Welcome to LivingRoom! Pull up a bean bag, grab a coffee and chat with us for a while about Emerging Church, Blogging, Faith and other General Silliness from South of the Equator.
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Those in Melbourne might be interested in coming along to the launch of a new website here in Australia called Megachurch Watch.
It's on at 6pm on Monday 21 May (next week).
I'll be one of a number of speakers during the evening - details are at Megachurch Website Launch.
John Campea has released the trailer for his upcoming documentary - The Prince Of Peace - The God Of War.
It looks like it'll be a pretty interesting piece and one that I think could cause a stir in some circles.
If you're into the World Cup and want to find a couple of blogs that will be following the latest World Cup News and Results during June when the World Cup is being held in Germany you might be interested in a couple of blogs that b5media have produced at:
Soccerati - World Cup News and Results
The Footie - World Cup Football News and Results
I've just seen one of the more bizarre blogging tools out there - Xianz is it's name and it's promoting itself as 'MySpace for Christians'.
It's an invitation only social networking and blogging tool which at a first glance seems to me like a site with a real 'holy huddle' kind of mentality.
While I do see the importance of spaces for Christians to gather and interact with each other I do worry when such places become exclusive and loose their fuzziness.
Forgive me if I'm wrong - but I tend to remember someone saying something like 'Go into all the World....' rather than 'run away from it'.
Rather than dragging Christians out of places like MySpace (I'm not a massive fan myself - although I did start a page a couple of weeks ago) I wonder what would happen if we all decided to become actively involved in the community there.
The last thing most Christians that I know need is another place to go and hang out with Christians. Instead I think we need to step outside of our comfort zones and actually learn to speak the language of and engage with the world that we're called to 'go' to.
Maybe I'm just not getting it (perhaps partly because a lot of their areas seem to be 'members only' area) but it doesn't really work for me (quite literally as looking at one of the pages on it just crashed my browser).
found via TallSkinnyKiwi
Many of you will know that I've joined with three other bloggers to start a blog network in the past few months by the name of b5media. In partnership with quite a few other bloggers we've launched over 50 blogs already on a wide range of topics. The latest one to launch is one I'm very excited about. It's called A Dozen Steps and is a blog about 12 step recovery programs written by Anne Wayman.
This is the type of blog topic that I'd like to see added in numbers to b5 - a blog that has the potential to bring life to those strugging with the issues that it faces. If you know anyone that you think might benefit from Anne's wisdom and encouragement feel free to pass the URL along to them.
Lucas from my four walls is having a 24 hour blogathon to raise money for the Heifer Project. Stop by and lend him some support and make a donation if you can. Having done two blogathons I know how much it means to have a little support so show Lucas some love! :-)
Update: Thursday 21 July: There are reports coming through that there has been further explosions and/or suspicious packages found at 3 underground stations and on one bus - eerily similar to what happened two weeks ago. Reports are appearing online in some of the following places:
- London Subways Evacuated
- Tube Explosion Reported
- Tube Cleared After Minor Blasts
- Incident on London Bus
Reports are coming out that detonators have gone off of at least 3 bombs but the bombs themselves that they were attached to apparently did not explode.
Original Post from 7 July: Watching the news here in Melbourne at the moment where they've gone live to London to cover the London Underground and Bus Explosions.
We have family who use some of those tube stations so are of course interested in what's going on there.
I'm quite amazed by the explosion of bloggers covering the story.
Technorati's biggest searched for term is London with plenty of other similar terms. Looks like people are turning to the internet for news (update - technorati now seems to be down - perhaps as a result of the increased searches?).
Hoping and praying it isn't as bad as some of the 'experts' who are commentating on the explosion are saying it could be.
Update - this post was getting quite long and unruly so I've edited it into two sections - firstly News Articles on the London Explosions and secondly Blogs following the story. I also will update our family news as it comes to hand bellow.
The Age (subscription required) has a report is up. They write:
'A number of people were killed in a series of explosions on London's transport system at rush hour on Thursday morning, causing chaos in the British capital, police and transport officials said.Several blasts hit the underground network and police said there had been at least three explosions on buses in the city.
A source at the Metronet consortium that runs part of the capital's underground network said "there were three explosions and there have been some fatalities".
Home Secretary Charles Clarke said the blasts had caused "terrible injuries".
The causes of the incidents, a day after London was awarded the 2012 Olympics and as leaders of the Group of Eight rich nations met in Scotland, were unknown but police said many of the city's underground stations were affected.'
India's NewIndPress wrties:
'A series of explosions rocked London's transport system at rush hour on Thursday morning, causing numerous casualties and leaving millions of passengers in shock, police said.The causes of the incidents -- which occurred one day after London was awarded the 2012 Olympics and as leaders of the Group of Eight rich nations met in Scotland -- were unknown but police said many of the city's underground stations were affected.
"It is too early to state what has happened," a London police spokesman said. "I cannot comment on reports of bombs, but we have had multi-reports of explosions around London."
People were seen streaming out of one underground station covered with blood and soot. Passengers were evacuated from stations across the capital, many in shock and with their clothes ripped to shreds, witnesses said.'
BBC reports:
'Large numbers of casualties have been reported after at least six explosions on the Underground network and a double-decker bus in London. Scotland Yard confirmed one of several reports of explosions on buses in the city - in Tavistock Place - but said the cause was not yet known.UK Home Secretary Charles Clarke said several explosions in central London had caused "terrible injuries".
All Tube services and bus services in central London have been suspended.'
CNN is reporting soldiers on the streets and six casualties (unconfirmed).
- BBC have a series of Eyewitness Reports. Here's one:
'"All the lights went out and the train came to an immediate halt.There was smoke everywhere and everyone was coughing and choking, but remained calm. We couldn't open the doors."
She was in a carriage next to one where an explosion happened.
She said the adjacent carriage was "black on the inside". She saw people who appeared to have their clothes blown off, and bodies lying inside the carriage. '
- CNN has a timeline of the events of the London Explosion.
- Sky News reports 90 injured and 2 casualties.
Tony Blair is speaking now and confirms that this is reasonably clear to be terrorist attacks. He will be leaving the G8 meeting in the next few hours to go to London for a report before returning to G8 afterwards. G8 will continue in his absence.
He vows to defeat terrorism - a barbaric act.
He said it's reasonably clear that this is tied to the opening of G8.
- News on the financial markets response to the London explosions can be found at Markets plummet after London blasts .
- Sky News is reporting 90 injured and 2 fatalities. They also report a massive rescue operation at Kings Cross Station.
- Speculation is already beginning about who is behind this terrorist attack - with Reuters reporting it fits the Al-Qaeda pattern.
- pictures of the aftermath of the explosions are pouring into Yahoo News.
- The International Olympic Committee are getting the word out that they don't believe the London Bomb Explosions have nothing to do with London winning the Olympics yesterday. Source. Instead most experts are tying it to the G8 meeting starting today.
- BBC is offering live video coverage of the situation in London.
- Forbes reports that the House of Commons has been suspended until later in the day.
- a European al-Quaida group has claimed responsability for the London bombing according to NY News Day. They write:
A group calling itself "Secret Organization -- al-Qaida in Europe" has posted a claim of responsibility for the series of blasts in London, a German magazine reported Thursday.Der Spiegel magazine reported that the group posted its message on a Web site popular with Islamic militants, which it did not name. It said the group claimed the explosions were in retaliation for Britain's involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.
- French Govt raises terror alert
- London Hospitals Put on Major Incident Alert after Multiple Blasts-
- 12 dead, scores injured in London blasts (subscription needed)
- European Central Bank holds rates
- Four London Blasts Kill 40, Injure 300
- London mayor: This was mass murder
- London blasts throw G8 summit into crisis
- Interpol offers team to help London
- - The Sun has many reports on the explosions and the reactions from around the UK and the world.
- Putin condemns terror attacks in London
- Blogs Respond to London Blasts
Tony Blair has made (read this time) a second statement in an hour or so - standing in front of the G8 leaders. He says the attack is an attack on all nations.
- stories coming through from Ambulance sources now about the death toll:
23 dead at Kings Cross
9 dead at Edgware
7 dead at Aldgate
2 Dead at Russel Square
Over 1000 injured
- Information on London's tubes, buses, trams and river services.
- Another picture of the evacuation of the tube.
- At least 45 die in London Blasts
- London financial centre rattled but trades on
- Yahoo News has set up a dedicated page to follow this story
- News Now has a similar page.
- Follow the story on Googe News here
- MSN's London Bombing Results
- Queen Elizabethe 'Deeply Shocked'
- Bush offers U.S. condolences to London
- World leaders pledge united front
- Pope Benedict deplores London attacks
- European Markets Dive on London Blasts
- London's congestion charge has been suspended to allow people to travel by cars. Also some public transport will be free when it reopens (and from main line stations) to allow people to clear the city.
- Thames Link Continuing to Run Services
- Washington Raises Terror Threat To Orange For Rail Systems
- UN Security Council to condemn attacks
Update - We just got word that our family are safe. V's parents were going to catch a bus into the affected area this morning but for some reason her sister said they shouldn't.
V's brother in law was a work close to one of the explosions and had his windows rattled. Close but safe thank goodness.
- Brother in law just emailed this through:
' I was sitting at desk, talking to work mate on phone (landline – gsm nw congested by this time) (he was two trains behind one that exploded) and on the other phone to my boss who was saying he was ok, but miles away… when BOOM…. It felt weird… I put the phones down..went outside – everything seemed so quiet…then there were sirens…loads of them from multiple directions… and then helicopters… Crazy crazy times my friend.
london, explosion, london tube, london tube explosion, london explosion
If you're easily addicted to simple online games you shouldn't go to Guess-the-Google - a game where you're given a series of 20 pictures from Google's images and have to guess what keyword triggered them.
My highest score was 279 - no where near the highest recorded one.
Got to love these survey/meme things...
Cultural Creative | 94% | ||
Postmodernist | 63% | ||
Existentialist | 50% | ||
Fundamentalist | 44% | ||
Romanticist | 44% | ||
Idealist | 38% | ||
Modernist | 13% | ||
Materialist | 13% |
Just a reminder to Melbourne readers that Thursday night is Postcards from the Corporate World. Hope you can make it along.
American Idol this year is hotting up after a great competition last year when Fantasia Barrino became the American Idol Winner in front after 65 million Americans cast their votes.
This year the American Idol Results will make the winner either 21 year old Carrie Underwood from Checotah (OK) or 29 year old Bo Bice from Helena (AL).
The competition to be the American Idol Winner is hot - with internet polls at American Idol Blog neck and neck. At the time of publishing this Bo Bice was just edging out Carrie Underwood - but really the American Idol Crown is anyone's!
Update - The Winner of American Idol this year is Carrie Underwood.
Last to leave American Idol this year was 20 year old Vonzell Solomon from Fort Myers.
'A postal letter carrier, Solomon endeared herself to fans with her emotional openness. Always an underdog, she had tried out once before for "Idol" but was rejected. This time, she made it all the way to the top three, which is sure to yield her a recording contract.- Source"My 'American Idol' journey has been crazy - a lot of emotions balled up into one. But it's been all worth it," Solomon said in a video montage played after host Ryan Seacrest announced that she had received the fewest votes.'
Darren has just added lyrics of - How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb - by U2 over at his Alternative Hymnal.
Update - for some reason that page has been taken down - you can get the lyrics at U2 Discography - How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb in the mean time.
Related Links:
- review of U2's How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb
- How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb Lyrics
- U2 - How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb Information
- U2's 'Bomb' lacks firepower - Review
Track Listing
1. Vertigo
2. Miracle Drug
3. Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own
4. Love and Peace or Else
5. City of Blinding Lights
6. All Because of You
7. A Man and A Woman
8. Crumbs From Your Table
9. One Step Closer
10. Original of the Species
11. Yahweh
This is a very useful link - it actually calculates 'Murphy's Law' for you! Very cool.
'Mathematicians have now come up with a rule for predicting the law of “anything that can go wrong, will go wrong". They say the formula allows people to calculate the chances of Murphy's law (or Sod's law as it is also know) - and to even try and beat the bad luck.
Previous studies have found the law is not a myth, but this is the first time a formula has been calculated.'
Read more at Murphy's Law Formula - Easy to Use Calculator
An article in today's the Age caught my attention today. The headline is Net profits: Your don't have to be a dotcom heavyweight to make money on the web.
Its a good article that scratches the surface of what is becoming more and more common for people wanting to make a few dollars on the side. I did a bit of an anecdotal survey a few months back on some of the top, middle and lower bloggers on the blog ecosystem and found that in all categories a significant number of bloggers have some form of income stream (or at least are attempting to have one) on their site - whether that be Ads, Affiliates, Tip Jars or directly selling products.
Of course some say that this is destroying blogging - and there are some examples of some who are selling their souls to make a few dollars - but I suspect it will become more and more common in the future. One of the things I'm toying with as an idea is to form some sort of a co-operative/network of bloggers who want to do some more commercial blogging. One of the hardest things about making a blog a viable source of income is that it can take a lot of time to build your domain's page ranking. To make it worth your time you need to be able to attract significant numbers of readers to your site and that means a high ranking of Google. This is hard to do alone but I suspect if we worked together - sharing a domain and know how it would be a lot easier.
Anyway - just thinking it all through at the moment and would be interested from hearing from anyone who was interested in the experiment.
Back to the article I quoted above - here is a taster:
'Fancy a work-from-home lifestyle or just a little spare cash on the side? The days of the dotcom bonanza are over, but dreams of making money from the internet live on.
Online riches may be just an illusion used to trap the unwary - an inventive array of get-rich-quick schemes, including the infamous Nigerian money scam, will quickly see the gullible fleeced - but for those willing to dabble in less lucrative, albeit legal, ventures, there are modest gains to be made.
Some people sign up for webpage ads, fill out surveys and join online marketing programs. Others turn their trash into treasure on eBay and put PayPal on their websites, hoping for tips and donations.'
Read more at Net profits
As someone whose been interrupted while preaching my fair share of times - I think this is a great idea!
'Four churches in Mexico have resorted to illegally jamming cellphone signals using devices smuggled in from Israel to stop parishoners’ phones from ringing during services.'
Read More at Mexican churches using cellphone jammers
Friends and I have often joked about pitching a reality tv show to network producers that would be based around churches. We figure in most churches there are enough dramas and scandals to fill in 60 minutes of television every month. Of course we weren't serious - these are the sorts of ideas that come out when group of guys with too much time on their hands get together.
It seems that there must be a similar group of guys are because someone has come up with the idea of Priest Idol.
'Channel 4 will screen a new series which aims to boost a congregation in a parish with poor church attendance.
With the working title Priest Idol, the show will give a vicar 12 months to boost the church's turnout.
Backed by advisors, the vicar will be able to spend an undisclosed sum of money on anything he or she thinks will appeal to parishioners.
Being filmed in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, the three-part series is due to be broadcast at the end of 2005.'
Get all the latest news on a variety of topics at Breaking News Blog.
The Melbourne Cup 2004 results are:
1. Makybe Diva
2. Vinnie Roe
3. Zazzman
4. Elvstroem
5. Hugs Dancer
6. Distinction
7. Mamool
8. Catchmeifyoucan
9. Razkalla
10. Strasbourg
11. On A Jeune
12. Media Puzzle
13. Grey Song
14. Roman Arch
15. Upsetthym
16. Another Warrior
17. Winning Belle
18. Lashed
19. Mummify
20. Don Raphael
21. Pacific Dancer
22. Hard To Get
23. Delzao
24. She's Archie.
The Melbourne Cup is being run at 3.10pm on Tuesday 2nd November in 2004. It's the 'race that stops the nation'. What will the results of the 2004 Melbourne Cup be?
Following is a list of Melbourne Cup information, articles, tips and llinks to help you prepare for your Melbourne cup day.
- Melbourne Cup - Official Site - 'The Melbourne Cup, it is the race that defines Australian horse racing, it's the race that stops a nation, people from all around Australia stop for the spring carnival. They engage in betting on the Australia spring carnival and it is also a huge part in the Australian racing history. Held at the Flemington race track in Melbourne and organised by the VRC the Melbourne Cup is definately a horse racing bookies dream.'
- Field for Melbourne Cup - all the horses listed with odds. Barrier draw will be added as it comes to hand.
- Melbourne Cup Jockeys - A list of the 2004 Melbourne Cup Jockeys - with their previous records.
- The Age - Horse Racing Page - with all the latest Melbourne Cup news, information on horses, jockeys, lead up races, tips etc.
- Culture and Recreation - Melbourne Cup - Australian Government page descibing the event.
- Melbourne Cup Blog - a blog with the latest Melbourne Cup news, tips, articles and gossip.
- About.com - Melbourne cup - the Countdown begins.
- Ozeform - Melbourne Cup. 'The Melbourne Cup is Australia's most famous horse race, and is truly the "race, which stops a nation".
All over Australia, millions of people tune in to watch or listen to the famous race - even proceedings in Parliament cease so that Members can hear it.
In Melbourne it is the reason for a Public Holiday and is considered the biggest tourist attraction in its home state of Victoria.
In many ways the Melbourne Cup is an anachronism - being a handicap and run over the unfashionable distance of 3200m - when in other countries the feature events are more likely to be run at weight-for-age and over 2000m to 2400m....'
- Racenet - Melbourne Cup - Melbourne Cup Stats including past winners, jockeys, horses, colors, barriers etc.
I'd like to wish Google a happy 6th Birthday. I love Google - it is rare that a company has such a massive impact so quickly. It is hard to imagine a world without Google (well it is for me) - they have really achieved do much in their 6 years - I find it difficult to believe that they've come so far so quickly.
When they first started I remembered thinking that their search engine was pretty cool - but I had no idea how it (and their other services) would change the way I use the internet - and ultimately earn an income.
So the question remains - what does one buy an international successful business that seems to have everything for their birthday?
ooh...the new iMac! purrrrr.....me want one...
Now might be the appropriate time to kick off a 'buy Darren a new toy fund'....
click to enlarge picture
"A RUSSIAN computer security expert has predicted that a large chunk of the Internet will be shut down by terrorists tomorrow.
Aleksandr Gostev from Kaspersky Labs was speaking at a conference hosted by Russian Information Agency Novosti. The cyber terrorists main targets will be the US and Western Europe, he said.
Gostev said that the information on the attack could be found on "specialist web sites" although at the time of going to press the INQ couldn’t find them."
Read more at Internet meltdown predicted for tomorrow and Russian Computer Expert Predicts Internet Terrorist Attack.
Update - congratulations to 16 year old Casey Donovan who has just been declared the Australian Idol for 2004. For all the latest Australian idol results, winners, news, information and a live commentary of the final show - check out Australian Idol Blog. For other Breaking News on other topics check out Digital Photography Blog, Camera Phone Zone and Printer Blog.
The top 12 contesting for the title of Australian Idol in 2004 are:
- Anthony Callea
- Chanel Cole
- Courtney Murphy
- Hayley Jensen
- Amali Ward
- Angeline Narayan
- Casey Donovan
- Daniel Belle
- Daniel O'Conner
- Emelia Rusciano
- Marty Worrall
- Ricki-Lee Coulter
What will the Australian Idol Results be? I'd tip Courtney, Casey, Anthony or Hayley as possible winners.
Who will this year's National Rugby League Grand Final winner be in 2004?
Those in contention to be winners this year are the Brisbane Broncos, Melbourne Storm, Bulldogs, North Queensland Cowboys, Sydney Roosters, Canberra Raiders, Penrith Panthers and St George Illawarra Dragons. Who will hold up the cup as the winners on Grand Final Day. Following are some NRL resources to keep us all busy busy until the National Rugby League Grand Final Winner is announced.
- National Rugby League Official Page - Contains all the latest National Rugby League news, results, winners and losers.
- National Rugby League - National Rugby League news from Australia but also league news and results from around the world.
- Rugby Heaven - Sydney Morning Herald's Rugby coverage.
- Fox Sport National Rugby League - Fox Sports National Rugby League coverage with the latest news, results, winners, opinion pieces etc.
- National Rugby League Stats - all the latest statistics from the NRL competition.
- Dan's National Rugby League page - teams, results, ladder, winners and news from the National Rugby League.
'PREMIERSHIP winger Matt Geyer says Melbourne Storm is far better prepared for this year's NRL finals and expects to prove it against the Broncos in Brisbane on Saturday night.
Storm, the surprise improver last year, finished the regular season fifth. But, after beating Canberra in the qualifying final, it made a hasty exit in week two, losing 30-0 to the Bulldogs at Aussie Stadium.
While Melbourne has finished this season a place below last year, Geyer is confident his team can mount a much stronger campaign.
"Last year a lot of guys got their first taste of finals," Geyer said yesterday. "And no matter how much you want to say they are just like other games, the truth is that they're not. Until you have played in a final you don't know what the pressure and the intensity is like."' Read more at Storm ready for finals
Who will 2004's NRL Premiership winner be?
Those in contention to be premiers/winners this year are the Brisbane Broncos, Melbourne Storm, Bulldogs, North Queensland Cowboys, Sydney Roosters, Canberra Raiders, Penrith Panthers and St George Illawarra Dragons. Who will hold up the cup as the winners on Grand Final Day. Following are some NRL resources to keep us all busy busy until the NRL Grand Final Winner is announced.
- NRL Official Page - Contains all the latest NRL premiership news, results, winners and losers.
- National Rugby League - NRL news from Australia but also league news and results from around the world.
- Rugby Heaven - Sydney Morning Herald's Rugby coverage.
- Fox Sport NRL - Fox Sports NRL coverage with the latest news, results, winners, opinion pieces etc.
- NRL Stats - all the latest statistics from the NRL competition.
- Dan's NRL page - teams, results, ladder, winners and news from the NRL.
'PREMIERSHIP winger Matt Geyer says Melbourne Storm is far better prepared for this year's NRL finals and expects to prove it against the Broncos in Brisbane on Saturday night.
Storm, the surprise improver last year, finished the regular season fifth. But, after beating Canberra in the qualifying final, it made a hasty exit in week two, losing 30-0 to the Bulldogs at Aussie Stadium.
While Melbourne has finished this season a place below last year, Geyer is confident his team can mount a much stronger campaign.
"Last year a lot of guys got their first taste of finals," Geyer said yesterday. "And no matter how much you want to say they are just like other games, the truth is that they're not. Until you have played in a final you don't know what the pressure and the intensity is like."' Read more at Storm ready for finals
Who will this year's NRL Grand Final winner be in 2004?
Those in contention to be winners this year are the Brisbane Broncos, Melbourne Storm, Bulldogs, North Queensland Cowboys, Sydney Roosters, Canberra Raiders, Penrith Panthers and St George Illawarra Dragons. Who will hold up the cup as the winners on Grand Final Day. Following are some NRL resources to keep us all busy busy until the NRL Grand Final Winner is announced.
- NRL Official Page - Contains all the latest NRL news, results, winners and losers.
- National Rugby League - NRL news from Australia but also league news and results from around the world.
- Rugby Heaven - Sydney Morning Herald's Rugby coverage.
- Fox Sport NRL - Fox Sports NRL coverage with the latest news, results, winners, opinion pieces etc.
- NRL Stats - all the latest statistics from the NRL competition.
- Dan's NRL page - teams, results, ladder, winners and news from the NRL.
'PREMIERSHIP winger Matt Geyer says Melbourne Storm is far better prepared for this year's NRL finals and expects to prove it against the Broncos in Brisbane on Saturday night.
Storm, the surprise improver last year, finished the regular season fifth. But, after beating Canberra in the qualifying final, it made a hasty exit in week two, losing 30-0 to the Bulldogs at Aussie Stadium.
While Melbourne has finished this season a place below last year, Geyer is confident his team can mount a much stronger campaign.
"Last year a lot of guys got their first taste of finals," Geyer said yesterday. "And no matter how much you want to say they are just like other games, the truth is that they're not. Until you have played in a final you don't know what the pressure and the intensity is like."' Read more at Storm ready for finals
Well it is only 7 days to go until the Olympics in Athens. This might explain my lack of posting the last week or so. You see as many of you know some of us are running an Olympics Blog and the past few weeks we've been working really hard on getting as many pages of content up as possible - we've added 1100 blog posts on a variety of news topics and at least another 1000 pages of content with medal tables, event previews etc.
Thanks heaps to those who have linked up to the site and those who have added the Free Medal Table to their blog's sidebar.
Thanks also to those who have joined in on the group blogging fun - contributers now include Ande, Ian, , Rachel, Regan and Steve. I think we make a pretty good team although would love to add a few more! We're yet to find any bloggers from Africa or Asia to join us (let me know if you want to jump in). We've also had some great one off contributions to the site like this comprehensive Athens Olympic Swimming Medal Predictions post by a guy who emailed me out of the blue today.
Its a bit of a scary process - the traffic is building as you'd expect but what it will be like in a week's time is anyone's guess. We've ended up pretty highly ranked on Google for terms like Athens Olympics, Olympics Medal Table and heaps of other terms - the worry is that our server won't stand up under the pressure.
Anyway - just thought I'd keep those interested up to date and explain why I might be blogging at odd hours over the next week or so here on this blog (if at all).
Update - Congratulations to Port Adelaide for beating Brisbane in the AFL Grand final. Port Power beat the Lions 17.11 (113) to 10.13 (73).
Who will win the AFL Grand Final in 2004? Will Brisbane be winners for the forth year running or will Port Adelaide overcome their 'chokers' reputation and take it out. Essendon, Geelong, Sydney and St Kilda all will want a go at the title of AFL Premiers also so it should be a fascinating finals series culminating in the Grand Final on 25 September.
While we wait for the AFL Grand Final Results and Winners here are some online AFL resources to keep you occupied:
- Official Website for the AFL - the web home of the Australian Football League (AFL). The site has all the official AFL news, results, ladders, AFL merchandise etc.
- The Age - AFL Coverage - All the latest AFL news, Winners, Results, Opinion, Pictures and Information.
- Herald Sun - AFL Coverage - AFL News, Results, Winners, Opinion, Predictions, Tips and Info
- Gunners AFL 2004 - This AFL enthusiast has a page dedicated to his favorite AFL club - the Collingwood football club. It's a useful site - pity about the team he follows though.
- Sportsbet - AFL Grand final winners Odds page - all the odds of those teams still in the race to be winners of the AFL Grand Final.
- Centrebet - AFL Grand final winners Odd another page full of AFL Grand final news and odds.
- Australia Post - AFL 2004 Football Stamps - stamps to commemorate the 2004 AFL Season.
- Aussie Rules for Beginners
- The Rules of Aussie Rules
Grand final tickets cause headaches for distributors - 'New anti-scalping laws introduced by the Victorian Government have been blamed for problems associated with the distribution of AFL grand final tickets.
Ticketmaster spokesperson Maria O'Connor said the distributor could only sell grand final tickets to AFL members at 14 outlets across the state, because they were a different size to those sold in previous seasons. She said the new laws required Ticketmaster to print a no-scalping warning on the tickets.' Read More
Check out this amazing idea for a toilet accessory! It is called the Aquariass.
It is a real aquarium designed by Oliver Beckert. The tank doesn't share water with the toilet and there is no danger of flushing the fish.
Would be a weird feeling sitting on one of these - you'd definitely have the feeling you were being watched!
There are so many lines I could use with regards to this one but I think I'll just leave it at that.
Found via Engadget.
Someone gave it to me for a bit of a fun read a week or so back.
It is fun and I have read it and would recommend you get yourself a copy and do likewise. Its a true story about a guy (Danny Wallace) who probably had a little too much time on his hand one day and put an ad in a local paper that simple said 'JOIN ME' and invited people to do so by sending him a passport photo.
At the time he didn't really have much idea of what he was inviting people to 'join' but join people did. At first it was one but if you check out his Join Me Website you'll see that his 'joinees' number in their thousands.
In time Danny worked out he needed to have some sort of mission for people to participate in and so initially it became to 'make old men happy' which later was expanded into Random Acts of Kindness every Friday.
The book is wittily written but also indirectly (so far) says quite a bit about human nature - particularly about the desire people have for community, to make a difference and working together. I'm intrigued by the story and would recommend you check it out.
Update - Svetlana Kuznetsova has defeated Elena Dementieva (both from Russia) to win the US Open in straight sets 6-3 6-5.
Who will the winner of the Women's US Open Tennis tournament be? Last year the women's winner was Justin Hennin-Hardenne.
This year's US Open Women's favorites to win include Justine Henin-Hardenne, Amelie Mauresmo, Serena Williams, Anastasia Myskina and Lindsay Davenport just to name a few. Who do you think the US Open Women's Winner will be at the end of the tennis tournament?
Below are some helpful resources to use while we all wait for the Women's US Open Winners to be announced:
- US Open - Official US Open 2004 Site. Has latest scores, results and winners.
- US Open News - official US Open's News site with all the latest results, scores, descriptions of matches etc.
- United States Tennis Association - USTA site which has heaps of US Open tennis news, results, winners stories, scores etc.
- ESPN's US Open Coverage - An ESPN site dedicated to the US Open with results and winners updated as they happen.
- US Open Winners - a history of the US Open Winners list.
- US Open Information page - with information on the US Open Tennis Tournament.
- US Open History - a page dedicated to telling the history of the US Open Tennis Tournament.
- US Open Betting - Get all the latest US Open Odds.
Update - Roger Federer is the men's winner of the US Open - defeating Lleyton Hewitt in straight sets 6-0, 7-6, 6-0.
----
Who will the winner of the Men's US Open Tennis tournament be? Last year the men's winner was Andy Roddick.
This year's US Open favorites in the Men's competition include Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt, Andre Agassi and Carlos Moya. Who do you think the Men's US Open Winners will be at the end of the tournament?
US Open Details
- The US Open Tennis Tournament is held at the USTA Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows in New York between Monday Aug 30 - Sunday Sept. 12.
- Qualifying Matches begin on Tuesday Aug. 24
- The Main Draw Matches begin on Monday Aug 30.
- Singles Winner Prize: $1,000,000 (USD)
Below are some helpful tennis resources to use while we all wait for the Men's US Open Winners to be announced:
- US Open - Official US Open 2004 Site. Has latest scores, results and winners.
- US Open News - official US Open's News site with all the latest scores, results, descriptions of matches etc.
- United States Tennis Association - USTA site which has heaps of US Open news, results, winners stories etc.
- ESPN's US Open Coverage - An ESPN site dedicated to the US Open with scores, results and winners updated as they happen.
- US Open Winners - a history of the US Open Winners list.
- US Open Information page - with information on the US Open Tennis Tournament.
- US Open History - a page dedicated to telling the history of the US Open Tennis Tournament.
- US Open Betting - Get all the latest US Open Odds.
Update - Roger Federer is the men's winner of the US Open - defeating Lleyton Hewitt in straight sets 6-0, 7-6, 6-0.
Update - Svetlana Kuznetsova has defeated Elena Dementieva (both from Russia) to win the US Open in straight sets 6-3 6-5.
Who will the winner of the US Open Tennis tournament be? Last year the men's winner was Andy Roddick and the female women's winner was Justin Hennin-Hardenne.
This year's US Open favorites in the Men's competition include Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt, Andre Agassi and Carlos Moya. US Open Women's favorites to win include Justine Henin-Hardenne, Amelie Mauresmo, Serena Williams, Anastasia Myskina and Lindsay Davenport just to name a few. Who do you think the US Open Winners will be at the end of the tournament?
Below are some helpful resources to use while we all wait for the US Open Winners to be announced:
- US Open - Official US Open 2004 Site. Has latest scores, results and winners.
- US Open News - official US Open's News site with all the latest scores, results, descriptions of matches etc.
- United States Tennis Association - USTA site which has heaps of US Open news, results, winners stories and scores etc.
- ESPN's US Open Coverage - An ESPN site dedicated to the US Open with results and winners updated as they happen.
- US Open Winners - a history of the US Open Winners list.
- US Open Information page - with information on the US Open Tennis Tournament.
- US Open History - a page dedicated to telling the history of the US Open Tennis Tournament.
- US Open Betting - Get all the latest US Open Odds.
Update - Roger Federer is the men's winner of the US Open - defeating Lleyton Hewitt in straight sets 6-0, 7-6, 6-0.
Update - Svetlana Kuznetsova has defeated Elena Dementieva (both from Russia) to win the US Open in straight sets 6-3 6-5.
US Open Details
- The US Open Tennis Tournament is held at the USTA Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows in New York between Monday Aug 30 - Sunday Sept. 12.
- Qualifying Matches begin on Tuesday Aug. 24
- The Main Draw Matches begin on Monday Aug 30.
- Singles Winner Prize: $1,000,000 (USD)
Who will the winner of the US Open Tennis tournament be? Last year the men's winner was Andy Roddick and the female women's winner was Justin Hennin-Hardenne.
Below are some helpful resources to use while we all wait for the US Open Winners to be announced:
- US Open - Official US Open 2004 Site. Has latest scores, results and winners.
- US Open News - official US Open's News site with all the latest results, descriptions of matches etc.
- United States Tennis Association - USTA site which has heaps of US Open news, scores results, winners stories etc.
- ESPN's US Open Coverage - An ESPN site dedicated to the US Open with results, scores and winners updated as they happen.
- US Open Winners - a history of the US Open Winners list.
- US Open Information page - with information on the US Open Tennis Tournament.
- US Open History - a page dedicated to telling the history of the US Open Tennis Tournament.
- US Open Betting - Get all the latest US Open Odds.
Update - Congratulations to Port Adelaide for beating Brisbane in the AFL Grand final. Port Power beat the Lions 17.11 (113) to 10.13 (73).
Who will win the AFL Premiers in 2004? Will Brisbane be premiers for the forth year running or will Port Adelaide overcome their 'chokers' reputation and take it out. Essendon, Geelong, Sydney and St Kilda all will want a go at the title of AFL Premiers also so it should be a fascinating finals series culminating in the Grand Final on 25 September.
While we wait for the 2004 AFL Grand Final Premiers to be crowned here are some online AFL resources to keep you occupied:
- Official Website for the AFL - the web home of the Australian Football League (AFL). The site has all the 2004 official AFL news, results, ladders, AFL merchandise etc.
- The Age - AFL Coverage - All the latest AFL news, Winners, Results, Opinion, Pictures and Information.
- Herald Sun - AFL Coverage - AFL News, Results, Winners, Opinion, Predictions, Tips and Info
- Gunners AFL 2004 - This AFL enthusiast has a page dedicated to his favorite AFL club - the Collingwood football club. It's a useful site - pity about the team he follows though - they won't be premiers this year.
- Sportsbet - AFL Grand final winners Odds page - all the odds of those teams still in the race to be winners of the AFL Grand Final.
- Centrebet - AFL Grand final winners Odd another page full of AFL Grand final news and odds.
- Australia Post - AFL 2004 Football Stamps - stamps to commemorate the 2004 AFL Season.
- Aussie Rules for Beginners
- The Rules of Aussie Rules
Grand final tickets cause headaches for distributors - 'New anti-scalping laws introduced by the Victorian Government have been blamed for problems associated with the distribution of AFL grand final tickets.
Ticketmaster spokesperson Maria O'Connor said the distributor could only sell 2004 grand final tickets to AFL members at 14 outlets across the state, because they were a different size to those sold in previous seasons. She said the new laws required Ticketmaster to print a no-scalping warning on the tickets.' Read More
Congratulations to Port Adelaide for beating Brisbane in the AFL Grand final. Port Power beat the Lions 17.11 (113) to 10.13 (73).
Who will win the AFL Grand Final in 2004? Will Brisbane be winners for the forth year running or will Port Adelaide overcome their 'chokers' reputation and take it out. Essendon, Geelong, Sydney and St Kilda all will want a go at the title of AFL Premiers also so it should be a fascinating finals series culminating in the Grand Final on 25 September.
While we wait for the 2004 AFL Grand Final Results and Winners here are some online AFL resources to keep you occupied:
- Official Website for the AFL - the web home of the Australian Football League (AFL). The site has all the 2004 official AFL news, results, ladders, AFL merchandise etc.
- The Age - AFL Coverage - All the latest AFL news, Winners, Results, Opinion, Pictures and Information.
- Herald Sun - AFL Coverage - AFL News, Results, Winners, Opinion, Predictions, Tips and Info
- Gunners AFL 2004 - This AFL enthusiast has a page dedicated to his favorite AFL club - the Collingwood football club. It's a useful site - pity about the team he follows though.
- Sportsbet - AFL Grand final winners Odds page - all the odds of those teams still in the race to be winners of the AFL Grand Final.
- Centrebet - AFL Grand final winners Odd another page full of AFL Grand final news and odds.
- Australia Post - AFL 2004 Football Stamps - stamps to commemorate the 2004 AFL Season.
- Aussie Rules for Beginners
- The Rules of Aussie Rules
Grand final tickets cause headaches for distributors - 'New anti-scalping laws introduced by the Victorian Government have been blamed for problems associated with the distribution of AFL grand final tickets.
Ticketmaster spokesperson Maria O'Connor said the distributor could only sell 2004 grand final tickets to AFL members at 14 outlets across the state, because they were a different size to those sold in previous seasons. She said the new laws required Ticketmaster to print a no-scalping warning on the tickets.' Read More
I've often wanted one of these - now I just need to figure out a way to download it into my brain - or at least my PDA.
Australian National Public Toilet Map
'Locating public toilet facilities in Australian cities, towns, rural areas, and along major travel routes.'
gapingvoid writes -
"So you want to be more creative, in art, in business, whatever. Here are some tips that have worked for me over the years:"
The 12 tips they give are really interesting and well worth the read. I love creativity. I often say that if someone would pay me to come up with ideas and to be creative that I'd be in my dream job.
Here are three of their tips that I like:
"4. If your biz plan depends on you suddenly being "discovered" by some big shot, your plan will probably fail.
Nobody suddenly discovers anything. Things are made slowly and in pain.
5. You are responsible for your own experience.
Nobody can tell you if what you're doing is good, meaningful or worthwhile. The more compelling the path, the more lonely it is.
6. Everyone is born creative; everyone is given a box of crayons in kindergarten.
Then when you hit puberty they take the crayons away and replace them with books on algebra etc. Being suddenly hit years later with the creative bug is just a wee voice telling you, "I’d like my crayons back, please.""
Announcing Shortland Street - a site some of my NZ readers might be interested in.
I've just been looking around this great collection of photographs at Bilderberg. Of particular interest to me, and perhaps some of my readers are two series of images; those depicting Religion in Brasil and the Mazes series which has a number of Labyrinth like mazes.
'With Roman Catholic clergy in short supply in the United States, Indian priests are picking up some of their work, saying Mass for special intentions, in a sacred if unusual version of outsourcing.'
This is one of the more bizarre stories I've read in the last few days. Here in Australia many companies are outsourcing call centre and IT jobs to India, but I never thought the church would use the strategy.
'American, as well as Canadian and European churches, are sending Mass intentions, or requests for services like those to remember deceased relatives and thanksgiving prayers, to clergy in India....While most requests are made via mail or personally through traveling clergymen, a significant number arrive via e-mail, a sign that technology is expediting this practice.
In Kerala's churches, memorial and thanksgiving prayers conducted for local residents are said for a donation of 40 rupees (90 cents), whereas a prayer request from the United States typically comes with $5, the Indian priests say.
Bishop Sebastian Adayanthrath, the auxiliary bishop of the Ernakulam-Angamaly diocese in Cochin, a port town in Kerala, said his diocese received an average of 350 Mass intentions a month from overseas. Most were passed to needy priests.
In Kerala, where priests earn $45 a month, the money is a welcome supplement, Bishop Adayanthrath said.' Source- NY Times
Just got an email heads up from Dave the Rave that over in NZ there is a TV show called the Living Room.
'The Living Room Series II is a weekly 30-minute magazine style TV programme. It’s about artists, musicians, filmmakers and other inspirational characters that operate away from established art institutions, record companies and production houses. '
Myers Briggs Foundation - official page of the people who started it all.
Free Online Myers Briggs Personality Tests
update - we've just started a dedicated Athens Olympic Games Blog to track all the latest Olympic News.
Get the full Athens Olympics Medal Tally.
Also check out our 2004 Athens Olympic Games Information page.
Get the full Athens Olympics Medal Tally.
The 2004 Athens Olympic Games is approaching fast. Already the world is turning its attention toward Athens as athletes in hundreds of countries prepare. Controversy has already hit the games over whether venues will be ready in time and if they will be up to standard. As the Olympic Games get closer the range of sites dedicated to the Athens Games increase.
Following are some of the most useful sites on the web that will help both those attending the Olympics in Athens or those watching their country's Olympic team from home in the comfort of their own armchair. Feel free to add your own suggestions of Olympic links that you've found helpful below in comments.
update - we've just started a dedicated Athens Olympic Games Blog to track all the latest Olympic News.
Also check out our Athens Olympic Games News Site for services that offer the latest Olympic News from Athens.
2004 Athens Olympic Games Resources Olympic Games Resources (General)
- International Olympic Committee
- The Official Site of the Olympic Movement
- The Real Story of the Ancient Olympic Games
- The Olympic Games Timeline
- Centre for Olympic Studies
- World Olympians Associating
- Athens Olympics Blog
- Ancient Greek Olympics
Useful Athens Tourist/Travel Guides
- The Athens Greece Guide 2004
- Athens Survival Guide
- Travel Guide - Greece
- 2004 Athens Guide
Athens Olympics News Reports/Controversies
- Athens Olympic Security A Mess
- Athens 2004: Greece Prepares for Olympic Homecoming
- Top Olympic organisers express "absolute confidence" in Athens' preparations for 2004
- Will Athens be ready for the Olympic Games?
- Athens Told to Hurry Up
- Olympic venues will be ready in time, Greeks say
- Athens Olympics Apparel
Also check out our Athens Olympic Games News Site for services that offer the latest Olympic News from Athens.
So I decided to do a bit of a search on google for free stuff... here is what I found:
I thought I'd promote my mate Andy's comment in the last post to the main site because the resource that he has developed is excellent and I'd highly commend it to you. Here is what he wrote:
groupsthatclick.com is an online tool which I wrote initially to help youth leaders & youth groups easily develop and host their own web sites (without having to have any IT knowledge or html tools).
Users can then log in, enter details about their group, create pages, online polls, select a template, and that's it - they have their own web site! The site is dymanically generated, so pages or events can automatically add or remove themselves from the site at defined dates. And of course you can login from anywhere and update your site using just a browser!
I'm *hoping* to offer it for free (to church / youth groups / etc) for as long as I can afford to, but may introduce donations or get subsidises from businesses using it, etc.
Examples of some sites being run by it so far...
www.stateyouthgames.com
http://vic.youthvision.org.au
http://www.nccc.org.au
http://www.groupsthatclick.com/ringwood
http://www.cofcsjn.org.au
plus others!
Feel free to contact me if you're interested in (a) giving it a try, (b) can help me out by providing web site templates for others to use or (c) you're a php programmer who wants to use your gifts to help others in ministry :)
Get in touch with Andy at
andy at groupsthatclick dot com
I couldn't resist posting this. Saw it over at Digital Art and Photography
Have you ever wondered what is going on under the water when you're fishing? Are there fish down there? What are they doing? This little camera sends the info back up to you in the boat.
'Highly water resistant and pressure resistant as Fishing-CAM camera(a product equipped with LED or infrared ray device to regular CCD/CMOS camera) goes through molding process during manufacture.The encased Fishing-CAM camera is attached to the sinker part of fishing rod. With Fishing-CAM camera, you do not need to dive underwater to see the scenes below! '
Not only do you get to see what is going on under the surface live on the fishcam moniter (or on your mobile phone) but you can record on video what you see at that moment when the fish bites to be edited later into an amazing fishing video. What a fun gadget!
The only down frustration of the weekend away that V and just had was that at night our room was attacked by Mosquitoes. I can't stand going to bed with the buzz of them in your ears or waking up at 2am covered in bites!
Luckily we had a mosquito netting over the bed which stopped most of them, but another approach is to get a MOSQUITO REPELLER WATCH! Here's how it works - taken from their site:
'Are you ready for mosquito season? Over the next few months these blood sucking rascals will begin hatching in untold numbers as they prepare for fresh victims. But there is a defense for these miniature would-be vampires. The Mosquito Repeller Travel Alarm Clock or Wrist Watch. While they seem innocent at first sight, you’ll find them to be your best ally against these blood sucking fiends. Whether used for camping, fishing, traveling or simply staying at home they’re the best way to keep mosquitoes at bay. Scientists discovered that most mosquitoes that feed on human blood are pregnant females. Well if there is one thing a pregnant mosquito doesn’t like, it’s a male. In fact they dislike males so much that they fly as far away as possible. The Mosquito Repeller Travel Alarm Clock and the Wrist Watch were designed with advanced harmonics circuitry to emulate and emit the ultra sonic high frequency of an approaching male. Just like that the blood suckers that haunt your sleep or infest your jogging path are vanquished. Alarm clock uses two AA batteries (not included). In today’s world of disease carrying mosquitoes this could be the best way to ensure a happy and healthy summer. It certainly beats eating garlic or slathering ourselves with stinky goop.'
Paint your day green is a blogging project that revolves around St Patrik's day. Its similar to Blogging Idol in some ways - check it out, spread the word and participate. its run by Amanda from Lypton Village and Shutterfly (a fantastic photoblog). Amanda is one of my favorite Blogger Idol participants. Here's how she describes the project:
'Make this St Patrick's Day one that you share with the rest of us by doing something fun, silly and green on Wednesday March 17, 2004.Whether you go out and have a pub crawl across every Irish bar in town, dye your hair green, write an ode to Yeats, or eat an Irish breakfast, we'd love to hear about your day. Photograph, write or even paint your day green, then come back to Lypton Village and leave a link to your website showing us how you celebrated St Patrick's Day this year.
Tell your friends and spread the word about the project so we can get lots of different responses from all over the globe.
Happy St Patrick's Day to everyone!
I love a bit of quirky news - here is a selection of CNN's latest:
- Insect dealer makes ants trendy - 'German children are marching to pet shops to follow a pricey new trend for ant-breeding, German insect dealer Martin Sebesta said on Tuesday.'
- $187,500 tag for London car spot - 'A car parking space is for sale in central London for $187,500, fueling a favorite obsession of Britons -- talking about property prices.'
- Woman registers her cows as voters - 'Brenda Gould is in trouble again for registering her cows as voters.'
- Is Martha's Vineyard ready for giant inflatable rat? - 'he rodent control officer on Martha's Vineyard wants to make his services more visible. And he figures you can't miss a 12-foot rat.'
- Online girlfriends sell love to dateless - 'Need a girlfriend but want none of the hassle of actually spending time together? You better act fast if you want to find her on eBay.'
Update: This year's American Idol Winner is Taylor Hicks!.
American Idol this year is hotting up after a great competition last year when Fantasia Barrino became the American Idol Winner in front after 65 million Americans cast their votes.
This year the American Idol Winner will be either 21 year old Carrie Underwood from Checotah (OK) or 29 year old Bo Bice from Helena (AL).
The competition to be the American Idol 4 Winner is hot - with internet polls at American Idol Blog neck and neck. At the time of publishing this Bo Bice was just edging out Carrie Underwood - but really the American Idol Crown is anyone's!
Update - The Winner of American Idol this year is Carrie Underwood.
Last to leave American Idol this year was 20 year old Vonzell Solomon from Fort Myers.
'A postal letter carrier, Solomon endeared herself to fans with her emotional openness. Always an underdog, she had tried out once before for "Idol" but was rejected. This time, she made it all the way to the top three, which is sure to yield her a recording contract.- Source"My 'American Idol' journey has been crazy - a lot of emotions balled up into one. But it's been all worth it," Solomon said in a video montage played after host Ryan Seacrest announced that she had received the fewest votes.'
Who will be the American Idol Winner? Perhaps in a strange way the winner will be someone who didn't even get through the auditions! Anyone who has been watching American Idol will remember 'singer' William Hung. His rendition of 'She Bangs' is something I'll always remember. Unfortunately he didn't get through his initial American Idol audition - however that is not the end of the William Hung story.
William Hung A Real American Idol documents latest developments for William Hung, including a record deal, a petition for him to get William to run for president, and a variety of public appearances. They have video of William performing - remixes of his song, links to numerous articles written about him and photos of the man of the moment. The site has had over 8 million hits since going live - a star is born.
Also emerging are a whole heap of other William Hung Resources including an online petition to send Willam Hung to Hollywood to compete in the American Idol finals, numerous William Hung Fanclubs, a fundraising effort to send William to Hollywood, an online discussion forum on William , an online shrine to him (including a poll) and reports saying that William might return to American Idol in a special show. You can now even download a William Hong video clip of his audition to your mobile phone and get a William Hung ring tone! Perhaps he truely is the winner of American Idol this year.
Update: William Hung will be appearing on FOX's March 1 'Uncut, Uncensored And Untalented' Idol special.
In semi related news - NZ Idol has just announced the single for their winner Ben Lummis. The single is They Can't Take That Away
Did you ever have a 'Where's Wally' book? Its a childrens book where the character 'Wally' is hidden in every page of the book and the challenge is to find him.
In today's edition of the New York Times I'm holding a 'Where's Darren' competition.
See if you can spot me....
Here is a good starting place.
Frodo's Quest Inspires a Search for Allegory (free registration required)
Oh dear - after all those hours of responding to questions for the reporter. :-)
By the way - if anyone does end up here because of it the 'space' referred to in the article is here. Enjoy.
This story is of a Mars Hill professor who resigned after a student stripped in class. It was a sociology class and the professor was talking about social norms and used public nudity as an example, saying that none of the students would strip in class even if he guaranteed them an A for the class.
Of course one of the students took the challenge and stripped. Class was dismissed, the professor submitted his resignation and the student....didn't get the A!
I wonder if this was the class Janet Jackson was taking a couple of weeks ago?
Remember I told you a few weeks ago not to buy a new digital camera if you wanted the latest release models because there was about to be some new cameras released?
This morning I logged on to find my inbox full of press releases from Digital Camera Manufacturers announcing their new cameras. So far today 15 new digicams have been announced bringing the total of new digital cameras announced so far in the last few week to 51!
I've been adding them to the New Digital Cameras Showcase as they come in. Hope it is helpful to those of you in the market for a new digital camera.
BBC reports that a Christian American Airlines Pilot used the inflight PA system to challenge his passengers to examine their faith.
'An American Airlines pilot terrified passengers when he asked Christians to identify themselves and allegedly went on to call non-Christians "crazy"....
The pilot, whose name was not released, asked Christians on Friday's flight to raise their hands.
He then suggested non-Christians talk to the Christians about their faith.
He went on to say that "everyone who doesn't have their hand raised is crazy", passenger Amanda Nelligan told CBS news.'
For all the latest news about Pope John Paul II see this Pope John Paul II News blog.
Catholics everywhere are praying for Pope John Paul II's health as he battles another bout with the flu. Media are reporting that his death may be imminent but what happens when a pope dies?
When a Pope dies is a good explanation of this occourance.
'When the pope dies, the cardinal chamberlain (Camerlengo) of the holy Roman Church (currently Eduardo Cardinal Martinez Somalo) ascertains the pope’s death, traditionally by calling the pope three times by his baptismal name without response. The ritual of striking the head with a silver hammer (which would later be used to break the Fisherman’s Ring and the papal seal) may be replaced by covering the face with a cloth. He then authorizes the secretary-chancellor to issue a death certificate and seals the pope's private apartments. After notifying the cardinal vicar for the diocese of Rome, the chamberlain secures the temporal goods and rights of the Holy See and attends to the details of the pope’s burial.'...
What Happens when a pope dies is another good article with similar information.
'When a pope dies, a formal process begins that certifies his death, carries out his funeral, and ensures that the selection of his successor takes place according to the prescribed procedures. The busiest person during this period is the camerlengo, or papal chamberlain, who functions something like a chief of staff.
The camerlengo's first task is to certify that the pope is dead. Traditionally, this has included tapping the pope's forehead, perhaps with a little silver hammer, and calling him three times by his first name. No response means that the pope is dead, but more precise medical equipment may be used today....'
Also see When a Pope Dies
'Regardless of the circumstances, when a Pope dies certain procedures specified in Church law, specifically the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, must be followed. First among these is the certification that he is truly dead. This task falls to the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.
In the presence of the Master of Papal Liturgical Ceremonies, the Cleric Prelates of the Apostolic Camera, and the Secretary and the Chancellor of the Apostolic Camera, the Camerlengo ascertains that the Pope is dead. Naturally, this could require the assistance of medical personnel. Having made this determination, the Chancellor of the Apostolic Camera draws up the official death certificate. The Camerlengo then seals the Pope’s bedroom and study. Its unsealing and the disposition of its contents must wait the election of his successor. If the deceased Pope has left a will naming an executor for his personnel belongings, the executor is responsible for faithfully carrying out the will, and for giving an account of his service to the new Pope....'
About Pope John Paul II - Pope John Paul II (often referred to as His Holiness by Catholics), né Karol Józef Wojty?a (born May 18, 1920 in Wadowice, Poland), is the current Pope — the Bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Church. He was elected on October 16, 1978, becoming the first non-Italian pope in 455 years and the first pope of Slavic origin in the history of the Church.
Pope John Paul II crusades against political oppression have been praised, but his conservative social positions have been more controversial. His more than 100 trips abroad have attracted enormous crowds (some of the largest ever assembled). With these trips, John Paul has covered a distance far greater than that traveled by all other popes combined. They have been seen as an outward sign of the efforts at global bridge-building between nations and between religions that have been central to his pontificate.
Pope John Paul II has beatified and canonized far more persons than any other previous pope in history. It is reported that as of October 2004, he has beatified 1,340 people. Whether he has canonized more saints than all his predecessors put together, as is sometimes claimed, is difficult to prove, as the records of many early canonizations are incomplete or missing.
On March 14, 2004, his pontificate overtook Leo XIII's as the third-longest pontificate in the history of the Papacy (after Pius IX and St. Peter). In February 2010, if still reigning, he will overtake Pius IX as having the longest proven papal reign ever. The length of his term is in extreme contrast with that of his predecessor John Paul I, who died suddenly after only 33 days in office (and in whose memory John Paul II named himself).
Pope John Paul II has been increasingly ill of late and many expect his death is imminent.
Read more atWikipedia: Pope John Paul II
His Holiness John Paul II Short Biography
For all the latest news about Pope John Paul II see this Pope John Paul II News blog.
Catholics everywhere are praying for Pope John Paul II's health as he battles another bout with the flu. Media are reporting that his death may be imminent.
Pope John Paul II (often referred to as His Holiness by Catholics), né Karol Józef Wojty?a (born May 18, 1920 in Wadowice, Poland), is the current Pope — the Bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Church. He was elected on October 16, 1978, becoming the first non-Italian pope in 455 years and the first pope of Slavic origin in the history of the Church.
Pope John Paul II crusades against political oppression have been praised, but his conservative social positions have been more controversial. His more than 100 trips abroad have attracted enormous crowds (some of the largest ever assembled). With these trips, John Paul has covered a distance far greater than that traveled by all other popes combined. They have been seen as an outward sign of the efforts at global bridge-building between nations and between religions that have been central to his pontificate.
Pope John Paul II has beatified and canonized far more persons than any other previous pope in history. It is reported that as of October 2004, he has beatified 1,340 people. Whether he has canonized more saints than all his predecessors put together, as is sometimes claimed, is difficult to prove, as the records of many early canonizations are incomplete or missing.
On March 14, 2004, his pontificate overtook Leo XIII's as the third-longest pontificate in the history of the Papacy (after Pius IX and St. Peter). In February 2010, if still reigning, he will overtake Pius IX as having the longest proven papal reign ever. The length of his term is in extreme contrast with that of his predecessor John Paul I, who died suddenly after only 33 days in office (and in whose memory John Paul II named himself).
Pope John Paul II has been increasingly ill of late and many expect his death is imminent.
Read more atWikipedia: Pope John Paul II
His Holiness John Paul II Short Biography
So what happens at the death of a Pope?
When a Pope dies is a good explanation of this occourance.
'When the pope dies, the cardinal chamberlain (Camerlengo) of the holy Roman Church (currently Eduardo Cardinal Martinez Somalo) ascertains the pope’s death, traditionally by calling the pope three times by his baptismal name without response. The ritual of striking the head with a silver hammer (which would later be used to break the Fisherman’s Ring and the papal seal) may be replaced by covering the face with a cloth. He then authorizes the secretary-chancellor to issue a death certificate and seals the pope's private apartments. After notifying the cardinal vicar for the diocese of Rome, the chamberlain secures the temporal goods and rights of the Holy See and attends to the details of the pope’s burial.'...
What Happens when a pope dies is another good article with similar information.
'When a pope dies, a formal process begins that certifies his death, carries out his funeral, and ensures that the selection of his successor takes place according to the prescribed procedures. The busiest person during this period is the camerlengo, or papal chamberlain, who functions something like a chief of staff.
The camerlengo's first task is to certify that the pope is dead. Traditionally, this has included tapping the pope's forehead, perhaps with a little silver hammer, and calling him three times by his first name. No response means that the pope is dead, but more precise medical equipment may be used today....'
Also see When a Pope Dies
'Regardless of the circumstances, when a Pope dies certain procedures specified in Church law, specifically the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, must be followed. First among these is the certification that he is truly dead. This task falls to the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.
In the presence of the Master of Papal Liturgical Ceremonies, the Cleric Prelates of the Apostolic Camera, and the Secretary and the Chancellor of the Apostolic Camera, the Camerlengo ascertains that the Pope is dead. Naturally, this could require the assistance of medical personnel. Having made this determination, the Chancellor of the Apostolic Camera draws up the official death certificate. The Camerlengo then seals the Pope’s bedroom and study. Its unsealing and the disposition of its contents must wait the election of his successor. If the deceased Pope has left a will naming an executor for his personnel belongings, the executor is responsible for faithfully carrying out the will, and for giving an account of his service to the new Pope....'
During the 24 hour blogathon last week (or was it the week before?) I linked up to an amusing story about Mike Rowe who was battling with Microsoft over the name of his website (mikerowesoft.com).
The latest is that he has settled with Microsoft out of court. CNet takes up the story:
'In the end, Microsoft and Mike Rowe came to an agreement. In exchange for transferring control of his domain name, the software maker has promised to help Rowe set up a new Web site; pay for a Microsoft certification course and subscription to the Microsoft Developer Network Web site; and pay for his family to visit Microsoft Research Tech Fest in Redmond, Wash., in March. To top it all off, he will get an Xbox with some games.'
It seems that Mike has captured the imagination of a lot of people with over 700 having already signed up for his new website.
I wonder if I should start up www.darrenrowsesoft.com? doesn't quite have the same ring to it I guess.
Rachel would like your help in answering a question about Instant Messaging. If you use it (ie MSN Messenger, Yahoo etc) head over and leave your answers to two simple questions in her comments.
- How many are on your list?
- How many of these have you never met in person?
I'm going to be interested in her results.
'A service promising to answer people's prayers with a text message apparently sent by Jesus has been shut down after complaints by Finland's mobile services watchdog.
The heavenly service offered answers from Jesus in response to a text message prayer at the cost of a hefty 1.20 euros ($1.52) per message'
'Dear Harriette: When my wife gets mad at me, she writes on her Web site what I did wrong that day. We are in counseling, but sometimes my words will be twisted around on the site. She tells me not to go to the site, but I know one of our neighbors does and I want to know what is being said about me on a public Web site. Any advice? -- Tom, Texas' See Harriette's Reply
I wonder if this might be a problem we'll see more of in future.
Amazon are now doing Restaurants Pretty useless for us Aussies - but I'm sure someone out there will benefit from it.
Ever wondered what would happen to you if you ate McDonald's morning noon and night? Well now you can find out because someone has decided to be the guinea pig for us all and eat three meals every day for thirty days at McDonald's.
The New York Post has the details.
'His mission: To eat three meals a day for 30 days at McDonald's and document the impact on his health.
Scores of cheeseburgers, hundreds of fries and dozens of chocolate shakes later, the formerly strapping 6-foot-2 New Yorker - who started out at a healthy 185 pounds - had packed on 25 pounds.
But his supersized shape was the least of his problems.
Within a few days of beginning his drive-through diet, Spurlock, 33, was vomiting out the window of his car, and doctors who examined him were shocked at how rapidly Spurlock's entire body deteriorated.
"It was really crazy - my body basically fell apart over the course of 30 days," Spurlock told The Post.
His liver became toxic, his cholesterol shot up from a low 165 to 230, his libido flagged and he suffered headaches and depression. '
Some might remember me linking up a couple of weeks back to a great little article entitled Marketing to Introverts. Its got some great advice for people not only marketing to introverts but also living and working with them.
Since linking up I've had contact with the author of the article, Nancy R. Fenn.
Nancy is the owner of another site that might be of interest to both introverts and those trying to 'work them out' - her site is the Introvert Coach. It has a great collection of articles and resources well worth checking out on Introvertism (is there such a thing!?)
Check out some of the following links on the site
- Introverts and Dating
- Introverted Children
- The 8 types of Introverts
- 10 ways Jackie Kennedy was the perfect Introvert
- Successful Group or TeamWork with Introverts
- Introverts: Sell Yourself First!
This past week has been a huge week in Digital Photography. The Digital Camera industry is booming and some amazing developments have been breaking.
At my digital photography blog in the last week my posts have included the following breaking news:
- National Geographic's First all Digital Shoot
- NASA's Mars photos were taken on a 1 Megapixel Camera
- Kodak are winding down production on film based cameras
- Digital Photo Vending Machines are coming
- Digital opportunities develop for tech groups
- Sony Aiwa release new concept camera
I also worked on collating a list of quality online Digital Photography tutorials and short courses.
Richard Bott is doing a fascinating marriage survey.
He asks people to anonamously answer the following question in his comments section.
a) define "marriage"
b) on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being EVERYTHING, 10 being NOTHING) please indicate what you believe the institution of marriage has to do with parenting.
c) state if you believe that same-sex couples should be able to be married.
d) state if you believe that same-sex couples should have the equivalent rights to married couples, but under a different name.
e) let me know what decade you were born in - 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s
f) let me know the country you currently reside in (just the country!).
I will be very interested to see these results.
How to Market to Introverts. Saw this article over at Jordon Cooper yesterday and as an introvert (see last post) I found it very interesting. Here are the 10 points - there is more written about each on the original article.
1. Introverts are territorial. This includes their personal space.
2. Introverts love to read.
3. Introverts, despite appearances, are not shy and they are frequently not braindead just because they don't say anything while you are talking to them.
4. Introverts are not impressed by personality.
5. The assumptions, guiding principles, underlying beliefs and expectations of introverts are so different from the extroverted majority that you may not even realize you have a bad map to the territory.
6. Introverts hate being rushed.
7. Introverts are greatly afraid of making mistakes in public and of humiliation in public during a learning period.
8. Introverts hate small talk.
9. Introverts hate phones and especially cell phones.
10. Introverts say what they mean.
A lot of that resonates with me. I think there are a lot of applications for this type of information. Churches, bloggers, partners/friends of introverts etc - take note!
Breaking News - they've found the tomb of Jesus - it is in Shingo Village (Japan). Source.
CNN reports that Happiness is an Equation.
Apparently happiness = P + 5E + 3H
P = Personal Characteristics (outlook on life, adaptability and resilience); E = Existence (health, friendships and financial stability) and H = Higher Order (self-esteem, expectations and ambitions).
Men and Women found happiness differently (well der!)
'Sunny weather, being with family and losing weight were more of an influence on women's happiness, while romance, sex, hobbies and victories by their favourite sports teams were more important to men.'
I think i'd better go out and get me a little more E and H.
The Green Man is holding his inaugural Manhood Wek next week on his blog. Might be worth stopping by!
'It is manhood week next week at The Green Man. If you are a man then be prepared to have some assumptions about who you are and what your life really means challenged.
Every now and then we all need to take a step back and challenge the assumptions by which we lead our lives. For the male readers of The Green Man this will hopefully provide such an opportunity.
If you are a woman then you are welcome to drop by and perhaps gain a glimpse behind that big macho fasade behind which most men live their lives, even if they don't realise it themselves.'
Update: For some great information on UAVs check out the UAV Blog
Ever wanted to have your own unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) like the ones the military use to spy on other countries. Now you can with DIY UAVs. Watch out!
We're building a system for autonomous aerial vehicles for the hobbiest.
I wonder if this is what Bush is trying to ban fearing that terrorists will get their hands upon them! (Bush Wants to Ban Spy Plane Technology)
Update: For some great information on UAVs check out the UAV Blog
Lord of the Rings - Return of the King is set to be the trilogy's most successful film. It's already taken more than $560 million (US) which is 27% ahead of the 2nd film at the same stage (which eventually took $922 million).
Hmmmm - Maybe I should take a film making class instead of that painting one.
By the way - feel free to add your links to the Lord of the Rings and Religion post - thanks to those that have already.
The Gender Genie is an interesting little tool that uses a simple algorithm to predict the gender of an author of a passage of 500 words. Try it out by pasting a passage of your blog into it and see what it says. It predicted that I was a Male - phew.
Thanks to Michael from the Main Point for the link. It said he was a female so I won't guarantee it's accuracy. :
Even the friends/family of a person who has had asbestos exposure are at risk. This is because Asbestos can often be carried on clothings. From: Mesothelioma Online Advice
As well as coping with the fear and anxiety that any diagnosis of cancer brings, you have to work out how to manage practically. There may be money matters to sort out. Who do you tell that you have cancer? And how do you find the words? There may be children to consider.
It is important that you have enough information to enable you to make decisions about your treatment if that is what you want. At every stage you and your relatives or carers should be offered clear and comprehensive information both verbally and in writing about all aspects of your cancer and its treatment.' Read more at Cancer Help - Coping with Mesothelioma
'The Thoracic Oncology Program at the University of Maryland Medical Center is one of the pioneering institutions nationally using a finely tuned multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. 'Center for Mesothelioma and Asbestos-Related Diseases
If we can be as aggressive with our investigations of novel therapies for mesothelioma as we are with breast and prostate cancer, we may avoid the perpetuation of this tragedy into the new millennium."' Found at - Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
Remember that resources are available to you through community and medical support groups, asbestos victims' organizations, your place of worship, as well as your family and friends.' From: Mesothelioma FAQs
Following is a list of information and helpful resources on Mesothelioma
Even the friends/family of a person who has had asbestos exposure are at risk. This is because Asbestos can often be carried on clothings. From: Mesothelioma Online Advice
As well as coping with the fear and anxiety that any diagnosis of cancer brings, you have to work out how to manage practically. There may be money matters to sort out. Who do you tell that you have cancer? And how do you find the words? There may be children to consider.
It is important that you have enough information to enable you to make decisions about your treatment if that is what you want. At every stage you and your relatives or carers should be offered clear and comprehensive information both verbally and in writing about all aspects of your cancer and its treatment.' Read more at Cancer Help - Coping with Mesothelioma
If we can be as aggressive with our investigations of novel therapies for mesothelioma as we are with breast and prostate cancer, we may avoid the perpetuation of this tragedy into the new millennium."' Found at - Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
Remember that resources are available to you through community and medical support groups, asbestos victims' organizations, your place of worship, as well as your family and friends.' From: Mesothelioma FAQs
Sick of seeing celebrities in magazines who have had their photographs retouched to the point where they're so 'perfect' that they barely look human?
Head over to the Detouching site where they are having a photoshop competition with the brief of 'Removing the retouching from airbrushed celebs.' The results are quite funny. For example see a 'detouched' Julia Roberts left.
Link found at Presurfer.
Please beware of this new virus which is called 'Goodtimes' - it looks scary.
Found via Flickering Streetlight.
How Do You Feel? rates the way the world is feeling (or its mood) at any given moment.
Simply tell the site if you're feeling good or bad and it will add your results to the 'global mood'. When I did it earlier the world was feeling good in the daily rating, but overall for month of December the rating is bad after a very high November. Sigh...must be end of year blues.
I usually blog all my Digital Photography thoughts at Visually Speaking but I found this great article today that gives a whole heap of predictions about developments in photography in 2004. Its an interesting read if you're into photography.
The basic premise of it is that Digital is slowly (actually its rather quick) pushing film out. The predictions include:
- 'it should be easy to see that film will continue downwards while the impact of digital continues to increase.'
- Eight new DSLRs from Nikon (3), Canon (3) and Fuji (2). The third from Nikon will shake up the industry - the F6 - which will 'be like a medium format camera in 35mm size'.
- Nikon drops compact 35mm development.
- $299 is the new digital compact camera price point.
- At least two traditional camera companies fold (perhaps they get acquired instead).
- Agfa (and perhaps Konica) closes or sells their film plants.
- High profile camera dealers/labs start folding.
- Phones kill the low-end digital compact camera.
- Some films and cameras will disappear from the market - so stock up!
Warning - Viewing Could Distress Nemo fans
here are some other great Finding Nemo online resources:
- Pixar - Finding Nemo - the people behind the movie
- Finding Nemo - Bios, Information etc on the film
- Finding Nemo Clips - Video Clips, Trailers of Finding Nemo
- What Finding Nemo Character are you? - Online Quiz
- Finding Nemo - Reviews, Cast, Plot etc
- Finding Nemo - Disney site - Official Site
- Finding Nemo Screensavers
- Finding Nemo Soundtrack
- Finding Nemo Sticker Book
- Finding Nemo Read Along CD
Every year we grow more and more dependent on the Internet. But would you know what to do if your connection suddenly went down?
This site has the answers! It's essential reading - perhaps we should all download it now because if we wait til the internet does go down we won't be able to access it.
Update: For more comprehensive information on UAVs check out the UAV Blog
Green Man has a fascinating post on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Technology is advancing but it doesn't seem 'right' to me. I don't know but the thought of unmanned planes hurtling around above is pretty freaky.
Here is some other UAV books and links.
- Books
- 21st Century U.S. Documents Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Roadmap 2002 to 2027 (pictured right)
- Global Hawk and Darkstar
- Introduction to Uav Systems
- Unmanned Air Vehicles: An Illustrated Study of UAVs
Links
- Civil Servant - Aussie Scientists make UAVs affordable for civil applications
- Nasa's UAV Site
- The Sky Has Eyes
- Aerovironment's Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Page
- Expert assessment of developments in UAV technology
- Research on Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and Robotic Aircraft
- Intelligence Resource Program's UAV page
- Fire Scout VTUAV Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
- Spy vs Fly
- Boeing to Build Fuel Cell Powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles - Iraq's Secret?
- Unmanned Vehicles - Quarterly publication
- UV Online
- UAV Center
- UAV - UK
- Naval Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
- UAV videos and photos
- UAV News
- Micro Pilot
- Do it Yourself UAVs
- Bush wants to ban spy plane technology
- UAV Forum
Update: For some great information on UAVs check out the UAV Blog
I've been thinking for a long time that there was a desperate need for an organization like this and today i finally discovered the International Center for Bathroom Etiquette. There is some fantastic advice there including the Etiquette of:
- Talking in the Bathroom
- Bathrooms Equipped with Troughs
- Stalls without Walls
- Kiddie-Sized Urinals
- Urinals with Partitions
- Hanging the Toilet Paper
- Which Sink to Use
- What if you have to Pee Really Badly
I'll add my tip here.
When using public toilets in parks with doors at both ends of the urinal - beware of freaky gusts of wind when you're standing close to the guy next to you - especially if he's wearing sandals. It is not a situation you want to be in, trust me!
The pre release promotion is building over Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban movie and with it is sure to come the usual debate within Christian circles over whether its helpful for children (and adults) to read it or not.
I thought I'd post a collection of links that might help people think through such questions. I've posted the more positive ones towards HP in the first half and those taking a more negative stance towards the end:
- Searching for God in Harry Potter
- Harry Potter: A Christian Parents Nightmare?
- Harry Potter, the Pope and God
- Harry Potter's Christian Imagery
- The Christian Meaning of The Chamber of Secrets
- Searching for God in Harry Potter - Discussion Forum
- Harry Potter Movie Discussion Guide for Christian Parents
- What's a Christian to Do with Harry Potter? Harry Potter Movie Guide
- Let Harry Potter Conjure Up 'Gospel Magic', Says Christian Magician
Also check out similar lists of links on Lord of the Rings and The Matrix.
If you have found the information on this entry helpful please consider making a contribution to help keep this site running.The Harry hype has begun with the release of the Preview Trailer for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The movie won't be released until June 4 - but the publicity machine is already in full swing!
Lord of the Rings The Return of the King looks amazing. As usual the NZ scenery is stunning, the story is legendary and nothing has been spared in production.
The trailer wet my appetite for what will be yet another mind blowing movie going experience. Bring on December 17!
This is fun. Its an online identikit - like they use on the cops and robbers shows on TV to identify criminals. Head to InterFace for hours of fun!
The picture above is the best I could do for a picture of me. Its not a perfect likeness but not bad. No nasty comments about my bald head please - I have a little more hair than that. The more I look at this pic the more scared I get! I'm not really like that!
Check out these amazing photos of Lithuania's Hill of Crosses.
There are literally hundreds of thousands of crosses here which have been brought by those on pilgrimage from around the globe. Source
I love this Church Sign Generator. Fun for all the family for hours!
What are the best and worst church signs that you've seen? Here are some real church signs to get your juices flowing. Source
They include:
- 'Don't make me come down there!' - God
- 'If God is your copilot - switch seats'
- 'If evolution were true mothers would have 3 arms'
- 'Join us to battle Truth decay'
- 'Don't let worries kill you - let the church help'
- 'The wages of sin is death - repent before pay day'
Check out the The Meatrix its a ripper! Very amusing - but with a good point.
holysoft.com are pleased to announce their new series of Plug 'n' Pray software. They come with everything you need to convert quickly to your religion of choice.
Unfortunately its only for PC or I'd consider getting it. Source.
It seems those Nigerian Email Spammers are not quite as Nigerian as one might think
A Washington doctor warns that he's seeing a number of children with Hogwarts Headaches. This new ailment is caused from eye strain as kids wade through the 870 page 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'.
The US patent office has had a run of trademark applications using "Shock and Awe" in their names. The list of 29 products includes condoms, coffee, golf clubs, pesticides, dietary supplements, fireworks, video games, salsa, energy drinks, yo-yos, lingerie, Bloody Mary mix and "infant action crib toys. Source
Gianna has posted her worst album covers of all time. Very amusing.
I've avoided heading over to Apple since hearing about the release of the new G4 ibook. I had a feeling they'd release one soon and having bought a G3 ibook last year I wish they'd done it sooner. Oh well. It looks like a great little machine and pretty cheap too! Hmmm...I wonder how much I'd get for my G3 as a trade in.
I am also tossing up whether to fork out the money to buy the OS X Panther. Would be interested to hear how others are finding it if they go the upgrade.
November 6th will see youth pastors across the globe trying to incorporate it into their Sunday night sermons. The Christian blog scene will be in a frenzy interpreting what it all means. Parallels between Neo and Christ will be drawn til the cows come home.
I remember last year when The Matrix - Reloaded was released reading two blog reviews of the movie that came from a similar yet different perspective to the typical Christian review. One was from a Muslim gentleman the other from a Jewish woman. Both interpreted it through their own faith perspectives.
Strange how the same thing can be interpreted through such different lenses.
Here are some links looking at the movies from different perspectives.
Similarities between the Matrix and the Gospel
The Matrix is a Parable of old-fashion religious redemption
The Matrix and Nondual Spirituality
Is the movie "The Matrix" about the Christianity Meme?
The Matrix and Quantum Consciousness
The Matrix and BuddhismThe Matrix: Religion vs. Philosophy
The Matrix, or, the two sides of Perversion
Myth meets Internet in 'Matrix'
Matrix Continues New Age Gospel of Christian, Egyptian & Greek Mythology Blend
Review of Matrix Revolutions from a Christian perspective - and another
The Matrix Revolutions: Back to a Messianic Allegory
There are loads more links out there. I have not read all of the above and cannot guarantee their quality, but offer it as a starting point for thinking about the different perspectives on this fascinating trilogy that people have taken. Enjoy. Feel free to leave your own links in comments.
update: My reflections on how the Matrix has made people think.
You may also be interested in a similar list on links about The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter
If you have found this entry helpful helpful please consider making a contribution to help keep this site running.I logged onto my photolog this afternoon and there has been a flood of hits looking for Spencer Tunick photos. I only mentioned him in passing one day. He must have just had another photoshoot somewhere and everyone is looking for the shots. Sorry, I don't have any photos - but the Spencer Tunick site is here.
Get the 'Naked States' DVD - Featuring Spencer Tunick's work Also available on Video.
Sauna World Championships. What is it? Basically its the person who remains sitting in a steaming sauna with temperatures between 100-110C for the longest time!
You and Fido have been living together for a few years now. He's been faithful. You know each others routines, likes and dislikes. You can put up with his hair on the couch, woopsies on the porch and his howling at the moon. Perhaps its time to take the relationship to the next level!? You need to contact Marry Your Pet.
Man loses driving license for drink driving...on his lawn mower
Has anyone else been getting daily emails from assorted hotmail addresses that just contain the word,
'Hi'
Maybe the Nigerian Spammers are taking a different approach?
Search Engine searches for Ethos, Logos and Pathos make up around 10% of all incoming engine referals. I wrote about it and how it might relate to blogging here and since then it gets daily hits.
I don't feel it is the best link around on the topic (although others seem to have linked to it) so I thought I'd post a collection of other online resources on it. Here is what I found:
Paul's Use of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos in 2 Corinthians 10-13 (Book)
Winning Arguments with Ethos, Pathos and Logos
Ethos, Pathos, Logos and Statistics
Ethos, Pathos, Logos and Public Speaking
Ethos, Pathos and Logos as applied in George W. Bush's speech at Ground Zero
Business Writing and Persuasion
Martin Luther King's
Letter from Birmingham Jail--a rhetorical analysis
Martin Luther King and his usage of Ethos, Pathos, Mythos and Logos
Logos: Logical Proofs
Ethos: Ethical Proofs
Pathos: Pathetic Emotional Proofs
The University of Iowa: The Rhetorical Triangle
Hypertext vs. Papertext: Establishing Online Credibility
Ethos, Pathos and Logos as they relate to Press Releases
Learning how to use the 3 Rhetorical Styles
Using evidence to prove your point in Business Writing
I can't guarantee all of the above are high quality, although I have weeded out some of the lesser quality links already. If you have or find other good links leave a comment below and I'll add them to the resource. I hope some of that is helpful!
If you have found this entry helpful helpful please consider making a contribution to help keep this site running.Check out this amazing site that attempts to bring a little perspective on the $87billion George W. Bush is asking Congress for for the next fiscal year to continue to fight the war on terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan. Its hard to visualize this type of money...until now. now.
I guess an offering machine like this had to show up some time. I sort of surprised its taken so long. However it doesn't really sit too comfortably with me - Like Michael I'm still trying to work out why I am reacting against it. I mean I'm all for churches changing with the times but....hmmm.....I don't think LivingRoom will be signing up for one.
What do others think?
On our recent trip I discovered that bored men standing outside of change rooms in women's fashion shops is a world wide phenomenon. Thank goodness the Germans are doing something about it!
German women fed up with their partners' grumbling on weekend shopping trips can now dump them at a special kindergarten for men offering beer and entertainment.... The men are given a name tag on arrival and for 10 euros ($11.80) they get two beers, a hot meal, televised football and games.'
Men everywhere will be hoping the next one is in their city!
When I was 6 I found Church very boring. My mates Simon, Ben, Scott and I would always try to sit together so that we could entertain ourselves til it was time for the kids to go out for Sunday School. We'd talk, make paper planes, tell jokes and giggle. Of course it always ended with one of our mums telling us to 'stop clowning around!' I never had a come back or way of justifying our fun. now I do.
"It wasn't me swinging that bat. It was the Lord Jesus Christ." That according to BoSox game winner Trot Nixon after his 11th-inning smack into the stands that brought Doub Mirabelli in for the winning run. Source
If only I could get Jesus swinging my tennis racquet for me next time I play.
What a crazy world we live in. Here's a few of the headlines in the news this week.
Dieting Dollars 'There are no official statistics for spending on diet products, but estimates vary from $40bn to $100bn in the US alone - more than the combined value of the government's budget for health, education and welfare.' Source
M&M eating with chopsticks world record broken Source
Boob Aerobics London gym offers boob aerobics Source
Man steals back his stolen truck When Joe Francis' truck was stolen, he didn't get mad. He just stole it back. Source
Nigeria and Mexico: Happiest Nations in the World says study "New Zealand ranked 15 for overall satisfaction, the U.S. 16th, Australia 20th and Britain 24th -- though Australia beats the other three for day-to-day happiness. Source
Vegetables for OneOne of Japan's leading supermarkets is to start stocking quarter-size cauliflowers and cabbages as part of a new dwarf vegetable range for single people.Source
"Ecuador began a national punctuality campaign on Wednesday to wipe out the socially acceptable but costly practice of running late.
Hundreds of officials gathered in the heart of Quito's colonial-style downtown to mark a ceremonious start to the drive, which is led by a local civic group that estimates the poor nation may lose up to $724 million a year due to lateness." source
Its an amusing story, but I can't help but feel a little sad. I've travelled to and lived in a number of countries that are renowned for being late - or who operate with a 'slightly more relaxed sense of time'. Whilst it can be very frustrating as a visitor to such countries I have found it really challenging to the way we often live in the West - trapped and constrained by the clock. Maybe if we all relaxed a little when it came to running on schedule we'd find that maybe the Ecuadorians actually have it something that we don't.
Texan Survey: The average rush-hour driver wasted more than a full day -- about 26 hours -- sitting in traffic in 2001. Hmmm, that doesn't seem that much over a full year.
The average Australian wastes more than 8 years of their life (10%) watching TV! Now that is a statistic that makes me think.
Just saw this article about a Bishop Caldwell who is paying white people to go to church!
This month, Caldwell is going to pay white people to attend his sermons. It's five bucks for a Sunday service, 10 for a Thursday service. And the idea is already stirring up controversy.
Hmmm....bizarre....but maybe this is how I could attract a few more males to Living Room!
Steve has decided to come up with his own digital quilt (taking inspiration from Rachel's growing effort.
Steves is a little different though. He writes:
"Send me the name or image of your favourite beer and your best beer story."
I already left my story there - but here is a picture of ONE (I reckon I could come up with my own quilt if I put my mind to it) of my favourite beers - James Boags Premium.
I almost chocked on my cereal when I read this.
AUSTRALIA has been urged to seriously consider becoming the 51st state of the US.
And American-born historian Dr David Mosler told a Brisbane audience yesterday there was a 20 per cent chance of Australia becoming an American state in the next 50 years.
I just did a couple of surveys that I found via Mike's
Firstly I found I'm in the Idealism & Autonomy quadrant.
It found my fundamental motivations and values are:
* Personal Control
* Rejection of Authority
* Global Consciousness
* Adaptability to Complexity
* Flexible Families
And my Key Characteristics are:
* Self-reliant and in control of their own destiny
* Idealistic and open-minded
* Rejecting out-dated norms and institutions
The other survey found me to belong to the tribe of the New Aquarian.
* It says that we make up 5% of the population (well in Canada we do) and 14% of GenXers.
* Our fundamental motivations are social justice and experience-seeking.
Our Key values are:
* Adaptability
* Concern for the less fortunate
* Concern for the environment
* Respect for education
* Contempt for traditional authorities
* Hedonism
Our icons include:
* Singer Sarah McLachlan
* Author Naomi Klein
* Singer/activist Jello Biafra
* Rap-metal group Rage Against the Machine
* Author/activist John Zerzan
* Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar
Surveys can be found here.
The latest news from Geek News Central is that a South Korean Telco is offering a download for mobile phones that makes handsets emit a high frequency sound wave that is supposed to repel mosquitos.
Hmmm....I wonder if they could offer other kinds of downloads to repel other things?
Here are a few of my suggested downloads:
- Tele marketers
- Door to door salespeople
- Collingwood supporters
- Nigerian email scams
Any other suggestions?
'The order of nuns founded by Mother Teresa seeks to copyright her name in a bid to stop other organizations -- from banks to business schools -- trying to cash in on the Nobel peace laureate's image worldwide. 'We are seeking legal protection for the use of our logo, and also want such protection for the name of Mother Teresa and that of the Missionaries of Charity' Sister Nirmala, the head of the order, said in a statement.'
Its been a week since I posted anything that could be classified as toilet humor....(I'm trying to pace myself) - here's a whole site dedicated to it. BathroomLife.com. While you're there make sure you do their Bathroom Survey. Check out the results at the end....there are some disturbing results!
There has been a lot of discussion on my blog run about Metro-sexuals. Male heterosexuals who are very image conscious - dress well, live well etc.
Just saw an article entitled The Lure of Data: Is It Addictive? and wonder if a couple of my friends might be Data Addicts....or maybe we could call them Techno-Sexuals.... you know who you are!
Ever wondered how many Russian Orthadox believers there are in your state? What about how many Aquarian Spiritualist centres there are in your area? Adherents.com is the place for you.
Adherents.com is a growing collection of over 41,000 adherent statistics and religious geography citations -- references to published membership/adherent statistics and congregation statistics for over 4,200 religions, churches, denominations, religious bodies, faith groups, tribes, cultures, movements, ultimate concerns, etc.
Have you ever asked God for a sign? Be careful what you ask for.
I couldn't help myself when I saw this article about a school in China who has banned farting in school! If a student is caught they are fined! My school would have been rolling cash if it'd instituted a fine system like this!
The Restroom Association of Singapore has just launched the 'Happy Toilet' campaign where they rate toilets with the ultimate five star rating called 'Superloo'!
"We spend almost three years of our lives on the toilet. It's natural and it's normal, so let's learn to say: 'Wow! That's a great toilet!'"
(can you see a theme emerging in some of my posts of late?? hmmm)
I was perusing my referrer statistics this afternoon and was interested to see that the majority of my hits of late have come from search engine searches. This is a big change as in the past I rarely had any at all. I guess the longer I blog the more data there is for the engines to point people to. Weird what people search for though....here are some of today's search terms that led people here:
- New Zealand methane cow tax
- big tin shed
- introverts
- pagitt blog
- buddhist nun
- strange street sine's
- start a new life
- how to grow a beard
- spat on
- italian livingroom
- brennan manning
- porn convention
J-Walk Blog has this fascinating post about how Microsoft has recently hired Robert Scoble as an Evangelist! Has Bill Gates seen the light and decided to spread the Good News?!?
J-Walk writes:
'Robert Scoble is a popular blogger, and he was recently hired by Microsoft as an "Evangelist." I put that term in quotes because I happen to think it's a ridiculous term -- not to mention a ridiculous job title.
The problem is, the word evangelist conjures up images of a sweaty, red-faced Southern Baptist preacher spouting off about sin and eternal damnation. But it seems that Microsoft is trying to change that image. To them, an evangelist is someone who attempts to get people to use a particular product -- at least that's what I think a Microsoft evangelist is.'
Here's an interesting article which makes the observation that while more people are going to the movies than ever before, they're talking about them less than ever before.
Its an interesting observation - not sure if I agree or not. I've been toying with the idea of starting a 'Movie Club' (similar to a Book Club, which is the latest rage here in Aus) where people come and watch a movie and then have some discussion about it over a meal or coffee. Maybe I need to rethink!
J.K Rowling looks like she might be taking legal action against people writing Harry Potter like books. Lucky I've never thought of doing anything like that.
Just stumbled on this stress relief tool. My best if 1407 so far....no now 1412....1529
Have had a few new (to me) blogs linking me up lately. Thanks if you are one of them. I'm attempting to update my blogroll (alhtough its getting a little out of control.
One that caught my eye was from Pete who encourages his readers to check this blog out with the following description:
'Living Room. A most excellent Christian blog, with a lean towards the more liberal spiritual side of things.'
Thankyou for the link and encouragement Pete. Its interesting to see different people's ideas on where I stand on the theological spectrum. I'd never really seen myself as Liberal before (I've actually tried to avoid labelling myself with such words previously) - of late I've had the 'liberal' word attributed to me quite a bit - its got me wondering how I come across on this blog and where such labels might be coming from? Interested in people's thoughts?
I'm unsure whether to post this or not as I think it was written purely to cause a bunfight however this Post disturbs me - (but what's new!?) - Pieter has posted that he is the "Founder/Charter member of the National Society of American Homophobes and Islamophobes."
In comments he says he fears the actions of militant homosexuals and believes that terrorism is the logical result of being a Muslim.
I'm shocked that someone claiming to follow Christ, who ate (and therefore entered into relationships) with sinners and outcasts could make a statement which will only ever put a barrier between him and people who are already ostracized enough by the church.
I don't remember Jesus starting a taxcollecteraphobe or a romancenturianaphobe society. I saw him connect with these people with respect and the intention of building relationships.
Are we not called to engage with people on the fringe of society? How will starting a club for homophobes and Islamophobes help us in our disciple making call?
UPDATE: Peiter has withdrawn his latest post saying it was just 'tounge in cheek'. As Regan says in comments as Christians we should consider the type of 'jokes' we make - especially on the net where our words can be misinterpreted and do more damage than they get 'laughs'.
UPDATE II: Not so sure he's sorry about the post unfortunately as his very next one seems to be heading on the same theme. "What would happen if Spiderman converted to Islam?"
Here's a question - "What would happen if rather than asking questions that will only provoke anger, disrespect and the breakdown of relationships - people asking such questions actually decided to build relationships with and love Muslim people for who they are?"
Check out this amazing article on a subject close to my heart. The crux of the article is that New Zealand's government is considering passing a Livestock....flatulence tax in a bid to reduce New Zealand's contribution to global warming. This is because livestock accounts for about half of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions.
Sheep will be levied at 9c each and cows at up to 72c under the Government's proposals which should raise $8.4million per year.
I think its not a bad idea - but I have a better one. Rather than letting all that gas loose on our environment where it will do untold damage, perhaps we should harness it and use it for good rather than evil!
I therefore propose that we should attach little flatulence catchers to the rear ends of every sheep and cow on the globe. (we could start with New Zealand cause they are so keen on cashing in on the gas) Farmers would go out into the fields every night at the end of a days work and collect the methane filled bags to come back to a central flatulence processor where the gas could be refined and then piped to a central location to be sold to run cars, make electricity and keep gas ovens going!
Opportunities to tap into the human market would also exist. One study I read a few years back said that the average person farted 14 times per day. (I'd say that is a conservative estimate....not from personal experience of course!) That's 5,110 times a year or 383,250 times in a 75 year life time.
Therefore at the current world population of 6.3billion people we're farting at a rate of 88.2billion farts a day!
Ok - this is gross - its silly - but imagine...just imagine if we could harness it and use it for good!? Maybe I should scrap my children's book ideas and go into the lucrative fart catching business!
Yes it would be a little fiddley, but there would be many benefits.
1. The gas would not be released into the atmosphere and thereby cut down greenhouse emissions considerably.
2. It would be a revenue raiser for individuals and especially farmers world wide.
3. It would mean other non-renewable resources would last a lot longer.
There could be some downsides to it too however.
The biggest of these would be that it could cause war to be launched on countries like New Zealand and Australia which have such high levels of flatulence making livestock. However as an Aussie I propose we work on a strategy for defending our resource by lighting the gas coming out of our cattle at the first sign of a foreign country attacking.
Ok - this needs a group approach. Are there any others out there that would like to put your heads together to think through the logistics of the operation???
Today there are a whole heap of people suffering from Paraskevidekatriaphobia
In the paper on Sunday I came across this amazing article about a Men's Conversation Club here in my local area.
The club is called 'Reclaim the Pants' and its 'a men's group that meets once a month for a beer, a parmigiana and inconsequential conversation.'
Here is a snippet:
'Getting together to chat is something women have done successfully for years, they say. Now, the men are relishing a chance to meet and talk purely for the fun of it.
"All talk and no action" is one of the mottos of the group that pretends to take itself seriously but doesn't. There is certainly no power talk here.
"It's just five hours of uninterrupted crap talking," says founder Stuart McArthur. "The four topics of conversation, pretty much exclusively, are conspiracy theories, ridiculous money-making schemes, sport and whether Benny Hill was funnier than the Three Stooges."
The group has grown rapidly, through a website and a neighbourhood of local men who had enviously eyed their wives and partners, who seemed to have ample opportunities to meet and talk.'
It sounds like a fun group and something I'd like to check out sometime. I think its definitely something that many guys don't do enough of...ie talking ...about life....about anything!
Only problem is, I can't find the website referred to! There is a free coffee to the first person who can find it for me! (NB: coffee is to be claimed in Melbourne!)
UPDATE their site is: http://www.reclaimthepants.250x.com/
Thanks to Chris for the link.
Which book of the Bible are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Ever received an email from a Nigerian wanting some help with a $234923402343 money transfer!?? I get one every week. Now we know where they get their training - its at the 3rd Annual Nigerian EMail Conference! The program includes a debate entitled "The effectiveness of using all UPPERCASE characters", a discussion forum titled ""Are 10 million emails a day too many?" and a rount table discussion on "A round table discussion: Is email now Nigeria's top export?" Funny times! Source
I love a good survey. This one might be relevant for those of us thinking through Emerging Church. Its an issue that I've not heard much talk about in the blogging circles that circulate in - but perhaps its time we did a similar survey.
This guy was all over the news here tonight. His hobby is building Cruise Missiles! The finished product will have a range of around 100 miles (160 Kms) so we should be safe here in Aus....but watch out my NZ blogging buddies!!
Through Presurfer I stumbled on this really interesting post on the demise of Google's page rank and the impact of blogs upon it. If you've noticed the new way Google handles your blog this might explain it.
Romanian Astronomers have pinpointed the time of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection.
The details are......drumroll please....
The scientists from Romania's Astronomic Observatory Institute say, Jesus Christ died at 3 p.m. on the Good Friday, April 3, 33AD and rose again at 4 a.m. on April 5.
So now we know!
I've been dabbling in the Blogshares share market the past month or so for a bit of fun. So far I've accumulated a few quality shares in a good range of blogs. My portfolio so far includes:
Blogger (2800 - thanks Camson for the gift!) :: Dean McKenzie(100) :: B4G(200) :: Dave Babbit(100) :: Clarity amidst Chaos(300) :: Baptist(100) :: Good Dog Bad Dog(200) :: Tracyapps(200) :: Cre8d(1500) :: The Connexion (1200) :: Buzzing Bye(100) :: Avoiding Evil(83) :: As I Said(50) :: Al-Muhajabah's Islamic Blogs(2000) :: Heal Your Church Website(200) :: 83 Re-Invented.net(200) :: A Journey of Faith and Life (200) :: Footprints of my Life(100) :: He Lives(250) :: Ian's Messy Desk(1000) :: John and Genia(100) :: Jordon Cooper(1500) :: King's Kid(2000) :: Land of the Lost(500) :: Living Room(1701) :: mmmlog(100) :: News-Head-O-Rama(100) :: Pro Deo et Patria(100) :: Real Live Preacher(100) :: Redwood Dragon(250) :: Relapsed Catholic(100) :: State Dog(1000) :: Sed Contra(100) :: Sisters' Weblog(100) :: The 7 Habitus (100) :: The Mighty Barrister(200) :: Theologian(100) :: Tribe of Jesus(600) :: What in Tarnation(3000) :: Sakamuyo(100) - There is some great quality blogs in that lot, I read them all regularly.
Of course I should also acknowledge those who've purchased shares in Living Room, these being Camson (no blog), James, Rachel, Tim and Ian.
I just released another 1000 shares onto the market for those interested in making an investment - being a shareholder comes with many benefits....these include...err....well....you can comment for free any time you like on my blog.....ummmm.....I'll take you out for coffee.....(small print...if you come to Melbourne for it)
"In the spirit of Where's Waldo, comes the first and only God searching simulation on the Internet, fun for the whole family." Where's Christ?
Although I'm not sure what the motivation is behind this - I think the picture is actually an interesting one - and of course I found Christ straight away!!! Must be a gift.
A Presurfer link.
How many times have you logged onto your blog wanting to post something that sums up your apethy, boredom and laziness but havn't been able to find the words? Try this Apathetic Online Journal Entry Generator! Hit the button at the bottom of the page and you'll have a quality apathetic blog entry instantly that you just have to copy and paste over to your blog. For example:
"Not much on my mind today. Oh well. Nothing seems worth thinking about. I've just been letting everything wash over me recently. That's how it is."
If it doesn't quite fit with your mood, click again for another random bored entry.
This generator is bought to you by the same people who brought to us all those good old favourite's like the Extreme Sports Generator, the Alanis Morissette Lyrics Generator, the Acronym Interaction, Expansion and Extrapolation Engine
(AIEEE) and the Jedi Training Generator...just to name a few.
Bibleopoly combines the fun of a board game with remarkable cities of the Bible. Players start IN THE BEGINNING and journey through Bible cities, Meditation, Community Celebration, and occasionally, the Abyss. Once players have earned their Cornerstone by helping a fellow player or by doing Community Service they may make Offerings in order to earn the bricks and steeple needed to build a church.
In Bibleopoly good deeds are always rewarded, but sometimes Faith cards intervene. The final object is to be the first player to build a church on one of the Bible cities. Will you be the new Paul? Play Bibleopoly with family or friends and find out!
Good Grief!
Thanks to Presurfer for another great link.
Here's an interesting alternative perspective on all those Baptisms of soldiers we keep hearing about in Iraq.
It belongs to Army chaplain Josh Llano of Houston, who sees the water shortage, which has kept thousands of filthy soldiers from bathing for weeks, as an opportunity.''It's simple. They want water. I have it, as long as they agree to get baptized,'' he said.And agree they do. Every day, soldiers take the plunge for the Lord and come up clean for the first time in weeks.
Thanks to Adnan for the link.
Check out Rachel's post on Easter baskets which feature military troops, weapons and tanks along with M&Ms and jelly beans!
I really wonder sometimes....
Women smile more than men, except when they are in similar roles Women do smile more than men, but when occupying similar work and social roles, the gender differences in the rate of smiling disappear, a Yale researcher has found. Also, there are large differences in the degree to which men smile less than women depending on a person's culture, ethnicity, age, or when people think they are being observed. More here
On a lighter note (I guess it is) a documentary has just been released that argues that the first moon walk was actually a con and instead filmed in a studio. Read more Here. You get to vote on if you think it happened or not there too.
from class yesterday..."I see you coming — I think you are a pain in the neck — I tighten the muscles in my neck — which gives me the pain in the neck that you are." — R.D Lains
Quick question my wonderful readers! Would you prefer me to put my biblical journalling (currently on Isaiah) on a separate page? It would have the advantage of keeping them all together in sequence for easier digesting and also help keep the train of though going on the main page.
But on the flip side would take the biblical out of the every day reflections - which although messy may add something to both types of postings.
What do you think??? Would like your opinion. Feel free to comment below or email if you've got any thoughts.
The Message has been added to BibleGateway. Thanks to What is Church for the head up.
 |
| You are a highly intelligent person but you always keep a low-profile. You are going to be famous someday. Which Blogging Tool Are You? |
Check out this cool little article about us Introverted types
thanks Creative Slips for the link
What do you think about this? Pay them and they will pray for your forgiveness and send you a certificate!
Thanks Presurfer for the link.
Friday6pm just alerted me to this book that I'd not stumbled upon before - What Would Jesus Eat? Yep its a cookbook that is described as...
"Based on a biblical and historical study of what Jesus ate, as well as scientific research on why these particular foods are ideal for healthy living, What Would Jesus Eat? is the ultimate program for eating well in the twenty-first century. Now, this companion cookbook helps readers to creatively and practically incorporate these foods into their own diets."
With some of these things I don't even know where to start in responding to them! I'm sure the diet is great - but 'what would Jesus eat?' as its theme? Hmmm...perhaps we should do some research into the type of sandals he wore and release a line of foot ware to cash in on it, or perhaps we could research the type of hairstyle he had and start a new trend?! Why do they slap the name of Jesus on this diet? I have nothing against dieting - but maybe it would be more accurate to describe it as a '1st Century middle eastern diet', but then again it might not have sold as many copies.
Maybe I'm being pedantic?
Just got this from my mate Yolly (ta mate)- its an email signature - but I think its probably pretty relevant for this blog too - perhaps I should attatch it to every post....
IMPORTANT: This email is intended for the use of the individual addressee(s) named above and may contain information that is confidential privileged or unsuitable for overly sensitive persons with low self-esteem, no sense of humour or irrational religious beliefs. If you are not the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution or copying of this email is not authorized (either explicitly or implicitly) and constitutes an irritating social faux pas. Unless the word absquatulation has been used in its correct context somewhere other than in this warning, it does not have any legal or grammatical use and may be ignored. No animals were harmed in the transmission of this email, although the kelpie next door is living on borrowed time, let me tell you. Those of you with an overwhelming fear of the unknown will be gratified to learn that there is no hidden message revealed by reading this warning backwards, so just ignore that Alert Notice from Microsoft. However, by pouring a complete circle of salt around yourself and your computer you can ensure that no harm befalls you and your pets. If you have received this email in error, please add some nutmeg and egg whites, whisk and place in a warm oven for 40 minutes.
sorry...comments still are not working....grrrrrrrrr
Fridaysixpm blogs on this Christian dieting program - First Place advertised in Melbourne Christian Bookstore's (Koorong) latest catalogue.
First Place writes in its promotion - "First Place is a Christ-centered health program for men and women of all ages. Using a support system that incorporates Bible study, scripture memorization, prayer, and balanced eating and exercise plans, FirstPlace provides the opportunity to change your life not only physically, but spiritually and emotionally as well."
Is this another example of putting the 'Christian' lable on a product, service or commercial business to increase one's sales? See my critique of the "Christian" Paintball Park to get the drift of what I'm talking about....or is this different???
A southwest Missouri man requested Jesus Christ as his trial attorney during a hearing Wednesday.He was told that he in fact can have Jesus Christ as his attorney, but only one licensed to practice Missouri law will be allowed to speak for him during trial on charges he tampered with a judge. Get the full story here
My mate Diddle left a great quote in comments of the last post relating to Jesus spending time alone and then being propelled into action/mission - its so great that I want you all to see it in fact!
"No one can become an authentic Christian on a steady diet of activity. Power comes from stillness; strength comes out of solitude. Decisions that change the entire course of your life come out of the Holy of Holies, your times of stillness before God."
He found it on the wall in the offices of his Church of all places...thanks mate
Check out this thought provoking parable - The Door by Dan from Signposts. Its excellent stuff - do your self a favour and have a read. Here's a taster....
It is difficult for those who are inside. The only way they have ever entered the church is through the door. They have been using doors their whole lives and never had a single problem with them. Many of them refuse to believe that it is the door that is the problem. How can something which has been perfectly serviceable for generations now be a barrier?! It doesn't make sense.
If only there were some other way to enter. If only the windows were left open, if an underground tunnel were connected, if a skylight were easily accessible or if there was some other way to get into that building. If only a great ragged and dirty hole were cut in the side of the church for people to crawl through.
Some of the people outside have been searching for another way in. Some have had themselves shot from cannons and dropped from balloons to try to get in, but have missed the building altogether and landed somewhere else that they never intended to go.
UPDATE - Dan is already causing controversy - The Barrister seems to have read it differently to the way Dan wrote it - I guess thats Parables for you - Dan responds here.
Michael Spencer writes "I don't really know why someone thought it was necessary to do a poll to see just who were the most disliked groups in society, but the results are in. While serial killers and IRS agents still rank the highest, hot on their heels are evangelical Christians. Not Christians in general. Not Roman Catholics. Not all Christians—but evangelical Christians. Get the rest of the article here
Thanks to the Presurfer for the link.
UPDATE - Just saw that Bene also links to it...
Thanks Mike for this great link to an interview with Brennan Manning. I have read a couple of his books that I found to be very helpful over the years.
Spent this morning in meetings with various DCCC people - trying to get things up and ready to a point where they can be taken over by other ministers and volunteers when I move on. Its a bit of a sad process to have to let go of ministries that you've started and played major parts in shaping.
Met this afternoon with Phil - a fellow traveller. He's the ministry team leader of an innovative multicongregational church slightly north of our region. Its great to have someone else in the same vacinity doing something with a similar ethos to what we'll be doing with the Living Room. We shared stories, ideas and drank coffee.
As I write this an email has just landed in my inbox from Phils partner Danielle which lightens my rather somber mood of the day (I think I need more sleep) - I'm sure she won't mind me quoting her in part...
'I don't know how funny it is, but I had a look at your blog today and noticed the title Living Room, a Space for Life.
Sometimes I am struck by how different phrases have different contexts in different languages. Couldn't help but think that the direct translation of Living Room into German, is Lebensraum, the concept used so forcefully by Nazi Germany to justify the third Reich's expansion into Eastern Europe.
I should note that this is not the same as the german word for lounge room, but just a direct translation of the phrase. Until this linguistic hijacking by Hitler et al, Lebensraum may have had similar connotations as Living Room does in English....Anyway, good luck with your own aggressive expansion in North Fitzroy."
Thanks Dan - I will state now for the record - I have no secret dictatorship desires - my only facial hair is a small tuft UNDER my BOTTOM lip (not above my top).
This online survey is pretty quick and not that serious. Just 5 questions to answer. For all those who've been wondering what kind of wacko theology I ascribe to - well the survey says this:
| "God will not suffer man to have the knowledge of things to come; for if he had prescience of his prosperity he would be careless; and understanding of his adversity he would be senseless." |
| You are Augustine! You love to study tough issues and don't mind it if you lose sleep over them. Everyone loves you and wants to talk to you and hear your views, you even get things like "nice debating with you." Yep, you are super smart, even if you are still trying to figure it all out. You're also very honest, something people admire, even when you do stupid things. |
I might be like Augustine theologically - but I certainly don't see any physical resemblances with the above picture. What sort of Theologian are you?
This is classic stuff from What is Church?. Mike writes - "Most simply take the best of what's out there and load it into their church like a pirated piece of software. Worship is not a closed-source system like Windows XP. It is open-source code; free to be handcrafted bearing the mark of unique creativity and gifts."
Check out this classic revenge on the Banks Flash Story - tis quite amusing and unfortunately familiar. Thanks Richard for the link.
Introducing Abston Church of Christ - a church dedicated to the memory of the builders cat (precious). A church made completely of lego.
Unbelievable to see how much time someone is willing to dedicate to the building of a plastic church! Frightening really.
Whats all the talk on the web of late on the topic of Benny Hinn about? I've picked up there was a TV special on him in the US >> don't think we got it here, but would love to hear what it was about? I always wanted a suit like Benny - I reckon one made out of Denim would be more my style though!!
Presenting the worlds first Inflatable Church! Available for purchase or rental, this church can be brought to a vacant piece of land near you!
'This fantastic air filled building is 47ft long by 25ft wide & 47ft high. The attention to detail is heavenly complete with plastic "stained glass" windows, airbrush artwork which replicates the traditional church. Inside it has an inflatable organ, altar, pulpit, pews, candles and a gold cross. Even the doors are flanked by air-filled angels. The church can be built in three hours and dis-assembled in less than two'
This could revolutionise missional church. No longer will we expect people to have to come to us, we can just pick up and go straight to them! Its a step towards incarnational mission...
Its not that different to alot of churches I've visited over the years though....must take plenty of hot air to keep it going!
On the up side - no more long and torturous building projects!
Get your insurance against Hell here.
I wonder how many policies they've sold!
Busken Bakery Site advertisment. Turn your volume up loud and let this play on repeat for a couple of minutes - feel your blood pressure rise....
Watch me Grow my Beard - a study on male grooming. The latest cutting edge blog! Enjoy
Interesting pic from Richard Bott's blog
quite the contrasting image collision
Classic sillyness - you can make US president Bush say what ever you want - complete with sound effects and all his catch phrases. Fun way to fill in a spare 15 minutes.
- adverstisments from STA Travel They are facinating to me in the light of recent world events. Especially for us Aussies after the 'Bali Bombings' of October 12.
Obviously there is a concerted effort to try to get Aussies back overseas again amidst the daily travel warnings that we seem to be getting of late for travel to SE Asian countries.
On the back of each of these postcards is the following text:
HOW DO YOU PLAN TO KEEP LEARNING, TRUSTING AND BELIEVING IN A WORLD THAT CHANGES AND CHALLENGES US ALL?
See the world while it lasts. Technology is infectious. Every time an antenna is raised in a remote village, another local culture becomes extinct. no society is equipped to withstand the onslaught. Every satellite launched, every cable laid, the death of every elder, hastens the end of cultural diversity. If you are 25, it will disappear during your lifetime. Forget about stopping it; you can't. Instead savor every chance you get to absorb a passing world, to experience as much as you can before it fades into a big version of anyplace.
Each and every culture, no matter how small or remote, represents a vast body of experience - of wars and adventures and art, of medicines and music and hairstyles, of living with parents, living with nature, playing, dancing, kissing. Together these cultures are the culmination of millions of years of practice living on a precious, fragile planet.
Go now. Go for the people, not for the weather. Go to learn. Pass along to your friends and later, your kids, the things you learned., wherever you went. Use the technology you have to record what you find. Take pictures, tape music and stories, make videos. And leave nothing behind. When you go back home, take things away in your head, not in your suitcase.
Check out this Aussie bank ad - apparently Visa has all the answers! Gotta get me one.
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