Southern Nativity Scene

"Why Spartan Soldiers Were Fearless Of Death"

The Spartans, at their height in the fifth century B.C.,
were admired by all the Greek world for their rigorous
discipline, their absolute bravery, their readiness to
die rather than be conquered. To maintain that
discipline, they lived a harsh, communistic life.
All ate at a common table which the famous "Spartan
porridge" was served -- nourishing but simple.

An Athenian, a member of the most cultured and
refined city in the Greek world, asked permission
to join the communal life of Sparta for one day.

Permission was granted, and at the close of the day,
the Athenian turned to a Spartan and said, "Now at
last I understand why you Spartans are so fearless
in battle and so scornful of death."

"You do?" said the Spartan.

"Of course. With food like yours to return to, I too
would prefer death."

Source: Isaac Asimov and Legends of Yore

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"Southern Nativity Scene"

In a small Southern town there was a nativity scene that
indicated great skill and talent in its creation. One small feature
bothered me though. The three wise men were wearing
firemen's helmets.

Totally unable to come up with a reason or explanation, I left.

At a "Quik Stop" on the edge of town, I asked the lady behind
the counter about the helmets. She exploded into a rage,
yelling at me, "You darn Yankees never do read the Bible!"

I assured her that I did, but simply couldn't recall anything
about firemen in the Bible. She jerked her Bible from behind the
counter and ruffled through some pages, and finally jabbed her
finger at a particular passage.

Sticking it in my face she said, "See, it says right here, 'The
three wise men came from afar.'"
Received on Tue Dec 25 07:24:01 2007