PAGE BREAK $GYLFH IRU WKRVH RQ WKH YHUJH ASTROLOGICAL?
DEAR MINERVA, I have a friend who constantly dogs on my religion. I am a person of faith but I also question some teachings and have remained open to other people’s ideas. This friend makes it a point to declare my beliefs as incorrect while simultaneously talking about their own hardcore belief in astrology. I don’t put my friend down or try to criticize their beliefs. What can I do? Sincerely, —SagiWARYus
DEAR SAGIWARYUS, Belief versus non-belief is a war as old as time. This is one example of why religion has traditionally been off limits for polite conversation. The problem here is that there is no way to have a successful argument about it. No one comes out triumphant because our beliefs, on either side, are ours to have. Your friend sounds pretty judgmental. There are many sources that refute astrology and horoscopes. Many religions also forbid them. My advice to you is to tell your friend that topics of faith are off limits because you value their friendship and, since your friend can’t respect your faith, your friendship’s survival depends on making it an “Area 51” topic. My own belief is that we all have to get through this life the best way we can. Sometimes, believing in something is all we have to cling on to. It doesn’t matter to me if that belief is God, Allah, astrology, etc. If it is helping (not hurting) people on their journeys, we should respect that path. Why fight over semantics? SUBMIT questions to Minerva’s Breakdown at bit.ly/MinervasBreakdown or mail them to Boise Weekly, 523 Broad St., Boise, ID 83702. All submissions remain anonymous.
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MUSHER’S SECRET This winter has already proven to be one of the most severe on record—and it has been particularly tough on pets. We have discovered something that can help, though: Musher’s Secret. Invented in the early 1990s for sled dogs trekking through the frigid Northwest Territories of Canada, Musher’s Secret is a salve made of 100 percent natural waxes and Vitamin E. It creates a barrier to Musher’s Secret protect pooches’ paws from harsh condi60 grams $15; 200 tions—especially the de-icing chemicals and grams $20, 1 lb. $30 salt used on sidewalks and roads. Available at your favorite pet supply The real secret is Musher’s isn’t just for store and online at wintertime use. In the summer, scorching musherssecret.net sidewalks can be equally tough on pets’ pads, and Musher’s can help prevent drying and painful cracking. Rather than wait to slather it on before you let the dogs out, rub on a thin layer of Musher’s daily, using the natural heat from your hand to soak it in. Now that’s unconditional love. —George Prentice Taken by instagram user megnatti.
Has your street been plowed? (Self-reported Jan. 4-11.)
RECORD EXCHANGE TOP 10 SELLERS
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“EPONYM,” SFM-STEVE FULTON MUSIC
“BLUE AND LONESOME,” ROLLING STONES “AWAKEN MY LOVE,” CHILDISH GAMBINO “22, A MILLION,” BON IVER “JOANNE,” LADY GAGA
6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
“BLACKSTAR,” DAVID BOWIE
Not Plowed
“24K MAGIC,” BRUNO MARS
Plowed
“SUNSET MOTEL,” RECKLESS KELLY
“CITY CLUB,” THE GROWLERS
PRICE
“MIDWEST FARMER’S DAUGHTER,” MARGO
View the inter active map at boiseweekly. c o m /b o i s e / n ew s .
Disclaimer: This online poll is not intended to be a scientif ic sample o f l o c a l, statewi d e o r n ati o n a l o p i n i o n.
93,837
11
16
1.9 BILLION
200
193
206
26
Number of supporters (as of Jan. 10) who have signed a change.org petition asking Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger to declare Princess Leia an “Official Disney Princess.”
Number of officially licensed Disney Princesses.
Number of Coca-Colas Carrie Fisher drank per day, according to a Nov. 28, 2016 interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Conservative estimate for how many servings of Coke products are consumed per day.
Minimum number of countries where Coke products are sold.
Number of member states in the United Nations.
Number of sovereign states recognized in the United Nations system.
Number of countries with either reigning, partially empowered or figurehead monarchies.
(princess.disney.com)
(ajc.com)
(coca-cola.co.uk)
(coca-cola.co.uk)
(un.org)
(un.org)
(washingtonpost.com)
(change.org)
22 c JANUARY 11-17, 2017 c BOISEweekly
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