Pagans wish for rain to wash away Homer

July 20, 2007

I don't think the origins are known. It is just something people

have chosen as a religious symbol - much like any other religions

symbols.

Talking of peaceful symbols - the one with the dead man nailed to a

cross with blood dripping down - now there's a peaceful symbol if

ever there was one :-)

Jo

, Peter VV <swpgh01 wrote:

>

> What are its origins, when did women start sleeping on the giant

phalanx?

> Why has he got a club? doesnt seem very peaceful ffor a religious

icon is it some kind of war god?

>

> The Valley Vegan..............

>

> heartwerk <jo.heartwork wrote:

> That's the problem, you see.

>

> It is a religious site to Pagans.

>

> Pagans sleep on the Giant to help them become pregnant. It is

> similar to Christians who go into a church and pray to their god to

> help them become pregnant!

>

> Jo

>

> , Peter VV <swpgh01@> wrote:

> >

> > Is that giant actually a religious site?, sorry my my lack of

> knowledge, I just thought it was an ancient superstition where

women

> went and sat on the giant whanger in a strange belief that they

would

> then fall pregnant?

> >

> > I still dont see the harm in it, especially as knowing the

> british weather its probably gone by now.

> > But then I am not the most reverent, and think most things are

> fair game for ridicule......

> >

> > The Valley Vegan...............

> >

> > metalscarab <metalscarab@> wrote:

> > Hi Jo

> >

> > But I do wonder why there isn't a similar Homer on the walkway to

> St Paul's

> > Cathedral....

> >

> > BB

> > Peter

> >

> > -

> > " heartwerk " <jo.heartwork@>

> >

> > Wednesday, July 18, 2007 7:56 AM

> > Re: Pagans wish for rain to wash away Homer

> >

> > > They haven't actually touched the giant so presumably no harm

has

> > > been done. The one I was really annoyed about was the Long Man.

> > >

> > > Jo

> > >

> > > , Peter VV <swpgh01@> wrote:

> > > >

> > > > This made me laugh, sorry Pagans but it is funny, and only

> > > temporary, so whats the problem?

> > > >

> > > > There is debate about the age of the Cerne Abbas Giant

> > > >

> > > > Aerial footage

> > > >

> > > > Pagans have pledged to perform " rain magic " to wash away a

> cartoon

> > > character painted next to their famous fertility symbol - the

> Cerne

> > > Abbas giant. A doughnut-brandishing Homer Simpson was painted

the

> > > new Simpsons film. Many believe the ancient chalk outline of the

> > > naked, sexually aroused giant to be a symbol of ancient

> > > spirituality. Many couples also believe the 180ft carving aids

> > > fertility. I'm amazed they got permission to do

> > > something so ridiculous

> > > >

> > > > Ann Bryn-Evans

> > > > Pagan Federation

> > > >

> > > > The painted Simpsons character has been painted with water-

based

> > > biodegradable paint which will wash away as soon as it rains.

Ann

> > > Bryn-Evans, joint Wessex district manager for The Pagan

> Federation,

> > > said: " We were hoping for some dry weather but I think I have

> changed

> > > my mind. " We'll be doing some rain magic to bring the rain and

> wash

> > > it away. " She added: " I'm amazed they got permission to do

> > > something so ridiculous. It's an area of scientific

> > > interest. " 'Different and unusual' It is not the first time the

> > > giant has been used to advertise products. He has been used to

> > > promote items as diverse as condoms, jeans and bicycles. Mike

> Webb,

> > > landlord of the New Inn in Cerne Abbas, said his staff were

> amused by

> > > the temporary addition to the village. " I think it is different

> and

> > > unusual, " he said. " We've not heard any complaints here so far,

> but

> > > I'm not sure many of the local people will know who Homer

Simpson

> > > is. " During World War II, the Cerne giant was disguised

> > > > to prevent the Germans from using him as an aerial landmark.

> > > Since then he has always been visible, receiving regular grass

> > > trimming and a full re-chalking every 25 years. There is debate

> > > among experts about when the giant was created varying from

> thousands

> > > of years ago to as recently as the 17th Century.

> > > >

> > > > Peter H

> > > >

> > > > Mail is the world's favourite email. Don't settle for

> less,

> > > sign up for your freeaccount today.

> > > >

> > >

> > > To send an email to -

>

> > >

July 20, 2007

It's an association of ideas in some people. " Let's go and draw

something funny next to another religious symbol, like Homer or the

Long Woman " and of course some people leave out the 'next to' and

spoil an ancient place.

Jo

, Peter VV <swpgh01 wrote:

>

> I still dont see it as vandalism, it didnt touch the giant, it was

in a field next to it?

>

> The Valley Vegan..............

>

> heartwerk <jo.heartwork wrote:

> Hi Peter

>

> That is a very good question to ask - obviously it is okay to mock

> some things and not others!!!

>

> My thoughts last night were that what with Trinny & Susannah

changing

> the Long Man into a woman, and then Homer right next to The Giant,

it

> won't be long before these sites and others like them suffer

> vandalism.

>

> BB

> Jo

>

> , " metalscarab " <metalscarab@>

> wrote:

> >

> > Hi Jo

> >

> > But I do wonder why there isn't a similar Homer on the walkway to

> St Paul's

> > Cathedral....

> >

> > BB

> > Peter

> >

> > -

> > " heartwerk " <jo.heartwork@>

> >

> > Wednesday, July 18, 2007 7:56 AM

> > Re: Pagans wish for rain to wash away Homer

> >

> > > They haven't actually touched the giant so presumably no harm

has

> > > been done. The one I was really annoyed about was the Long Man.

> > >

> > > Jo

> > >

> > > , Peter VV <swpgh01@> wrote:

> > > >

> > > > This made me laugh, sorry Pagans but it is funny, and only

> > > temporary, so whats the problem?

> > > >

> > > > There is debate about the age of the Cerne Abbas Giant

> > > >

> > > > Aerial footage

> > > >

> > > > Pagans have pledged to perform " rain magic " to wash away a

> cartoon

> > > character painted next to their famous fertility symbol - the

> Cerne

> > > Abbas giant. A doughnut-brandishing Homer Simpson was painted

> next

> > > to the giant on the hill above Cerne Abbas, Dorset, to promote

the

> > > new Simpsons film. Many believe the ancient chalk outline of the

> > > naked, sexually aroused giant to be a symbol of ancient

> > > spirituality. Many couples also believe the 180ft carving aids

> > > fertility. I'm amazed they got permission to do

> > > something so ridiculous

> > > >

> > > > Ann Bryn-Evans

> > > > Pagan Federation

> > > >

> > > > The painted Simpsons character has been painted with water-

> based

> > > biodegradable paint which will wash away as soon as it rains.

> Ann

> > > Bryn-Evans, joint Wessex district manager for The Pagan

> Federation,

> > > said: " We were hoping for some dry weather but I think I have

> changed

> > > my mind. " We'll be doing some rain magic to bring the rain and

> wash

> > > it away. " She added: " I'm amazed they got permission to do

> > > something so ridiculous. It's an area of scientific

> > > interest. " 'Different and unusual' It is not the first time

> the

> > > giant has been used to advertise products. He has been used to

> > > promote items as diverse as condoms, jeans and bicycles. Mike

> Webb,

> > > landlord of the New Inn in Cerne Abbas, said his staff were

> amused by

> > > the temporary addition to the village. " I think it is different

> and

> > > unusual, " he said. " We've not heard any complaints here so far,

> but

> > > I'm not sure many of the local people will know who Homer

Simpson

> > > is. " During World War II, the Cerne giant was disguised

> > > > to prevent the Germans from using him as an aerial landmark.

> > > Since then he has always been visible, receiving regular grass

> > > trimming and a full re-chalking every 25 years. There is debate

> > > among experts about when the giant was created varying from

> thousands

> > > of years ago to as recently as the 17th Century.

> > > >

> > > > Peter H

> > > >

> > > > Mail is the world's favourite email. Don't settle for

> less,

> > > sign up for your freeaccount today.

> > > >

> > >

> > > To send an email to -

>

> > >

July 20, 2007

Thanks for Wiki article Fraggle. 1694 seems ancient to me.

Jo

July 20, 2007

It is a religious symbol. Why would it have to be over a certain age

to be one?

There are many hunters as religious symbols - Diana, Leonidas,

Artemis and our own Herne.

Jo

, Peter VV <swpgh01 wrote:

>

> So its not ancient then , only 17th century? and a hunter? does

that still make it a religious icon or a modern folly?

> Cmon Peter you are the Pagan expert, is wiki right?

>

> The Valley Vegan.............

>

> fraggle <EBbrewpunx wrote:

> from wiki

> Cerne Abbas giant From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

> Jump to: navigation, search

>

> Layout of the giant as seen from directly above

>

> The Cerne Abbas giant is a hill figure of a giant naked man on a

hillside near the village of Cerne Abbas to the north of Dorchester

in Dorset, England. The 55 metre (180 foot) high, 51 metre (167 foot)

wide figure is carved into the side of a steep hill and is best

viewed from the opposite side of the valley or from the air. The

carving is formed by a trench 30cm (1 foot) wide and about the same

depth which has been cut through the grass and earth into the

underlying chalk. In his right hand the giant holds a knobbed club

36.5 metres (120 feet) long.

> Contents[hide]

>

> 1 History

> 2 Appearance

> 3 Publicity Stunts

> 4 References

> 5 See also

> 6 External links

>

> [edit] History

> Detail of the phallus and legs

>

> Like several other chalk figures carved into the English

countryside, the Cerne Abbas giant is often thought of as an ancient

creation. Like many of the other figures, its history cannot be

traced back further than the late 17th century, making an origin

during the Celtic or Roman periods unlikely. Above and to the right

of the Giant's head is an earthwork known as the " Trendle " or " Frying

Pan " ; medieval writings refer to this location as 'Trendle Hill' but

make no mention of the giant, leading to the conclusion that it was

probably only carved about 400 years ago. It is interesting to note

in this regard that the Uffington White Horse (an unquestionably

prehistoric hill figure on the Berkshire Downs) was noticed and

recorded by medieval authors.

>

> The Cerne Abbas Giant seen from a distance

>

> The earliest written reference to the Giant was made in 1694 in a

record for payment in the Cerne Abbas churchwarden's accounts of 3

shillings toward the re-cutting of the giant. This was followed by

references in 1742, and in 1751, John Hutchins wrote in his Guide to

Dorset that the carving had only been done the previous century. It

is now believed that it was probably made by servants of the Lord of

the Manor Denzil Holles during the English Civil War. There has been

speculation that the figure is a parody of Oliver Cromwell, who was

sometimes mockingly referred to as " England's Hercules " by his

enemies; the Hercules connection is strengthened by the recent

discovery of an obliterated line perhaps representing an animal skin

(see below). A local legend says that a real giant was killed on the

hill and that the people from Cerne Abbas drew round the figure and

marked him out on the hillside.

>

> [edit] Appearance

> Layout of the giant with the obliterated line (in yellow)

reconstructed

>

> Very much a phallic symbol because of the distinct erect penis

and testicles, for hundreds of years it was local custom to erect a

maypole within the earthwork about which childless couples would

dance to promote fertility and even today childless couples are known

to visit the site in order to copulate in the hope that they might

have a child.[1]

> Recently, a group of archaeologists using special equipment found

that part of the carving had been allowed to be obliterated.

According to these findings, the free arm should have held a

depiction of an animal's skin, giving credence to the theory that the

giant was a depiction of a hunter or, alternatively, Heracles with

the skin of the Nemean Lion over his arm. It has also been suggested

that his large erection is in fact a result of merging a circle

representing his navel with a smaller penis during a Victorian re-cut.

[2] Because the erect penis is 15% the length of the drawing

(excluding the club), the penis length would equal roughly 26cm (10.5

inches) on the average male frame.

>

> Peter VV

> Jul 19, 2007 3:41 PM

>

> Re: Re: Pagans wish for rain to wash away

Homer

>

> What are its origins, when did women start sleeping on

the giant phalanx?

> Why has he got a club? doesnt seem very peaceful ffor a religious

icon is it some kind of war god?

>

> The Valley Vegan..............

>

> heartwerk <jo.heartwork wrote:

> That's the problem, you see.

>

> It is a religious site to Pagans.

>

> Pagans sleep on the Giant to help them become pregnant. It is

> similar to Christians who go into a church and pray to their god to

> help them become pregnant!

>

> Jo

>

> , Peter VV <swpgh01@> wrote:

> >

> > Is that giant actually a religious site?, sorry my my lack of

> knowledge, I just thought it was an ancient superstition where

women

> went and sat on the giant whanger in a strange belief that they

would

> then fall pregnant?

> >

> > I still dont see the harm in it, especially as knowing the

> british weather its probably gone by now.

> > But then I am not the most reverent, and think most things are

> fair game for ridicule......

> >

> > The Valley Vegan...............

> >

> > metalscarab <metalscarab@> wrote:

> > Hi Jo

> >

> > But I do wonder why there isn't a similar Homer on the walkway to

> St Paul's

> > Cathedral....

> >

> > BB

> > Peter

> >

> > -

> > " heartwerk " <jo.heartwork@>

> >

> > Wednesday, July 18, 2007 7:56 AM

> > Re: Pagans wish for rain to wash away Homer

> >

> > > They haven't actually touched the giant so presumably no harm

has

> > > been done. The one I was really annoyed about was the Long Man.

> > >

> > > Jo

> > >

> > > , Peter VV <swpgh01@> wrote:

> > > >

> > > > This made me laugh, sorry Pagans but it is funny, and only

> > > temporary, so whats the problem?

> > > >

> > > > There is debate about the age of the Cerne Abbas Giant

> > > >

> > > > Aerial footage

> > > >

> > > > Pagans have pledged to perform " rain magic " to wash away a

> cartoon

> > > character painted next to their famous fertility symbol - the

> Cerne

> > > Abbas giant. A doughnut-brandishing Homer Simpson was painted

the

> > > new Simpsons film. Many believe the ancient chalk outline of the

> > > naked, sexually aroused giant to be a symbol of ancient

> > > spirituality. Many couples also believe the 180ft carving aids

> > > fertility. I'm amazed they got permission to do

> > > something so ridiculous

> > > >

> > > > Ann Bryn-Evans

> > > > Pagan Federation

> > > >

> > > > The painted Simpsons character has been painted with water-

based

> > > biodegradable paint which will wash away as soon as it rains.

Ann

> > > Bryn-Evans, joint Wessex district manager for The Pagan

> Federation,

> > > said: " We were hoping for some dry weather but I think I have

> changed

> > > my mind. " We'll be doing some rain magic to bring the rain and

> wash

> > > it away. " She added: " I'm amazed they got permission to do

> > > something so ridiculous. It's an area of scientific

> > > interest. " 'Different and unusual' It is not the first time the

> > > giant has been used to advertise products. He has been used to

> > > promote items as diverse as condoms, jeans and bicycles. Mike

> Webb,

> > > landlord of the New Inn in Cerne Abbas, said his staff were

> amused by

> > > the temporary addition to the village. " I think it is different

> and

> > > unusual, " he said. " We've not heard any complaints here so far,

> but

> > > I'm not sure many of the local people will know who Homer

Simpson

> > > is. " During World War II, the Cerne giant was disguised

> > > > to prevent the Germans from using him as an aerial landmark.

> > > Since then he has always been visible, receiving regular grass

> > > trimming and a full re-chalking every 25 years. There is debate

> > > among experts about when the giant was created varying from

> thousands

> > > of years ago to as recently as the 17th Century.

> > > >

> > > > Peter H

> > > >

> > > > Mail is the world's favourite email. Don't settle for

> less,

> > > sign up for your freeaccount today.

> > > >

> > >

> > > To send an email to -

>

> > >

July 20, 2007

Hi Peter

Are religious icons usually peaceful? A guy being nailed to a cross, for instance????

BB

Peter

-

Peter VV

Thursday, July 19, 2007 8:41 PM

Re: Re: Pagans wish for rain to wash away Homer

What are its origins, when did women start sleeping on the giant phalanx?

Why has he got a club? doesnt seem very peaceful ffor a religious icon is it some kind of war god?

The Valley Vegan..............heartwerk <jo.heartwork wrote:

That's the problem, you see.It is a religious site to Pagans.Pagans sleep on the Giant to help them become pregnant. It is similar to Christians who go into a church and pray to their god to help them become pregnant! Jo , Peter VV <swpgh01 wrote:>> Is that giant actually a religious site?, sorry my my lack of knowledge, I just thought it was an ancient superstition where women went and sat on the giant whanger in a strange belief that they would then fall pregnant?> > I still dont see the harm in it, especially as knowing the british weather its probably gone by now.> But then I am not the most reverent, and think most things are fair game for ridicule......> > > The Valley Vegan...............> > metalscarab <metalscarab wrote:> Hi Jo> > But I do wonder why there isn't a similar Homer on the walkway to St Paul's> Cathedral....> > BB> Peter> > -> "heartwerk" <jo.heartwork> > Wednesday, July 18, 2007 7:56 AM> Re: Pagans wish for rain to wash away Homer> > > They haven't actually touched the giant so presumably no harm has> > been done. The one I was really annoyed about was the Long Man.> >> > Jo> >> > , Peter VV <swpgh01@> wrote:> > >> > > This made me laugh, sorry Pagans but it is funny, and only> > temporary, so whats the problem?> > >> > >> > >> > > There is debate about the age of the Cerne Abbas Giant> > >> > >> > > Aerial footage> > >> > > Pagans have pledged to perform "rain magic" to wash away a cartoon> > character painted next to their famous fertility symbol - the Cerne> > Abbas giant. A doughnut-brandishing Homer Simpson was painted next> > to the giant on the hill above Cerne Abbas, Dorset, to promote the> > new Simpsons film. Many believe the ancient chalk outline of the> > naked, sexually aroused giant to be a symbol of ancient> > spirituality. Many couples also believe the 180ft carving aids> > fertility. I'm amazed they got permission to do> > something so ridiculous> > >> > >> > > Ann Bryn-Evans> > > Pagan Federation> > >> > > The painted Simpsons character has been painted with water-based> > biodegradable paint which will wash away as soon as it rains. Ann> > Bryn-Evans, joint Wessex district manager for The Pagan Federation,> > said: "We were hoping for some dry weather but I think I have changed> > my mind. "We'll be doing some rain magic to bring the rain and wash> > it away." She added: "I'm amazed they got permission to do> > something so ridiculous. It's an area of scientific> > interest." 'Different and unusual' It is not the first time the> > giant has been used to advertise products. He has been used to> > promote items as diverse as condoms, jeans and bicycles. Mike Webb,> > landlord of the New Inn in Cerne Abbas, said his staff were amused by> > the temporary addition to the village. "I think it is different and> > unusual," he said. "We've not heard any complaints here so far, but> > I'm not sure many of the local people will know who Homer Simpson> > is." During World War II, the Cerne giant was disguised> > > to prevent the Germans from using him as an aerial landmark.> > Since then he has always been visible, receiving regular grass> > trimming and a full re-chalking every 25 years. There is debate> > among experts about when the giant was created varying from thousands> > of years ago to as recently as the 17th Century.> > >> > >> > >> > >> > > Peter H> > >> > >> > >> > > > > > Mail is the world's favourite email. Don't settle for less,> > sign up for your freeaccount today.> > >> >> >> >> >> > To send an email to - > >

July 20, 2007

Hi Peter

Some people do consider it to be a site of spiritual interest. The tradition that I most associate myself with didn't exist until the early 1980s - does that make it any less important or worthy of respect than one which has been around for several centuries or millenia? If older is better, then why aren't Kermetics (Egyptian recreationists - not frog worshippers!) held in the highest esteem?

BB

Peter

-

Peter VV

Thursday, July 19, 2007 9:16 PM

Re: Re: Pagans wish for rain to wash away Homer

So its not ancient then , only 17th century? and a hunter? does that still make it a religious icon or a modern folly?

Cmon Peter you are the Pagan expert, is wiki right?

The Valley Vegan.............fraggle <EBbrewpunx wrote:

from wiki

Cerne Abbas giant

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

Layout of the giant as seen from directly above

The Cerne Abbas giant is a hill figure of a giant naked man on a hillside near the village of Cerne Abbas to the north of Dorchester in Dorset, England. The 55 metre (180 foot) high, 51 metre (167 foot) wide figure is carved into the side of a steep hill and is best viewed from the opposite side of the valley or from the air. The carving is formed by a trench 30cm (1 foot) wide and about the same depth which has been cut through the grass and earth into the underlying chalk. In his right hand the giant holds a knobbed club 36.5 metres (120 feet) long.

Contents[hide]

1 History 2 Appearance 3 Publicity Stunts 4 References 5 See also 6 External links

[edit] History

Detail of the phallus and legs

Like several other chalk figures carved into the English countryside, the Cerne Abbas giant is often thought of as an ancient creation. Like many of the other figures, its history cannot be traced back further than the late 17th century, making an origin during the Celtic or Roman periods unlikely. Above and to the right of the Giant's head is an earthwork known as the "Trendle" or "Frying Pan"; medieval writings refer to this location as 'Trendle Hill' but make no mention of the giant, leading to the conclusion that it was probably only carved about 400 years ago. It is interesting to note in this regard that the Uffington White Horse (an unquestionably prehistoric hill figure on the Berkshire Downs) was noticed and recorded by medieval authors.

The Cerne Abbas Giant seen from a distance

The earliest written reference to the Giant was made in 1694 in a record for payment in the Cerne Abbas churchwarden's accounts of 3 shillings toward the re-cutting of the giant. This was followed by references in 1742, and in 1751, John Hutchins wrote in his Guide to Dorset that the carving had only been done the previous century. It is now believed that it was probably made by servants of the Lord of the Manor Denzil Holles during the English Civil War. There has been speculation that the figure is a parody of Oliver Cromwell, who was sometimes mockingly referred to as "England's Hercules" by his enemies; the Hercules connection is strengthened by the recent discovery of an obliterated line perhaps representing an animal skin (see below). A local legend says that a real giant was killed on the hill and that the people from Cerne Abbas drew round the figure and marked him out on the hillside.

[edit] Appearance

Layout of the giant with the obliterated line (in yellow) reconstructed

Very much a phallic symbol because of the distinct erect penis and testicles, for hundreds of years it was local custom to erect a maypole within the earthwork about which childless couples would dance to promote fertility and even today childless couples are known to visit the site in order to copulate in the hope that they might have a child.[1]

Recently, a group of archaeologists using special equipment found that part of the carving had been allowed to be obliterated. According to these findings, the free arm should have held a depiction of an animal's skin, giving credence to the theory that the giant was a depiction of a hunter or, alternatively, Heracles with the skin of the Nemean Lion over his arm. It has also been suggested that his large erection is in fact a result of merging a circle representing his navel with a smaller penis during a Victorian re-cut.[2] Because the erect penis is 15% the length of the drawing (excluding the club), the penis length would equal roughly 26cm (10.5 inches) on the average male frame.

Peter VV Jul 19, 2007 3:41 PM Re: Re: Pagans wish for rain to wash away Homer

What are its origins, when did women start sleeping on the giant phalanx?

Why has he got a club? doesnt seem very peaceful ffor a religious icon is it some kind of war god?

The Valley Vegan..............heartwerk <jo.heartwork > wrote:

That's the problem, you see.It is a religious site to Pagans.Pagans sleep on the Giant to help them become pregnant. It is similar to Christians who go into a church and pray to their god to help them become pregnant! Jo , Peter VV <swpgh01 wrote:>> Is that giant actually a religious site?, sorry my my lack of knowledge, I just thought it was an ancient superstition where women went and sat on the giant whanger in a strange belief that they would then fall pregnant?> > I still dont see the harm in it, especially as knowing the british weather its probably gone by now.> But then I am not the most reverent, and think most things are fair game for ridicule......> > > The Valley Vegan...............> > metalscarab <metalscarab wrote:> Hi Jo> > But I do wonder why there isn't a similar Homer on the walkway to St Paul's> Cathedral....> > BB> Peter> > -> "heartwerk" <jo.heartwork> > Wednesday, July 18, 2007 7:56 AM> Re: Pagans wish for rain to wash away Homer> > > They haven't actually touched the giant so presumably no harm has> > been done. The one I was really annoyed about was the Long Man.> >> > Jo> >> > , Peter VV <swpgh01@> wrote:> > >> > > This made me laugh, sorry Pagans but it is funny, and only> > temporary, so whats the problem?> > >> > >> > >> > > There is debate about the age of the Cerne Abbas Giant> > >> > >> > > Aerial footage> > >> > > Pagans have pledged to perform "rain magic" to wash away a cartoon> > character painted next to their famous fertility symbol - the Cerne> > Abbas giant. A doughnut-brandishing Homer Simpson was painted next> > to the giant on the hill above Cerne Abbas, Dorset, to promote the> > new Simpsons film. Many believe the ancient chalk outline of the> > naked, sexually aroused giant to be a symbol of ancient> > spirituality. Many couples also believe the 180ft carving aids> > fertility. I'm amazed they got permission to do> > something so ridiculous> > >> > >> > > Ann Bryn-Evans> > > Pagan Federation> > >> > > The painted Simpsons character has been painted with water-based> > biodegradable paint which will wash away as soon as it rains. Ann> > Bryn-Evans, joint Wessex district manager for The Pagan Federation,> > said: "We were hoping for some dry weather but I think I have changed> > my mind. "We'll be doing some rain magic to bring the rain and wash> > it away." She added: "I'm amazed they got permission to do> > something so ridiculous. It's an area of scientific> > interest." 'Different and unusual' It is not the first time the> > giant has been used to advertise products. He has been used to> > promote items as diverse as condoms, jeans and bicycles. Mike Webb,> > landlord of the New Inn in Cerne Abbas, said his staff were amused by> > the temporary addition to the village. "I think it is different and> > unusual," he said. "We've not heard any complaints here so far, but> > I'm not sure many of the local people will know who Homer Simpson> > is." During World War II, the Cerne giant was disguised> > > to prevent the Germans from using him as an aerial landmark.> > Since then he has always been visible, receiving regular grass> > trimming and a full re-chalking every 25 years. There is debate> > among experts about when the giant was created varying from thousands> > of years ago to as recently as the 17th Century.> > >> > >> > >> > >> > > Peter H> > >> > >> > >> > > > > > Mail is the world's favourite email. Don't settle for less,> > sign up for your freeaccount today.> > >> >> >> >> >> > To send an email to - > >

July 20, 2007

My college professor told me to never rely on wikipedia because more

times then none she has found it to be wrong.

She told us for that reason, not to use it as a reference on our

college papers.

It's not totally factual.

I'll beleive a college professor over anyone else.