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Homer171
Promising
Supreme Hero
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posted December 19, 2015 07:18 PM |
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Merry Christmas to you Markkur aswell 
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Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed. The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force.
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Drakon-Deus 
Undefeatable Hero
Qapla'
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posted December 20, 2015 12:34 AM |
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Not Christmas yet...
But;
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markkur
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Once upon a time
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posted December 20, 2015 11:41 AM |
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Until the advent of Radio and Television many authors would think of the friends and family gathering in homes during the Christmas season and put together a collection of short tales, poems etc. for people to share with each other fireside. When the Yule-log was on the fire it was common for an 'enhancement' to the Yule log to commence around the gathered circle with each person taking their turn at reading a writing they thought worth the telling.
I can imagine, all year long, readers, young and old coming across 'gems' and saving them for long cold winter nights in general and the celebration of Christmas in particular.
One author that wrote several stories that I have enjoyed is Henry Van Dyke. What I appreciate about Mr. Van Dyke's spirit is that what we have from him is usually a gentle reminder about what is important.
The following story I discovered this year and found it another good story. The tale is an important one for all Christians to remember and unfortunately, one that some yet need to learn.
Title: The Mansion
Author: Henry Van Dyke
The Mansion
{note; pick the h.zip format to d/l an html version}
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I posted this at HC before but thought I would do so again for those that have not seen it before.
This is the short and sweet about;
'Keeping Christmas' {from VanDyke's The Spirit of Christmas}
ROMANS, xiv, 6: He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord.
It is a good thing to observe Christmas day. The mere marking of times and seasons, when men agree to stop work and make merry together, is a wise and wholesome custom. It helps one to feel the supremacy of the common life over the individual life. It reminds a man to set his own little watch, now and then, by the great clock of humanity which runs on sun time.
But there is a better thing than the observance of Christmas day, and that is, keeping Christmas.
Are you willing to forget what you have done for other people, and to remember what other people have done for you; to ignore what the world owes you, and to think what you owe the world; to put your rights in the background, and your duties in the middle distance, and your chances to do a little more than your duty in the foreground; to see that your fellow-men are just as real as you are, and try to look behind their faces to their hearts, hungry for joy; to own that probably the only good reason for your existence is not what you are going to get out of life, but what you are going to give to life; to close your book of complaints against the management of the universe, and look around you for a place where you can sow a few seeds of happiness—are you willing to do these things even for a day? Then you can keep Christmas.
Are you willing to stoop down and consider the needs and the desires of little children; to remember the weakness and loneliness of people who are growing old; to stop asking how much your friends love you, and ask yourself whether you love them enough; to bear in mind the things that other people have to bear on their hearts; to try to understand what those who live in the same house with you really want, without waiting for them to tell you; to trim your lamp so that it will give more light and less smoke, and to carry it in front so that your shadow will fall behind you; to make a grave for your ugly thoughts, and a garden for your kindly feelings, with the gate open—are you willing to do these things even for a day? Then you can keep Christmas.
Are you willing to believe that love is the strongest thing in the world—stronger than hate, stronger than evil, stronger than death—and that the blessed life which began in Bethlehem nineteen hundred years ago is the image and brightness of the Eternal Love? Then you can keep Christmas.
And if you keep it for a day, why not always?
But you can never keep it alone.
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"Do your own research"
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Drakon-Deus
Undefeatable Hero
Qapla'
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posted December 20, 2015 11:26 PM |
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I agree Markkur. And often Christmas is NOT the season to be jolly...for many many people, Christians and atheists and people of other religions that see it as a solely secular thing. But... in my opinion:
Pain deepens the soul.
"Grief is better than laughter, for sadness can improve a person." ~Ecclesiastes 7:3 (Complete Jewish Bible)
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Homer171
Promising
Supreme Hero
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posted December 24, 2015 12:06 PM |
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It's christmas time! We read part of Luuk chapter 2 on every christmas before we start to eat. I share it whit ya' all:
1 Now it happened in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled.
2 This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 All went to enroll themselves, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David;
5 to enroll himself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him as wife, being pregnant.
6 It happened, while they were there, that the day had come that she should give birth.
7 She brought forth her firstborn son, and she wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.
9 Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10 The angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.
11 For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough."
13 Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 "Glory to God in the highest, On earth peace, good will toward men."
15 It happened, when the angels went away from them into the sky, that the shepherds said one to another, "Let's go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us."
16 They came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough.
17 When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this child.
18 All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.
20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told them.
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Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed. The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force.
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markkur
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Once upon a time
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posted December 24, 2015 02:29 PM |
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Merry Christmas Eve, Homer171, Drakon-Deus and everyone else here.
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"Do your own research"
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Drakon-Deus
Undefeatable Hero
Qapla'
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posted December 24, 2015 02:36 PM |
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Merry Christmas to all!
And from the crew of Apollo 8, December 24, 1968:
Bill Anders
"We are now approaching lunar sunrise, and for all the people back on Earth, the crew of Apollo 8 has a message that we would like to send to you."
"'In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
‘And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.
‘And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
‘And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.'"[4]
Jim Lovell
"'And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
‘And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
‘And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
‘And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.’"[4]
Frank Borman
"'And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
‘And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.'"
"And from the crew of Apollo 8, we close with good night, good luck, a Merry Christmas – and God bless all of you, all of you on the good Earth.
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Svartzorn
Known Hero
Dead struggling with death.
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posted December 29, 2015 02:59 AM |
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This might be of the interest of you guys.
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Death to the world.
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markkur
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Once upon a time
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posted January 04, 2016 03:43 PM |
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I read it this morning Svartzorn.
I'll share 2 personal impressions;
1. He is not alone. I have read and listened to many that have shared the same revealing and in different branches of the one church, so that's a good thing. However, with that said, he deserves much credit for his thoroughness. C.S. Lewis addressed several important areas but explained them in the most basic of ways. <imo> I think the sad fact today is 'most' are not going to read anything of any subject that long. So while excellent to the layman it would need to be reduced to meet a typical modern man's attention span.
2. I agree with nearly all but one thing and as usual, it really bothers me. Many times I encounter very good dissertations that are completely void of things that Christ stated. To each his own but <imo> since Christ is my Savior, if or when I speak about God in formal authoritative fashion, like that writing, 'some' related evidence of Christ's words and the explanations of his teachings MUST be a part of the document, at least in places. Idk, again, for me, it's like going to see a headlining band but all you hear is the opening act.
I realize it was his purpose to focus entirely on his subject, maybe he was prayed-up and wanting to scratch the surface (which is it's own ministry) but I cannot do what he and so many others apparently can these days. Christ rules and so consequently He has to be large part of what I formally communicate to the world. 'For me', to venture from Him is to venture into danger. (not trying to be holy, I'm nearing the end of my days and that could have everything to do with my needs)
Don't be rattled, like I said I thought it a good, (and will add) necessary read for any human being to ponder in this crazy world. I just feel strange when I read a long document like that and see so little of the Red-Text present.
He said it was not finished, maybe he plans to add some truth from the Truth. <S>
Thanks for sharing it. I think it an important read, even if a very long and sad subject.
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Svartzorn
Known Hero
Dead struggling with death.
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posted January 04, 2016 05:28 PM |
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He won't finish it, since he has already reposed in the Lord. That's a pending read for me. It actually amazed me you went through it so fast 
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Death to the world.
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Drakon-Deus
Undefeatable Hero
Qapla'
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posted January 04, 2016 05:35 PM |
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Great link. Father Serafim Rose is a big figure for many Eastern Orthodox. There is a lot of wisdom to be found in the Eastern Churches as late as the 20th century
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JollyJoker
Honorable
Undefeatable Hero
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posted January 04, 2016 07:29 PM |
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Did I miss something, though, or why isn't he listing relativism?
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Homer171
Promising
Supreme Hero
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posted January 04, 2016 08:53 PM |
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Sorry, was little too long article for me
Just read Job 28, after few days 'calling' from heart that I should. Wisdom. There is so much to grasp here. It's like in HoMM, soon as you get offered Wisdom you should take it, otherwise you end up whit less affective book.
If friendly GM says: You should put some points to Wisdom, you probably should listen.
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Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed. The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force.
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markkur
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Once upon a time
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posted January 04, 2016 10:36 PM |
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Svartzorn said:
It actually amazed me you went through it so fast
Honestly it shouldn't...that's m/l all I do is read. My tramping in the great outdoors is past now and I cannot stand very many modern forms of entertainment. So I am rather forced to read most of the time.
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artu
Promising
Undefeatable Hero
My BS sensor is tingling again
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posted January 05, 2016 12:35 AM |
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Edited by artu at 10:20, 05 Jan 2016.
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Trying to justify the universality of a cosmological claim through the existential neurosis of 20th Century Western Man is as small-minded as it is. But he's not even doing that right, there are so many logical fallacies, misdirected short-cuts, false diagnosis and oversimplification at that link, even a Philosophy 101 student will crush it to pieces for sports.
The most obnoxious thing however, is to assume that atheists (actually, not only them but non-christians in general) will inevitably suffer emotionally for their lack of faith. Religious or not, everybody occasionally goes through depressive times and most people question the meaning of life to some degree. Blind faith in a super hero (behind the pseudo-intellectualism and a very misguided reading of Nietzsche, that's all he suggests really) is not necessarily the only way to achieve that meaning. And even if it was, that doesn't automatically make it deep or wise or "abstract" for that matter. That would have only meant the human condition involves suffering unless we explain things just like our caveman ancestors did and be done with it. It would indicate nothing about the external reality of the universe, which is what truth is about. (The writer allegedly seems to care about truth, in fact, he rather seems like he wants to feel good about it.) Suggesting science cant answer the abstract questions of metaphysics, as if the super-natural stories are a sophisticated alternative is a fallacy, based on a self-proclaimed wisdom. Nothing becomes wiser when we say "but it's beyond logic, so you have to put your faith in it first." And to be able to talk about such things in such high tone and trash-talk 300-200 years of philosophical development like that, you at least have to be aware that pointing out the epistemological incompleteness of knowledge by default (both Nietzsche and modern science do that, with very different motives and methods) is not denying the ontological existence of an external truth which does not change from person to person.
Never ever read philosophy from people who are trying to make religion appear more of an intellectual activity than it actually is(nt). It's a lost cause and they always end up mixing apples and oranges.
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Are you pretty? This is my occasion. - Ghost
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Drakon-Deus
Undefeatable Hero
Qapla'
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posted January 05, 2016 12:53 AM |
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artu said:
The most obnoxious thing however, is to assume that atheists (actually, not only them but non-christians in general) will inevitably suffer emotianally for their lack of faith. Religious or not, everybody occasionally goes through depressive times and most people question the meaning of life to some degree. Blind faith in a super hero (behind the pseudo-intellectualism and a very misguided read of Nietzsche, that's all he suggests really) is not necessarily the only way to achieve that meaning.
I don't disagree with this part actually, it is a very common misconception that some perphaps use on purpose, and it's almost as annoying as the opposite side making similar claims about religious people to me, and this kind of thinking isn't going to lead to a fruitful discussion.
To me it's clear that this type of writings isn't meant to appeal to a larger audience but Christian, sometimes specifically Orthodox, Catholic or Protestant, and that's fine, I am used to seeing this approach. There are also plenty to choose from for a different take on these questions, being philosophical without great religious assumptions.
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Zenofex
Responsible
Legendary Hero
Kreegan-atheist
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posted January 05, 2016 09:40 AM |
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I picked a few random paragraphs of this thing and got the impression that the author reads philosophy like the Devil reads the Gospel (how's that?) and frankly he doesn't even do it in a very educated way. It reminds me of a medieval theologian "analysing" Aristotle after having read some more authoritative theologian's "analysis" of Aristotle and maybe a few lines of the philosopher's actual works. What's ironic is that the valuable legacy of Christianity - apart from some good moral teachings - is almost entirely composed of syncretic mixture of philosophies which, at their core, keep the notion of "God" in the background at best and primarily deal with universal matters (even for Plato's universe God is a byproduct of superstition, it doesn't need him to be complete). I.e. if you strip Christianity off its philosophical padding, what remains is just some myths which the region that spawned this religion has aplenty (not to mention how many of them were readily borrowed). Christians owe the philosophy and the philosophers way too much to treat them in such a amateurish manner.
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Homer171
Promising
Supreme Hero
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posted January 06, 2016 01:55 PM |
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Zenofex said:
if you strip Christianity off its philosophical padding, what remains is just some myths which the region that spawned this religion has aplenty (not to mention how many of them were readily borrowed). Christians owe the philosophy and the philosophers way too much to treat them in such a amateurish manner.
Not a suprise people would see christianity mainly as philosophical and moral book, if anything. That's how i see buddhism or taoism basically, some good wisdom here or interesting atleast but what comes down to their spirituality side, leave it be!
Everything has to have gratitude towards philosophy! Paul does quote Platon on NT and when you study what philosopher started what and where all these mindsets are coming from, you really should respect these fine minds, philosophy is great! (Well good phi obviosly  ) Now if you would strip God from bible/christianity you would indeed get morals and philosophies of life but all these seemingly good things would be hallow combarison (to the real deal). Like in every religion, even in some parts of (christianity) moral/philo is the main thing to follow, for many people, being a good person, doing the right thing is most important goal in life. That's how it's often seen but the reality of christianity is different still. All and everything should 'come whit the gift' as side product of the realdeal. It's not that you try grasp perfect image word/people/self rather God changes you spiritually, what will make you grow a fruit. The faith aspect, that everything is given to you, alone we can't do anything, really leaves us in need for God. While this might sound like a castaway to some of you, there is no greater insurance than in drifting in waves of God's grace.
Morals, Philo, Teology all important but what comes down in most important, have you given you'r life to One and Only Living God hands and are you sure these hands will carry you to the shore in the end? I have that insurance, confidence in Him that I will. Not, that I would be anything special, not that i did or did not do something great but took His promise, Calling and accepted it. "In thou hands I shall trust my life, forever and now." In black waters of death, rised hands of mercy, lifting a poor man high above, deep loving voice responded: "My Father, who has given you to me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch you out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one." It's true, makes you a humble, wish everyone could experience this ultimate love. When you are drifting in life, remember God is looking for you.
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Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed. The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force.
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Drakon-Deus
Undefeatable Hero
Qapla'
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posted January 06, 2016 03:17 PM |
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That was a very good post, Homer. But remember:
Quote:
John 6:61-68, NIV
61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirite and life. 64Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”
66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.
68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”
Also, today is the Old Rite Orthodox Christmas, and Epiphany for the New Rite.
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Homer171
Promising
Supreme Hero
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posted January 06, 2016 04:18 PM |
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Yes, I know DD and that is so great bible passage right there 
It's so great when Peter agnolishes Jesus as who He is. Then Jesus says this didn't come from you, it came from the Father. So, great. By faith we understand everything is greated by Word of God and by faith we have reseaved the eternal life what is in Jesus Christ.
I understand that many don't like that, God choose people and not the other way around.
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Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed. The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force.
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This thread is pages long: 
