenging to find unique gifts and greetings for since the average individual can often find themselves attending or even planning several within a single month. Creating custom cards or finding gifts for younger kids featuring the latest action hero or movie theme is now a snap through online retailers and can enliven even the most typical gift or party. These 21st birthday presents ideas are often tough outside of something related to drinking, but with some research online, creative and meaningful gifts or greetings that express the appropriate sentiments, or are just plain funny, are now easier than ever for anyone to produce.

Alternatives to Alcohol-Related Gifts

While most people will most likely have a drink or two at least, on the day they turn twenty-one, it is not necessarily appropriate to reflect this in every gift, and for more and more people, drinking is not even a part of their lifestyle. The vast majority of the greetings and 21st birthday presents available through retail outlets focus on alcohol, making the ability to create custom ideas online a perfect alternative for them.

Using online outlets or one of the many free software programs now available, just about anyone can create a professional-looking greeting, invitation, or even decoration to match any theme desired. Reflecting belief and culture in gifts and even the birthday celebration itself from Jesus Christ Superstar music excerpts to traditional hymns or any type of cultural heritage imaginable. By using some of the resources now available online and off, celebrations with broader and more meaningful themes than just drinking are possible for 21st birthdays.

21st Birthday Presents and Greetings That Don't Encourage Drinking

21st Birthday Presents and Greetings That Don't Encourage Drinking


Make Money From Blogging

ItemPostTime

21st Birthday Presents and Greetings That Don't Encourage Drinking

http://thefilmarchive.org/ March 21, 2012 Saint Patrick's Day or the Feast of Saint Patrick (Irish: Lá Fhéile Pádraig, "the Day of the Festival of Patrick") ...

Keywords:

A Short History Of St Patrick and His Irish Holiday

A Short History Of St Patrick and His Irish Holiday
ItemMediumImageUrl

BestCustomerReview

A Short History Of St Patrick and His Irish Holiday

The history of St. Patrick’s Day, which started out as a Holy Day for the Irish Catholics in the 10th or 11th century, goes all the way back to the late 3rd century when a small boy was born in Roman England by the name of Maewyn.

A Short History Of St Patrick and His Irish Holiday

A Short History Of St Patrick and His Irish Holiday

Maewyn and his family lived in a small town where his father was a soldier in the army, and a member of the town government. Some accounts say that Maewyn was an agnostic and some say that his family was Christian, but weren’t very strong in their faith. Either way, it doesn’t really matter because it was what happened later in his life that gained him his notoriety.

A Short History Of St Patrick and His Irish Holiday


Make Money From Blogging

When Maewyn was only 16, there was a raid on his village from Ireland, in the Irish Sea. They captured Maewyn and many of the villagers, and took them back to Ireland as servants and slaves for the local Irish.

A Short History Of St Patrick and His Irish Holiday

A Short History Of St Patrick and His Irish Holiday

It was here in captivity that it is reported that Maewyn accepted God, and began to talk to him. In fact, legend has it that he often spoke to God in prayer up to one hundred times a day. And Maewyn was under the authority of a Celtic family, so he learned the Celtic language and how to speak it fluently. Six years later, when he was 22, Maewyn escaped from his servitude, and ran to France. There he joined a monastery and under the direction of the Bishop of France, he studied the Bible. It was this Bishop who gave him the name Patrick. Legend has it that while Patrick was here in the monastery, he heard angels calling him back to Ireland.

After spending 12 years in the study of theology and Catholic Laws, he departed and went to Ireland to preach to a heathen nation. He spent 30 years in evangelistic and missionary work across the land. He won many converts over, healed people, and it was even said that he raised some people from the dead. Everywhere he went he announced God, and he built many schools and churches to help promote the Catholic religion. Legend has it that angels followed him everywhere, and even told him where and how to go.

After 30 years of missionary work, he died on March 17th. This is the day that has gone down in history as St. Patrick’s Day, for the patron saint of Ireland.

St. Patrick’s Day today has grown into much more than just a Holy Day for Catholics. Strict Catholics around the world though do remember St. Patrick, usually in an early Mass on March 17th. But everyone joins in as a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and becomes Irish for the day. It has now become a celebration of spring with parades special Irish meals, green tinted drinks and beer, etc. “The wearing of the green” and the Leprechaun have come about over the years to be Good Luck and prosperity to all and everything green typically represents the turning to spring – green is the color of life.

So, with one day to be Irish, take advantage, and have a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day.

A Short History Of St Patrick and His Irish Holiday

A Short History Of St Patrick and His Irish Holiday


Make Money From Blogging

ItemPostTime

A Short History Of St Patrick and His Irish Holiday

Jimmy McNulty just had a few drinks...

Tube. Duration : 1.77 Mins.

Jimmy McNulty just had a few drinks...

Short sequence from cult-series "The Wire"...Det. James McNulty driving back home

Jimmy McNulty just had a few drinks...

Jimmy McNulty just had a few drinks...

Jimmy McNulty just had a few drinks...

Jimmy McNulty just had a few drinks...

No URL Jimmy McNulty just had a few drinks...

Rosacea - Is it Really "The Curse of the Celts?"

Rosacea - Is it Really "The Curse of the Celts?"
ItemMediumImageUrl

BestCustomerReview

Rosacea - Is it Really "The Curse of the Celts?"

Countries affected by Rosacea

Rosacea - Is it Really "The Curse of the Celts?"

Rosacea - Is it Really "The Curse of the Celts?"

It is widely reported that Rosacea tends to affect people of north-west patrick's day celebrations occur and this could indicate a connection between Irish heritage and the skin condition. Alcohol is a known trigger for people who are susceptible to rosacea, causing a flushed face or reddened cheeks. The Rosacea Awareness Program (RAP), winner of various Canadian Dermatology Awards says 'St. Patrick Celebration may bring on the Curse of the Celts'. Studies confirm a genetic predisposition to rosacea. In the USA, rosacea is also relatively common and affects over 14 million people. Again it is significant enough for there to be a Rosacea awareness month, which is in April. In a 1989 study of 800 office workers in Sweden, the prevalence of rosacea was 10%. In Ireland, rosacea is said to be one of the most common skin complaints and the expression 'Irish Bosco Cheeks' is not uncommon. Rosy red cheeks are caused by mild rosacea; bosco was an Irish puppet with very red cheeks.

Rosacea - Is it Really "The Curse of the Celts?"


Make Money From Blogging

Analysing the fragmented statistics.

Rosacea - Is it Really "The Curse of the Celts?"

Rosacea - Is it Really "The Curse of the Celts?"

If it is said to affect over 14 million people in the USA, this can be changed into a 'percentage of the population' and is approximately 5% of the population. If it affects over 1.5 million people in Canada, this can also be turned into a percentage figure and is approximately 5% of the population. It is reported in a study that the prevalence in Sweden is 10% It is reported that in the UK, 1 in 10 people are affected, which is 10% A study in Ireland showed 14.4% of 1,000 subjects examined had rosacea. Putting these statistics into a table:

Ireland 14.4%
UK 10%
Sweden 10%
USA 5%
Canada 5%

The incidence in Ireland is 44% higher than the next country in the table and almost three times higher than in countries like the USA and Canada

Evidence of a genetic predisposition.

In the Canadian rosacea study 'all respondents gave their ancestral communities of origin as south-western England or south-eastern Ireland'. South-western England has close links with south-eastern Ireland

Does it really affect more women then men?

In a US study, the prevalence rate of rosacea in 'Caucasian women' was 16 percent, which is considerably higher than the incidence among men, as only 5% of the population have rosacea. In the Swedish study, the rate was 14% in women and 6% in men. Conclusion: The incidence of rosacea in Ireland is significantly higher than the other countries included in this study, it is also established that there is a genetic predisposition. Based on these assumptions, it would seem that the term 'curse of the Celts' can be justified.

Rosacea - Is it Really "The Curse of the Celts?"

Rosacea - Is it Really "The Curse of the Celts?"


Make Money From Blogging

ItemPostTime

Rosacea - Is it Really "The Curse of the Celts?"

Short sequence from cult-series "The Wire"...Det. James McNulty driving back home

Tags:

5 Keys to Raise Good Kids

5 Keys to Raise Good Kids
ItemMediumImageUrl

BestCustomerReview

5 Keys to Raise Good Kids

Raising good kids is no easy task. Some parents leave the job to Elmo and the scriptwriters at Sesame Streets while others leave the responsibility to teachers.

5 Keys to Raise Good Kids

5 Keys to Raise Good Kids

For kids, teachers and TV icons may often achieve hero-like status and are always seen as a good role model to imitate. If you leave it like that, you're leaving the golden opportunity to teach them your values.

5 Keys to Raise Good Kids


Make Money From Blogging

It's sad that most parents forget that it's what they encounter at home that counts the most. If you fall into this category, it's time to take back the responsibility of raising good children.

5 Keys to Raise Good Kids

5 Keys to Raise Good Kids

If you want to raise good kids, these 5 parenting tips may help:

1. Praise Good Behavior
Too little praise devalues and depresses them, whereas too much praise pumps them full of unrealistic expectations. What you need is just the correct dose of praise. And more importantly, praise the right behavior.

Too many parents nowadays praise or reward their kids for lying. Asking your kids to tell the bible salesmen that mommy is not home and rewarding it with "Thanks!" or candies is the wrong way to nurture your little ones.

Praise only good behavior if you want your kids to behave. And criticize or punish bad behavior. This way you're giving them reward at the correct place and your children will learn that bad behavior is not tolerated.

At the same time, there's another thing about praise you need to remember. If you caught yourself sounding like a fake, you probably are pumping the kids unneeded praise. Praising kids is like watering your plant; you need just the right amount to nurture your plant. Too much kills it.

2. Decide Your Values
Social skills are the one important skill we always take for granted. We put our kids in school to learn how to read, write or excel in math. We spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars in books, educational toys or cd to make sure they are at par with their peers when it comes to intelligence and educational skills.

Unfortunately, we spend little time teaching them social skills, assuming this will just falls into place. Thus, many academically talented kids are socially challenged. That's why many parents are surprised to know that their kids end up being a school bully.

Don't neglect your kid's social needs. Teach them about making friends, tolerating others, handling people and all the other social skills no textbook can teach. Spend time talking to them, it'll change many things.

3. Take Advantage of Teachable Moments
Kids learn better when they see something in action. Thus, when there are teachable moments, grab the opportunity to educate your kids. This is one of the most neglected aspects of parenting.

When you see bad or unwanted behavior occurring in front of you, take your time to tell your kids why he or she shouldn't behave like that. And when good things appear before your eyes, make sure your kids are also watching and grab the opportunity to educate them.

What appears in front of their eyes is more readily absorbed than countless nag by you or their teachers. As some say, action speaks louder than words.

4. Limit on Electronics
Pay attention to what they watch or play. Almost every year you'll read a news story about kids who jumped from their balcony trying to imitate Superman or injure themselves while trying a wrestling maneuver.

We are living in a time where visual stimulation is more than enough. A lot of kids don't go spending time playing baseball anymore because they can play it in their living room, thanks to PlayStation or X-Box. Instead of reading a book, they're surfing the net.

Put a halt on this problem. Limit their "electronic simulation" intake. If you restrict TV or their computer time, they'll eventually discover something to do that doesn't require buying more things. Not only this means saving you money, it could also save the children from unwanted influences.

Get your kids to the park or enroll them in a sports team. Spending 10 minutes playing soccer will be far healthier and more rewarding that spending 10 days perfecting soccer maneuver in a pc game.

5. Be Firm
Letting your kids to have her own way after crying and whining tells her that she can get away by making other people's life miserable.

Some parents will relent because they want to avoid a scene. However, in keeping with their terms, you're teaching your children that fussing work. Thus, the next time they want something you'll see the same tactics used.

One way to tackle this is by making them promise to you that they will not ask for anything, even before stepping out of the home. Teaches them about the importance of promise and the kind of action you will take if they break it.

Your job as a parent is to help your children. Having good kids is not an accidental thing. It takes time, patience and skills. The most important thing is you take the time to learn and apply them to your kids.

If you want to be a proud father or mother, start teaching your kids the right values when there are still small. Do not waste the golden opportunity to teach them while they're absorbing your ideas without much resistance. Start while they are small and you wouldn't have a big headache when they're big. It's as simple as that.

5 Keys to Raise Good Kids

5 Keys to Raise Good Kids


Make Money From Blogging

ItemPostTime

5 Keys to Raise Good Kids

Flirting Tips For Shy Girls - How to Flirt No Matter How Shy You Are

Flirting Tips For Shy Girls - How to Flirt No Matter How Shy You Are
ItemMediumImageUrl

BestCustomerReview

Flirting Tips For Shy Girls - How to Flirt No Matter How Shy You Are

In this article, you'll discover some great flirting tips for shy girls. But first, imagine this scenario.

Flirting Tips For Shy Girls - How to Flirt No Matter How Shy You Are

Flirting Tips For Shy Girls - How to Flirt No Matter How Shy You Are

A cute guy is drinking all by himself at the bar. You're alone and spot him giving you a little smile. A moment later, he turns his head to look at you again with inviting eyes. He's obviously flirting with you. Will you:

Flirting Tips For Shy Girls - How to Flirt No Matter How Shy You Are


Make Money From Blogging

a. Smile back at him and raise your drink in a private toast

Flirting Tips For Shy Girls - How to Flirt No Matter How Shy You Are

Flirting Tips For Shy Girls - How to Flirt No Matter How Shy You Are

b. Cross your legs and tuck a few strands of hair behind your ear

c. Look away and keep your eyes on your drink the whole time

If you answered a or b, I assume you've done this whole routine before. If you're among the lot who answered c, either there's a dancing man in your glass or you're one shy girl. If it's the latter, then you are in desperate need of help.

"Flirting tips for shy girls? Is there such a thing?" you might ask. "Is that even an option?"

Yes, there is such a thing as flirting tips for shy girls. You won't find them easily in the library though.

First of all, you have to erase the idea that shy girls can't flirt. They say flirting is an art. And like art, flirting cannot be boxed into a single style. Be yourself. You don't have to wear a plunging neckline to be sexy. Remember the quote: "Different strokes for different folks."

Besides, do you really want to be like all the other girls?

Don't be too tense. Calm yourself down before making any move; or else, you risk making awkward smiles and stiff hand movements. Relax for a minute and enjoy your drink. Guys are always on the lookout for girls who are comfortable with themselves.

Practice smiling in front of the mirror. Shy girls tend to make small smiles, which go almost unnoticed. This flirting tip for shy girls works wonders. Once a guy spots you with a great smile, he will automatically feel more confident to approach you.

Don't be afraid to start a conversation. When he finally approaches you, talk as if you're with a friend. Once you're in the zone, sliding into flirting territory will feel more natural.

You may find it hard to believe, but these flirting tips for shy girls are easy and simple to apply. You should be able to enjoy the moment and the teasing conversation. Believe that you're a great woman inside out.

Honestly, these flirting tips for shy girls aren't that much different from other seduction methods. Whether you're an introvert or extrovert, you can apply these seduction techniques so other people will see how fabulous you are!

Flirting Tips For Shy Girls - How to Flirt No Matter How Shy You Are

Flirting Tips For Shy Girls - How to Flirt No Matter How Shy You Are


Make Money From Blogging

ItemPostTime

Flirting Tips For Shy Girls - How to Flirt No Matter How Shy You Are