The View from the Hill on Saturday 3rd April
It is so gratifying to see the Church of England and the leaders of the Jewish faith having a go at the Catholics - we can just sit back and watch the fun.
The Old Nazi and his preacher have got themselves into some bother over comments about the child sex abuse scandals that are rocking the church and the simple fact is they don't really know how to handle it - they expect people to trust them. Well of course, it is the very issue of trust that is at the heart of these matters, it was trust that was broken that leads them into the court of shame.
About six million people will probably go to church in the UK this weekend, the population of the UK is over 60 million, that seems to me that church is a lot less important than its influence deserves - but we won't change that because we have an established church and the likes of The Queen, Prince Charles, Gordon Brown etc etc - these are religious people and as they run the shop, religion will be on sale.
There might be many who don't go to church who claim to have some faith but it is not a motivating factor in how they live their lives.
Religious fervour is still growing in Africa allied with a rise in intolerance for those who do not fit in with church teachings, people being persecuted by the religious - how things have changed in 2000 years.
Yes, gratifying indeed to watch the Old Nazi and his merry band of paedophiles commit ritual suicide by refusing to wake up and see how the world is changing.
By the way, just in case the JP is reading, John Forsythe has died at the age of 92 - perhaps Charlie will get to meet his Angels after all.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The church says the earth is flat, but I know that it is round, for I have seen the shadow on the moon and I have more faith in a shadow than in the church.
Ferdinand Magellan
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Saturday, 3 April 2010
Friday, 2 April 2010
The View from the Hill on Friday 2nd April
Good Friday - the day they killed Jesus. It was on a green hill far away, without a city wall and there was this old rugged cross which I suppose shows us that at least they recycled in those days.
The chaps in charge were very keen to get the job done well, they had rehearsed over and over again because they wanted to nail it on the day.
I wonder what Jesus could see from his vantage point, high on a cross on the top of a hill called Calvary? Could he see the future?
One of the best thing about being an atheist or an agnostic is that even though you don't believe or you don't know what to think about Jesus - you still get to have a day off work - that's the sort of Christian giving I like.
My tame JW's did invite me to a special talk at their hall this weekend, I don't think I will be going - but isn't it amazing that even though they know my feelings about religion they keep coming back and inviting me - they really do have a strong belief, they have faith and they are not scared to show it.
As I have said before, religion has been around along time and I think will always be part of human life, which is why I feel able to snipe at it as I do - it can survive my little efforts with out any real pain. Plus they set up these open goals sometimes which I just cannot resist - like Archbishop Nichols telling people he can see the attraction of condoms. Ribbed I'm sure.
Anyway, Good Friday and I am going to sit myself in the barbers chair and have my ears lowered before fetching my car from the garage - another bill to pay and this on top of paying the vets bill yesterday for poor Danny.
£219.78 - I think it would have been cheaper to fly him to Switzerland! He was worth every penny.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Coordinator: Crucifixion?
Prisoner: Yes.
Coordinator: Good. Out of the door, line on the left, one cross each.
From The Life of Brian
Good Friday - the day they killed Jesus. It was on a green hill far away, without a city wall and there was this old rugged cross which I suppose shows us that at least they recycled in those days.
The chaps in charge were very keen to get the job done well, they had rehearsed over and over again because they wanted to nail it on the day.
I wonder what Jesus could see from his vantage point, high on a cross on the top of a hill called Calvary? Could he see the future?
One of the best thing about being an atheist or an agnostic is that even though you don't believe or you don't know what to think about Jesus - you still get to have a day off work - that's the sort of Christian giving I like.
My tame JW's did invite me to a special talk at their hall this weekend, I don't think I will be going - but isn't it amazing that even though they know my feelings about religion they keep coming back and inviting me - they really do have a strong belief, they have faith and they are not scared to show it.
As I have said before, religion has been around along time and I think will always be part of human life, which is why I feel able to snipe at it as I do - it can survive my little efforts with out any real pain. Plus they set up these open goals sometimes which I just cannot resist - like Archbishop Nichols telling people he can see the attraction of condoms. Ribbed I'm sure.
Anyway, Good Friday and I am going to sit myself in the barbers chair and have my ears lowered before fetching my car from the garage - another bill to pay and this on top of paying the vets bill yesterday for poor Danny.
£219.78 - I think it would have been cheaper to fly him to Switzerland! He was worth every penny.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Coordinator: Crucifixion?
Prisoner: Yes.
Coordinator: Good. Out of the door, line on the left, one cross each.
From The Life of Brian
Thursday, 1 April 2010
The View from the Hill on Thursday 1st April
A day where people will be trying to trick others into believing some far fetched thing is true - like religion.
Obviously I don't feel much like joking or April Fools - still upset over losing Danny, the greedy, snoring, sleepy, loving dog that shared our lives for twelve years.
The messages of support we have received have been great and thanks to you all for that, and yet I know there will be some thinking, it was only a dog! Well those who think that probably never owned a dog.
His brother Jake is coping rather well, and it does make you think that human emotions are a double edged sword and how nice it must be to carry on regardless and not to suffer the pain of grief.
The pain we feel now is tempered by knowing that we at least had the opportunity to end Danny's pain - a humane and painless end to a good life and the very least we could do for him in repayment for all the unconditional love he gave to us over those twelve years.
Of course, there is some degree of selfishness in our choice, it prevented us from having to witness his pain and so I cannot claim that our choice was totally for Danny.
Now it is time to adjust, to get used to a new routine - we had to set the alarm because we no longer could rely on his claws tapping on the door to wake us up. The pack of two chews we open every morning, one for Jake and one for Danny, is now only half used. The bed looks empty without the big dog sprawled across it looking out of the window. The various patches of sunshine that appear around the house as the sun moves through the day, no longer will have Danny laying in their centre - he did love to sun bathe.
Yes, a whole raft of little things that can never be the same again but of course life goes on, Jake will get lots more attention now and Mrs B and I are back to work today having spent yesterday just caught up in a whirlpool of emotions.
The feelings of guilt and 'could we have done more', only add to the mental and emotional confusion, but in hindsight we both know we did what was best for the old dog - Danny.
We will miss him but when we get his ashes back and sit them beside the fire we can fool ourselves that he is with us.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Rudyard Kipling
A day where people will be trying to trick others into believing some far fetched thing is true - like religion.
Obviously I don't feel much like joking or April Fools - still upset over losing Danny, the greedy, snoring, sleepy, loving dog that shared our lives for twelve years.
The messages of support we have received have been great and thanks to you all for that, and yet I know there will be some thinking, it was only a dog! Well those who think that probably never owned a dog.
His brother Jake is coping rather well, and it does make you think that human emotions are a double edged sword and how nice it must be to carry on regardless and not to suffer the pain of grief.
The pain we feel now is tempered by knowing that we at least had the opportunity to end Danny's pain - a humane and painless end to a good life and the very least we could do for him in repayment for all the unconditional love he gave to us over those twelve years.
Of course, there is some degree of selfishness in our choice, it prevented us from having to witness his pain and so I cannot claim that our choice was totally for Danny.
Now it is time to adjust, to get used to a new routine - we had to set the alarm because we no longer could rely on his claws tapping on the door to wake us up. The pack of two chews we open every morning, one for Jake and one for Danny, is now only half used. The bed looks empty without the big dog sprawled across it looking out of the window. The various patches of sunshine that appear around the house as the sun moves through the day, no longer will have Danny laying in their centre - he did love to sun bathe.
Yes, a whole raft of little things that can never be the same again but of course life goes on, Jake will get lots more attention now and Mrs B and I are back to work today having spent yesterday just caught up in a whirlpool of emotions.
The feelings of guilt and 'could we have done more', only add to the mental and emotional confusion, but in hindsight we both know we did what was best for the old dog - Danny.
We will miss him but when we get his ashes back and sit them beside the fire we can fool ourselves that he is with us.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Rudyard Kipling
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
The View from the Hill on Wednesday 31st March
Danny - the best big dog ever...miss you xxxxx
Farewell to Thee! But not farewell
To all my fondest thoughts of Thee;
Within my heart they still shall dwell
And they shall cheer and comfort me.
Life seems more sweet that Thou didst live
And dogs more true Thou wert one;
Nothing is lost that Thou didst give,
Nothing destroyed that Thou hast done.
Anne Bronte
Danny - the best big dog ever...miss you xxxxx
To all my fondest thoughts of Thee;
Within my heart they still shall dwell
And they shall cheer and comfort me.
Life seems more sweet that Thou didst live
And dogs more true Thou wert one;
Nothing is lost that Thou didst give,
Nothing destroyed that Thou hast done.
Anne Bronte
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
The View from the Hill on Tuesday 30th March
There are some mornings that you wake up and bleary eyed turn on the television only to realise you are witnessing a moment of history. Something has happened in the world, something so earth shattering that you just know it can never be quite the same again.
1963, the death of John Kennedy
1980, John Lennon shot dead
1990, Margaret Thatcher resigns
2000, Redgrave wins 5th Olympic Gold
And now, here we are on the 30th of March 2010, just two days away from April Fools Day - and I checked to make sure that someone wasn't playing some terrible joke, but no...it is true.
A little shiver of fear runs through my body, how will my world change now?
How will I feel the next time? Will I be able to enjoy it quite as much now that I know?
Is it right to enjoy it? What does it say about me as a person....as a man!?
Perhaps I should just try and carry on, because you know if we change then they win.
The world may have changed for ever - but I am going to stand proud and I can look the world in the eye and say - yes, I know Ricky Martin is GAY - but I don't actually care!
All I ask Ricky is you don't change the title to He Bangs, cos I love that song.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Emo Phillips:
I once had a large gay following, but I ducked into an alleyway and lost him.
.
There are some mornings that you wake up and bleary eyed turn on the television only to realise you are witnessing a moment of history. Something has happened in the world, something so earth shattering that you just know it can never be quite the same again.
1963, the death of John Kennedy
1980, John Lennon shot dead
1990, Margaret Thatcher resigns
2000, Redgrave wins 5th Olympic Gold
And now, here we are on the 30th of March 2010, just two days away from April Fools Day - and I checked to make sure that someone wasn't playing some terrible joke, but no...it is true.
A little shiver of fear runs through my body, how will my world change now?
How will I feel the next time? Will I be able to enjoy it quite as much now that I know?
Is it right to enjoy it? What does it say about me as a person....as a man!?
Perhaps I should just try and carry on, because you know if we change then they win.
The world may have changed for ever - but I am going to stand proud and I can look the world in the eye and say - yes, I know Ricky Martin is GAY - but I don't actually care!
All I ask Ricky is you don't change the title to He Bangs, cos I love that song.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Emo Phillips:
I once had a large gay following, but I ducked into an alleyway and lost him.
.
Monday, 29 March 2010
The View from the Hill on Monday 29th March
Whilst eating my toast and thin cut orange marmalade, Dr Tania Byron was on the tv, talking about children and the dangers of the internet - she has come up with the most radical of approaches - she expects parents to actually take an interest in their kids and ask them what they are doing!!!!! She must be living in another reality.
June Havoc has died at the age of 96 - June who? Well, June Havoc was the sister of Gypsy Rose Lee thereby making her Baby June.
Gypsy is a great musical and it has one of the best overtures of any musical ever written in my opinion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSUKXRxdNRk
Why not play it now by clicking the link and sing along like I did whilst writing this blog.
So, the week commences with a rainy day that is also a Monday, so the Carpenters will be feeling down.
The change in the clocks means no more six o'clock starts, the dogs now rising at seven, but today they managed to lie in even later which has pushed me a little behind schedule and I do have a lot to do today plus we might have some workmen coming, if the rain doesn't put them off.
It just feels sort of blah...do you not what I mean:blah.
I think I will play the Gypsy overture again and see if that cheers me up.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Let me entertain you, let me make you smile.
From Gypsy by Stephen Sondheim
Whilst eating my toast and thin cut orange marmalade, Dr Tania Byron was on the tv, talking about children and the dangers of the internet - she has come up with the most radical of approaches - she expects parents to actually take an interest in their kids and ask them what they are doing!!!!! She must be living in another reality.
June Havoc has died at the age of 96 - June who? Well, June Havoc was the sister of Gypsy Rose Lee thereby making her Baby June.
Gypsy is a great musical and it has one of the best overtures of any musical ever written in my opinion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSUKXRxdNRk
Why not play it now by clicking the link and sing along like I did whilst writing this blog.
So, the week commences with a rainy day that is also a Monday, so the Carpenters will be feeling down.
The change in the clocks means no more six o'clock starts, the dogs now rising at seven, but today they managed to lie in even later which has pushed me a little behind schedule and I do have a lot to do today plus we might have some workmen coming, if the rain doesn't put them off.
It just feels sort of blah...do you not what I mean:blah.
I think I will play the Gypsy overture again and see if that cheers me up.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Let me entertain you, let me make you smile.
From Gypsy by Stephen Sondheim
Sunday, 28 March 2010
The View from the Hill on Sunday 28th March
or is it Monday with the clocks going forward? It's cold and windy and everyone else is still fast asleep, just me with a cup of tea and the mouth you can only have the morning after going for an Indian.
We treated ourselves after the party yesterday - and let me tell you about that to begin with.
It went very well, people liked the food, they had a good chat, there was a speech by me which was obviously the highlight of the whole event (I had them in the palm of my hand, but such power should not be used lightly) and then they all buggered off home full of cake and orange squash.
It really was worth all the effort and congratulations to all who made it happen.
So, when we got home, we first of all murdered a bottle of champagne then headed down to the Chand Restaurant and decimated their supply of Cobra beer and various curry dishes.
To prove how tired I was, I threw mango chutney all over the place and was forced to sit in a sticky patch all evening - it was a feeling I had not experienced for many years.
The place was very busy and there was the usual hum of people talking, the occasional laugh but a pleasant atmosphere, until the people on a table quite near us started complaining.
A rather large, ugly, bald man with his wife (who in my opinion should not have been out in public - too scary) started talking very loudly, and I mean very loudly, about how he would not pay the bill.
There was some dispute over him being splashed with red wine....anyway the discussion got louder and louder, the staff trying to mollify the man but he was having none of it. He was large, ugly, bald, loud and Irish.
Gradually everyone else in the restaurant was silenced as we all tuned into the dispute which moved from the table to the bar and then the exit where after about 10 minutes, the man departed. The whole restaurant burst into spontaneous applause - the man must have heard it and walked back in - at which point we all booed him - and like the thick headed drunken idiot he was, he came back with the wittiest of retorts to us all - "I'm Irish" he said at the top of his voice, turned and exited!
It was a fitting end to the day, it left us all with a smile on our face and me with mango chutney in places I'd rather not mention.
The house is still quiet, I think a quiet day is called for.
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mark Twain:
"Let us be thankful for the fools. But for them the rest of us could not succeed.”
or write a blog!
.
or is it Monday with the clocks going forward? It's cold and windy and everyone else is still fast asleep, just me with a cup of tea and the mouth you can only have the morning after going for an Indian.
We treated ourselves after the party yesterday - and let me tell you about that to begin with.
It went very well, people liked the food, they had a good chat, there was a speech by me which was obviously the highlight of the whole event (I had them in the palm of my hand, but such power should not be used lightly) and then they all buggered off home full of cake and orange squash.
It really was worth all the effort and congratulations to all who made it happen.
So, when we got home, we first of all murdered a bottle of champagne then headed down to the Chand Restaurant and decimated their supply of Cobra beer and various curry dishes.
To prove how tired I was, I threw mango chutney all over the place and was forced to sit in a sticky patch all evening - it was a feeling I had not experienced for many years.
The place was very busy and there was the usual hum of people talking, the occasional laugh but a pleasant atmosphere, until the people on a table quite near us started complaining.
A rather large, ugly, bald man with his wife (who in my opinion should not have been out in public - too scary) started talking very loudly, and I mean very loudly, about how he would not pay the bill.
There was some dispute over him being splashed with red wine....anyway the discussion got louder and louder, the staff trying to mollify the man but he was having none of it. He was large, ugly, bald, loud and Irish.
Gradually everyone else in the restaurant was silenced as we all tuned into the dispute which moved from the table to the bar and then the exit where after about 10 minutes, the man departed. The whole restaurant burst into spontaneous applause - the man must have heard it and walked back in - at which point we all booed him - and like the thick headed drunken idiot he was, he came back with the wittiest of retorts to us all - "I'm Irish" he said at the top of his voice, turned and exited!
It was a fitting end to the day, it left us all with a smile on our face and me with mango chutney in places I'd rather not mention.
The house is still quiet, I think a quiet day is called for.
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mark Twain:
"Let us be thankful for the fools. But for them the rest of us could not succeed.”
or write a blog!
.
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