Having realized that the Compose (Rich Text Editor) feature was not functioning in Blogger today, I contacted Support regarding this. In their reply they acknowledged that anyone using languages other than English was unable to access these features at present.
Being English by birth and residence and, using the English language, I was somewhat bemused by this response but, they were courteous enough to link me to a page where I could (temporarily) change my language to English. On following this link, I immediately saw the cause of my puzzlement; the language selected for me was English (UK) and, it was necessary to check the top button simply labelled English.
Is this yet another example of US Imperialism; their language is English whereas that of the Brits is apparently a secondary derivative – English (UK)!
- living and frequently struggling with moderate M.E. -
where (bad) health, faith, politics and the joys and troubles of daily life collide.
ME
Friday, August 26, 2005
A Remarkable Woman
Recent days have found me thinking a lot about my late ‘Mum’, a feisty working class lass, who never forgot her roots. It’s really quite strange how, at times, our thoughts take control of us, rather than allowing us to remain in control. The dominant thought is of all the love I received and, was fortunately able to reciprocate.
The last seven years, or more, of her life were spent as an invalid, a role which never became her. Back in 1997, I had been given half-an-hour to get to the hospital if I wanted to see her again; a massive paralyzing stroke and, heavy haemorrhage from a consequent head injury, received as she fell, convinced the medics that she would a) never recover from the coma she had entered, subsequently modified to b) if she did come round, it could only be in a totally vegetative state; brain scans added weight to this prognosis. After several weeks in a coma, she whispered to me that she loved me but, none of the medical staff would accept it as other than an involuntary groan which I’d interpreted thus!
Mum proved them totally wrong but, her “bereavement” process for the total lack of mobility and, inability to carry on with any of the handicrafts she so delighted in, proved most traumatic. Right up until her death in May 2004, she was always, in her mind, doing her baking or leading meetings. It was so sad, to witness this formerly active person reduced to a total dependence on her imagination, in order to continue to serve her Lord, and any people who may need assistance. At the same time she largely managed to retain a lively, perceptive and incisive mind.
Every day, I thank God for her and, for all the lives she so positively touched, even as an invalid!
The last seven years, or more, of her life were spent as an invalid, a role which never became her. Back in 1997, I had been given half-an-hour to get to the hospital if I wanted to see her again; a massive paralyzing stroke and, heavy haemorrhage from a consequent head injury, received as she fell, convinced the medics that she would a) never recover from the coma she had entered, subsequently modified to b) if she did come round, it could only be in a totally vegetative state; brain scans added weight to this prognosis. After several weeks in a coma, she whispered to me that she loved me but, none of the medical staff would accept it as other than an involuntary groan which I’d interpreted thus!
Mum proved them totally wrong but, her “bereavement” process for the total lack of mobility and, inability to carry on with any of the handicrafts she so delighted in, proved most traumatic. Right up until her death in May 2004, she was always, in her mind, doing her baking or leading meetings. It was so sad, to witness this formerly active person reduced to a total dependence on her imagination, in order to continue to serve her Lord, and any people who may need assistance. At the same time she largely managed to retain a lively, perceptive and incisive mind.
Every day, I thank God for her and, for all the lives she so positively touched, even as an invalid!
A Slow Start
Got to admit, the combination of beanbag type lap-table and notebook computer is an amazing liberator. At least this way, I get around to apologizing for the lack of any evening blogs, yesterday, from either yours truly or Heterocon, without forcibly ejecting myself from the duvet realm!
Yesterday, from mid-afternoon onwards, I was quite simply wrecked and, never really recovered from the thwarted venture into town – ‘Tired or What’ – outlined by Heterocon. I even seemed to have aches in parts other ailments can’t reach!
This morning, I’m quite simply shattered and yet, I must have had some pretty sound sleep as I don’t remember the night.
Yesterday, from mid-afternoon onwards, I was quite simply wrecked and, never really recovered from the thwarted venture into town – ‘Tired or What’ – outlined by Heterocon. I even seemed to have aches in parts other ailments can’t reach!
This morning, I’m quite simply shattered and yet, I must have had some pretty sound sleep as I don’t remember the night.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
I am not nobody
My wife is currently busy on the task of sermon preparation; the verse which provides the starting point for her exploration is taken from the book of Exodus, chapter 3 verse 11: But Moses said to God, “I am nobody. How can I go to the king and bring the Israelites out of Egypt”.
Whilst I am impressed with the amount of preparation that has gone into the draft of her sermon, I suddenly realized how differently I would tackle the same text; she prepares, I burst into a polemical rant!
**************************
Moses was raised in the corridors of power and, duly appointed to (or at least inherited) a position of authority. This is the man who professes “I am nobody”! Perhaps he feels that life has not really been so kind to him, as he’s now working as a shepherd, having been forced to flee from his “regal” position following his act of “terrorism”.
Perhaps he has begun to question his own motivation; the slaying of the Egyptian may have stemmed from his moral outrage at the way the taskmaster had treated the Hebrew slave; on the other hand, it may simply have been that he lost his cool and so, let his temper prescribe the action rather than any sense of justice. An awareness of the injustice that surrounds one demands a response but, will we respond out of love or with hate?
Maybe this is reading too much into the situation and, his feeling of unworthiness is quite understandable when exposed to this theophanic vision. But, God is soon going to pull him up short; this is the task that God has ordained for you and, I God will be with you; how dare you call yourself a nobody. God recognizes that this man, disguised as a Shepherd, is capable of the task to which He calls him!
For God, there is no such thing as a nobody. God himself became incarnate as Jesus, the “Son of Man” and, this man did far more to transform the world than any abstract notion of God. He drew on a rich tradition of justice, from the Jewish community into which he was born and, re-vitalized it, redeemed it from the hands of the pious. Unfortunately, piety can so easily result in dehumanizing attitudes.
Jesus came and consorted with publicans and sinners, he even prevented a brutal and brutalizing death of an adulterous woman. Her life was of value to Jesus, she was a “somebody”. We are none of us perfect but, we are all worthy, worthy of love and respect and opportunity.
Jesus demonstrates to us our “worthiness” not our unworthiness. Perhaps in earlier phases of his life Moses had been consumed by his own ego, whereas now he was a broken man and, God tells this broken man “I have a task for you; the labourer is worthy of his hire”. We are all important to God and, are worthy to represent him in our struggles against corruption and injustice. It is time we all laid claim to our worthiness and forgot our self-denigratory posturing.
As we lay ourselves open to God’s call, we hear the voice of love; we are all His children!
Whilst I am impressed with the amount of preparation that has gone into the draft of her sermon, I suddenly realized how differently I would tackle the same text; she prepares, I burst into a polemical rant!
**************************
Moses was raised in the corridors of power and, duly appointed to (or at least inherited) a position of authority. This is the man who professes “I am nobody”! Perhaps he feels that life has not really been so kind to him, as he’s now working as a shepherd, having been forced to flee from his “regal” position following his act of “terrorism”.
Perhaps he has begun to question his own motivation; the slaying of the Egyptian may have stemmed from his moral outrage at the way the taskmaster had treated the Hebrew slave; on the other hand, it may simply have been that he lost his cool and so, let his temper prescribe the action rather than any sense of justice. An awareness of the injustice that surrounds one demands a response but, will we respond out of love or with hate?
Maybe this is reading too much into the situation and, his feeling of unworthiness is quite understandable when exposed to this theophanic vision. But, God is soon going to pull him up short; this is the task that God has ordained for you and, I God will be with you; how dare you call yourself a nobody. God recognizes that this man, disguised as a Shepherd, is capable of the task to which He calls him!
For God, there is no such thing as a nobody. God himself became incarnate as Jesus, the “Son of Man” and, this man did far more to transform the world than any abstract notion of God. He drew on a rich tradition of justice, from the Jewish community into which he was born and, re-vitalized it, redeemed it from the hands of the pious. Unfortunately, piety can so easily result in dehumanizing attitudes.
Jesus came and consorted with publicans and sinners, he even prevented a brutal and brutalizing death of an adulterous woman. Her life was of value to Jesus, she was a “somebody”. We are none of us perfect but, we are all worthy, worthy of love and respect and opportunity.
Jesus demonstrates to us our “worthiness” not our unworthiness. Perhaps in earlier phases of his life Moses had been consumed by his own ego, whereas now he was a broken man and, God tells this broken man “I have a task for you; the labourer is worthy of his hire”. We are all important to God and, are worthy to represent him in our struggles against corruption and injustice. It is time we all laid claim to our worthiness and forgot our self-denigratory posturing.
As we lay ourselves open to God’s call, we hear the voice of love; we are all His children!
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
A Matter of Time
I have long been worried by these (sizeable) Christian factions who seem determined to hasten the advance of the “End Time”. Surely, as Christians, they believe in the incarnation, which for me is the greatest symbol of the importance of this world. Constant speculation on “The Rapture” seems to me an exercise in life denial.
So, I must express my interest in reading Charles Moore’s article, “Worried About Being Left Behind?" on the Bruderhof web-site, a lucid exposition of varying attitudes towards such climacteric events.
So, I must express my interest in reading Charles Moore’s article, “Worried About Being Left Behind?" on the Bruderhof web-site, a lucid exposition of varying attitudes towards such climacteric events.
Why Does Heterocon Wonder?
Heterocon has been "wondering" at Helen's conversion to fish dishes. As his alter-ego and, having just re-read Something Fishy, it's all too easy to tell.
I'm quite modest really, honestly!
I'm quite modest really, honestly!
Taking A Thought For A Walk
Just been listening to the Jeremy Vine show (Radio 2), where part of the time was spent discussing the letter of a 12 year old (Catholic school educated) girl objecting to the proposed opening of a sex shop in cozy middle-class Altrincham.
The letter, whilst reasonably eloquent, was wildly extreme in it's sentiment; it seemed an equation was being made that saw all clientele of such establishments as either paedophiles, rapists or perverts! Ultimately though, it all smacked of adult inspired NIMBYism; the girl when questioned, acknowledged that there was "a place" for such shops but, not in the centre of Altrincham. A spokesperson for the company concerned quite rightly commented that, if they are full of the 'types' suggested by the letter, there shouldn't be a place for them.
Several callers commented on the fact that paedophiles are more likely to be found at the schoolgates or swimming pools; why should they go somewhere where children aren't allowed?
My real worry is that she may simply be be passing on 'received' information that sex is not for pleasure but, solely for procreation. Sex, as solely for procreation, is a little bit like alcohol being only legitimate if one intends to get 'legless'!
Regardless of one's own predilections, it is always good to be exposed to a plurality of opinions. The views and values of any given religion are there for the followers of that tradition and, not to be imposed on society at large. For myself, the primary value is to have respect for my fellow human beings, which entails the rejection of any abusive relationships in everyday commercial/political or personal life. Faith and Hope I cannot live without and, most importantly, I long to share that love which I am fortunate enough to have received.
The Christ I follow was made incarnate (en-fleshed) so that we may have life and, have it abundantly.
The letter, whilst reasonably eloquent, was wildly extreme in it's sentiment; it seemed an equation was being made that saw all clientele of such establishments as either paedophiles, rapists or perverts! Ultimately though, it all smacked of adult inspired NIMBYism; the girl when questioned, acknowledged that there was "a place" for such shops but, not in the centre of Altrincham. A spokesperson for the company concerned quite rightly commented that, if they are full of the 'types' suggested by the letter, there shouldn't be a place for them.
Several callers commented on the fact that paedophiles are more likely to be found at the schoolgates or swimming pools; why should they go somewhere where children aren't allowed?
My real worry is that she may simply be be passing on 'received' information that sex is not for pleasure but, solely for procreation. Sex, as solely for procreation, is a little bit like alcohol being only legitimate if one intends to get 'legless'!
Regardless of one's own predilections, it is always good to be exposed to a plurality of opinions. The views and values of any given religion are there for the followers of that tradition and, not to be imposed on society at large. For myself, the primary value is to have respect for my fellow human beings, which entails the rejection of any abusive relationships in everyday commercial/political or personal life. Faith and Hope I cannot live without and, most importantly, I long to share that love which I am fortunate enough to have received.
The Christ I follow was made incarnate (en-fleshed) so that we may have life and, have it abundantly.
Recap
Pure delicious delight, that just about sums up the wine finally decided on last evening even though, a couple of glasses was all either my beloved or myself could manage. The bottle in question; Finca Antigua Crianza, La Mancha, 2000 - a superb blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot - one to be slowly savoured.
The 'Wycliffe' episode was one that we'd seen in the past few months but, nonetheless enjoyable for that. By the time we got to the third of our selected programmes, I was fighting off sleep ....
Sleep followed ... my, my,... did it follow ...? Perhaps Heterocon will be better informed on this score!
The 'Wycliffe' episode was one that we'd seen in the past few months but, nonetheless enjoyable for that. By the time we got to the third of our selected programmes, I was fighting off sleep ....
Sleep followed ... my, my,... did it follow ...? Perhaps Heterocon will be better informed on this score!
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Whining On
Well, so far this has been a good day and, I even got around to doing s water change for the aquarium. Unfortunately, as it’s so densely planted, I couldn’t help disturbing and uprooting a little of the vegetation. By the time I’d completed these minor manoeuvres, my thumb seemed to be telling me it hadn’t fully recovered from its recent upset.
Tonight’s TV looks very promising for my better half, although I must admit I enjoy much the same programmes concentration permitting! ITV3 has an episode of ‘Wycliffe’ and, immediately that has finished, it’s across to Channel 5 for ‘CSI: Miami’ followed by a repeat ‘CSI: NY’. So it’s a night in with the cops!
Having had another case of wine delivered this afternoon, methinks I should check the cellar for tonight’s lubrication. At present, I seek the necessary energy to peruse the Wine List.
Tonight’s TV looks very promising for my better half, although I must admit I enjoy much the same programmes concentration permitting! ITV3 has an episode of ‘Wycliffe’ and, immediately that has finished, it’s across to Channel 5 for ‘CSI: Miami’ followed by a repeat ‘CSI: NY’. So it’s a night in with the cops!
Having had another case of wine delivered this afternoon, methinks I should check the cellar for tonight’s lubrication. At present, I seek the necessary energy to peruse the Wine List.
It's The Same Old Story
Despite an 'always on' broadband connection, both the main PC and Helen's laptop far too regularly come up with the "Cannot find server" messages regardless of using IE, Firefox or even the mail programme. At present patience most certainly is a virtue (what's more it's a necessity!). It is however strange that my new laptop isn't sharing this dilemma.
Re-cap: one (ethernet) wired PC and one wireless laptop are experiencing these connection problems; one wireless laptop using the same router is not experiencing such problems. Before acquiring the wireless router, both PC and Helen's laptop were functioning (with the previous router) without any of these faltering connections. These idiosyncrasies are, presumably, the reason that 'Blogger for Word' doesn't function on my PC!
My rational interventions in the process have come to nothing; it's almost as if by dwelling on these glitches (and reporting them on these hallowed pages) I'm expecting the magical incantatory effect to somehow restore normal service!
Re-cap: one (ethernet) wired PC and one wireless laptop are experiencing these connection problems; one wireless laptop using the same router is not experiencing such problems. Before acquiring the wireless router, both PC and Helen's laptop were functioning (with the previous router) without any of these faltering connections. These idiosyncrasies are, presumably, the reason that 'Blogger for Word' doesn't function on my PC!
My rational interventions in the process have come to nothing; it's almost as if by dwelling on these glitches (and reporting them on these hallowed pages) I'm expecting the magical incantatory effect to somehow restore normal service!
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