is shoveling really a workout?

Tags

someecards, winter

not convinced… I think a trip to the gym is in store

Winter Storm… Nemo

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drinking, someecards, winter

I posted this someecard with regard to Hurricane Sandy – but I’m fairly certain it applies to the impending winter storm as well..

a little cold humour

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someecards, winter

I know it’s not Monday, but it’s bitterly cold in the Northeast and across much of the country, so I felt a little someecards humor about the cold was necessary.

 

 

 

 

Merry Christmas

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family, holidays, winter

Justgngr wants to wish everyone a merry and blessed Christmas.  Hopefully you’re spending the day surrounded by family and friends.

favorite and worst Christmas songs?

Tags

holidays, opinion, winter

A friend of mine posted on Facebook the other day asking what song people thought was the most annoying Christmas/holiday song.  There were definitely some good responses although some people put down the song they find the most depressing around the holidays rather than the most annoying.  I had one very clear vote…

Christmas is 11 days away after all (holy crap, seriously!?)  So here goes… which song is your favorite Christmas song?  If you come from a religious tradition – is there a religious Christmas song you really like in addition to secular ones?  And which Christmas song makes you want to claw your eyes out?

My favorite religious Christmas songs:

• O Come, O Come Emanuel (technically an Advent song… I know)
• Oh Come All Ye Faithful (Celine Dion version)
• Oh Little Town of Bethlehem (Amy Grant version)
• O Holy Night (Jewel does a really good version as does the Cast of Glee)
• Silent Night (there are numerous artists who do this song justice, and instrumental versions tend to be beautiful as well)

My favorite secular Christmas songs:

• Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Christina Aguilera version – I wont be judged!)
• Baby, It’s Cold Outside
• Cold December Night

Most annoying Christmas song:

• Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer

Red Kettles

Tags

gay, holidays, opinion, winter

Well the holiday season is officially here in the United States with the craziness that was Black Friday and Cyber Monday already come and gone.  And with the holiday season comes many of winter’s best attributes – hot chocolate, Christmas, the smell of pine trees…

But the holiday season also carries a little baggage in the form of the Salvation Army with their “army” of bell ringers and red kettles.  And my disapproval for the Salvation Army is not solely because I find the bell ringers annoying.

For those of you who don’t know, the Salvation Army actively discriminates against gays and lesbians. While you might think you’re helping the hungry and homeless by dropping a few dollars in the bright red buckets, not everyone can share in those donations.  The organization also has a record of actively lobbying governments worldwide for anti-gay policies.

I will never understand how charities that report to come from a background of strong Christian beliefs choose to actively discriminate and deny charitable services to others simply due to differences in beliefs (I’m pretty sure Jesus said love thy neighbor – not love thy neighbor if he or she believes the same thing as you).   But I want to point out an idea that I thought was fairly interesting in order to show support for the LGBT community.

America Blog is asking LGBT shoppers and allies to give downloadable “vouchers” to Salvation Army bell ringers in lieu of cash in an effort to let the organization know that “bigotry is not a Christmas value”.  You can print out the vouchers below.  I think this idea is unique and worthwhile.  Do I think it will change the Salvation Army’s position on homosexuality?  Absolutely not – but it cant hurt right?

For more on this story, you can read this article from the Huffington Post or the blog post from AmericaBlog

The 2012 Santa Speedo Run

Tags

winter, workout

Yes folks, you read that correctly.  I, justgngr, will be running around the city of Boston with 500 other people wearing only a speedo (and running shoes of course).  Well, and maybe a set of antlers or jingle bells or something.

More importantly, the charity run benefits the organization PlayBall! which strives to give Boston’s inner city children opportunities to engage in athletic activities that will enhance their physical, social and emotional development.  This is a really important cause, and I would greatly appreciate any support you can give.  The run is on December 8th – so you can bet it will be mighty cold out by then.

Again… I’m running in a speedo – I think that’s worth at least $25.  Go to 2012 SSRun for more information and to donate.  Thanks!

Winter

Tags

winter

It’s funny to think that I haven’t posted anything in over a year.  This entry will not be about my lack of posting, I promise

I was walking around the city yesterday while it was snowing, and I couldnt help but notice how quiet it seemed.  Peaceful.  Have you ever noticed how snowfall seems to make the rest of the world disappear?  It’s almost like nature’s very own mute button.

Some wise person would probably tell me that the snow acts as a barrier and muffles the vibrations of sound waves bouncing off of objects.  Perhaps the mere sight of snowfall discourages people from going outside.  Whatever the reason, the snow seems to drown out all the chaos.  I soak in the silence, appreciating the opportunity to clear my own head.

There really is nothing more beautiful than a thin layer of white snow on a tree.  If you live in Boston, you absolutely must walk down Waltham Street in the South End the day after it has snowed.  In spring and summer, a beautiful canopy of green leaves covers the entire street as the trees are in full bloom and have grown to essentially covering the street.  During autumn, the leaves shed their green and turn a beautiful rainbow of fall colors.  Truly, it’s a great view but in winter, the canopy turns to white after a snow and is truly post-card or picture book quality.  It is truly breathtaking.