Fiend Grrl EVILDRAGONs Fiance DARK PRI...'s blog: "The Demon's Lair"

Where Many Rivers Meet I want to write about faith, about the way the moon rises over cold snow, night after night, Faithful even as it fades from fullness, slowly becoming that last curving and impossible sliver of light before the final darkness. But I have no faith myself I refuse it the smallest entry. Let this, then, my small poem, like a new moon, slender and barely open, be the first prayer that opens me to faith. by David Whyte

Cauldron Magic ©Gerina Dunwich In contemporary Witchcraft, the cauldron is an important magical tool that symbolically combines the influences of the ancient elements of air, fire, water, and earth. Its shape is representative of Mother Nature, and the three legs upon which it stands correspond to the three aspects of the Triple Goddess, the three lunar phases (waxing, full, and waning), and to three as a magical number. Additionally, the cauldron is a symbol of transformation (both physical and spiritual), enlightenment, wisdom, the womb of the Mother Goddess, and rebirth. Since early times, cauldrons have been used not only for boiling water and cooking food, but for heating up magical brews, poisons, and healing potions. They have also been utilized by alchemists and by Witches as tools of divination, containers for sacred fires and incense, and holy vessels for offerings to the gods of old. If a large cauldron is needed in a ritual, it is generally placed next to the altar, on either side. Small cauldrons, such as ones used for the burning of incense, can be placed on top of the altar. In the Middle Ages, most of the population believed that all Witches possessed a large black cauldron in which poisonous brews and vile hell-broths were routinely concocted. These mixtures were said to have contained such ingredients as bat's blood, serpent's venom, headless toads, the eyes of newts, and a gruesome assortment of animal and human body parts, as well as deadly herbs and roots. In fourteenth-century Ireland, a Witch known as Lady Alice Kyteler was said to have used the enchanted skull of a beheaded thief as her cauldron. Also in the fourteenth century, a male Witch by the name of William Lord Soulis was convicted in Scotland for a number of sorcery-related offenses. His peculiar form of execution was death by being boiled alive in a huge cauldron. According to an old legend, if a sorceress dumped the vile contents of her cauldron into the sea, a great tempest would be stirred up. Ancient Irish folklore is rich with tales of wondrous cauldrons that never run out of food at a feast, while an old Gypsy legend told of a brave hero who was boiled in a cauldron filled with the milk of man-eating mares. It is said that bad luck will befall any Witch who brews a potion in a cauldron belonging to another. If the lid is accidentally left off the cauldron while a magical brew is prepared, this portends the arrival of a stranger, according to a superstitious belief from Victorian England. The cauldron and its powers are associated with many goddesses from pre-Christian faiths, including Hecate (the protectress of all Witches), Demeter/Persephone (in the Eleusinian mysteries), the Greek enchantresses Circe and Medea, Siris (the Babylonian goddess of fate and mother of the stars, whose cauldron was made of lapis lazuli), the Celtic goddess Branwen, and others. Perhaps the most well-known and significant goddess with a connection to the cauldron is the Celtic goddess Cerridwen, from whose cauldron bubbled forth the gifts of wisdom and inspiration. Although the cauldron has traditionally been a symbol of the divine feminine since the earliest of times, there exist a number of male deities from various Pagan pantheons who also have a connection to it. Among them are the Norse God Odin (who acquired his shape-shifting powers by drinking from the cauldron of wise blood), the Hindu sky god Indra (whose myth is similar to Odin's), and Cernunnos (the Celtic horned god who was dismembered and boiled in a cauldron to be reborn). Depicted on the famous Gunderstrup cauldron (circa 100 B.C.) is the stag-horned Cernunnos in various scenes with different animals. Believed by many to be of Celtic origin, this large silver cauldron may have once been used in sacrificial rites. The use of sacrificial cauldrons can be traced to the ancient religious and magical practices of various European cultures, as well as to some shamanic traditions. Human and animal victims would first be beheaded over the cauldrons and then have their blood drained out into the cauldron, where it would be boiled to produce a mystical substance. Among the Celts, a potion of inspiration was said to have been brewed in such a manner by the priestess of the lunar goddess. The cauldron is linked to the Holy Grail--a chalice that is believed by Christians to have been used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper. However, prior to its incorporation into Christian myth in the twelfth century, the Grail belonged to British Paganism as a symbol of reincarnation and the divine womb of the Goddess. ~The Cauldron of Cerridwen~ Cerridwen, a deity associated with the feminine symbols of water and the Moon, is the shape-shifting Celtic goddess of inspiration, wisdom, and the magical arts of enchantment, divination, and prophecy. She possesses the three aspects of the maiden, mother, and crone, and is a goddess whose invocation is a significant aspect of both the initiatory and mystery rites of Celtic magic. In her mysterious cauldron, according to ancient Celtic legend, Cerridwen prepared a potion of enlightenment for her son that consisted of the yellow flowers of the cowslip, fluxwort, hedgeberry, vervain, the berries of the mistletoe (a plant sacred to the Druids), and the foam of the ocean. It was warmed by the breath of nine maidens, and required brewing for a year and a day. A youth named Gwion drank three drops of the potion, causing the rest of the brew to turn into poison and destroy the cauldron. To hide from the angry goddess, he used his newly acquired shape-shifting powers to change himself into a grain of wheat. However, Cerridwen transformed herself into a black hen and devoured him. ~Cauldron Spirit~ Many Witches pour a bit of ordinary surgical spirit (rubbing alcohol) into their cast iron cauldrons and light it by carefully dropping in a lit match. This is often done as part of healing rituals, invocations to the elemental spirit of fire, scrying divinations, sabbat fire festivals, and various working rituals. (NOTE: A quarter cup of rubbing alcohol will burn for approximately three minutes). Be sure that the cauldron is resting securely on a fireproof stand and is not close to any flammable substances. Do not touch the cauldron while it is hot unless you cover your hands with protective oven mitts. If the fire must be extinguished before it burns itself out, smother it by covering the cauldron with a lid or by sprinkling salt or sand over the flames. Remember, whenever working with the element of fire, use caution and common sense, and respect the spirits of the flame. The sight of a cauldron blazing with fire can be very magical and mesmerizing, and when the alcohol has been steeped in aromatic herbs, a sweet but gentle incense-like fragrance is produced. To make an herbal cauldron spirit, put a small bunch of any or all of the following into a glass bottle: fresh lavender flowers and leaves, fresh mint leaves, fresh rosemary flowers and leaves, and fresh thyme flowers and leaves. Fill the bottle to the top with alcohol, cap it tightly, and then give it a good shake. Keep it in a cool place for thirteen days, shaking it twice daily (every sunrise and every moonrise). Strain it through a double thickness of muslin into a clear bottle. Cap it tightly and store it away from heat or flame. Cauldron spirit will keep indefinitely. ~Cauldron Divination~ Divination is an art that has been practiced in one form or another since ancient times and in all levels of culture. There are a number of ways in which a cauldron can be used for divining. One method is to fill the cauldron with water or wine and place it between two burning candles or under the bright silver rays of the Full Moon. Relax, clear your mind of all distracting thoughts, and then gaze into the cauldron as you would a crystal ball. As with other forms of scrying, your vision will begin to blur after a while and a slight haze will begin to materialize. Keep your gaze. As with other forms of scrying, your vision will begin to blur after a while. To determine good or bad omens, according to an old Pagan method, place a cauldron on the ground and burn some incense (traditionally frankincense) or a handful of dried herbs in it. Mugwort, rose petals, vervain, or yarrow are popular herbs of divination among Witches. If the smoke rises straight up to the heavens, this indicates a good omen. If it does not rise or if it touches the ground, this indicates a bad one.

Ok I'm in the Biggest Smart Ass on CT contest and I'd love for everyone to come by and rate me and comment bomb me. (Just make sure that you're a level 3 and up or points will get deducted from my score). here's the link ~~~FIEND GRRL~~~~ PLEASE SHOW SUM LUV!!!

AQUARIUS/PISCES "AQUEESIES--the squeegee: In the ozone, pure and simple. Not of the earth. Don't even try to figure them out. Terminally spaced out. This sign rules lost mail, the government bureaucracy, selfless individualism and decentralized fish." Fixed Air & Mutable Water this is perhaps the strangest combination. Both of these signs are unconventional as far as society is concerned. They seem to know things other people don't know. Aquarius desire to know with Pisces intuition could be very helpful. However, they aren't on the same wave length. It takes some objective observation to make this unusual combination fit. Society is no help when it comes to putting it together. Pisces belongs to the mystics while Aquarius belongs to the scientist. Of course, no one fits this pattern exactly. Both must find a part of society in which they feel most comfortable. Those dealing with this cusp of qualities in one chart must find a unique way to blend these two abilities on their own. Most of you will be rather silent about what you are able to recognize since you realize very early that no one else recognizes things as they appear to be to you. If you worry too much about other people, you may put so much pressure on yourself to fit in that you distort the best of what you have. If you are able to deal with the difference you recognize between you and the society in which you find yourself, it is possible for you to develop some real genius qualities. It will be up to you to recognize these differences and not try too hard to get the recognition you would like to have to help you develop your ideas. If you have enough control without looking weird, you will be able to learn something from everyone, even if they understand very little, if anything, about the way you see your world. Psychic phenomena is natural to you. If society laughs at this too early in your life, you will shut it off and deny you ever saw anything. You will learn very soon that others don't see what you see. You will have to decide whether you can find a safe way to be yourself or if it would be safer to try to be more like everyone else. Singers, actors, authors, and that in-between group which cannot be classified are able to do a good job with this cusp.

The Cusp of Aquarius - Pisces February 19 - Aquarius/Pisces - February 23 Aquarius is the 11th sign of the Zodiac. Aquarians are humanitarians and philanthropists, the visionaries of the zodiac. Aquarians value friendship and often have many acquaintances in addition to their close friends. Pisces is the 12th and final sign of the Zodiac. All that is learned by the first 11 signs comes together to help Pisces reach the pinnacle of their potential. Aquarius/Pisces are selfless and spiritual, often strongly intuitive and receptive to the collective unconscious. The astrological symbol of Aquarius is the Water Bearer. The astrological symbol of Pisces is the Pair of Fish. Those born on the Aquarius/Pisces cusp reflect the dual nature of life, reality and nonreality, consciousness and the unconscious. They represent consciousness through the flowing of ideas. They work hard to bring their ideas to fruition, stubbornly refusing to give up their causes. In this way, the Fixed Quality of Aquarius is the Fixed exemplified. However, the Mutable Quality of Pisces shows itself equally by deeming these individuals as people without a strong agenda; they tend to go with the flow and move where life takes them. They are peace loving and friendly, and are the chameleons of the Zodiac, receptive to the needs of others but sometimes getting lost themselves. Aquarius is ruled by the planets Uranus and Saturn. In ancient Roman mythology, Saturn (and his Greek equivalent, Cronus) was the father of many gods, including Zeus. Uranus, the oldest god, was associated with Earth. When the planet Uranus was discovered, astrologers assigned it as the modern ruler of Aquarius. It is from this planet that Aquarians receive their visionary nature. Uranus is associated with progress and technology -- anything that is radical -- and it rules electricity and astrology. Pisces is ruled by the planets Jupiter and Neptune. In ancient Roman mythology, Jupiter (and his Greek equivalent, Zeus) was the king of the gods. Neptune (and his Greek equivalent, Poseidon) was the god of the sea. When the planet Neptune was discovered, modern astrologers assigned it to be the ruler of Pisces. Neptune is about everything that isn't quite real: illusion and disillusionment, fantasy, drama and art, and spirituality. All of these are important to those born under Pisces. Aquarius/Pisces tend to be strongly spiritual (not necessarily religious) and artistic. They are idealistic, but sometimes their dreams are vague and impractical. When reality intrudes, they can become pessimistic or lethargic, but they are very adaptive and broad-minded, so they can rework their ideals when necessary. The element associated with Aquarius is Air. Air Signs are intellectual, and they tend to respond to the world through intellect, rather than physical action or practicality. The element associated with Pisces is Water. Because Water Signs are emotional, they tend to respond to the world through emotion. Aquarius/Pisces are tolerant and open-minded, but tend to stick to their beliefs. They are compassionate, sensitive, imaginative and sympathetic to the feelings of others. They tend to be romantic and sentimental, but they may give in to escapism. They are devoted to their goals, but they can be disorganized or procrastinate when faced with difficulties. Their intellect makes them logical and self-confident, but it may also makes them aloof from people around them. They are original, offbeat and even eccentric, but they are also rather bored by detail. Reformist and experimental, Aquarius/Pisces may seem cold toward people who don't share their intellectual orientation to life. Those born on the Aquarius/Pisces cusp may become timid if their emotions are abused too often. Aquarius/Pisces are often multitalented, both in scientific and creative endeavors. They are unique and rebellious people who are driven to change the world. However, they can be shy, quiet and sometimes elusive, refusing to show their true selves. They are modest and thoughtful, sometimes displaying remarkable musical talent. Their freedom is important to them, and they are often driven to help others become free, as well. In their leisure time, Aquarius/Pisces are social animals. They may work to alleviate their emotional stress through contact with others and exercise. They greatly prefer team sports to solitary athletics, and they often have a fondness for swimming or water polo. In love relationships, Aquarius/Pisces is flirtatious, caring and romantic. Aquarius rules the ankles. People born under Aquarius may be more susceptible to sprains than those of other signs. Aquarius's colors are the colors of the water they carry: turquoise, aqua and silver. The great strength of the Aquarius/Pisces is in their visionary nature and their compassion. They are the people who take the world to the next level; they make others see things in a new light. Their ability to break the rules and help others reach their fullest potential makes them one of the most understanding characters of the zodiac.

February 22 Events in History February 22, 1998 "King and I," closes at Neil Simon Theater New York City after 781 performances February 22, 1998 18th Winter Olympic games close at Nagano Japan February 22, 1997 Annika Sorenstam wins LPGA Cup Noodles Hawaiian Ladies Open February 22, 1996 "Bus Stop" opens at Circle in Sq Theater New York City for 29 performances February 22, 1996 Actress Halle Berry files for divorce from David Justice February 22, 1996 STS 75 (Columbia 19), launches into orbit February 22, 1995 Algiers police kill at least 99 prison rioters February 22, 1995 Steve Fossett completes 1st air balloon over Pacific Ocean (9600 km) February 22, 1994 "Les Miserables," opens at Chunichi Theatre, Nagoya February 22, 1993 Vinod Kambli scores 224 vs. England at Bombay, 411 balls, 23 fours February 22, 1992 "Park Your Car in Harvard Yard" closes at Music Box New York City February 22, 1992 Barry Diller resigns as CEO of Fox February 22, 1992 Ed McMahon, 69, weds Pamela Hurn, 37 February 22, 1992 Lisa Walters wins LPGA Itoki Hawaiian Ladies Open Golf Tournament February 22, 1992 Rockers Kurt Corbin (Nirvana) and Courtney Love (Hole), wed February 22, 1991 Actor Bill Bixby (57) weds Laura Michael (32) February 22, 1991 Bush and U.S. Gulf War allies give Iraq 24 hours to begin Kuwait withdrawal February 22, 1991 Kelli McCarty, 21, (Kansas), crowned 40th Miss USA February 22, 1991 Test Cricket debut of Sanath Jayasuriya, vs NZ at Hamilton February 22, 1990 1st day India vs NZ cricket at Auckland NZ 5-78 at lunch, 9-387 stumps February 22, 1989 Fins ministry of Public health installs sex vacation to thwart stress February 22, 1989 New York Lotto pays $26.9 million to one winner (#s are 1-5-12-19-44-50) February 22, 1989 U.K. physicist Stephen Hawking calls Star Wars a "deliberate fraud" February 22, 1989 U.S. authors demonstrate against Iranian death treats against Salman Rushdee, author of "Satanic Rituals" February 22, 1989 31st Grammy Awards: Don't Worry Be Happy, Faith, Tracy Chapman February 22, 1989 1st Spanish commercial on network TV (Pepsi-Cola-CBS Grammy Award) February 22, 1988 Bonnie Blair skates world record 500m (39.10 sec) February 22, 1987 Bruno Marie-Rose runs world record 200m indoor (20.36 sec) February 22, 1984 Brothers Anton and Peter Stastny score 8 pts each for NHL Quebec February 22, 1983 Harold Washington wins Chicago's Democratic mayoral primary February 22, 1983 Hindus kill 3000 Moslems in Assam, India February 22, 1983 Vladimir Salnikov (U.S.S.R.) sets 1500m free style swimming record February 22, 1982 New York City Mayor Koch announces he will run for New York governor (unsuccessful) February 22, 1981 Amy Alcott wins LPGA Bent Tree Ladies Golf Classic February 22, 1980 Afghanistan declares martial law February 22, 1980 USA beats U.S.S.R. in Olympic hockey 4-3 en route to a gold medal February 22, 1979 Billy Martin named manager of Oakland A's February 22, 1979 Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's Primate and Cat Building is dedicated February 22, 1979 St. Lucia gains independence from Britain February 22, 1978 2 tankers with propane gas explode killing 15 at Waverly, Tennessee February 22, 1976 Kathy Whitworth wins LPGA Bent Tree Golf Classic February 22, 1974 Ethiopian police shoot at demonstrators February 22, 1973 U.S. and China agree to establish liaison offices in Beijing and Washington D.C. February 22, 1972 Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani becomes Amir and Prime Minister of Qatar February 22, 1972 President Nixon, meets with Chinese Premier Chou En-Lai in Beijing February 22, 1971 Lieutenant General Hafiz al-Assad becomes President of Syria February 22, 1970 "Charles Aznavour" closes at Music Box Theater New York City after 23 performances February 22, 1969 Barbara Jo Rubin becomes 1st female jockey to win at a major U.S. track February 22, 1968 Rock group Genesis release their 1st record "Silent Sun" February 22, 1967 Barbara Garson's "MacBird," premieres in New York City February 22, 1967 Sling-shot goal post and 6' wide border around field are standard in NFL February 22, 1967 25,000 U.S. and South Vietnamese troops launched Operation Junction City, offensive to smash Viet Cong stronghold near Cambodian border February 22, 1966 Soviets launch Kosmos 110 with Veterok and Ugolek, 1st 2-dog crew February 22, 1965 U.S.S.R. launches Kosmos 57 into earth orbit (Voskhod Test) February 22, 1964 Beatles arrive back in England after their 1st U.S. visit February 22, 1963 Beatles begin their own music publishing company (Northern Songs) February 22, 1962 Wilt Chamberlain sets NBA record with 34 free throw attempts February 22, 1959 1st Daytona 500 auto race-Lee Petty wins (135.521 MPH) February 22, 1958 "Portotino" closes at Adelphi Theater New York City after 3 performances February 22, 1958 Australian swimmer Jon Konrads sets 6 world records in 2 days February 22, 1958 Egypt and Syria form United Arab Republic (UAR) February 22, 1958 Indonesian air force bombs Padang, Sumatra/Menado, Celebes February 22, 1957 Jockey Ted Atkinson, 3,500th win February 22, 1957 Walter O'Malley says Dodgers may play 10 exhibitions in California in 1958 February 22, 1956 1st British soccer match at Kunstlicht: Portsmouth vs Newcastle United February 22, 1956 Elvis Presley's 1st hit in Billboard's top 10: "Heartbreak Hotel" February 22, 1955 British aircraft carrier Ark Royal sets sail February 22, 1950 Brockway and Weinstock publish "Men of Music" (rev ed) February 22, 1948 Arabs bomb attack in Jerusalem, 50 die February 22, 1945 Arab League froms (Cairo) February 22, 1945 British troops take Ramree Island, Burma February 22, 1945 Canadian 3rd Division occupies Moyland February 22, 1944 U.S. 8th Air Force bombs Enschede, Arnhem and Nijmegen by mistake/800+ die February 22, 1941 Arthur T "Bomber" Harris becomes British Air Marshal February 22, 1941 German assault on El Agheila Libya February 22, 1941 IG Farben decides building Buna-Werke in Auschwitz Concentration Camp February 22, 1941 Nazi SS begin rounding up Jews of Amsterdam February 22, 1941 Paul Creston's 1st Symphony, premieres February 22, 1941 Roy Harris' "Ballad of a Railroad Man," premieres February 22, 1940 Finnish troops vacate Koivisto island February 22, 1940 German air force sinks 2 German destroyers, killing 578 February 22, 1939 Netherlands recognizes Franco-regime in Spain February 22, 1936 Construction on Ypenburg Netherlands airport begins February 22, 1935 Airplanes are no longer permitted to fly over the White House February 22, 1934 "It Happened One Night," opens at New York's Radio City Music Hall February 22, 1933 Goering forms SA/SS-police, shoots 40-50 February 22, 1932 Purple Heart award reinstituted February 22, 1928 1st solo England to Australia flight lands (Bert Hinkler) February 22, 1927 ARC soccer team forms in Alphen on the Rhine February 22, 1927 Baruch Spinosa's house of mourning opened as a museum February 22, 1924 1st presidential radio address (Calvin Coolidge) February 22, 1923 1st successful chinchilla farm in U.S. (Los Angeles California) February 22, 1923 Transcontinental airmail service begins February 22, 1922 Congress authorizes Grant Memorial $1 gold coin February 22, 1920 1st artificial rabbit used at a dog race track in Emeryville, California February 22, 1918 Germany claims Baltic states, Finland and Ukraine from Russia February 22, 1917 German Navy torpedoes 7 Dutch ships February 22, 1915 Germany begins "unrestricted" submarine war February 22, 1913 Lowell HS, San Francisco opens (on it's 1st campus) February 22, 1912 J. Vedrines makes 1st airplane flight over 100 mph - 161.29 kph February 22, 1909 Great White Fleet, 1st U.S. fleet to circle the globe, returns to Virginia February 22, 1907 1st cabs with taxi meters begin operating in London February 22, 1907 Leonid N Andreyev's "Zhizn Cheloveka," premieres in St. Petersburg February 22, 1906 Black evangelist William J. Seymour arrives in Los Angeles California February 22, 1903 Due to drought the U.S. side of Niagara Falls runs short of water February 22, 1900 Battle at Wynne's Hill, South-Africa (Boers vs British army) February 22, 1900 Hawaii became a U.S. territory February 22, 1892 "Lady Windermere's Fan" by Oscar Wilde premieres at St. James (London) February 22, 1892 Manitoba Rugby Football Union forms February 22, 1889 Dakotas, Montana and Washington admitted to union February 22, 1889 President Cleveland signs bill to admit Dakotas, Montana and Washington state February 22, 1888 John Reid of Scotland demonstrates golf to Americans (Yonkers New York) February 22, 1887 Union Labor Party organized in Cincinnati February 22, 1882 With 120 miles James Saunders wins New York City's 24 hour race and $100 prize February 22, 1879 1st 5 and 10 store opened by Frank W. Woolworth (Utica New York) February 22, 1878 Greenback Labor Party forms (Toledo Ohio) February 22, 1876 Johns Hopkins University opens February 22, 1872 1st national convention of Prohibition Party (Columbus Ohio) February 22, 1865 Battle of Wilmington, North Carolina (Fort Anderson) occupied by Federals February 22, 1865 Tennessee adopts a new constitution abolishing slavery February 22, 1864 Battle at Dalton Georgia February 22, 1864 2nd/last day of Battle of Okolona, Mississippi February 22, 1864 Skirmish at Calfkiller Creek (Sparta) Tennessee February 22, 1861 On a bet Edward Weston leaves Boston to walk to Lincoln's inauguration February 22, 1860 Organized baseball played in San Francisco for 1st time February 22, 1860 Shoe-making workers of Lynn Ms, strike successfully for higher wages February 22, 1858 Dion Boucicault's "Jessie Brown," premieres in New York City February 22, 1856 1st national meeting of Republican Party in Pittsburgh February 22, 1854 1st meeting of Republican Party in Michigan February 22, 1847 Battle of Buena Vista: U.S. troops beat Mexican army February 22, 1836 Dutch garrison evacuates fort Du Bus New Guinea February 22, 1835 HMS Beagle/Charles Darwin leave Valdivia Chile February 22, 1828 Russia and Persia sign Peace of Turkmantsjai February 22, 1825 Russia and Britain establish Alaska-Canada boundary February 22, 1821 Spain sells eastern Florida to United States for $5 million February 22, 1819 Spain renounces claims to Oregon Country, Florida (Adams-Onis Treaty) February 22, 1784 1st U.S. ship to trade with China, "Empress of China," sails from New York February 22, 1775 1st U.S. joint stock company (to make cloth) offers shares at 10 cents February 22, 1775 Jews expelled from outskirts of Warsaw Poland February 22, 1774 English House of Lords rules authors do not have perpetual copyright February 22, 1746 French troops conquer Brussels February 22, 1746 Jakobijnse troops vacate Aberdeen February 22, 1744 Battle at Toulon: English-French and Spanish fleet February 22, 1656 New Amsterdam granted a Jewish burial site February 22, 1630 Indians introduce pilgrims to popcorn, at Thanksgiving February 22, 1561 William of Orange appointed viceroy of Burgundy/Charolais February 22, 1495 French King Charles VIII enters Naples to claim crown February 22, 1349 Jews are expelled from Zurich Switzerland February 22, 1300 Pope Boniface VIII delegates degree February 22, 1288 Girolamo Masci elected Pope Nicolas IV February 22, 1281 Simon de Brion elected Pope Martinus IV February 22, 1071 Battle of Cassel-Robert I the Frisian defeats Arnulf III/I February 22, 896 Pope Formosa crowned king Arnulf of Karinthie/French emperor

You Know You're From Toronto When...

A really great parking spot can move you to tears. You can recommend about 3 good body piercing parlours. You make well over $100,000 and you still can't find a nice place to live. You realize there are far more rainbow flags in the city than Canadian Flags. When the temperature rises above zero degrees, you yell "Woohooo! Patio weather!" You enjoy watching channel 47 multicultural TV You're guaranteed to know at least one person on every episode of Speaker's Corner. You haven't been to the CN Tower since you were six, but still have nightmares about that damn turbo elevator. You've had at least 3 bicycles stolen in the past 10 years. You've partied with at least one of the members of The Kids in the Hall You've fantasized about having sex in Casa Loma At least 3 of your friends have moved to Vancouver You turn your nose up at any establishment frequented by the S&M crowd. (Scarborough and Mississauga) You never, never, never swim in the lake You know "The Beaches" are really called "The Beach", but still say "The Beaches" just to annoy all the nitwits who live there You ever had a birthday party at the Organ Grinder or The Mad Hatter You can say "world's tallest freestanding structure" ten times fast You know the correct answer to "Where do shopping carts go to die?" is "The Don River" You speak better Chinese than French The word "cabbagetown" doesn't strike you as particularily amusing Castle Frank subway station remains one of the great mysteries of the universe for you. You know what the bathrooms in the First Canadian Place are REALLY for You don't know where Fort York is, but have a vague recollection of being there in a past life You know the Demic's song "I Wanna Go To New York City" was intended as sarcasm, not a weekend getaway suggestion You know where to find Dim Sum, Sushi, Curry, Pad Thai and a dildo at 3 am on a weeknight For the last time, it's pronounced 'TRONNA'! You consider eye contact a sign of hostility and an invasion of your privacy. It takes you half an hour to get to work by TTC and you are the envy of all your friends. You mourned the death of the Spadina Bus. You know someone who went to high school with at least one member of The Barenaked Ladies or RUSH You laugh heartily at people who refer to highway four hundred and one. You've taken the vomit comit. You can manuver your bike across Queen st. without getting caught in the streetcar tracks. You know the difference between souvlaki, moussaka and spanakoptia. You can name at least three locations of The Beer Store that are open till 11 PM. You have NEVER been to the Hard Rock Cafe You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends from Toronto.

You Know You're From Ontario When...

"Vacation" means going to Barrie for the weekend. You know several people who have hit deer more than once. You often switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day. You use a down comforter in the summer. You think of the major food groups as deer meat, fish, and berries. There are 7 empty cars running in the parking lot at the Canadian Tire store at any given time. Your provincial capital calls in the army to help clean up after a snow storm. Your $400,000 Toronto home is actually a dump You, and you, alone decide who will win the federal election You're in the only province with hard-core American-style crime MuchMusic's Speaker's Corner - rant and rave on national TV for a dollar Baseball fans park on your front lawn and pee on the side of your house You know there's no such thing as an Ontario Seperatist Your grandparents sold booze to the States during Prohibition Lots of tourists come to Toronto because they mistakenly believe it's a cool city Have a new/better hint if someone is from this province? Send it in at the bottom of this page. You have enough French vocabulary to get by some of the day in Ottawa without them thinking that you're a completly incapable American. You find -40C a little chilly. You voted Liberal in the last election. You understand the Labatt's Blue commercials. You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends from Ontario.

You Know You're From Canada When...

You're not offended by the term, "Homo Milk." You understand the phrase, "Could you pass me a serviette, I just dropped my poutine, on the chesterfield." You eat chocolate bars, not candy bars. You drink pop, not soda. You know what a Mickey and 2-4 mean. You don't care about the fuss with Cuba. It's a cheap place to go for your holidays, with good cigars. You know that a pike is a type of fish, not part of a highway. You drive on a highway, not a freeway. You have Canadian Tire money in your kitchen drawers. You know that Casey and Finnegan were not part of a Celtic musical group. You get excited whenever an American television show mentions Canada. You brag to Americans that: Shania Twain, Jim Carrey, Celine Dion and many more are Canadians. You know that the C.E.O. of American Airlines is a Canadian! You know what a touque is. You know that the last letter of the English alphabet is always pronounced "Zed" not "Zee". You understand the Labatt Blue commercials. You know how to pronounce and spell "Saskatchewan." You perk up when you hear the theme song from "Hockey Night in Canada." You were in grade 12, not the 12th grade. "Eh?" is a very important part of your vocabulary and more polite than, "Huh?" Winter. Whenever you want it. And then some. There's German food, Italian food, Chinese food, Armenian food, American food, but NO Canadian food. You call a "mouse" a "moose". You like the Americans a little because they don't want Quebec either. Contests run by anyone other than the government have "skill-testing questions" that winners must answer correctly before they can claim a prize. Everything is labelled in English and French. Milk comes in plastic bags as well as cartons and plastic jugs. Mountain Dew has no caffeine. You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends from Canada.