from the mighty Whiteycat.
Saturday, 27 March 2010
DON'T BLAME MADPRIEST, BLAME MAD DAD
ALTHOUGH IT HAS ELLIE WRITTEN ALL OVER IT
Arthur is 90 years old. He’s played golf every day since his retirement 25 years ago. One day he arrives home looking downcast.
“That’s it,” he tells his wife, “I’m giving up golf. My eyesight has got so bad, once I’ve hit the ball, I can’t see where it went.”
His wife sympathizes. As they sit down she says, “Why don’t you take my brother with you, and give it one more try?”
“That’s no good,” sighs Arthur. “Your brother is a hundred and three. He can’t help.”
“He may be a hundred and three,” says the wife, “but his eyesight is perfect.”
So the next day Arthur heads off to the golf course with his brother- in-law. He tees up, takes an almighty swing and squints down the fairway. He turns to the brother-in-law, “Did you see the ball?”
“Of course I did,” says Iain “I have perfect eyesight.”
“Where did it go?” asks Arthur.
“I don’t remember.”
“That’s it,” he tells his wife, “I’m giving up golf. My eyesight has got so bad, once I’ve hit the ball, I can’t see where it went.”
His wife sympathizes. As they sit down she says, “Why don’t you take my brother with you, and give it one more try?”
“That’s no good,” sighs Arthur. “Your brother is a hundred and three. He can’t help.”
“He may be a hundred and three,” says the wife, “but his eyesight is perfect.”
So the next day Arthur heads off to the golf course with his brother- in-law. He tees up, takes an almighty swing and squints down the fairway. He turns to the brother-in-law, “Did you see the ball?”
“Of course I did,” says Iain “I have perfect eyesight.”
“Where did it go?” asks Arthur.
“I don’t remember.”
SCOOP - IT'S ALL THE BISHOP OF LIVERPOOL'S FAULT
From PUNCH (Nigeria):
New Primate of the Anglican Church, Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, has restated the position of the Anglican Communion in Nigeria against the practice of gay marriage in the church. This followed a call by Acting President Goodluck Jonathan on religious leaders in the country to collaborate with the Federal Government in transforming the country.
While delivering the sermon of the day, Okoh said, “We do not approve of a homosexual lifestyle and same-sex marriages. Some want us to see it as a normal alternative lifestyle to marriage between male and female. We are saying we are sorry, we cannot accept this in the church.
“The recent statement by the bishop of Liverpool is also not acceptable to us. He said since in the past the church had to live side by side with those who say war is okay and those who say war is alright, they are living together in one church.
“If you say homosexuality is okay, you go on, and if you say homosexuality is not okay, we all should go on like that.
“My people, the danger in this kind of teaching is that it establishes two authorities in the church - the scriptures on one hand and the canon of deviant sub-culture. It is intended to destroy the established standard of morality as it is written in the Bible.”
COMMENT: So, there you have it. Our Ruth has obviously got to James Jones now. I expect she used her "feminine wiles" to seduce this once upright and orthodox bishop into the sinful lifestyle she promotes every day in that commie rag, "The Times." Nobody is safe.
New Primate of the Anglican Church, Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, has restated the position of the Anglican Communion in Nigeria against the practice of gay marriage in the church. This followed a call by Acting President Goodluck Jonathan on religious leaders in the country to collaborate with the Federal Government in transforming the country.
While delivering the sermon of the day, Okoh said, “We do not approve of a homosexual lifestyle and same-sex marriages. Some want us to see it as a normal alternative lifestyle to marriage between male and female. We are saying we are sorry, we cannot accept this in the church.
“The recent statement by the bishop of Liverpool is also not acceptable to us. He said since in the past the church had to live side by side with those who say war is okay and those who say war is alright, they are living together in one church.
“If you say homosexuality is okay, you go on, and if you say homosexuality is not okay, we all should go on like that.
“My people, the danger in this kind of teaching is that it establishes two authorities in the church - the scriptures on one hand and the canon of deviant sub-culture. It is intended to destroy the established standard of morality as it is written in the Bible.”
COMMENT: So, there you have it. Our Ruth has obviously got to James Jones now. I expect she used her "feminine wiles" to seduce this once upright and orthodox bishop into the sinful lifestyle she promotes every day in that commie rag, "The Times." Nobody is safe.
SCOOP - IT'S ALL RUTH GLEDHILL'S FAULT
I've always considered myself to have good gifts of discernment. But today I discovered something that proves that even a perceptive blogger like myself can be easily fooled by the disingenuous forces of revisionist evil that have infiltrated even the most august and ancient bastions of British society.
You see, I had Our Ruth down as a free-thinking, but loyal, member of the high and dry party of the Church of England - as someone who was at home in the spikey shrine churches of West End Anglo-Catholicism or drinking G & Ts with archdeacons on the immaculately kept lawns of Barsetshire.
How wrong can a humble, blogging priest be?
Thanks to Rory Leishman, and his revelatory article at THE LONDON FREE PRESS website, I now discover that Ruth Gledhill is "the ever so progressive religion correspondent for The Times," and that, "Among the culprits most responsible for the scandalous increase of sexual abuse within the churches are theological liberals like Gledhill and Liddle."
So there you have it. The sexual abuse of children by the Roman Catholic priesthood has nothing to do with paedophilia or celibacy. It is, in stead, all down to the demonic writings of former "Come Dancing" champion and bastard progeny of an unholy coupling between Bishop David Jenkins and Lilith, Our Ruth of The London Times.
We have all been fooled. Once again we have been duped big time by teh gay, liberal agenda.
You see, I had Our Ruth down as a free-thinking, but loyal, member of the high and dry party of the Church of England - as someone who was at home in the spikey shrine churches of West End Anglo-Catholicism or drinking G & Ts with archdeacons on the immaculately kept lawns of Barsetshire.
How wrong can a humble, blogging priest be?
Thanks to Rory Leishman, and his revelatory article at THE LONDON FREE PRESS website, I now discover that Ruth Gledhill is "the ever so progressive religion correspondent for The Times," and that, "Among the culprits most responsible for the scandalous increase of sexual abuse within the churches are theological liberals like Gledhill and Liddle."
So there you have it. The sexual abuse of children by the Roman Catholic priesthood has nothing to do with paedophilia or celibacy. It is, in stead, all down to the demonic writings of former "Come Dancing" champion and bastard progeny of an unholy coupling between Bishop David Jenkins and Lilith, Our Ruth of The London Times.
We have all been fooled. Once again we have been duped big time by teh gay, liberal agenda.
LOUD FRIDAY
Here's some decent rock 'n' roll from Brooklyn stalwarts,
The Bamboo Kids' latest release. Real solid stuff from a
band that has been gigging for over ten years now.
Friday, 26 March 2010
AMAZING RECORD SLEEVES OF ALL TIME
Yes. This is for real and it's not a spoof. What makes it really weird is that the bloke is an accordion player.
Thursday, 25 March 2010
I'LL TAKE A DOZEN
From CHRISTIAN TODAY:
The Rev Ian Galloway, convener of the Kirk’s Church and Society Council, hit out at the recent “raffle” of a fertility treatment cycle in London, in conjunction with a US-based clinic in Virginia, and said the practice now exists in Scotland. It is currently illegal to sell human eggs in the UK. Donors are only entitled to "reasonable expenses" and loss of earnings up to £250.
Mr Galloway said, “The sale of human eggs favours the commoditisation of human parts – human eggs should not be in a shopping basket on the same level as a grocery item. Just as it is wrong to buy and sell human beings it is wrong to buy and sell human eggs."
The estimated revenue for the assisted reproductive technology industry in the USA alone was calculated at $2 billion US dollars. Mr Galloway concluded: “It is very telling that such level of profits are extracted from human misery.”
The Rev Ian Galloway, convener of the Kirk’s Church and Society Council, hit out at the recent “raffle” of a fertility treatment cycle in London, in conjunction with a US-based clinic in Virginia, and said the practice now exists in Scotland. It is currently illegal to sell human eggs in the UK. Donors are only entitled to "reasonable expenses" and loss of earnings up to £250.
Mr Galloway said, “The sale of human eggs favours the commoditisation of human parts – human eggs should not be in a shopping basket on the same level as a grocery item. Just as it is wrong to buy and sell human beings it is wrong to buy and sell human eggs."
The estimated revenue for the assisted reproductive technology industry in the USA alone was calculated at $2 billion US dollars. Mr Galloway concluded: “It is very telling that such level of profits are extracted from human misery.”
AROUND THE BLOGS
For a tear inducing postscript to the Healthcare
For every woman... visit REV RUTH'S RANTINGS.
vote visit ON TRANSMIGRATION.
***
For a really funny example of Engrish visit
***
For a righteous rant against a bigoted bishop
visit MY MANNER OF LIFE.
***
For the world's worst church service ever
visit BARKINGS OF AN OLD DOG
(and do keep watching as the singing at the
beginning is not, surprisingly, the worst bit).
***
For an update on the Prop8 case
***
For details of a queer Passion being blogged next week,
featuring the work of our mate, COUNTERLIGHT,
visit JESUS IN LOVE BLOG.
***
For every woman... visit REV RUTH'S RANTINGS.
***
For The House of Bishops' Theology Committee's
report to the Church on Same Sex Relationships
visit AN INCH AT A TIME.
CAPTION COMPETITION
Hey! It's our good buddy
(and Mimi's bit on the side),
J. MICHAEL.
He's got broad shoulders so, go for it, people!
(Oh, and please do observe the medieval watch
being worn by New Orleans' fave blogger)
.jpg)
He's got broad shoulders so, go for it, people!
(Oh, and please do observe the medieval watch
being worn by New Orleans' fave blogger)
.jpg)
HOW NOT TO PHRASE THINGS ON A BLOG (2)
Posted at ON HOLLADAY
(concerning a visit to Lake Silver Elementary School):
There wasn't much for ME to do, other than run around taking pictures and looking hot in a bodice, but hey. The kids just loved it.
There wasn't much for ME to do, other than run around taking pictures and looking hot in a bodice, but hey. The kids just loved it.
And, I bet some of the teachers quite liked it as well, Our Trace.
SOME PARENTS DON'T DESERVE THEIR KIDS
From MACON.COM:
Derrick Martin asked his principal this year if he could take another male to his senior prom, set for April 17. At first school officials told the 18-year-old that the town of Cochran, with a population of 5,200, wasn’t ready for it. But, the high school only had a policy that barred bringing a date older than the age of 21, so school officials subsequently told Martin they granted his request.
Martin said he got 54 messages Tuesday on Facebook.
But because of the media attention, Martin’s parents have kicked him out and the teen is staying with a friend.
COMMENT: Well, of course, you all know what is coming, and quite rightly so too.
For being a great kid and a real gentleman,
young Derrick is, most definitely, our...
BRICK OF THE DAY
And shame on his parents. I suppose they would prefer a bad-mannered, stroppy, drug addled, truanting, gangsta son to a hard working, immaculately turned out, gay one. Well, I'll happily adopt him if his folks don't want him. He looks like just the sort of son who would look after his parents in their old age.
Gay-rights supporters from across the country are offering to buy everything from boutonnieres to dinner for a Bleckley County High School senior who was granted permission to take his boyfriend to the prom.
Derrick Martin asked his principal this year if he could take another male to his senior prom, set for April 17. At first school officials told the 18-year-old that the town of Cochran, with a population of 5,200, wasn’t ready for it. But, the high school only had a policy that barred bringing a date older than the age of 21, so school officials subsequently told Martin they granted his request.
Martin said he got 54 messages Tuesday on Facebook.
“I appreciate it,” he said. “I was speechless that they said they would buy me dinner or buy me a tux in case someone messed mine up.”
Martin said he pushed to take his boyfriend to the dance after hearing about a girl in Mississippi who asked to take her girlfriend to the prom. Her school eventually canceled the dance rather than allow them to attend together.
Martin said he pushed to take his boyfriend to the dance after hearing about a girl in Mississippi who asked to take her girlfriend to the prom. Her school eventually canceled the dance rather than allow them to attend together.
“Maybe (other gay students) will think if Bleckley County will let them, maybe my school will,” Martin said.
But because of the media attention, Martin’s parents have kicked him out and the teen is staying with a friend.
COMMENT: Well, of course, you all know what is coming, and quite rightly so too.
For being a great kid and a real gentleman,
young Derrick is, most definitely, our...
BRICK OF THE DAY
And shame on his parents. I suppose they would prefer a bad-mannered, stroppy, drug addled, truanting, gangsta son to a hard working, immaculately turned out, gay one. Well, I'll happily adopt him if his folks don't want him. He looks like just the sort of son who would look after his parents in their old age.
THE PRAYER LIST
Marva Wright has died at the ridiculously young age of 62. Not only was she a fine singer of the blues and gospel music she was also a truly fine woman who worked hard to resurrect the city of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Grandmère Mimi has an obituary up at WOUNDED BIRD that you all should read. Whilst you do so, here's a few of her recordings that should blow away any cobwebs cluttering up your heads this morning.***
Our friend, the Cunning Runt of LITTLE BANG THEORY, is down with the blues at the moment - work stuff, that sort of thing. He's a good, gentle bloke and the bastards are really out to get him down. So, please pray for him and especially that he may enjoy security of employment and a better working environment.
Money raised so far for charity = $6.20.
Don't forget it is up to you to give your part of this to the charity of your own choice whenever you feel like doing so.
Saint Mary and Saint Gabriel pray for us.
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL
The first track is quite apt, don't you think?
TAKE OUT SOME INSURANCE - JIMMY REED (above)
PEANUT BUTTER - MARATHONS (bite after bite below)
WHY DID YOU CALL - EDDIE WOOD
IDA E VOLTA GRUPO - BATUQUE
GIVE ME YOUR LOVE - ACTIVE FORCE
I'M THE MUSIC - THE COUNTS
ALL I NEED IS TIME - FIRST CHOICE
LA BENEDICION - JOE ACOSTA
BROTHERS ON THE SLIDE - CYMANDE
WHAT A NEED - MARV JOHNSON
TAKE OUT SOME INSURANCE - JIMMY REED (above)
PEANUT BUTTER - MARATHONS (bite after bite below)
WHY DID YOU CALL - EDDIE WOOD
IDA E VOLTA GRUPO - BATUQUE
GIVE ME YOUR LOVE - ACTIVE FORCE
I'M THE MUSIC - THE COUNTS
ALL I NEED IS TIME - FIRST CHOICE
LA BENEDICION - JOE ACOSTA
BROTHERS ON THE SLIDE - CYMANDE
WHAT A NEED - MARV JOHNSON
IT WAS NEVER GOING TO WORK
From THE TIMES:
The Government’s main advisory group on religion has collapsed in acrimony after church groups walked out in a row between atheists and believers.
The Church of England condemned the group as “not fit for purpose” and complained that each meeting degenerated into an “impasse” between secularists and the religious. Secularists hit back, accusing Christians of “triumphalism and bullying”. Muslims had already stopped attending the group, whose remaining few members are meeting tomorrow to decide whether it is worth carrying on at all.
Hindus, Baha’is and secularists are still represented but the Church of England, Salvation Army, Methodist Church and Roman Catholic Church have all left, jeopardising its future.
Peter Vlachos, the National Secular Society delegate, said he was appalled and accused the church groups of “abusing” the forum. He claimed that correspondence sent to the society showed that the churches had hoped to turn the religion and belief consultation into an “interfaith forum” where the non-religious would be excluded.
COMMENT: This was never going to work because of the individual people invited to join it. It would have been possible to find religious people and atheists perfectly capable of engaging in debate and exploration on a level playing field of mutual respect as OCICBW... and similar blogs have proved. But the people on this quango were all, with the probable exception of the Baha’ists, far too committed to the sense of their own infallibility to ever see the other person's point of view. Now this will be used as an example as to how religious and non-religious people cannot get along with each other, when all it really proves is that people in positions of authority are nearly always completely the wrong people to be in positions of authority.
The Government’s main advisory group on religion has collapsed in acrimony after church groups walked out in a row between atheists and believers.
The Church of England condemned the group as “not fit for purpose” and complained that each meeting degenerated into an “impasse” between secularists and the religious. Secularists hit back, accusing Christians of “triumphalism and bullying”. Muslims had already stopped attending the group, whose remaining few members are meeting tomorrow to decide whether it is worth carrying on at all.
Hindus, Baha’is and secularists are still represented but the Church of England, Salvation Army, Methodist Church and Roman Catholic Church have all left, jeopardising its future.
Peter Vlachos, the National Secular Society delegate, said he was appalled and accused the church groups of “abusing” the forum. He claimed that correspondence sent to the society showed that the churches had hoped to turn the religion and belief consultation into an “interfaith forum” where the non-religious would be excluded.
COMMENT: This was never going to work because of the individual people invited to join it. It would have been possible to find religious people and atheists perfectly capable of engaging in debate and exploration on a level playing field of mutual respect as OCICBW... and similar blogs have proved. But the people on this quango were all, with the probable exception of the Baha’ists, far too committed to the sense of their own infallibility to ever see the other person's point of view. Now this will be used as an example as to how religious and non-religious people cannot get along with each other, when all it really proves is that people in positions of authority are nearly always completely the wrong people to be in positions of authority.
WHEN IN ROME DO AS ROWAN DOES
The following is part of RC Archbishop Charles "Kaput" Chaput's response to democracy at work in the USA. It doesn't half remind me of a certain other archbishop's typical response when "the people" don't do as they are told.
But the actions of the Catholic Health Association (CHA) in providing a deliberate public counter-message to the bishops were both surprising and profoundly disappointing; and also genuinely damaging. In the crucial final days of debate on health-care legislation, CHA lobbyists worked directly against the efforts of the American bishops in their approach to members of Congress. The bad law we now likely face, we owe in part to the efforts of the Catholic Health Association and similar “Catholic” organizations.
There you have it. Archbishop Charlie Hissifit has spoken.
I hope you are all feel really ashamed of yourselves.
And today's CAPTION COMPETITION:
But the actions of the Catholic Health Association (CHA) in providing a deliberate public counter-message to the bishops were both surprising and profoundly disappointing; and also genuinely damaging. In the crucial final days of debate on health-care legislation, CHA lobbyists worked directly against the efforts of the American bishops in their approach to members of Congress. The bad law we now likely face, we owe in part to the efforts of the Catholic Health Association and similar “Catholic” organizations.
There you have it. Archbishop Charlie Hissifit has spoken.
I hope you are all feel really ashamed of yourselves.
And today's CAPTION COMPETITION:
AROUND THE BLOGS
The legendary, John Shuck, has managed to get a really good discussion going about realism and non-realism within the Church and, especially, about how difficult it is for non-realists to minister within the Church. I strongly suggest you visit
SHUCK AND JIVE and join in the debate.
***
RevRuth rants, righteously, at REV RUTH'S RANTINGS, about how much the forthcoming visit of the Vatican head of state is going to cost the people of the United Kingdom. And for once we risk actually being a united kingdom if it's only in our mutual condemnation of this colossal waste of public money promoting the offshore banking interests of an undemocratically chosen dictator with a very dodgy history of employment. Which reminds me - I hope the relevant authorities are going to do a full CRB check on him before he is allowed anywhere near any of our children. We all have to go through it so Benny should as well.
***
JaneR has posted the most brilliant cat photo at ACTS OF HOPE.
***
RevRuth rants, righteously, at REV RUTH'S RANTINGS, about how much the forthcoming visit of the Vatican head of state is going to cost the people of the United Kingdom. And for once we risk actually being a united kingdom if it's only in our mutual condemnation of this colossal waste of public money promoting the offshore banking interests of an undemocratically chosen dictator with a very dodgy history of employment. Which reminds me - I hope the relevant authorities are going to do a full CRB check on him before he is allowed anywhere near any of our children. We all have to go through it so Benny should as well.
***
JaneR has posted the most brilliant cat photo at ACTS OF HOPE.
THE PRAYER LIST
Posted by Jan at YEARNING FOR GOD:
Please pray for my friend Margie. She is in ICU for pneumonia and sepsis.
***
By Denise Spencer. Posted by Chaplain Mike at INTERNET MONK:
There has been another change in Michael’s situation, and I would like readers to know so you can better pray for us.
By our good friend, TheraP.
Posted at TPM CAFE.
Money raised so far for charity = $4.90.
Don't forget it is up to you to give your part of this to the charity of your own choice whenever you feel like doing so.
Please pray for my friend Margie. She is in ICU for pneumonia and sepsis.
***
By Denise Spencer. Posted by Chaplain Mike at INTERNET MONK:
There has been another change in Michael’s situation, and I would like readers to know so you can better pray for us.
At the encouragement of our oncologist, we have opted to discontinue treatment. He said the chemotherapy was not working, and it would actually be doing a disservice to Michael to continue. We are now receiving help from our local hospice. We know we are in good hands with them, and we are at peace that we have made the best decision under the circumstances.
Several people have already suggested various alternative treatments. While we appreciate their concern and helpfulness, we have discussed this possibility and Michael does not want to try anything else. Please pray for strength and acceptance, for trust in God, for minimal pain and for a peaceful passing.
Several people have already suggested various alternative treatments. While we appreciate their concern and helpfulness, we have discussed this possibility and Michael does not want to try anything else. Please pray for strength and acceptance, for trust in God, for minimal pain and for a peaceful passing.
“Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” (Philippians 3:20-21)
Thank you, one and all, for your continued prayers.
This prayer request comes via BENE DICTION BLOGS ON where you read the background information for iMonk's sad, but ultimately triumphant, current situation.
***
By our good friend, TheraP.
Posted at TPM CAFE.
(reposted in full at OCICBW... with permission):
Requiem
March 23, 2010
She wasn't perfect. And in many ways she had a hard life. She grew up during the depression. As a child she knew poverty. She knew abuse then too. She knew loneliness. And she never meant anyone any harm, though in her insecurity she needed obedient, respectful, dutiful children. She always tried to care about others. And she taught us never to exclude anyone: to share; to be kind and considerate; not to think we were better than others. Bigotry was not part of her nature and she instilled that in us as well. She did her best. Trying to hide her own problems and put on a good front - as best she could - all the while her husband was often away on business trips. We didn't see enough of our dad, but she tried to make up for that as best she could.
On their 66th anniversary (last month) she didn't comprehend the word "anniversary" or the reason for the tiny cake my father brought to the rehab unit. She told him to take it with him when he left. But he ate it. Bit by bit. Over 5 days. Two pieces the first day (one for him, one for her). And one on each on the following 4 days. At nearly 93, he thought it was the best cheesecake he'd ever eaten.
She went downhill quickly. Falling and gashing her head at the end of January. A week in the hospital. A few weeks in a rehab center, where they tried to cure a bedsore from vegetating in front of the TV - as her mind had slowly lost its bearings. It was Alzheimer's, but my dad simply could not bring himself to see what his children saw so clearly. Not till after she fell, when it suddenly dawned on him: "We've lost her."
The rehab center was way too chaotic for a person descending into the last stages of Alzheimer's. They were not set up to deal with such persons. Only with persons on the way to getting well. When she was on the way to death and dying.
If only we'd known....
Not till the rehab center, finding her more than they could handle, transferred her to the best psych unit in town, did we get the diagnosis of Alzheimer's. And one week later, the news that she was dying of it. There they calmed her down - in a quiet room - with quiet, carpeted hallways. Told us she needed nursing care. Next thing we knew, it was hospice care she needed.
I cannot begin to tell you of the kindness and consideration and compassion we received in this last place - the home that nursed her into death. She, as a resident, only for 6 days. We as family. They treated her like you'd treat a saint - if you knew a saint was dying. I'm not kidding! And they asked how we were doing too. Brought us snacks and beverages. Gave me sheets to spend the last two nights on a mattress on the floor next to her bed. I got to see the good care, night and day, that she received.
She was incoherent these last of her days. Hardly spoke at the end, except to moan now and then - words we could not comprehend. But she did clearly say things like "dying... good" and "I love" and "I love you" and "I'm sorry" and "bye-bye" and it seemed that the last night she called my name and seemed to try and moan when she heard my voice.
I never thought it would hit me so hard. Hearing that she was dying, as I drove home from a few days of retreat, a respite while my brother was in town. I never thought I would see her turn into a saint, as her body slowly wasted and desiccated, as her mind lost its bearings, while her spirit grew and grew. Till in the end I felt I was communicating soul to soul.
RIP. Born: 4/21/22. Died: 3/23/10
Addendum - via my brother, by Lord Byron:
My task is done -- my song hath ceased -- my theme
Has died into an echo; it is fit
The spell should break of this protracted dream.
The torch shall be extinguished which hath lit
My midnight lamp -- and what is writ, is writ --
Would it were worthier! but I am not now
That which I have been -- and my visions flit
Less palpably before me -- and the glow
Which in my spirit dwelt is fluttering, faint, and low.
March 23, 2010
She wasn't perfect. And in many ways she had a hard life. She grew up during the depression. As a child she knew poverty. She knew abuse then too. She knew loneliness. And she never meant anyone any harm, though in her insecurity she needed obedient, respectful, dutiful children. She always tried to care about others. And she taught us never to exclude anyone: to share; to be kind and considerate; not to think we were better than others. Bigotry was not part of her nature and she instilled that in us as well. She did her best. Trying to hide her own problems and put on a good front - as best she could - all the while her husband was often away on business trips. We didn't see enough of our dad, but she tried to make up for that as best she could.
On their 66th anniversary (last month) she didn't comprehend the word "anniversary" or the reason for the tiny cake my father brought to the rehab unit. She told him to take it with him when he left. But he ate it. Bit by bit. Over 5 days. Two pieces the first day (one for him, one for her). And one on each on the following 4 days. At nearly 93, he thought it was the best cheesecake he'd ever eaten.
She went downhill quickly. Falling and gashing her head at the end of January. A week in the hospital. A few weeks in a rehab center, where they tried to cure a bedsore from vegetating in front of the TV - as her mind had slowly lost its bearings. It was Alzheimer's, but my dad simply could not bring himself to see what his children saw so clearly. Not till after she fell, when it suddenly dawned on him: "We've lost her."
The rehab center was way too chaotic for a person descending into the last stages of Alzheimer's. They were not set up to deal with such persons. Only with persons on the way to getting well. When she was on the way to death and dying.
If only we'd known....
Not till the rehab center, finding her more than they could handle, transferred her to the best psych unit in town, did we get the diagnosis of Alzheimer's. And one week later, the news that she was dying of it. There they calmed her down - in a quiet room - with quiet, carpeted hallways. Told us she needed nursing care. Next thing we knew, it was hospice care she needed.
I cannot begin to tell you of the kindness and consideration and compassion we received in this last place - the home that nursed her into death. She, as a resident, only for 6 days. We as family. They treated her like you'd treat a saint - if you knew a saint was dying. I'm not kidding! And they asked how we were doing too. Brought us snacks and beverages. Gave me sheets to spend the last two nights on a mattress on the floor next to her bed. I got to see the good care, night and day, that she received.
She was incoherent these last of her days. Hardly spoke at the end, except to moan now and then - words we could not comprehend. But she did clearly say things like "dying... good" and "I love" and "I love you" and "I'm sorry" and "bye-bye" and it seemed that the last night she called my name and seemed to try and moan when she heard my voice.
I never thought it would hit me so hard. Hearing that she was dying, as I drove home from a few days of retreat, a respite while my brother was in town. I never thought I would see her turn into a saint, as her body slowly wasted and desiccated, as her mind lost its bearings, while her spirit grew and grew. Till in the end I felt I was communicating soul to soul.
RIP. Born: 4/21/22. Died: 3/23/10
Addendum - via my brother, by Lord Byron:
My task is done -- my song hath ceased -- my theme
Has died into an echo; it is fit
The spell should break of this protracted dream.
The torch shall be extinguished which hath lit
My midnight lamp -- and what is writ, is writ --
Would it were worthier! but I am not now
That which I have been -- and my visions flit
Less palpably before me -- and the glow
Which in my spirit dwelt is fluttering, faint, and low.
Money raised so far for charity = $4.90.
Don't forget it is up to you to give your part of this to the charity of your own choice whenever you feel like doing so.
Saint Oscar Romero pray for us.
Article from :
DEPARTAMENTO DE COMUNICACIONES
DE LA IGLESIA ANGLICANA DE EL SALVADOR
The Episcopal Church of El Salvador denounces before the general public and the international community the murder attempt that Bishop Barahona and two of his closest collaborators suffered.
This past Wednesday night (17th), Bishop Barahona, along two of his closest working partners, was victim of the violence that has held this country imprisoned. An unknown man, without saying anything, shot at them. The bullets hit the bishop’s driver, Francis MartÃnez, who is now hospitalized. Meanwhile, the bishop, thanks be to God, was unharmed.
What is odd about these events is that the police was just a couple of meters away. As the Episcopal Church, we are dismayed by this inexplicable fact. The bishop is a pastor whose principle function is to accompany spiritually the faithful who seek his advice and solace.
We lament profoundly this fact, as do many Salvadorans, who are victims of violence and impunity. We ask everyone’s prayers that hope in a different El Salvador is not lost and that this event is not a sign of persecution of the church.
The Most Rev’d MartÃn Barahona, 67 years old, has been the Bishop of the Anglican Church of El Salvador since 1992 and he is the Primate of the Anglican Communion in Central America (IARCA). This church is one of the historical churches, characterized by its prophetic accompaniment of the national reality.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Obispo de la Iglesia Anglicana de El Salvador victima de atentado
San Salvador, 18 de marzo de 2010. La Iglesia Episcopal de El Salvador denuncia ante la población en general y comunidad internacional, el atentado a muerte que ha sufrido el Obispo MartÃn Barahona y dos de sus más cercanos colaboradores.
La noche de este miércoles, el Obispo MartÃn Barahona junto a dos de sus más cercanos colaboradores fueron vÃctima de la violencia que tiene aprisionado este paÃs; un hombre desconocido, sin mediar palabras les disparó. Los impactos alcanzaron al motorista del religioso, Francis MartÃnez, quien se encuentra hospitalizado. Mientras que el Obispo, gracias a Dios resultó ileso.
Lo curioso de los sucesos es que, a metros del atentado se encontraba la policÃa. Como Iglesia Episcopal nos encontramos consternados y sin explicación para este hecho. El Obispo es un pastor, cuya función principal es el de acompañar espiritualmente a su feligresÃa y a quienes buscan su consejo y consuelo.
Lamentamos profundamente este hecho, como el de muchos y muchas salvadoreñas, que a diario son vÃctimas de la violencia y de la impunidad. Pedimos las oraciones de todos y todas para que no se pierda la esperanza de un El Salvador diferente y que no sea este suceso una señal de persecución a la Iglesia.
El reverendÃsimo MartÃn Barahona, de 67 años de edad, es el Obispo de la Iglesia Anglicana de El Salvador desde 1992, y es el Primado de la Comunión Anglicana en Centro América (IARCA). Esta Iglesia al igual que las llamadas Iglesias Históricas se ha caracterizado por acompañar, desde una visión profética la realidad nacional.
The Episcopal Church of El Salvador denounces before the general public and the international community the murder attempt that Bishop Barahona and two of his closest collaborators suffered.
This past Wednesday night (17th), Bishop Barahona, along two of his closest working partners, was victim of the violence that has held this country imprisoned. An unknown man, without saying anything, shot at them. The bullets hit the bishop’s driver, Francis MartÃnez, who is now hospitalized. Meanwhile, the bishop, thanks be to God, was unharmed.
What is odd about these events is that the police was just a couple of meters away. As the Episcopal Church, we are dismayed by this inexplicable fact. The bishop is a pastor whose principle function is to accompany spiritually the faithful who seek his advice and solace.
We lament profoundly this fact, as do many Salvadorans, who are victims of violence and impunity. We ask everyone’s prayers that hope in a different El Salvador is not lost and that this event is not a sign of persecution of the church.
The Most Rev’d MartÃn Barahona, 67 years old, has been the Bishop of the Anglican Church of El Salvador since 1992 and he is the Primate of the Anglican Communion in Central America (IARCA). This church is one of the historical churches, characterized by its prophetic accompaniment of the national reality.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Obispo de la Iglesia Anglicana de El Salvador victima de atentado
San Salvador, 18 de marzo de 2010. La Iglesia Episcopal de El Salvador denuncia ante la población en general y comunidad internacional, el atentado a muerte que ha sufrido el Obispo MartÃn Barahona y dos de sus más cercanos colaboradores.
La noche de este miércoles, el Obispo MartÃn Barahona junto a dos de sus más cercanos colaboradores fueron vÃctima de la violencia que tiene aprisionado este paÃs; un hombre desconocido, sin mediar palabras les disparó. Los impactos alcanzaron al motorista del religioso, Francis MartÃnez, quien se encuentra hospitalizado. Mientras que el Obispo, gracias a Dios resultó ileso.
Lo curioso de los sucesos es que, a metros del atentado se encontraba la policÃa. Como Iglesia Episcopal nos encontramos consternados y sin explicación para este hecho. El Obispo es un pastor, cuya función principal es el de acompañar espiritualmente a su feligresÃa y a quienes buscan su consejo y consuelo.
Lamentamos profundamente este hecho, como el de muchos y muchas salvadoreñas, que a diario son vÃctimas de la violencia y de la impunidad. Pedimos las oraciones de todos y todas para que no se pierda la esperanza de un El Salvador diferente y que no sea este suceso una señal de persecución a la Iglesia.
El reverendÃsimo MartÃn Barahona, de 67 años de edad, es el Obispo de la Iglesia Anglicana de El Salvador desde 1992, y es el Primado de la Comunión Anglicana en Centro América (IARCA). Esta Iglesia al igual que las llamadas Iglesias Históricas se ha caracterizado por acompañar, desde una visión profética la realidad nacional.
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL: LATEST ACQUISITIONS
The mix is quite jazzy today. The first track is off a new album
entitled "The Fillmore Connection" which is really rather good.
The Fillmore - The Walter Earl Group
Living In The Footsteps - Tony Drake
Fall Back - Middlewood Sessions
Feel It - Freedom Or Not
Push And Pull - Wide Hive Players
Do The Temptation Walk - Jackie Lee
I Am Gonna Love You Just a Little Bit More - Jimmy Smith
Lovin' Your Good Thing Away - Eleanor Grant
Where Did I Go Wrong? - Marilyn Powell
Cold Toast - The Underbelly
Fall Back - Middlewood Sessions
Feel It - Freedom Or Not
Push And Pull - Wide Hive Players
Do The Temptation Walk - Jackie Lee
I Am Gonna Love You Just a Little Bit More - Jimmy Smith
Lovin' Your Good Thing Away - Eleanor Grant
Where Did I Go Wrong? - Marilyn Powell
Cold Toast - The Underbelly
LAST SUPPER SUPERSIZED
From THE BBC:
The food portions depicted in paintings of the Last Supper have grown larger - in line with our own super-sizing of meals, say obesity experts. The Cornell University team studied 52 of the most famous paintings of the Biblical scene over the millennium and scrutinised the size of the feast. They found the entrées, bread and plates put before Jesus and his disciples have progressively grown by up to two-thirds.
The team used computer-aided design technology to scan and calculate the relative measurements of items in the paintings, regardless of their orientation. These included works by El Greco, Leonardo Da Vinci, Lucas Cranach the Elder and Rubens.
Based on the assumption that the width of an average loaf of bread from the time should be twice that of the average disciple's head, the researchers plotted the size of the Passover evening dishes. The main meals grew 69% and plate size 66% between the oldest (carried out in 1000AD) and most recent (1700s) paintings. Bread size grew by about 23%. The sharpest increases were seen in paintings completed after 1500 and up to 1900AD. This, the researchers say, is art imitating life.
CATHOLIC WOMEN DO IT FOR THEMSELVES;
MUSLIM WOMEN DEMAND BETTER SEX
This is refreshingly sensible.
From NRC HANDELSBLAD:
Abdelaziz Aouragh is a Muslim, lives in Amsterdam, and deals in sex articles. His webshop El Asira, which is for Muslims, will soon be selling Pure Power capsules which “heighten male performance, desire and pleasure”. Desire capsules for women will also be available, sensual stimulators for him and her and lubricants based on cocoa butter, water or silicon.
The combination of Islam and sex products is not an obvious one. When Aouragh’s business partner, Stefan Delsink, suggested selling sex items, Aouragh was dubious. A day later he agreed. “I knew that Muslims do have a need for sex products. People bring them back from the Middle East and give them to young couples,” he said.
Not knowing whether his religion would allow the trade in sex products, Aouragh visited an imam, who in turn consulted a Saudi sheik. It was allowed, he learned, as long as the products were halal and meant to improve sex within marriage. According to Islam, sex is simple: outside marriage it’s forbidden, within marriage it’s encouraged.
The imam explains that coitus interruptus is allowed but that condoms are preferred. “A condom is better for maximum sexual pleasure because the penis is not withdrawn when orgasm is reached. It’s important in Islam that both men and women reach orgasm. If a woman is not satisfied, she will use impure methods like masturbation or vibrators.”
From NRC HANDELSBLAD:
Abdelaziz Aouragh is a Muslim, lives in Amsterdam, and deals in sex articles. His webshop El Asira, which is for Muslims, will soon be selling Pure Power capsules which “heighten male performance, desire and pleasure”. Desire capsules for women will also be available, sensual stimulators for him and her and lubricants based on cocoa butter, water or silicon.
The combination of Islam and sex products is not an obvious one. When Aouragh’s business partner, Stefan Delsink, suggested selling sex items, Aouragh was dubious. A day later he agreed. “I knew that Muslims do have a need for sex products. People bring them back from the Middle East and give them to young couples,” he said.
Not knowing whether his religion would allow the trade in sex products, Aouragh visited an imam, who in turn consulted a Saudi sheik. It was allowed, he learned, as long as the products were halal and meant to improve sex within marriage. According to Islam, sex is simple: outside marriage it’s forbidden, within marriage it’s encouraged.
The imam explains that coitus interruptus is allowed but that condoms are preferred. “A condom is better for maximum sexual pleasure because the penis is not withdrawn when orgasm is reached. It’s important in Islam that both men and women reach orgasm. If a woman is not satisfied, she will use impure methods like masturbation or vibrators.”
ORTHODOX JUDAISM RESPONSIBLE
FOR GLOBAL WARMING
From THE DETROIT NEWS:
Michael Balkin observes traditional Jewish practices, but walking to services has been difficult for the past 20 years. A worsening neurological disorder has made walking more than a few steps nearly impossible for the 59-year-old West Bloomfield resident. But in recent years, things have improved for Balkin, thanks to a motorized -- and perfectly kosher -- scooter.
"Now I'm able to do whatever and go to Shul and do whatever I want and how I want," said Balkin.
Orthodox Jews don't drive vehicles or use anything motorized during the Shabbat, or Sabbath, which lasts from sundown Friday to nightfall Saturday. But a Bridgeport company has rolled out specially designed scooters that allow Orthodox Jews to follow their beliefs and still make it to the synagogue. Amigo Mobility International Inc. began making the Shabbat-approved scooters five years ago. It uses a module manufactured in Israel and certified by the Zomet Institute, an Israeli nonprofit that specializes in electronics that meet Halakha, or Jewish religious law.
It's designed in such as way that on Fridays and Saturdays, it's a special mode and during the week it is a standard mode. It carries a special black-and-white sticker that has to be displayed at all times so others know it meets Halakha law.
COMMENT: I have been unable to find out what exactly makes a scooter kosher on some days and not kosher on others. However, I assume it works in a similar way to this kosher lamp. You switch it on before the Sabbath and it remains on. If you don't want the light on the Sabbath you simply turn the wooden box, that covers it, so that there is no window for the light to shine out of.
Yes, that is bollocks, of course. You are still switching it off. Do they really think Yahweh is going to be fooled by such a cheap trick. And it's a complete waste of electricity which, no doubt, will bug Yahweh even more. But, to be fair to orthodox Jews, most of their rabbis would simply give disabled people dispensation to ride an ordinary scooter on the Sabbath in the same way that Muslims get dispensation if they need to eat, for medical reasons, in daylight hours during Ramadan.
In other words - somebody is making a lot of money out of the fact that a lot of people have got completely the wrong idea about who Yahweh is.
Michael Balkin observes traditional Jewish practices, but walking to services has been difficult for the past 20 years. A worsening neurological disorder has made walking more than a few steps nearly impossible for the 59-year-old West Bloomfield resident. But in recent years, things have improved for Balkin, thanks to a motorized -- and perfectly kosher -- scooter.
"Now I'm able to do whatever and go to Shul and do whatever I want and how I want," said Balkin.
Orthodox Jews don't drive vehicles or use anything motorized during the Shabbat, or Sabbath, which lasts from sundown Friday to nightfall Saturday. But a Bridgeport company has rolled out specially designed scooters that allow Orthodox Jews to follow their beliefs and still make it to the synagogue. Amigo Mobility International Inc. began making the Shabbat-approved scooters five years ago. It uses a module manufactured in Israel and certified by the Zomet Institute, an Israeli nonprofit that specializes in electronics that meet Halakha, or Jewish religious law.
It's designed in such as way that on Fridays and Saturdays, it's a special mode and during the week it is a standard mode. It carries a special black-and-white sticker that has to be displayed at all times so others know it meets Halakha law.
COMMENT: I have been unable to find out what exactly makes a scooter kosher on some days and not kosher on others. However, I assume it works in a similar way to this kosher lamp. You switch it on before the Sabbath and it remains on. If you don't want the light on the Sabbath you simply turn the wooden box, that covers it, so that there is no window for the light to shine out of.Yes, that is bollocks, of course. You are still switching it off. Do they really think Yahweh is going to be fooled by such a cheap trick. And it's a complete waste of electricity which, no doubt, will bug Yahweh even more. But, to be fair to orthodox Jews, most of their rabbis would simply give disabled people dispensation to ride an ordinary scooter on the Sabbath in the same way that Muslims get dispensation if they need to eat, for medical reasons, in daylight hours during Ramadan.
In other words - somebody is making a lot of money out of the fact that a lot of people have got completely the wrong idea about who Yahweh is.
THEY'RE OUT THERE HAVING FUN
IN THE WARM NEPALESE SUN
Yes. With the new puritanism taking hold of no longer swinging California, Nepal now seems set to become the promised land for gay people wanting to be treated as normal human beings or, at the least, as if their money is worth something.
From PHILLY.COM:
Nepal wants to paint Mount Everest pink. It wants gay honeymooners trekking through the Himalayas. It wants to host the world's highest same-sex wedding at Everest base camp. But mainly, the conservative Hindu nation wants a chunk of the multibillion-dollar gay tourist market to help pull it out of poverty.
That quest - brushing aside historical biases in pursuit of economic opportunity - is symbolic of one of the gay-rights movement's most stunning successes. Just five years ago, police were beating gays and transsexuals in the streets. Now, the issue of gay rights is almost passe here. Nepal has an openly gay parliamentarian, it is issuing "third gender" identity cards, and it appears set to enshrine gay rights, and possibly even same-sex marriage, in a new constitution. "[It] is not an issue anymore, for anybody," said Vishnu Adhikari, a 21-year-old lesbian. "Society has basically accepted us."
That acceptance has become a major marketing opportunity for a country cursed by desperate poverty but blessed with majestic beauty. Tourism is one of the main drivers of Nepal's economy, worth about $350 million last year, and government officials are determined to double tourism to one million visitors next year. They hope gay tourists will be far more lucrative than the backpackers who stay in cheap hotels here and travel on shoestring budgets.
"They do have a lot of income," said Aditya Baral of the Nepal Tourism Board. "If they behave well, if they have money, we don't discriminate."
COMMENT: "If they behave well, if they have money..."
Oh dear. That's all of OCICBW...'s gay readership out of it
From PHILLY.COM:
Nepal wants to paint Mount Everest pink. It wants gay honeymooners trekking through the Himalayas. It wants to host the world's highest same-sex wedding at Everest base camp. But mainly, the conservative Hindu nation wants a chunk of the multibillion-dollar gay tourist market to help pull it out of poverty.
That quest - brushing aside historical biases in pursuit of economic opportunity - is symbolic of one of the gay-rights movement's most stunning successes. Just five years ago, police were beating gays and transsexuals in the streets. Now, the issue of gay rights is almost passe here. Nepal has an openly gay parliamentarian, it is issuing "third gender" identity cards, and it appears set to enshrine gay rights, and possibly even same-sex marriage, in a new constitution. "[It] is not an issue anymore, for anybody," said Vishnu Adhikari, a 21-year-old lesbian. "Society has basically accepted us."
That acceptance has become a major marketing opportunity for a country cursed by desperate poverty but blessed with majestic beauty. Tourism is one of the main drivers of Nepal's economy, worth about $350 million last year, and government officials are determined to double tourism to one million visitors next year. They hope gay tourists will be far more lucrative than the backpackers who stay in cheap hotels here and travel on shoestring budgets.
"They do have a lot of income," said Aditya Baral of the Nepal Tourism Board. "If they behave well, if they have money, we don't discriminate."
COMMENT: "If they behave well, if they have money..."
Oh dear. That's all of OCICBW...'s gay readership out of it
on both counts.
KNUT TO KEEP NUTS
From THE LOCAL (Germany):
Three years after Knut the polar bear become famous around the world, the Berlin Zoo announced on Monday he was grown-up enough to become its “stud” for breeding. Thomas Dörflein, the zookeeper who raised Knut by hand, said before he died in 2008 that he hoped his adopted bear cub would someday become a father. And his chance has now come.
Knut was abandoned by his mother and was hand raised by Dörflein and went on to become a fuzzy star, welcoming some 10 million visitors.
Knut has been sharing a cage with Munich polar bear Gianna, a three-year-old on loan from Munich’s Hellabrunn Zoo who was initially intended to be his mate, but she will now return to her home in September. Earlier this month, PETA caused an uproar by calling for Knut to be castrated to avert incest with his distant cousin Gianna.
Three years after Knut the polar bear become famous around the world, the Berlin Zoo announced on Monday he was grown-up enough to become its “stud” for breeding. Thomas Dörflein, the zookeeper who raised Knut by hand, said before he died in 2008 that he hoped his adopted bear cub would someday become a father. And his chance has now come.Knut was abandoned by his mother and was hand raised by Dörflein and went on to become a fuzzy star, welcoming some 10 million visitors.
Knut has been sharing a cage with Munich polar bear Gianna, a three-year-old on loan from Munich’s Hellabrunn Zoo who was initially intended to be his mate, but she will now return to her home in September. Earlier this month, PETA caused an uproar by calling for Knut to be castrated to avert incest with his distant cousin Gianna.
AN ARROGANCE OF MONKS
From TYPICALLY SPANISH:
More than 100 people demonstrated outside the doors of the village church in Rabanal del Camino in León on Sunday, demanding that two local Bendictine monks leave the local San Salvador del Monte Irago Monastery. The protestors accuse the monks of breaking traditions of the village by organising a project to renovate the church, but which would see its clock and bell tower being removed.
Complaints started against the monks last August when they decided to cancel the procession of La Asunción, the village patron.
COMMENT: I expect the monks had a very good reason for cancelling the town festival. Perhaps some of the villagers had been naughty and not kept their rooms tidy. Perhaps, and it's only perhaps as I have no proof one way or the other, one of the young men in the village used a condom. Whatever, the monks will be making these decisions for the benefit of the villagers' eternal souls and not because of any personal agenda of their own.
More than 100 people demonstrated outside the doors of the village church in Rabanal del Camino in León on Sunday, demanding that two local Bendictine monks leave the local San Salvador del Monte Irago Monastery. The protestors accuse the monks of breaking traditions of the village by organising a project to renovate the church, but which would see its clock and bell tower being removed.Complaints started against the monks last August when they decided to cancel the procession of La Asunción, the village patron.
COMMENT: I expect the monks had a very good reason for cancelling the town festival. Perhaps some of the villagers had been naughty and not kept their rooms tidy. Perhaps, and it's only perhaps as I have no proof one way or the other, one of the young men in the village used a condom. Whatever, the monks will be making these decisions for the benefit of the villagers' eternal souls and not because of any personal agenda of their own.
AROUND THE BLOGS
Jan's essay, "Did Consumerism Ruin The Institutional Church?" posted at A CHURCH FOR STARVING ARTISTS, is very good - well worth a read.
***
Adrian has posted an essay at PLURALIST SPEAKS with some thoughts about why celibate priests abuse. What I find refreshingly interesting about his piece is that he has moved the debate away from just a discussion about "animal instincts" and brought in the concept that resorting to abuse is a distortion of "love" caused by unrequited love. This fits in with Mimi's and my assertion that we are not necessarily talking about paedophilia but about an "anything will do" psychology. It also explains why female religious sometimes abuse without having to attach a male sexuality to them. Good stuff. Go read!
Monday, 22 March 2010
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
You've just got to pop over to TAMINOPHILE'S BLOG and
click on those links. The Selleck one is particularly bizarre.
VAMPIRES AND BOY WIZARDS ARE REAL PROBLEM, BISHOP WARNS AUSTRALIANS
The Archdiocese of Sydney's auxiliary Bishop Julian Porteous has warned that generation Y risks a dangerous fascination with the occult fuelled by the Twilight and Harry Potter series.
"Alternative" relaxation techniques as yoga, reiki massages and tai chi may encourage experimentation with "deep and dark spiritual ideas and traditions." The Twilight and Harry Potter books and films "are attractive to adolescents and can be innocent enough. However, they can open up a fascination with this mysterious world and invite exploration of various phenomena through the use of occult practices like seances," Bishop Porteous was quoted in The Sun-Herald.
"Alternative" relaxation techniques as yoga, reiki massages and tai chi may encourage experimentation with "deep and dark spiritual ideas and traditions." The Twilight and Harry Potter books and films "are attractive to adolescents and can be innocent enough. However, they can open up a fascination with this mysterious world and invite exploration of various phenomena through the use of occult practices like seances," Bishop Porteous was quoted in The Sun-Herald.
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL: LATEST ACQUISITIONS
Summertime And I’m Feeling Mellow - M.F.S.B. (below)
Hicky Burr - Quincy Jones (feat. Bill Cosby)
Set Me Free - Flashbaxx
Breaking And Entering - Dee Dee Sharp Gamble
One Track Mind - Mayer Hawthorne (Instrumental)
Hicky Burr - Quincy Jones (feat. Bill Cosby)
Set Me Free - Flashbaxx
Breaking And Entering - Dee Dee Sharp Gamble
One Track Mind - Mayer Hawthorne (Instrumental)
Blue Vibes - Dave Hamilton
Renegade Man - Vince Seneri
It's A Better Than Good Time
Renegade Man - Vince Seneri
It's A Better Than Good Time
- Gladys K Gladys Knight (Walter Gibbons Mix)
Stronger Than Her Love - The Flirtations (above)
Why Must Our Eyes Always Be Turned Backwards - Lou Bond
Stronger Than Her Love - The Flirtations (above)
Why Must Our Eyes Always Be Turned Backwards - Lou Bond
DON'T BLAME MADPRIEST, BLAME MAD DAD
While attending a Marriage Guidance Weekend, Ken and his wife, Janet, listened to the instructor declare, 'It is essential that husbands and wives know the things that are important to each other.'
He then addressed the men, ’Can you name and describe your wife's favourite flower?'
Ken leaned over, touched Janet’s arm gently,and whispered, "Homepride, isn't it ?"
And thus began Ken’s life of celibacy.
He then addressed the men, ’Can you name and describe your wife's favourite flower?'Ken leaned over, touched Janet’s arm gently,and whispered, "Homepride, isn't it ?"
And thus began Ken’s life of celibacy.
AROUND THE BLOGS
David in drag at THE PAGAN SPHINX.
Great poem at VIV'S PLACE.
Love the punchline!
***
Brilliant cat blogging at
FORKS OFF THE MOMENT.
***
Our good friend, Sam Norton, has blogged his
***
Great poem at VIV'S PLACE.
Love the punchline!
***
Brilliant cat blogging at
FORKS OFF THE MOMENT.
***
Our good friend, Sam Norton, has blogged his
post-celebrity, APCM address on his newish blog,
ELIZAPHANIAN: TALKS AND SERMONS.
"Homophobe of the Week" courtesy of MERSEYSIDE MIKE.
***
Mad Twatters courtesy of GRANDMÉRE MIMI.
***
"Homophobe of the Week" courtesy of MERSEYSIDE MIKE.
***
Mad Twatters courtesy of GRANDMÉRE MIMI.
Sunday, 21 March 2010
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL
SUGAR BABY - JIMMY HOLLAND
LEAN ON ME WHEN THE HEARTACHES GET ROUGH
LEAN ON ME WHEN THE HEARTACHES GET ROUGH
- EDDIE DOYE & THE FOUR BARS
AUTOMATIC SOUL (PT. II) - THE INTERPRETATIONS
RUNNING OUT - MABLE JOHN
SOUL MUSIC - CURTIS MAYFIELD
STOP HER ON SIGHT (S.O.S.) - RARE EARTH (below)
I STAND ACCUSED - TONY COLTON & THE BIG BOSS BAND
WHAT WOULD YOU DO - WALTER JACKSON
WHEN HEARTS GROW COLD - CANDI STATON (above)
NIGHTMARES - DEEW
AUTOMATIC SOUL (PT. II) - THE INTERPRETATIONS
RUNNING OUT - MABLE JOHN
SOUL MUSIC - CURTIS MAYFIELD
STOP HER ON SIGHT (S.O.S.) - RARE EARTH (below)
I STAND ACCUSED - TONY COLTON & THE BIG BOSS BAND
WHAT WOULD YOU DO - WALTER JACKSON
WHEN HEARTS GROW COLD - CANDI STATON (above)
NIGHTMARES - DEEW
SERIOUS DISCUSSION TIME
I've posted a discussion starter at CHIN WAG @ OCICBW... concerning the possibility of couples successfully getting back together after a break-up. It's an idea I nicked from Jay at BAILEY'S BUDDY. I've put it on the non-public site so people can be more honest than they might be an open forum. Details of how to access Chin Wag can be found in the sidebar.
THE PRAYER LIST
Posted by UKViewer at JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY:
Jen is off work for a while, she is still waiting for a call from the Hospital for surgery on the skull fracture, which is causing brain fluid to leak through her nostrils. Being NHS, it will not be done in the next day or so.
And from THE SAME BLOGGER:
I had a call last week from the DDO regarding a meeting to discuss/discern my vocation towards Ordained Ministry in the Church. I had been in a great hurry for this in the past, but given the recent stuff going on in my life, felt that it was a little to soon, and it is postponed until after Easter. I need to be ready, to feel ready and to feel prepared before I go down that route. I see the period of Lent as that preparation and with a weekly Lent Course, spiritual direction, working in the Parish, and other church related responsibilities, I am having a quite busy time. But the nudge is there - and I am heeding it. God is calling, I am willing and nearly ready to answer.
***
Posted by Janis at JUANUCHI'S WAY:
I’m in the midst of an existential crisis. I was going to say that I’m not sure what’s brought this on, but I know what the catalyst was. In any event, the last few days I’ve been engaged in some serious depressive introspection.
For 23 years I have spent (my) time doing what Dad told me not to: doing something I don’t like. It is true, I have always been a square peg in a round hole with my career. But I was afraid of failure – failure in what, I don’t know, and I think in the long run, I have (in my estimation) failed. I don’t feel any satisfaction from these years gone. I haven’t done anything noteworthy. I’m exhausted, bankrupt, without goals, and simply don’t care anymore. I don’t crave the limelight, but I would like to think that I have done something in my life that made a difference to someone. I think Dad probably knew I should’ve been in the arts. But now, I’m afraid to introspect to the point of finding what I really want, what I really should do. I’m afraid. And very sad.
Okay you virtual huggers, our friend Janis needs you. Pop over to her place and do what you do so well. And the only advice that she needs to hear is that she must have the courage to follow her dreams, which is probably the only piece of advice we all need. So you could leave a comment along those lines.
***
Posted by Jan at YEARNING FOR GOD:
Late this afternoon CB took Cisco to the vet. X-rays showed an odd growth on the bone side of his leg, but the vet was not sure how long that had been there. He gave Cisco a steriod shot, which has made Cisco feel better. Tomorrow the radiologist will look more carefully at the x-ray. Otherwise, the vet said probably Cisco will be running around by Sunday.
***
Posted by Kathy at KNITTING WITH MY SHOES OFF:
I heard today from my sister that our former pastor's wife died from ALS. I hadn't seen them in nearly 20 years but it still bothers me to hear of people I know dying. Her youngest was about the same age as Zach and they used to play together a lot. I'm so sorry for their loss.
***
Posted by JaneR at ACTS OF HOPE:
Two years ago my parents' dear friend John Olver died. Today John's wife Ruth Olver died. We received news of Ruth's passing from Ruth and John's son this evening. Ruth had been very ill for several years. She had Parkinson's and other ailments, and she had recently turned 92 years old.
Ruth Olver lived a wonderful, long and totally righteous life. Pop over to Jane's place and read her obit. I promise you, it will make you feel good.
Jane finishes the post:
Please remember Ruth Olver and her children and grandchildren in your prayers. Remember also John, who preceded her in death two years ago and who like her worked for the good of humanity. Remember also my parents, who have yet again lost a dear friend of their generation.
***
Paul has a couple of lengthy "heart threads" up at
BYZIGENOUS BUDDHAPALIAN. You can read them
and then add his prayer requests to your own list
by clicking HERE and HERE.
Please go read Caminante's post on the recent assassination attempt on Bishop MartÃn Barahona (ref: PRAYER REQUEST 18th. March) at VERMONT'S OWN and continue to pray for our friends and all the good people in Central America. Remember, this sort of evil in places like El Salvador, is, to a large part, due to the failure of the US to clear up after the messes they engineer in other people's countries.
Money raised so far for charity = $3.70.
Don't forget it is up to you to give your part of this to the charity of your own choice whenever you feel like doing so.
Jen is off work for a while, she is still waiting for a call from the Hospital for surgery on the skull fracture, which is causing brain fluid to leak through her nostrils. Being NHS, it will not be done in the next day or so.
And from THE SAME BLOGGER:
I had a call last week from the DDO regarding a meeting to discuss/discern my vocation towards Ordained Ministry in the Church. I had been in a great hurry for this in the past, but given the recent stuff going on in my life, felt that it was a little to soon, and it is postponed until after Easter. I need to be ready, to feel ready and to feel prepared before I go down that route. I see the period of Lent as that preparation and with a weekly Lent Course, spiritual direction, working in the Parish, and other church related responsibilities, I am having a quite busy time. But the nudge is there - and I am heeding it. God is calling, I am willing and nearly ready to answer.
***
Posted by Janis at JUANUCHI'S WAY:
I’m in the midst of an existential crisis. I was going to say that I’m not sure what’s brought this on, but I know what the catalyst was. In any event, the last few days I’ve been engaged in some serious depressive introspection.
For 23 years I have spent (my) time doing what Dad told me not to: doing something I don’t like. It is true, I have always been a square peg in a round hole with my career. But I was afraid of failure – failure in what, I don’t know, and I think in the long run, I have (in my estimation) failed. I don’t feel any satisfaction from these years gone. I haven’t done anything noteworthy. I’m exhausted, bankrupt, without goals, and simply don’t care anymore. I don’t crave the limelight, but I would like to think that I have done something in my life that made a difference to someone. I think Dad probably knew I should’ve been in the arts. But now, I’m afraid to introspect to the point of finding what I really want, what I really should do. I’m afraid. And very sad.
Okay you virtual huggers, our friend Janis needs you. Pop over to her place and do what you do so well. And the only advice that she needs to hear is that she must have the courage to follow her dreams, which is probably the only piece of advice we all need. So you could leave a comment along those lines.
***
Posted by Jan at YEARNING FOR GOD:
Late this afternoon CB took Cisco to the vet. X-rays showed an odd growth on the bone side of his leg, but the vet was not sure how long that had been there. He gave Cisco a steriod shot, which has made Cisco feel better. Tomorrow the radiologist will look more carefully at the x-ray. Otherwise, the vet said probably Cisco will be running around by Sunday.UPDATE: Cisco is well on the way to a full recovery and back to being "the worst dog in the world." Check out his latest antics HERE.
***
Posted by Kathy at KNITTING WITH MY SHOES OFF:
I heard today from my sister that our former pastor's wife died from ALS. I hadn't seen them in nearly 20 years but it still bothers me to hear of people I know dying. Her youngest was about the same age as Zach and they used to play together a lot. I'm so sorry for their loss.
***
Posted by JaneR at ACTS OF HOPE:
Two years ago my parents' dear friend John Olver died. Today John's wife Ruth Olver died. We received news of Ruth's passing from Ruth and John's son this evening. Ruth had been very ill for several years. She had Parkinson's and other ailments, and she had recently turned 92 years old.
Ruth Olver lived a wonderful, long and totally righteous life. Pop over to Jane's place and read her obit. I promise you, it will make you feel good.
Jane finishes the post:
Please remember Ruth Olver and her children and grandchildren in your prayers. Remember also John, who preceded her in death two years ago and who like her worked for the good of humanity. Remember also my parents, who have yet again lost a dear friend of their generation.
***
Paul has a couple of lengthy "heart threads" up at
BYZIGENOUS BUDDHAPALIAN. You can read them
and then add his prayer requests to your own list
by clicking HERE and HERE.
***
Please go read Caminante's post on the recent assassination attempt on Bishop MartÃn Barahona (ref: PRAYER REQUEST 18th. March) at VERMONT'S OWN and continue to pray for our friends and all the good people in Central America. Remember, this sort of evil in places like El Salvador, is, to a large part, due to the failure of the US to clear up after the messes they engineer in other people's countries.
***
Finally, a couple of Thanks be to God, items.
Posted by Father Dougal at DOUGALTHINK:
A very good session with my sponsor reviewing my 1st step - at the end of which he gave me a special coin to mark 1 year sans hooch. It's inscribed with the motto: "To thine own self be true". Good idea. Bloody difficult in the Church though...
And Joe has come out at work. Read his last few posts at
BEAR ME OUT and say "well done, mate!"
BEAR ME OUT and say "well done, mate!"
Money raised so far for charity = $3.70.
Don't forget it is up to you to give your part of this to the charity of your own choice whenever you feel like doing so.
I'm a fussy, old catholic, but I've never understood why we cover up crucifixes during Passiontide when surely we should be meditating on the crucifixion. If anyone knows a "good" reason for this custom do please let me know what it is.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)