Happy Columbus Day?

In the U.S., today is a quasi-holiday for which federal employees get the day off, but most of the rest of us have to work.

Hero or White Devil?
The holiday is meant to celebrate what most of Americans have learned is the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus in the year 1492, but not all Americans agree is should be a cause for celebration. In fact, some would say that it's a spit in the eye of the original population of this country. I mean how could it be claimed that this man "discovered" a land where people were already living?

So, the question is, was Christopher Columbus:

a. A brave discoverer of America who founded a new land for his country and brought civilization and happiness to the uncivilized tribal groups that suffered on this land?, or,

b. A bungling, lost sailor who arrogantly exploited the charity of a native population for his own personal enrichment, and eventually opened the door to decimation and destruction of a proud people?, or,

c. Something in between?

Current Knitting/Crocheting
I was able to get quite a bit of knitting and crocheting done this weekend.

First, I finished the Trekking socks inspired by pattern in The Knitting Man(ual).


They came out very nicely, and gave me the chance to experiment with a new heel that I like very much. I will fiddle with it a little, but I will definitely use it on future socks.

I also got some work done on the crochet lace tablecloth.



I was able to add five more stars and also start to work on the filler motifs...just three of them. Just think, only 91 more large motifs to go.

Readers' Comments/Questions
Thanks all for your comments and thoughts on the definition of "rich." Suffice it to say that I'm not in that category...at least financially.

Most folks don't go back and read prior blog entry comments, but since I get an e-mail every time a comment is saved, I see them all. I thought y'all might like to see one of the pearls that came across my in-box. Regarding what I called the laughable comments of the leader of Iran at Columbia University, Caitlan writes,
"Well, what would you say if you were the leader of people who executed people for being gay? It's not like he can single handedly turn his country tolerant. I don't think his stance is the most admirable one by any means but he is not condemning any one or anything, so I think it is an acceptable statement."

I don't know where to start on this. To think that saying there are no gays in Iran is in no way an acceptable statement, even if he believes he's executed them all. And to say that his statements don't condemn anyone is either delusional or ignorant. By ignoring (or worse yet, intimidating) gays in his country into the closet is condemning them, just like denying the holocaust is his way of condemning Isreal.