www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall 'Ukraine' or 'The Ukraine'

Two Lungs, I could understand that. To many in the west, the culture, religion, and language of people in Russia and Ukraine seem little different from each other. Unless you are familiar with that area, you probably would not appreciate the differences. On a practical note, I am now (as of 4 days ago) 60 years old. I think I will just call all these places what I have known from published sources for many years, let them all get offended if they have nothing better to do, and have some good chocolate and not worry about it. Isn't one of the advantages of being a "senior citizen" not caring whether you get along with anyone anymore?

Dear Charles,

Actually, since the USA is so for spreading democracy and self-determination throughout the world, one would think that you yankees would be first in line to say "Ukraine, Kyiv" etc.

Or are you guys only for democracy when oil is involved for you?

That's all I'll say about it. This is a slippery slope that will get me into trouble and has and, truth be told, I'll never be able to redeem myself from the trouble I've gotten into here over that.

Ultimately, who really cares and even Ukrainian institutions like the Seminary in Ottawa officially use "Kiev" in their publication and have made a formal statement to that effect. I've yet to see any Ukrainian organization or diplomatic whatever raise a stink to them about it. They will raise a stink to others, but not, it would appear, to their own organizations.

As for Americans distinguishing cultural differences between one people or another - perhaps Americans in general should realize that the world does not estimate them very highly in the cultural department as a whole before they begin expounding on that sort of thing.

Alex

Now Alex...the Benedictines are going to cast you out for splitting hairs if you are not careful. Oil? What's this about oil. You're on to us. We need the oil to invade Canada so don't tell anyone. In all seriousness, you have to admit that from a distance, cultural and linguistic differences are not always apparent to others. Go say a rosary and have some chocolate. You'll feel better.

First of all, Charles,

H A P P Y [color:#993399]B I R T H D A Y !!! [/color]

1. How did you get out of us knowing?!?

2. By being secretive, you didn't get to eat your forum virtual cake with the candles on it next to your name--and you know, it is a really good cake--it is devil's food chocolate cake!!

3. You are NOT a senior citizen YET!!!! I know that decade birthdays set us into a funk, but PLEASE do not refer to yourself that way for atleast another five years!

All the best and many belated birthday blessings to a dear and valued forum member,
Alice

Thanks, Alice. I don't remember whether or not I listed my birthday in the "my stuff" area of the forum. It's kind of funny. The liquor store gives me a 15% discount on Tuesdays, but my favorite restaurant doesn't think I am old enough yet. So I guess the specific age when one becomes a senior citizen is not certain. The virtual birthday cake sounds delicious.

Dear Charles,

I already have a rosary (a few) and can't have any chocolate due to diabetes.

The Benedictines have taught me to stand up for myself which is what I've done and will continue to do.

So we've been down this path before, rosary and chocolate and all, and come to no conclusion.

We'll agree to disagree. It's just that, once again, I thought Americans were more open to nations who insist on their independence - just like you guys did in 1776.

Alex

This topic has been fully addressed, and before it degenerates it will be closed!

Alice, Moderator