I have been watching Babylon 5 again recently and this quote jumped out at me from one episode. Babylon 5 has so much of value to say about the danger of government and power in the wrong hands. If you have never seen it - go and get it all now and watch it!"If the primates that we came from had known that somedaypoliticians would come out of the gene-pool they'd have stayedup in the trees and written evolution off as a bad idea"John Sheridan, Babylon 5
Friday, 8 August 2008
Quote of the week
Friday, 25 July 2008
Quote of the week
"Meet the new boss - Same as the old boss," - The Who.
This line from the Who's song Won't Get Fooled Again sums up the danger of violently overthrowing the current order. In the end, similar, if not the same, people end up back at the top.
The problem with revolutions is that, as the name suggests, once the process has been completed you are invariably back exactly where you started.
This was ably demonstrated by George Orwell in Animal Farm, his modern fable satirising Soviet Communism. The leaders of the revolution inevitably become like those they displaced, as power corrupts them. The principles of the original revolutionaries are betrayed and they find themselves oppressed once more.
History teaches us that any power founded on violence and through violence is doomed to be perpetually plagued with violence - look at modern Israel or even at the USA itself. It could be argued that the success of post-colonial India in the last 60 years is, at least in part, due to the adherence to non-violence by the main independence movement. India could have freed itself from the colonial yoke through force of arms, that might have been the easier, quicker way, but instead India chose the harder path, the longer path; as Frost would have it "the one less traveled by" and as he says, it HAS made all the difference!
This line from the Who's song Won't Get Fooled Again sums up the danger of violently overthrowing the current order. In the end, similar, if not the same, people end up back at the top.
The problem with revolutions is that, as the name suggests, once the process has been completed you are invariably back exactly where you started.
This was ably demonstrated by George Orwell in Animal Farm, his modern fable satirising Soviet Communism. The leaders of the revolution inevitably become like those they displaced, as power corrupts them. The principles of the original revolutionaries are betrayed and they find themselves oppressed once more.
History teaches us that any power founded on violence and through violence is doomed to be perpetually plagued with violence - look at modern Israel or even at the USA itself. It could be argued that the success of post-colonial India in the last 60 years is, at least in part, due to the adherence to non-violence by the main independence movement. India could have freed itself from the colonial yoke through force of arms, that might have been the easier, quicker way, but instead India chose the harder path, the longer path; as Frost would have it "the one less traveled by" and as he says, it HAS made all the difference!
Sunday, 20 July 2008
Welsh Martyrs Catholic Church, Penparcau
Just went to Mass at Penparcau, sadly we are having to temporarily move down to St. Winefride's next week, due to the state of the roof. Hopefully we can get it patched up soon. As this photo shows it is in a pretty parlous state, which is a pity, since it is a nice Church to worship in.
There is no further news on the vexed question of a new Church. I gather that someone has now sent a letter to the Western Mail, the same non-parishioner who wrote to the Cambrian news.
It's all very well this person writing to the papers and complaining, but he doesn't even live in the Diocese and he isn't going to have to pay for anything that's done, the parishioners are.
The bottom line is this: what can the parish afford to do, that will give us a Church that will last us into the next century?
People need to remember that the Church is the community of believers, not any particular building. I like Welsh Martyrs, but I accept that it will eventually have to go, whatever is decided.
The important thing is to give the Catholic community of Aberystwyth a place where they can worship in reverence and safety for the next 100 years. Though the way the current government is going Christianity may well have been outlawed by then.
Friday, 18 July 2008
Annoyances
I've had quite a stressful week at work, mainly due to various little niggles, caused by other people. So many people seem to have no empathy towards others. It seems to be a national disease.
I often lack patience with others and sometimes am guilty of thoughtlessness myself. Of course that doesn't help me to cope with other people annoying me.
My main problem is letting go of the irritation, I'm often like a child picking at a scab, and doing that it'll never heal.
How good it would be to learn the art of throwing away what's in the past!
I often lack patience with others and sometimes am guilty of thoughtlessness myself. Of course that doesn't help me to cope with other people annoying me.
My main problem is letting go of the irritation, I'm often like a child picking at a scab, and doing that it'll never heal.
How good it would be to learn the art of throwing away what's in the past!
Thursday, 17 July 2008
Big Brother wants to watch you even more closely
Anyone who thinks our freedoms are safe in the hands of the government should take a look at this article on the BBC News website.
Yo, Brown, if you're reading this, just GO NOW!
Yo, Brown, if you're reading this, just GO NOW!
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
Quote of the week
"Fear leads to anger; anger leads to hate; hate leads to the dark side" - Yoda.
Why do we fear others, those who are different from us? Is it simply the fear of the unknown, or is it our own insecurity? Whatever the reason, as long as we separate ourselves from others, cut ourselves off from experiencing them, their lives, their thoughts and beliefs, we cannot understand them and this lack of understanding will leave us uncertain of others.
If we engage with others, those who are different, and get to know them as individual human beings then it is much easier to understand them and much harder to fear them and thus hate them. It is much easier to hate an amorphous group of people than someone you actually say hello to every day.
If I don't know any Muslims, if I've never met a Muslim, then how can I really understand them? It is very easy to fear this faceless group of people. But how can I hate the young Muslim woman who smiled at me this afternoon as we passed in the street. Such a simple act, but so important, fear is dispelled by a the smallest kindness.
If we can learn to look through another's eyes, to 'walk a mile in someone's shoes', to make that all-important empathic link to another, then fear and anger and hate and darkness can be banished from our lives.
Wisely, speaks small green alien.
Why do we fear others, those who are different from us? Is it simply the fear of the unknown, or is it our own insecurity? Whatever the reason, as long as we separate ourselves from others, cut ourselves off from experiencing them, their lives, their thoughts and beliefs, we cannot understand them and this lack of understanding will leave us uncertain of others.
If we engage with others, those who are different, and get to know them as individual human beings then it is much easier to understand them and much harder to fear them and thus hate them. It is much easier to hate an amorphous group of people than someone you actually say hello to every day.
If I don't know any Muslims, if I've never met a Muslim, then how can I really understand them? It is very easy to fear this faceless group of people. But how can I hate the young Muslim woman who smiled at me this afternoon as we passed in the street. Such a simple act, but so important, fear is dispelled by a the smallest kindness.
If we can learn to look through another's eyes, to 'walk a mile in someone's shoes', to make that all-important empathic link to another, then fear and anger and hate and darkness can be banished from our lives.
Wisely, speaks small green alien.
Monday, 7 July 2008
One of my heroes
I recently read "John Gerard: The Autobiography of an Elizabethan". This is an amazing book detailing the life & work of a Jesuit Priest during the post-reformation persecution of Catholics in Britain. It is a an account of immense courage in the face of ever-present danger, of faithfulness among the Catholic community despite intense pressure to conform.
Gerard, who came from the village I grew up in, spent many years spreading the faith and ministering to the Catholic community in England. Such was his success that he became one of the most wanted men in Britain. He was betrayed and captured by the authorities. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London and endured torture, before escaping.
Despite the claims of the English state, Gerard always maintained that he had no political agenda and remained loyal to the Crown. In the aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot, Gerard was finally forced to leave the country, though he had no knowledge of the plot and had told people not to get involved in such activities.
Contrary to their reputation in this country, the Jesuits were not into plots and were never involved with the inquisition (apart from their founder St. Ignatius Loyola, who was actually hauled in front of them at one point). In fact the Jesuits were more interested in debating with those that disagreed with them and used persuasion and argument to convert people.
John Gerard has always been one of my heroes, ever since I first read about him, when I was a child. This was a truly inspiring book and a very readable translation of Gerard's Latin original. It is well worth a read.
Gerard, who came from the village I grew up in, spent many years spreading the faith and ministering to the Catholic community in England. Such was his success that he became one of the most wanted men in Britain. He was betrayed and captured by the authorities. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London and endured torture, before escaping.
Despite the claims of the English state, Gerard always maintained that he had no political agenda and remained loyal to the Crown. In the aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot, Gerard was finally forced to leave the country, though he had no knowledge of the plot and had told people not to get involved in such activities.
Contrary to their reputation in this country, the Jesuits were not into plots and were never involved with the inquisition (apart from their founder St. Ignatius Loyola, who was actually hauled in front of them at one point). In fact the Jesuits were more interested in debating with those that disagreed with them and used persuasion and argument to convert people.
John Gerard has always been one of my heroes, ever since I first read about him, when I was a child. This was a truly inspiring book and a very readable translation of Gerard's Latin original. It is well worth a read.
Sunday, 6 July 2008
Welsh Martyrs, Penparcau
It was announced this morning that 9am Mass is going to be moving down to St. Winefride's from 27th June. It is a shame that we are going to have to move from Welsh Martyrs as it is such a nice Church. Unfortunately the roof is in such poor repair now and added to this Paul and Phillip are to take on full time responsibility for Lampeter and Aberaeron.
We now only have three priests for the whole of Ceredigion. Sooner or later someone is going to have to take a good look at whole question of who can become a priest, how long it should take to train them, what they should be doing and what they should be leaving to the laity. Unfortunately I can't see this issue being addressed during the current Pontificate; at the moment the prevailing attitude among the hierarchy appears to be one of burying their heads in the sand and blaming the laity for not all rushing to enter the religious life.
We now only have three priests for the whole of Ceredigion. Sooner or later someone is going to have to take a good look at whole question of who can become a priest, how long it should take to train them, what they should be doing and what they should be leaving to the laity. Unfortunately I can't see this issue being addressed during the current Pontificate; at the moment the prevailing attitude among the hierarchy appears to be one of burying their heads in the sand and blaming the laity for not all rushing to enter the religious life.
Sunday, 29 June 2008
Sunday Mass
As I went to receive Communion this morning I was struck by how awesome it is, how wonderful, what an amazing gift. I don't understand how people can accuse the ordinary Mass of lacking mystery and reverence. The mystery and reverence are in the Eucharist itself, not in the trappings surrounding it. If people cannot see that, then maybe they are looking in the wrong place.
Monday, 23 June 2008
The Oxford Murders
Just been to see this at the cinema - all I can say is that it is two hours of my life that I won't get back. Frankly it was the biggest pile of camel dung I have seen for quite some time.
The plot was contrived, the editing was sloppy and the culprit was soooo obvious from the word go. Many of the characters and ideas were hackneyed and stereotyped. John Hurt was clearly going through the motions (though he still managed to be amusing at times). The love interest started with an American accent, moved on to Irish and ended up somewhere on the Continent. In general the dubbing was atrocious, especially the Russian student.
There was also the inevitable, gratuitous, sex scene, complete with food - why do they bother?
Hurt's character managed to spout the most meaningless philosophical twaddle as if it had some deep significance to humankind - I suspect that most first year philosophy students at Oxford could probably have shot him down in flames with consummate ease.
Hurt's character suggests that it is not possible to know the truth, or even if there is such a thing - I disagree, the truth is this film wasn't worth watching!
The plot was contrived, the editing was sloppy and the culprit was soooo obvious from the word go. Many of the characters and ideas were hackneyed and stereotyped. John Hurt was clearly going through the motions (though he still managed to be amusing at times). The love interest started with an American accent, moved on to Irish and ended up somewhere on the Continent. In general the dubbing was atrocious, especially the Russian student.
There was also the inevitable, gratuitous, sex scene, complete with food - why do they bother?
Hurt's character managed to spout the most meaningless philosophical twaddle as if it had some deep significance to humankind - I suspect that most first year philosophy students at Oxford could probably have shot him down in flames with consummate ease.
Hurt's character suggests that it is not possible to know the truth, or even if there is such a thing - I disagree, the truth is this film wasn't worth watching!
Saturday, 21 June 2008
Turning the clock back
I have just read a disturbing story in this weeks Tablet it appears that the Vatican is hell-bent on taking us back to the middle-ages, what next burning heretics?
When the new rules on the Tridentine Mass were issued, we were told that this was just for those few people who wanted it, now it is to be forced on every Parish, whether wanted or not. In addition all new priests will be taught it. Of course, the next step will be to make every Mass like this.
The Vatican is sticking two fingers up to the laity and telling them to get back in the pews - to turn up, pay up and shut up. Of course, contrary to what they think, this will simply hasten the death of the Church in the Europe. It will also discourage vocations to the priesthood (this latest news has certainly ended any thought I might have had of following such a vocation).
I suspect I will not be alone in feeling betrayed by the Vatican; this is not the Church I grew up in. If they go through with this, I fear that I will no longer have a place in the Catholic Church, and I doubt that I will be alone.
When the new rules on the Tridentine Mass were issued, we were told that this was just for those few people who wanted it, now it is to be forced on every Parish, whether wanted or not. In addition all new priests will be taught it. Of course, the next step will be to make every Mass like this.
The Vatican is sticking two fingers up to the laity and telling them to get back in the pews - to turn up, pay up and shut up. Of course, contrary to what they think, this will simply hasten the death of the Church in the Europe. It will also discourage vocations to the priesthood (this latest news has certainly ended any thought I might have had of following such a vocation).
I suspect I will not be alone in feeling betrayed by the Vatican; this is not the Church I grew up in. If they go through with this, I fear that I will no longer have a place in the Catholic Church, and I doubt that I will be alone.
Thursday, 19 June 2008
Why I no longer believe in parliamentary democracy
I grew up in a World where there appeared to be only two choices of government, the freedom and safety of Western Democracy or the fear and tyranny of the Communist Bloc. I was taught the importance of our freedoms and warned never to take them for granted.
Now, given the choice I'd plump for Western Democracy every time and I'm very grateful that we won the Cold War. However, I don't think that should blind us the failings of our own system, and these have become very clear in recent years.
The problem with Parliamentary Democracy in this country is that it is elitist, adversarial and bureaucratic. The fact is that it is not really a democracy (rule by the people); instead it is a self-perpetuating oligarchy (rule by an elite).
What we have is government from the top down, rather than from the bottom up, as it should be in a true democracy. The government is supposed to us, the people, in theory we are the government; but many people think of the government as "them", a remote, faceless and uncaring institution, in which they have little say.
I finally lost any remaining faith in our democracy when the British Government joined the Bushite crusade in Iraq; a war that millions of people in this country were against; a war in which thousands have died and a war which has left us less safe than before. In addition to this both the previous Conservative government and the current Labour government have forced through law after law curtailing our basic freedoms. If you don't believe this, I thoroughly recommend that you watch the film "Taking Liberties".
I now believe that the whole concept of the state is flawed; as Jacques Ellul wrote:
Some people would label me either a fascist or a communist (depending upon their own political leanings). The truth is that whichever way you go, the extremes of left and right are practically indistinguishable - the iron fist of repression and the rule of the state.
Recently I have begun to realise that the whole left-right thing is a fantasy. Neither the free-market nor the nanny-state can truly give us the society we need. I now realise that we have to step aside from these debates and choose another way.
This other way begins with the rejection of this artificial construct: the state. Leo Tolstoy wrote of the state:
I have been particularly taken with the ideas of Christian Anarchism, which I have been examining recently. Hang on, I hear you say, what is a Christian, especially a Catholic doing talking about anarchism? Well I'm not alone, many Catholics have embraced aspects of anarchist thought and some anarchists have adopted ideas from Christianity, especially the early Church (see Acts 2:44).
Well, I will have to stop for now as I have to go and play badminton, but this is something I will return to.
Now, given the choice I'd plump for Western Democracy every time and I'm very grateful that we won the Cold War. However, I don't think that should blind us the failings of our own system, and these have become very clear in recent years.
The problem with Parliamentary Democracy in this country is that it is elitist, adversarial and bureaucratic. The fact is that it is not really a democracy (rule by the people); instead it is a self-perpetuating oligarchy (rule by an elite).
What we have is government from the top down, rather than from the bottom up, as it should be in a true democracy. The government is supposed to us, the people, in theory we are the government; but many people think of the government as "them", a remote, faceless and uncaring institution, in which they have little say.
I finally lost any remaining faith in our democracy when the British Government joined the Bushite crusade in Iraq; a war that millions of people in this country were against; a war in which thousands have died and a war which has left us less safe than before. In addition to this both the previous Conservative government and the current Labour government have forced through law after law curtailing our basic freedoms. If you don't believe this, I thoroughly recommend that you watch the film "Taking Liberties".
I now believe that the whole concept of the state is flawed; as Jacques Ellul wrote:
"What seems to be one of the disasters of our time is that we all appear to agree that the nation-state is the norm. […] Whether the state be Marxist or capitalist, it makes no difference. The dominant ideology is that of sovereignty." (Anarchy and Christianity, 104–5.)
Recently I have begun to realise that the whole left-right thing is a fantasy. Neither the free-market nor the nanny-state can truly give us the society we need. I now realise that we have to step aside from these debates and choose another way.
This other way begins with the rejection of this artificial construct: the state. Leo Tolstoy wrote of the state:
This ideology (the idea that no state or government is necessary) is called Anarchism - forget anything about punk rock and the Sex Pistols. Many people assume that this is an ideology of the left, but in truth Socialism (the corporate state controlling everything) is the antithesis of Anarchism. Furthermore, Anarchism does not necessarily involve violence and revolution, in fact pacifism and non-violence are more often found within modern anarchist thought."In all history there is no war which was not hatched by the governments,
the governments alone, independent of the interests of the people, to whom
war is always pernicious even when successful."
I have been particularly taken with the ideas of Christian Anarchism, which I have been examining recently. Hang on, I hear you say, what is a Christian, especially a Catholic doing talking about anarchism? Well I'm not alone, many Catholics have embraced aspects of anarchist thought and some anarchists have adopted ideas from Christianity, especially the early Church (see Acts 2:44).
Well, I will have to stop for now as I have to go and play badminton, but this is something I will return to.
Wednesday, 18 June 2008
Pay
Following on from the disgraceful decision of Welsh Assembly Members to take an 8.3% pay rise earlier this year, now we hear that some M.P.s at Westminster want a 21% pay rise - this is just obscene.
They say that they have fallen behind comparable jobs in the private sector - well so have the rest of us!
Librarianship is one of the worst paid professional jobs there is - I can just imagine the response if we asked these same politicians for a similar hike.
This just helps to confirm the suspicions of a growing number of people that all politicians are just in it to get rich quick and that none of them are worth voting for. They are asking the rest of us to show some restraint - so should they.
They say that they have fallen behind comparable jobs in the private sector - well so have the rest of us!
Librarianship is one of the worst paid professional jobs there is - I can just imagine the response if we asked these same politicians for a similar hike.
This just helps to confirm the suspicions of a growing number of people that all politicians are just in it to get rich quick and that none of them are worth voting for. They are asking the rest of us to show some restraint - so should they.
Father Phillip
The good news is that we have a second priest in the parish. Contrary to my pessimism in a previous blog it seems that Father Phillip (still sounds a bit odd calling him that) will be staying with us for now. This is excellent news, I hope that we can hang onto him for a while and that the Bishop doesn't move him.
Phillip said his first Mass in Penparcau last Sunday and did very well. Though he told me afterwards that his hands were shaking - it wasn't noticeable. Phillip is such a character and I think he compliments Father Paul quite well.
On other Parish matters, I can't recall if I mentioned about the meeting last month about the Church, and I can't say too much in public, because some of the information is sensitive, but it looks like we might be getting a nice new Church, and sooner rather than later too.
Of course there are the usual old fogies (in mental outlook, not necessarily in physical age) who want everything to stay as it is and who are up in arms about the proposals - hopefully the Bishop will totally ignore them and do the right thing. My only fear is that he will decide to leave it for his successor in order to avoid the nausea caused by these people.
Phillip said his first Mass in Penparcau last Sunday and did very well. Though he told me afterwards that his hands were shaking - it wasn't noticeable. Phillip is such a character and I think he compliments Father Paul quite well.
On other Parish matters, I can't recall if I mentioned about the meeting last month about the Church, and I can't say too much in public, because some of the information is sensitive, but it looks like we might be getting a nice new Church, and sooner rather than later too.
Of course there are the usual old fogies (in mental outlook, not necessarily in physical age) who want everything to stay as it is and who are up in arms about the proposals - hopefully the Bishop will totally ignore them and do the right thing. My only fear is that he will decide to leave it for his successor in order to avoid the nausea caused by these people.
Quote of the week
"Proof reading is always more effective after publication" - Philip Barker
I was looking back at some of my previous posts and noticed a number of typos, I suppose I should go back and correct them; but life is too short.
Trouble is, when you are in the midst of writing it is very easy to get caught up in putting your thoughts into the computer and not notice the slips you make. Sometimes the stream of consciousness can turn into a stream of something else!
I was looking back at some of my previous posts and noticed a number of typos, I suppose I should go back and correct them; but life is too short.
Trouble is, when you are in the midst of writing it is very easy to get caught up in putting your thoughts into the computer and not notice the slips you make. Sometimes the stream of consciousness can turn into a stream of something else!
Thursday, 5 June 2008
Back to work
I was feeling quite refreshed after my holiday; as shown by my stunning performance at Badminton last week, winning three games on the trot. I also managed to spray paint all my garden fences - so that's another job out of the way!
Tuesday, 3 June 2008
Salisbury Cathedral at sunset
I've just returned from holiday in Salisbury, Wiltshire. We were staying in the Cathedral close and this was the view from the window of the place we were staying. Not a bad view eh! Of course it didn't look so good in the rain - all day bank holiday monday for example - and no TV in the place we were staying!
The cathedral is quite impressive, though as it was built as a single piece, it somehow lacked some of the homeliness of some of the other cathedrals I've visited, especially St Albans, and St Davids.
Sunday, 13 April 2008
Why are there so many rules?
One objection many people seem to have with organised religion is the number of rules that there seem to be. I have to say that it is view that I have some sympathy with.
For the Christian there are actually very few rules. As Paul says "For me there are no forbidden things" (1 Cor. 6:12), though he does go on to say "but not everything does good"
In fact the only thing necessary is this "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself" (Luke 10:27)
Jesus only gave his disciples one commandment "Love one another; just as I have loved you, you also must love one another" (John 13:34)
If we follow these simple rules then we will always do what is right and no other rules are necessary. So why do we need all these other rules?
Well, here's the problem, if we followed God's simple rule about loving him and each other, we wouldn't need any other rules; because we would always do the right thing. All the other complicated (man-made) rules are there because people seem to be incapable of following the simple (God-made) ones.
If the whole World followed the rules set out above, there would be no need for religious laws. Furthermore there would be no need for any civil laws, no need for lawyers, policemen, armies or governments. Sadly this isn't going to happen anytime soon (barring the second coming).
For the Christian there are actually very few rules. As Paul says "For me there are no forbidden things" (1 Cor. 6:12), though he does go on to say "but not everything does good"
In fact the only thing necessary is this "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself" (Luke 10:27)
Jesus only gave his disciples one commandment "Love one another; just as I have loved you, you also must love one another" (John 13:34)
If we follow these simple rules then we will always do what is right and no other rules are necessary. So why do we need all these other rules?
Well, here's the problem, if we followed God's simple rule about loving him and each other, we wouldn't need any other rules; because we would always do the right thing. All the other complicated (man-made) rules are there because people seem to be incapable of following the simple (God-made) ones.
If the whole World followed the rules set out above, there would be no need for religious laws. Furthermore there would be no need for any civil laws, no need for lawyers, policemen, armies or governments. Sadly this isn't going to happen anytime soon (barring the second coming).
Saturday, 12 April 2008
Finally someone who knows what they are doing!
I've just spent a few minutes booking my train journey using the Trainline - it was so much simpler. I don't think I'll ever use the National Rail website again after seeing the comparison.
It still doesn't make any difference to my opinion of our railways. It was cheaper to buy two singles than to buy a return ticket - what is the point of having a return ticket if it is more expensive - I thought the whole idea of a return ticket was that it was cheaper!
Yet another example to prove that bureaucracy is the work of the devil; or of a deranged mind at any rate.
Well at least I can settle down to watch the Anglo-Welsh Cup final this afternoon. Come on Ospreys (I hope they do better than last week).
It still doesn't make any difference to my opinion of our railways. It was cheaper to buy two singles than to buy a return ticket - what is the point of having a return ticket if it is more expensive - I thought the whole idea of a return ticket was that it was cheaper!
Yet another example to prove that bureaucracy is the work of the devil; or of a deranged mind at any rate.
Well at least I can settle down to watch the Anglo-Welsh Cup final this afternoon. Come on Ospreys (I hope they do better than last week).
Why everyone drives instead of taking the train
I have just spent a very frustrating half hour on the National Rail website trying to figure out what ticket I can get for a journey I have to make for work.
As far as I can see there are no tickets on sale for the train I want, this website is totally incomprehensible to me. This is why I prefer to drive.
There was a time you just asked for a return ticket from X to Y and they sold it to you - privatisation, what a good idea - NOT!
As far as I can see there are no tickets on sale for the train I want, this website is totally incomprehensible to me. This is why I prefer to drive.
There was a time you just asked for a return ticket from X to Y and they sold it to you - privatisation, what a good idea - NOT!
Friday, 11 April 2008
Exercise is bad for the health
I played Badminton on friday, for the first time since I hurt my thigh before Easter, I played quite well, but managed to hurt my heel - probably due to my new trainers, which I haven't worn much yet.
I have come to the conclusion that all this exercise is actually bad for the health - it jsut seems to emphasis all the creaks and groans I seem to be developing as I get older.
Went to SVP this evening, it's always quite fun as well as spiritually uplifting and one older member keeps telling me she thinks I'm a student, because I don't look old enough to be holding down a full-time job - it's nice to hear you still look young, even if you no longer feel it!
I have come to the conclusion that all this exercise is actually bad for the health - it jsut seems to emphasis all the creaks and groans I seem to be developing as I get older.
Went to SVP this evening, it's always quite fun as well as spiritually uplifting and one older member keeps telling me she thinks I'm a student, because I don't look old enough to be holding down a full-time job - it's nice to hear you still look young, even if you no longer feel it!
Why I won't be watching the Olympics
Another long hiatus between posts. Life and TV getting in the way again. I've been a bit down since Easter - probably too much sugar!
Anyway, back to the Olympics and my lack of watching thereof. This isn't all about China & Tibet/human rights etc., though that's part of it.
The fact is I've never been a big fan of the Olympics; I see it as being about propaganda, the so-called Olympic ideal is a myth, and it has always been linked to the political situation both globally and in the host country.
All these people who go on about keeping politics out of sport are living in cloud-cuckoo-land. Sport is not somehow immune from, or above political realities. Sportsmen and women are part of the human race and cannot opt out of morality and reality.
This was seen clearly in the sporting boycott of South Africa during the Apartheid era. Some people said this was pointless; but it hurt the South African establishment - why else would they have gone to such lengths to persuade various rugby and cricket players to go on 'rebel' tours of the country.
It's not just the Beijing games I will be avoiding I will also be keeping away from the London games in 2012. I don't think 'democracies' are immune from the temptation to use sport for political ends - look at Gordon Brown trying to be English football's biggest fan and Rhodri Morgan cashing in on Wales' grand slam triumph (at least Wales is actually his country!)
What really disgusts me about the London fiasco is that huge amounts of money are being taken from the rest of the country to develop parts of London and the Southeast - the richest part of Britain. Once again the Southeast-centric government shows its utter contempt for the rest of us.
Anyway, back to the Olympics and my lack of watching thereof. This isn't all about China & Tibet/human rights etc., though that's part of it.
The fact is I've never been a big fan of the Olympics; I see it as being about propaganda, the so-called Olympic ideal is a myth, and it has always been linked to the political situation both globally and in the host country.
All these people who go on about keeping politics out of sport are living in cloud-cuckoo-land. Sport is not somehow immune from, or above political realities. Sportsmen and women are part of the human race and cannot opt out of morality and reality.
This was seen clearly in the sporting boycott of South Africa during the Apartheid era. Some people said this was pointless; but it hurt the South African establishment - why else would they have gone to such lengths to persuade various rugby and cricket players to go on 'rebel' tours of the country.
It's not just the Beijing games I will be avoiding I will also be keeping away from the London games in 2012. I don't think 'democracies' are immune from the temptation to use sport for political ends - look at Gordon Brown trying to be English football's biggest fan and Rhodri Morgan cashing in on Wales' grand slam triumph (at least Wales is actually his country!)
What really disgusts me about the London fiasco is that huge amounts of money are being taken from the rest of the country to develop parts of London and the Southeast - the richest part of Britain. Once again the Southeast-centric government shows its utter contempt for the rest of us.
Saturday, 15 March 2008
When saturday comes
Beginning the build up to the big match this afternoon, the excitement is growing - can we do it, can we win a second Grand Slam in 4 years? We'll find out this afternoon.
The thing is you never know which French team is going to turn up, the mercurial or the muddled?
Even if we lose I can't see them beating us by 20 points, so we should still win the Championship, but the Gland Slam is what we want.
The thing is you never know which French team is going to turn up, the mercurial or the muddled?
Even if we lose I can't see them beating us by 20 points, so we should still win the Championship, but the Gland Slam is what we want.
Monday, 10 March 2008
Long time no blog
I realise that I am becoming less and less frequent with this blog. I'd like to say this was because I was busy doing useful and fulfilling things; but the truth is that it is largely because I've been quite down over the last few weeks.
Trouble is I don't really know why, work is no worse than usual. Health is OK, apart from tweaking a hamstring playing badminton. I just feel out of sorts; maybe my prayer-life has become more of an afterthought recently; or maybe it's the realisation that things don't suddenly change and it takes hard work and perseverance is something I've never been good at.
On the plus side it was a good weekend sports wise, with Wales winning a triple crown and Chelsea & Man. Utd. losing. I think this is the best FA Cup for ages, even if Liverpool aren't in it. I'll just have to support Cardiff.
Anyway, as we approach Holy Week I must try to get myself more organised and try harder. Of course the truth is I can't change myself, no matter how hard I try, I need God to do that for - I just have to let Him.
Trouble is I don't really know why, work is no worse than usual. Health is OK, apart from tweaking a hamstring playing badminton. I just feel out of sorts; maybe my prayer-life has become more of an afterthought recently; or maybe it's the realisation that things don't suddenly change and it takes hard work and perseverance is something I've never been good at.
On the plus side it was a good weekend sports wise, with Wales winning a triple crown and Chelsea & Man. Utd. losing. I think this is the best FA Cup for ages, even if Liverpool aren't in it. I'll just have to support Cardiff.
Anyway, as we approach Holy Week I must try to get myself more organised and try harder. Of course the truth is I can't change myself, no matter how hard I try, I need God to do that for - I just have to let Him.
Saturday, 23 February 2008
Country living
It's been a while since I last posted, due a mixture of lots of evenings out, a lack of inspiration and the Stargate SG-1 series 10 box set. Still I was inspired to post today.
While washing up this morning I happened to look out the window over my back garden and saw flying over the garden a Red Kite (the feathered variety, not a man-made one). It was a beautiful sight, flying quite low and alternately gliding and flapping it's wings. It reminded me of why living out here in the country is so much nicer than being in the big city.
Today the weather is a big grey and damp, why is it that the brilliant sunshine comes during the week when we're at work? Still, there is the rugby to watch today.
While washing up this morning I happened to look out the window over my back garden and saw flying over the garden a Red Kite (the feathered variety, not a man-made one). It was a beautiful sight, flying quite low and alternately gliding and flapping it's wings. It reminded me of why living out here in the country is so much nicer than being in the big city.
Today the weather is a big grey and damp, why is it that the brilliant sunshine comes during the week when we're at work? Still, there is the rugby to watch today.
Sunday, 10 February 2008
Quote of the week
I was discussing theology at lunch with a friend on friday. I have never really trusted it as a discipline, it has always seemed to me to be a way of separating people from God's simple message by using verbose over-complicated langauge to explain something that a five year old could put in one sentance.
It brought to mind the follwoing quote, from Thomas à Kempis:
"I'd rather feel remorse than know how to define it"
It brought to mind the follwoing quote, from Thomas à Kempis:
"I'd rather feel remorse than know how to define it"
Thursday, 7 February 2008
RIP Linda
I heard today the sad news that one of my fellow parishoners has passed away. Linda was a lovely person, she used to play in the music group at Penparcau, but had to stop due to her illness.
I first met her at a Welsh class and used to see her regularly at Boots, where she worked. She was not very old and it is a great loss for her family and those who knew her. Her faith was so strong, I met her a few times after she fell ill and I was always struck by her serenity and acceptance.
I am struck by how many ordinary everyday saints there are out there, they don't perform any great miracles, but through their lives they make Jesus manifest for the rest of us; a simple example - but so very powerful.
Please pray for the repose of Linda's soul. May she and all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
I first met her at a Welsh class and used to see her regularly at Boots, where she worked. She was not very old and it is a great loss for her family and those who knew her. Her faith was so strong, I met her a few times after she fell ill and I was always struck by her serenity and acceptance.
I am struck by how many ordinary everyday saints there are out there, they don't perform any great miracles, but through their lives they make Jesus manifest for the rest of us; a simple example - but so very powerful.
Please pray for the repose of Linda's soul. May she and all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Saturday, 2 February 2008
England 19 - Wales 26
To quote the Stereophonics "As long as we beat the English we don't care" - nuff said!
Though I have to admit, I was beginning to despair after the first-half performance; I thought it was going to be the usual story from England, instead they self-destructed. Mind you I think it helped that we started actually taking our re-starts and not letting them take the ball off us every time we got it.
Ah, what a good feeling, every saturday afternoon should end this well!
Though I have to admit, I was beginning to despair after the first-half performance; I thought it was going to be the usual story from England, instead they self-destructed. Mind you I think it helped that we started actually taking our re-starts and not letting them take the ball off us every time we got it.
Ah, what a good feeling, every saturday afternoon should end this well!
Thursday, 31 January 2008
Snow wishing
All evidence to the contrary many of my colleagues are hoping for heavy snow tomorrow so that they can get a day off. I think that they are likely to be disappointed. I can't say I'm fussed either way.
It's funny, but I am feeling really good at the moment, my health is as good as it has been for five years or more and I feel OK in myself. I don't really know why, but my outlook is very positive at present.
Nothing has really changed in my life to explain this, except that I am actually managing to pray every day - not always for very long or very well, but at least I am keeping at it, which is a major achievement.
The thing is, the more you pray, the better you can cope with life's ups & downs, and the better you feel. The trick is to get into this virtuous circle, and stay there and not allow life to push you out of it.
I can't believe that Lent starts next week. Still it'll give me a chance to look at Delia's other book.
It's funny, but I am feeling really good at the moment, my health is as good as it has been for five years or more and I feel OK in myself. I don't really know why, but my outlook is very positive at present.
Nothing has really changed in my life to explain this, except that I am actually managing to pray every day - not always for very long or very well, but at least I am keeping at it, which is a major achievement.
The thing is, the more you pray, the better you can cope with life's ups & downs, and the better you feel. The trick is to get into this virtuous circle, and stay there and not allow life to push you out of it.
I can't believe that Lent starts next week. Still it'll give me a chance to look at Delia's other book.
Friday, 25 January 2008
Thank goodness it's Friday
It has been quite a long week, and I'm feeling quite tired; though for some reason a am also feeling quite relaxed. I think that this may be something to do with my decision to avoid getting worked up about work - after all nobody else seems to care that much, so why should I kill myself because of it. I don't mean that I'm not bothered about doing my job well, I have too much self-respect for that. It's just that from now on I'm going to do it differently, and I'm not going to get wound up by people or events.
Why this sudden change, well, it dawned on me the other day that I just don't get paid enough for that amount of stress, and if this means that things don't get done - well there is only one of me and people are going to have to accept that.
Last night we had an SVP meeting and the reading on spirituality was very thought-provoking, it was one of those occasions when you hear something said in a way you have never heard before and something goes click and you see the World in a new way. This is part of the reading:
Somehow, though I've heard the same thing said in many different ways before, it never really struck home in the same way. Being a perfectionist this comes as something of a revelation; but I find it somehow freeing - life will never be perfect so just accept it for what it is and get on with it.
After SVP finished I went to play badminton, I have to say I played some of the best games I've ever played, though I was quite tired by the end and was flagging by the last game. Still overall I was very pleased with my performance and enjoyed myself immensely; it was also great exercise, I got very out of breath, which I don't usually.
Why this sudden change, well, it dawned on me the other day that I just don't get paid enough for that amount of stress, and if this means that things don't get done - well there is only one of me and people are going to have to accept that.
Last night we had an SVP meeting and the reading on spirituality was very thought-provoking, it was one of those occasions when you hear something said in a way you have never heard before and something goes click and you see the World in a new way. This is part of the reading:
"We aspire to infinity, to God, and yet we are living in a finite time and space with the many constraints that brings. Our hearts are actually made for union with everybody, and to relate to everything, yet we cannot, on earth, experience more than a taste of what awaits us in the fullness of time. It is not surprising, therefore, that we experience an insatiable appetite for love, that we experience loneliness, that in our restlessness we may turn to alcohol or drugs. Our longing and yearning for a universal love is infinite and with the grace of God our capacity is infinite."
Somehow, though I've heard the same thing said in many different ways before, it never really struck home in the same way. Being a perfectionist this comes as something of a revelation; but I find it somehow freeing - life will never be perfect so just accept it for what it is and get on with it.
After SVP finished I went to play badminton, I have to say I played some of the best games I've ever played, though I was quite tired by the end and was flagging by the last game. Still overall I was very pleased with my performance and enjoyed myself immensely; it was also great exercise, I got very out of breath, which I don't usually.
Monday, 21 January 2008
Today
Apparently today is the most depressing day of the year. Funny thing is I've felt quite good today, I think I was a bit ahead of the trend and had mine last week.
I haven't been posting much lately - too much TV & video games. I've been playing C&C TW3 this week. The annoying thing is when I got to the end of the scenario the storyline totally ignored the fact that I'd won without doing what they expected me to do. So it didn't make any difference that I'd managed to avoid using the WMD (thus destroying half of Europe), they acted as if I did anyway. Oh well, never mind.
Our new Deacon gave his first proper sermon on Sunday, it was very good. I also discovered that I'd double booked myself on Thursday with SVP & badminton, hmm this could be interesting - can I get to both?
Last week I actually managed to beat HL for the first time in ages, I'm finally beginning to figure out how to deal with his service. Unfortunately I then managed to lose to RM for the first time in ages, though it was very close.
I haven't been posting much lately - too much TV & video games. I've been playing C&C TW3 this week. The annoying thing is when I got to the end of the scenario the storyline totally ignored the fact that I'd won without doing what they expected me to do. So it didn't make any difference that I'd managed to avoid using the WMD (thus destroying half of Europe), they acted as if I did anyway. Oh well, never mind.
Our new Deacon gave his first proper sermon on Sunday, it was very good. I also discovered that I'd double booked myself on Thursday with SVP & badminton, hmm this could be interesting - can I get to both?
Last week I actually managed to beat HL for the first time in ages, I'm finally beginning to figure out how to deal with his service. Unfortunately I then managed to lose to RM for the first time in ages, though it was very close.
Friday, 11 January 2008
Quote of the week
I think it's time for another quote, this one is from Albert Schweitzer:
"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."
I have just come across another really good quote from him, so today is two for one day:
"Do something wonderful, people may imitate it."
"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."
I have just come across another really good quote from him, so today is two for one day:
"Do something wonderful, people may imitate it."
Jesse James
Saw "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" last night, it was an excellent film. Brad Pitt & Casey Affleck were both excellent, the script, sets & cinematography were superb. Also something you don't often notice in films , but which I feel compelled to comment on in this case, was the sound, not the musical score (though that was good too), but the actual sound effects, they really were noticeable and played an important part in the film.
Pitt's Jesse James was truly frightening at times and clearly paranoid. Affleck's portrayal of Ford, was at first just creepy, but at later on you began to understand Ford's motivations. It would be so easy to succumb to the mythology of Jesse James and create two-dimensional characters but this film avoids that pitfall; rather it seeks to explain without condoning either character. It clearly makes the point that James was a cold-blooded killer, not the Robin Hood figure of legend, while at the same time showing the normality of his family life, and placing him into the context of the post-Civil war world in which he lived.
Well worth seeing, if you get the chance.
Pitt's Jesse James was truly frightening at times and clearly paranoid. Affleck's portrayal of Ford, was at first just creepy, but at later on you began to understand Ford's motivations. It would be so easy to succumb to the mythology of Jesse James and create two-dimensional characters but this film avoids that pitfall; rather it seeks to explain without condoning either character. It clearly makes the point that James was a cold-blooded killer, not the Robin Hood figure of legend, while at the same time showing the normality of his family life, and placing him into the context of the post-Civil war world in which he lived.
Well worth seeing, if you get the chance.
Thursday, 10 January 2008
Memorial service
Last night I went to the memorial Mass for Fr. John Fitzgerald. It was a very nice service, led by Bishop Mullins, whose sermon contained a number of quotes from Fr John's poetry.
The singing was also very good, though a couple of the sung parts of the Mass were a bit ropey.
I don't know why but I felt a bit depressed afterwards.
I am quite tired this week, though it has gone quite quickly, I've been very busy at work and the first week back is always tiring.
Played badminton on Tuesday, I did better than last week, when I lost every game. This time I only lost once (though very badly: 21-10) to HL. He is really difficult to play against now.
Off to the cinema this evening to watch the Jesse James film. Of which more later if I remember.
The singing was also very good, though a couple of the sung parts of the Mass were a bit ropey.
I don't know why but I felt a bit depressed afterwards.
I am quite tired this week, though it has gone quite quickly, I've been very busy at work and the first week back is always tiring.
Played badminton on Tuesday, I did better than last week, when I lost every game. This time I only lost once (though very badly: 21-10) to HL. He is really difficult to play against now.
Off to the cinema this evening to watch the Jesse James film. Of which more later if I remember.
Monday, 7 January 2008
New Deacon
I met the new Deacon at Welsh Martyrs on Sunday, he is a huge guy, totally dwarfing Fr Paul, but like most big men he seemed very cheerful and friendly. He is with us until Easter and he will be ordained in the summer, sadly I don't suppose he will be returning here after that; priests, especially young ones, are increasingly scarce in Menevia Diocese, and I doubt we'll have two here again.
I once heard a talk given by a priest, who, musing on the lack of vocations to the priesthood, said "maybe God has had enough of us and has decided to do something else", hmmm.
Mondays
Went back to work today after a fortnight off, yuck!
Actually it wasn't too bad, as returns to work go, relatively stress free, without any nasty problems appearing on my desk; but I'm still quite tired afterwards.
As the Boomtown Rats said - I don't like Mondays!
Sadly nobody out there has seen fit to give me a million pounds, so that I can quit work and do something I want to do instead. With a million I could live happily off the interest even at 5% gross. Unfortunately real life doesn't work that way and most of us have to work by the sweat of our brows to make ends meet, and some people have trouble even doing that.
I guess I ought to be grateful for what I've got, after all, by Worldwide standards I am incredibly rich as are most of us in the West.
Still as a lowly government employee it is a bit annoying to see the obscene amounts paid to sportspeople and entertainers, when we are getting an effective pay cut. It wouldn't surprise me of M.P.s went and gave themselves a huge raise despite what Gordon Brown has said about restraint - I wish I could vote for what I got paid!
Actually it wasn't too bad, as returns to work go, relatively stress free, without any nasty problems appearing on my desk; but I'm still quite tired afterwards.
As the Boomtown Rats said - I don't like Mondays!
Sadly nobody out there has seen fit to give me a million pounds, so that I can quit work and do something I want to do instead. With a million I could live happily off the interest even at 5% gross. Unfortunately real life doesn't work that way and most of us have to work by the sweat of our brows to make ends meet, and some people have trouble even doing that.
I guess I ought to be grateful for what I've got, after all, by Worldwide standards I am incredibly rich as are most of us in the West.
Still as a lowly government employee it is a bit annoying to see the obscene amounts paid to sportspeople and entertainers, when we are getting an effective pay cut. It wouldn't surprise me of M.P.s went and gave themselves a huge raise despite what Gordon Brown has said about restraint - I wish I could vote for what I got paid!
Thursday, 3 January 2008
Layout
I've just been experimenting with altering the layout of my blog, by changing the HTML. The reason I did this is so that when I use photos from Flickr I can use the medium size images of 500 pixels wide without the right-hand edge disappearing off the screen.
It actually turned out to be fairly simple once I figured out which values to change, perhaps I will do some more experimenting in the future.
It actually turned out to be fairly simple once I figured out which values to change, perhaps I will do some more experimenting in the future.
St Winefride's Church
Thought I'd do another photo-blog, this time with a picture of St. Winefride's. I'm afraid that even in this photo it is possible to see the sad condition of the building.
Worse still over Christmas, vandals smashed several windows in the Church Hall, making it unusable, until they can be fixed - which is going to cost money we don't really have.
I'm not going to comment on the perpetrators, other than to call for the return of the stocks & pillory to common use.
Wednesday, 2 January 2008
Photo-blogging
I went out and tried my new digital camera for the first time today , and the results were pretty nice, even if I do say so myself. I think my photos came out pretty well, considering I have no talent whatsoever.
I decided I would try my hand at some multimedia blogging and add this picture of Aberystwyth.
What next - me singing - perhaps I will spare you that!
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