Saturday, 4 June 2011
I DO NEED YOUR HELP - MORE QUESTIONS
What do you, OCICBW...'s loyal readers, think of the idea of advertising on the blog? Does anyone know how much money I would make from it. What are the pros and cons?
MADPRIEST'S QUESTION OF THE DAY
I am an avid fan of cop dramas and detective programmes on TV and Mrs MP is a sucker for hospital dramas. In real life police stations and hospitals do the bosses get away with shouting at and being downright rude to the lower ranks without being told where to get off, sued for harassment and bullying or simply smacked in the face?
THEY KILL STUDENTS, DON'T THEY?
Thousands of Chinese and foreign tourists flocked to Tiananmen Square on Saturday, the anniversary of the deadly 1989 crackdown on mass pro-democracy protests, amid a noticeable police presence.
The sensitive anniversary of the brutal June 4 army action in the heart of Beijing comes as the Chinese government wages its toughest clampdown on dissent in years, rounding up dozens of lawyers, writers and artists in recent months.
THE PRAYER LIST - 4TH. JUNE 2011
From Jim+:
For Rob and Rhonda, to be ordained deacons on Sunday, Deo volente, and also for those who are planning to protest and object to Rob's ordination.
***
We have been praying for our longstanding friend, Renz, for a couple of weeks now as he has been very poorly. Please read his post "Ending Radio Silence" at RENZ IN THE WOODS and continue to pray for him.
***
Please pray for Molly and her human companions.
Molly is only 10 years old but went into congestive heart failure yesterday.
UPDATE: The news on Molly isn't good. We will probably loose her tonight. It is cancer & she is bleeding internally. We will probably put her to sleep so she doesn't suffer.
***
From Ann Fontaine:
Prayers for my friend undergoing tests for possible tumors.
***
Posted by janinsanfran at CAN IT HAPPEN HERE?:
The vet informed us this week that the moment we've feared for several years has come. Frisker has reached the end of any plausible medical intervention's capacity to keep her going with a good quality of life. She is about 19 years old, arthritic, and is developing stomach tumors. We are forced to face the responsibility that people who choose to live with a domestic animal assume. I will miss her horribly.
***
Posted by Jaliya at A POST-CYNICAL SEER:
I cancelled my phone's answering service a few days ago because it's become too expensive. I'm becoming afraid to eat because by the time my essential bills and rent are paid, I have about seven dollars a day to live on. That's for everything - food, water, food and care for my two cats, medicine, household supplies, clothing, emergencies. I'm close to feeling like 'I can't do it anymore' -- and I must. Two small, cherished creatures depend on me for their survival. It would take very little for all three of us to turn feral; I am one monthly benefit cheque away from being turfed to the street.
***
Posted by Ormonde Plater at THROUGH THE DUST:
Murdered this week in the New Orleans area:
Gregory Keys 25
Mary Lou Marx 51
William Kerner IV 52
Antoine Martin 26
unidentified ?
Please pray for the victims, perpetrators and their families.
***
From HAARETZ.COM:
Syrian forces killed at least 63 civilians in attacks to crush pro-democracy demonstrations on Friday. Thousands of protesters took to the streets after noon prayers on Friday in defiance of security forces determined to crush a revolt against President Bashar Assad's 11-year rule.
***
From XINHUA NEWS AGENCY:
The operator of the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in Japan said Saturday extremely high radiation was detected at the No.1 reactor building of the plant. The radiation readings were up to 4,000 millisieverts per hour.
***
From THE LOS ANGELES TIMES:
At least 200 migrants, mostly sub-Saharan Africans and South Asians, were missing and feared drowned after an overcrowded boat that left Libya bound for Italy capsized in the Mediterranean. The doomed craft ran aground Wednesday on a sandbank near a chain of Tunisian islands, about 185 miles northwest of Tripoli. It capsized as desperate passengers rushed to one side seeking rescue by approaching Tunisian coast guard and fishing boats. An extensive Tunisian rescue effort managed to save at least 570 passengers.
***
From THE BBC:
Churches near the Chevron oil refinery in Pembroke are opening their doors to allow people to say prayers for the victims of Thursday's fatal explosion.Work is continuing to recover the bodies of the four people who died, while a fifth person is being treated at Morriston Hospital, Swansea.
***
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.
For Rob and Rhonda, to be ordained deacons on Sunday, Deo volente, and also for those who are planning to protest and object to Rob's ordination.
***
We have been praying for our longstanding friend, Renz, for a couple of weeks now as he has been very poorly. Please read his post "Ending Radio Silence" at RENZ IN THE WOODS and continue to pray for him.
***
Please pray for Molly and her human companions.
Molly is only 10 years old but went into congestive heart failure yesterday.
UPDATE: The news on Molly isn't good. We will probably loose her tonight. It is cancer & she is bleeding internally. We will probably put her to sleep so she doesn't suffer.
***
From Ann Fontaine:
Prayers for my friend undergoing tests for possible tumors.
***
Posted by janinsanfran at CAN IT HAPPEN HERE?:
The vet informed us this week that the moment we've feared for several years has come. Frisker has reached the end of any plausible medical intervention's capacity to keep her going with a good quality of life. She is about 19 years old, arthritic, and is developing stomach tumors. We are forced to face the responsibility that people who choose to live with a domestic animal assume. I will miss her horribly.
***
Posted by Jaliya at A POST-CYNICAL SEER:
I cancelled my phone's answering service a few days ago because it's become too expensive. I'm becoming afraid to eat because by the time my essential bills and rent are paid, I have about seven dollars a day to live on. That's for everything - food, water, food and care for my two cats, medicine, household supplies, clothing, emergencies. I'm close to feeling like 'I can't do it anymore' -- and I must. Two small, cherished creatures depend on me for their survival. It would take very little for all three of us to turn feral; I am one monthly benefit cheque away from being turfed to the street.
***
Posted by Ormonde Plater at THROUGH THE DUST:
Murdered this week in the New Orleans area:
Gregory Keys 25
Mary Lou Marx 51
William Kerner IV 52
Antoine Martin 26
unidentified ?
Please pray for the victims, perpetrators and their families.
***
From HAARETZ.COM:
Syrian forces killed at least 63 civilians in attacks to crush pro-democracy demonstrations on Friday. Thousands of protesters took to the streets after noon prayers on Friday in defiance of security forces determined to crush a revolt against President Bashar Assad's 11-year rule.
***
From XINHUA NEWS AGENCY:
The operator of the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in Japan said Saturday extremely high radiation was detected at the No.1 reactor building of the plant. The radiation readings were up to 4,000 millisieverts per hour.
***
From THE LOS ANGELES TIMES:
At least 200 migrants, mostly sub-Saharan Africans and South Asians, were missing and feared drowned after an overcrowded boat that left Libya bound for Italy capsized in the Mediterranean. The doomed craft ran aground Wednesday on a sandbank near a chain of Tunisian islands, about 185 miles northwest of Tripoli. It capsized as desperate passengers rushed to one side seeking rescue by approaching Tunisian coast guard and fishing boats. An extensive Tunisian rescue effort managed to save at least 570 passengers.
***
From THE BBC:
Churches near the Chevron oil refinery in Pembroke are opening their doors to allow people to say prayers for the victims of Thursday's fatal explosion.Work is continuing to recover the bodies of the four people who died, while a fifth person is being treated at Morriston Hospital, Swansea.
***
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, 3 June 2011
THE MIDNIGHT JUKEBOX
I always try to play something really classy on Friday night and this week I think you will be greatly impressed. The track begins with some bells, then some men sing for awhile and then Montserrat Figueras takes it away. Oh, sweet rapture.
PURCHASE VIA MADPRIEST'S AMAZON STORE
I DO NEED YOUR HELP
PLEASE NOTE: At the bottom of this long post I ask a question concerning etiquette that I need your answers on. If you skip the text because it does not apply to you I would be grateful if you would still read and respond to the question.
I have been struggling financially since I was ejected out of the Church of England at the end of August last year. The generous donations that I have been receiving from my readers (about £500 per month) have covered my bills and I am still living in free accommodation. But the parish wants its house back and the diocese wants to stop paying my rent. So Mrs MP has brought a house. However, because paying for the house will take up most of my wife's salary I will have to start finding money for food and stuff. I cannot, at this moment in time, afford to do this.
I really need to double the level of donations that I now receive if I am to continue my online ministry, which is all I have, all I am likely to have in the future and, let's be honest, all I want to do. So please, if you do not do so already and you are in a financial position to be able to help me achieve a living wage from my blogging, please consider doing so.
I have been doing some checking on my stats. OCICBW... gets about 1500 hits a day. In the last month I received 23120 unique visitors to OCICBW... alone. Every week, thousands of people download or stream the St. Laika's podcasts (which take about 4 hours each to produce) and my Sunday service is always listened to by over 700 people. On top of these figures the OCICBW... Experience is accessed by an unknown number of people on their news readers (I know that at least 900 people use this facility and they are only the ones using the three top news-readers). For various reasons my blogs do not show well on the rating sites. But, from the information now in my possession I know OCICBW... is far more visited than blogs rated far higher in the ratings. In fact, I have a sneaking suspicion OCICBW... is the most popular Christian proper blog in the world (although, of course, I could be wrong on this).
In other words, what many of you have been telling me all along that my priestly ministry is OCICBW..., is not only true but successfully true.
Supporting OCICBW... is supporting the mission of Jesus Christ. It is helping to podcast good, enjoyable liturgy, good sermons and good Christian music into the homes of people who are unable or unwilling to go to church. St. Laika's podcasts throughout the week, not just on Sundays, and is bringing the Calendar of the Church to life for many people.
It is my opinion that together over the last five years we have done something new and have been pioneers of a different way of being church that is exciting and relevant and responsive to the needs of the people who belong to our community or just visit from time to time. But that will all be of no worth if we do not make our successes known to those who really want us to fail. The best proof of our success would be the continuation of OCICBW... and St. Laika's.
People can donate to the mission of OCICBW... using the widgets below. You can send one off payments at times it suits you and such donations will be gratefully received and acknowledged. Or you can sign up to subscribe monthly at a level that suits your pocket. The latter method is most reassuring from my point of view and leads to less insomnia.
If you can link to this appeal on your blogs or on other social network sites that would be brilliant. The time for politeness and avoiding being cheeky is long past. I am a man on a mission :-)
I would also like your advice on something. Would it be the right thing to do to post a list of subscribers, with the individual's permission, on the sidebar at OCICBW...?
Finally, get this into your heads! I am fully conscious of the fact that many of you are in a worse situation than even I am or simply do not have the spare cash to give away. I am also aware that some of you will not want to support this project financially. That is okay. Please do not apologise as no apology is necessary. However, if you are a praying sort and/or a writing comments of encouragement sort, please consider this to be of equal importance to me (actually I probably don't really believe that - BUT GOD DOES).
I have been struggling financially since I was ejected out of the Church of England at the end of August last year. The generous donations that I have been receiving from my readers (about £500 per month) have covered my bills and I am still living in free accommodation. But the parish wants its house back and the diocese wants to stop paying my rent. So Mrs MP has brought a house. However, because paying for the house will take up most of my wife's salary I will have to start finding money for food and stuff. I cannot, at this moment in time, afford to do this.
I really need to double the level of donations that I now receive if I am to continue my online ministry, which is all I have, all I am likely to have in the future and, let's be honest, all I want to do. So please, if you do not do so already and you are in a financial position to be able to help me achieve a living wage from my blogging, please consider doing so.
I have been doing some checking on my stats. OCICBW... gets about 1500 hits a day. In the last month I received 23120 unique visitors to OCICBW... alone. Every week, thousands of people download or stream the St. Laika's podcasts (which take about 4 hours each to produce) and my Sunday service is always listened to by over 700 people. On top of these figures the OCICBW... Experience is accessed by an unknown number of people on their news readers (I know that at least 900 people use this facility and they are only the ones using the three top news-readers). For various reasons my blogs do not show well on the rating sites. But, from the information now in my possession I know OCICBW... is far more visited than blogs rated far higher in the ratings. In fact, I have a sneaking suspicion OCICBW... is the most popular Christian proper blog in the world (although, of course, I could be wrong on this).
In other words, what many of you have been telling me all along that my priestly ministry is OCICBW..., is not only true but successfully true.
Supporting OCICBW... is supporting the mission of Jesus Christ. It is helping to podcast good, enjoyable liturgy, good sermons and good Christian music into the homes of people who are unable or unwilling to go to church. St. Laika's podcasts throughout the week, not just on Sundays, and is bringing the Calendar of the Church to life for many people.
It is my opinion that together over the last five years we have done something new and have been pioneers of a different way of being church that is exciting and relevant and responsive to the needs of the people who belong to our community or just visit from time to time. But that will all be of no worth if we do not make our successes known to those who really want us to fail. The best proof of our success would be the continuation of OCICBW... and St. Laika's.
People can donate to the mission of OCICBW... using the widgets below. You can send one off payments at times it suits you and such donations will be gratefully received and acknowledged. Or you can sign up to subscribe monthly at a level that suits your pocket. The latter method is most reassuring from my point of view and leads to less insomnia.
If you can link to this appeal on your blogs or on other social network sites that would be brilliant. The time for politeness and avoiding being cheeky is long past. I am a man on a mission :-)
I would also like your advice on something. Would it be the right thing to do to post a list of subscribers, with the individual's permission, on the sidebar at OCICBW...?
Finally, get this into your heads! I am fully conscious of the fact that many of you are in a worse situation than even I am or simply do not have the spare cash to give away. I am also aware that some of you will not want to support this project financially. That is okay. Please do not apologise as no apology is necessary. However, if you are a praying sort and/or a writing comments of encouragement sort, please consider this to be of equal importance to me (actually I probably don't really believe that - BUT GOD DOES).
LOUD FRIDAY
Okay, this time I'm serious.
This week's Loud Friday selection will be best appreciated if you listen to it through BIG earphones with the volume turned up BEYOND 11. In fact, if you wire your brain directly into a stadium spec amplifier, that would be even better.
If you find this tune far too melodic I suggest you check out the band's "Live In Roadburn" album which is basically just noise - bloody brilliant noise.
BAND'S MYSPACE PAGE
PURCHASE VIA MADPRIEST'S AMAZON STORE
THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS A FREE MASON
Check out Theo Hobson on Rowan Williams
and freemasonry at THE GUARDIAN.
This was my comment:
I would point out that I have great respect for the historical achievements of international freemasonry. But English freemasonry has always been primarily the Rotary Club with funny handshakes.
and freemasonry at THE GUARDIAN.
This was my comment:
I would point out that I have great respect for the historical achievements of international freemasonry. But English freemasonry has always been primarily the Rotary Club with funny handshakes.
THE PRAYER LIST - 3RD. JUNE 2011
From RENZ:
Well, I'm back at work on very large doses of prednisone which is controlling the pain in my hands/arms & feet/legs, allowing me to walk again and use my hands. It is clear now from lab work at the hospital (two trips to the Emergency Department last week, one by ambulance) that I am in an auto immune crisis - not sure of the specific disease at this time (my bet is that this is Lupus). My doctor has begun working on referring me to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Also, have to request permission from the benefits folks to give me permission to leave our health system, my insurance obligates me to get all services here. Prayers to continue please.
***
Still no news from Heather who is well overdue on the giving birth front. The last time I heard from her (three days ago) she was very worried about what this might mean and entail medically. So please continue to hold her in your prayers.
***
Posted by Penelopepiscopal at
ONE CANNOT HAVE TOO LARGE A PARTY:
A few days ago, someone with whom I was friends 30-something years ago when I was in college, died suddenly and unexpectedly. We kept in touch all these years via Christmas cards and the occasional letter with a newspaper clipping about one old friend or another, and more recently via Facebook, but I am sure we hadn't seen one another in 25 years.
Still, I am sad - especially for her family and close friends. I know they are shocked and grieving; I know they will miss her.
So rest in peace, my old friend Lucy, and may light perpetual shine upon you as you rest in God's arms. You will certainly be missed here, but I imagine your bright smile is lighting up heaven even now.
***
From THE WALL STREET JOURNAL:
The bacteria that have left 18 dead, sickened hundreds and sparked economic and diplomatic disruptions across Europe are a lethal strain of Escherichia coli that has never been responsible for a human outbreak, health officials said Thursday. The outbreak is the deadliest in modern history to involve E. coli, and among the top three in terms of the number of people ill.
***
From THE WALL STREET JOURNAL:
As spiraling drug violence kills thousands in Mexico and police battle gangs for control of Brazil's drug-infested slums, a high-level international panel has concluded that the U.S.-led war on drugs isn't working.
"The global war on drugs has failed," said a report by the Global Commission on Drug Policy released Thursday. The report calls for a frank dialogue on the issue and encourages governments to experiment with the regulation of drugs, especially marijuana.
***
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.
Well, I'm back at work on very large doses of prednisone which is controlling the pain in my hands/arms & feet/legs, allowing me to walk again and use my hands. It is clear now from lab work at the hospital (two trips to the Emergency Department last week, one by ambulance) that I am in an auto immune crisis - not sure of the specific disease at this time (my bet is that this is Lupus). My doctor has begun working on referring me to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Also, have to request permission from the benefits folks to give me permission to leave our health system, my insurance obligates me to get all services here. Prayers to continue please.
***
Still no news from Heather who is well overdue on the giving birth front. The last time I heard from her (three days ago) she was very worried about what this might mean and entail medically. So please continue to hold her in your prayers.
***
Posted by Penelopepiscopal at
ONE CANNOT HAVE TOO LARGE A PARTY:
A few days ago, someone with whom I was friends 30-something years ago when I was in college, died suddenly and unexpectedly. We kept in touch all these years via Christmas cards and the occasional letter with a newspaper clipping about one old friend or another, and more recently via Facebook, but I am sure we hadn't seen one another in 25 years.
Still, I am sad - especially for her family and close friends. I know they are shocked and grieving; I know they will miss her.
So rest in peace, my old friend Lucy, and may light perpetual shine upon you as you rest in God's arms. You will certainly be missed here, but I imagine your bright smile is lighting up heaven even now.
***
From THE WALL STREET JOURNAL:
***
From THE WALL STREET JOURNAL:
As spiraling drug violence kills thousands in Mexico and police battle gangs for control of Brazil's drug-infested slums, a high-level international panel has concluded that the U.S.-led war on drugs isn't working.
"The global war on drugs has failed," said a report by the Global Commission on Drug Policy released Thursday. The report calls for a frank dialogue on the issue and encourages governments to experiment with the regulation of drugs, especially marijuana.
***
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.
ONE COMPLETE AND UTTER BASTARD AND HIS DOG
Do not watch this video if you are a dog
as it will give you nightmares.
Thanks to Paul(A) for sending the link
to this video into MadPriest Towers.
as it will give you nightmares.
Thanks to Paul(A) for sending the link
to this video into MadPriest Towers.
THE MIDNIGHT JUKEBOX
Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen are both reasonably talented performers but there has always been one thing that has held both of them back and stopped them from progressing much beyond the ranks of the "also rans" of popular entertainment. That one thing is the fact that neither of them sing in a broad, Dublin accent which, as I am sure you will agree is exactly what their songs are crying out for. Fortunately, there is now no need for you to remain disappointed due to this geographical accident of fate, because Barry McCormack is a young man who is obviously intent on carrying the mantle of Cohen/Dylan et al, which he does with supreme aplomb on his new album, and all with the broadest Irish brogue you will come across outside of "the Republic of Doyle."
BARRY'S WEBSITE
PURCHASE VIA MADPRIEST'S AMAZON STORE
Thursday, 2 June 2011
A MAN FOR THE PEOPLE
Justin Welby is married to Caroline and they have had six children (one of whom died in infancy). His recreations include most things French and sailing.
WORSHIP AT ST. LAIKA'S
THE LITURGY OF ASCENSION DAY
This is the full works. I've thrown the whole lot it.
It took me all day so you all better give it a listen.
You can find the words and musics at ST. LAIKA'S.
MP3 File
Ellie is celebrating Ascension Day with a post entitled "Ah, Diversity" over at THE ANCHORHOLD @ OCICBW..." It seems to have something to do with a highland cow.
It took me all day so you all better give it a listen.
You can find the words and musics at ST. LAIKA'S.
MP3 File
Ellie is celebrating Ascension Day with a post entitled "Ah, Diversity" over at THE ANCHORHOLD @ OCICBW..." It seems to have something to do with a highland cow.
THE CHURCH ESTABLISHED
The current Dean of Liverpool, The Very Rev Justin Welby, has been appointed as the next Bishop of Durham.
From WIKI:
Welby was born to Gavin Bernard Welby and his wife, Jane Gillian Welby (née Portal). His mother remarried, becoming Lady Williams of Elvel, years after his father's death in 1975. He is also related to former Conservative Deputy Prime Minister Rab Butler, later Baron Butler of Saffron Walden. His great-grandfather, Sir Montagu Butler, was Lord Butler of Saffron Walden's father and also the father of Welby's grandmother, Iris Butler.
Welby was educated at Eton College before going to Trinity College, Cambridge to study law and history. Following graduation he spent 11 years in the oil industry, eventually becoming Group Treasurer of Enterprise Oil PLC.
From 1989 to 1992, Welby studied theology and trained for the priesthood at Cranmer Hall and St John's College, Durham (evangelical) before becoming a curate at Chilvers Coton with Astley (Nuneaton) from 1992 to 1995. He then became Rector of Southam and Vicar of Ufton from 1995 and 2002.
In 2002, he was appointed a canon residentiary at Coventry Cathedral and was also Co-Director for International Ministry from 2002 to 2005 at the International Centre for Reconciliation. In 2005, he was appointed Sub-Dean and Canon for Reconciliation Ministry.
Welby was appointed Dean of Liverpool in December 2007 and was installed in a service at Liverpool Cathedral on 8 December 2007.
Welby has written widely on ethics and on finance, featuring in books such as Managing the Church?: Order and Organization in a Secular Age and Explorations in Financial Ethics. He also wrote a book entitled Can Companies Sin?: "Whether", "How" and "Who" in Company Accountability which was published by Grove Books in 1992.
COMMENT: Oh, why, why, why?
Why me?
Why does God hate me?
We are moving to Durham to get away from the Bishop of Newcastle.
Talk about jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.
I give up.
From WIKI:
Welby was born to Gavin Bernard Welby and his wife, Jane Gillian Welby (née Portal). His mother remarried, becoming Lady Williams of Elvel, years after his father's death in 1975. He is also related to former Conservative Deputy Prime Minister Rab Butler, later Baron Butler of Saffron Walden. His great-grandfather, Sir Montagu Butler, was Lord Butler of Saffron Walden's father and also the father of Welby's grandmother, Iris Butler.
Welby was educated at Eton College before going to Trinity College, Cambridge to study law and history. Following graduation he spent 11 years in the oil industry, eventually becoming Group Treasurer of Enterprise Oil PLC.
From 1989 to 1992, Welby studied theology and trained for the priesthood at Cranmer Hall and St John's College, Durham (evangelical) before becoming a curate at Chilvers Coton with Astley (Nuneaton) from 1992 to 1995. He then became Rector of Southam and Vicar of Ufton from 1995 and 2002.
In 2002, he was appointed a canon residentiary at Coventry Cathedral and was also Co-Director for International Ministry from 2002 to 2005 at the International Centre for Reconciliation. In 2005, he was appointed Sub-Dean and Canon for Reconciliation Ministry.
Welby was appointed Dean of Liverpool in December 2007 and was installed in a service at Liverpool Cathedral on 8 December 2007.
Welby has written widely on ethics and on finance, featuring in books such as Managing the Church?: Order and Organization in a Secular Age and Explorations in Financial Ethics. He also wrote a book entitled Can Companies Sin?: "Whether", "How" and "Who" in Company Accountability which was published by Grove Books in 1992.
COMMENT: Oh, why, why, why?
Why me?
Why does God hate me?
We are moving to Durham to get away from the Bishop of Newcastle.
Talk about jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.
I give up.
MADPRIEST'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Q: How do you confuse a fundamentalist Christian?
A: Give him a "join-the-dots" puzzle book.
A: Give him a "join-the-dots" puzzle book.
THE PRAYER LIST - 2ND. JUNE 2011
Please continue to pray for Heather (see SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST). The last I heard the stubborn little tyke was still refusing to come out.
***
Posted by Diana at THE KITCHEN DOOR:
My mom is headed to Tuscaloosa with a church group to do some tornado relief. They'll be down there for about a month. She's had all sorts of relevant training, and she's an incredibly creative problem-solver.
All this month, I'll be praying for that trip. That her church is able to serve the people in Alabama well. That my mom stays safe, and also that this is a time of peace and fulfillment for her. That both the serving and the served are blessed. If you wouldn't mind, I'd appreciate your keeping the trip in your prayers, too.
***
Posted at DIOBETH NEWSPIN:
Pray for our young men and women who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for their families:
Pvt. Thomas C. Allers, 23, of Plainwell, Michigan
Staff Sgt. Martin R. Apolinar, 28, of Glendale, Arizona
Sgt. Aaron J. Blasjo, 25, of Riverside, California
Pfc. William S. Blevins, 21, of Sardinia, Ohio
Sgt. Thomas A. Bohall, 25, of Bel Aire, Kansas
Lance Cpl. Peter J. Clore, 23, of New Philadelphia, Ohio
Spc. Richard C. Emmons III, 22, of North Granby, Connecticut
Spc. Adam S. Hamilton, 22, of Kent, Ohio
Staff Sgt. Joseph J. Hamski, 28, of Ottumwa, Iowa
Pfc. John C. Johnson, 28, of Phoenix, Arizona
Pvt. Andrew M. Krippner, 20, Garland, Texas
Staff Sgt. Kristofferson B. Lorenzo, 33, of Chula Vista, California
Staff Sgt. Edward D. Mills Jr., 29, of New Castle, Pennsylvania
Pfc. Anthony M. Nunn, 19, of Burnet, Texas
Staff Sgt. Ergin V. Osman, 35, of Jacksonville, North Carolina
Spc. Adam J. Patton, 21, of Port Orchard, Washington
1st Lt. John M. Runkle, 27, of West Salem, Ohio
Capt. Joseph W. Schultz, 36, of Port Angeles, Washington
Tech. Sgt. Kristoffer M. Solesbee, 32, of Citrus Heights, California
Chief Warrant Officer Christopher R. Thibodeau, 28, of Chesterland, Ohio
Sgt. Louie A. Ramos Velazquez, 39, of Camuy, Puerto Rico
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.
***
From CNN:
More than 200 Afghan militants have crossed over and attacked a security checkpoint in northwest Pakistan. The firefight in Upper Dir district along the Afghan border erupted Wednesday morning and went on for about a day. Three civilians and 22 security forces died in the attack. Pakistani military officials took over, killing more than two dozen militants.
***
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.
***
Posted by Diana at THE KITCHEN DOOR:
My mom is headed to Tuscaloosa with a church group to do some tornado relief. They'll be down there for about a month. She's had all sorts of relevant training, and she's an incredibly creative problem-solver.
All this month, I'll be praying for that trip. That her church is able to serve the people in Alabama well. That my mom stays safe, and also that this is a time of peace and fulfillment for her. That both the serving and the served are blessed. If you wouldn't mind, I'd appreciate your keeping the trip in your prayers, too.
***
Posted at DIOBETH NEWSPIN:
Pray for our young men and women who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for their families:
Pvt. Thomas C. Allers, 23, of Plainwell, Michigan
Staff Sgt. Martin R. Apolinar, 28, of Glendale, Arizona
Sgt. Aaron J. Blasjo, 25, of Riverside, California
Pfc. William S. Blevins, 21, of Sardinia, Ohio
Sgt. Thomas A. Bohall, 25, of Bel Aire, Kansas
Lance Cpl. Peter J. Clore, 23, of New Philadelphia, Ohio
Spc. Richard C. Emmons III, 22, of North Granby, Connecticut
Spc. Adam S. Hamilton, 22, of Kent, Ohio
Staff Sgt. Joseph J. Hamski, 28, of Ottumwa, Iowa
Pfc. John C. Johnson, 28, of Phoenix, Arizona
Pvt. Andrew M. Krippner, 20, Garland, Texas
Staff Sgt. Kristofferson B. Lorenzo, 33, of Chula Vista, California
Staff Sgt. Edward D. Mills Jr., 29, of New Castle, Pennsylvania
Pfc. Anthony M. Nunn, 19, of Burnet, Texas
Staff Sgt. Ergin V. Osman, 35, of Jacksonville, North Carolina
Spc. Adam J. Patton, 21, of Port Orchard, Washington
1st Lt. John M. Runkle, 27, of West Salem, Ohio
Capt. Joseph W. Schultz, 36, of Port Angeles, Washington
Tech. Sgt. Kristoffer M. Solesbee, 32, of Citrus Heights, California
Chief Warrant Officer Christopher R. Thibodeau, 28, of Chesterland, Ohio
Sgt. Louie A. Ramos Velazquez, 39, of Camuy, Puerto Rico
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.
***
From CNN:
More than 200 Afghan militants have crossed over and attacked a security checkpoint in northwest Pakistan. The firefight in Upper Dir district along the Afghan border erupted Wednesday morning and went on for about a day. Three civilians and 22 security forces died in the attack. Pakistani military officials took over, killing more than two dozen militants.
***
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.
HANGING IS TOO GOOD FOR THEM
Thanks to Jay Simser for sending the
link to this video into MadPriest Towers.
A CHURCH FOR EVERYONE
This will never take off in England.
Our church is all about the bishops.
Always has been. Always will be.
Thanks to Claire for sending the link
to this vid into MadPriest Towers.
CONGRATULATIONS MATE !
Yes, a hearty congratulations, with just enough envy in my voice to prove my sincerity, to first wave Christian blogger, Scott Gunn, of the SEVEN WHOLE DAYS blog.
From EPISCOPAL NEWS SERVICE:
The Rev. Scott Gunn has been chosen to lead Forward Movement Publications in its mission to "reinvigorate the life of the church."
Gunn, a priest of the Diocese of Rhode Island, has been named by the board of directors and Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori as the organization's executive director.
Forward Movement, the publisher of Forward Day by Day meditations as well as books and pamphlets about spirituality and the Episcopal Church, celebrated its 75th anniversary last year.
Gunn begins his ministry with the Cincinnati-based Forward Movement in late July, according to a June 1 press release.
"Our church is at a critical and thrilling point as we seek to find our way forward in the 21st century," said Gunn in the release. "Forward Movement is positioned well to be a leader in proclaiming the gospel that is at our core."
Jefferts Schori said in the release that "we welcome Fr. Gunn as he joins the work of leading Forward Movement into the next chapter of its ministry."
With a worldwide circulation of more than 300,000 subscribers, Forward Day by Day will continue to play a central role at Forward Movement, according to the release, while Gunn leads the agency in the exploration of new content -- and new methods of delivery -- both to support current readers and to attract new audiences.
COMMENT: I have told him that the first thing he must do is open a branch in North East England.
From EPISCOPAL NEWS SERVICE:
The Rev. Scott Gunn has been chosen to lead Forward Movement Publications in its mission to "reinvigorate the life of the church."
Gunn, a priest of the Diocese of Rhode Island, has been named by the board of directors and Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori as the organization's executive director.
Forward Movement, the publisher of Forward Day by Day meditations as well as books and pamphlets about spirituality and the Episcopal Church, celebrated its 75th anniversary last year.
Gunn begins his ministry with the Cincinnati-based Forward Movement in late July, according to a June 1 press release.
"Our church is at a critical and thrilling point as we seek to find our way forward in the 21st century," said Gunn in the release. "Forward Movement is positioned well to be a leader in proclaiming the gospel that is at our core."
Jefferts Schori said in the release that "we welcome Fr. Gunn as he joins the work of leading Forward Movement into the next chapter of its ministry."
With a worldwide circulation of more than 300,000 subscribers, Forward Day by Day will continue to play a central role at Forward Movement, according to the release, while Gunn leads the agency in the exploration of new content -- and new methods of delivery -- both to support current readers and to attract new audiences.
COMMENT: I have told him that the first thing he must do is open a branch in North East England.
THE MIDNIGHT JUKEBOX
My favourite singer/songwriter is not from the United States and is certainly not from England. He is, in fact, from Canada (although he moved there from Ayr in Scotland back in 1966). His name is David Francey. He has a gorgeous, warm folky voice that I can listen to for hours on end and the rare talent of being able to compose songs with immediately attractive melodies.
It has been a lean few years for fans of David's records (his last studio album was released four years ago and a live album released in 2009 wasn't really that interesting), so it's great to be able to play three tracks of his brand new studio album, "Late Edition," to you this evening. And there's more good news for his fans this side of the Atlantic. I contacted his management the other week to find out if he would be playing the UK anytime soon and they told me that he should be heading my way in the Autumn. I'm hoping against hope, that being originally from Scotland, he will realise that there is a north of England and will be playing a gig that I can afford to get to. I've never seen him perform and I would love to. I have a feeling it would be a magical evening.
DAVID'S WEBSITE
PURCHASE VIA MADPRIEST'S AMAZON STORE
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
THE BRITISH BIASED CORPORATION
From THE MAIL:
According to a survey of BBC viewers, conducted by the Corporation itself, the BBC is regarded as anti-Christian. The survey found that Christians are portrayed with 'derogatory stereotypes' and presented as 'weak' and 'bigoted'. Arrogantly, the BBC has dismissed the findings of its own report. A spokesman says it 'has strict editorial guidelines on impartiality' and that it 'does not have anti-Christian bias'.
The Mail cites a recent character in the popular soap, "Eastenders", as proof of the shitty way the BBC portrays Christians on their channel.
Thus a prime time series, such as EastEnders, offers a story line of a Christian preacher, Lucas Johnson, who leaves his ex-wife to die, murders his wife's ex-husband, drowns his son's dog, and strangles his wife and locks her in a basement, kills another woman who looks like his new wife.
And then it asks the reasonable question:
Where are the equivalent pro-Christian story lines in their soaps?
In conclusion the Mail points out:
Much of the abuse heaped on Christianity from the BBC - for instance from 'alternative' comedians and soap opera script writers - is the work of Guardianista atheists. But, of course, part of the formula for political correctness of this group is to combine their insults of Christianity with an uncritical approach towards minority faiths. BBC executives have admitted that although they would show a scene where a Bible was thrown away, they would never do the same with a copy of the Koran.
Although the Mail is maligned, with good reason, by politically correct liberals (as opposed to politically incorrect liberals like myself) as being the newspaper of lower middle class, grumpy old reactionaries, it does have a point here and the bias against Christianity is not just restricted to the BBC. There are very few documentaries fronted by Christian scholars on any of the British channels and when a Christian does get a crack of the whip they are invariably closer to Unitarians in their beliefs than the beliefs of an average churchgoer or even an average reader of this blog.
But most of all it is the constant belittling of Christians and even their most innocuous beliefs by comedians on the box that is most damaging to Christianity in my country. Most of our comedians rely on adolescent humour to get their laughs and so they appeal mostly to adolescents and young adults. Of course, being called stupid by a celebrity is the last thing any young person wants and the barrier that the BBC and their co-conspirators in the other TV companies are building between young people and the gospel by employing the Stephen Frys and Eddie Izzards of this world, without employing equally brilliant Christian comedians like myself and Father Christian, is becoming unbreachable.
According to a survey of BBC viewers, conducted by the Corporation itself, the BBC is regarded as anti-Christian. The survey found that Christians are portrayed with 'derogatory stereotypes' and presented as 'weak' and 'bigoted'. Arrogantly, the BBC has dismissed the findings of its own report. A spokesman says it 'has strict editorial guidelines on impartiality' and that it 'does not have anti-Christian bias'.
The Mail cites a recent character in the popular soap, "Eastenders", as proof of the shitty way the BBC portrays Christians on their channel.
Thus a prime time series, such as EastEnders, offers a story line of a Christian preacher, Lucas Johnson, who leaves his ex-wife to die, murders his wife's ex-husband, drowns his son's dog, and strangles his wife and locks her in a basement, kills another woman who looks like his new wife.
And then it asks the reasonable question:
Where are the equivalent pro-Christian story lines in their soaps?
In conclusion the Mail points out:
Much of the abuse heaped on Christianity from the BBC - for instance from 'alternative' comedians and soap opera script writers - is the work of Guardianista atheists. But, of course, part of the formula for political correctness of this group is to combine their insults of Christianity with an uncritical approach towards minority faiths. BBC executives have admitted that although they would show a scene where a Bible was thrown away, they would never do the same with a copy of the Koran.
Although the Mail is maligned, with good reason, by politically correct liberals (as opposed to politically incorrect liberals like myself) as being the newspaper of lower middle class, grumpy old reactionaries, it does have a point here and the bias against Christianity is not just restricted to the BBC. There are very few documentaries fronted by Christian scholars on any of the British channels and when a Christian does get a crack of the whip they are invariably closer to Unitarians in their beliefs than the beliefs of an average churchgoer or even an average reader of this blog.
But most of all it is the constant belittling of Christians and even their most innocuous beliefs by comedians on the box that is most damaging to Christianity in my country. Most of our comedians rely on adolescent humour to get their laughs and so they appeal mostly to adolescents and young adults. Of course, being called stupid by a celebrity is the last thing any young person wants and the barrier that the BBC and their co-conspirators in the other TV companies are building between young people and the gospel by employing the Stephen Frys and Eddie Izzards of this world, without employing equally brilliant Christian comedians like myself and Father Christian, is becoming unbreachable.
THE SOPPY IT SELECTION
This is Bubba-the-Cat,
who lives a life of
leisure with our
lesbians friends,
IT and BP.
In cat terms,
IT thinks that's
probably Heaven.
Unfortunately, due to the heretical lifestyle of the human company he keeps, Bubba-the-Cat has been ejected from the Anglicat Communion by GAFCAT.
Bubba-the-Cat doesn't give a damn about this.
Here is a photograph of a GAFCAT moggie for comparison. As you can see, there isn't any. They're a different species, more closely related to the common garden slug than the King of the Beasts.
WORSHIP AT ST. LAIKA'S
Here is a service of evening prayer for today, the feast day of Justin Martyr. The music is traditional and classical in style. The words and credits can be found at ST. LAIKA'S.
MP3 File
MP3 File
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST
From Heather:
Excuse flippancy but could everyone please ask God to propel me into labour, like, ASAP? There's no relevant photo as I'm utterly unphotogenic at the moment.
No problem, Heather, we'll do that. We'll even help out with an artist's impression so the boys get an idea of what they are praying for you to be released from.
Excuse flippancy but could everyone please ask God to propel me into labour, like, ASAP? There's no relevant photo as I'm utterly unphotogenic at the moment.
No problem, Heather, we'll do that. We'll even help out with an artist's impression so the boys get an idea of what they are praying for you to be released from.
SILLINESS OF THE DAY
From THE TELEGRAPH:
When Sacha Hall realised her local Tesco was throwing away thousands of pounds of fresh food following a power cut, she thought there could be no harm in taking some to eat. But to her horror, within minutes of stocking up her fridge with packets of ham, potato waffles and pies, police swooped on her home and arrested her for theft. She now faces the possibility of a jail sentence after admitting handling stolen goods in relation to the £200 haul of groceries.
She has condemned the police response as “totally out of proportion”, insisting she had only wished to prevent good food going to waste.
COMMENT: The supermarkets view Sacha's action as theft because the way they see it is that if people eat their products for free, even if they have been thrown away, they will not spend the money saved in their shops.
Goodness knows how much good food is discarded by businesses in the developed world every day. I guess it will be hundreds of thousands of tons. Goodness knows how much energy and land use is wasted because of this. Goodness knows how much suffering is imposed on people in developing countries and among the poor in their own countries by these profit hungry companies because of their wasteful policies.
There ought to be a law against it.
There must be ways that all this organic matter could be utilised in a way that is less immoral and more caring towards our dying planet than simply bunging it into a landfill still in its forrest destroying and oil consuming packaging.
When Sacha Hall realised her local Tesco was throwing away thousands of pounds of fresh food following a power cut, she thought there could be no harm in taking some to eat. But to her horror, within minutes of stocking up her fridge with packets of ham, potato waffles and pies, police swooped on her home and arrested her for theft. She now faces the possibility of a jail sentence after admitting handling stolen goods in relation to the £200 haul of groceries.
She has condemned the police response as “totally out of proportion”, insisting she had only wished to prevent good food going to waste.
COMMENT: The supermarkets view Sacha's action as theft because the way they see it is that if people eat their products for free, even if they have been thrown away, they will not spend the money saved in their shops.
Goodness knows how much good food is discarded by businesses in the developed world every day. I guess it will be hundreds of thousands of tons. Goodness knows how much energy and land use is wasted because of this. Goodness knows how much suffering is imposed on people in developing countries and among the poor in their own countries by these profit hungry companies because of their wasteful policies.
There ought to be a law against it.
There must be ways that all this organic matter could be utilised in a way that is less immoral and more caring towards our dying planet than simply bunging it into a landfill still in its forrest destroying and oil consuming packaging.
A FITTING TRIBUTE
A huge, big thank you to Fred Schwartz for his lovely tribute to the OCICBW... crowd on his blog OFF-TOPIC ALLOWED.
MADPRIEST'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Those who know the past will always be strangers
among those who only know the present.
among those who only know the present.
THE PRAYER LIST - 1ST. JUNE 2011
Our prayers continue for our friend Kirstin at BAREFOOT AND DANCING (see yesterday's PRAYER LIST for details). Kirstin has posted on facebook that she has been fitted with an appropriate knee brace and is not in so much pain now. Thank God for small mercies.
***
Please pray for my friend, K, whose partnership of many years appears to be irrevocably on the rocks. For various reasons the near future seems set to be unpleasant for K and my friend does not deserve this. May God be with K every step of the way and bring K to a place of peace and happiness.
***
Please pray for Tracie who is suffering unpleasantness within her faith community. On top of this she has potential health problems that are worrying her.
***
Posted by Gurdur at THE HEATHEN HUB:
Another Pakistani investigative reporter, Syed Saleem Shahzad, who worked in Pakistan for a news service based in Hong Kong, has been murdered, and his body shows signs of having been beaten and possibly tortured in other ways. Syed Saleem Shahzad had very recently done a news story investigating into why Al-Qaeda had attacked a Pakistani naval base in Karachi on the 22nd of May.
***
From RADIO FREE EUROPE:
European food-safety investigators are still trying to determine the scope and source of an E. coli bacterial outbreak that has been blamed for the deaths of 16 people and made more than 1,000 others ill, mainly in Germany. Fifteen of the reported deaths have occurred in Germany and one in Sweden - a victim who had recently traveled to Germany - while infections have been reported in Britain, Denmark, France and The Netherlands, also mainly among people who had recently traveled to Germany.
***
From IOL NEWS:
Activists and bloggers are pressing Egypt's military rulers to investigate accusations of serious abuses against protesters, including claims that soldiers subjected female detainees to so-called “virginity tests.” The virginity test allegations first surfaced after a March 9 rally in Cairo's Tahrir Square that turned violent when men in plainclothes attacked protesters and the army intervened forcefully to clear the square. One woman who was arrested spoke out about her treatment, and Amnesty International further documented the abuse allegations in a report that found 18 female detainees were threatened with prostitution charges and forced to undergo virginity tests. They were also beaten up and given electric shocks, the report said.
***
From THE NEW YORK TIMES:
Hamza Ali al-Khateeb, a round-faced 13-year-old boy, was arrested at a protest in Jiza, a southern Syrian village near Dara’a, on April 29. Nothing was known of him for a month before his mutilated corpse was returned to his family on the condition, according to activists, that they never speak of his brutal end. But the remains themselves testify all too clearly to ghastly torture. Video posted online shows his battered, purple face. His skin is scrawled with cuts, gashes, deep burns and bullet wounds that would probably have injured but not killed. His jaw and kneecaps are shattered and his penis chopped off.
In Syria and beyond, the youth’s battered body has cast into shocking relief the terrors wielded by the Syrian state against its people.
***
From METRO:
The average price of basics such as wheat, rice and corn are set to increase by between 120 per cent and 180 per cent by 2030 according to the report, "Growing a Better Future" from Oxfam. About 70 per cent more food will have to be produced by 2050 to ensure the world’s population can be fed. Climate change, the sale of farming land in developing countries, speculators who artificially drive up prices and competition for land to grow bio-fuels are all putting the world’s food system under pressure.
‘Without urgent action the future will be one of zero-sum competition between states, resource grabs by powerful elites, and ecological collapse,’ the report concluded.
***
From THE BBC:
A 44ft (13m) long whale has died three hours after becoming stranded on a beach on Teesside.
Police alerted the RNLI after spotting the 20 tonne stricken mammal on Redcar beach, just after 0620 BST on Tuesday morning. A rescue bid started which involved trying to keep the adult sperm whale wet until high tide but it died.
***
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.
***
Please pray for my friend, K, whose partnership of many years appears to be irrevocably on the rocks. For various reasons the near future seems set to be unpleasant for K and my friend does not deserve this. May God be with K every step of the way and bring K to a place of peace and happiness.
***
Please pray for Tracie who is suffering unpleasantness within her faith community. On top of this she has potential health problems that are worrying her.
***
Posted by Gurdur at THE HEATHEN HUB:
Another Pakistani investigative reporter, Syed Saleem Shahzad, who worked in Pakistan for a news service based in Hong Kong, has been murdered, and his body shows signs of having been beaten and possibly tortured in other ways. Syed Saleem Shahzad had very recently done a news story investigating into why Al-Qaeda had attacked a Pakistani naval base in Karachi on the 22nd of May.
***
From RADIO FREE EUROPE:
European food-safety investigators are still trying to determine the scope and source of an E. coli bacterial outbreak that has been blamed for the deaths of 16 people and made more than 1,000 others ill, mainly in Germany. Fifteen of the reported deaths have occurred in Germany and one in Sweden - a victim who had recently traveled to Germany - while infections have been reported in Britain, Denmark, France and The Netherlands, also mainly among people who had recently traveled to Germany.
***
From IOL NEWS:
Activists and bloggers are pressing Egypt's military rulers to investigate accusations of serious abuses against protesters, including claims that soldiers subjected female detainees to so-called “virginity tests.” The virginity test allegations first surfaced after a March 9 rally in Cairo's Tahrir Square that turned violent when men in plainclothes attacked protesters and the army intervened forcefully to clear the square. One woman who was arrested spoke out about her treatment, and Amnesty International further documented the abuse allegations in a report that found 18 female detainees were threatened with prostitution charges and forced to undergo virginity tests. They were also beaten up and given electric shocks, the report said.
***
From THE NEW YORK TIMES:
Hamza Ali al-Khateeb, a round-faced 13-year-old boy, was arrested at a protest in Jiza, a southern Syrian village near Dara’a, on April 29. Nothing was known of him for a month before his mutilated corpse was returned to his family on the condition, according to activists, that they never speak of his brutal end. But the remains themselves testify all too clearly to ghastly torture. Video posted online shows his battered, purple face. His skin is scrawled with cuts, gashes, deep burns and bullet wounds that would probably have injured but not killed. His jaw and kneecaps are shattered and his penis chopped off.
In Syria and beyond, the youth’s battered body has cast into shocking relief the terrors wielded by the Syrian state against its people.
***
From METRO:
The average price of basics such as wheat, rice and corn are set to increase by between 120 per cent and 180 per cent by 2030 according to the report, "Growing a Better Future" from Oxfam. About 70 per cent more food will have to be produced by 2050 to ensure the world’s population can be fed. Climate change, the sale of farming land in developing countries, speculators who artificially drive up prices and competition for land to grow bio-fuels are all putting the world’s food system under pressure.
‘Without urgent action the future will be one of zero-sum competition between states, resource grabs by powerful elites, and ecological collapse,’ the report concluded.
***
From THE BBC:
A 44ft (13m) long whale has died three hours after becoming stranded on a beach on Teesside.
Police alerted the RNLI after spotting the 20 tonne stricken mammal on Redcar beach, just after 0620 BST on Tuesday morning. A rescue bid started which involved trying to keep the adult sperm whale wet until high tide but it died.
***
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, 31 May 2011
THE MIDNIGHT JUKEBOX
If I was to tell you that the most authentic sounding American 1970's rock band were not American or from the 1970s but were in fact from Delhi in India and still gigging and recording at this very moment in time, you would believe me, of course, because you all know that I would never lie to you. And you would also be intrigued and would press the play button on the widget below. I don't think any of you ageing hippies and Deadheads will be disappointed.
PARIKRAMA'S WEBSITE
PURCHASE VIA MADPRIEST'S AMAZON STORE
A JOB FOR MADPRIEST
From THE ANGLICAN JOURNAL:
The Chapel of the Snows is the world’s southernmost dedicated religious building. The chapel is situated at a latitude of 77.880 south, 840 miles from the south pole. It’s part of McMurdo Station, a U.S. scientific research facility overlooking McMurdo Sound on the southern tip of Ross Island, Antarctica. The inter-faith chapel is staffed in summer by Protestant pastors and Roman Catholic priests.
Christians make up more than 70 per cent of the station’s summer population of about 1,000, which shrinks to 200 in winter.
COMMENT: Well, I could cover the winter period then. I think the Bishop of Newcastle would probably even bring himself to giving me a good reference for this job. Do you think they get cable broadband?
The Chapel of the Snows is the world’s southernmost dedicated religious building. The chapel is situated at a latitude of 77.880 south, 840 miles from the south pole. It’s part of McMurdo Station, a U.S. scientific research facility overlooking McMurdo Sound on the southern tip of Ross Island, Antarctica. The inter-faith chapel is staffed in summer by Protestant pastors and Roman Catholic priests.
Christians make up more than 70 per cent of the station’s summer population of about 1,000, which shrinks to 200 in winter.
COMMENT: Well, I could cover the winter period then. I think the Bishop of Newcastle would probably even bring himself to giving me a good reference for this job. Do you think they get cable broadband?
BLOGS ABOUT DOGS (AND CATS)
This is Tess (the puppy) and Tommy.
Check out Rob's blog, A GARDENER'S DIARY (don't worry it's not all about gardening) to see loads more photo's of these two. Also, you must go visit TIPPY THE WONDERDOG (it appears all Rob's dogs' names begin with "t") which is "in memory of (Rob's) beloved Border Collie Tippy who died on July 28th 2010."
For a man who works on a country estate in Derbyshire, Rob is incredibly soppy about dogs. Which is just fine with us.
As I always get grief off the cat lovers when I show any bias towards dogs I will also highlight the high quality blogging antics of a cat called SAMSON. He is a very handsome Norwegian Blue/Persian cross and, as you can see from this photo, he knows it.
Check out Rob's blog, A GARDENER'S DIARY (don't worry it's not all about gardening) to see loads more photo's of these two. Also, you must go visit TIPPY THE WONDERDOG (it appears all Rob's dogs' names begin with "t") which is "in memory of (Rob's) beloved Border Collie Tippy who died on July 28th 2010."
For a man who works on a country estate in Derbyshire, Rob is incredibly soppy about dogs. Which is just fine with us.
As I always get grief off the cat lovers when I show any bias towards dogs I will also highlight the high quality blogging antics of a cat called SAMSON. He is a very handsome Norwegian Blue/Persian cross and, as you can see from this photo, he knows it.
MADPRIEST'S QUESTION OF THE DAY
Do couples in civil unions have to be politer to each
other than couples who are just bog standard married?
other than couples who are just bog standard married?
CHIT CHAT (14)
"Chit Chat" is an occasional 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!
Your phrase this week is:
THAT'S SO BAD MANNERED
Where you take it is completely up to you.
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!
Your phrase this week is:
THAT'S SO BAD MANNERED
Where you take it is completely up to you.
WORSHIP AT OCICBW...
Here is a service of holy communion for the feast of the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth. I have mashed together some gorgeous classical music, hymns and ambient techno and I'm really quite pleased with the result. Do check it out. You don't have to join in with the worship, you can just enjoy the sound if you like. If you would like to see the words and credits check out ST. LAIKA'S.
MP3 File
MP3 File
THE PRAYER LIST - 31ST. MAY 2011
Kirstin from the BAREFOOT AND LAUGHING blog is a longstanding and much loved member of our internet neighbourhood. For many years she has fought cancer with an optimistic and uncomplaining fortitude which has been an example of the power of faith for us all.
Yesterday, Kirstin's partner, Andee posted an appeal for help as Kirstin's illness has become acute and disabling. You can read the full text HERE, but for our prayers today I am highlighting this particular paragraph:
We hope, and pray, that this is temporary. There is still one more treatment for melanoma to be tried; a very small percentage of those who go through it are helped by it. There is a very great chance (and I'm crying as I write this) that I'm asking you to be prepared to help with end of life care.
***
Posted by Red at APPLES OF GOLD:
Well, the inevitable finally happened. My Nan passed away last night. I am sad, but at the same time I know it is a blessed release for her. I thought I was fully prepared for her dying and how I would feel, but I still feel a real sense of loss. I mourn the fact that I only really got to know her in her 90s. But I do thank God that I had that at least.
***
From XINHUA NEWS AGENCY:
Yemen: A series of huge explosions and heavy gunshots between government forces and armed tribes loyal to opposition leader Sheikh Sadiq al-Ahmar erupted on Tuesday, breaking down a cease-fire deal earlier in the week between both sides.
***
From REUTERS:
Syrian forces killed at least 11 civilians and wounded scores Sunday in a widening military push into central Syria to quell protests against the rule of President Bashar al-Assad.
***
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.
Yesterday, Kirstin's partner, Andee posted an appeal for help as Kirstin's illness has become acute and disabling. You can read the full text HERE, but for our prayers today I am highlighting this particular paragraph:
We hope, and pray, that this is temporary. There is still one more treatment for melanoma to be tried; a very small percentage of those who go through it are helped by it. There is a very great chance (and I'm crying as I write this) that I'm asking you to be prepared to help with end of life care.
***
Posted by Red at APPLES OF GOLD:
***
From XINHUA NEWS AGENCY:
Yemen: A series of huge explosions and heavy gunshots between government forces and armed tribes loyal to opposition leader Sheikh Sadiq al-Ahmar erupted on Tuesday, breaking down a cease-fire deal earlier in the week between both sides.
***
From REUTERS:
Syrian forces killed at least 11 civilians and wounded scores Sunday in a widening military push into central Syria to quell protests against the rule of President Bashar al-Assad.
***
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HEADLINE OF THE DAY
I was wondering what to get JCF for being OCICBW...'s two millionth visitor. Then I saw this headline and I knew immediately I had found the perfect present.
From CHRISTIAN TODAY:
I expect one of your most inappropriate comments, my friend. Opportunities like this don't come along everyday.
From CHRISTIAN TODAY:
I expect one of your most inappropriate comments, my friend. Opportunities like this don't come along everyday.
JUST MY LUCK
Dammit! I've just worked it out. Somehow I've managed to clash MY BIG DAY with yet another American holiday. No wonder hardly anyone has commented.
That's just typical of my life.
I blame JCF.
That's just typical of my life.
I blame JCF.
READ THIS - IT'S IMPORTANT
Posted at BAREFOOT AND LAUGHING:
This has my full support. Kirstin is one of the nicest bloggers in the Neighbourhood and, in blog terms, I've known her for a long time. If anybody can help you will have my sincere gratitude and I expect everybody, whatever your faith, to pray like our friend was your own kith and kin.
We have just reached the point where Kirstin can no longer stay alone while I am at work. (This is Andee - the infamous "A," her roommate, writing.)
For those of you who may not be up-to-date with the latest--the pain from the "strained ligament" in her left knee turned out in fact to be from another melanoma metastasis in her left tibia. The various pain meds she has been given, while not helping much with the pain, have made her loopy, nauseous or both. She had been able to hobble from the bed to the bathroom with the aid of a walker, but Friday night, the pain meds made her lose her balance. She caught herself before falling, but simply putting weight on that leg fractured the front of that bone.
I haven't had an uninterrupted night's sleep in weeks, and am exhausted. Although I have some vacation time remaining, I'm trying to save that for the times I need to accompany Kirstin to doctor's appointments. Family leave laws don't apply when you are the primary caregiver to a roommate instead of a close relative.
To all of you who have wondered how you can help: HELP!!!!
We desperately need people who can just quietly be here daytimes on weekdays; having someone here for a few hours on Saturday so I can run errands would also be helpful. If you're local and can come for a day (or even half a day) every week, that would be wonderful. If you're from out of state and can come help out for a few days, or a week or more, that too would be marvelous.
You might need to bring her something from the kitchen when she asks, remember when she is due for more meds, or wheel her the few feet from the bed to bathroom. (The wheelchair is super-lightweight; the only tricky part is negotiating some tight doorways and corners without bumping her injured leg.) And I'll be honest, until we get the pain meds/nausea stuff worked out, there might be an occasion when you have to rinse out the basin. (To give her credit--although I'm sure this isn't something she wants to be known for--Kirstin is the neatest, most odorless vomiter I've ever met!) Between the pain and the anti-pain drugs, she's not up to much socializing. So most of the time, you'll just be occupying yourself in another room, just available in case of need. (There's a computer, wi-fi, a ton of books, and three cats to keep you amused, but no cable TV.)
We hope, and pray, that this is temporary. There is still one more treatment for melanoma to be tried; a very small percentage of those who go through it are helped by it. There is a very great chance (and I'm crying as I write this) that I'm asking you to be prepared to help with end of life care.
Many of our friends have asked if Kirstin needs money. The answer is yes, no, maybe and probably. Neither medical insurance nor hospice covers this kind of in-home care - at most they provide an aide a few hours a week. If we can't find enough friends who can help and need to hire aides, or if the friends who have time are unemployed and can only come if we cover their travel and lodging expenses, then yes, she is going to need lots of money. If you can help cover some of these expenses (and thank you, Lisa and Neil for offering air miles!), or contribute towards other medical costs not covered by insurance, please, please write to Andee.
Other ways you can help--
Baby monitor: Does anyone have one we could borrow? I'm discovering that with the air conditioner running, it's hard to hear from one room to another.
Handyman skills: I really need to get my front sprinkler systems working again, because I don't have time while taking care of Kirstin to water by hand. (I think the valves just got clogged with dirt when the city repaired the sidewalk a few months ago. At any rate, I hope that's all it is.) We may also have to remove a couple of inside doors and the shower doors temporarily to make it easier for her to move from room to room, and get into the bathtub. If/when we have to bring in a hospital bed, I'll need to put up curtains in the living room, and will need a place to store some furniture (and strong arms/backs to help move it).
Gardening: This will make the second summer in a row that melanoma has taken precedence over gardening. The weeds (and unwanted zillions of baby oak trees) aren't tall - but they are plentiful. If that's your thing, have at it!
And of course prayers, love, emails, tears, hugs. What's sustaining us through this is knowing how many of you are with us. I love you all.
Andee
This has my full support. Kirstin is one of the nicest bloggers in the Neighbourhood and, in blog terms, I've known her for a long time. If anybody can help you will have my sincere gratitude and I expect everybody, whatever your faith, to pray like our friend was your own kith and kin.
Andee and Kirstin need help
Written by Andee, posted by Kirstin
We have just reached the point where Kirstin can no longer stay alone while I am at work. (This is Andee - the infamous "A," her roommate, writing.)
For those of you who may not be up-to-date with the latest--the pain from the "strained ligament" in her left knee turned out in fact to be from another melanoma metastasis in her left tibia. The various pain meds she has been given, while not helping much with the pain, have made her loopy, nauseous or both. She had been able to hobble from the bed to the bathroom with the aid of a walker, but Friday night, the pain meds made her lose her balance. She caught herself before falling, but simply putting weight on that leg fractured the front of that bone.
I haven't had an uninterrupted night's sleep in weeks, and am exhausted. Although I have some vacation time remaining, I'm trying to save that for the times I need to accompany Kirstin to doctor's appointments. Family leave laws don't apply when you are the primary caregiver to a roommate instead of a close relative.
To all of you who have wondered how you can help: HELP!!!!
We desperately need people who can just quietly be here daytimes on weekdays; having someone here for a few hours on Saturday so I can run errands would also be helpful. If you're local and can come for a day (or even half a day) every week, that would be wonderful. If you're from out of state and can come help out for a few days, or a week or more, that too would be marvelous.
You might need to bring her something from the kitchen when she asks, remember when she is due for more meds, or wheel her the few feet from the bed to bathroom. (The wheelchair is super-lightweight; the only tricky part is negotiating some tight doorways and corners without bumping her injured leg.) And I'll be honest, until we get the pain meds/nausea stuff worked out, there might be an occasion when you have to rinse out the basin. (To give her credit--although I'm sure this isn't something she wants to be known for--Kirstin is the neatest, most odorless vomiter I've ever met!) Between the pain and the anti-pain drugs, she's not up to much socializing. So most of the time, you'll just be occupying yourself in another room, just available in case of need. (There's a computer, wi-fi, a ton of books, and three cats to keep you amused, but no cable TV.)
We hope, and pray, that this is temporary. There is still one more treatment for melanoma to be tried; a very small percentage of those who go through it are helped by it. There is a very great chance (and I'm crying as I write this) that I'm asking you to be prepared to help with end of life care.
Many of our friends have asked if Kirstin needs money. The answer is yes, no, maybe and probably. Neither medical insurance nor hospice covers this kind of in-home care - at most they provide an aide a few hours a week. If we can't find enough friends who can help and need to hire aides, or if the friends who have time are unemployed and can only come if we cover their travel and lodging expenses, then yes, she is going to need lots of money. If you can help cover some of these expenses (and thank you, Lisa and Neil for offering air miles!), or contribute towards other medical costs not covered by insurance, please, please write to Andee.
(For that matter, if you're in the Stockton/Lodi area, do you have a guest room that you'd be willing to make available to friends who are traveling from out of state to help us? Or if you're going to be out of town for part of the next few months, could they borrow your house, if needed? My house is tiny - Kirstin's in the bedroom, I'm sleeping in the living room.)
Other ways you can help--
Baby monitor: Does anyone have one we could borrow? I'm discovering that with the air conditioner running, it's hard to hear from one room to another.
Handyman skills: I really need to get my front sprinkler systems working again, because I don't have time while taking care of Kirstin to water by hand. (I think the valves just got clogged with dirt when the city repaired the sidewalk a few months ago. At any rate, I hope that's all it is.) We may also have to remove a couple of inside doors and the shower doors temporarily to make it easier for her to move from room to room, and get into the bathtub. If/when we have to bring in a hospital bed, I'll need to put up curtains in the living room, and will need a place to store some furniture (and strong arms/backs to help move it).
Gardening: This will make the second summer in a row that melanoma has taken precedence over gardening. The weeds (and unwanted zillions of baby oak trees) aren't tall - but they are plentiful. If that's your thing, have at it!
And of course prayers, love, emails, tears, hugs. What's sustaining us through this is knowing how many of you are with us. I love you all.
Andee
THE MIDNIGHT JUKEBOX
AUSTIN'S WEBSITE
PURCHASE VIA MADPRIEST'S AMAZON STORE
Monday, 30 May 2011
GOD SHOWS INCREDIBLY POOR JUDGEMENT
WHEN IT COMES TO CHOOSING PEOPLE
From THE MUSLIM NEWS:
A group of extremist Israeli settlers, living at the Beit Ayin illegal settlement built on Palestinian lands belonging to Beit Ummar village, north of the southern West Bank city of Hebron, attacked on Saturday Palestinian orchards, and uprooted twenty Olive trees. Eyewitnesses said that Israeli soldiers were present in the area, but did not stop the settlers, yet, the soldiers prevented the residents from reaching their vineyards and olive orchards.
***
Israeli authorities forced Mahmoud Aramin to demolish his house in East Jerusalem Sunday, or risk having it destroyed by an Israeli bulldozer. Aramin had already paid thousands of dollars in fines to the Jerusalem municipality in monthly installments, for having built an 'unlicensed' house in East Jerusalem. Palestinians who live in East Jerusalem have not been granted building permits since 1967, and face frequent demolitions of their homes by Israeli authorities. The forced demolition comes just days after the Israeli authorities authorized the construction of a 50-unit Jewish settlement in the Ras al-Amoud neighborhood of East Jerusalem, not far from the home of Mahmoud Aramin.
From EKKLESIA:
A resolution calling for a UK ban of goods from unlawful Israeli settlements has had to be withdrawn as a result of the threat posed by proposed legislation in Israel which could make such a call a criminal offence subject to judicial and financial punishment. But the Kirk's national decision-making body nevertheless passed Deliverance 48, which "instruct[s] the Church and Society Council to work with ecumenical and civil society partners to continue to lobby for the introduction of labelling of products in the UK which clearly identify whether they are from an illegal Israeli settlement."
It was reported to the Assembly, meeting on the Mound in Edinburgh, that the terms of proposed legislation going before the Israeli Knesset are that anyone who calls for a boycott of Israeli goods, or goods related to Israel, will be made subject to punishment and made financially liable for the economic impact of such action, as determined by the Israeli authorities. The Church of Scotland has assets and staff in Israel-Palestine.
The General Assembly "may take this legislation to be intimidatory", said the Kirk's Church and Society Council convenor, the Rev Ian Galloway, adding sorrowfully: "We are intimidated."
COMMENT: Well, I have no assets in Israel/Palestine (in fact, I don't have any assets worth anything anywhere). So OCICBW... hereby calls for a boycott of all goods from unlawful Israeli settlements. Of course, the only way to make sure you don't buy such goods is to not buy anything that comes from Israel.
So, sue me, Israel!
A group of extremist Israeli settlers, living at the Beit Ayin illegal settlement built on Palestinian lands belonging to Beit Ummar village, north of the southern West Bank city of Hebron, attacked on Saturday Palestinian orchards, and uprooted twenty Olive trees. Eyewitnesses said that Israeli soldiers were present in the area, but did not stop the settlers, yet, the soldiers prevented the residents from reaching their vineyards and olive orchards.
***
Israeli authorities forced Mahmoud Aramin to demolish his house in East Jerusalem Sunday, or risk having it destroyed by an Israeli bulldozer. Aramin had already paid thousands of dollars in fines to the Jerusalem municipality in monthly installments, for having built an 'unlicensed' house in East Jerusalem. Palestinians who live in East Jerusalem have not been granted building permits since 1967, and face frequent demolitions of their homes by Israeli authorities. The forced demolition comes just days after the Israeli authorities authorized the construction of a 50-unit Jewish settlement in the Ras al-Amoud neighborhood of East Jerusalem, not far from the home of Mahmoud Aramin.
From EKKLESIA:
A resolution calling for a UK ban of goods from unlawful Israeli settlements has had to be withdrawn as a result of the threat posed by proposed legislation in Israel which could make such a call a criminal offence subject to judicial and financial punishment. But the Kirk's national decision-making body nevertheless passed Deliverance 48, which "instruct[s] the Church and Society Council to work with ecumenical and civil society partners to continue to lobby for the introduction of labelling of products in the UK which clearly identify whether they are from an illegal Israeli settlement."
It was reported to the Assembly, meeting on the Mound in Edinburgh, that the terms of proposed legislation going before the Israeli Knesset are that anyone who calls for a boycott of Israeli goods, or goods related to Israel, will be made subject to punishment and made financially liable for the economic impact of such action, as determined by the Israeli authorities. The Church of Scotland has assets and staff in Israel-Palestine.
The General Assembly "may take this legislation to be intimidatory", said the Kirk's Church and Society Council convenor, the Rev Ian Galloway, adding sorrowfully: "We are intimidated."
COMMENT: Well, I have no assets in Israel/Palestine (in fact, I don't have any assets worth anything anywhere). So OCICBW... hereby calls for a boycott of all goods from unlawful Israeli settlements. Of course, the only way to make sure you don't buy such goods is to not buy anything that comes from Israel.
So, sue me, Israel!
THE UTTER NASTINESS OF CARDINAL PELL
From CNA:
It’s been nearly a month since Bishop Bill Morris of Toowoomba in Australia was dismissed from office by Pope Benedict XVI. Now Cardinal George Pell of Sydney, has given his first in-depth interview on the controversial sacking.
“Well, it was a tragedy. It should never have come to this. Rome was very patient. You could say the dialogue had continued on for 13 years and unfortunately Bishop Morris felt unable to give satisfactory clarifications. He’s a very good man. He had a lot of pastoral strengths. He’s got a lot of good points. He’s done of lot of good work. He’s got quite a strong following in the diocese. But the diocese was divided quite badly and the bishop hasn’t demonstrated that he’s a team player.Catholics stand with the Pope as the successor of Peter and his role is to strengthen his brothers and to defend the apostolic tradition, and it’s now Catholic teaching that women cannot be ordained priests. That’s not an optional belief; it’s now part of the Catholic package,” said Cardinal Pell.
As for critics of the Pope’s decision to sack Bishop Morris?
“There’s been a predictable chorus from a minority but such is life. You know, life moves on, but also I think it will be a useful clarification for people that Catholic doctrine is there to be followed and bishops take promises to defend the integrity of Catholic teaching."
Cardinal Pell believes that it’s this orthodox approach that is reaping apostolic benefits in many parts of Australia
"We’re doing what Christ wants,” he stated.
It’s been nearly a month since Bishop Bill Morris of Toowoomba in Australia was dismissed from office by Pope Benedict XVI. Now Cardinal George Pell of Sydney, has given his first in-depth interview on the controversial sacking.
“Well, it was a tragedy. It should never have come to this. Rome was very patient. You could say the dialogue had continued on for 13 years and unfortunately Bishop Morris felt unable to give satisfactory clarifications. He’s a very good man. He had a lot of pastoral strengths. He’s got a lot of good points. He’s done of lot of good work. He’s got quite a strong following in the diocese. But the diocese was divided quite badly and the bishop hasn’t demonstrated that he’s a team player.Catholics stand with the Pope as the successor of Peter and his role is to strengthen his brothers and to defend the apostolic tradition, and it’s now Catholic teaching that women cannot be ordained priests. That’s not an optional belief; it’s now part of the Catholic package,” said Cardinal Pell.
As for critics of the Pope’s decision to sack Bishop Morris?
“There’s been a predictable chorus from a minority but such is life. You know, life moves on, but also I think it will be a useful clarification for people that Catholic doctrine is there to be followed and bishops take promises to defend the integrity of Catholic teaching."
Cardinal Pell believes that it’s this orthodox approach that is reaping apostolic benefits in many parts of Australia
"We’re doing what Christ wants,” he stated.
BEAVERS MOVE INTO TOWN
From THE LOCAL (Sweden):
Police were called to help a homeowner deal with a wayward Swedish beaver that had found its way into the caller's garage. The incident is the second time in recent weeks that Swedish police have been called to help lost beavers.
Back in April, police near Köping in central Sweden were called after an ambulance reported seeing a beaver lumbering down Glasgatan. Rather than put the animal in the back of the patrol car, however, police decided instead to simply point the beaver in the direction to the nearest stream.
COMMENT: I expect they were female beavers. It has been scientifically proven that they are no good at reading maps. Of course, if it was a male beaver that had got lost he would have simply blamed his sat. nav.
Police were called to help a homeowner deal with a wayward Swedish beaver that had found its way into the caller's garage. The incident is the second time in recent weeks that Swedish police have been called to help lost beavers.
Back in April, police near Köping in central Sweden were called after an ambulance reported seeing a beaver lumbering down Glasgatan. Rather than put the animal in the back of the patrol car, however, police decided instead to simply point the beaver in the direction to the nearest stream.
COMMENT: I expect they were female beavers. It has been scientifically proven that they are no good at reading maps. Of course, if it was a male beaver that had got lost he would have simply blamed his sat. nav.
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