Istro-românii: o enigmã a românitãţii. Episodul 1

Published on Jan 29, 2013

Istro-Romanian is one of the four dialects of Romanian. There are only a few hundred speakers, mostly aged over 60 years and in the Susjnievica Zejane localities in northern Croatia. When they disappear, it (the dialect) will disappear. 

According to UNESCO, Istro-Romanian is one of the European endangered dialects (UNESCO Red Book on endangered languages ​​- Seriously endangered languages). 

What is the difference between Istro-Romanians in Istria peninsula on the border of Slovenia 700 years ago and as you speak today? The dialect formed remains a mystery that linguists and historians are still trying to solve. Diversity is all the more astounding as there are significant differences between the two dialects spoken between Istro-Romanians living one side of the mountain Ucka. 

Meanwhile, Italians and Slavs made several attempts to claim the dialect and community and Romanians are interested in becoming more than Istro-Romanian. 

Director: Marian Voicu Image: Marius Danci Image editor: Gabriela Mocanu musical illustration: Tudor Stãnescu Post-processing sound Razvan Ionescu manufacturer: Lucian Ionian © TVR 2003

The Minoans: Ancient Civilization of Crete

Greece/Crete Istro

Beautiful piano music and a relaxing beach scene. One complaint: I really need this to go on for a minimum of 15 minutes, an hour would be preferable.

~Illsa~

Iowa State Singers: Even When He Is Silent

A to Z Blogging Challenge 2015: W is for Songs of Worship

Religion can be a loaded subject. 

We are not promoting any one religion over another.

We are featuring songs which may have spiritual significance to people with certain beliefs.

No belittling or bigoted commentary regarding anyone's beliefs (or lack thereof) will be tolerated.

~The KHEL 666 Krew~

Songs which have spiritual significance can move people emotionally, and perhaps get them in touch with the realms that exist beyond the physical.

For a Buddhist, chanting and instrumentals which invoke feelings of peace and relaxation are essential.

For Christians, a song of this nature can remind them of the peaceful messages taught by Jesus, and of his great sacrifice.

Jewish songs invoke feelings of celebration and reverence, keeping traditions alive and celebrating those who have gone before.

Muslim chants are often very powerful and moving, invoking strong feelings of spiritual reverence.

Pagan beliefs practices are extremely varied. Wiccan and Pagan songs celebrate various gods and goddesses, or the beauty of nature. Unitarian songs of worship tend to focus on peace, tolerance, and togetherness rather than religious beliefs. 

 I hope you have enjoyed my choices demonstrating songs of worship from various belief systems. I am not an expert on religion, and the thoughts expressed are simply brief explanations of my understanding of the music utilized by a few of the world's religions.

Peace,

DJ Illsa

Cross-Posted to:

KHEL 666

One Love

A to Z Blogging Challenge 2015: B is for Bias

The above video contains an example of cultural bias. This person is certainly not the only one to hold such views.

Bias:

a particular tendency or inclination, especially one that prevents unprejudiced consideration of a question; prejudice.

The author of the above book, Michael Savage, refers to his views as "conservative nationalism."

First, I'll go with the idea upon which I agree with him.

When it comes to sex scenes, often less is more. I generally dislike overly explicit sex scenes in movies. If I wanted to watch porn, I'd watch porn. If I'm reading a book, unless I'm going for erotica, I don't want graphic sex scene after graphic sex scene. Before you ask, no, I am not a fan of "Fifty Shades of Grey."

As to what was offensive in the author's statement:

"If they were Islamists, they'd cut each other's throats. But since they're Americans, they usually have a drink and go to bed with each other."

Granted, the statement is hyperbolic. Obviously, if Muslims killed each other all the time, there would be no more Muslims. However, the statement is also a glaring generalization regarding Muslims.

Also granted, there are extremist Muslims. There are problematic attitudes in the Middle East regarding the treatment of women. However, not all Muslims are extremists. 

Believing that all Muslims are extremists is comparable to saying that all Germans are bad because of the actions taken by the Nazis. It simply isn't true.

Attitudes like Mr. Savage's do nothing to combat the extremist attitudes held by some Muslims. Instead, they create an attitude of bias against all Muslims.

Biased attitudes do not create solutions. They only create further animosity.

~Illsa~

Is Libertarianism "Too Idealistic?"

A thoughtful discussion by Jason Cockrell regarding Libertarian ideology.

I enjoyed listening to this young man. He presents his ideas in a calm and rational manner, which makes me want to hear more of what he has to say. He seems to have thought things through before making his presentation. I subscribed to his channel because I would like to hear more of his thoughts.

~Illsa~

The Lord's Supper

Here is a unique cartoon explaining why one must be baptized in order to receive the sacrament. 

I was raised Catholic, and I honestly don't think I ever heard this explained, although, to be fair, I'm in my late forties now, and catechism classes were a long time ago.

~Illsa~

An illustration of why spirituality is not One Size Fits All

Actually, it's just a short animation about a couple of guys and a jigsaw puzzle. But I see it as a good metaphor for why it isn't good to shove your particuar brand of religion on other people.