J-M's History Corner

Today I present my Restored English Translation (RET) of Ester ( Esther ) chapter 6.  Apart from the last couple of verses (which usually appears at the end of chapter 3), this chapter is not part of most English translations: it’s part of the oldest textual traditions, but (historically unjustifiably) rejected by modern Protestants and Rabbinic Jews, classified among the “Apocrypha”.  See The Canon of Scripture, Part 1: The Apocrypha and Restored English Translation of Esther: Chapter 1 .  As usual, it contains the Hebrew names, with a glossary of them at the end. CHAPTER 6   1 The copy of the letters was this: “The great King Achashverosh writes these things to the princes and governors who are under him from Hodu to Kush in 127 provinces. 2 After that I became master over many nations and had dominion over the whole world, not lifted up with presumption of my authority, but carrying myself always with equity and mildness, I purposed to settle my s...

Blockbusters Reviewed Welcome to the 15th edition of My Fortnightly Movie/TV Thoughts .  Last fortnight, I reviewed Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977).  This fortnight, I’m reviewing: Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980), rated PG for Mild science fiction violence That of course is the Australian rating.  In the United States, it’s rated PG for sci-fi action violence. As usual, I’ll give the trailer and a clip at the end. And as usual, I put up this disclaimer just to be safe: WARNING: POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD.  PROCEED AT OWN RISK. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back Irvin Kershner’s contribution to Star Wars – the second in the original trilogy and Skywalker Saga (although chronologically 5th in the latter), and the 3rd (chronologically 11th) overall – is even better than its predecessor, and the trilogy’s best. Following the destruction of the Death Star… View origin...

Today I present my Restored English Translation (RET) of Ester ( Esther ) chapter 5.  As usual, it contains the Hebrew names, wit a glossary of them after the chapter.  At the end is a list of where the Aleph-Tavs occur, as they are no longer included in the main text. CHAPTER 5  1 After these things King Achashverosh promoted Haman the son of Hammedata the Agagi, and lifted him up, and set his seat above all the princes who were with him. 2 And all the king’s servants, who were in the king’s gate, bowed and prostrated before Haman; for the king had so commanded for him. But Mordekai did not bow nor prostrate. 3 Then the king’s servants, who were in the king’s gate, said to Mordekai, “Why do you transgress the king’s commandment?” 4 And it was, when they spoke to him day by day, and he did not listen to them, that they told Haman, to see if Mordekai’s matters would stand; for he had told them that he was a Yehudi. 5 And Haman saw that Mordekai did not bo...

You will find in the Bible and in innumerable ancient legends references to giant; humanoids who were (often much) taller (and stronger) than normal.  (Gigantism – where a person is abnormally large, but weak – is entirely different.)  They often have a supernatural origin, the result of a union between supernatural beings and human women.  The Bible calls them the Nephillim and Rephaim.  The Greeks called them the Titans. They don’t fit into Evolution, and so are generally regarded as myths.  However, there is direct evidence – PHYSICAL evidence – that they were (and probably still are) very real.  The following is an article titled Traces of Giants Discovered Worldwide from Tales from Out There: The skeletons of giants were removed; whenever a new one appears the bones are quickly removed; they are carried far away to big hangars hidden from the public eye  or are destroyed. The Smithsonian Institute has admitted in court tha...

The following are a whole lot of Star Wars memes I've found recently.  There are way too many of them, and some are cringeworthy; but they're fun and amusing.  Note: they're best understood by someone who as seen the prequel trilogy (preferably the entire series) (like me :) ) (there are sequel memes). The perfect way to waste the day - and not really regret it!  (PLUS: a bit of political James Bond humour at the end that is NOT meant to be taken seriously.) (I'm a big fan of Episode VIII, so it better NOT be decanonised!  LOL, but serious.) (Me?  I'll take any scene!  My second-favourite in the whole series.) (I won't comment.) (DISCLAIMER: Disliking The Last Jedi is an entirely legitimate position.) (I'm personally a prequel fan.) (Remember: these political memes are JOKES.) ...