The new first lady of Hollywood: Kate Winslet

Yes, she's starry and a little camp. Yes, her Golden Globe thank-yous were painful. But Kate Winslet dominates the cinema as Meryl Streep did in the 80s - and deservedly so. She is the finest performer of her generation, says David Thomson, falling at her size 11 feet

Guardian article

Ten of the best chess games in literature

Guardian article

In praise of ... country dancing

Used to love barn dancing, not been to one for years, very sociable pastime . .

The latest in the Guardian's In praise of ..." series.

Sport: Bill Frindall, cricket scorer

Obituaries:-

• Guardian
• Times
• Telegraph

Lauren Luke: the makeup amateur turned YouTube phenomenon

Guardian article
Lauren Luke: "Just steady your little finger and practise"
The YouTube makeup guru marvels at the global popularity of her amateur how-to videos

Musician: Catriona McKay, harpist

Mentioned in the gig guide in today's Guardian.



Myspace
Official site
Videos

Music: Sigur Rós, "We Play Endlessly"

Sigur Rós' "We Play Endlessly" was free with The Independent today in association with Q magazine

"We Play Endlessly" features nine tracks taken from three of their critically acclaimed albums, including the hugely popular Hoppípolla and Sæglópur.

Song: War's Low Rider

"Low Rider" by War flashed through my mind yesterday afternoon at work. Remembered the tune but no idea of artist. Found it here on Last.fm.

Official site

Recipe: Delia's Stir-fried (Thai) Chicken with Lime and Coconut from Delia Online

This is a trusted recipe that I have done loads. Diggiong it out for Lyns and cooking it again tonight.

Margot Wells: Speed Trainer

Heard Margot Wells in a 5 Live interview a few weeks back and then saw this interview in the Guardian. She coaches some leading sportsmen including those coming back from injury.

Margot is the wife of Allan Wells who won Olympic Gold in the 100 metres in Moscow in 1980.

Allan's gold run:

7 Ways to Reduce Stress With a To-Don’t List

First heard of a "To Don't" list from Jim Collins.

Blog post on this theme.

Book: Chasing the Dragon

The autobiography "Chasing the Dragon" by missionary Jackie Pullinger recalls how she went to Hong Kong to help drug addicts quit "chasing the dragon" through Christian teaching and prayer.

The Bible, but not as you know it

BBC article

Most people think of the Bible as a densely printed book with no pictures, but a version of the scripture that resembles a glossy coffee table magazine aims to change that. It's part of a wave of radical presentations of the Bible, including a manga version and a Lego gospel. But how do Christians feel about these attempts to spread the word?

Bond Girls

A MySpace site featuring Olga Kurylenko from Quantum Of Solace.

Top spy films: Bond or Bourne

A Guardian article from November. I am a Bourne fan but only recently watched all 3 films for the first time with a few days in between.

Book: "The Red Rubber Ball at Work: Elevate Your Game Through the Hidden Power of Play", Kevin Carroll:

First heard of Kevin via the Catalyst podcast and bought his first Red Ball book on the strength of that interview. This is his 3rd red ball book.

Book web site
Publisher book page (includes video)

25 Years of Holme Christian Care Centre

Attended a celebration event of 25 years of the church care centre held in the hall. A number of distinguished guests were present and lots of great feedback. The whole family went and the kids’ head teacher was also present.

Amazon Widgets

Build Your Amazon Widgets

Amazon Widgets are rich, interactive mini-applications that bring Amazon functionality to your website.

Broug Ateliers: Islamic Geometric Design

Broug Ateliers is a web site by Eric, a work colledague.

Geometrical design is one of the most distinctive aspects of Islamic art and architecture. Geometry can be seen everywhere in the Islamic world: on buildings, in books, on tiles, on wood, on metal. This website celebrates the diversity of Islamic geometrical designs as well as demonstrating how traditional craftsmen make their designs.

HIstory: Frederick II of Prussia (Frederick the Great)

This man was mentioned in a work conversation a few weeks back by Carlo.

Wikipedia entry
The First Modern Military Celebrity (HistoryNet.com article)

Ibiza 24/7 2008

Ibiza
24/7
Ibiza 24/7

Book: Are You Good Enough - 15 Ways to Build a Confident Mindset

Are You Good Enough - 15 Ways to Build a Confident Mindset

Publish at Scribd or explore others: eBooks Education Tutorial-Doityourself self advancement

About Scribd

Profile: Marc Bolland, CEO of Morrisons

Guardian interview
How a smooth Dutchman found the right image for Morrisons
Analysts sniffed when Marc Bolland took over the Yorkshire legend, but recent results have silenced critics

Bono and Adam in the studio

From The Guardian in December 2008
London, UK, December 10 2008: Bono plays the piano and Adam Clayton the bass at Olympic Studios in London. The 'live room' has been home to the band for the past month as they put the finishing touches to their 12th studio album, due out early next year

What are you consuming?

All Consuming looks like it may be able to fill the gap that I am seeking to fill re a Library Thing for music.

Official site

Music Track: Fuse (Linzi Stoppard & Ben Lee),. "Glorious"

Heard about this duo last month.





Official site for Linzi Stoppard and Fuse
Wikipedia entry for Linzi Stoppard
C Music TV

Football: Theo Walcott profile

Theo Walcott features on this Guardian profile.

TV: John Adams

Previously blogged about this series here. Now watching it on 4. Great TV.

HBO video about the series:

Film: A Christmas Tale

What looks to be another great French film.

Trailer:



Interview with Catherine Deneuve
Wikipedia entry

Film: Snow Falling on Cedars

A 1999 film that I stumbled over while prep-ing for a Culture Club session on the film "Atonement" in this article.

Trailer:



Official site
Wikipedia entry

Archbishop of York speech "Regaining a Big Vision for Britain"

The Archbishop of York, John Sentamu gave a speech to the Smith Institute earlier this month as part of their ‘Reinvigorating Communities’ lecture series.



Transcript

Via

Family Sunday

Stayed for coffee after the All Age event, Chatted with Lynsey and her friend (Helen) and others. Maria gave both Rachael and I copies of the "Lord, Is It Warfare? Teach Me to Stand" book that we will be using in forthcoming life group meetings.

Lunch then out with Isaac and Isobel to Lister Park for some fresh air and exercise while Rachael and Isobel had a nap.

Continuing to watch Lark Rise to Candleford which is an enjoyable and relaxing end to the weekend.

All Age Worship: Meeting Notes: Marks of a Disciple: #14: Humanity

The 14th in a series using as an ideas-prompt Mike Yaconnelli's book "Devotion".

Song: Oi, Oi

Intro to theme: Bible reading: John 1:9-14 (NIV). God became like us, fully human.

Creative Art: (to introduce) People from mags stuck on the shape of a person.

Slides (with solundtrack of The Human League's "Human"

• The mark of a disciple that we are looking at today is “humanity”

• Definition: humanity:the quality of being human; the peculiar nature of man, by which s/he is distinguished from other beings

• Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, inour likeness. . . ” (with pic of foetus)

• I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made (with pics of DNA, skeleton and 2 young kids chatting)

• Some characteristics of humans . . .

• Education

• Personality

• Strength

• Skills

• Health

• Age

• Adventurous

• Be encouraged that God knows the joys and sorrows of being a human

• Did you know that God became a man?

• The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighbourhood.(The Street Bible)

• When we come to Jesus, we come in our humanity

• Jesus take me as I am,I can come no other way

• God wants to take you in all your humanity and use you for His glory

Songs: He walked where I walk, God loves me

Story Time: “Frog is Frog” (Max Velthuijs)

Song: What if I stumble (DC Talk's song)

Video clip: Shrek, marriage of Shrek and Fiona

Song: Faithful (TBC's song)

Let’s Get Compassionate:

• Definition: humane:characterised by tenderness, compassion, and sympathy for people and animals, esp. for the suffering or distressed

• How humane are you?: How do you demonstrate this mark of a disciple?Are you more concerned about yourself than other people? What is your attitude towards others that you do not know who are in trouble? Do you support organisations who help people in distress? When asked in church meeting for tithe fund suggestions would you be able to talk about an organisation you would want us to support and why we should?
  

• Disasters Emergency Committee: You may have seen this organisation making appeals for money . . .

• . . . but could you name its member organisations? (logos appear one by one to form a full set)

• ActionAid

• British Red Cross

• CAFOD

• Care International

• Christian Aid

• Concern

• Help the Aged

• Islamic Relief

• Merlin

• Oxfam

• Save the Children

• Tearfund

• World Vision

Song: You won't get to heaven

Conclusion: Perseverance to get to the end from where we are now, Philippians 3:12-14. NIV/Message

Benediction from book

Family Birthdays day

Lazy morning with Isaac then off to Bradford Park Avenue for Isaac's football practice.

Straight on to join Isobel's 8th birthday party in the church cafe. Rachael played a blinder with a DIY build-a-bear party, the kids loved it. Grandma Jean did a teddy bear sitting up cake that was also very impressive.

Some chores then off with Rachael to the Baan Thai in Morley to celebrate Rachael's birthday. Great meal and experience as it always is there. We did the £23/person banquet - lots of variety.

Auntie Helen watched the kids. Not a late night after a 6:30pm start at the restaurant.

A Life That Counts

John Maxwell article

A Leader's Inner Circle

The law of the inner circle: a leader's potential is determined by those closest to him or her.


John Maxwell article

Film: Art & Copy

Via

Inerview with the director Doug Pray



Sundance film page
Official site

Film: Arlen Faber

Via

Interview with the director of Arlen Faber



Sundance film page
Wikipedia entry

Spirituality and Art

This article from the Sundance Film Festival mention two films that sound worth a look.

Two films at Sundance, Arlen Faber and Art & Copy, force the viewer to contemplate dual influences in our lives—God and advertising.

Film: Fireproof

This film has been reviewed etc on the Christianity Today at the Movies site.

Trailer:



Official site
Wikipedia entry

"While I'm Waiting" Music Video

Starbucks asks "Are You In?"

Streaming music: even better than the real thing?

Guardian article

While paid downloads have failed to catch on, 'cloud-based' listening through networking sites is gaining popularity with fans

Why you can't find a library book in your search engine

Guardian article mentioning OCLC and Open Library.

Finding a book at your local library should just involve a simple web search. But thanks to a US cataloguing site, that is far from the case

Pester Power from Care for the Family

Web site

Care for the Family asked parents to submit their top tips in a survey about how consumerism affects children, and how parents can cope with ‘pester power’.

Parents submitted over 1,000 tips on a variety of topics, including mobile phones, body image, and pocket money. We put some of the best tips into a booklet called Pester Power: Families Surviving the Consumer Society.

Digital student

A Guardian supplement from December 2008.

Codex Sinaiticus

Codex Sinaiticus is one of the most important books in the world. Handwritten well over 1600 years ago, the manuscript contains the Christian Bible in Greek, including the oldest complete copy of the New Testament. Its heavily corrected text is of outstanding importance for the history of the Bible and the manuscript – the oldest substantial book to survive Antiquity – is of supreme importance for the history of the book.

Via an Information World Review article

VisualCV

Web site

Simply stated our mission is to reinvent the resume for the Web age, and empower professionals as they manage their careers.

Via

The Bush years: General David Petraeus by Colonel Tim Collins

Guardian piece by Colonel Tim Collins on General David Petraeus

General David Petraeus encapsulates the modern warrior: thinker, diplomat and man of action. I venture his name will be remembered more as an approach - a Marshall, a MacArthur - than as an individual or simple soldier. He will stand among those who were part of the solution, not part of the problem, when the turbulent history of the post-9/11 world is recounted.

Interview with Steve/Ann Clifford

Steve is the new General Director of the Evangelical Alliance.

Interview on this page.

Poorly things/people

Isobel went to the doctor's and has a kidney infection - now taking anti-biotics.

Car finally pushed me to the limit re lack of power when really damp - rolling at 1 mph into rush hour traffic with the kids in the car. Took it to Westfield - after contemplating going via Green Flag. Not much done to it but ECU reset and 2nd reading later on Friday (next day). Really not convinced sorted but we will see.

Film: Australia

Trailer:



Official site
Wikipedia entry

Film: Valkyrie

Official site
Wikipedia entry

Film: A Bunch of Amateurs

Trailer:

Film: Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Trailer:



Official site
Wikipedia entry

Music: Fleet Foxes

Triggered by an ad in the Guardian.

Wikipedia entry

White Winter Hymnal



He Doesn't Know Why



Mykonos



Record company page

Time for resolutions

From this Guardian page

Learn this

Time for resolutions. "No one ever regarded the first of January with indifference. It is that from which all date their time, and count upon what is left. It is the nativity of our common Adam," (Charles Lamb). Everyone has to begin, and then begin again. "Each morning you have to break through the dead rubble afresh so as to reach the living warm seed," (Ludwig Wittgenstein).

Most new year's resolutions, such as marriage vows, religious commitments and mid-life crises, boil down to this: I must change my life. There is a famous poem, Archaischer Torso Apollos (Torso of an Archaic Apollo), by the great German poet Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926), which ends with the words "Du musst dein leben ändern," which translated means "You must change your life." This year, instead of making a resolution, ask yourself, how do I want to change my life?

Ian Sansom

Helping parents raise financially confident kids

Quidz In from Care for the Family

Obama inaugural speech

Barack Obama has been sworn in as the 44th US president. Here is his inauguration speech in full.

BBC page

Church: Leadership Team Meeting (Social Action)

The first of the social action stream of leadership team meetings for this year.

Film: Terror's Advocate

Reviewed by Damaris in the May/June 2008 issue of IDEA Magazine:

TERROR'S ADVOCATE (12) documents the life of French lawyer Jacques Verges, who has defended a variety of despised terrorists, including Algerian bombers, Palestinian assassins and even ex-Nazi Klaus Barbie. Like Verges himself, filmmaker Barbet Schroder examines this controversial man without judging him, which makes the movie challenging and meaningful. It also cuts through any smugness we may have about our own uprightness (16 May). RC

Trailer:



Official site
Wikipedia entry

Film: Cassandra's Dream

Reviewed by Damaris in the May/June 2008 issue of IDEA Magazine:

CASSANDRA'S DREAM (12) is a London-set morality tale in which two brothers (Ewan McGregor and Colin Farrell) in need of money do the unthinkable and then feel very different kinds of guilt as a result. Written and directed by Woody Alien, it's a kind of watered-down version of his much better Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989), but it still vividly demonstrates the slippery slope that starts with minor fibs and inconsequential rule-breaking (9 May).

Trailer:



Wikipedia entry

Film: Stop-Loss

Reviewed by Damaris in the May/June 2008 issue of IDEA Magazine:

STOP-LOSS (15) is an intensely personal drama about soldiers who have witnessed horrible atrocities while serving in Iraq, then are told they can't leave when their tour of duty ends. Ryan Phillippe gives a powerful performance as a decorated hero who takes on the system, fighting for what's right even though he knows that there's likely to be terrible fallout among his family and friends, who offer varying levels of support. Beautifully filmed and provocatively resonant (25 Apr).

Trailer:



Official site
Wikipedia entry

Film: Honeydripper

Reviewed by Damaris in the May/June 2008 issue of IDEA Magazine:

HONEYDRIPPER (12) weaves a complex story set in 1950 Alabama, as a rural nightclub owner (Danny Glover) faces up to both his racist society and a rapidly changing musical culture. The film is a bluesy, soulful concoction of story threads that create difficult decisions for the large cast of intriguing characters, including a charismatic preacher and a talented young guitarist. In the end, filmmaker John Sayles leaves us with plenty to think about (9 May).

Trailer:



Official site
Wikipedia entry

Film: Son of Man

Reviewed by Damaris in the May/June 2008 issue of IDEA Magazine:

SON OF MAN (12) is a fiercely inventive take on the life of Christ, set in present-day, war-torn Africa, where a young man (nicely underplayed by Andile Kosi) preaches non-violence and threatens the militaristic powers that be. The film boasts strong acting (Pauline Malefane is terrific as Mary) and a raw, realistic production design that cleverly adapts the biblical events in a new setting. The filmmakers run into a bit of trouble when re-enacting the miracles out of meaningful context, and they're clearly unsure about how to handle the resurrection. But the arrest, trial and execution of Jesus are extremely powerful, as is the gutsy musical response of his followers. As a result, the film gives strong insight into the familiar story, and can also spark conversation about how the Christian story relates to volatile situations in the world right now.

Trailer:



Official site
Wikipedia entry

Film: The Silence of Lorna

Reviewed by Damaris in the November/December 2008 issue of IDEA Magazine:

THE SILENCE OF LORNA (15) sees Belgium's award-winning Dardenne brothers turning their skilfully naturalistic filmmaking to a gripping story of human trafficking, as the young Albanian Lorna (Arta Dobroshi) receives European citizenship by marrying a Belgian junkie (Jeremie Renier), but can't go through with the rest of her handler's vicious plan. Yes, it's a very bleak film, but it vividly explores an unseen side of a seriously important issue.

Trailer:



Wikipedia entry

Film: Waltz with Bashir

Reviewed by Damaris in the November/December 2008 issue of IDEA Magazine:

WALTZ WITH BASHIR (18) is quite possibly the first ever animated documentary, as Israeli filmmaker Ari Folman accompanies his friends' vivid recollections of military service with beautifully animated dramatisations. There's real power in these men's efforts to find the truth through reluctantly recalling their frontline experiences during Israel's 1980s war with Lebanon. What emerges is an inventive, personal look at the pointlessness of war.

Trailer:



Official site
Wikipedia entry

Film: Hunger

Reviewed by Damaris in the November/December 2008 issue of IDEA Magazine:

HUNGER (15) is a challenging dramatisation of the 1981 Maze hunger strike, brilliantly directed by Turner Prize-winner Steve McQueen. Much of the film plays without dialogue, but at the centre is a stunning, unedited 20-minute conversation between Bobby Sands (Michael Fassbender) and his priest (Liam Cunninghaml, progressing from witty banter to a strained discussion of religious beliefs and political realities. This is a film that'1I get people talking. And thinking.

Trailer:



Official site
Wikipedia entry

Film: What Just Happened

Reviewed by Damaris in the November/December 2008 issue of IDEA Magazine:

WHAT JUST HAPPENED (15) takes an insider look at the chaos of Hollywood, following a bigwig producer (Robert DeNiro) through events that could be his undoing, from encounters with primadonna movie stars (Bruce Willis and Sean Penn, hilariously lampooning themselves) to marriage and money trouble. What's clever here is that it's actually a recognisably real story of a man grappling with his integrity in a society that doesn't seem to need him any more.

Trailer:



Official site
Wikipedia entry

Film: The Warlords

Reviewed by Damaris in the November/December 2008 issue of IDEA Magazine:

THE WARLORDS (15) recounts a true story from 19th century China in epic style, following three military leaders (played by superb megastars Jet Li, Andy Lau and Takeshi Kaneshiro) who take a blood oath to work together, then have their partnership tested by the complexities of the political system around them. The film is big and raw, and perhaps tries to fill in too much detail, but holds our interest by focussing on the characters and their moral dilemmas.

Trailer:



Official site
Wikipedia entry

Film: Incendiary

Reviewed by Damaris in the November/December 2008 issue of IDEA Magazine:

INCENDIARY (15) draws on terrorist attacks of recent years to tell the deeply personal story of a working class woman (Michelle Williams) struggling to cope in the aftermath of an horrific London bombing, complicated by her relationships with a wealthy neighbour (Ewan McGregor) and her late husband's boss (Matthew Macfadyen). It's a bit gloomy, perhaps, but really gets into the mind of someone desperately trying to put her life back together and move forward.

Trailer:



Official site
Wikipedia entry

The Light Church, Bradford

The Light Church has just started as a church in Bradford.

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall recipes

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall recipes in The Guardian

Talking about . . . globalisation

A Damaris article from mid 2008.

How to think differently: Surprise Yourself!

This series of articles was from a Times handbook in association with Nintendo DS back in January 2008.

Solutions
Just taking a break for a few minutes can refresh your mind and crack the conundrum

Memory
If you have a problem remembering your own phone number, there are techniques to spare your blushes

Plan time
Taking a step back and absorbing expert time-management tips can make a huge difference

Parenting
Here are some simple ground rules to help you keep the peace on the homefront

Relaxation
Learning how to kick back and just let go can be as easy as taking deep breaths

Relationships
If you and your partner are stuck in a rut, small changes can pull your relationship out of a downward spiral

Food
It’s all too easy to grab a croissant (or two) on the way to work. Bad eating does affect our health and looks, but there are ways to change

Exercise
Motivation is key to getting started on the road to fitness — and staying on it

Sleep
There’s nothing more annoying, or exhausting, than lying in bed unable to get some shut-eye

Culture Club: Atonement

Watched the Atonement film as the latest session of the Culture Club. Details of the session here. Attended by Michael, Eryl, Mark, Tracey, Tracey's friend and Hilary. Good discussion including comparison with the book. Hilary started readng the book shortly after.

Michael Phelps: adapting to life on land

Beijing changed Michael Phelps’s life for ever. How is this 23-year-old swimming machine coping after Beijing?

Times article
Wikpedia entry

TV: Honouring 'The Fallen'

Times article

Three hundred British troops have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan in seven years - a death toll film-maker Morgan Matthews set out to honour in a three-hour programme.

BBC article

Watched this programme back in November. Deeply moving and relentless.

See this Youtube playlist.

Classical artist: Alison Balsom, trumpeter

Times profile from which the following opening para:
Blonde, soft-spoken, slim and 29, Alison Balsom is as far removed from the traditional beer-bellied image of a brass player as it’s possible to get. Yet a brass player she is, and a fabulous one, too. Her new EMI recording of classic trumpet concertos is mesmerising. In her hands that tangle of tubing seems as subtle and dextrous as a violin. It’s not that she invests this most macho of instruments with “feminine” qualities, as some critics have suggested. It’s more that she makes the trumpet sing with an irresistible exuberance and eloquence.



Official site
Wikipedia entry

Life Group: Litter Pickup

After the church meeting, coffee in the cafe briefly and then we (families connected with the life group that I am a part of) resumed where we left off after the Advent litter pickups in front of the parade of shops near church. Followed by Tracey's carrot and coriander soup then apple crumble and custard.

Church: Meeting Notes (Sermon on the Mount #2, Mark)

alternative title: how not to mess up the Great Commission too much

(1) hunger and thirst

righteousness: a right standing and right behaviour before God; moral actions

3 aspects:-

• legal righteousness: relationship with God
• moral righteousness: character/conduct
• social righteousness: seek liberation for the oppressed e.g. justice

only God is truly righteous

righteousness is God’s gift to us through grace

the only beatitude where you do not have to have arrived, this one says you must hunger and thirst

what does it mean to be hungry? desperate?

when you do drink/eat, you do get thirsty/ hungry again

true for righteousness too

when hungry etc, food is the sole focus

true for righteousness

revival in church is only ever revival when it it is seen by those outside the church

true for righteousness

rights vs righteousness (Matthew 25:31-40)

if we say something is our right, we are saying we deserve it, then are we saying we are righteous? if we do then God died for nothing!!

why did God abolish the law? Lutzer: it could not bring us what we desperately needed, , ,

(2) merciful and mercy

refraining from harming or punishing offenders, enemies, persons in one’s power etc, kindness in excess of what may  be expected or demanded by fairness; compassion

to be merciful and work for mercy are actions

plus within ourselves as a calling in every aspect of our life

Luke 10:37 go and do likewise

one of greatest acts of mercy is forgiveness, one of our biggest gifts

the world sees revenge as delicious

BUT Lord’s Prayer: forgive us our sins as we forgive others their’s

1 of most destructive sins is unforgiveness, is destructive to you

can you be merciful in small things?

cf That’s Life, always a section called Jobsworth: cf some of Good Samaritan players

over the coming weeks do things outside of your status, things beneath you

(3) pure in heart

pure, nothing added, nothing taken away, free of pollution/dirt

Ps 24:1-6: pure of heart

seek God’s face and do nothing else, live to seek that face

heart: why heart? Jesus sees our hearts (internal not external, motives, the why, not the action)

cf ceremonial cleanliness was the focus of the Pharisees; inside was wickedness

scary passage, Matthew 7:20-21

we can do good things but its about our heart, love passion

that is what pleases God

how many of us truly want to be filled, to be shown mercy, to see God

Book: George Lohmann, Pioneer Professional

Via a Geoff Boycott "They're reading . . . ." piece in The Times in September. I had never heard the name before.

George Lohmann, an English bowler, regarded as one of the best bowlers of all time.

Cricinfo entry
Publisher book page

Book: Boxen: The Imaginary World of the Young C. S. Lewis

This supplement in the Books section of a Saturday Times back in September about Boxen - a kingdom dreamt up by CS Lewis and his older brother Warnie populated by warrior mice, frog politicians and exiled chess pieces.

Book: "Lighthouses: The Race to Illuminate the World"

Found this in a Times book review back in September. Always had a fascinations with lighthouses.

Author's book site
Times book review
Wikipedia entry for lighthouses

TV: Edge of Darkness

Classic 80s TV drama



BBC site
Wikipedia entry
BFI page

Film: Far North

Trailer:



Official site
Wikipedia entry

Singer: Little Boots

Widely tipped as one of the most promising acts of 2009.



Official site
Wikipedia entry
Guardian interview

Family Day

Isaac and I went to see "Igor" - wasn't that hopeful but an enjoyable film.

Tesco shopping including birthday stuff for Rachael.

My bruschetta for lunch for all.

Shopping at M&S for shoes - got a work pair but the casual ones I wanted not in my size. Did pick up more socks - where do the odd ones go to??

Song: "Live Your Life", T.I. feat. Rihanna

Heard "Live Your Life" by T.I. feat. Rihanna on a recent UK Top 40 show.

Film: Igor

Trailer:



Official site
Wikipedia entry

Ronaldo named Fifa player of 2008

BBC article

Obituary: David Vine

TV presenter known for Ski Sunday, A Question of Sport and his coverage of snooker




Guardian obituary
BBC obituary
Times obituary
Wikipedia entry

Voice from the grave: Sri Lankan journalist's final editorial

Article published in The Guardian earlier this week.

'I hope my murder will be seen not as a defeat of freedom but an inspiration'
This extraordinary article by the editor of the Sri Lankan Sunday Leader was published three days after he was shot dead in Colombo

Song: Beyoncé's "If I Were a Boy" and "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"

Beyoncé's "If I Were a Boy" and "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" are both in this week's UK Top 10.

Video for "If I Were a Boy"

Video for "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"

Obituary: Sylvia Wishart (One of Scotland's finest contemporary landscape painters)

Guardian obituary

Acronym: IRACIS

One from a work colleague to remember types of business benefits from projects

IR: improved revenue
AC: avoid cost
IS: improve service

Bolaño's 2666: The Best Book of 2008 (Time Magazine)

Time article

Official site
Wikipedia entry

Song: Outsiders, "Keep the Fire Burning"

Saw the Outsiders tune "Keep the Fire Burning" last week. Another Freemasons remix (always a good thing)!

1000 novels you must read

1000 novels you must read is a partwork series The Guardian is starting tomorrow.

Film: Slumdog Millionaire

Reviewed by Damaris in the January/February 2009 issue of IDEA Magazine:

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (15) is a pure crowd-pleaser, but it also has a serious undercurrent as its story is set amid heavy class bigotry in Mumbai, where a young slum-dweller (Dev Patel) discovers that the events of his childhood have prepared him for the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. But what makes the film truly special is that after all of the grim violence and horror of his life, it's not actually about winning the cash. A true must-see movie (9 Jan).

Trailer:



Official site
Wikipedia entry

Book: "Unleashing the Power of Rubber Bands: Lessons in Non-Linear Leadership", Nancy Ortberg

Saw this book by Nancy Ortberg in the Christian bookshop in Loughborough last weekend.

Book: "11: Indispensable Relationships You Can't Be Without", Leonard Sweet

Saw this book in the Christian bookshop in Loughborough last weekend.



From the publisher's book web page:

As believers, our journey is just as important as the destination. And because relationships are essential to our walk through life, it is vital that we partner with people who positively impact our world.

Dr. Leonard Sweet believes these essential people are found in the pages of God's Word. Using eleven classic figures from the Bible, Dr. Sweet details key personal attributes that make up God's Dream Team for your life. Readers of all ages will be encouraged to not only seek out such people, but to find their place with those around them.

Talk outline

Book: The secret life of the snowflake revealed

Read this Guardian article recently, great images.



Author's web site

Film: Happy Go Lucky

Trailer:



Official site
Wikipedia entry

Book: "Lord, is it Warfare? Teach Me to Stand: a Devotional Study on Spiritual Victory", Kay Arthur

Maria wants the life group to use this book in our meetings. Looks like she got the necessary nod.

Group: Naturally 7

Naturally 7 are a new group on me.

Wall of Sound:



Loved this vid of the group on the Paris Metro:



Official site

Song: Jordin Sparks featuring Chris Brown, "No Air"

Saw the video for Jordin Sparks featuring Chris Brown's song "No Air" on a music channel recently. Great tune.

Holmewood Community Council: Meeting Notes

The AGM and first meeting of the year. Good turnout from HCC. Gordon chaired (Connie was ill). Topics including election of the steering group for this year plus the new play area that is being created in the valley. Good to hear the annual reports of all the positive things that happened on the estate last year. Sat with one of the PCSO's on the estate.

Song: James Morrison ft. Nelly furtado, "Broken Strings"

Saw James Morrison ft. Nelly Furtado's "Broken Strings" on a chart show over the weekend.

Video

Song: Guru Josh Project, "Infinity 2008"

Saw Guru Josh Project's "Infinity 2008" on a chart show over the weekend.

David Allen on "Making It All Work"

mp3 of a recent talk available here

Via

Barack Obama books

These 2 books by Barack Obama (Dreams From My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance and The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream) both look worth a read.

Sunday Times review
Guardian review

All Age Worship prep

Lunch at the Egans plus Ben followed by prep-ing for the first All Age session of the year. Not that easy this time on the theme of humanity. A challenge.

Church: Meeting Notes: Jon Garside, Judges

1st of a series

Deut 7:1-11, 22-23
Judges 1

Joshua takes the people to the promised land, should have been Moses but he disobeyed God

author of Judges: disagreement amongst the scholars, bias to the northern tribes

Judges: Hebrew word shophet, meaning chieftain or to vindicate/ judge

a judge to us means a wig

CS Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms: just vs unjust judge

could also mean champion, a name like Jack the giant killer not like our judges, free other people from oppression

why were the people oppressed, they had turned away from God

chapter 1 sets the scene re where main tribes were

Simeon in territory of Judah but God only wanted Judah to go: lesson = do not improve on what God has asked you to do

8-21: accomplishments of Judah, most positive, some exceptions

some words about Othniel, takes the city

latter part of chapter 1:22-36: deals with exploits of northern tribes

the enslaved now enslaving others

cf cycles of abuse, alcoholism, family splits based on family history

what is God saying to us today?

trust God, He has only the best for us

your past does not define who you are here and now, God does if you let Him

northern tribes became the people they hated in captivity

compare Judah to the northern tribes cf Tamar in Gen 38

cf Who Do You Think You Are on TV

there is some merit in looking back but should not constrain who we are

John 3: be born again, wipe slate clean, start again

Rom 8:1; no condemnation

8:1-2 (see JB Phillips translation)

Jesus defines who we are

song "who am I"

lyrics:
Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt.
Who am I?
That the bright and morning star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart.

Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are.

I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,
And you've told me who I am.
I am yours.
I am yours.

Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again.
Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me.

Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
'Cause I am yours.
I am yours.

this week know that we are "His"

Seeing Mum and Dad for a late Christmas

A day in Loughborough starting at the newsagent in town for a mobile breakfast. I picked up the Q mag for the extended U2 interview etc.

Drove to Loughborough.

Baxter Gate Baptist Church for coffee morning. Met loads of people that I had not seen for aroung 25 years including John G, Michael T, Paul B, Malcolm G and Margaret T.

Quick look around the Christian bookshop and Waterstones.

Great lunch at The Harvester near the university. Great free salad bar with very tasty Caribbean Mango dressing.

Back to Mum and Dads for present swapping. We had already had some through the post. The Walkers "hamper" in a big tin went down well as expected.

Back to Bradford.

A cold day but very enjoyable.

Music: The Script

The Script are a 2008 top selling band from Ireland.

Video for the 1st single, We Cry

Video for the 2nd single, The Man Who Can't Be Moved

Video of the 3rd single, Breakeven

Video (unofficial) of the 4th single, Talk You Down

Official site

Change4Life

The TV ad



This first Change4Life TV commercial kicks off the new campaign to help mums, dads and families eat well, move more and live longer. It talks about fat in the body rather than fat bodies and makes clear the link between fat and preventable illnesses. Aardman Animations of Wallace and Gromit fame - made the commercial.

Music: Yazoo, "Situation"

Not the original 80s video! Classic tune.

Music: The Saturdays

I heard a tune that sampled Yazoo's Situation some time ago. Finally found out who it was when I read this Daily Mail article - it was The Saturdays' If This Is Love.

Video

Video of the 2nd single, Up

Video of the 3rd single, Issues

Video (unofficial) of the 4th single, Work

In praise of ... Mike Brearley

Enjoyed this latest Guardian "In praise of ..." editorial piece. Lots of good leadership stuff in this.

Song: September, "Cry for You"

Recently saw the video for September's "Cry for You" as part of the top 40 selling singles of 2008.

UK video

Alternative video:



Acoustic live version:

Kylie's Boombox Out Now

DUE TO OVERWHELMING DEMAND, VIDEO MAY APPEAR SLOW. IF YOU'RE HAVING PROBLEMS WATCHING A VIDEO, CLICK THE PAUSE BUTTON, WAIT A FEW MINUTES AND THEN SELECT PLAY!

Appointment of Steve Clifford as the new General Director of the Evangelical Alliance

This news came through on an EA email earlier today.

I have heard Steve speak a number of times over the years at Spring Harvest. He was always inspirational and challenging on those occasions. A good choice.



EA press release
Steve's bio
EA article

Life Group: Meeting Notes: This is Why We Sing

Listened to the Rob Bell talk "Why We Sing"

Get this widget | Track details | eSnips Social DNA

most Christian communities sing, why? because it makes us feel good? or something larger?

God has not abandoned the world, great rescue operation, conquered death, restoration/reclaiming whole earth, wants to put each person back together

its a thing we do, scripture, what is my story, what can we learn

Ps 71

sometimes we sing because we feel like it, if we sing we might start to feel like it, may need to sing

subtle thing going on

discipline myself to praise, find something good to sing about

story of friend on drugs, heart breaking, life/death struggle, we sang this song . .

This is my Father's world:
why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let the earth be glad!



God saying to me in that situation: I'm in charge of the universe, all will be OK, was not just a random line in a song

we sing because we need to put great words on our lips, is what a worship leader does, a divine and sacred responsibility

O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the works Thy hand hath made,
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
thy power throughout the universe displayed:

in a world where everything in temporary need to have things that have always been true on our lips

cf cathedrals of brick/stone, look up and up (Simon note: reminded me of this Ely Cathedral video)

liturgy is the things we do, a cathedral of songs/words that still sound good next day/week/month/year/decade etc

a great song/liturgy is a cathedral of sounds/words

cf familiar/great songs, frequently played tunes on iPod

these words too:

WE BELIEVE AND WORSHIP THE SPIRIT
HOLY, AND GLORIFIED
WHO WILL RAISE THIS CHURCH, FORGIVEN
GIVER OF LIFE, NOW, AND TO COME
ONE GOD, THE SPIRIT
MAKER OF ALL
(Maker of All, Scott Baker, mp3)

Henri Nouwen: being part of the church is to learn to be forgiven

sometimes our brothers and sisters hurt us

a group of people truly embodying Jesus takes some blows yet can change the world, God has plans for His church, she's worth it

reminds you who is on the throne

some things are so true can only be adequately captured in poetry

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love.
. . .
O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

huge portions of Scripture are poetry, long rambling poems, connected to our soul, some truths can only be captured in poetry


For the beauty of the earth
For the Glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies:

Lord of all, to Thee we raise
this our joyful hymn of grateful praise.

For the beauty of each hour
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale and tree and flow'r
Sun and Moon and stars of light

what are some of the songs that have most moved you

my natural bent is a magnetic pull, that its all about us, our problems and struggles, that we are the centre of the universe

we sing to remind ourselves that something is going on

(for Mars Hill's worhsip site, see www.musicatmars.com

---------------

Maria plugged a Kay Arthur book for consideration as a book for the life group to study in 2009.

I plugged an Andy Crouch book that we will be doing at the Culture Club in March.

Church: Leadership Team Meeting

This was a church-focused one. This year we are doing 2 meetings per month with one looking at the church and the other looking at social action to make sure that all areas of Holme Christian Community get covered, talked about, sorted etc.

TV: Above Suspicion

Watched the 2nd of this Lynda La Plante 2 parter tonight, starring Kelly Reilly and Ciaran Hinds.



Official site
Wikipedia entry

Family Sunday

Walk in Lister Park with all the Foggs and the Egans.

Watched the Christmas Lark Rise to Candleford on video. A good end to the hols for the kids with the Christmas story line. Followed by the 1st of the new series.

Watched the 1st part of the 2 parter Above Suspicion.

Church: Meeting Notes: Intro to Sermon on the Mount (Mark)

I did the prayer slot using the church calendar for the scheduled events to list some prayer concerns for each meeting type on slides while playing Snow Patrol's "Take Back The City".

Start of a new series, the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)

Gen Omar Bradley quotes
- We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the sermon on the mount.
- We know more about war than we know about peace, more about killing than we know about living.
- The world has achieved brilliance without wisdom, power without conscience. Our is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants.

simple facts

• probably best sermon ever
• author is the greatest preacher of all time
• open air
• addressed to disciples and large crowd
• key topics: beatitudes, Lord's Prayer, salt and light, turn the other cheek, judge not unless you be judged
• mirror's Luke's sermon on the plain

the "Jesus manifesto"

does not set standards for salvation

shows how those who have a right relationship with God should live (= those who are saved)

not simply about hearing, need to put them into practice (cf house on sand/rock)

transform society: we are called to change the world (Matthew 5:13)

6 levels: mind, attitude, lifestyle, friends/neighbours, our world/culture

before we start, old wives' tales

NOT for spiritual elite

aimed at all (disciples/ large crowd)

found in Matthew and Luke, some overlap, some specific in each one

Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-11): a summary of the whole sermon, foundations/ building blocks

2 general principles:

• shows us true discipleship
• and the need to be a true radical

"question of values" poem (Gerard Kelly)

can you honestly say you are in a different place now than if you had never accepted Christ as Saviour?

(1) poor in spirit

surely this should read full of spirit = opposite of those who have it all together

we all want to walk closer to God

even if we are not that good at life, God will pour heaven into it (Robin Gamble)

(2) mourn

not about mourning for people but about mourning/ pining for people who are separated from God; our friends/neighbours

how many of us truly mourn/cry out to God for the lost

revivals often start with a small group of people praying with great passion/fervour for the lost

Ex 22:23: hear their cry

(3) meek

Numbers 12:3: Moses, meekest man on earth

Wesley: gentle Jesus meek and mild

meekness does not mean weakness

in our world those with lots of skill etc are the winners in our generation

Matt Smith is the new Doctor Who

Interesting choice. Lots of people are saying he is an unknown but I remember him being great in the BBC drama series Party Animals back in 2007.

Barack Obama: Time Magazine's Person of the Year

Time site

Lazy Satutrday

Hair cut with Isaac.

Added my 2009 church events to Upcoming.

World's Strongest Man

Mariusz Pudzianowski won his record breaking 5th World's Strongest Man and the Fogg household rejoiced.

It went down to the last event with Derek Poundstone in the Atlas Stones. This video shows how close it was!

Walking with Dinosaurs, The Arena Spectacular

Isaac would love this event and its near his birthday too!

TV: Jonathan Creek: The Grinning Man

Another good drama from the Christmas period.

New Year's Day

A day off in-between work days :-(

Spent a lot of time on the Google church calendar and doing a 2-page summary for handing out on Sunday.

Drive out to Ogden Water. Trees etc were very rime-y. Looked beautiful. Did not go walking - loads of cars, hard to park etc.

Pizza Hut takeaway in the afternoon.