Join me in my Easter misery.
Just press play!
Saturday, 23 April 2011
WELL, HE IS GETTING OLD
From NEWSTIMES:
It's probably his piles playing up again. He should sit on a nice soft cushion whilst he's watching the television.
It's probably his piles playing up again. He should sit on a nice soft cushion whilst he's watching the television.
DON'T BLAME MADPRIEST, BLAME WICKED ELLIE
A popular motivational speaker was entertaining his audience.
He said : "The best years of my life were spent in the arms of a woman who wasn't my wife!"
The audience was in silence and shock.
The speaker added: "And that woman was my mother!"
Laughter and applause.
A week later, a top manager trained by the motivational speaker tried to crack this very effective joke at home during a small party. He was a bit foggy after having a drink or two.
He said loudly, "The greatest years of my life were spent in the arms of a woman who was not my wife!"
The wife went red with shock and rage.
Standing there for 20 seconds trying to recall the second half of the joke, with the guests not saying a word, the manager finally blurted out
"... and I can't remember who she was!"
He said : "The best years of my life were spent in the arms of a woman who wasn't my wife!"
The audience was in silence and shock.
The speaker added: "And that woman was my mother!"
Laughter and applause.
A week later, a top manager trained by the motivational speaker tried to crack this very effective joke at home during a small party. He was a bit foggy after having a drink or two.
He said loudly, "The greatest years of my life were spent in the arms of a woman who was not my wife!"
The wife went red with shock and rage.
Standing there for 20 seconds trying to recall the second half of the joke, with the guests not saying a word, the manager finally blurted out
"... and I can't remember who she was!"
ELSEWHERE ON THE OCICBW... EXPERIENCE
ST. LAIKA'S: A service of Tenebrae (Darkness) for Holy Saturday, specially adapted for audio podcast by yours truly. Wait till it's dark and give it a listen. I don't think you'll be disappointed.THE ANCHORHOLD @ ST. LAIKA'S:
THE HARROWING OF HELL
REST WELL, SACRED BODY
WHAT WONDROUS LOVE
CHIT CHAT: Our weekly open thread. This week's topic is
WHAT DID JESUS EVER DO FOR US?
CHIN WAG @ OCICBW...: Lots of stuff about trolls, MadPriest whinging on about the state of the blogosphere and a Shirley MacLaine video.
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL: (Podcast 11) MadPriest realising his dream of being a deejay with over two hours of real soul music.
And don't forget OCICBW...'s
OFFICIAL HOME on Facebook.
BEST EARTH DAY BLOG
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
John D'Anna has posted an excellent article on what the human relationship with the rest of creation should be in the light of scripture. He quotes at length from an old sermon of mine which he has kept on his computer. Check it out at AZGREENDAY. You'll find plenty of other stuff on his site well worth reading, especially if you have concerns about what we are doing to the planet.
MUST READ!
Check out Kirstin's post, "Fear, hope, sickness, God, and me" over on her blog, BAREFOOT AND DANCING. You won't truly get Easter unless you do.
HAVE A KORAN ON US
From REUTERS:
A Utah church is giving away free copies of the Koran in an Easter season ecumenical riposte to the recent burning of the Islamic holy book by a controversial Florida pastor. The Wasatch Presbyterian Church has ordered 50 copies of the Koran to be distributed at a local bookstore starting on Monday.
"We're not promoting Islam, we're not saying the Koran is the Bible," said Scott Dalgarno, the church's pastor. "We're just saying that if people are curious, if they want their consciences informed on this issue ... then let them pick up a copy on us and read it and decide for themselves what to think."
Dalgarno says each Koran will have a bookmark insert that reads: "This book was donated by the leaders of Wasatch Presbyterian Church who are not afraid of truth wherever it can be found."
For being imaginative in his response to hatred, Scott Dalgarno is our...
BRICK OF THE DAY
Thanks to Ellie for sending
this story into MadPriest Towers.
A Utah church is giving away free copies of the Koran in an Easter season ecumenical riposte to the recent burning of the Islamic holy book by a controversial Florida pastor. The Wasatch Presbyterian Church has ordered 50 copies of the Koran to be distributed at a local bookstore starting on Monday.
"We're not promoting Islam, we're not saying the Koran is the Bible," said Scott Dalgarno, the church's pastor. "We're just saying that if people are curious, if they want their consciences informed on this issue ... then let them pick up a copy on us and read it and decide for themselves what to think."
Dalgarno says each Koran will have a bookmark insert that reads: "This book was donated by the leaders of Wasatch Presbyterian Church who are not afraid of truth wherever it can be found."
BRICK OF THE DAY
Thanks to Ellie for sending
this story into MadPriest Towers.
REVELATION AFTER A DESCENT INTO HELL
Full transcript at THE PROGRESSIVE ELECTORATE.
Thanks to Tracie for sending the video into MadPriest Towers.
THE PRAYER LIST - 23RD. APRIL 2011
Posted by Ormonde Plater at THROUGH THE DUST:
Murdered this week in the New Orleans metro area:
4/15 Ken Stone 23 M Shot Orleans
4/18 Milton Triplett 52 M Shot Orleans
4/19 unidentified ? M Shot Orleans
Please pray for the victims, their murderers, and their families.
***
From XINHUA NEWS AGENCY:
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in cities across Syria on Friday to call for current president Bashar al-Assad to step down. At least 90 civilians were killed by security forces. Another 80 people were injured in the clashes. It was the bloodiest day in a month of escalating demonstrations.
***
From THE INDEPENDENT:
Soldiers patrolled the streets, cities were under curfew and doctors counted the dead yesterday in northern Nigeria as an election trumpeted as the fairest since the end of military rule ended in deadly riots. Supporters of losing presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari went on the rampage. Hundreds of people are feared dead as churches, mosques, homes and shops have been burned. Despite a heavy police presence pockets of rioting that began on Monday flared again yesterday. The Nigerian Red Cross said yesterday that nearly 400 people had been wounded.
***
From THE IRISH TIMES:
Almost 300 Roma have fled their homes in Hungary in fear of far-right vigilantes. The Red Cross evacuated the Roma from the village of Gyongyospata after a paramilitary group called Vedero , or Defence Force, organised a training camp and planned exercises there over the Easter weekend.
***
From AFP:
Two Tibetans have died in a security crackdown on a Buddhist monastery in southwest China. Authorities have sealed off Kirti Monastery in Sichuan province and ordered a re-education programme there following unrest triggered last month when a young monk set himself on fire and died in an apparent anti-government protest.
***
From XINHUA NEWS AGENCY:
Thai troops have used cluster bombs and poisonous smoke in the armed clashes on Saturday morning over the border disputed area at the Ta Mon Thom temple and Ta Krabey temple in Oddar Meanchey province. This is the second consecutive day of military clashes between Cambodian and Thai troops over the disputed border areas after Friday's clashes claimed at least 6 lives of both sides' troops and injured over a dozen, and forced thousands of both sides' locals to flee their homes.
***
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.
Murdered this week in the New Orleans metro area:
4/15 Ken Stone 23 M Shot Orleans
4/18 Milton Triplett 52 M Shot Orleans
4/19 unidentified ? M Shot Orleans
Please pray for the victims, their murderers, and their families.
***
From XINHUA NEWS AGENCY:
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in cities across Syria on Friday to call for current president Bashar al-Assad to step down. At least 90 civilians were killed by security forces. Another 80 people were injured in the clashes. It was the bloodiest day in a month of escalating demonstrations.
***
From THE INDEPENDENT:
Soldiers patrolled the streets, cities were under curfew and doctors counted the dead yesterday in northern Nigeria as an election trumpeted as the fairest since the end of military rule ended in deadly riots. Supporters of losing presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari went on the rampage. Hundreds of people are feared dead as churches, mosques, homes and shops have been burned. Despite a heavy police presence pockets of rioting that began on Monday flared again yesterday. The Nigerian Red Cross said yesterday that nearly 400 people had been wounded.
***
From THE IRISH TIMES:
Almost 300 Roma have fled their homes in Hungary in fear of far-right vigilantes. The Red Cross evacuated the Roma from the village of Gyongyospata after a paramilitary group called Vedero , or Defence Force, organised a training camp and planned exercises there over the Easter weekend.
***
From AFP:
Two Tibetans have died in a security crackdown on a Buddhist monastery in southwest China. Authorities have sealed off Kirti Monastery in Sichuan province and ordered a re-education programme there following unrest triggered last month when a young monk set himself on fire and died in an apparent anti-government protest.
***
From XINHUA NEWS AGENCY:
Thai troops have used cluster bombs and poisonous smoke in the armed clashes on Saturday morning over the border disputed area at the Ta Mon Thom temple and Ta Krabey temple in Oddar Meanchey province. This is the second consecutive day of military clashes between Cambodian and Thai troops over the disputed border areas after Friday's clashes claimed at least 6 lives of both sides' troops and injured over a dozen, and forced thousands of both sides' locals to flee their homes.
***
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.
Friday, 22 April 2011
POPPA, CALL HOME!
From THE ASSOCIATED PRESS:
Pope Benedict XVI will be in satellite contact with two Italian astronauts aboard the International Space Station in what would be the first papal call to space. The Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano reported Friday that the hookup will happen on May 4 after shuttle Endeavour docks with the station. Liftoff is set for next Friday.
Pope Benedict XVI will be in satellite contact with two Italian astronauts aboard the International Space Station in what would be the first papal call to space. The Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano reported Friday that the hookup will happen on May 4 after shuttle Endeavour docks with the station. Liftoff is set for next Friday.
DON'T BLAME MADPRIEST, BLAME MAD DAD
A man is sitting at home on the veranda with his wife and he says, "I love you."
She asks, "Is that you or the beer talking?"
He replies, "It's me . . . talking to the beer."
***
David Cameron has solved the United Kingdom's fuel problems.
He's imported 50 million tonnes of sand from the Arabs and we're going to start drilling for our own oil.
***
My mate's missus left him last Thursday, she said she was going out for a pint of milk and never come back!
I asked him how he was coping and he said,"Not bad, I've been using that powdered stuff."
She asks, "Is that you or the beer talking?"
He replies, "It's me . . . talking to the beer."
***
David Cameron has solved the United Kingdom's fuel problems.
He's imported 50 million tonnes of sand from the Arabs and we're going to start drilling for our own oil.
***
My mate's missus left him last Thursday, she said she was going out for a pint of milk and never come back!
I asked him how he was coping and he said,"Not bad, I've been using that powdered stuff."
Thursday, 21 April 2011
ELSEWHERE ON THE OCICBW... EXPERIENCE
ST. LAIKA'S: The best Maundy Thursday service in the world ever. Well, maybe not, but it's the best one I've ever cobbled together and I bet my sweet bippy that it's the only one, anywhere, to feature Charlton Heston as its guest star. The music is even better than usual and very varied. It runs from an old timey duet, through choral stuff to free form jazz and, of course, there are all your favourite Maundy Thursday hymns to join in with. There's even a short, bog standard sermon in the middle of it for you all to pick fault with. Listen to the podcast as part of your Holy Week celebrations, download it for future meditation or just enjoy it as an entertainment. The choice is yours, I don't mind, in the slightest, what you do.
THE ANCHORHOLD @ OCICBW...:
THE FLUID OF FORGIVENESS
"YES, I WAS THERE."
SOMETHING ABOUT WEAKNESS
THE SLOW WORK OF GOD
CHIT CHAT: Our weekly open thread. This week's topic is
WHAT DID JESUS EVER DO FOR US?
CHIN WAG @ OCICBW...: Lots of stuff about trolls, MadPriest whinging on about the state of the blogosphere and a Shirley MacLaine video.
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL: (Podcast 11) MadPriest realising his dream of being a deejay with over two hours of real soul music.
And don't forget OCICBW...'s
OFFICIAL HOME on Facebook.
THE ANCHORHOLD @ OCICBW...:
THE FLUID OF FORGIVENESS
"YES, I WAS THERE."
SOMETHING ABOUT WEAKNESS
THE SLOW WORK OF GOD
CHIT CHAT: Our weekly open thread. This week's topic is
WHAT DID JESUS EVER DO FOR US?
CHIN WAG @ OCICBW...: Lots of stuff about trolls, MadPriest whinging on about the state of the blogosphere and a Shirley MacLaine video.
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL: (Podcast 11) MadPriest realising his dream of being a deejay with over two hours of real soul music.
And don't forget OCICBW...'s
OFFICIAL HOME on Facebook.
THE PRAYER LIST - 21ST. APRIL 2011
Posted by 8TH. DAY
(see THE PRAYER LIST 18th. April 2011):
One doesn’t discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time. (Andre Gide)
This past weekend I went back to the university campus where my partner and I were attacked. It was something I did not want to did. It was something my therapist thought was critical to do.
Things had changed on campus. The once very secluded area was not as secluded any more. Still, I walked the route and knew the spot immediately. The memories flooding back faster than I could process them. Flashbacks coming back hard. Debilitating, bitter, suffocating. The place where I lost half my heart and my foundations crumbled. This is the place I relive everyday yet I had never felt so lost.
I know that I will be on this voyage for a while longer before I discover those new lands. I know that there will still be days when I am feeling hopelessly lost and flailing, when I want to give up. But I also know that there is a whole crew of people who will not let me drown.
***
From DAVID:
More news: The fire near Possum Kingdom Lake (which is the closest to the D/FW area) is twice as large as they orig thought. And all together, over 150 homes have been destroyed by the wildfires so far.
***
From CHANNEL 4 NEWS:
US photographer Chris Hondros and British photojournalist Tim Hetherington were killed and two other journalists left injured by mortar fire in the besieged Libyan city of Misrata.
From BBC NEWS UK:
Tributes have been paid to a female bomb disposal expert who died in Afghanistan doing what she had said was "the best job in the world".
Capt Head died in hospital on Tuesday from injuries sustained in an explosion while clearing roadside bombs.
She is only the second female member of the UK armed forces to die in Afghanistan in nearly a decade. Her death takes the number of British military personnel killed in Afghanistan since 2001 to 364.
Posted at DIOBETH NEWSPIN:
Pray for our young men and women who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for their families:
Sgt. 1st Class Charles L. Adkins, 36, of Sandusky, Ohio
Spc. Paul J. Atim, 27, of Green Bay, Wisconsin
Spc. Joseph B. Cemper, 21, Warrensburg, Missouri
Spc. Joseph A. Kennedy, 25, of St. Paul, Minnesota
Spc. Donald L. Nichols, 21, of Shell Rock, Iowa
Sgt. Linda L. Pierre, 28, Immokalee, Florida
Pfc. Joel A. Ramirez, 22, of Waxahachie, Texas
Capt. Charles E. Ridgley Jr., 40, of Baltimore, Maryland
Staff Sgt. Cynthia R. Taylor, 39, of Columbus, Georgia
Spc. Charles J. Wren, 25, of Beeville, Texas
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.
***
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.
(see THE PRAYER LIST 18th. April 2011):
One doesn’t discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time. (Andre Gide)
This past weekend I went back to the university campus where my partner and I were attacked. It was something I did not want to did. It was something my therapist thought was critical to do.
Things had changed on campus. The once very secluded area was not as secluded any more. Still, I walked the route and knew the spot immediately. The memories flooding back faster than I could process them. Flashbacks coming back hard. Debilitating, bitter, suffocating. The place where I lost half my heart and my foundations crumbled. This is the place I relive everyday yet I had never felt so lost.
I know that I will be on this voyage for a while longer before I discover those new lands. I know that there will still be days when I am feeling hopelessly lost and flailing, when I want to give up. But I also know that there is a whole crew of people who will not let me drown.
***
From DAVID:
More news: The fire near Possum Kingdom Lake (which is the closest to the D/FW area) is twice as large as they orig thought. And all together, over 150 homes have been destroyed by the wildfires so far.
***
From CHANNEL 4 NEWS:
From BBC NEWS UK:
Capt Head died in hospital on Tuesday from injuries sustained in an explosion while clearing roadside bombs.
She is only the second female member of the UK armed forces to die in Afghanistan in nearly a decade. Her death takes the number of British military personnel killed in Afghanistan since 2001 to 364.
Posted at DIOBETH NEWSPIN:
Pray for our young men and women who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for their families:
Sgt. 1st Class Charles L. Adkins, 36, of Sandusky, Ohio
Spc. Paul J. Atim, 27, of Green Bay, Wisconsin
Spc. Joseph B. Cemper, 21, Warrensburg, Missouri
Spc. Joseph A. Kennedy, 25, of St. Paul, Minnesota
Spc. Donald L. Nichols, 21, of Shell Rock, Iowa
Sgt. Linda L. Pierre, 28, Immokalee, Florida
Pfc. Joel A. Ramirez, 22, of Waxahachie, Texas
Capt. Charles E. Ridgley Jr., 40, of Baltimore, Maryland
Staff Sgt. Cynthia R. Taylor, 39, of Columbus, Georgia
Spc. Charles J. Wren, 25, of Beeville, Texas
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.
***
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, 20 April 2011
SOME TROLLS ARE EVIL BUT
MOST ARE JUST MENTALLY ILL
This is definitely one of the homophobe trolls. He is definitely the one who is sending emails to Mrs MP's work colleagues telling them her husband runs a pornographic website.
MADPRIEST'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
If you break eggs you're going to crack some nuts.
MALAYSIA - CLIMBING BACK UP THE TREE
From The Associated Press via CBS NEWS:
Malaysian authorities have sent 66 Muslim schoolboys identified by teachers as effeminate to a four-day camp where they will receive counseling on masculine behavior to discourage them from being gay. They will undergo religious and motivational classes and physical guidance, said Razali Daud, the state's education director. After it ends, their teachers and parents will monitor and continue advising them.
The camp is meant "to guide them back to the right path in life before they reach a point of no return," Razali told The Associated Press. "Such effeminate behavior is unnatural and will affect their studies and their future. It is not an overnight cure," he said. "We can't force the boys to change, but we want them to know what their choices are in life. Some effeminate boys end up as a transvestite or a homosexual, but we want to do our best to limit this."
Gay Malaysians say they face discrimination from government policies such as a law that makes sodomy punishable by 20 years in prison. The law is seldom and selectively enforced, but some states also impose jail terms for public cross-dressing.
COMMENT: Jesus, honest mate, it wasn't worth it. You should have stuck with the carpentry and had lots of sex. We were, and still are, just not worth it.
Thanks to Rick for sending in this report.
Malaysian authorities have sent 66 Muslim schoolboys identified by teachers as effeminate to a four-day camp where they will receive counseling on masculine behavior to discourage them from being gay. They will undergo religious and motivational classes and physical guidance, said Razali Daud, the state's education director. After it ends, their teachers and parents will monitor and continue advising them.
The camp is meant "to guide them back to the right path in life before they reach a point of no return," Razali told The Associated Press. "Such effeminate behavior is unnatural and will affect their studies and their future. It is not an overnight cure," he said. "We can't force the boys to change, but we want them to know what their choices are in life. Some effeminate boys end up as a transvestite or a homosexual, but we want to do our best to limit this."
Gay Malaysians say they face discrimination from government policies such as a law that makes sodomy punishable by 20 years in prison. The law is seldom and selectively enforced, but some states also impose jail terms for public cross-dressing.
COMMENT: Jesus, honest mate, it wasn't worth it. You should have stuck with the carpentry and had lots of sex. We were, and still are, just not worth it.
Thanks to Rick for sending in this report.
THE PRAYER LIST - 20TH. APRIL 2011
at FROM ETERNITY TO HERE:
I will be taking some time to be with my family after the sudden, unexpected death of my mother, Sherrie. Obituary in today’s MONTANA STANDARD.
***
From Tracie The Red:
Please pray for Susan. On Sunday night, she was beaten by the man she's with, a recovering alcoholic, who has fallen off the wagon and is engaging in terribly destructive behavior again.
Yes, Susan is safe. She didn't call the police. She has her reasons. I don't know if she plans to see a doc about whatever head injuries she sustained; supposedly he grabbed her by the hair on one side of her head and took his fist and smashed it repeatedly into the other side of her head and face.
***
From DOUGS:
I had four pieces of news from old friends this week: Lis, who is now beyond her cancer; Jay, who just had news of a recurrence; Feorag, who has been assured her recent surgery was successful; Carol, who has just been newly diagnosed.
I can see me spending Holy Week praying for all people dealing with cancer, at whatever stage, either in themselves or in their loved ones.
***
Our old friend, Nij, is in rehab recovering from knee surgery. She is doing fine and we pray for her continued recovery.
***
From MadPriest's friend, Kevin:
Thank you for the prayer notice, and for your prayers.
The funeral (of my mother) was strangely beautiful, a glorious spring day, and a good turnout of family and friends. I think Mum would have been pleased - and surprised. God rest her.
***
Please pray for Mrs MP. A troll, signing itself "John Hughes," has emailed her colleagues at work saying that her husband runs a pornographic website. (Details on Chin Wag @ OCICBW...)
***
From SKY NEWS:
A four-year-old, Grimsby, girl was badly injured after a brick was reportedly thrown through a window of her father's van after an altercation between him and a group of youths. Jersey-Lou Perry, who was strapped into a passenger seat, was left unconscious and suffered bruising and a broken nose. She also lost two front teeth and her face was cut by glass from the smashed window. Shards were embedded in her skin.
The father said a group of youngsters were kicking a ball against his vehicle and he told them to stop doing it because it was "scaring the girls".
***
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.
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
ANGLICAN ORDINARIATE FAILS TO PLUG HOLE
From THE NATIONAL CATHOLIC REPORTER:
The number of people who have left the Catholic church is huge.
The U.S. Religious Landscape Survey by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life has put hard numbers on the anecdotal evidence: One out of every 10 Americans is an ex-Catholic. If they were a separate denomination, they would be the third-largest denomination in the United States, after Catholics and Baptists. One of three people who were raised Catholic no longer identifies as Catholic.
Pew’s data shows that those leaving the church are not homogenous. They can be divided into two major groups: those who become unaffiliated and those who become Protestant. Almost half of those leaving the church become unaffiliated and almost half become Protestant.
The number of people who have left the Catholic church is huge.
The U.S. Religious Landscape Survey by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life has put hard numbers on the anecdotal evidence: One out of every 10 Americans is an ex-Catholic. If they were a separate denomination, they would be the third-largest denomination in the United States, after Catholics and Baptists. One of three people who were raised Catholic no longer identifies as Catholic.
Pew’s data shows that those leaving the church are not homogenous. They can be divided into two major groups: those who become unaffiliated and those who become Protestant. Almost half of those leaving the church become unaffiliated and almost half become Protestant.
DON'T TOUCHA THE POPPA!
From AFP:A new film about a panic-prone pope who needs a psychoanalyst has divided Italy's Catholics, with a call for its boycott coming from the pages of an influential bishops' newspaper.
Writing in the Avvenire daily, Vatican expert Salvatore Izzo said Italian director Nanni Moretti's film "Habemus Papam" was not respectful towards the head of the world's Roman Catholics and would be "boring" for non-believers.
"We shouldn't touch the pope - the rock on which Jesus founded his Church," said Izzo.
COMMENT: I expect the pope is boring for non-believers, full stop, period. That there are still people in the world who believe that the pharisee despising, Jesus Christ, intended that his church should be anything like the Roman Catholic Church, or any of the major denominations for that matter, is a bit scary.
CHIT CHAT (11)
"Chit Chat" is a weekly posting in which I simply give you a word, or short phrase, and you then just waffle on about the subject in any way you see fit.
If the number of comments on any one Chit Chat post gets to fifty, all those who have commented will receive 500 days off purgatory. Should the comments ever reach one hundred I will grant all the participants a general plenary. Now, you don't get offers like that on Facebook!
As this is Holy Week your starter is a bit more serious than has been usual up to now.
WHAT DID JESUS EVER DO FOR US?
Put your thinking hats on.
Honesty will be rewarded by general admiration all round.
If the number of comments on any one Chit Chat post gets to fifty, all those who have commented will receive 500 days off purgatory. Should the comments ever reach one hundred I will grant all the participants a general plenary. Now, you don't get offers like that on Facebook!
As this is Holy Week your starter is a bit more serious than has been usual up to now.
WHAT DID JESUS EVER DO FOR US?
Put your thinking hats on.
Honesty will be rewarded by general admiration all round.
MADPRIEST DIGS . . .
This is the debut album from a Scottish band who are getting a lot of attention from the music press and a lot of support from their growing fan base, especially around the Glasgow area. They adhere to what seems to be the preferred Scottish template of male singer/songwriter with female sidekick and talented, extremely tight, backing band. They are not as yet, in my opinion, as consistently creative as Belle and Sebastian and they lack the professionalism of Deacon Blue. But, it's early days for the band and the one thing they have in spades is potential. I notice that they have gigs lined up soon away from their home base and I expect they will wow the audiences south of the border and, eventually, in the States. I like them, a lot.
BAND'S MYSPACE PAGE
PURCHASE VIA MADPRIEST'S AMAZON STORE
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
If you have not done so already, you must check out our longstanding and good friend, Jack's post at...
WHY DO WE HAVE TO DO THIS, SIR?
... in which he updates us on his feelings about being refused ordination after years of training and in which he gives a full rundown of the crap he had to put up with from "those in authority over him."
WHY DO WE HAVE TO DO THIS, SIR?
... in which he updates us on his feelings about being refused ordination after years of training and in which he gives a full rundown of the crap he had to put up with from "those in authority over him."
THE BLIND LEADING THE FEARFUL
From THE GAZETTE:
Anyone who has ever known the love of a dog gets what Ria Ghai means when she says her rescue dog rescued her. He cheers her when she's down. Spirits her from her desk when the challenges of her work - she is a doctoral student in biology at McGill University - threaten to overwhelm. Makes her feel safe.
"He's got me out of the house on walks when I thought I was going to crack, and he's been my friend to hold tight at night when I psych myself into thinking my house is haunted (yup, PhD student, still freaked out by ghosts) ... I don't know how I'd be getting through my PhD without him," she wrote recently on the Mc-Gill Grad Life blog.
Ray, as he is known, is a miniature bear-headed American Eskimo. He is blind - and almost certainly old. He came into her life nearly two years ago: she'd graduated from the University of Alberta with an honours degree in animal biology, and had a job at the Edmonton Humane Society as a behaviour specialist. Ray was brought in to the shelter after he was fished out of the North Saskatchewan River in Devon, a town south of Edmonton. He was in rough shape: emaciated, skin showing pink because his coat was so thin, tail all ratty, the fur on his paws stained brown from constant licking: a sign of depression.
He wasn't called Ray yet, though. At the shelter he was known as Demon Dog for the milky white cataracts in his eyes: they made him look possessed. A blind, old, mangy stray: hardly a candidate for adoption. And if his owners didn't turn up within two weeks, he would be euthanized.
When a week and a half had passed and no one had claimed him, "it was clear that the little guy was going to get euthanized," she wrote. She accepted his fate: in her time at the shelter, she'd grown accustomed to losing dogs she loved.
It was Ghai's boyfriend - he's her fiancé now - who stepped in.
"The dog was clearly old, he said: maybe they could make the time he had left memorable."
So on June 6, 2009, the day he'd been slated to be euthanized, they adopted him. They took him home, to their apartment with its no-dogs rule, and three times each day carried Ray, named by Gammon for the blind composer and soul musician Ray Charles, down and then up 18 flights. "He was quiet enough that we knew we could sneak him in and out," Ghai said.
And Ray certainly seems happy - happy and content.
It's impossible to come home in a bad mood and stay that way "when there's a fluffy, happy, blind little dude wagging his tail and bonking into everything just to get to you and say hello," Ghai wrote.
"Take a moment to thank those who, day by day, stay in your corner," Ghai urges, "whether they have two legs or four. You couldn't do it without them."
For being there for each other at exactly the right time, Ria and Ray are our...
BRICKS OF THE DAY
... and a special commendation for Don, the boyfriend, for being a man and saving the day.
Thanks to Jim+ for sending this story into MadPriest Towers and NO, JCF, Ria is far too busy to adopt you, as well. Although if you were to persuade her you are to be euthanised in a week's time you might just be in with a chance.
Anyone who has ever known the love of a dog gets what Ria Ghai means when she says her rescue dog rescued her. He cheers her when she's down. Spirits her from her desk when the challenges of her work - she is a doctoral student in biology at McGill University - threaten to overwhelm. Makes her feel safe.
"He's got me out of the house on walks when I thought I was going to crack, and he's been my friend to hold tight at night when I psych myself into thinking my house is haunted (yup, PhD student, still freaked out by ghosts) ... I don't know how I'd be getting through my PhD without him," she wrote recently on the Mc-Gill Grad Life blog.
Ray, as he is known, is a miniature bear-headed American Eskimo. He is blind - and almost certainly old. He came into her life nearly two years ago: she'd graduated from the University of Alberta with an honours degree in animal biology, and had a job at the Edmonton Humane Society as a behaviour specialist. Ray was brought in to the shelter after he was fished out of the North Saskatchewan River in Devon, a town south of Edmonton. He was in rough shape: emaciated, skin showing pink because his coat was so thin, tail all ratty, the fur on his paws stained brown from constant licking: a sign of depression.
He wasn't called Ray yet, though. At the shelter he was known as Demon Dog for the milky white cataracts in his eyes: they made him look possessed. A blind, old, mangy stray: hardly a candidate for adoption. And if his owners didn't turn up within two weeks, he would be euthanized.
When a week and a half had passed and no one had claimed him, "it was clear that the little guy was going to get euthanized," she wrote. She accepted his fate: in her time at the shelter, she'd grown accustomed to losing dogs she loved.
It was Ghai's boyfriend - he's her fiancé now - who stepped in.
"The dog was clearly old, he said: maybe they could make the time he had left memorable."
So on June 6, 2009, the day he'd been slated to be euthanized, they adopted him. They took him home, to their apartment with its no-dogs rule, and three times each day carried Ray, named by Gammon for the blind composer and soul musician Ray Charles, down and then up 18 flights. "He was quiet enough that we knew we could sneak him in and out," Ghai said.
And Ray certainly seems happy - happy and content.
It's impossible to come home in a bad mood and stay that way "when there's a fluffy, happy, blind little dude wagging his tail and bonking into everything just to get to you and say hello," Ghai wrote.
"Take a moment to thank those who, day by day, stay in your corner," Ghai urges, "whether they have two legs or four. You couldn't do it without them."
For being there for each other at exactly the right time, Ria and Ray are our...
BRICKS OF THE DAY
... and a special commendation for Don, the boyfriend, for being a man and saving the day.
Thanks to Jim+ for sending this story into MadPriest Towers and NO, JCF, Ria is far too busy to adopt you, as well. Although if you were to persuade her you are to be euthanised in a week's time you might just be in with a chance.
DON'T BLAME MADPRIEST, BLAME WICKED ELLIE
In the prime of her career, a world famous painter started to lose her eyesight. Fearful that she might lose her life as a painter, she went to see the best eye surgeon in the world. After several weeks of delicate surgery and therapy, her eyesight was restored. The painter was so grateful that she decided to show her gratitude by repainting the doctor's office. Part of her work included painting a gigantic eye on one wall.
When she had finished her work, she held a press conference to unveil her latest work of art - the doctor's office.
During the press conference, one reporter noticed the eye on the wall, and asked the doctor, "What was your first reaction upon seeing your newly painted office, especially that large eye on the wall?"
The eye doctor responded, "I said to myself, 'Thank God I'm not a gynecologist.'"
When she had finished her work, she held a press conference to unveil her latest work of art - the doctor's office.
During the press conference, one reporter noticed the eye on the wall, and asked the doctor, "What was your first reaction upon seeing your newly painted office, especially that large eye on the wall?"
The eye doctor responded, "I said to myself, 'Thank God I'm not a gynecologist.'"
THE PRAYER LIST - 19TH. APRIL 2011
From IT:
BP asks me to forward this request. Her friend T. has a recurrence of pancreatic cancer. Nasty shit. He has a wife and family (the kids are mostly grown). A good man.
***
Posted by Kevin at A VIEW FROM THE EARTH:
Today starts the third week of my official permanent layoff from my employer. It has taken me a couple of weeks to really come to terms with it and what it means to me. At first I was really upset, angry even, about the dysfunctional leadership at the company. After the anger episode I went on to what seems like my trusty companion of depression. My mood became gray, a lot like the days have been of late. Feeling like I was starting to slip into the clutches of depression, I've decided to fight the depression and see what is good about this change. I've sent out many resumes but haven't gotten much in return.
***
Posted by Layclerk at THE CATHEDRAL CHOIR:
It's an unsettling time for me, and for a lot of colleagues. As a direct effect of the problems with the economy funding has been cut, unfilled posts have been simply done away with and so will never be filled and voluntary redundancies have already taken place. This hasn't been enough though, it was never going to be, and there will be future cost savings, of that none of us is in any doubt. I was at a meeting today about the possible future of the organisation for which I work, and the phrase "compulsory redundancy" was used. These are truly unsettling times.
***
Posted by Jan at A CHURCH FOR STARVING ARTISTS:
I'm counting down now: 17 days before I leave my current call, and still not sure what I want to do next.
***
From David:
Prayers for the people and wildlife of west Texas would be appreciated. Since last week, wildfires have spread over 1.5 million acres in the worst fire season in history. One volunteer firefighter has already died, and the governor has requested that a vast swath of the state be declared a federal disaster area.
***
From VOICE OF AMERICA:
Human rights activists say Syrian security forces opened fire on the protesters in Sa'a Jadida (New Clock) Square in the central town of Homs overnight. It is not clear if anyone was wounded in the shooting.
***
From BBC NEWS (Africa):
Thousands of people have fled their homes in northern Nigeria after riots prompted by the election of incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. In some towns residents slept in police stations for safety. The Red Cross says there have been significant numbers of casualties.
***
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.
BP asks me to forward this request. Her friend T. has a recurrence of pancreatic cancer. Nasty shit. He has a wife and family (the kids are mostly grown). A good man.
***
Posted by Kevin at A VIEW FROM THE EARTH:
Today starts the third week of my official permanent layoff from my employer. It has taken me a couple of weeks to really come to terms with it and what it means to me. At first I was really upset, angry even, about the dysfunctional leadership at the company. After the anger episode I went on to what seems like my trusty companion of depression. My mood became gray, a lot like the days have been of late. Feeling like I was starting to slip into the clutches of depression, I've decided to fight the depression and see what is good about this change. I've sent out many resumes but haven't gotten much in return.
***
Posted by Layclerk at THE CATHEDRAL CHOIR:
It's an unsettling time for me, and for a lot of colleagues. As a direct effect of the problems with the economy funding has been cut, unfilled posts have been simply done away with and so will never be filled and voluntary redundancies have already taken place. This hasn't been enough though, it was never going to be, and there will be future cost savings, of that none of us is in any doubt. I was at a meeting today about the possible future of the organisation for which I work, and the phrase "compulsory redundancy" was used. These are truly unsettling times.
***
Posted by Jan at A CHURCH FOR STARVING ARTISTS:
I'm counting down now: 17 days before I leave my current call, and still not sure what I want to do next.
***
From David:
***
From VOICE OF AMERICA:
Human rights activists say Syrian security forces opened fire on the protesters in Sa'a Jadida (New Clock) Square in the central town of Homs overnight. It is not clear if anyone was wounded in the shooting.***
From BBC NEWS (Africa):
Thousands of people have fled their homes in northern Nigeria after riots prompted by the election of incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. In some towns residents slept in police stations for safety. The Red Cross says there have been significant numbers of casualties.
***
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.
Monday, 18 April 2011
SECOND CLASS CLERGY
The self-supporting (unpaid) priests of the Church of England met recently for a big conference. The main thing to come out of their discussions was that they felt that the hierarchy of the church and their stipendary colleagues viewed them as second class, not-quite priests.
They are not being paranoid, it is the truth. Non-stipendary ministers not only have to put up with being taken advantage of by a cash strapped institution always looking to get work done for free, but they are, on the whole, treated as second class priests and kept on the outside of the church structures. What is more, they are constantly reminded that they are different to "real" priests by the terminology used by the Church, at all levels.
For example, I have just received this email from my diocesan office:
Why not just say that John served all his active ministry as a "priest" at Cambois? That's what he did and was. I may be wrong, but I don't think a stipendary priest would be labelled as such in his or her death notice.
We know from the experience of people of other races and/or faiths than the majority in a country that words can be, and are, used to belittle and denigrate people, especially minorities and those without much authority and power. The Church of Christ should be more careful in its language.
Mind you, I am not surprised that such hierarchical language is used in my diocese where the ordained priesthood is split into "senior staff" and everyone else, and where there are definite unwritten rules about how important you have to be to get offered a post in one of the "important" parishes.
They are not being paranoid, it is the truth. Non-stipendary ministers not only have to put up with being taken advantage of by a cash strapped institution always looking to get work done for free, but they are, on the whole, treated as second class priests and kept on the outside of the church structures. What is more, they are constantly reminded that they are different to "real" priests by the terminology used by the Church, at all levels.
For example, I have just received this email from my diocesan office:
Why not just say that John served all his active ministry as a "priest" at Cambois? That's what he did and was. I may be wrong, but I don't think a stipendary priest would be labelled as such in his or her death notice.
We know from the experience of people of other races and/or faiths than the majority in a country that words can be, and are, used to belittle and denigrate people, especially minorities and those without much authority and power. The Church of Christ should be more careful in its language.
Mind you, I am not surprised that such hierarchical language is used in my diocese where the ordained priesthood is split into "senior staff" and everyone else, and where there are definite unwritten rules about how important you have to be to get offered a post in one of the "important" parishes.
SLUGS AND SNAILS AND PUPPY DOGS TAILS
- THAT'S WHAT LITTLE GIRLS ARE MADE OF
From UKPA:
Girls are misbehaving more in the classroom now than they were five years ago, a survey of teachers suggests. A fifth of teachers believe girls' behaviour is now more difficult than boys, according to a poll by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL). Almost half (48%) said they think the behaviour of female pupils has worsened over the last five years, with a similar proportion (44%) saying it has got worse in two years. In comparison, 43% said boys' behaviour has deteriorated in two years.
The poll, which questioned over 800 school staff, found that while boys are more likely to be disrespectful and verbally and physically aggressive, girls are more likely to be bullies. Four times as many teachers said they had witnessed girls bullying than boys (44% to 10%), spreading rumours, making snide comments or leaving a fellow pupil out. Girls are usually the ones who refuse to comply with instructions."
COMMENT: As someone who has been viciously bullied without let up for five years by a certain "old girl" from Louisiana, this "shock" result does not surprise me.
However, in the real world, except for one woman* in a previous parish who bullied me into a nervous breakdown because she found out that I had previously suffered from depression and didn't think a person with past mental health problems should be in charge of "her" church, the only people who have bullied me in my adult life have been men - top of the list being my former bishop during his many attempts, finally successful, to get me out of the Church following my illness which was over ten years ago.
Of course, girls have always been vicious bullies at school, although their style is usually psychological rather than physical. From experience I assume that they mostly grow out of it or reserve their bullying for other women. Hopefully, although any increase in schoolyard bullying is extremely worrying as it can lead to irreparable mental health damage and, far to often, suicide, women will continue to "grow up" in the way that many men seem incapable of ever doing. If we are lucky, Sarah Palin will turn out to be merely the exception that proves the rule.
There is one trend in the UK that is very scary. Although I base this observation on reportage alone, it does seem to me that girls and young women are getting involved in violence and gang culture in far greater numbers and with far more viciousness than was the case only ten years ago or so. But, again, I am not surprised. Everything in our media nowadays seems designed to make the whole of life cut throat competitive and a lot of this is aimed at women in talent shows covering everything from performance to cookery and weight loss. Men are probably predisposed towards coping with such stress, although I am not. Women on the other hand have only had to learn the combative skills required to progress in life relatively recently.
Some people in our churches may worry about the feminisation of our institution, but the big worry should probably be in respect of the masculinisation of women, especially young women, in the whole of society.
* To be fair to the gentle sex this woman had very short hair and obviously had far more testosterone flowing through her veins than her extremely gentle and quietly spoken husband. She had this manic desire to be on every committee going and then to hold as many offices on those committees as possible. She ended up as lay chair of her local deanery - bad news for the other deanery members but good news for her husband who no doubt got a chance to choose what to watch on TV when she was out.
The poll, which questioned over 800 school staff, found that while boys are more likely to be disrespectful and verbally and physically aggressive, girls are more likely to be bullies. Four times as many teachers said they had witnessed girls bullying than boys (44% to 10%), spreading rumours, making snide comments or leaving a fellow pupil out. Girls are usually the ones who refuse to comply with instructions."
COMMENT: As someone who has been viciously bullied without let up for five years by a certain "old girl" from Louisiana, this "shock" result does not surprise me.
However, in the real world, except for one woman* in a previous parish who bullied me into a nervous breakdown because she found out that I had previously suffered from depression and didn't think a person with past mental health problems should be in charge of "her" church, the only people who have bullied me in my adult life have been men - top of the list being my former bishop during his many attempts, finally successful, to get me out of the Church following my illness which was over ten years ago.
Of course, girls have always been vicious bullies at school, although their style is usually psychological rather than physical. From experience I assume that they mostly grow out of it or reserve their bullying for other women. Hopefully, although any increase in schoolyard bullying is extremely worrying as it can lead to irreparable mental health damage and, far to often, suicide, women will continue to "grow up" in the way that many men seem incapable of ever doing. If we are lucky, Sarah Palin will turn out to be merely the exception that proves the rule.
There is one trend in the UK that is very scary. Although I base this observation on reportage alone, it does seem to me that girls and young women are getting involved in violence and gang culture in far greater numbers and with far more viciousness than was the case only ten years ago or so. But, again, I am not surprised. Everything in our media nowadays seems designed to make the whole of life cut throat competitive and a lot of this is aimed at women in talent shows covering everything from performance to cookery and weight loss. Men are probably predisposed towards coping with such stress, although I am not. Women on the other hand have only had to learn the combative skills required to progress in life relatively recently.
Some people in our churches may worry about the feminisation of our institution, but the big worry should probably be in respect of the masculinisation of women, especially young women, in the whole of society.
* To be fair to the gentle sex this woman had very short hair and obviously had far more testosterone flowing through her veins than her extremely gentle and quietly spoken husband. She had this manic desire to be on every committee going and then to hold as many offices on those committees as possible. She ended up as lay chair of her local deanery - bad news for the other deanery members but good news for her husband who no doubt got a chance to choose what to watch on TV when she was out.
THE PRAYER LIST - 18TH. APRIL 2011
Please pray for MadPriest's friend, Kevin, who is attending the funeral of his mother, Shirley, today.
***
The following was posted last Friday so we pray that the experience was satisfactory and helpful.
Posted at 8TH DAY:
This weekend, as part of my exposure therapy, I will be returning to the place where my partner and I were attacked. I have not stepped on that university campus since that day. I once tried going on my own but didn’t get to the front entrance without starting to heave. This time my therapist will be with me and one of my closest friends will be nearby, available for support. I am not sure why this is such a huge hurdle for me. Perhaps the biggest. We have been working on this for weeks in therapy. It is just a place. But even the thought of it has my heart pounding in my chest. Any good thoughts, positive energy and/or prayers would be appreciated.
If I remember right, the attack on 8th Day and her partner was the most horrific event ever written about on the neighbourhood blogs.
***
Dianne at FORKS OFF THE MOMENT is having a tough time at the moment coping with that nasty old black dog. She's coping but please pray that she maintains the strenth to continue doing so.
***
Posted by Grandmère Mimi at WOUNDED BIRD:
Linda, our missionary who worked in Zambia, passed away yesterday afternoon (14th. April) in her beloved Zambia.
***
Posted by Sister Hedwyg at
AN INQUIRING AND DISCERNING HEART:
On Wednesday, I had my second appointment with the new rheumatologist, who turned up an active chronic Epstein-Barr infection. So that goes onto the diagnosis list, along with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Proportionate Short Stature (yeah, I’m Little), and a severe Vitamin D Deficiency. I’m learning that there are physical changes in the brains of PWCs (persons with CFS), a reduction in grey matter and increase in white matter — so the “brain fog” and other cognitive effects are not only real, but are based in physical matter. This terrifies me. I’ve learned that each recurrence of EBV infection increases one’s likelihood of developing lupus later in life.
The rheumatologist has recommended to my primary doctor that she send me to a specialist in infectious diseases, and I’m expecting to have my immune system checked out as well. I need a new echocardiogram — these are recommended for EDSers to have annually — and a bone scan. It’s all just so much stuff.
***
Posted by Tracie at
ON HOLLADAY - FLORIDA STYLE:
My friend Mike R. lost his little baby girl Buttons (his cat) today. I'm not sure what to; apparently she was sick and having seizures, and he had to let her go.
***
Posted by Dino at
FACING THE MOUNTAIN:
After the horrific fires of two years ago when just about everything on the Hottentots Holland mountains was burnt between Gordon's Bay and Jonkershoek we'd have hoped we might have learnt our lessons. Apparently not! Word locally is that the Erinvale estate had a 'controlled' fire earlier in the week and today's fire is a result of a flare up from the controlled fire. Ten houses have been destroyed so far and many farms have been evacuated. Also, the southeaster is really pumping hard which serves to fan the flames as well as pushing the fire over the mountain towards Stellenbosch.
From SKY NEWS:
At least 45 people are said to have died after a powerful storm whipped up tornados across parts of the southern and central United States over three days. Tornados and thunderstorms hit North Carolina on Saturday, knocking out power, flooding streets and uprooting trees. A state of emergency has been put in place for the state.
From XINHUA NEWS AGENCY:
At least 18 people were killed and 155 injured in south China's Guangdong Province as of Monday after hailstorms and strong winds rocked the region, flood control authorities said. Winds as strong as 164 km per hour, accompanied by hail and lashing rain, battered the cities of Guangzhou, Foshan, Zhaoqing and Dongguan on Sunday. The storms have affected over 3,200 people so far, forcing 380 of them to evacuate their homes.
***
Posted at CHELLIAH LAITY:
Pray for Christians in Libya. Christians in Libya are a minority and are made up mainly of Africans who fear for their lives because of their faith and the fact that they are Black.
Posted at SKY NEWS:
Increasing numbers of casualties are being reported in Misratah as Colonel Moammar Gaddafi's forces continued bombarding Libya's third city with shelling and sniper fire. One senior medic estimated a death toll as high as 1,000 since the last rebel foothold in the west of the country came under attack six weeks ago.
Posted at YNET:
Syrian forces killed 8 protesters overnight in the central city of Homs in confrontations after the death of a tribal leader in custody.
Posted at THE TELEGRAPH:
Yemeni forces loyal to President Ali Abdullah Saleh have used water cannon and tear gas to disperse protesters in Sanaa. Thousands of anti-government demonstrators were overcome by tear gas during the clashes when they marched outside their protest zone in the streets near Sanaa University. Security forces reportedly fired on the protest march, wounding at least 22 people.
***
Posted at THE LOS ANGELES TIMES:
Kabul, Afghanistan — An insurgent dressed as an Afghan soldier opened fire Monday inside the Defense Ministry, killing two soldiers in an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate the Afghan and French defense ministers. The attacker was also armed with explosives but was shot and killed by Afghan soldiers before he could detonate the bomb.
***
From BBC NEWS (Middle East):
An Israeli teenager wounded when a Palestinian rocket hit a bus has died of his injuries. Daniel Viflic, 16, was on a school bus in southern Israel on 7 April when it was hit by an anti-tank missile fired from the Gaza Strip.
***
THANKSGIVING
Posted by Sharon at FROM HERE TO INSTANBUL:
It’s finally happening. We’re going home. Cristy’s blood test results this past week were stellar – better than they’ve been at any time in her life. The doctor gives her a success prognosis of 90-95%. This is great news – obviously.
A strong caveat continues to exist though. For the first 100 days of her transplant, she must maintain a certain level of isolation, no physical contact with anyone, the foods she eats must still be strictly controlled, and she must do everything she can to avoid any kind of infection or illness.
One of the best parts over the past 30 days or so has been that she has needed absolutely no pain meds and is pretty much off all of the meds she was on before the transplant. She’s on a variety of anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-infection drugs right now but is on schedule to come off those drugs over the next six months.
With all this in mind, we expect to be home next week some time, barring any complications in her ongoing recovery.
***
Posted at NOTRE DAME NEWS
(sent in by Whiteycat):
Sister Mary Scullion, R.S.M., and Joan McConnon, co-founders of Project H.O.M.E., an organization devoted to ending homelessness in Philadelphia, will jointly receive the University of Notre Dame’s 2011 Laetare Medal, the oldest and most prestigious honor given to American Catholics, at Notre Dame’s 166th University Commencement ceremony May 22 (Sunday).
“In their work for the homeless of Philadelphia, Sister Scullion and Joan McConnon have splendidly answered the Gospel summons to brotherly love,” said Notre Dame’s president, Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. “Serving the unsheltered Lord on the streets of their hometown, they have provided an example for others to serve likewise in cities worldwide.”
***
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.
***
The following was posted last Friday so we pray that the experience was satisfactory and helpful.
Posted at 8TH DAY:
This weekend, as part of my exposure therapy, I will be returning to the place where my partner and I were attacked. I have not stepped on that university campus since that day. I once tried going on my own but didn’t get to the front entrance without starting to heave. This time my therapist will be with me and one of my closest friends will be nearby, available for support. I am not sure why this is such a huge hurdle for me. Perhaps the biggest. We have been working on this for weeks in therapy. It is just a place. But even the thought of it has my heart pounding in my chest. Any good thoughts, positive energy and/or prayers would be appreciated.
If I remember right, the attack on 8th Day and her partner was the most horrific event ever written about on the neighbourhood blogs.
***
Dianne at FORKS OFF THE MOMENT is having a tough time at the moment coping with that nasty old black dog. She's coping but please pray that she maintains the strenth to continue doing so.
***
Posted by Grandmère Mimi at WOUNDED BIRD:
Linda, our missionary who worked in Zambia, passed away yesterday afternoon (14th. April) in her beloved Zambia.
***
Posted by Sister Hedwyg at
AN INQUIRING AND DISCERNING HEART:
On Wednesday, I had my second appointment with the new rheumatologist, who turned up an active chronic Epstein-Barr infection. So that goes onto the diagnosis list, along with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Proportionate Short Stature (yeah, I’m Little), and a severe Vitamin D Deficiency. I’m learning that there are physical changes in the brains of PWCs (persons with CFS), a reduction in grey matter and increase in white matter — so the “brain fog” and other cognitive effects are not only real, but are based in physical matter. This terrifies me. I’ve learned that each recurrence of EBV infection increases one’s likelihood of developing lupus later in life.
The rheumatologist has recommended to my primary doctor that she send me to a specialist in infectious diseases, and I’m expecting to have my immune system checked out as well. I need a new echocardiogram — these are recommended for EDSers to have annually — and a bone scan. It’s all just so much stuff.
***
Posted by Tracie atON HOLLADAY - FLORIDA STYLE:
My friend Mike R. lost his little baby girl Buttons (his cat) today. I'm not sure what to; apparently she was sick and having seizures, and he had to let her go.
***
Posted by Dino at
FACING THE MOUNTAIN:
From SKY NEWS:
From XINHUA NEWS AGENCY:
***
Posted at CHELLIAH LAITY:
Pray for Christians in Libya. Christians in Libya are a minority and are made up mainly of Africans who fear for their lives because of their faith and the fact that they are Black.
Posted at SKY NEWS:
Increasing numbers of casualties are being reported in Misratah as Colonel Moammar Gaddafi's forces continued bombarding Libya's third city with shelling and sniper fire. One senior medic estimated a death toll as high as 1,000 since the last rebel foothold in the west of the country came under attack six weeks ago.
Posted at YNET:
Syrian forces killed 8 protesters overnight in the central city of Homs in confrontations after the death of a tribal leader in custody.
Posted at THE TELEGRAPH:
Yemeni forces loyal to President Ali Abdullah Saleh have used water cannon and tear gas to disperse protesters in Sanaa. Thousands of anti-government demonstrators were overcome by tear gas during the clashes when they marched outside their protest zone in the streets near Sanaa University. Security forces reportedly fired on the protest march, wounding at least 22 people.
***
Posted at THE LOS ANGELES TIMES:
Kabul, Afghanistan — An insurgent dressed as an Afghan soldier opened fire Monday inside the Defense Ministry, killing two soldiers in an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate the Afghan and French defense ministers. The attacker was also armed with explosives but was shot and killed by Afghan soldiers before he could detonate the bomb.
***
From BBC NEWS (Middle East):
An Israeli teenager wounded when a Palestinian rocket hit a bus has died of his injuries. Daniel Viflic, 16, was on a school bus in southern Israel on 7 April when it was hit by an anti-tank missile fired from the Gaza Strip.
***
THANKSGIVING
Posted by Sharon at FROM HERE TO INSTANBUL:
A strong caveat continues to exist though. For the first 100 days of her transplant, she must maintain a certain level of isolation, no physical contact with anyone, the foods she eats must still be strictly controlled, and she must do everything she can to avoid any kind of infection or illness.
One of the best parts over the past 30 days or so has been that she has needed absolutely no pain meds and is pretty much off all of the meds she was on before the transplant. She’s on a variety of anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-infection drugs right now but is on schedule to come off those drugs over the next six months.
With all this in mind, we expect to be home next week some time, barring any complications in her ongoing recovery.
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Posted at NOTRE DAME NEWS
(sent in by Whiteycat):
“In their work for the homeless of Philadelphia, Sister Scullion and Joan McConnon have splendidly answered the Gospel summons to brotherly love,” said Notre Dame’s president, Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. “Serving the unsheltered Lord on the streets of their hometown, they have provided an example for others to serve likewise in cities worldwide.”
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