March 2005

In his comment on my post yesterday, Mike said
The problem that is becoming widespread is the over-reaction that is causing ridiculous, radical solutions, where in fact sensible, rational ones, based upon the facts that we have should be.
I hate to disagree with Mike, but on this occasion I do. The problem is not that [...]

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The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Synthesis Report was published today, and it makes grim (though not hopeless) reading. It concludes that 60% of the world’s vital “ecosystem services” — air, water, fisheries, climate control etc — are being degraded or used unsustainably.
The report, which has taken 1300 scientists from 95 countries four years to produce, concludes [...]

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I can’t help but be an optimist in this situation, as just over 1/3 of rebel fighters hand over their weapons in an arms embargo in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
But then I can’t help but be a pessimist as just under 2/3s don’t.

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Like most people in Britain, the sight of Jamie Oliver often makes me think of Sainsbury’s, and little more. Yet recently, we’ve seen this cheeky little Essex-boy scamp of a TV chef show us what it means to be a living in a democracy.
Really. Hear me out.
With the run-up to the election, there’s [...]

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I’m sure I’ve blogged this before sometime, but I think it bears repeating. If you’re interested in the folk music tradition of the British Isles you’re sure to find something to excite you at FARNE, home of Northumbrian music online.
FARNE - Folk Archive Resource North East - is a project which brings Northumbrian music to [...]

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Ramblin’ Folkie issues a call to arms, or at least to pens, on behalf of the Woodcraft Folk.

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If you’re a child of the 60’s and 70’s — or even if you’re not — there’s sure to be something to get your attention at the Science Fiction & Telefantasy Databanks. Heaps of stuff about all kinds of SF on tv, including a comprehensive guide to the all the Doctor Who stories, more Star [...]

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The fine people of Cafédirect want to know. If you’re in Britain, visit their site and share your stories of random acts of kindness, or read others’ feelgood stories. I’m going to put the kettle on…

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Oaktree.org is a new website that has the very laudable aim of linking those in need with those who can provide, whether the need be for finance, prayer, encouragement or advice. It is very early days yet, but this could be a great resource - have a look and see what you think.

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Please welcome to Richard’s blogroll “Trixie” of Trixie’s Home.
Trixie is an active lay member of Grace United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City, OK (USA). Among other things, she’s interested in the spiritual connection of shared hospitality and the importance of “home,” whether one has a traditional family to share that with or not. [...]

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The resurrection was a long shot that should have changed the world; but it doesn’t seem to have.
How would it be if we let it change us? asks Simon Parke, quoting Dylan Thomas on the way.
via Backburner

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Easter Sunday is always special, but yesterday seemed especially so for some reason. Something in the worship…
It began at 10.30 on Saturday night as a small group of us gathered in the church to keep vigil overnight together. It is a hard event to convey in words - we prayed together at fixed points during [...]

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The first episode has just finished. I don’t have time to write a review, so I’ll have to confine myself to one word.
Brilliant.

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From the sacred texts of the cult of Monty Python, viii, “Full frontal nudity” (first broadcast December 14, 1969)
Customer: Hello, I wish to register a complaint… Hello? Miss?
Shopkeeper: What do you mean, miss?
Customer: I’m sorry, I have a cold. I wish to make a complaint.
Shopkeeper: Sorry, we’re closing for lunch.
Customer: Never mind that my lad. [...]

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I took part in what I thought was a really special service for Good Friday this evening. It had been planned by a small group, a series of Bible readings, poems, meditations, poetry and music. Our organist came up with musical “illustrations” as we focussed on various characters in the passion narrative, and his choices [...]

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All is complete. The pain is gone. The laboured breathing is at an end.
Stillness…
Death…
Hopes and dreams are shattered. Here is the Messiah, the Christ, the “King of the Jews”, hanging limp and broken on a cross. The crowd who cried for liberation must seek another saviour. The disciples who hoped for glory in the new [...]

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This comes courtesy of my friend Rev Kim Fabricius. It is written for the tune “House of the Rising Sun”, but it goes well to “Amazing Grace” too.
Beneath an unforgiving sky
hangs Christ, the Father’s Son;
“Forgive them, Father,” hear him cry,
“they don’t know what they’ve done.”
Two [...]

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Mark 15: 25-42
It was the third hour when they crucified him.
The written notice of the charge against him read: the king of the Jews.
They crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left.
Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, So! You who are going [...]

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