Atwater Vitki

those that didn't choose to die in battle, by suicide or were put to death of many kingdoms of the ancient land...what is now"Europe". "Roman Rule" could be considered nothing but 'captivity'...it certainly was not free except for those few with the luxury of becoming Roman citizens....very few.

I'm not going to get into the debate regarding the Ancient Magyar /Sumerian and/or Finno-Ugrians connection for a couple of reasons. One there is a huge difference between linguistic connections, cultural connections and genetic connections. And second, for what we know today, based on archaeological evidence and artifact research....anyone alive today, making observations on either side of the controversy, that was not alive then is only making "likely hypotheses, not definitive solutions"...but mostly because it's not integral to the topic. When I researched the material for my Troy to Moses thesis at Uppsala Universitet, 99.99% of my peers thought I was absolutely nutz...yes, I am nutz, but that has nothing to do with researchable interpretations of historical evidences. The Hungarian Runes(1) were one of the many keys to my making the connection regarding the historical Oden and Thor of 3rd and/or 4th cities of Troy (Turkey) in direct relation to the Odhinn (Odin, Oden) and Thor of the Nordic sagas, due to probable migration routes. Interestingly enough, further research in this area by other scholars and academics are beginning to reveal the connections not as wild of a theory as once thought. In fact, U. Prof. Öster Linderberg(a) has advanced this connection quite readily and will be publishing his findings (over 15 yrs. of research) in the near future. Etymology is a major factor in tracing any lineage...look at modern day "Ebonics"(2) and it's correlation to poverty and gang activity as one example...but language and writing systems are still only a part of any culture overall. As they say in real estate...location, location, location is a big part of the rest. As vast as the Ottoman Empire was at one time, there really is no telling how much influence they had on wiping out direct evidences to what would much later become the Hungarian-Sumerian connection. I mean during my studies in Sweden, don't you think I found it just a bit odd to see, Asian, African and Middle Eastern descent peoples speaking perfect Swedish when my entire life I had only been around the atypical white skinned, blond haired, blue eyed Scandinavian??? Many of the younger immigrants, who are now "native Swedes", spoke fluent English as well so conversations were extremely enlightening. However, what will become of their ancestral tongue several generations down the road? It won't be the perfect and beautiful Canton, Nairobi and Arabic their ancestors spoke and 50-100 years from now the Swedish "Ordbok" (dictionary) may just have numerous new entries with foreign origins. Dialects also play an important part... put a blue blood London aristocrat, a bayou Cajun, native Bostonian, "Outback" Australian and a reclusive moonshiner from Kentucky... in the same room and tell me they all speak English?? The point I'm making here, Sarkany and Hrodebert, is the evidence, as we interpret it today, really is a "best guess"....because even the info we use to formulate our hypothesis is based on what?....others subjective "best guess" research!! I refer once again to the professor at Birka(3) who would find an artifact and immediately begin to postulate how it got there, what is was used for etc....while all the other students and even associate scholars would roll their eyes and give a unanimous "Mmmhmm!" Bottom line, there could have been a dozen other reasons for an arrow, shoe, knife blade, bundle of rune staves or piece of jewelry to be where it was found 1000 years later....don't ya think? While I agree there very well could be a connection between the Hungarian and Sumerian languages, let's take all evidences into consideration. I am certain we would find Hungarian dialects that could prove a stronger connection to Sumerian than others, even though those parts of old Hungary may be buried under much of modern day progress. I would not dismiss this etymological connection at all, even though there may be strong cultural and physical evidence to the contrary. Remember, history is written by the victor and only people with large grants dig up the past....in short, their interpretation could well be a bit slanted! Tacticus wrote about the Vikings, Gauls, Druids and many others, based on a momentary observation. How could he possibly have a complete understanding of these peoples' history and ancient rites based on a few glimpses of their day to day life, under captivity? Yet Tacticus is universally accepted as being one the foremost sources of historical fact regarding many of the Germanics....I'm afraid I find great fault with that. Even with all our modern technology and advances in sciences, if we're not very careful to keep an open mind we could easily, once again, fall into another Dark Age. I do agree with one thing about religions in general... and that is the eagerness in which most of the leadership (of any religion) is willing to bury the facts of the past to advance the current belief. Just because something isn't brought forward into current knowledge, doesn't mean it didn't once belong there or was not at one time an integral part of any culture, language or place. Blessings of Peace, (1) http://forums.skadi.net/showthread.php?t=91719 (scroll down a little past ½ way) (2) http://www.bing.com/search?q=Ebonics%2C+poverty%2C+crime&pc=ZUGO&form=ZGAFDF (3) My favorite was his finding an arrow in a secluded area, about 9-10" underground, (roughly 600-650CE) and immediately going off on how the "game animal" would have been there, hunter standing here, the miss went there etc etc...a long story...but the bottom line is is it could have just as easily of been a child playing with the arrow, someone discarding it for any number of reasons, an invader's missed shot etc etc. Rabbits were the only known "game animal" on Birka, after the few deer had been long eradicated (450-500CE) and those were mostly bred in cages. Who would have need to chance losing an arrow (a lot of hard work and expensive in those days) to something readily available out of a cage??...buuuut he was the resident "expert"... (a) http://www.bing.com/search?q=%C3%96ster+Linderberg&pc=ZUGO&form=ZGAFDF

Sounrad - ask the person getting married what the "dress code" will be, but usually a shirt and tie is just fine. As you have a lot to get ready for you may want to browser search for some sample wedding ceremonies, writing your own at this point takes a lot of time. You can also talk to Amy at the ULC store to help you get the right books that has all the info in it you'll need. I'm assuming it will be in New Jersey as thats where you live? Good luck and our best to all involved. Blessings of Peace,

Beautiful

That is too hilarious about the rain...the other day we had a quick thunder cloud roll over...and had all five sitting on the table and counter just staring at us with that "Turn that OFF, would ya?!?" Then of course, one good crack of lightening and then they are all piled in our laps with that same ..."And STOP that too!" look! 10 minutes later they're all outside and then come in with damp feet...maybe a sprinkle of rain at best...ears down and the "See? See what ya made us do?" look. Oh, they are such wonderful, expressive creatures aren't they? And simply too funny to not have fun with. Wait till true winter and the kitties will be ever so happy for that nice warm blanket...they'll be back in bed with ya! Blessings Be,

Mogs looks very comfy! The middle pic, with the brown checkered blanket? Where is that? Or is that someone holding up blanket in your lap and pic taken? Mogs looks so totally comfy! The cat species is supposedly "adjusted" to climates between 20ºF-120ºF...methinks it's far more what they're use to! Our first year back from Maui (70ºF nights 88ºF days nearly year round) with the 3 cats that came with us they were like Velcro™ for the body warmth. Even now with mid-90's days and we have the AC on, they're cuddled up in our laps and often under our lap blankets (small bed-sheet material Kay made to keep fur in one place)...we're sweating bullets and they are belly up in joyous aahhhhh! Oh to spoil our critter, eh? Blessings of Peace,

Having a pacifist philosophy, as I do, is one thing, not acting to protect the innocent is another. That is called cowardice, IMHO. I may be one of the few here that has been put in that ugly, awkward, gut wrenching place, outside of the confines of war, of having to defend another through a violent act. However, as emalpaiz said, I did not hesitate. I have had to live with the consequences of that action nearly every day of my life since, but in that terrible moment there was zero hesitation. What my conscience has had to bear is terrible enough but far, far less than what it would be had I not acted, I'm sure. I think most true pacifists follow the philosophy of "attempting to minimize violence" in the world. I have been to "Peace Rallies" that fights broke out everywhere, I have also seen hate groups scatter at the first sign of physical violence...so who's to say what will happen when. All I know for sure is that as a species, humans are the most fickle bunch of any mammals on Earth. We have this "enormous brain" that supposedly makes us superior to all other forms of life, yet violence, death and war permeates our societies...how does one grasp that? If half the money, that our military receives each year, were put towards peaceful ends, there would presumably be no war. I am a combat veteran that sees no value in war from an inside perspective, but, knowing that even a few lives were saved and/or changed due to the actions of myself, my unit or the military as a whole is the only piece of the whole situation that settles the issues in my mind. On the flip-side of that coin, since the "conflict" I was involved in went away, the lives of the people left in those areas of south east Asia have been far better off without anyone telling them "democracy" is the right way. Violences, war, suffering and inhumane treatment of others is not the way gain peace. Only by example and allowing others to make that choice for themselves will be able to ♪♫give peace a chance ♫♪....thank you John. Blessings of Peace,

Well, I think I'll leave Ayn Rand out of the picture as I never was a great fan of her writing or philosophies. She seemed to be another one like Nietzsche that had it all summed up into neat little boxes that were in essence, full of holes due to the authors own egotism. But aside from that, the posit that one must be either be an egotist or altruist is basically a good point and how I think most of Humanity divides itself, even if they don't know it. Self dependency is about the only thing I can think of that would allow one to be free of either ego or altruistic tendencies, however there would not be much of a society if everyone were to be a hermit. I've known two true, modern day hermits in my life and let's just say they were both real characters that captivated one's imagination, living in the wilds of Northern California. However, given a choice between being altruistic and/or an egotist, well not much of a choice as there's only one answer for me...altruism. My personal view, having known many egotists in my life, is that they miss the real "Big Picture" because they have no concept of the wonderful feeling a person gets from the simple act of giving. There's a huge movement going on right now, and has been for years, to bring "Peace" to the world and that takes the majority of people being altruists, imo. Selfless giving unto all in need... whatever their needs may be as even the ridiculously rich have 'needs'. I'm certain there is someone here on the forum, far smarter than me, that can give us the intermediary term of what this third option would be for us. I look forward to that response. Blessings Be,

awwww....puppies!! Did you know that in the 80's there was a perfume called "Puppy Breath"? I wonder if it's still around. How wonderful for ya'll...too cool having a little guy around as the next many years will be so much fun for all. I can only ditto what grateful said. Blessings Be,

The coins in the trees, being a Norse area, goes along with the Winter Solstice and Ostara theme of the vikings. Putting treats and/or coins out during these holidays was to keep the trolls, elves and other malfeasant beings away. I don't know what the specific local customs may be attached to it, but in Scandinavia you'll find tree like that all over the northern areas. I saw at least 40-50 of them when up around Näs Lake "Rainbow", "Sun Beam", "Silver Moon", "Snow" and "Elfie" were still doing that in the '90's when I moved up to Humboldt...no, really, those were their names. "Rainbow Flower" or some such moniker managed a tree sit in for over 10 months before the loggers finally got permission from the sheriff to put the saw to the tree....she came scrambling down in an instant when they lit off those 4' chainsaws. Look, I totally support sustained forests, which mean replanting is done after harvest and all California logging industries do so. It's actually better for the land as they plant so that specialized tractor style cutters can come in 60-100 years, leaving an almost zero foot print. When you go through the replanted areas from the late 1890's to 1920's, the trees are twice as healthy as ancient natural growth. The wood has a tighter, more consistent grain etc etc...you can visit Pacific Lumber, or Palco.com for the whole story if ya like....but causing deliberate harm to people to support a cause, well I'm glad there are laws protecting to some degree about that. BTW, "Rainbow Flower" was arrested on a number of charges from trespass to tree spiking. During her inflammatory radio shows, (she would send tapes to local underground radio stations) she admitted to numerous spikings of which several caused injury...not a very smart protester. Blessings of Peace,

Very cool article and outcome for some very special bowsers! Jago, Haris and Conny are getting what they most certainly deserve a peaceful retirement, finally free of the inhumanities of humanity. WTG Airmen and Dr. Randel! You already know the reward you're getting! Blessings of Peace,

Do people have any idea what they do to animals self respect? Cute in our eyes maybe, but look at the poor dachies...they both have glazed over eyes like "Just get me close to a leg or arm..grrr...growl....grrrr..I'll do the rest!!!" But yeah, cute pic....for Hu-mans.

I forgot to mention one very important factor.....never allow a newbie to 'face' the dominant when introducing them, always bring the side...or preferably butt end...to the Alpha. Face to face is "war" in cat language....much the same for most animals. Allowing the Alpha to get a good whiff of the newbie is important. We've often had one of us hold the newbie with their butt and tail sticking out from under one arm while the other hand scratches and soothes the head end while being held. Then bring the Alpha up to the newb's rear so s/he can sniff all they want without the Newbie even knowing about it! Remember, cats "see" with their noses as much, if not more so than their eyes. Cats have fabulous night vision but are only about 20/60 (equiv to human) in daylight and do not see many color...their world is mostly in greenish-blue tints. I forget if it's red or yellow they do not see at all. Ferimones, enzymes, body odors and all the things that attach to a cats coat tell the other the long story of the past several days of the newbie. Scent is the where, when and how's for them. Hope that helps. Blessings of Peace,

We most certainly send our prayers and well wishes for ya Stormy. It's a rough go but you have the strength and moxie to get through it all. We miss ya around here, so get better as quick as possible so you have the fortitude to get back in the swing of things. We've even had a couple of Newbs boiling in the Hot Seat kettle that should be nice and tender, just waiting for ya to nibble dem juicy bones! Fawz even saved a few carrots and potatoes for ya! Oh do I know the feeling of one thing after another and having my own reserved seat in the waiting room! It is NOT fun. Get better soon! Blessings of Healing, Al

Even Odhinn, Thor, Mimir and many other gods had their problems with trolls. There is indeed a big difference between "trolls", dwarfs, faeries and the like, however, in the Scandi sagas that I'm aware of, trolls were the consorts of Loki, Helja and several of the other underworld or Schwartzheimer gods .... and usually up to no good. Also, "feeding" the trolls was not specifically food, rather it was more in tune with a person's activities and mostly that of children. Like so many of our Fairy Tales, these stories of Doing That Which is Right were meant to teach children good character, true morals and ethical behavior. Just how that was done by putting the fear of being dismembered, roasted and eaten with knäckebröd and a horn of mead is beyond me, but I guess it worked. So how ever it all works inte foder trollinger! Blessings Be,

Sarkany, Oh how wonderful to hear "Sylvester" is finding his place in your Mom's home. Of course we all love hearing about rescues as well! A couple of things we do to smooth the waters between new and old kitties in one's life is... Since "Fonzie" is the dominant and "prime" kitty in the house, your Mom will want to let him know she still recognizes that fact. Cats are very hierarchy minded...alpha to zeta...in the home. Your Mom will want to keep the "order" so to speak. When we bring new ones into the house we always take every opportunity to lap our dominants...as they were before "it" showed up....get them comfy. Then as the new one approaches, pet the prime and endorse the new one. It has only taken a few days, barring a few ancient incidents, for our primes to accept the newbies by this method. Always acknowledge the senior and then the new...it's just the cat's way. Feed Fonz first, pet him first, etc etc...always put the Fonz first and it'll be fairly smooth sailing. Since the human is looked at like the "Alpha Prime" in the house, loving the dominant while gently bringing in the newbie...well let's just say it works every time for us. OH...and NEVER allow Sylvester to eat from Fonzie's bowl! A new bowl for the new kid will also teach them both good things and each others place in the dominant cycles of a cat's life. You may be well aware of these things...but it never hurts to emphasize Cat Culture for those who may not know! Blessings of Peace,