This is Ed Duane, "an old guy that loves music."
And very lovely it is too.
Saturday, 9 April 2011
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL - THE PODCAST (11)
I'm quite a bit chirpier than usual this week and my delivery has speeded up a lot. I'm also pleased with the mixing and editing. As for the music, I won't comment on that until the scores come in from the Thibodaux judge, although I have a feeling the Carmen McRae should swing it in my favour.
Double click, or whatever, on MP3 File below to download audio file or click on the play arrow to stream.
This podcast can be downloaded from iTunes by clicking HERE and then clicking on "View In iTunes."
MP3 File
LOVE TRAIN - THE O'JAYS
JUST A LITTLE MISUNDERSTANDING - THE CONTOURS
I DON'T WANT TO LOSE YOUR LOVE - BILLY WOODS
I GOTTA TELL SOMEBODY - STANLEY TURRENTINE (FEATURING GLORIA LYNNE)
YOU SAID - LAVERN BAKER
MY BABE - LITTLE WALTER
AIN'T TALKIN' TO YOU BABY - SHERI WASHINGTON
OOHWEEE (SUPER GROOVE RIDE) - THE CLUBS
HOW DID YOU KNOW? - TRUE SOLACE
LOVE GANGSTA (REMIX) - MENTA MALONE
NIGHT BELL - MAGNETIC SOUND MACHINE
JAMMIN-N-DETROIT - DIAMOND STEELE
SUMMER SONG - GROVER WASHINGTON JR.
LOVE IS STANGE - MICKEY AND SYLVIA (above)
EARTH ANGEL - THE PENGUINS
EVERYNIGHT - THE CHANTELS
EMERGENCY 999 - ALAN BOWN SET
SE C'È UNA COSA CHE MI FA IMPAZZIRE - MINA
I'M ALIVE (ASHLEY BEEDLE RE-EDIT) - DON FARDON
SEA CRUISE - ACE CANNON
MY BABYS BEEN CHEATING - A. C. REED
TEASIN' YOU - JAMES MONTGOMERY BAND
ESTRELLAS DE FANIA - JOHN LEGUIZAMO
SCRAMBLED EGGS BEMIBEM
THE REASON WHY I LOVE YOU - T. W. WILLIAMS
FOR YOU - JERMAINE FABER
YOU BETTER MOVE ON - ARTHUR ALEXANDER
BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS - ADRIAN DUKE
NEW YORK STATE OF MIND - CARMEN MCRAE
SINCE YOU SHOWED ME HOW TO BE HAPPY - JACKIE WILSON
LIKE MILES - ED BENTLEY
LOVING YOU IS MELLOW - MAJOR HARRIS
DO IT ('TILL YOU'RE SATISFIED) - B.T. EXPRESS
BOOTY CITY - BLACK JOE LEWIS
WHERE DOES HE FIND THEM?
2000 days off purgatory if you get all the way through this without cheating. And, believe me, I am not being generous. You will have earned every second of your reprieve. In fact you may well consider descending into hell just to avoid the experience.
Friday, 8 April 2011
LOUD FRIDAY
This should satisfy even most discerning
moshers among the loud-heads out there.
BAND'S WEBSITE
PURCHASE VIA MADPRIEST'S AMAZON STORE
SWINGING CAVEMEN
From THE TELEGRAPH:
Archaeologists have unearthed the 5,000-year-old remains of what they believe may have been the world's oldest known gay caveman. The male body – said to date back to between 2900-2500BC – was discovered buried in a way normally reserved only for women of the Corded Ware culture in the Copper Age. The skeleton was found in a Prague suburb in the Czech Republic with its head pointing eastwards and surrounded by domestic jugs, rituals only previously seen in female graves.
"From history and ethnology, we know that people from this period took funeral rites very seriously so it is highly unlikely that this positioning was a mistake. Far more likely is that he was a man with a different sexual orientation, homosexual or transsexual," said lead archaeologist Kamila Remisova Vesinova.
Archeologists have uncovered an earlier case dating from the Mesolithic period where a female warrior was buried as a man.
Archaeologists have unearthed the 5,000-year-old remains of what they believe may have been the world's oldest known gay caveman. The male body – said to date back to between 2900-2500BC – was discovered buried in a way normally reserved only for women of the Corded Ware culture in the Copper Age. The skeleton was found in a Prague suburb in the Czech Republic with its head pointing eastwards and surrounded by domestic jugs, rituals only previously seen in female graves.
"From history and ethnology, we know that people from this period took funeral rites very seriously so it is highly unlikely that this positioning was a mistake. Far more likely is that he was a man with a different sexual orientation, homosexual or transsexual," said lead archaeologist Kamila Remisova Vesinova.
Archeologists have uncovered an earlier case dating from the Mesolithic period where a female warrior was buried as a man.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Firstly he has posted another truly excellent piece on his blog, entitled "Am I My Brother's Keeper?" Here is a snippet from it that I am certain will have you popping over to his place to check the rest out.
These days, we find ourselves in a fun house world of morality where a large group of already very wealthy people committed what is probably the largest act of larceny in history, almost wrecking the global economy, and yet it is the rest of us suffering the consequences who are told to feel ashamed for our wanton ways. Our representatives go out of their way to coddle the very people who ruined us all, and meanwhile try to take away our last remaining protections against the predations of the market economy. They tell us solemnly to "take responsibility," while dodging their own responsibility for creating this whole crisis. People who keep overseas tax shelters, even in times of war and crisis, are congratulated on their patriotism. For the last 50 years, war has been left to the servants. The same people who mow our lawns, repair our cars, cook our meals, clean our homes and businesses, serve as our secretaries and care for our children and elderly, also fight our wars. "Consuela, would you please clean up that mess I made in the Middle East? Thank you dear." As in the Spanish American war, so now in our current imperial military adventures; the military who fights them is mostly made up of immigrants and the poor, "disposable people." The very idea that once prevailed in the USA since the beginning that we all pull together and do our part in times of war or crisis is now ridiculed. Soon after the deadliest attack ever on our soil, we are all told to go shopping, and that nothing will be demanded of us. In fact, after invading two countries and starting two major wars, taxes for the top income earners are cut dramatically, creating a major drop in revenue available to the military to fight those wars. Calculating that the public would be unwilling to share the full sacrifice of blood and treasure for such nakedly imperial adventures, our rulers turn to mercenaries to fill out the ranks of our over-stretched and over-worked military.
As if this is not enough, Doug's excellent series of paintings based on the passion of Christ is being serialised again over at JESUS IN LOVE, starting today. Owning one of Doug's paintings is right at the top of my "When I win the lottery" list.
***
Petty Witter has posted a list of "books not to read before you die" on her PEN AND PAPER blog and is asking for other suggestions from her readers and for them to own up to which books on the list they have read. I scored quite highly having read ten of them. Pop over to Petty's place - it's great fun.
***
***
The Ellie Finlay style "Joke of The Day" can
be found posted at YEARNING FOR GOD.
THE PRAYER LIST - 8TH. APRIL 2011
Posted by Diana atTHE KITCHEN DOOR:
I'm applying for an MDiv/CPE chaplain-training program, and my interview is Friday. I'm praying for discernment (mine and theirs) but mostly, I'm just praying that I notice the graces in the experience of applying. Will you pray with me?
***
Posted by Joseph P. Mathews at SEERSUCKER SEMINARIAN:
***
Posted at WITH A SONG IN MY HEART:
Please keep Eric and all who love him in your prayers. He had to go to A&E last night and will be in hospital for at least a few days.
***
Posted by Red at APPLES OF GOLD:
I think I know what it is that Red has been rejected from and, if I am right, it can be a devastating blow that lives with you for the rest of your life, as quite a few of you know too well from personal experience. So, please pray for our friend. She is strong and a down to earth sort. She will survive. But she will survive with less pain with the support of her friends.
***
Posted by Ormonde Plater at THROUGH THE DUST:
Murdered this week in the New Orleans area:
4/1 Terriko West 22 F Shot Orleans
4/3 Monai Buchanan 23 F Shot Orleans
4/3 Everick Mitchell 23 M Shot Orleans
Please pray for the victims, their murderers, and their families.
4/5 Melvin Plummer 21 M Shot Orleans (Shot by homeowner in home invasion, ruled justifiable homicide.)
***
From THE MAIL:
Wellington de Oliveira, 24, killed 13 children and injured 20 more in yesterday's attack on Tasso de Oliveira elementary school in the Realengo suburb of Rio de Janeiro. He had told school officials who approached him that he was there to deliver a speech, and then opened fire on students with two pistols. Police officers sprinted to the school and exchanged fire with the gunman.He was hit in the leg, fell down and realising he was caught, shot himself in the head.
'If possible I want to be buried next to my mother. A follower of God must visit my grave at least once. He must pray before my grave and ask God to forgive me for what I have done,' read the letter.
The deputy mayor of western Rio, said the letter also stated the gunman had AIDS.
***
From THE NEW YORK TIMES:
Surrounded, outnumbered and under repeated attacks, the Ivory Coast strongman Laurent Gbagbo has held out against all odds — and continued to do so on Friday — refusing to budge from the presidential residence in a last stand that has both befuddled and infuriated the international powers that are demanding his surrender.
Every day that he remains in the presidential residence in Abidjan — guarded by about 200 loyal fighters, protected in a luxurious basement redoubt that, according to one visitor, includes a grand ministerial meeting room and a well-stocked library — Mr. Gbagbo makes the country increasingly ungovernable for his rival, Alassane Ouattara, who said late Thursday that he would now blockade his enemy in his residence.
The Untied Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva said on Friday that more than 100 bodies had been found in Ivory Coast in the past 24 hours, some of them burned alive, others tossed down a well. Ruper Colville, a spokesman for the agency, told The Associated Press that some of the murders appeared to have been carried out by Liberian mercenaries.
***
From BBC NEWS (Liverpool):
The Reverend Malcolm Rogers said he hoped (the vigil) would help Brendon's friends express their grief.
"There's not many people in Huyton that didn't know Brendon, he was a very popular lad and we're hoping that the church will be full."
***
From THE ASSOCIATED PRESS:
Syrian activists are preparing for a fresh wave of protests following Friday prayers despite a series of overtures by President Bashar Assad's regime to try and quell anti-government protests that have shaken his 11-year rule.
***
THANKSGIVING
From THE NEW YORK TIMES:
A top Afghan official confirmed on Wednesday that the country’s government had been in peace talks with the Taliban.
“We’re in touch, we talk all the time, we’ve done a lot, we’ve sent representatives to their sides and they’ve sent representatives to our side,” said Mohammad Massoom Stanekzai of the High Peace Council.
Asked if these were talks about talks, Mr. Stanekzai replied, “It is a step beyond that.”
***
From BBC NEWS (Northern Ireland):
The Irish workers who built the modern Croke Park stadium in Dublin could never have imagined that one of the 82,000 seats would one day be filled by the British Queen. Known affectionately as 'Croker', the huge arena is the home of Irish sport, and was also the scene of one of the darkest episodes in British-Irish history. Back in November 1920, on a Sunday afternoon, 14 people were shot dead by British security forces at a Gaelic football match between Dublin and Tipperary. It became known in Ireland as the original Bloody Sunday.
The Queen's presence at the stadium will show that in spite of the troubled history between the UK and Ireland, they now have mature, neighbourly relationship. Negotiations about a possible visit were initiated by former Irish President Mary Robinson and developed by the current President Mary McAleese.
It is not clear what exactly the Queen will do at Croke Park, but it is likely that she will be given a tour of the facilities, and then watch a demonstration game of gaelic football and hurling by schoolchildren.
***
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
Thursday, 7 April 2011
AND THEY MADE A CALF IN THOSE DAYS
From "Our devotion to idols is killing the planet," posted
on the website of THE ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF MELBOURNE:
At its heart, the ecological crisis is fundamentally a moral and spiritual one, (Prof. Michael) Northcott believes, with the marketing of consumption and the power of advertising a significant factor. “In 1970, Britain’s emissions were at a sustainable level. We made most of what we consumed in the country and we didn’t consume nearly so many products. And what we did consume, we tended to keep much longer. So people in 1970 might have had a washing machine in their home which was 30 years old and was endlessly repairable by a local mechanic. They might have had a car, which my father did, that they could actually tinker with themselves and fix and keep on the road. They typically commuted to work on trains or buses. There was less than one car per household. “Now, what’s changed over the last 40 years isn’t that people have got happier as a result of having more stuff, it’s that they’ve been persuaded through advertising and the media that having lots more stuff will somehow increase human flourishing, but that hasn’t happened.”
In theological terms, western societies are in the grip of idolatry. “In the Old Testament, an idol was something made by human hands that people worshipped and bowed down to, and gave their soul force in the service of. In his book City of God, which is an answer to the charge that Christians caused the fall of Rome because they had Christianised the Empire, St Augustine said, ‘No, what has caused the fall of Rome is Rome’s devotion to idols, to luxury wealth and sexual immorality. And further more, a people are made a people by the things that they love in common, the common objects of love. It’s their devotion to these objects which identifies them, which marks them out as a people who belong together.’”
COMMENT: One huge problem Australia faces as it tries to persuade its own people and the people of the world that human greed and complacency is causing great harm to their country and its inhabitants, is the Roman Catholic Church. Cardinal Pell, one of the most bigoted, right wing spokesmen for that denomination, often loudly reputes the existence of global warming as a danger. People will naturally grasp at any straw, especially those handed out by people of so-called authority, rather than give up the things they believe they need and love. As professor Northcott's words demonstrate, not only are the false teachings of people like Pell downright wrong, they are, along with so many of the cardinal's pronouncements, an attack on God's creation and a boon for the Tempter.
on the website of THE ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF MELBOURNE:
At its heart, the ecological crisis is fundamentally a moral and spiritual one, (Prof. Michael) Northcott believes, with the marketing of consumption and the power of advertising a significant factor. “In 1970, Britain’s emissions were at a sustainable level. We made most of what we consumed in the country and we didn’t consume nearly so many products. And what we did consume, we tended to keep much longer. So people in 1970 might have had a washing machine in their home which was 30 years old and was endlessly repairable by a local mechanic. They might have had a car, which my father did, that they could actually tinker with themselves and fix and keep on the road. They typically commuted to work on trains or buses. There was less than one car per household. “Now, what’s changed over the last 40 years isn’t that people have got happier as a result of having more stuff, it’s that they’ve been persuaded through advertising and the media that having lots more stuff will somehow increase human flourishing, but that hasn’t happened.”
In theological terms, western societies are in the grip of idolatry. “In the Old Testament, an idol was something made by human hands that people worshipped and bowed down to, and gave their soul force in the service of. In his book City of God, which is an answer to the charge that Christians caused the fall of Rome because they had Christianised the Empire, St Augustine said, ‘No, what has caused the fall of Rome is Rome’s devotion to idols, to luxury wealth and sexual immorality. And further more, a people are made a people by the things that they love in common, the common objects of love. It’s their devotion to these objects which identifies them, which marks them out as a people who belong together.’”
COMMENT: One huge problem Australia faces as it tries to persuade its own people and the people of the world that human greed and complacency is causing great harm to their country and its inhabitants, is the Roman Catholic Church. Cardinal Pell, one of the most bigoted, right wing spokesmen for that denomination, often loudly reputes the existence of global warming as a danger. People will naturally grasp at any straw, especially those handed out by people of so-called authority, rather than give up the things they believe they need and love. As professor Northcott's words demonstrate, not only are the false teachings of people like Pell downright wrong, they are, along with so many of the cardinal's pronouncements, an attack on God's creation and a boon for the Tempter.
THE OUTRUNNERS' HALL OF FAME
From OREGON LIVE:
Clark County police dog, Kane, was killed in a chase Saturday. He was stabbed during a search for two people who fled from a stolen police car. He was taken to an animal hospital and later pronounced dead.
The department is planning a memorial service for Kane.
“It's like an officer being killed,” Department spokesman Sgt. Scott Schanaker said. “There's such a tremendous turnout. They have to do a lot of planning.”
Two people were arrested in connection with the incident.
People have been peppering the county sheriff's office with inquiries about making a donation towards the cost of training police dogs in memory of Kane. Details of how to do this can be found on the Oregon Live page.
Thanks to Ann Fontaine for sending in this story.
The department is planning a memorial service for Kane.
“It's like an officer being killed,” Department spokesman Sgt. Scott Schanaker said. “There's such a tremendous turnout. They have to do a lot of planning.”
Two people were arrested in connection with the incident.
People have been peppering the county sheriff's office with inquiries about making a donation towards the cost of training police dogs in memory of Kane. Details of how to do this can be found on the Oregon Live page.
Thanks to Ann Fontaine for sending in this story.
FROM THE LEAST TO THE LEAST
THE TRUE HEART OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
The link to the article from which the following has been extracted was sent in by Wade who is "proud to have been on the discernment group for this young man."
Posted at WALKING WITH INTEGRITY:
By Ben Garren (Integrity Intern)
My uncle wanted to make chicken and dumplings. A simple enough task. As I watched him slowly write out the grocery list in his precise architect’s script, however, I knew completing that task would take much of the day’s energy. Recovering from spinal meningitis decades into his fight with HIV/Aids simple tasks were no longer easy. I sadly mulled this over as I drove to the store with his list. At which point, as always, my uncle made me smile. His meticulous list was arranged to the specific floor plan of the store. Pity ain’t gonna stick to that.
A few years ago my uncle became a confirmed Episcopalian. My memory is of him explaining that it was not a sudden decision, but one he had known for a long time. He talked about Integrity, not in any great way but by the simple fact that Integrity existed. That it had actual purchase in our church’s polity and this meant that the Episcopal Church was a place where he could worship God with his full self. Decades of the Episcopal Church being in the background had made it the place he knew he would go when he was ready once again to enter into a churched relationship with God.
His parish, though, is amazing. There (are) two Episcopal parishes in town. One is actually a continuing Anglican parish that split off when the new prayer book was made. My uncle was at the other Episcopal Church, the hidden Episcopal Church, the Episcopal Church built by Episcopal slaves so they could worship out of sight and mind of their Episcopal owners. It was there that my uncle found welcome, affirmation, and a space where he could worship God in Truth. The first white individual known to be a lay member of that parish.
Our church, our church has its problems, but if the results of one of our most darkest deeds, our party to the enslavement of our brothers and sisters in Christ, is that a former slave parish in the deep south is now a place a gay white man can finally worship God in truth, then there is overwhelming hope amidst our current problems.
COMMENT: Normally such Christ-inspired words would automatically merit the author being given the accolade of "Brick Of The Day." However, OCICBW... is regularly visited by many gay men and style gurus such as KJ, and that tie and the way Ben is wearing it, just do not pass muster. But, apart from this one, albeit unforgivable sin, this young man is a shining example of the gospel infused mission of his church and gives us all hope that, as it has been promised, one day we will overcome. Wade is thoroughly justified in being proud of being part of the process that has given Ben the opportunity to minster to the people of God.
Posted at WALKING WITH INTEGRITY:
By Ben Garren (Integrity Intern)
My uncle wanted to make chicken and dumplings. A simple enough task. As I watched him slowly write out the grocery list in his precise architect’s script, however, I knew completing that task would take much of the day’s energy. Recovering from spinal meningitis decades into his fight with HIV/Aids simple tasks were no longer easy. I sadly mulled this over as I drove to the store with his list. At which point, as always, my uncle made me smile. His meticulous list was arranged to the specific floor plan of the store. Pity ain’t gonna stick to that.
A few years ago my uncle became a confirmed Episcopalian. My memory is of him explaining that it was not a sudden decision, but one he had known for a long time. He talked about Integrity, not in any great way but by the simple fact that Integrity existed. That it had actual purchase in our church’s polity and this meant that the Episcopal Church was a place where he could worship God with his full self. Decades of the Episcopal Church being in the background had made it the place he knew he would go when he was ready once again to enter into a churched relationship with God.
His parish, though, is amazing. There (are) two Episcopal parishes in town. One is actually a continuing Anglican parish that split off when the new prayer book was made. My uncle was at the other Episcopal Church, the hidden Episcopal Church, the Episcopal Church built by Episcopal slaves so they could worship out of sight and mind of their Episcopal owners. It was there that my uncle found welcome, affirmation, and a space where he could worship God in Truth. The first white individual known to be a lay member of that parish.
Our church, our church has its problems, but if the results of one of our most darkest deeds, our party to the enslavement of our brothers and sisters in Christ, is that a former slave parish in the deep south is now a place a gay white man can finally worship God in truth, then there is overwhelming hope amidst our current problems.
PURRING FOR ENGLAND
From CBS12 NEWS:
A gray-and-white tabby by the name of Smokey has cat-apulted to fame with purring so loud it has been recorded at a potentially record-setting 73 decibels. The British community college that measured the sound said it peaked at 16 times louder than that of the average cat. By some estimates, that is about as noisy as busy traffic, a hair dryer or a vacuum cleaner.
Recordings of Smokey have been submitted
to the Guinness World Records.
Thanks to Paul(A) for sending in this story.
A gray-and-white tabby by the name of Smokey has cat-apulted to fame with purring so loud it has been recorded at a potentially record-setting 73 decibels. The British community college that measured the sound said it peaked at 16 times louder than that of the average cat. By some estimates, that is about as noisy as busy traffic, a hair dryer or a vacuum cleaner.
Recordings of Smokey have been submitted
to the Guinness World Records.
Thanks to Paul(A) for sending in this story.
THE PRAYER LIST - 7TH. APRIL 2011
Posted at DIOBETH NEWSPIN:
Pray for our young men and women who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for their families:
Scott H. Burgess, 32
Jeremy P. Faulkner, 23
Christian A. S. Garcia, 30
Wesley J. Hinkley, 36
Quadi S. Hudgins, 26
Michael S. Lammerts, 26
Harry Lew, 21
Gary L. Nelson III, 20
Dennis C. Poulin, 26
Jorge A. Scatliffe, 32
Robert F. Welch III, 26
Pray also for the fallen heroes also of our coalition partners, and for the citizens of Iraq and Afghanistan who have died, unnamed and unknown to us, and for those who mourn ... and for an end to this endless war.
***
THANKSGIVING
From VOICE OF AMERICA:
Japanese officials say efforts to pump nitrogen into the containment vessel of a damaged nuclear reactor appear to be succeeding, easing fears that a hydrogen build-up in the vessel could cause a dangerous explosion.
***
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
Pray for our young men and women who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for their families:
Scott H. Burgess, 32
Jeremy P. Faulkner, 23
Christian A. S. Garcia, 30
Wesley J. Hinkley, 36
Quadi S. Hudgins, 26
Michael S. Lammerts, 26
Harry Lew, 21
Gary L. Nelson III, 20
Dennis C. Poulin, 26
Jorge A. Scatliffe, 32
Robert F. Welch III, 26
Pray also for the fallen heroes also of our coalition partners, and for the citizens of Iraq and Afghanistan who have died, unnamed and unknown to us, and for those who mourn ... and for an end to this endless war.
***
THANKSGIVING
From VOICE OF AMERICA:
Japanese officials say efforts to pump nitrogen into the containment vessel of a damaged nuclear reactor appear to be succeeding, easing fears that a hydrogen build-up in the vessel could cause a dangerous explosion.
***
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
RELIGIOUSLY SCIENTIFIC
THE GUARDIAN has posted an interview with Martin Rees, a scientist who has just been awarded the £1 million Templeton Prize.
From the outset, Rees is very stroppy, even by top scientist standards.
Mind you, Ian Sample seems intent on upsetting him from the outset as well.
Ian Sample: Congratulations on the award.
Martin Rees: Thank you.
IS: Were you already a millionaire?
MR: Sorry?
IS: Were you already a millionaire?
MR: No comment.
Then, after Rees has explained very clearly that he is a scientist and not a philosopher, Sample insists on asking him lots of philosophical questions. This forces the reluctant Rees into making clichéd responses that The Guardian then posts, no doubt to be lapped up by philosophically challenged antitheists.
Firstly, Rees insists on repeating the hoary old chestnut that science and religion are two completely different things, in the same way, he suggests, that science and aesthetics are two different things. But, of course, they are not. All "orthodox" religion makes claims about reality and non-reality. If science is the study of that which exists and religion is different to science in the way Rees suggests, then god(s) is/are not a reality. A religious apologist who uses this "two different things" gambit in order to snuggle up to atheistic scientists is basically denying the existence of god(s).
The second un-thought through comment Rees makes is this:
IS: Why don't you believe in God?
MR: Um. Which God?
IS: A God.
MR: I don't think I can answer that.
IS: Really?
MR: Mm.
IS: You must have thought about it.
MR: Yes. But there's nothing very much I want to say about that. I suppose one thing I would say, from my BBC lectures, I think doing science makes me realise that even the simplest things are pretty hard to understand and that makes me suspicious of people who believe they've got anything more than an incomplete and metaphorical understanding of any deep aspect of reality. And also I see human beings as not the culmination, but only a stage in the marvellous unfolding of evolution, because the timeline ahead is as long as the time that has lapsed up to now. Those are respects in which my professional interests affect my response to dogmatic religion.
This is an example of how to destroy your own argument in the very making of your argument. What Rees has learnt through doing science should make him almost as sceptical about science as religion (allowing him a bias towards science as he is a scientist and we all champion our own causes). It is my study of science that has led me to the belief that God is, not only a possibility, but a probability. I've explained my reasoning for this conclusion of mine before (many times), so I won't bother you with it again.
You know. I think my continued determination on this blog not to divorce religion and science is worthy of a Templeton Prize. I could do with a million pounds right now. If you lot would like to launch a campaign to get me it the next time it is handed out I promise that I will buy each of you a pint of beer should your lobbying be successful.
DON'T BLAME MADPRIEST, BLAME MAD DAD
George and Harriet decided to celebrate their 55th Wedding Anniversary with a trip to Las Vegas. When they entered the MGM Hotel/Casino and registered, a sweet young woman dressed in a very short skirt became very friendly. George brushed her off.
Harriet objected, "George, that young woman was nice, and you were so rude."
"Harriet, she's a prostitute."
"I don't believe you. That sweet young thing?"
"Let's go up to our room and I'll prove it."
In their room, George called down to the desk and asked for 'Bambi' to come to Room 217. "Now," he said, "you hide in the bathroom with the door open just enough to hear us, OK?"
Soon, there was a knock on the door. George opened it and Bambi walked in, swinging her hips provocatively.
George asked, "How much do you charge?"
"$125 basic rate, $100 tips for special services."
"$125? I was thinking more in the range of $25."
Bambi laughed derisively. "You must really be a hick if you think you can buy sex for that price."
"Well," said George, "I guess we can't do business. Goodbye."
After she left, Harriet came out of the bathroom. She said, "I just can't believe it!"
George said, "Let's forget it. We'll go have a drink, then eat dinner."
At the bar, as they sipped their cocktails, Bambi came up behind George, pointed slyly at Harriet, and said, "See what you get for $25 bucks?"
Harriet objected, "George, that young woman was nice, and you were so rude."
"Harriet, she's a prostitute."
"I don't believe you. That sweet young thing?"
"Let's go up to our room and I'll prove it."
In their room, George called down to the desk and asked for 'Bambi' to come to Room 217. "Now," he said, "you hide in the bathroom with the door open just enough to hear us, OK?"
Soon, there was a knock on the door. George opened it and Bambi walked in, swinging her hips provocatively.
George asked, "How much do you charge?"
"$125 basic rate, $100 tips for special services."
"$125? I was thinking more in the range of $25."
Bambi laughed derisively. "You must really be a hick if you think you can buy sex for that price."
"Well," said George, "I guess we can't do business. Goodbye."
After she left, Harriet came out of the bathroom. She said, "I just can't believe it!"
George said, "Let's forget it. We'll go have a drink, then eat dinner."
At the bar, as they sipped their cocktails, Bambi came up behind George, pointed slyly at Harriet, and said, "See what you get for $25 bucks?"
RIDE 'EM COWGIRL!
From ASSOCIATED PRESS:
When Regina Mayer's parents dashed her hopes of getting a horse, the resourceful 15-year-old didn't sit in her room and sulk. Instead, she turned to a cow called Luna to make her riding dreams come true. Hours of training, and tons of treats, cajoling and caresses later, the results are impressive: not only do the two regularly go on long rides through the southern German countryside, they do jumps over a makeshift hurdle of beer crates and painted logs.
It all started about two years ago, shortly after Luna was born on the Mayers' sprawling farm in the hamlet of Laufen, just minutes from the Austrian border. They started off with walks in the woods during which Luna wore a halter. Then Mayer slowly got her cow more accustomed to human contact and riding equipment.
It's a lot of work "but I enjoy it," Mayer said.
Her efforts have paid off. Now, Luna understands commands such as "go," "stand" and "gallop." If she feels like it, that is.
"When she wants to do something she does it, when she doesn't, she doesn't," said Mayer.
Mayer hasn't given up her hopes of having a horse and may soon get one. But she says Luna will always have a special place in her heart.
"She'll stay my darling," she said.
COMMENT: Cows are lovely and loving creatures who only ever get bad tempered if you show signs of wanting to do some serious harm to one of their calves. Horses, on the other hand, are the spawn of Satan and every single one of them is a homicidal maniac with one desire in life - to taste human blood.
Thanks to IT for sending this story in.
IT believes that this story should "allow some good German jokes." Please do not disappoint her.
It all started about two years ago, shortly after Luna was born on the Mayers' sprawling farm in the hamlet of Laufen, just minutes from the Austrian border. They started off with walks in the woods during which Luna wore a halter. Then Mayer slowly got her cow more accustomed to human contact and riding equipment.
It's a lot of work "but I enjoy it," Mayer said.
Her efforts have paid off. Now, Luna understands commands such as "go," "stand" and "gallop." If she feels like it, that is.
"When she wants to do something she does it, when she doesn't, she doesn't," said Mayer.
Mayer hasn't given up her hopes of having a horse and may soon get one. But she says Luna will always have a special place in her heart.
"She'll stay my darling," she said.
COMMENT: Cows are lovely and loving creatures who only ever get bad tempered if you show signs of wanting to do some serious harm to one of their calves. Horses, on the other hand, are the spawn of Satan and every single one of them is a homicidal maniac with one desire in life - to taste human blood.
Thanks to IT for sending this story in.
IT believes that this story should "allow some good German jokes." Please do not disappoint her.
IN WHICH THE SON OF GOD ZAPS A POLAR BEAR
Please put down (away from your computer) any cups of hot liquid before viewing. I also suggest that if you need to urinate you do so beforehand in order to avoid later embarrassment.
Thanks to Claire for sending this in.
Thanks to Claire for sending this in.
THE ENGLISH: A NATION OF CHAV LOVERS
From THE MAIL:
A couple who abandoned their lame dog at the side of a road have been told they can still keep pets. Despite potentially facing jail sentences after being filmed leaving their pet, Ginger, the couple were handed just a conditional discharge.
The dog, a Shetland terrier cross, was abandoned on a patch of grass by Michael Hartley, 54, who pretended to take the dog for a walk before running to his car and driving off. The bewildered dog was seen on CCTV limping pitifully after the vehicle in Weymouth, Dorset.
Four months after the incident, Ginger was taken in by retired postman, John Steele, after he was judged to be the most suitable owner.
"What they did was callous," he told the Daily Express. "Anything could have happened to the dog after they left her. She could have been run over."
Ginger is now recovering well and enjoys going to the park every morning. Hartley and Hadfield faced a maximum six-month prison sentence or a fine of up to £20,000. Instead they were told to pay just £100 each along with the conditional discharge.
A couple who abandoned their lame dog at the side of a road have been told they can still keep pets. Despite potentially facing jail sentences after being filmed leaving their pet, Ginger, the couple were handed just a conditional discharge.
Four months after the incident, Ginger was taken in by retired postman, John Steele, after he was judged to be the most suitable owner.
"What they did was callous," he told the Daily Express. "Anything could have happened to the dog after they left her. She could have been run over."
Ginger is now recovering well and enjoys going to the park every morning. Hartley and Hadfield faced a maximum six-month prison sentence or a fine of up to £20,000. Instead they were told to pay just £100 each along with the conditional discharge.
MADPRIEST'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I am not a cynic.
The tendency of cynics is not to believe in anything.
My tendency is towards believing in everything.
The tendency of cynics is not to believe in anything.
My tendency is towards believing in everything.
THE PRAYER LIST - 6TH. APRIL 2011
From THE GUARDIAN:
Police have returned to an overgrown stretch of land off Long Island a day after three more bodies were found, taking the number of victims of a suspected serial killer in the New York city area to eight. It is a huge crime scene – several square miles of windswept sand dunes and thick undergrowth – that has been scoured several times by police searchers, but more bodies keep turning up. All of the corpses identified so far are young, white women who worked as prostitutes, and police believe they are dealing with a serial killer, or killers.
***
THANKSGIVING
Posted by Jay Simser
at BAILEY'S BUDDY:
My cousins had their baby.
She is a beautiful girl.
***
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
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Our group name is
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Police have returned to an overgrown stretch of land off Long Island a day after three more bodies were found, taking the number of victims of a suspected serial killer in the New York city area to eight. It is a huge crime scene – several square miles of windswept sand dunes and thick undergrowth – that has been scoured several times by police searchers, but more bodies keep turning up. All of the corpses identified so far are young, white women who worked as prostitutes, and police believe they are dealing with a serial killer, or killers.
***
THANKSGIVING
Posted by Jay Simser
at BAILEY'S BUDDY:
My cousins had their baby.
She is a beautiful girl.
***
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
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Our group name is
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when requested.
(GOD'S) PENIS ENVY
The antitheists don't want to kill God.
They want to be God.
And like God their great work is
to create man in their own image.
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
A STAR IS BORN
I expect he will be too modest to own up to it but I'm pretty certain this is our KJ. Give it a listen and I'm sure you will agree with me.
It's definitely his colour.
Oh, I just love that big, Seattle sound.
And I can see the video in my mind's eye already. KJ as Fred Astaire, Grandmère Mimi as Ginger with all the Busby Berkeley trimmings. Darlings, it will be wonderful!
MADPRIEST'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
If you buy a single nowadays, especially if it is a dance track, the chances are that it will have on it not only the original recording but also various remixes. I expect for the record companies and the artists this makes good commercial sense because, as different people like different styles, it increases the number of copies of the record that they will sell.
Perhaps in our postmodern world the emergent, Christian church could use this music industry phenomenon to understand and relate to the other religions of the world. In stead of viewing other faiths as completely different products maybe we should accept them, and ourselves even, as remixed versions of the original track. A mashed up God for a smashed up world. If we only understood that we are all dancing to the same tune, albeit different versions of the same tune, perhaps our race would be in a better position to repair the damage we have caused.
Boogie on down, as they say!
Perhaps in our postmodern world the emergent, Christian church could use this music industry phenomenon to understand and relate to the other religions of the world. In stead of viewing other faiths as completely different products maybe we should accept them, and ourselves even, as remixed versions of the original track. A mashed up God for a smashed up world. If we only understood that we are all dancing to the same tune, albeit different versions of the same tune, perhaps our race would be in a better position to repair the damage we have caused.
Boogie on down, as they say!
TYPO OF THE DAY
From TOPIX:
Personally, I think the Church would be a lot more vibrant and successful if they were all updated - and not just the Roman catholic ones.
However, I expect this is just a typo and that he is still the same old Cardinal Wuerl without the latest Microsoft updates to his system or interesting surgical implants.
Personally, I think the Church would be a lot more vibrant and successful if they were all updated - and not just the Roman catholic ones.
However, I expect this is just a typo and that he is still the same old Cardinal Wuerl without the latest Microsoft updates to his system or interesting surgical implants.
THE PRAYER LIST - 5TH. APRIL 2011
From a longstanding member of our neighbourhood:
As for my dad... well. Things there are pretty awful. He thinks I am trying to put him in a nursing home. This because I have been talking to him about making himself safer in the house, saying the house is no longer safe for him. He called my brother and told him he is going to get a lawyer to fight me. He asked my brother to save him from me. And he thinks I stole money from him. This because I put his AARP Medicare supplement on my credit card, and then wrote a check (in his presence, with his permission, which he signed) to reimburse myself. He didn't remember the next day.
I have had major anxiety about this, sleepless nights. Praying, praying, praying. Going down again a week from today.
I covet your prayers about all of this.
***
Posted by Mibi52 at REV MIBI:
My dear parishioner died on Sunday evening. Bless him, he was ready to be done with the unbearable pain of metastatic cancer. His wife is dealing with metastatic lung cancer. Heaven help her....and the good parishioners of the parish will help her, too, doing as much as she will let them.
***
From THE GUARDIAN:
Only one person among 33 passengers and crew survived after a UN plane crashed while landing in poor weather in Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday. The accident, in Kinshasa, is one of the worst to involve a UN aircraft. Most of the passengers were UN staff and peacekeepers, though five NGO workers were also on board.
***
THANKSGIVING
Posted by D Gregory Smith at FROM ETERNITY TO HERE:
Insurance. Check.
New doctor. Check.
Medications. Check.
Happy. Double check.
It’s all going great, and it looks like things will be done well and (almost) as easily as of old. ADAP came through, and EIP came through which give me insurance and covers my doctor and meds.
And I’m healthy- all things considered. Thanks for the thoughts, prayers, energy, love, whatever you want to call it. I’m deeply appreciative.
***
Posted by Mibi52 at REV MIBI:
Finally (FINALLY! after four months) got the meds that the insurance company was fighting me on. Here's the difference: on Saturday, in between trips to the hospital, I could do nothing but take a nap. Today, having had the meds, I've been rocking and rolling and getting things done. Take that, MS fatigue!
***
From Alison:
I am busy getting ready to move to California. After we were married I came back to Wisconsin to complete some work commitments, but in nine days I will be joining Alan to live happily after ever, or pretty close to it.
***
From TOWLEROAD:
Ban, a dog which was rescued last week atop debris in the Pacific Ocean three weeks after the tsunami hit northern Japan, has been reunited with its owner. After watching a TV news report on the rescue, the owner of the female dog visited the animal care center where she was being looked after, to take her back.
'We'll never let go of her,' the owner was quoted as saying by a center official, while the dog happily wagged her tail when the owner appeared."
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
As for my dad... well. Things there are pretty awful. He thinks I am trying to put him in a nursing home. This because I have been talking to him about making himself safer in the house, saying the house is no longer safe for him. He called my brother and told him he is going to get a lawyer to fight me. He asked my brother to save him from me. And he thinks I stole money from him. This because I put his AARP Medicare supplement on my credit card, and then wrote a check (in his presence, with his permission, which he signed) to reimburse myself. He didn't remember the next day.
I have had major anxiety about this, sleepless nights. Praying, praying, praying. Going down again a week from today.
I covet your prayers about all of this.
***
Posted by Mibi52 at REV MIBI:
My dear parishioner died on Sunday evening. Bless him, he was ready to be done with the unbearable pain of metastatic cancer. His wife is dealing with metastatic lung cancer. Heaven help her....and the good parishioners of the parish will help her, too, doing as much as she will let them.
***
From THE GUARDIAN:
***
THANKSGIVING
Posted by D Gregory Smith at FROM ETERNITY TO HERE:
New doctor. Check.
Medications. Check.
Happy. Double check.
It’s all going great, and it looks like things will be done well and (almost) as easily as of old. ADAP came through, and EIP came through which give me insurance and covers my doctor and meds.
And I’m healthy- all things considered. Thanks for the thoughts, prayers, energy, love, whatever you want to call it. I’m deeply appreciative.
***
Posted by Mibi52 at REV MIBI:
Finally (FINALLY! after four months) got the meds that the insurance company was fighting me on. Here's the difference: on Saturday, in between trips to the hospital, I could do nothing but take a nap. Today, having had the meds, I've been rocking and rolling and getting things done. Take that, MS fatigue!
***
From Alison:
I am busy getting ready to move to California. After we were married I came back to Wisconsin to complete some work commitments, but in nine days I will be joining Alan to live happily after ever, or pretty close to it.
***
From TOWLEROAD:
Ban, a dog which was rescued last week atop debris in the Pacific Ocean three weeks after the tsunami hit northern Japan, has been reunited with its owner. After watching a TV news report on the rescue, the owner of the female dog visited the animal care center where she was being looked after, to take her back.
'We'll never let go of her,' the owner was quoted as saying by a center official, while the dog happily wagged her tail when the owner appeared."
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
MADPRIEST'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY (2)
Of course Jesus came to England.
It says so in The Apostles' Creed.
Between his death and resurrection he visited Birmingham.
It says so in The Apostles' Creed.
Between his death and resurrection he visited Birmingham.
Monday, 4 April 2011
MADPRIEST'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The definition of "Anglicanism" as proposed by The Grand Tufti, most C. of E. bishops and anyone called Giles etc.:
The faith once handed down to the English (through the Oxford University Department of Theology, of course).
The faith once handed down to the English (through the Oxford University Department of Theology, of course).
MADPRIEST DIGS . . .
The new album from June Tabor is, consistently throughout, one of the most beautiful records I have ever bought. In my opinion she has finally managed to merge her love for folk and her love for jazz together into something seamless and unique. Simply gorgeous it is.
JUNE'S WEBSITE
PURCHASE VIA MADPRIEST'S AMAZON STORE
ADOLF HITLER AND THE DOOMSDAY HOTDOG
From THE MAIL:
Nazi plans for resistance if they lost the Second World War included a plot to poison sausages, chocolate and Nescafé coffee, secret files reveal. The Werewolf organisation, a network of Nazi saboteurs who would fight to create a Fourth Reich in the event Hitler’s empire crumbled, were to leave tins of instant coffee powder and other foods laced with toxins where they could be found by British and American soldiers. The revelations were made in a formerly top-secret MI5 dossier on the potential use of poisons by Nazi guerrillas after the war that is declassified today.
COMMENT: As they would have been used to eating from 1940's American hot dog stands I don't think a bit of poison in their sausages would have done the American soldiers any harm whatsoever. As for the English soldiers they would have rather starved than eat one of those phoney german sausages - it would still be the same today.
Nazi plans for resistance if they lost the Second World War included a plot to poison sausages, chocolate and Nescafé coffee, secret files reveal. The Werewolf organisation, a network of Nazi saboteurs who would fight to create a Fourth Reich in the event Hitler’s empire crumbled, were to leave tins of instant coffee powder and other foods laced with toxins where they could be found by British and American soldiers. The revelations were made in a formerly top-secret MI5 dossier on the potential use of poisons by Nazi guerrillas after the war that is declassified today.
COMMENT: As they would have been used to eating from 1940's American hot dog stands I don't think a bit of poison in their sausages would have done the American soldiers any harm whatsoever. As for the English soldiers they would have rather starved than eat one of those phoney german sausages - it would still be the same today.
AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US
From THE NEW HAVEN REGISTER:
The vandals who stole a cross, tore a Bible and shattered the stained glass at the Episcopal Church of St. Paul and St. James challenged the parish to respond with mercy or justice, the Rev. Alex Dyer said in his Sunday sermon.
Dyer said he chooses to respond in mercy, as Jesus did.
“That’s who I choose to follow, is this Jesus, the Son of Man, who was much more about forgiveness than justice,” Dyer preached a day after the break-in in the historic Wooster Square church.
“Unfortunately there are millions and millions of people … who call themselves Christians, disciples, who worship a God that is out for vengeance. … But that’s not the God that I worship. That’s not what God is about.”
Many see Christians as relying on vengeance, rules and regulations, and stained by hypocrisy, he said, but “We have a choice today, not to live into the way people think we’re going to act, not to live into the hypocrisies, not to live into the inconsistencies, the way people want us to act. A lot of people think we would be justified in acting that way.
From the WEBSITE of St. Paul and St. James:
At St. Paul & St. James we include people of diverse races, social classes, incomes, ages, and sexual orientation. We are seekers, skeptics, and the spiritually hungry of all kinds. We are all drawn together in the love of Christ. No matter where you are on your faith journey, you are welcome here. Our worship services speak a language of prayer that represents the diversity and complexity of our congregation, while remaining rooted in the Episcopal tradition of Common Prayer.
For getting it and then living it,
The Reverend Alex Dyer is our
BRICK OF THE DAY
The vandals who stole a cross, tore a Bible and shattered the stained glass at the Episcopal Church of St. Paul and St. James challenged the parish to respond with mercy or justice, the Rev. Alex Dyer said in his Sunday sermon.
Dyer said he chooses to respond in mercy, as Jesus did.
“That’s who I choose to follow, is this Jesus, the Son of Man, who was much more about forgiveness than justice,” Dyer preached a day after the break-in in the historic Wooster Square church.
“Unfortunately there are millions and millions of people … who call themselves Christians, disciples, who worship a God that is out for vengeance. … But that’s not the God that I worship. That’s not what God is about.”
Many see Christians as relying on vengeance, rules and regulations, and stained by hypocrisy, he said, but “We have a choice today, not to live into the way people think we’re going to act, not to live into the hypocrisies, not to live into the inconsistencies, the way people want us to act. A lot of people think we would be justified in acting that way.
From the WEBSITE of St. Paul and St. James:
At St. Paul & St. James we include people of diverse races, social classes, incomes, ages, and sexual orientation. We are seekers, skeptics, and the spiritually hungry of all kinds. We are all drawn together in the love of Christ. No matter where you are on your faith journey, you are welcome here. Our worship services speak a language of prayer that represents the diversity and complexity of our congregation, while remaining rooted in the Episcopal tradition of Common Prayer.
For getting it and then living it,
The Reverend Alex Dyer is our
BRICK OF THE DAY
MADPRIEST SUPPORTS HIS FRIEND KIRSTIN
(PERPETUAL OCICBW... BRICK OF THE DAY)
I'm doing the American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Sacramento on April 16. I signed up two weeks ago, and finally tonight got it together and finished my fundraising page. (I'm still feeling the sleeplessness from a four-week course of steroids that went with radiation.) I'd been thinking about it since I was first in treatment, while I was still in seminary. I went to their website more recently, clicked the "Survivors" tab, and started crying. I also know that if I'm going to do this sort of thing, it needs to be now. I'm capable, mentally and physically competent, and in the lightest course of treatment (oral chemo only) that I've ever had.
Please don't feel pressured to contribute. Your love is enough. But please do feel welcome to. Money raised doesn't go to me; it goes to the American Cancer Society. You're helping to fund research, and support patients in any number of ways.
You are also welcome (very welcome) to walk the survivors' lap with me. The event begins at 10am at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 6151 H Street, Sacramento.
OCICBW... gives its full and unreserved endorsement to Kirstin's charity appeal and her taking part in this relay for life. If you can afford to make a donation please do so. If you cannot then keep Kirstin in your prayers and, most especially, on 16th. April. Both courses of action will do Kirstin the power of good.
And OCICBW... is not alone in its endorsement of Kirstin's efforts. The omnipresent IT (she who must be obeyed) left this comment on Kirstin's blog yesterday:
As one who was funded by ACS early in her career, and who now reviews for them and speaks at ACS events, I want to thank you for your courage and activism. Relay always makes me more inspired when I get back to the lab. You are all so brave. I salute you!
We all salute you, Kirstin and we salute those who support you in your continued resolve to show us all how to live life with the commitment and enthusiasm it deserves.
THE PRAYER LIST - 4TH. APRIL 2011
From susankay:
I ask prayers for Molly the WonderDog as she seems to be failing - but who knows. Her guardians would also appreciate prayers as we may face a period of mourning.
***
From JCF:
I have felt, for the better part of a month, like (in the clinical term) "crap". I saw the doctor yesterday (stated only as a check-up) and got some (needed!) meds. However, both are the sorts that need days to weeks to kick-in. And yes, I'm feeling that infamous head-med thing of "things look even bleaker" now that I've just started them.
It just may be my head, that tells me that there are "other things wrong w/ me." I'm HOPING in a few days, I'll be able to say "Head-Meds beat-down my hypochondria again!"
...but I'm also getting an ultrasound in a few days, in case there should be something internal amiss (I emphasize that there is NOT thought to be any sort of malignancy).
Oh, and my lower back hurts like hell, and I think (bothersome symptoms of) The Change may be starting to hit.
Anyway, sum it all up, and you get the clinical "cr@p".
I'd really love some prayers. Thanks!
***
Posted by LKT at THE INFUSION:
A spokesman for the UN mission in Ivory Coast, Guillaume N'Gefa, told AFP that 330 people had been killed in Duekoue as Mr Ouattara's forces took over the town, most of them at the hands of the rebels. More than 100 more people were killed by Mr Gbagbo's troops before they left, he added. Mr N'Gefa said a UN team was still investigating and those figures were likely to rise.
***
Posted by Gurdur at THE HEATHEN HUB:
The Fukushima Da-ichi reactor is still very much a major problem, and now there is significant leakage of water bearing radioactive iodine. From the New York Times:
"Experts estimate that about 7 tons an hour of radioactive water is escaping the pit. Safety officials have said that the water, which appears to be coming from the damaged No. 2 reactor at Fukushima Daiichi, contains one million Becquerels per liter of iodine 131, or about 10,000 times levels normally found in water at a nuclear facility."
From THE NEW YORK TIMES:
Tokyo Electric Power Company will release almost 11,500 tons of water contaminated with low levels of radiation from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean, as workers struggle to contain the increasing amounts of dangerous runoff resulting from efforts to cool the plant’s damaged reactors. The runoff is now threatening to swamp the generators powering the cooling systems at two of the six reactors just recently brought under control, threatening to reverse what little progress the company has made in resolving the world’s worst nuclear crisis in decades.
***
From REUTERS:
Police using live rounds and tear gas wounded hundreds of protesters marching on a presidential palace in Yemen's Red Sea city of Hudaida on Monday in a sign of fraying nerves as the weeks-old political crisis deepens.
From REUTERS:
Hundreds of Syrians chanted "freedom" as they gathered late Saturday in the Damascus suburb of Douma to receive protesters wounded when they confronted security forces the day before, a witness said.
***
From BBC NEWS (South Asia):
Two Nato soldiers have been shot dead by a man wearing an Afghan border police uniform in Afghanistan's Faryab province.
***
From BBC NEWS (South Asia):
Suicide attackers have killed at least 41 people and wounded many more at a shrine in Pakistan.
The explosions struck near the Sakhi Sarwar shrine in Punjab, as Sufi Muslim devotees gathered for an annual three-day festival. Sufis, a minority Muslim group who follow mystical beliefs, are regarded as heretical by hardliners.
A Taliban fighter told reporters his group carried out the attack, the third on Sufi shrines in a year.
***
From THE MAIL:
Ai Weiwei, one of China's most celebrated and internationally recognised artists, who designed the impressive Bird's Nest stadium for the Chinese capital's 2008 Olympic Games, has been detained in Beijing by police and has now been missing for 24 hours. His studio has been searched, computers have been confiscated and his assistants quizzed. He has long been an outspoken critic of the ruling Communist Party.
***
From BBC NEWS (Northern Ireland):
Catholic and Church of Ireland bishops in the north west have condemned the murder of police officer Ronan Kerr. The 25-year-old constable, who was Catholic, was killed when a booby-trapped bomb exploded beneath his car on Saturday morning. No group has admitted carrying out the attack but police believe dissident republicans are to blame.
***
From THE MAIL:
Thusha Kamaleswaran has been in a coma for five days since being hit in the chest by a stray bullet. Thusha was with her mother, three-year-old sister and brother, 12, in the shop which is owned by her uncle, Vicknes Mahadevan, when two black teenagers ran in, apparently being chased by three youths on bicycles. Suddenly, a gunman outside began firing. Thusha was hit in the chest and shop assistant Mr Selvakumar was hit in the head. Mr Selvakumar is in a serious but stable condition.
***
Posted by TRUE BLUE TEXAN:
Yesterday (Friday), Fort Bend ISD, near Houston, announced it was laying off 470 employees. 195 of those were certified teaching positions. March 25, Round Rock ISD, my home district, announced 280 employee layoffs, 234 of them probationary teachers. Those are generally new teachers in their first two years of employment. The district warned that the next round of layoffs will come from contracted employees. Austin ISD voted March 28 to eliminate 490 positions. Some are administration but most are teaching and support staff. Dallas ISD is looking at eliminating almost 3,000 positions, of which 1,300 will be teaching positions. This is a nightmare. And not one we as a state will soon wake from.
***
THANKSGIVING
Posted by Sam at ELIZAPHANIAN (Saturday):
Joy of joys, my daughter is being baptised tomorrow morning, and I am just going to be playing the part of Dad.
***
Posted by IT at THE FRIENDS OF JAKE:
At Sunday Evensong, BP had her first real thurifer solo. Evensong is shorter than Sunday Eucharist and is where the thurifers do their final polishing. She's on the list to do the procession at Palm Sunday. I think it is marvelous that her first full service is likely to be Easter.
***
From EURASIA REVIEW:
UNITED KINGDOM: Multi-millionaire, Jonathan Ruffer, has bought a series of 17th century religious paintings from the Anglican church for 15 million pounds and has given them back so they can remain on public display and potentially boost art tourism in parts of the rundown northeast of England. Painted by Francisco de Zurbaran, a contemporary of Velazquez and El Greco, the representations of the Biblical patriarch Jacob and his sons have been kept at Auckland Castle at Durham since 1756.
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
I ask prayers for Molly the WonderDog as she seems to be failing - but who knows. Her guardians would also appreciate prayers as we may face a period of mourning.
***
From JCF:
I have felt, for the better part of a month, like (in the clinical term) "crap". I saw the doctor yesterday (stated only as a check-up) and got some (needed!) meds. However, both are the sorts that need days to weeks to kick-in. And yes, I'm feeling that infamous head-med thing of "things look even bleaker" now that I've just started them.
It just may be my head, that tells me that there are "other things wrong w/ me." I'm HOPING in a few days, I'll be able to say "Head-Meds beat-down my hypochondria again!"
...but I'm also getting an ultrasound in a few days, in case there should be something internal amiss (I emphasize that there is NOT thought to be any sort of malignancy).
Oh, and my lower back hurts like hell, and I think (bothersome symptoms of) The Change may be starting to hit.
Anyway, sum it all up, and you get the clinical "cr@p".
I'd really love some prayers. Thanks!
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Posted by LKT at THE INFUSION:
A spokesman for the UN mission in Ivory Coast, Guillaume N'Gefa, told AFP that 330 people had been killed in Duekoue as Mr Ouattara's forces took over the town, most of them at the hands of the rebels. More than 100 more people were killed by Mr Gbagbo's troops before they left, he added. Mr N'Gefa said a UN team was still investigating and those figures were likely to rise.
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Posted by Gurdur at THE HEATHEN HUB:
The Fukushima Da-ichi reactor is still very much a major problem, and now there is significant leakage of water bearing radioactive iodine. From the New York Times:
"Experts estimate that about 7 tons an hour of radioactive water is escaping the pit. Safety officials have said that the water, which appears to be coming from the damaged No. 2 reactor at Fukushima Daiichi, contains one million Becquerels per liter of iodine 131, or about 10,000 times levels normally found in water at a nuclear facility."
From THE NEW YORK TIMES:
Tokyo Electric Power Company will release almost 11,500 tons of water contaminated with low levels of radiation from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean, as workers struggle to contain the increasing amounts of dangerous runoff resulting from efforts to cool the plant’s damaged reactors. The runoff is now threatening to swamp the generators powering the cooling systems at two of the six reactors just recently brought under control, threatening to reverse what little progress the company has made in resolving the world’s worst nuclear crisis in decades.
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From REUTERS:
From REUTERS:
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From BBC NEWS (South Asia):
Two Nato soldiers have been shot dead by a man wearing an Afghan border police uniform in Afghanistan's Faryab province.
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From BBC NEWS (South Asia):
The explosions struck near the Sakhi Sarwar shrine in Punjab, as Sufi Muslim devotees gathered for an annual three-day festival. Sufis, a minority Muslim group who follow mystical beliefs, are regarded as heretical by hardliners.
A Taliban fighter told reporters his group carried out the attack, the third on Sufi shrines in a year.
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From THE MAIL:
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From BBC NEWS (Northern Ireland):
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From THE MAIL:
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Posted by TRUE BLUE TEXAN:
Yesterday (Friday), Fort Bend ISD, near Houston, announced it was laying off 470 employees. 195 of those were certified teaching positions. March 25, Round Rock ISD, my home district, announced 280 employee layoffs, 234 of them probationary teachers. Those are generally new teachers in their first two years of employment. The district warned that the next round of layoffs will come from contracted employees. Austin ISD voted March 28 to eliminate 490 positions. Some are administration but most are teaching and support staff. Dallas ISD is looking at eliminating almost 3,000 positions, of which 1,300 will be teaching positions. This is a nightmare. And not one we as a state will soon wake from.
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THANKSGIVING
Posted by Sam at ELIZAPHANIAN (Saturday):
Joy of joys, my daughter is being baptised tomorrow morning, and I am just going to be playing the part of Dad.
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Posted by IT at THE FRIENDS OF JAKE:
At Sunday Evensong, BP had her first real thurifer solo. Evensong is shorter than Sunday Eucharist and is where the thurifers do their final polishing. She's on the list to do the procession at Palm Sunday. I think it is marvelous that her first full service is likely to be Easter.
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From EURASIA REVIEW:
UNITED KINGDOM: Multi-millionaire, Jonathan Ruffer, has bought a series of 17th century religious paintings from the Anglican church for 15 million pounds and has given them back so they can remain on public display and potentially boost art tourism in parts of the rundown northeast of England. Painted by Francisco de Zurbaran, a contemporary of Velazquez and El Greco, the representations of the Biblical patriarch Jacob and his sons have been kept at Auckland Castle at Durham since 1756.
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