I think the constant repetition is numbing, so it is good to have a place where it is all listed clearly.
Monthly Archives: October 2005
Food for pessimistic thought
I’ve always enjoyed reading Bryan Appleyard – his ‘Understanding the Present’ is, I think, one of the best simple introductions to understanding science and what science can and cannot do.
In today’s Sunday Times is a long, good and sobering article about the various oil-shocks that are coming, amongst other things. Well worth a read.
Gratuitous Mersea pictures
V. satisfying Learning Church this morning – about 50 people(!), doubtless attracted by the subject (Christian Mysticism – an introduction) – if we have that many next week I’ll be pleasantly surprised, I have the sense that it was a little too ‘deep’ for many people to digest…
But in the middle of a glorious day – before the final wedding I’m taking this year – I took the boys onto the beach, and thought I’d let you see what Mersea is like in (truly) mid-October!!! when the tide is out.
NB those marks in the background that look like they might be dirt on the camera lens? They’re actually kite surfers….
First you laugh, and then you get worried
Have a look at this.
The worry, of course, being that such people are not so far removed from those with the capacity to bring armageddon into being.
For the record, I’m pretty certain that Christ won’t return in my lifetime. Call it a direct revelation from God if you like, but it’s more a pondering on the fact that if St Paul got it wrong in Thessalonians, how come any one today is so arrogant to think that they can predict or discern when it will be? About that day or hour nobody knows, and all that….
The world changes, and nobody notices
Good post here by Daniel Pipes. I’ve been working through some books on Islam in recent months (seven or so) and there will be a full discussion and review in due course, but his book ‘Militant Islam reaches America’ was one of the best. Do explore his site, it’s now one of the most regular ones that I read. Follow in particular his link at the end to his description of this as launching a ‘third era’ in the conflict with the
Therapeutic silliness
You are the Cross of St. Benedict: This cross is
inscribed with several prayers for holiness and
peace including, -May the holy cross be my
light! May the dragon never be my guide- and –
Begone Satan! Never tempt me with your
vanities! What you offer me is evil. Drink the
poison yourself!-
What Kind of Cross are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
~~~
| Your Brain’s Pattern |
 Your mind is an incubator for good ideas, it just takes a while for them to develop. But when you think of something, watch out! Your thoughts tend to be huge, and they come on quickly – like an explosion. You tend to be quiet around others, unless you’re inspired by your next big idea. |
~~~
With thanks to Costly Grace and Kathryn.
A vote of confidence
Big PCC meeting tonight. Set out my stall on where I think we’re going, and what part I might play in the process.
Seemed to go OK – got a vote of confidence at the end – I just trust that it’s not of the football chairman sort… :o)
Seriously, I’m very happy, and vastly more relaxed than I have been for a month or two. Time to draw a line under that, and start moving forward positively once more.
The Curse of the Jade Scorpion
Long day yesterday, lots of listening. So put on Woody Allen’s ‘Curse of the Jade Scorpion’ to help wind me down.
Not a great film.
Generally poor acting (Helen Hunt excepted).
No great theological points to make.
But it served the sedative purpose requested of it – I was asleep within 15 minutes of the end titles.
Bird’s eye view
This blog is really good, especially if you’re interested in things like hurricanes and earthquakes.
Why postmodernism is nonsense (or: it’s work, honest!)
So, sat in the pub, having a drink with the church wardens (regular Monday night practice – one of the better traditions that I have instituted).
In walks a member of the PCC who happens to be a Captain in the Merchant Navy (it happens when you live in a community like Mersea, which has at least a foot in the water at all times). The conversation turns to signals given between ships at sea, and the story emerges…
… of a time when a sailing ship was displaying lights, coming across the path of another ship, also displaying the correct lights. According to the rules, the first ship has right of way.
There is a quick call on the radio.
“Greetings”, says the second ship. “You have the right of way. Unfortunately I’m drawing 80 feet of draught [ie depth] and my course has been established through the deep water in this channel. I can neither stop nor change my course. Would you be happy to change course instead?”
The (large) sailing ship gets out of the way of the tanker :o)