So, Australia will go to the polls on October 9. Howard said the central issue of the election, was trust, and the direction Australia will take over the next 10 years. In Howard's press conference he adapted a line from Ronald Reagan, a question that we all will ponder as we move toward the poll; Do you really believe Australia is better off now, than eight-and-a-half years ago?.
Speaking of trust, Philip Adams wrote an interesting piece in the Weekend Australian.
The Age, has an interesting piece about leadership and the differences between Howard, and Latham.
Howard will run on his record. Latham, is also focusing on truth and rebuilding the ladder of opportunity.
It is going to be a close election. Let’s hope for a positive campaign; a campaign that is about what the parties’ vision for the nation, and not the all too common negative slanging match.
Some reflections on the Path to Life. "You have made known to me the path of life; you fill me with joy in your presence" (Psalm 16:11)
Sunday, August 29, 2004
Thursday, August 19, 2004
Olympics
I was talking to some colleagues at work this week, about having an interest in an adjusted medal table. I would like to have adjusted the medal table for population, but also for % of GDP spent on sport.
For those of you who want an alternative medal tally.
For those of you who want an alternative medal tally.
... And we'll shine like stars in the summer night ...
Taking a moment, to update this post. U2, has a new CD due out currently untitled
But also the first single Vertigo is due for release to the radio at the end of September!, and to the stores November 8. One site now has the titles of a number of tracks. I am looking forward to new U2 music, and hopefully a tour in 2005.
But while surfing around the HMV site I also found out about Around the Sun
I also saw that Season 3, and Season 4 of The West Wing, are also due for release in October.
But also the first single Vertigo is due for release to the radio at the end of September!, and to the stores November 8. One site now has the titles of a number of tracks. I am looking forward to new U2 music, and hopefully a tour in 2005.
But while surfing around the HMV site I also found out about Around the Sun
I also saw that Season 3, and Season 4 of The West Wing, are also due for release in October.
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
…We don’t need no education…
The Sydney Morning Herlad last week got me thinking about education a little. I am a product of the public education system, and at this point, should God chose to bless me with Children, they would likewise go through the public system.
In NSW, and I’m not sure if this is a national trend or strictly limited to NSW, but students are, along with teachers, and consequently resources draining towards the Private System.
I have to say that I find this deeply concerning, as I believe it is the responsibility of the government, (State, and Federal) to provide an education system. Perhaps this is another of my biases.
I am a product of the State System, and during my education I would say that I was not disadvantaged by that. I had the benefit of teachers who loved their jobs, a school that was reasonably well resourced. I was shaped through my education, and yes I believe I was taught pro-social values. And I reckon I’ve turned out ok.
The concern for me as I’ve been reading the papers over the last week is how our education system at least in NSW is moving towards creating structural inequality Those who attend public schools are gradually losing access to decent resources, and teachers for numerous reasons are more inclined to teach in the private system. With the range of selective schools around, a large proportion of students will be likely to lose their pro-social peers. Though I would not say that outcomes are solely determined by environment. I would say that significant disadvantages in terms of teachers, and resources, would have some impact on educational outcomes.
The public system can and does work. But we need the government to continue to make education one of its priority, and in my mind, we need to see the value ascribed to teaching as a profession increased, not simply through an increase in salary, though that may help, but in the conditions in the schools. The impression I have currently from both the government, and opposition – at both state and federal level is that Education is not area of great concern, even though the current generation of children are the builing blocks of tomorrow.
Over to you all. What is your view on Selective High Schools, the role and value of teachers? Public versus Private?
Update: Visit Joe, to read another angle on my post.
In NSW, and I’m not sure if this is a national trend or strictly limited to NSW, but students are, along with teachers, and consequently resources draining towards the Private System.
I have to say that I find this deeply concerning, as I believe it is the responsibility of the government, (State, and Federal) to provide an education system. Perhaps this is another of my biases.
I am a product of the State System, and during my education I would say that I was not disadvantaged by that. I had the benefit of teachers who loved their jobs, a school that was reasonably well resourced. I was shaped through my education, and yes I believe I was taught pro-social values. And I reckon I’ve turned out ok.
The concern for me as I’ve been reading the papers over the last week is how our education system at least in NSW is moving towards creating structural inequality Those who attend public schools are gradually losing access to decent resources, and teachers for numerous reasons are more inclined to teach in the private system. With the range of selective schools around, a large proportion of students will be likely to lose their pro-social peers. Though I would not say that outcomes are solely determined by environment. I would say that significant disadvantages in terms of teachers, and resources, would have some impact on educational outcomes.
The public system can and does work. But we need the government to continue to make education one of its priority, and in my mind, we need to see the value ascribed to teaching as a profession increased, not simply through an increase in salary, though that may help, but in the conditions in the schools. The impression I have currently from both the government, and opposition – at both state and federal level is that Education is not area of great concern, even though the current generation of children are the builing blocks of tomorrow.
Over to you all. What is your view on Selective High Schools, the role and value of teachers? Public versus Private?
Update: Visit Joe, to read another angle on my post.
Holiday Reflections..
Thinking about including this in our church newsletter - let me know what you think ...
===
Waiting, waiting is one of the gifts travelling brings. Waiting comes in many guises, the nervous, exciting, waiting, as you wait in line to leave, wait to meet friends, wait to see attractions, the list can and does go on.
Waiting also comes through delays. Ask any commuter, the worst sort of waiting, is unexplained.
Time spent waiting, is time that disappears. Waiting tries our patience, as this time is wasted, this is time we do not get back. this is time we often spend complaining.
But the time that we spend waiting we can use much more fruitfully, as you travel you see people use this time, through reading the paper, the latest book, catching up with friends, through either a SMS, or phone call.
Let's think how else time spent waiting could be used. We could use this time to write, to keep a journal of our thoughts, feelings; and evaluate every heartbeat of our lives. We could also use these moments to speak with our maker, as we see people talk with their friends. The writer to the Hebrews reminds us that we can approach our God with confidence. (That’s not to say we should approach God lightly, or easily)
But let’s move beyond this – waiting is a part of the human condition, as we wait for guidance, we wait for our season of singleness to end, but more significantly we await our Lord’s return.
As we wait, what should characterise our lives, what should our lives look like? Let’s turn to a few passages for guidance.
First in Psalm 90 we are to consider that our lives like the wisp of the wind, we are born, and our lives ends as suddenly as a gust of wind fades away. Therefore, we should redeem the time; we should make the most of the minutes, hours, and days that we have been given by God.
Secondly, a recurring theme of Jesus’ parables [Matthew 24 to 26] is that His return will come as a thief in the night, without warning, unheralded and unexpectedly. Jesus in these parable teaches us to be watchful, to be prepared, and to be ready for His return.
Think about it this way. If you knew your hero was coming to your home for dinner, you would long before she or he, was due to arrive would begin preparing for their arrive, you would clear out the rubbish, and would prepare to cook their favourite meal. Likewise, as we prepare for Our Lord’s return, we should seek to remove the junk from our lives, and seek to show the fruit of His spirit.
Finally in 1 Peter 4:7, we learn we should be people who are living Holy, and Self-controlled lives. We should strive to be chasing after God with each, and every heartbeat of our lives.
As we wait for the train, bus, or plane, we should be patient, and dwelling on the Word of God.
As we wait as singles, we should continue to live as the bride of Christ.
As we wait for our Lord’s return, we strive to be found seeking His will, and redeeming the time we are given.
As we wait, we should patiently live each day striving with all that we are, and with all that we have to be loyal and willing shining lights for Christ, to the Glory and praise of God.
+++
[Platform 1, Central Station, Brisbane, waiting for the 9:56am train to the Gold Coast, which, for the record, was on time]
+++
===
Waiting, waiting is one of the gifts travelling brings. Waiting comes in many guises, the nervous, exciting, waiting, as you wait in line to leave, wait to meet friends, wait to see attractions, the list can and does go on.
Waiting also comes through delays. Ask any commuter, the worst sort of waiting, is unexplained.
Time spent waiting, is time that disappears. Waiting tries our patience, as this time is wasted, this is time we do not get back. this is time we often spend complaining.
But the time that we spend waiting we can use much more fruitfully, as you travel you see people use this time, through reading the paper, the latest book, catching up with friends, through either a SMS, or phone call.
Let's think how else time spent waiting could be used. We could use this time to write, to keep a journal of our thoughts, feelings; and evaluate every heartbeat of our lives. We could also use these moments to speak with our maker, as we see people talk with their friends. The writer to the Hebrews reminds us that we can approach our God with confidence. (That’s not to say we should approach God lightly, or easily)
But let’s move beyond this – waiting is a part of the human condition, as we wait for guidance, we wait for our season of singleness to end, but more significantly we await our Lord’s return.
As we wait, what should characterise our lives, what should our lives look like? Let’s turn to a few passages for guidance.
First in Psalm 90 we are to consider that our lives like the wisp of the wind, we are born, and our lives ends as suddenly as a gust of wind fades away. Therefore, we should redeem the time; we should make the most of the minutes, hours, and days that we have been given by God.
Secondly, a recurring theme of Jesus’ parables [Matthew 24 to 26] is that His return will come as a thief in the night, without warning, unheralded and unexpectedly. Jesus in these parable teaches us to be watchful, to be prepared, and to be ready for His return.
Think about it this way. If you knew your hero was coming to your home for dinner, you would long before she or he, was due to arrive would begin preparing for their arrive, you would clear out the rubbish, and would prepare to cook their favourite meal. Likewise, as we prepare for Our Lord’s return, we should seek to remove the junk from our lives, and seek to show the fruit of His spirit.
Finally in 1 Peter 4:7, we learn we should be people who are living Holy, and Self-controlled lives. We should strive to be chasing after God with each, and every heartbeat of our lives.
As we wait for the train, bus, or plane, we should be patient, and dwelling on the Word of God.
As we wait as singles, we should continue to live as the bride of Christ.
As we wait for our Lord’s return, we strive to be found seeking His will, and redeeming the time we are given.
As we wait, we should patiently live each day striving with all that we are, and with all that we have to be loyal and willing shining lights for Christ, to the Glory and praise of God.
+++
[Platform 1, Central Station, Brisbane, waiting for the 9:56am train to the Gold Coast, which, for the record, was on time]
+++
Monday, August 16, 2004
Watching time, silently dissappear
Well, another weekend has come and gone. The weekend seemed to disappear completely before it has started. I went down to Wollongong for the weekend. I hung around in Sydney for Friday night, we went out to an Ice Creamery for desert and then some of the crowd went to the movies. The majority saw Man on Fire. Didn’t seem like my cup of tea.
Saturday morning I watched virtually the finale of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. I did enjoy the bits of the Ceremony that I saw.
I then caught the train down to Wollongong. I deeply love this train trip. Saturday was really special, the train winds its way through the Royal National Park, and then comes out and skirts the coast. What really struck me as we travelled along the coast was how calm and placid the sea was and the colours were amazing. Unfortunately my camera was in Sydney, but it was inspiring.
It was night also to catch up with my old church family. We went round to these friends place, and played a game called Cranium, its kind of like trivial pursuit, but uses different manners of questions – you need to sculpt using play-do, do charades, hum particular songs. It was great fun.
My brother was also preaching at my old church over the weekend, it was his first sermon, so I stayed down there and went to church. It is an enormous blessing that even though I’ve been away for a while, I still feel part of that family. I treasure the relationships I have there, I love going back. It was a communion service as well, which was great, as I haven’t had communion in my new church. (in almost 18 months).
Heres’ my notes from the Sermon:
Sunday Aug 15, 2004 AD – OT Psalm 30 and NT James 1:19-27
We have a new birth, new destiny, we are kings
b/c we are kings we should act like kings. (v21; v27)
We have forgotten our destiny
James gives us advice to help us live like kings
Quick – to listen
Slow – to speak; slower to become angry
Though there is a righteous anger; our anger makes it harder to be righteous
We can, and must cast out the sin of our life – this is a life-long process
God’s word has been planted in our hearts
Both righteousness and evil can grow in our hearts – depends on what we nurture.
Tension - grace and works – God’s work and ours – James comes back to this.
Look at the Word; see how it applies; act, change in light of it
We need to put away; the rampant wickedness in our lives; and humble seek to live out our destiny.
We are Kings – we were made kings by Christ’s death. We are to ACT like it.
++
Challenging words … and in God’s mercy, may they be fulfilled in all our lives.
Saturday morning I watched virtually the finale of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. I did enjoy the bits of the Ceremony that I saw.
I then caught the train down to Wollongong. I deeply love this train trip. Saturday was really special, the train winds its way through the Royal National Park, and then comes out and skirts the coast. What really struck me as we travelled along the coast was how calm and placid the sea was and the colours were amazing. Unfortunately my camera was in Sydney, but it was inspiring.
It was night also to catch up with my old church family. We went round to these friends place, and played a game called Cranium, its kind of like trivial pursuit, but uses different manners of questions – you need to sculpt using play-do, do charades, hum particular songs. It was great fun.
My brother was also preaching at my old church over the weekend, it was his first sermon, so I stayed down there and went to church. It is an enormous blessing that even though I’ve been away for a while, I still feel part of that family. I treasure the relationships I have there, I love going back. It was a communion service as well, which was great, as I haven’t had communion in my new church. (in almost 18 months).
Heres’ my notes from the Sermon:
Sunday Aug 15, 2004 AD – OT Psalm 30 and NT James 1:19-27
We have a new birth, new destiny, we are kings
b/c we are kings we should act like kings. (v21; v27)
We have forgotten our destiny
James gives us advice to help us live like kings
Quick – to listen
Slow – to speak; slower to become angry
Though there is a righteous anger; our anger makes it harder to be righteous
We can, and must cast out the sin of our life – this is a life-long process
God’s word has been planted in our hearts
Both righteousness and evil can grow in our hearts – depends on what we nurture.
Tension - grace and works – God’s work and ours – James comes back to this.
Look at the Word; see how it applies; act, change in light of it
We need to put away; the rampant wickedness in our lives; and humble seek to live out our destiny.
We are Kings – we were made kings by Christ’s death. We are to ACT like it.
++
Challenging words … and in God’s mercy, may they be fulfilled in all our lives.
Thursday, August 12, 2004
The Revelation of John
In my bible study at Unichurch we are looking at the book of Revelation, and using the Matthias Media study guides. Last night we looked through the Letters to the Seven churches.
In the book there is this helpful summary of the messages to the seven churches:
If you have zeal without love - recover your love
If you are faithful but fearful - endure suffering for the crown of life which awaits you.
If you are seduced by false teaching and immorality - repent
If you are lazy, asleep or dead in your faith - wake up come back to life;
If you are feeling weak and weary in your faith - remember that you will be rewarded and protected;
If your obedience is lukewarm and you are complacent in faith - turn back and find your 'wealth' in Jesus.
During study, we had a refreshing conversation about our church, our failing is to love the knowledge of Jesus, and not love our brothers and sisters. Coming back to the idea of community, and true community, is not about meeting together on Sunday, or on Wednesday as we did last night. Its about an attitude of heart, seeking to get to know, and encourage each other to grow in Godliness.
In the book there is this helpful summary of the messages to the seven churches:
If you have zeal without love - recover your love
If you are faithful but fearful - endure suffering for the crown of life which awaits you.
If you are seduced by false teaching and immorality - repent
If you are lazy, asleep or dead in your faith - wake up come back to life;
If you are feeling weak and weary in your faith - remember that you will be rewarded and protected;
If your obedience is lukewarm and you are complacent in faith - turn back and find your 'wealth' in Jesus.
During study, we had a refreshing conversation about our church, our failing is to love the knowledge of Jesus, and not love our brothers and sisters. Coming back to the idea of community, and true community, is not about meeting together on Sunday, or on Wednesday as we did last night. Its about an attitude of heart, seeking to get to know, and encourage each other to grow in Godliness.
From the papers ...
Men have often been mystified by women's close friendships. Now there's a scientific explanation, reports Lisa Reich.
An interesting piece on the significance of close friendships in our lifecourse.
+++
By the by, I've made a few changes to this pond. Hopefully, in the next few days I'll get a chance to add commenting. I've had a quick look at the blogger provided comments, and I'm not too keen. Anyway, this is a learning process for me, as I am not all that good with html and the like, but yeah it is good to push yourself every now and again.
In other news, it's back to the netball court tonight, which should be fun. I played in a mixed team for the first time last session, we had a great deal of fun together. Yeah, I am looking forward to playing rather than watching some sport.
The other thing to expect in the next few days, is further reflections on my time in Brisbane, and a comment or two on the Public/Private School Education debate that is currently featuring in the Sydney Morning Herald this week.
An interesting piece on the significance of close friendships in our lifecourse.
+++
By the by, I've made a few changes to this pond. Hopefully, in the next few days I'll get a chance to add commenting. I've had a quick look at the blogger provided comments, and I'm not too keen. Anyway, this is a learning process for me, as I am not all that good with html and the like, but yeah it is good to push yourself every now and again.
In other news, it's back to the netball court tonight, which should be fun. I played in a mixed team for the first time last session, we had a great deal of fun together. Yeah, I am looking forward to playing rather than watching some sport.
The other thing to expect in the next few days, is further reflections on my time in Brisbane, and a comment or two on the Public/Private School Education debate that is currently featuring in the Sydney Morning Herald this week.
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Saturday July 24 2004 AD
Well, am in transit from Sydney to Brisbane at the moment its been a smooth flight. We are due to land in 20ish minutes. I’m going to try and find a church tonight, and also head to the AFL as well. I’ve been reading The Market Driven Church, which has been a fascinating read – definitely worth a second read, and will blog more on it later. The chapter I just finished reading was on Sport, and I was wondering if there was much difference between Australia, America, and Europe in relation to sport. I don’t really think so.
Southbank – July 25th
Found everything alright yesterday. I did get to the AFL last night. Am not really going to talk about the game, I think it was either in the Half-Time break, or just before, I looked down, and a message flashed up onto the big screen – it was something like; ‘KS, I love you so much' and then the words 'Will You Marry Me' flashed up, it was beaut. I’ve never seen an event like that before (oh, discounting all the romantic comedies). For the first few moments of the next quarter I was wondering, did she say yes. I hope she said yes. Personally, I’d have to be pretty sure before I’d do something like that, then again my idea of romantic isn't that really.
At the bounce of the third quarter, my suspense was ended, as the words ‘KS has accepted the proposal’ flashed up. It was a beaut moment.
As I have wondered around the city so far, I enjoyed the open feel to the city. Brisbane is dominated by the river which winds its way through the city. It has been a fairly mild day, at the moment, I’m sitting down listening to a Brass Band comp, the music has been special the highlights, What A Wonderful World (which always brings back Good Morning Vietnam), How Great Thou Art, and Penny Lane.
The city is growing; I have seen four or five cranes while I was wondering around Southbank. Southbank wasn’t too bad, but I think what I enjoyed about it was to be able to wonder along the river, looking across at the CBD, while watching people, ride, blade, or run past enjoying the day. It also seems to be a very green city, with a number of open spaces, and trees along the streets.
Thanks to some advice from Deb I went to Ann St. Presbyterian Church. The evening church was relatively small, roughly 20-30 people, but it was also very warm, and friendly. One of the highlights was the number of conversations I had about God and the Christian life after the service. It was beautiful. The text for the evening was 1 Cor 15. During the welcome the service leader read this poem, and one of the things that stood out was the comment that our in Christ our Past is redeemed, our present makes sense, and our future secure. Continuing on, she read a poem which talked about the difference between the Western Church, and Christians under persecution in China, by in large, down here, we talk the walk, we talk about the Christian life, we talk about what it should look like, while they often walk the talk.
The sermon talked of the pillars of the Gospel. The death, burial, resurrection, and appearing of Christ. How these four pillars are testified to in both Scripture and history.
The other recollection I have about the service, was the mission spot in which the speaker showed a video containing an Audio Adrenaline song in a presentation. I’ve included the words below. It was quite challenging, bringing to my mind words from Isaiah. [Isaiah’s Call in Chapter 6]
Hands and Feet
An image flashed across my TV screen
Another broken heart comes in to view
I saw the pain and I turned my back
Why can't I do the things I want to?
I'm willing yet I'm so afraid
You give me strength
When I say
CHORUS:
I want to be your hands
I want to be your feet
I'll go where you send me
I'II go where you send me
REPEAT
And l try, yeah I try
To touch the world like
You touched my life
And I find my way
To be your hands
I've abandoned every selfish thought
I've surrendered every thing I've got
You can have everything I am
And perfect everything
I'm not I'm willing,
I'm not afraid
You give me strength When I say
This is the lifetime I turned my back on you
From now on, I'll go so
Send me where You want me to
I finally have a mission
I promise I'll complete
I don't need excuses
When I am your hands and feet
Words & Music by Mark Stuart, Bob Herdman, Will McGinniss, Tyler Burkum & Charlie Peacock Up in The Mix Music/ Andi Beat Goes On – BMI Flicker U.S.A.
Publishing - BMI
Southbank – July 25th
Found everything alright yesterday. I did get to the AFL last night. Am not really going to talk about the game, I think it was either in the Half-Time break, or just before, I looked down, and a message flashed up onto the big screen – it was something like; ‘KS, I love you so much' and then the words 'Will You Marry Me' flashed up, it was beaut. I’ve never seen an event like that before (oh, discounting all the romantic comedies). For the first few moments of the next quarter I was wondering, did she say yes. I hope she said yes. Personally, I’d have to be pretty sure before I’d do something like that, then again my idea of romantic isn't that really.
At the bounce of the third quarter, my suspense was ended, as the words ‘KS has accepted the proposal’ flashed up. It was a beaut moment.
As I have wondered around the city so far, I enjoyed the open feel to the city. Brisbane is dominated by the river which winds its way through the city. It has been a fairly mild day, at the moment, I’m sitting down listening to a Brass Band comp, the music has been special the highlights, What A Wonderful World (which always brings back Good Morning Vietnam), How Great Thou Art, and Penny Lane.
The city is growing; I have seen four or five cranes while I was wondering around Southbank. Southbank wasn’t too bad, but I think what I enjoyed about it was to be able to wonder along the river, looking across at the CBD, while watching people, ride, blade, or run past enjoying the day. It also seems to be a very green city, with a number of open spaces, and trees along the streets.
Thanks to some advice from Deb I went to Ann St. Presbyterian Church. The evening church was relatively small, roughly 20-30 people, but it was also very warm, and friendly. One of the highlights was the number of conversations I had about God and the Christian life after the service. It was beautiful. The text for the evening was 1 Cor 15. During the welcome the service leader read this poem, and one of the things that stood out was the comment that our in Christ our Past is redeemed, our present makes sense, and our future secure. Continuing on, she read a poem which talked about the difference between the Western Church, and Christians under persecution in China, by in large, down here, we talk the walk, we talk about the Christian life, we talk about what it should look like, while they often walk the talk.
The sermon talked of the pillars of the Gospel. The death, burial, resurrection, and appearing of Christ. How these four pillars are testified to in both Scripture and history.
The other recollection I have about the service, was the mission spot in which the speaker showed a video containing an Audio Adrenaline song in a presentation. I’ve included the words below. It was quite challenging, bringing to my mind words from Isaiah. [Isaiah’s Call in Chapter 6]
Hands and Feet
An image flashed across my TV screen
Another broken heart comes in to view
I saw the pain and I turned my back
Why can't I do the things I want to?
I'm willing yet I'm so afraid
You give me strength
When I say
CHORUS:
I want to be your hands
I want to be your feet
I'll go where you send me
I'II go where you send me
REPEAT
And l try, yeah I try
To touch the world like
You touched my life
And I find my way
To be your hands
I've abandoned every selfish thought
I've surrendered every thing I've got
You can have everything I am
And perfect everything
I'm not I'm willing,
I'm not afraid
You give me strength When I say
This is the lifetime I turned my back on you
From now on, I'll go so
Send me where You want me to
I finally have a mission
I promise I'll complete
I don't need excuses
When I am your hands and feet
Words & Music by Mark Stuart, Bob Herdman, Will McGinniss, Tyler Burkum & Charlie Peacock Up in The Mix Music/ Andi Beat Goes On – BMI Flicker U.S.A.
Publishing - BMI
Monday, August 09, 2004
My Life Without Me [Some spoilers below]
In the world I left behind
Wipe their eyes, and then let go
To the world I left behind
Shed a tear, and then let go
[A Day Without Me – U2]
Ann is 23, lives with her two children in a trailer at the back of her mothers. She is told that she has only two months to live, and this ironically brings her to life. Ann keeps her condition a secret, and in a Café writes a list of things to do before she dies. The list includes things such as:
• Getting fake fingernails.
• Tell my daughters I love them several times a day.
• Say exactly what I think.
• Visit my dad in jail.
• Tape a message for each of my daughters until they are 18.
• Find a new love of my husband.
• [and the one that I have a huge issue with] make someone fall in love.
That is Ann does have a husband, and she doesn’t tell either man that she is going to die. The impact on the Lee, is rebirth. When we are taken into the Lee’s apartment, there is no furniture, taken by his previous love, at the end, after Ann’s death we see him again, repainting the apartment, and rediscovering what life is. But for me, the results don’t justify the means. Ann’s expressed reason for the affair is that her husband is the only man she ever kissed, she had a child with him, at 17, and at 19, and she wanted to experience falling in love again.
Ann decides that she will not tell her husband, mother, and lover, because she doesn’t want the way the remember her to be from Hospital waiting rooms, she wants to live life in the last months she has. It is quite hard to imagine how you would respond after hearing the news you had a month or two to live. Ann’s response is one of courage, and waiting to not leave things unfinished, wanting to create lives without her.
There were a few insightful moments in the film. One of the lines was that we are living borrowed lives with borrowed voices. A pearl of wisdom reminding me a little of some of the Psalms particularly that our glamorous clothes and countless material possession will not go with us through the grave, but more than that we are only given a limited time, for Ann 23 years. For Ann after death there is nothing [which is particularly sad], so we make this time count; through seeking to improve life for each other.
As the women she desired to replace her, came into the families’ life, spending time with the children, she began to fade, and pray (not to God however, as she believed there was nothing after death) that this would be life without her. The messages she recorded for her children, her husband, her mother, and lover were all beautiful. Ann tells Don, her husband to make-up a heaven for the children. The rest are also filled with love and concern, and a rich desire for their happiness. For them to be happy, was to remember her.
The film is beautifully shot, the dialogue is rich, and the characters are immensely easy to relate to. The hardest thing for me to get past was the adultery. The film concludes without showing her death. It ends with a sudden fading out of her life, and images of each of the characters' life without her.
Wipe their eyes, and then let go
To the world I left behind
Shed a tear, and then let go
[A Day Without Me – U2]
Ann is 23, lives with her two children in a trailer at the back of her mothers. She is told that she has only two months to live, and this ironically brings her to life. Ann keeps her condition a secret, and in a Café writes a list of things to do before she dies. The list includes things such as:
• Getting fake fingernails.
• Tell my daughters I love them several times a day.
• Say exactly what I think.
• Visit my dad in jail.
• Tape a message for each of my daughters until they are 18.
• Find a new love of my husband.
• [and the one that I have a huge issue with] make someone fall in love.
That is Ann does have a husband, and she doesn’t tell either man that she is going to die. The impact on the Lee, is rebirth. When we are taken into the Lee’s apartment, there is no furniture, taken by his previous love, at the end, after Ann’s death we see him again, repainting the apartment, and rediscovering what life is. But for me, the results don’t justify the means. Ann’s expressed reason for the affair is that her husband is the only man she ever kissed, she had a child with him, at 17, and at 19, and she wanted to experience falling in love again.
Ann decides that she will not tell her husband, mother, and lover, because she doesn’t want the way the remember her to be from Hospital waiting rooms, she wants to live life in the last months she has. It is quite hard to imagine how you would respond after hearing the news you had a month or two to live. Ann’s response is one of courage, and waiting to not leave things unfinished, wanting to create lives without her.
There were a few insightful moments in the film. One of the lines was that we are living borrowed lives with borrowed voices. A pearl of wisdom reminding me a little of some of the Psalms particularly that our glamorous clothes and countless material possession will not go with us through the grave, but more than that we are only given a limited time, for Ann 23 years. For Ann after death there is nothing [which is particularly sad], so we make this time count; through seeking to improve life for each other.
As the women she desired to replace her, came into the families’ life, spending time with the children, she began to fade, and pray (not to God however, as she believed there was nothing after death) that this would be life without her. The messages she recorded for her children, her husband, her mother, and lover were all beautiful. Ann tells Don, her husband to make-up a heaven for the children. The rest are also filled with love and concern, and a rich desire for their happiness. For them to be happy, was to remember her.
The film is beautifully shot, the dialogue is rich, and the characters are immensely easy to relate to. The hardest thing for me to get past was the adultery. The film concludes without showing her death. It ends with a sudden fading out of her life, and images of each of the characters' life without her.
Sunday, August 08, 2004
Dublin … Ireland ..
Last night was a novel experience. I was in the pub watching a game of soccer between Ireland and Australia. It was the first time in my life that I have been completely gutted by watching Australia lose. For those who may be curious Ireland won 2-1. Australia could well have been three goals up by half time. Anyway, back to Dublin. I had a quick look around the Temple Bar district today. The last few days have been kind of quiet as I am winding down preparing to endure, sorry, enjoy the flight back home. I’ve spent the day out at Killmanian Goal (if you are a U2 fan from way back, it was used in the filmclip of A Celebration [in 1982 or 1983], but probably better known for being used in the Daniel Day Lewis film In the Name of the Father.)
30 000 ft, above the North West Australian Coast
Well there you go, apparently I’m home. Its been a great trip. Thinking back over it, I have learnt a great deal. The idea of going away on a working holiday is somewhat appealing.
It has been a revealing trip, challenges I think I need to work on is self-image. I need to embrace who God has made me to be. I find it far easier to own the weaknesses, own my sinfulness. God has made me the way I am. I am God’s workmanship. He has determined the boundaries of my life and that is something for which, to be thankful.
Parts of travelling alone are good. I found that through staying in Hostels you do meet interesting people, and you are able to share little bits and pieces of both the yourself and the experience of travelling.
Postscript:
That is a run through of my reflections while on Holiday. One of the lessons I think I learnt while I was away was how valuable Christian community is. I deeply missed my church, and did not really think through what I'd do about fellowship with other Christians before I left. Sure I brought tapes and a book of studies to do while I was away, but it was community I missed. I value the love, encouragement, and rebukes of a Christian family seeking to be more like Christ. I missed being able to pray with each other, and talk about God’s will for our life, wrestling with the Word together during and after the sermon. Sure I may have found that had I got to church, but I think that was the problem for me, it was harder to get to church, you not always sure where they are, and what they are going to be like, (and I’d always seem to be on the road on Sundays as well). If I was to go again, I’d flesh out in my mind where to church before I left.
+++
[...] but if the path set before her feet was to be narrow she knew the flowers of quiet happiness would bloom along it. The joys of sincere work and worthy aspiration and congenial friendship were to be hers; nothing could rob her of her birthright of fancy or her ideal world of dreams. And there was always the bend in the road!
“'God’s in His Heaven, all’s right with the world'” whispered Anne softly.
30 000 ft, above the North West Australian Coast
Well there you go, apparently I’m home. Its been a great trip. Thinking back over it, I have learnt a great deal. The idea of going away on a working holiday is somewhat appealing.
It has been a revealing trip, challenges I think I need to work on is self-image. I need to embrace who God has made me to be. I find it far easier to own the weaknesses, own my sinfulness. God has made me the way I am. I am God’s workmanship. He has determined the boundaries of my life and that is something for which, to be thankful.
Parts of travelling alone are good. I found that through staying in Hostels you do meet interesting people, and you are able to share little bits and pieces of both the yourself and the experience of travelling.
Postscript:
That is a run through of my reflections while on Holiday. One of the lessons I think I learnt while I was away was how valuable Christian community is. I deeply missed my church, and did not really think through what I'd do about fellowship with other Christians before I left. Sure I brought tapes and a book of studies to do while I was away, but it was community I missed. I value the love, encouragement, and rebukes of a Christian family seeking to be more like Christ. I missed being able to pray with each other, and talk about God’s will for our life, wrestling with the Word together during and after the sermon. Sure I may have found that had I got to church, but I think that was the problem for me, it was harder to get to church, you not always sure where they are, and what they are going to be like, (and I’d always seem to be on the road on Sundays as well). If I was to go again, I’d flesh out in my mind where to church before I left.
+++
[...] but if the path set before her feet was to be narrow she knew the flowers of quiet happiness would bloom along it. The joys of sincere work and worthy aspiration and congenial friendship were to be hers; nothing could rob her of her birthright of fancy or her ideal world of dreams. And there was always the bend in the road!
“'God’s in His Heaven, all’s right with the world'” whispered Anne softly.
Saturday, August 07, 2004
Belfast - August 17
Decided that I was going to go to the Tattoo while in Edinburgh, [Ed – who’d of thought that it would follow me – and be in Sydney Feb 2005 – the second time its been out of Scotland – the other it went to Wellington]
Anyway, in the morning I lined up for tickets, wearing my All Blacks jumper, as I knew that it was about the same time the All Blacks took the field in Auckland. Quite a fun experience, I was across the road from a pub or café that was showing the game live. Every so often I would hear cheers, or groans of disbelief, unfortunately for my poor heart, they weren’t obviously pro Kiwi, or pro Aussie. And finding out was not worth sacrificing my place in the ever-growing queue.
It all ended well for the displaced Kiwi – I bought a ticket for the Tattoo, and the Kiwi’s won 21-17 in a tense close game.
To borrow from The Whitlims – I love this city. It’s a beautiful city, a mixture of the Georgian Architecture of the Town, and the medieval buildings of the old town, with the famous castle as the centrepiece. I was really swept away in Edinburgh. I can't quite put it into words, but its just such a romantic, enchanting, city.
The Tattoo was amazing. I love the sound of the bagpipes, it was moving hearing the Lone-piper play ‘The Last Post’. The absolute highlight was the Swiss Drum corp who were amazing. It was high speed precision drumming, combined with throwing their drumsticks to each other, while maintaining the beat. Amazing!
I had an uneventful flight over to Belfast. On my way in to the City I had a great conversation with the Cabby, who talked to me a little about ‘the troubles’, and how it had settled down a touch over the last 10 or so years.
I spent my first full day on the Northern Coast heading around to the Giant’s Causeway. The Giant’s Causeway was beautiful. It’s a natural wonder of the modern world. Formed if you believe the Irish, by a Giant who wanted to visit Scotland, or if you believe the Scientists it is a cooled Lavaflow from ages past.
I haven’t felt awkward about being in Belfast. You do see, and hear reminders of the troubles, such has the 20 metre high fence, and the thousand of flags which, line the streets, which are painted on the gutters, but on the whole its simply a city filled with people who are going about there day to day lives.
One of the things I felt, and I’m not sure where I got this from, but its not mine: Until those in Ireland, love their children, more than they hate each other this city will be filled, like Palestine with strife, and the cycle of hate will continue. Lasting peace though is only found in Christ.
Untitled
- written in Belfast
Generation to generation
Stories past down
Prejudices formed, as legs learn to walk
The cycle continues,
The hate will grow
Unchallenged by all
Its for the ages
Future hope,
In love giving birth
Stories changed
Hope in an innocent heart
An unstained life
A peace from the future, that will endure.
Anyway, in the morning I lined up for tickets, wearing my All Blacks jumper, as I knew that it was about the same time the All Blacks took the field in Auckland. Quite a fun experience, I was across the road from a pub or café that was showing the game live. Every so often I would hear cheers, or groans of disbelief, unfortunately for my poor heart, they weren’t obviously pro Kiwi, or pro Aussie. And finding out was not worth sacrificing my place in the ever-growing queue.
It all ended well for the displaced Kiwi – I bought a ticket for the Tattoo, and the Kiwi’s won 21-17 in a tense close game.
To borrow from The Whitlims – I love this city. It’s a beautiful city, a mixture of the Georgian Architecture of the Town, and the medieval buildings of the old town, with the famous castle as the centrepiece. I was really swept away in Edinburgh. I can't quite put it into words, but its just such a romantic, enchanting, city.
The Tattoo was amazing. I love the sound of the bagpipes, it was moving hearing the Lone-piper play ‘The Last Post’. The absolute highlight was the Swiss Drum corp who were amazing. It was high speed precision drumming, combined with throwing their drumsticks to each other, while maintaining the beat. Amazing!
I had an uneventful flight over to Belfast. On my way in to the City I had a great conversation with the Cabby, who talked to me a little about ‘the troubles’, and how it had settled down a touch over the last 10 or so years.
I spent my first full day on the Northern Coast heading around to the Giant’s Causeway. The Giant’s Causeway was beautiful. It’s a natural wonder of the modern world. Formed if you believe the Irish, by a Giant who wanted to visit Scotland, or if you believe the Scientists it is a cooled Lavaflow from ages past.
I haven’t felt awkward about being in Belfast. You do see, and hear reminders of the troubles, such has the 20 metre high fence, and the thousand of flags which, line the streets, which are painted on the gutters, but on the whole its simply a city filled with people who are going about there day to day lives.
One of the things I felt, and I’m not sure where I got this from, but its not mine: Until those in Ireland, love their children, more than they hate each other this city will be filled, like Palestine with strife, and the cycle of hate will continue. Lasting peace though is only found in Christ.
Untitled
- written in Belfast
Generation to generation
Stories past down
Prejudices formed, as legs learn to walk
The cycle continues,
The hate will grow
Unchallenged by all
Its for the ages
Future hope,
In love giving birth
Stories changed
Hope in an innocent heart
An unstained life
A peace from the future, that will endure.
It is Well
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is Well With My Soul
Words: Horatio G. Spafford, 1873
Music: Philip P. Bliss
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is Well With My Soul
Words: Horatio G. Spafford, 1873
Music: Philip P. Bliss
Thursday, August 05, 2004
Princes St Gardens, Edinburgh, Scotland - August 15
The Tour of the Highlands was amazing. Being on the surface of Loch Ness and seeing some of those sonar displays was amazing. Being on the Isle of Skye, walking up the range on a brisk day was remarkable. The view was brilliant, it was so clear, so natural, (then one of my fellow-travellers pulls out a cigarette… go figure)
The Highlands themselves remind me somewhat of New Zealand, Central Otago, mainly because of the ruggedness. The guides who led the tour were also wonderful. They brought the rich Scottish History to life, with their passion and humour.
After spending the first two and a bit weeks of my trip as an independent traveller it was great to travel with people. As an independent traveller you do have a little more control over where you go, how long you stay, but for that freedom, what you sacrifice is the opportunity to sit down over a hot-chocolate, coffee, and discuss your day, talk about what you’ve seen.
[Ed. I think that’s parts of my personality coming out, I do love to share, love to hear what other people think, what others liked, and as I travelled by myself, there’s often so much that inspires me, and then without the ability to share it simply disappears. I often said to myself, for that reason, the first time that I’d go to Europe, would be after I am married. So as I (re)discovered Europe, felt the richness of the History flow through my veins, I would be able to share that, with the rest of my life.
Though, before I left for my trip the first time, I said I can’t keep putting it of. I need to redeem the time that I have. And hopefully I am a better man of God for it].
The Highlands themselves remind me somewhat of New Zealand, Central Otago, mainly because of the ruggedness. The guides who led the tour were also wonderful. They brought the rich Scottish History to life, with their passion and humour.
After spending the first two and a bit weeks of my trip as an independent traveller it was great to travel with people. As an independent traveller you do have a little more control over where you go, how long you stay, but for that freedom, what you sacrifice is the opportunity to sit down over a hot-chocolate, coffee, and discuss your day, talk about what you’ve seen.
[Ed. I think that’s parts of my personality coming out, I do love to share, love to hear what other people think, what others liked, and as I travelled by myself, there’s often so much that inspires me, and then without the ability to share it simply disappears. I often said to myself, for that reason, the first time that I’d go to Europe, would be after I am married. So as I (re)discovered Europe, felt the richness of the History flow through my veins, I would be able to share that, with the rest of my life.
Though, before I left for my trip the first time, I said I can’t keep putting it of. I need to redeem the time that I have. And hopefully I am a better man of God for it].
fake plastic: Review of Mean Girls
Went to the movies recently and saw the new movie Mean Girls, it’s a film, that in numerous reviews was offering more than you would think. The film is based on Rosalind Wiseman's bestseller Queen Bees and Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends and Other Realities of Adolescence, an book talking about the ‘teen-girl world at schools’. Now I’d say our schools differ slightly from American schools, but elements of growing up are universals.
It’s a surprising and somewhat disturbing film, not as saccharine as you might think. The film is disturbing as it reveals what I think is part of the true nature of humanity. As we grow up, we all look for approval, and we’ll take it anyway we can, even if to do it, we might drag another down.
The film is also disturbing in that as Cady, conducts her mission to learn more of the plastics to ‘de-throne’ them, she gradually becomes like them, the sweet innocence that was there at the beginning of the film leaves, and she hurts all those around her, she hurts her friends, her teacher, her parents, the clique that adopted her, but most of all herself.
In one of the more touching moments of the film, we see Aaron, the guy she likes, replace a posed picture or her with “The Plastics” (the clique of the glamorous and wealthy girls), with a sweet and innocent picture of Cady as a five year old, reading an elephant, reminding us all that there is a beauty in innocence.
The finale is also a beautifully constructed scene. After the student body degenerates into a scene reminiscent of animals in a jungle, the teachers haul the full student body in the Hall. Make’s me think that Cady needn’t have left Africa … from the beautiful natural jungle, to the concrete jungle. One of the notable elements in the conclusion is during the Math competition that Cady enters (as punishment), she tells us:
“Calling someone fat doesn’t make you any skinnier. Calling someone stupid doesn’t make you any smarter. All you can do in life is try and solve the problem in front of you.”
Another striking thing in the film is the different styles of parenting portrayed in the film. You have the permissive mother whose attitude to interrupting her teenage daughter having sex, is make sure you have a condom dear. Her mother is fighting to remain young, trying to be a ‘cool’ mother – 'cool' equates with permissive, as she does not desire to alienate her daughter.
Alternatively we are shown Cady’s mother and father, who are shown to more active, and involved with their daughter’s life, we are shown that in a number of intimate moments, and a discussion at dinner leading to her grounding.
All in all, it is a revealing film, reminding me of some elements of what the schoolyard is like, revealing a little about human nature. Albeit perhaps a little exaggerated in some places for the sake of entertainment.
It’s a surprising and somewhat disturbing film, not as saccharine as you might think. The film is disturbing as it reveals what I think is part of the true nature of humanity. As we grow up, we all look for approval, and we’ll take it anyway we can, even if to do it, we might drag another down.
The film is also disturbing in that as Cady, conducts her mission to learn more of the plastics to ‘de-throne’ them, she gradually becomes like them, the sweet innocence that was there at the beginning of the film leaves, and she hurts all those around her, she hurts her friends, her teacher, her parents, the clique that adopted her, but most of all herself.
In one of the more touching moments of the film, we see Aaron, the guy she likes, replace a posed picture or her with “The Plastics” (the clique of the glamorous and wealthy girls), with a sweet and innocent picture of Cady as a five year old, reading an elephant, reminding us all that there is a beauty in innocence.
The finale is also a beautifully constructed scene. After the student body degenerates into a scene reminiscent of animals in a jungle, the teachers haul the full student body in the Hall. Make’s me think that Cady needn’t have left Africa … from the beautiful natural jungle, to the concrete jungle. One of the notable elements in the conclusion is during the Math competition that Cady enters (as punishment), she tells us:
“Calling someone fat doesn’t make you any skinnier. Calling someone stupid doesn’t make you any smarter. All you can do in life is try and solve the problem in front of you.”
Another striking thing in the film is the different styles of parenting portrayed in the film. You have the permissive mother whose attitude to interrupting her teenage daughter having sex, is make sure you have a condom dear. Her mother is fighting to remain young, trying to be a ‘cool’ mother – 'cool' equates with permissive, as she does not desire to alienate her daughter.
Alternatively we are shown Cady’s mother and father, who are shown to more active, and involved with their daughter’s life, we are shown that in a number of intimate moments, and a discussion at dinner leading to her grounding.
All in all, it is a revealing film, reminding me of some elements of what the schoolyard is like, revealing a little about human nature. Albeit perhaps a little exaggerated in some places for the sake of entertainment.
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
The Screwtape post
"Get it quite clear in your own mind that this state of falling in love is not, in itself, necessarily favourable either to us or to the other side. It is simply an occasion which we and the Enemy are both trying to exploit. Like most of the other things which humans are excited about, such as health and sickness, age and youth, or war and peace, it is, from the point of view of the spiritual life, mainly raw material." (CS Lewis - The Screwtape Letters)
When I read this quote years ago, it revolutionized my thinking. There is something very hopeful—but also sobering—about viewing the circumstances of my life as raw material. Every new thing that comes my way, whether it is a sizable inheritance or a terminal diagnosis, is an occasion for me to draw nearer to God or wander away from Him. Satan desires to use every situation for my harm, while God desires to use every event for my good and his glory. I have seen cases in which poverty or illness has made a person strong and wise. I have also seen lives full of money, health, and excess that are completely devoid of joy and purpose. Yet, some with earthly riches have not made mammon their god, and have used their wealth for God's glory. Likewise, many in poverty are not strengthened by it, but instead become bitter or profligate. [from The Consecrated Life, Betsy Childs]
When I read this quote years ago, it revolutionized my thinking. There is something very hopeful—but also sobering—about viewing the circumstances of my life as raw material. Every new thing that comes my way, whether it is a sizable inheritance or a terminal diagnosis, is an occasion for me to draw nearer to God or wander away from Him. Satan desires to use every situation for my harm, while God desires to use every event for my good and his glory. I have seen cases in which poverty or illness has made a person strong and wise. I have also seen lives full of money, health, and excess that are completely devoid of joy and purpose. Yet, some with earthly riches have not made mammon their god, and have used their wealth for God's glory. Likewise, many in poverty are not strengthened by it, but instead become bitter or profligate. [from The Consecrated Life, Betsy Childs]
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
Bath, August 10
Had a lovely train ride through the countryside and out to Bath, home of Jane Austen. I did a great tour of Bath, and found out that I wasn’t going to be able to see the Royal Crescent, as there was a Three Tenors concert in Bath, and once I left Bath, I went on to Stratford upon Avon. (Which during my holiday I discovered simply means River).
I did find Bath inspiring, while I was there; I went to the Jane Austen museum, which I found quite interesting, looking at the women behind many of the great works of literature.
The Georgian Architecture of Bath was also beautiful, the Royal Circus, and Crescent were standouts. (Ed – I’ll try to scan the postcard I bought). The other highlight in Bath was looking crossing Putney Bridge, one of the few bridges that has shops on both sides of the bridge.
One of the things that struck me was that both Shakespeare and Austen wrote from the same inspiration that we all have, the people and experiences and tales of their times, albeit that they both had a great deal more talent. They crafted there stories so finely, creating rich and real characters that transcended their age. (I did wonder then, and still kind of do, does our age have an author who has the same ability. What are the cultural relics our age will leave behind).
August 10
The platform is a buzz with nervous optimism, the optimism holds for the train trip, it’s the optimism that comes with the first day of the season, the inks barely dried on the transfers, and we see them in the flesh, on the field.
The journey home, slightly more subdued, the optimism of the morning dented by defeat, yes defeat on penalties, but still defeat. Maybe a little oppressed by the weather (Ed. I found out later the warmest day in England, in recorded history, 40 C).
Since then, I’ve noticed a few differences between Australian, and English crowds. In England, opposing fans sit on opposite sides of the stadium, in Australia, highlighted last Saturday, you can support the home team, and be completely surrounded by fans of the other team. The rivalry is much more obvious in England, and it does not take on the same light-heartedness you get in Australia – though maybe a Victorian reader could confirm, AFL in Victoria, would be far closer to the English crowd, the many passionate spectators I’ve seen on television berating the umpires, and even the players is evidence for me.
+ + +
Read this beaut article tying Sport and Shakespeare together, from The Australian this weekend, (unfortunately, you now need to pay to read the article - if your interested let me know, and I'll send a photocopy to you).
The article Where there's a will - Brush up on your Shakespeare and start improving your life points to a new book, Shakespeare: The Coach by Ric Charlesworth, known to many people as the coach of the Gold Medal winning Australian women's Hockey team.
Here's a few quotes he uses:
Be great in act, as you
have been in thought [King John]
The evil that men do lives after them;
The good is oft interred with their bones [Julius Caeser]
This above all - to thine own self be true,
and it must follow, as the night
the day, thou canst not then be false
to any man [Hamlet]
Things without all remedy
Should be without regard
What's done is done [Macbeth]
I found it a very interesting article, the article also talks a little about the sort of life Shakespeare lived.
I did find Bath inspiring, while I was there; I went to the Jane Austen museum, which I found quite interesting, looking at the women behind many of the great works of literature.
The Georgian Architecture of Bath was also beautiful, the Royal Circus, and Crescent were standouts. (Ed – I’ll try to scan the postcard I bought). The other highlight in Bath was looking crossing Putney Bridge, one of the few bridges that has shops on both sides of the bridge.
One of the things that struck me was that both Shakespeare and Austen wrote from the same inspiration that we all have, the people and experiences and tales of their times, albeit that they both had a great deal more talent. They crafted there stories so finely, creating rich and real characters that transcended their age. (I did wonder then, and still kind of do, does our age have an author who has the same ability. What are the cultural relics our age will leave behind).
August 10
The platform is a buzz with nervous optimism, the optimism holds for the train trip, it’s the optimism that comes with the first day of the season, the inks barely dried on the transfers, and we see them in the flesh, on the field.
The journey home, slightly more subdued, the optimism of the morning dented by defeat, yes defeat on penalties, but still defeat. Maybe a little oppressed by the weather (Ed. I found out later the warmest day in England, in recorded history, 40 C).
Since then, I’ve noticed a few differences between Australian, and English crowds. In England, opposing fans sit on opposite sides of the stadium, in Australia, highlighted last Saturday, you can support the home team, and be completely surrounded by fans of the other team. The rivalry is much more obvious in England, and it does not take on the same light-heartedness you get in Australia – though maybe a Victorian reader could confirm, AFL in Victoria, would be far closer to the English crowd, the many passionate spectators I’ve seen on television berating the umpires, and even the players is evidence for me.
+ + +
Read this beaut article tying Sport and Shakespeare together, from The Australian this weekend, (unfortunately, you now need to pay to read the article - if your interested let me know, and I'll send a photocopy to you).
The article Where there's a will - Brush up on your Shakespeare and start improving your life points to a new book, Shakespeare: The Coach by Ric Charlesworth, known to many people as the coach of the Gold Medal winning Australian women's Hockey team.
Here's a few quotes he uses:
Be great in act, as you
have been in thought [King John]
The evil that men do lives after them;
The good is oft interred with their bones [Julius Caeser]
This above all - to thine own self be true,
and it must follow, as the night
the day, thou canst not then be false
to any man [Hamlet]
Things without all remedy
Should be without regard
What's done is done [Macbeth]
I found it a very interesting article, the article also talks a little about the sort of life Shakespeare lived.
Monday, August 02, 2004
Red Bridge (Tube Station) London, UK. (August 5)
New York was an awesome experience. I meet a lovely guy from England in my room, and we spent the next day getting to know New York. It is one of the great things about hostelling, you do meet people, and are able to enjoy exploring the city together. I didn’t have much time, as I was flying out that evening so we had to pick a few things to do.
On the list, before I got to New York, I had a desire to visit the Museums and the Art Galleries. The way my day fell, we ended up catching the Subway to Ground Zero, and walking from there through lower Manhattan to Battery Park, were we lined up, and took a cruise past the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island, before coming back to Battery Park, and walking back down Broadway, through Time Square [One of my favourite crazy things I saw was here - a counter, measuring the US national debt, increasing rapidly every second ... ], and ending up at Central Park. Where we experience one of the best drenchings I’ve had in a long time, (I had an umbrella but it wasn’t very useful), by a storm (which would prove to later delay my departure from the US).
My impressions of New York - staring back towards Manhattan, was the empty hole in the Skyline where the World Trade Centre was. Another thing that surprised me was the friendliness of the locals as they saw tourists looking in bewilderment at the skyline, street signs, and then their maps.
As I write, I’m tubing back into my Hostel in London. Its been one of the more frustrating days, London has not made that much of an impression on me, its been too hot, and I don’t think the flight agreed with me.
One of the things that I’ve found most concerning during my time away, has been how little time I’ve spent in the Word. I brought a lot with me to look at, but I’ve just been tired. Its not helpful.
Tomorrow, though I’m looking forward to visiting LORDs, (seeing the Ashes – yes I am a sports tragic), and then in the Evening I’ve got a performance of Les Miserables to look forward to.
On the list, before I got to New York, I had a desire to visit the Museums and the Art Galleries. The way my day fell, we ended up catching the Subway to Ground Zero, and walking from there through lower Manhattan to Battery Park, were we lined up, and took a cruise past the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island, before coming back to Battery Park, and walking back down Broadway, through Time Square [One of my favourite crazy things I saw was here - a counter, measuring the US national debt, increasing rapidly every second ... ], and ending up at Central Park. Where we experience one of the best drenchings I’ve had in a long time, (I had an umbrella but it wasn’t very useful), by a storm (which would prove to later delay my departure from the US).
My impressions of New York - staring back towards Manhattan, was the empty hole in the Skyline where the World Trade Centre was. Another thing that surprised me was the friendliness of the locals as they saw tourists looking in bewilderment at the skyline, street signs, and then their maps.
As I write, I’m tubing back into my Hostel in London. Its been one of the more frustrating days, London has not made that much of an impression on me, its been too hot, and I don’t think the flight agreed with me.
One of the things that I’ve found most concerning during my time away, has been how little time I’ve spent in the Word. I brought a lot with me to look at, but I’ve just been tired. Its not helpful.
Tomorrow, though I’m looking forward to visiting LORDs, (seeing the Ashes – yes I am a sports tragic), and then in the Evening I’ve got a performance of Les Miserables to look forward to.
Kenyan Prayer
From the cowardice that dare not face new truths,
From the laziness that is contented with half-truth,
From the arrogance that thinks it knows all truth
Good Lord deliver me.
Kenyan prayer, quoted in George Appleton comp
The Oxford Book of Prayer, Oxford 85.
From the laziness that is contented with half-truth,
From the arrogance that thinks it knows all truth
Good Lord deliver me.
Kenyan prayer, quoted in George Appleton comp
The Oxford Book of Prayer, Oxford 85.
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