The old town was originally an island. Tall buildings utilise every plot to maximal effect.
This and the next pic are on the way up to the church.
The view from our apartment.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Rovinj's streets
The old town was originally an island. Tall buildings utilise every plot to maximal effect.
This and the next pic are on the way up to the church.
The view from our apartment.
St. Euphemia's, Rovinj.
Rovinj was declared a cultural monument in 1663. The town walls and gates: By the seventh century AD, Rovinj was already surrounded by town walls, and later strengthened by the construction of towers. The old town had seven gates, while three still exist today: the Saint Benedict Gate, the Portico and the Holy Cross Gate. A baroque archway called "Balbijev luk", which today serves as the entrance into the old town, was built on the site of the former outer gate in the seventeenth century.
The church of Saint Euphemia - is a most imposing structure which bears the name of the patron saint of the town. It dominates the whole old town centre. It was built in the eighteenth centry, while its facade in Venetian-baroque style was added in the middle of the last century. At the top of the sixty-metre-high bell tower stads the copper statue of St. Euphemia, which shows the direction of the wind by turning on a spindle.
One can climb the church tower and on a good day see Venice. We were too unfit to make the attempt.
Saint Euphemia is a Christian saint. She was a martyr at Chalcedon, c.307. Consecrated to virginity, her purity allegedly excited the hatred of pagan persecutors. She was seized, subjected to all manner of torments, and thrown to wild beasts. Churches in her honor have been erected all over the Christian world; the Greeks celebrate her day with special honors. Euphemia is a common baptismal name in Protestant Scotland according to Wikipedia.
Holiday in Istria
Thanks to the kindness of our friends, the Clowneys, we have enjoyed a week in one of their apartments in Rovinj. The weather was perfect, like the location.
The local url (click on title)says,
"This ancient settlement (3rd century) was first mentioned by, Anonymous of Ravenna at the beginning of 8th century.
Just like in the past, a traveller gets always attracted by its exuberant beauty which made a Roman chronicler, almost two thousand years ago, note down - In Istria Roman patricians feel like Gods..."
These Christians felt like refreshed mortals seeing the beauty of the Creator's work.
From Wikipedia,
Rovinj (Italian: Rovigno; Istriot: Ruvèigno) is a city in Croatia situated on the north Adriatic Sea with a population of 13,562 (2007). [1] It is located on the western coast of the Istrian peninsula and is a popular tourist resort and an active fishing port. There is a sizeable community of Italians and the town is officially bilingual (Croatian and Italian). Moreover, Istriot, an ancient romance language once widely spoken in this part of Istria, is still spoken by part of the residents. There is a centre of History Research which is an institution of the Council of Europe.
Rovinj is one of nine towns in Istrian County. The climate is Mediterranean. The average temperature is 4.8° C in January and 22.3° C in July. The average annual temperature is 16° C. Sea temperature is more than 20° C from the middle of June to the middle of September. The average annual sea temperature is 16.6 ° C.
Rovinj was already settlemed by Illyrian tribes before being captured by the Romans, who called it Arupiunum or Mons Rubineus, and later Ruginium and Ruvinium.
It was for centuries one of the most important towns of Istria under the Republic of Venice. After the fall of the latter and the Napoleonic parenthesis, Rovinj was part of the Austrian Empire until World War I. Then it belonged to Italy from 1918 to 1947, when it was ceded to Yugoslavia: in that period much of the Italian inhabitants fled.
There are 15,000 people living in Rovinj. The majority of its citizens are Croats at 65.94%. There are around 2,400 Italians living in Rovinj. Ethnic minorities are Albanians (2.37%), Bosniaks (1.81%), Italians (11.44%), and Serbs (3.51%). The census of 1921 said that there were 9,482 Italians over a total population of 10,022 inhabitants
From the middle of May to the middle of September the sun shines more than 10 hours a day. The rainfall averages 940 mm a year. The average humidity is 72%. Vegetation is subtropical.
Originally the peninsula on which the city lies was an island, separated from the mainland by a channel. The latter was filled in 1763. Rovinj Archipelago includes 22 islets.
>
The local url (click on title)says,
"This ancient settlement (3rd century) was first mentioned by, Anonymous of Ravenna at the beginning of 8th century.
Just like in the past, a traveller gets always attracted by its exuberant beauty which made a Roman chronicler, almost two thousand years ago, note down - In Istria Roman patricians feel like Gods..."
These Christians felt like refreshed mortals seeing the beauty of the Creator's work.
From Wikipedia,
Rovinj (Italian: Rovigno; Istriot: Ruvèigno) is a city in Croatia situated on the north Adriatic Sea with a population of 13,562 (2007). [1] It is located on the western coast of the Istrian peninsula and is a popular tourist resort and an active fishing port. There is a sizeable community of Italians and the town is officially bilingual (Croatian and Italian). Moreover, Istriot, an ancient romance language once widely spoken in this part of Istria, is still spoken by part of the residents. There is a centre of History Research which is an institution of the Council of Europe.
Rovinj is one of nine towns in Istrian County. The climate is Mediterranean. The average temperature is 4.8° C in January and 22.3° C in July. The average annual temperature is 16° C. Sea temperature is more than 20° C from the middle of June to the middle of September. The average annual sea temperature is 16.6 ° C.
Rovinj was already settlemed by Illyrian tribes before being captured by the Romans, who called it Arupiunum or Mons Rubineus, and later Ruginium and Ruvinium.
It was for centuries one of the most important towns of Istria under the Republic of Venice. After the fall of the latter and the Napoleonic parenthesis, Rovinj was part of the Austrian Empire until World War I. Then it belonged to Italy from 1918 to 1947, when it was ceded to Yugoslavia: in that period much of the Italian inhabitants fled.
There are 15,000 people living in Rovinj. The majority of its citizens are Croats at 65.94%. There are around 2,400 Italians living in Rovinj. Ethnic minorities are Albanians (2.37%), Bosniaks (1.81%), Italians (11.44%), and Serbs (3.51%). The census of 1921 said that there were 9,482 Italians over a total population of 10,022 inhabitants
From the middle of May to the middle of September the sun shines more than 10 hours a day. The rainfall averages 940 mm a year. The average humidity is 72%. Vegetation is subtropical.
Originally the peninsula on which the city lies was an island, separated from the mainland by a channel. The latter was filled in 1763. Rovinj Archipelago includes 22 islets.
>
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Friday, April 20, 2007
Trainspotting
Click on the title. These pics take me back to many hours spent on Thirsk station, the nearest to the midway between London and Edinburgh and on the longest straight. The Streaks came through at about 80 mph and the keenest eyes took down the shed number as well. IIRC this was not too hard as there were just two. I recall going to see the first diesel hauled train. Later, when I saw Mallard with a slow goods I knew the end was night. The streaks wobbled at high speed. The Elizabethan cane past about 1pm, the Flying Scotsman, an hour later. Up and down were through within 15 minutes of one another. Those were the days.
Thought for the day on BBC Radio 4's Today programme
The humanist moaners are at it again wanting a slot for their non-religion. Sadly in discussing this the supposedly Christian spokesman from Ekklesia failed to point out the obvious. 99.99% of BBC output is from a secular humanist perspective.
I agree that this slot need reforming. Firstly there is only one regular speaker who consistently hits the mark., Anne Atkins. Joel Edwards and Elaine Storkey disappoint. The rest of the professed Christians are pretty liberal. The chief rabbi is good from the Jewish voice. Lionel Blue is better as a teller of funny stories than anything to do with faith. As for the rest there is gross over-representation of non-Christian religions. These are small minorities in our population. England is constitutionally Christian. It is time the BBC realised it.
I agree that this slot need reforming. Firstly there is only one regular speaker who consistently hits the mark., Anne Atkins. Joel Edwards and Elaine Storkey disappoint. The rest of the professed Christians are pretty liberal. The chief rabbi is good from the Jewish voice. Lionel Blue is better as a teller of funny stories than anything to do with faith. As for the rest there is gross over-representation of non-Christian religions. These are small minorities in our population. England is constitutionally Christian. It is time the BBC realised it.
Liar Blair
'No UK referendum' on EU changes
Mr Blair and the Dutch PM agree no new constitution is needed
The UK prime minister does not intend to hold a referendum on the rules that govern the way in which the EU operates, Downing Street has confirmed.
Tony Blair had promised a referendum on a new EU constitution, but the British government and the Netherlands are now pushing for a less ambitious treaty.
There was no tradition of holding votes on treaties, said the PM.
The Netherlands followed France in voting against a draft constitution in 2005, plunging the EU into crisis.
Mr Blair told the Financial Times his likely successor, Chancellor Gordon Brown, agreed with his view.
So reports the BBC. Blair will be remembered as a man who does not keep his word. So much for him being the most Christian prime minister since Gladstone. By their fruits you will know them. Campbell had it right when he said they did not do God.
Mr Blair and the Dutch PM agree no new constitution is needed
The UK prime minister does not intend to hold a referendum on the rules that govern the way in which the EU operates, Downing Street has confirmed.
Tony Blair had promised a referendum on a new EU constitution, but the British government and the Netherlands are now pushing for a less ambitious treaty.
There was no tradition of holding votes on treaties, said the PM.
The Netherlands followed France in voting against a draft constitution in 2005, plunging the EU into crisis.
Mr Blair told the Financial Times his likely successor, Chancellor Gordon Brown, agreed with his view.
So reports the BBC. Blair will be remembered as a man who does not keep his word. So much for him being the most Christian prime minister since Gladstone. By their fruits you will know them. Campbell had it right when he said they did not do God.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
More on William and Kate
Continued media speculation is unwarranted and prurient, a gross invasion of privacy. A London radio station s having a listener poll on whether we, the public, were responsible for their split. I thought it reported that press intrusion was responsible. That is fed by public demand for gossip. But I for one do not ask for any such reports. The radio poll is akin to asking me if I feel guilty about the triangular slave trade.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Good news on abortion
Abortions 'crisis' threatens NHS
Many doctors are opting out of providing abortions
An increasing number of doctors are refusing to carry out abortions, leading to a crisis in NHS services, experts have warned.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists says there has been a big rise in the number of doctors who are "conscientious objectors".
About 190,000 abortions take place in England and Wales annually.
The NHS pays for four out of five - but half of these are carried out by private sector providers.
This is double the proportion performed in the private sector 10 years ago.
Abortion is legal in Britain up to 24 weeks, however it can occur later if doctors believe the baby has a severe disability or if the mother's life is at risk. - BBC
Many doctors are opting out of providing abortions
An increasing number of doctors are refusing to carry out abortions, leading to a crisis in NHS services, experts have warned.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists says there has been a big rise in the number of doctors who are "conscientious objectors".
About 190,000 abortions take place in England and Wales annually.
The NHS pays for four out of five - but half of these are carried out by private sector providers.
This is double the proportion performed in the private sector 10 years ago.
Abortion is legal in Britain up to 24 weeks, however it can occur later if doctors believe the baby has a severe disability or if the mother's life is at risk. - BBC
Proud Grandad
I now have more grandchildren than children! I have done my bit for the demography of England. God save the Queen and my grandchildren.
Elissa comes home
Mother and baby are now home and visited by Auntie Miriam.
Elissa is so far nocturnal, sleeping by day and feeding at night.her parents hope she sorts out her clock soon.
Cousins Bethany and Hannah are pleased with the new arrival.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Prince William splits from Kate
I am sorry to hear of the split. They are old enough to marry and she AFAIK has one of the requirements which promote stable marriage. She is the product of one unlike some recent additions to the Royal Family. Stable marries are more likely to produce stable marriages.
Sleep apnoea
Good news received yesterday. The consultant at Charing Cross has agreed that I should receive a machine to regulate my breathing while asleep. So I look forward to a new active lease of life after May. As an indication of how bad the problem is, I fell asleep after a light lunch today. I was watching TV at he time. Waking part way through the Grand National after 4 pm I fell asleep again before the end of the race.
One day old
Mother and baby are due home tommorrow, Sunday. Elissa is doing what babies do, mainly sleep with a little feeding.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Conservatives Delete Marriage
In the week in which a statistical snapshot of Britain is showing that
children are increasingly likely to live in one-parent families,
Conservatives are running for the Scottish Parliament and National
Assembly of Wales on manifestos which have deleted any mention of the
importance of marriage. Neither the Scottish nor Welsh Conservative
campaign documents either mention marriage or offer any proposal to
back couples who make this important social commitment.- CPA press release
Commenting, the Leader of CPA Scotland, Teresa Smith, said:
"This is the first major electoral test for David Cameron since he became
Conservative leader. He has made a few noises recognising the social
significance of marriage, but when it has come to deliver policies to the
Scottish people, his party has failed abjectly. All the Scots Tories offer is
a pledge to "stand up for families of every type and background" (Scottish
Conservative Manifesto 2007: Standing up for Families) which sounds to me
like more of the political correctness that's done so much damage already
to Scotland's social fabric."
Adding his views, Anthony Jeremy, CPA Cymru National Spokesman said:
"Officials responsible for the Social Trends survey have singled out the
growth in numbers of children brought up in single parent families, so
that now almost a quarter of all children - 24 per cent - are brought up
by a lone mother or father. More than four out of ten children are born
outside marriage. This simply must be addressed by politicians of all
parties. Our government has done nothing to back marriage, which all the
evidence tells us is the best place for children to be raised. Now the
official opposition are following in Labour's footsteps."
The policies of the Christian Peoples Alliance make backing marriage a
foremost pledge. They address the issues outlined in the Social Trends
report - the annual snapshot of national life. This shows that the family
ties that once bound people together are becoming increasingly fragmented.
Nearly a quarter of children live in one-parent families, nearly a third
of the population lives alone, and 43 per cent of babies are born outside
marriage. Family break-up and the increase in the number of older people
mean that 29 per cent of all households are made up of one person living
alone.
As Abraham Kuyper explained over 100 years ago, the difference between a
consevative and a liberal is 10 years.
children are increasingly likely to live in one-parent families,
Conservatives are running for the Scottish Parliament and National
Assembly of Wales on manifestos which have deleted any mention of the
importance of marriage. Neither the Scottish nor Welsh Conservative
campaign documents either mention marriage or offer any proposal to
back couples who make this important social commitment.- CPA press release
Commenting, the Leader of CPA Scotland, Teresa Smith, said:
"This is the first major electoral test for David Cameron since he became
Conservative leader. He has made a few noises recognising the social
significance of marriage, but when it has come to deliver policies to the
Scottish people, his party has failed abjectly. All the Scots Tories offer is
a pledge to "stand up for families of every type and background" (Scottish
Conservative Manifesto 2007: Standing up for Families) which sounds to me
like more of the political correctness that's done so much damage already
to Scotland's social fabric."
Adding his views, Anthony Jeremy, CPA Cymru National Spokesman said:
"Officials responsible for the Social Trends survey have singled out the
growth in numbers of children brought up in single parent families, so
that now almost a quarter of all children - 24 per cent - are brought up
by a lone mother or father. More than four out of ten children are born
outside marriage. This simply must be addressed by politicians of all
parties. Our government has done nothing to back marriage, which all the
evidence tells us is the best place for children to be raised. Now the
official opposition are following in Labour's footsteps."
The policies of the Christian Peoples Alliance make backing marriage a
foremost pledge. They address the issues outlined in the Social Trends
report - the annual snapshot of national life. This shows that the family
ties that once bound people together are becoming increasingly fragmented.
Nearly a quarter of children live in one-parent families, nearly a third
of the population lives alone, and 43 per cent of babies are born outside
marriage. Family break-up and the increase in the number of older people
mean that 29 per cent of all households are made up of one person living
alone.
As Abraham Kuyper explained over 100 years ago, the difference between a
consevative and a liberal is 10 years.
Elissa Ruth Little
This is the new arrival after her first feed. We visited the hospital very briefly. Though Adrian was singing the praises of the care Rachel had received, Katy was not happy to be turfed out on the dot at 8pm. I had been misinformed as to the spelling of the name. I am told it means promise of God. They hope to be home Sunday. I have had to postpone the champagne until then.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
New Arrival
Ellisa Ruth Little 7lb 4oz by C section at Ealing Hospital 1.39 pm today to Rachel and Adrian, a first child, to proud grandparents, fifth grandchild. Thanks be to God. Off to see her tonight. Pictures to follow ASAP.(also you will see the next post has a corrected spelling of her name)
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
The way we are now
The Office for National Statistics Social Trends report studies patterns in UK society.
Changing families
Nearly a quarter of children lived with only one parent last year and nine out of 10 of those households were headed by lone mothers.
David Green, director of the Institute for the Study of Civil Society, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "If you take almost any measure - how well children do in school, whether they turn to crime, whether they commit suicide, etc - it's better to have two parents.
"It's also the biggest disadvantage of lone parenthood that you're much more likely to be poor."
In 2005 there were a record 60.2m people living in Britain
The number of households has risen 30% since 1971, but the population only rose by 8%
More children are born in Britain today outside of marriage than in most other European countries, the report also said.
The average figure is 44%, compared with just 3% in Cyprus, and just 12% in Britain in the early 1970s.
BBC home editor Mark Easton said that in Wales and the north east of England the numbers of children born to unmarried parents were even higher, at 52% and 55% respectively.
More than seven million people in Britain also live alone now, compared with three million in 1971.
This, the report said, had left societies more fragmented and led to much less trust and co-operation between neighbours.
Other findings included:
Second marriages made up two-fifths of all marriages in 2005.
In the same year, the average age at first marriage in England and Wales was 32 for men and 29 for women - up from 25 and 23 respectively in 1971.
Divorces in 2005 fell to 155,000 from a 1993 peak of 180,000.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When we married in 1969 we were both the average age then for marriage, 23.
For a long time I have complained that the problems of a housing shortage are caused mainly by people not living together and staying together. I think my point is proved. With a decreased Christian ethic society suffers the consequences. As usual the taxes of stable families subsidise the feckless. I am not saying all single parents are feckless but the responsible as ever pay for the irresponsible.
Changing families
Nearly a quarter of children lived with only one parent last year and nine out of 10 of those households were headed by lone mothers.
David Green, director of the Institute for the Study of Civil Society, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "If you take almost any measure - how well children do in school, whether they turn to crime, whether they commit suicide, etc - it's better to have two parents.
"It's also the biggest disadvantage of lone parenthood that you're much more likely to be poor."
In 2005 there were a record 60.2m people living in Britain
The number of households has risen 30% since 1971, but the population only rose by 8%
More children are born in Britain today outside of marriage than in most other European countries, the report also said.
The average figure is 44%, compared with just 3% in Cyprus, and just 12% in Britain in the early 1970s.
BBC home editor Mark Easton said that in Wales and the north east of England the numbers of children born to unmarried parents were even higher, at 52% and 55% respectively.
More than seven million people in Britain also live alone now, compared with three million in 1971.
This, the report said, had left societies more fragmented and led to much less trust and co-operation between neighbours.
Other findings included:
Second marriages made up two-fifths of all marriages in 2005.
In the same year, the average age at first marriage in England and Wales was 32 for men and 29 for women - up from 25 and 23 respectively in 1971.
Divorces in 2005 fell to 155,000 from a 1993 peak of 180,000.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When we married in 1969 we were both the average age then for marriage, 23.
For a long time I have complained that the problems of a housing shortage are caused mainly by people not living together and staying together. I think my point is proved. With a decreased Christian ethic society suffers the consequences. As usual the taxes of stable families subsidise the feckless. I am not saying all single parents are feckless but the responsible as ever pay for the irresponsible.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Paying for the story
Personally I do not understand the fuss over sailors taking journos sheckels for their stories. I am more bothered by the Navy's failure to protect its sailors from Iranian pirates. But seeing how Amendinnerjacket let them come home for Easter, they too should be gracious and disarm their critics by donating their fat fees to an Iranian children's charity.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Books read in April 2007 (10)
My reading has been hit by sleep apnoea. It seems I do not sleep well at night with breathing irregularity disrupting rest. The result is day time drowsiness. When I sit to read or watch TV I quickly fall asleep. I am under investigation at Charing Cross Hospital and hope for the aid of a machine which promotes good breathing while asleep.But in the meantime I remain a frustrated somnolent reader....and some authors do not help.
1. God in the Wasteland: The Reality of Truth in a World of Fading Dreams
by David F. Wells
Wells has written a good critique of the modern (American) church which has been squeezed into the mould of this world. He believes the church in an attempt to be popular, has compromised, become worldly, and lost its distinctiveness. his critique is addressed to the evangelical church even more than the liberal. He sees American Christianity as miles wide but inches deep. God has become weightless, unreal, immanent not transcendent. The church needs to return to proclaiming a holy, demanding God and his grace in Christ to a world obsessed with consumerism and personal choice.
The message is the right message but this is not an easy read. Wells is addressing church leaders or potential readers. it is a hard book for an average Christian as Wells does not win any prizes for gripping writing or style. Good but hard going. A lot of statistical surveying is appended to support his thesis. The post modern world needs the truth proclaimed by an uncompromising church.
2. Porridge and Passion: An Autobiography by Jonathan Aitken
It is very rare that one comes across non-fiction that is as hard to put down as a good thriller. This is a case where truth is much more gripping than fiction.
After I read Aitken's first autobiographical volume I heard him tell in a local church the story of his imprisonment in the first part of this book. He is a very gifted speaker and writer. You can see why he was a cabinet minister. His life was ruined by one mistake but his is a story of God's grace in adversity. His experience of prison is shocking and spellbinding.He had no extra privileges due to his former status only extra visitors and extra problems. Was any prisoner ever so mercilessly hounded by the press? No open prison wanted him because of the media interest. At best the press come across as intrusive, at worst downright corrupt in bribing prisoners to set Aitken up. No-one else has had an ex-con break into prison to photograph and interview him.
Throughout all these problems Aitken testifies to God's strengthening grace and a growing faith and knowledge of Christ. Aitken's Christian circles may not be every one's cup of tea as they include the charismatic and the Catholic but there is no doubt about his own faith and the reality of God at work in and through him.
This is a fascinating portrayal of what it is like to be imprisoned in both a high security and an open prison. By and large, with a few jobsworth officious exceptions, prison officers come out well. Their union does not.
Aitken's battles with his creditors are recorded, his family's support, the help of many friends, his theological studies and subsequent remarriage and budding literary career as well as his shunning by Conservative central office. Here you will find an education in rhyming slang and an encouragement to read more from this most gifted author.
3. The Mystery of Overend and Gurney: Adventures in the Victorian Financial Underworld by Geoffrey Elliott
The love of money is the root of all evil, so the Bible tells us as does Geoffrey Elliott. What else could have driven respected Quaker bankers to the worst financial collapse of the Victorian era?
This book is more than an account of financial failure in the City. The author sets his scene well with a history of banking and Quakerism at the time. Over their heads with bad debts the bank went public. The Gurneys lost a lot of money but were not ruined. Their investors were saddled with debt and one of the sued. The directors were found not guilty of issuing a fraudulent share prospectus.Here is a salutary warning to all investors.
The author writes well and introduces us to some of the wide boys of Victorian finance as well as respected Quakers. I read this because I married an Overend. We do have not established a line of descent but are pleased to know that when the collapse came, the founding Overend had long departed the ruined company.
4. America Alone: The End of the World as We Know It by Mark Steyn
Steyn is the most gifted and hard hitting author I have read on the Islamist challenge to the West. His writing is gripping and packs a punch. But he suffers from the usual pattern defect of all such books, long on telling us about the problem, very short on ideas to resolve it.
Steyn is the most pessimistic of authors concerning the problem in Europe. His view is that the demography shows that European countries are dying as we know them for the native European population is demographically doomed. It is not reproducing. It Ia addicted to social security and welfare. It needs immigration to maintain the economy and those immigrants are Muslims whose religion is a political force dedicated to world domination. Steyn thinks Europe has a suicidal multicultural ethic, one shared by his own native land, Canada. America alone stands against this trend with some pride in its culture. Well the conservative part of America does.
But what is the solution. Reproduce. Change the demography. He also wants fiscal breaks for families. Less government more personal responsibility is called for.He wants Islam reformed from inside bit does not tell us how this can be done. He wants a stop to infiltration of the West by Saudi financed Islamists and their propaganda when necessary.
I think Steyn is right about the battle but omits the best possible solution. The impact of peaceful Christian witness to Muslims to encourage them to leave their religion. Real Christians should live and speak in such a way that commends their faith and shows Muslims something better than their umma. Christian revival in the West will defeat a resurgent Islam. Secularism has no solution. We should also be producing larger families.
5. Oliver Cromwell by John Buchan
There is no parallel in history to this iron man of action whose consuming purpose was at all times the making of his soul.(p.525). This is Buchan's sympathetic summary of the most controversial man in English history.
This is a detailed biography of Oliver and his times. Oliver is evaluated as a man, soldier and political leader. Here is a unique leader who in one year in his forties went from captain of horse to major-general, a man who never lost a military battle. The account of his victory against the odds at Dunbar is particularly moving. Also related is that though his rule may be accounted a failure at home, abroad the prestige of England was enormously enhanced by Cromwell's foreign policies.
Buchan is critical of Cromwell at the two favorite points of the critics, Ireland and the execution of the king. I believe later scholarship has been less critical of the Irish campaign, denying the killing of civilians. Certainly there seems no contemporary criticism of a campaign which though harsh was not in breach of the standards of the time. It is the fact that Cromwell behaved with more mercy towards English and Scots which made the Irish campaign stand out. As to the king's death, the court may well have dubious legality but it was in Oliver's reputed words, a cruel necessity. Nothing else could have dealt with this duplicitous monarch whose most memorable accomplishment was the manner in which he faced death.
Buchan shows real understanding of Oliver's religion, his personal tenderness, his providentialism. It is a worthy story of God's Englishman.
6. A Prison Diary: Volume 1 - Hell by Jeffrey Archer
I have enjoyed Archer's fiction despite it being panned by journalists (envy?). His factual writing is just as good. This is his beginning a harsh four year prison term. I wish he had told us a little more about the trial as he seems to assume it is fresh in the readers's memory. Imprisonment starts with 22 days in Bellmarch, a top security prison. Archer is the epitome of the stiff upper lip. He shows no airs and graces save for his fussiness over the prison food. He prefers to privately supplement a vegetarian diet. He collects the stories of fellow prisoners and makes a thoroughly entertaining story.
7. Purgatory: A Prison Diary Volume 2 (Prison Diaries)by Jeffrey Archer
In his second volume Archer is transferred from high security to a lower category prison, Wayland in Norfolk for 77 days . He should have been in an open prison but he was accused by Emma Nicholson, a fellow peer, of not properly using funds he had collected for Kurdish relief. There was no substance to the accusation but the investigation dragged on and because of it Archer suffered a tougher prison than was his desert. Archer is resilient and resourceful disciplining himself to continue writing just as he would do when free. His is a frank portrayal of the realities of prison life with its idiosyncratic rules. Among his fellow inmates, a Colombian manages to get him a bargain emerald for his wife's Christmas present but he fails to supply a sought after piece of modern art. Archer keeps busy in the gym and with his writing. The extent of drug abuse appalls him.
8. Heaven (Prison Diary) by Jeffrey Archer
Finally transferred to an open prison Archer completes 636 remaining days his sentence in a more relaxed regime until he unwittingly breaks the conditions of a home visit. At the insistence of home secretary Blunkett, who seemed to believe tabloid untruths about Archer receiving preferential treatment, he is sent to the harsher regime of Lincoln until after 23 days an enquiry shows the prison service at fault.
Archer is shown to have received a far harsher sentence than is normal or his crime. but supposed friends who could have exposed judicial prejudice against him, refused to testify. One finishes these volumes with a lot of respect for Archer and his ability to endure adversity.
One learns you cannot escape from an open prison, only abscond, and some do even when nearing completion of sentence. Another surprise is the number of murdererd qualifying for open prison. Most will have killed family members and are no longer seen as a threat to others.
9. Three Stories: "Father! Father! Burning Bright", "The Clothes They Stood Up In", "The Laying on of Hands" by Alan Bennett
These are three clever stories as well written as you expect from this gifted author. However I think they are spoiled by two things. When you stop and think about them they are three unlikely tales, not realistic in any world I recognise. Secondly they all have a strong sexual theme. Some people seem obsessed by sex. Does it really loom large when one is visiting a dying father?
10. Ann Widdecombe: Right from the Beginning by Nick Kochan
Anne Widdicombe is the most prominent professed Christian in the Conservative Party.Here we learn the family, education and faith backgrounds that have influenced her. She is a very strong character not afraid to be in a minority from early years when she stood out as a protestant in a Roman catholic convent school. She read classics at Birmingham then went to Oxford where Union debates seem to have been more important than academic concerns. Her debating skills meant she was noticed but she had to fight prejudice and two unwinnable by elections before being offered a safe seat. When an MP, her progress was hindered by her principled pro-life stand. Thatcher's government ignored her promise because of her passion against abortion. Major promoted her but when she became a minister in was in Howard's home office where she was prisons minister and her boss was at loggerheads with Derek Lewis, director of prisons. Anne believed Lewis was unfairly dismissed by Howard. She was close to resignation but her moment of vindication was delayed until Major stepped down. Her speech in the Commons and saying there was something of the night about Howard meant he was not the man to lead after Major. This book ends in 2000 with Anne as shadow home secretary.
We also learn that Anne's faith went from a strong evangelical one to a time of seeming agnosticism. Then after rediscovery of faith she was increasingly critical ot the lack of a clear witness from the Church of England. When the general Synod went for the ordination of women it was too much for Anne. She left Anglicanism and soon became Roman Catholic. It was an ecclesiastical U trn which one could not envisage her doing politically.
Here we have a strong, warm hearted woman who is fulfilled in her singleness. She shows you an be a Christian politician but inevitably it will involve some compromises you will make and others you will not. Climbing to the top of the pole is not the aim.
A fascinating study of a remarkable woman, surely the only public figure who is proud of virginity.
1. God in the Wasteland: The Reality of Truth in a World of Fading Dreams
by David F. Wells
Wells has written a good critique of the modern (American) church which has been squeezed into the mould of this world. He believes the church in an attempt to be popular, has compromised, become worldly, and lost its distinctiveness. his critique is addressed to the evangelical church even more than the liberal. He sees American Christianity as miles wide but inches deep. God has become weightless, unreal, immanent not transcendent. The church needs to return to proclaiming a holy, demanding God and his grace in Christ to a world obsessed with consumerism and personal choice.
The message is the right message but this is not an easy read. Wells is addressing church leaders or potential readers. it is a hard book for an average Christian as Wells does not win any prizes for gripping writing or style. Good but hard going. A lot of statistical surveying is appended to support his thesis. The post modern world needs the truth proclaimed by an uncompromising church.
2. Porridge and Passion: An Autobiography by Jonathan Aitken
It is very rare that one comes across non-fiction that is as hard to put down as a good thriller. This is a case where truth is much more gripping than fiction.
After I read Aitken's first autobiographical volume I heard him tell in a local church the story of his imprisonment in the first part of this book. He is a very gifted speaker and writer. You can see why he was a cabinet minister. His life was ruined by one mistake but his is a story of God's grace in adversity. His experience of prison is shocking and spellbinding.He had no extra privileges due to his former status only extra visitors and extra problems. Was any prisoner ever so mercilessly hounded by the press? No open prison wanted him because of the media interest. At best the press come across as intrusive, at worst downright corrupt in bribing prisoners to set Aitken up. No-one else has had an ex-con break into prison to photograph and interview him.
Throughout all these problems Aitken testifies to God's strengthening grace and a growing faith and knowledge of Christ. Aitken's Christian circles may not be every one's cup of tea as they include the charismatic and the Catholic but there is no doubt about his own faith and the reality of God at work in and through him.
This is a fascinating portrayal of what it is like to be imprisoned in both a high security and an open prison. By and large, with a few jobsworth officious exceptions, prison officers come out well. Their union does not.
Aitken's battles with his creditors are recorded, his family's support, the help of many friends, his theological studies and subsequent remarriage and budding literary career as well as his shunning by Conservative central office. Here you will find an education in rhyming slang and an encouragement to read more from this most gifted author.
3. The Mystery of Overend and Gurney: Adventures in the Victorian Financial Underworld by Geoffrey Elliott
The love of money is the root of all evil, so the Bible tells us as does Geoffrey Elliott. What else could have driven respected Quaker bankers to the worst financial collapse of the Victorian era?
This book is more than an account of financial failure in the City. The author sets his scene well with a history of banking and Quakerism at the time. Over their heads with bad debts the bank went public. The Gurneys lost a lot of money but were not ruined. Their investors were saddled with debt and one of the sued. The directors were found not guilty of issuing a fraudulent share prospectus.Here is a salutary warning to all investors.
The author writes well and introduces us to some of the wide boys of Victorian finance as well as respected Quakers. I read this because I married an Overend. We do have not established a line of descent but are pleased to know that when the collapse came, the founding Overend had long departed the ruined company.
4. America Alone: The End of the World as We Know It by Mark Steyn
Steyn is the most gifted and hard hitting author I have read on the Islamist challenge to the West. His writing is gripping and packs a punch. But he suffers from the usual pattern defect of all such books, long on telling us about the problem, very short on ideas to resolve it.
Steyn is the most pessimistic of authors concerning the problem in Europe. His view is that the demography shows that European countries are dying as we know them for the native European population is demographically doomed. It is not reproducing. It Ia addicted to social security and welfare. It needs immigration to maintain the economy and those immigrants are Muslims whose religion is a political force dedicated to world domination. Steyn thinks Europe has a suicidal multicultural ethic, one shared by his own native land, Canada. America alone stands against this trend with some pride in its culture. Well the conservative part of America does.
But what is the solution. Reproduce. Change the demography. He also wants fiscal breaks for families. Less government more personal responsibility is called for.He wants Islam reformed from inside bit does not tell us how this can be done. He wants a stop to infiltration of the West by Saudi financed Islamists and their propaganda when necessary.
I think Steyn is right about the battle but omits the best possible solution. The impact of peaceful Christian witness to Muslims to encourage them to leave their religion. Real Christians should live and speak in such a way that commends their faith and shows Muslims something better than their umma. Christian revival in the West will defeat a resurgent Islam. Secularism has no solution. We should also be producing larger families.
5. Oliver Cromwell by John Buchan
There is no parallel in history to this iron man of action whose consuming purpose was at all times the making of his soul.(p.525). This is Buchan's sympathetic summary of the most controversial man in English history.
This is a detailed biography of Oliver and his times. Oliver is evaluated as a man, soldier and political leader. Here is a unique leader who in one year in his forties went from captain of horse to major-general, a man who never lost a military battle. The account of his victory against the odds at Dunbar is particularly moving. Also related is that though his rule may be accounted a failure at home, abroad the prestige of England was enormously enhanced by Cromwell's foreign policies.
Buchan is critical of Cromwell at the two favorite points of the critics, Ireland and the execution of the king. I believe later scholarship has been less critical of the Irish campaign, denying the killing of civilians. Certainly there seems no contemporary criticism of a campaign which though harsh was not in breach of the standards of the time. It is the fact that Cromwell behaved with more mercy towards English and Scots which made the Irish campaign stand out. As to the king's death, the court may well have dubious legality but it was in Oliver's reputed words, a cruel necessity. Nothing else could have dealt with this duplicitous monarch whose most memorable accomplishment was the manner in which he faced death.
Buchan shows real understanding of Oliver's religion, his personal tenderness, his providentialism. It is a worthy story of God's Englishman.
6. A Prison Diary: Volume 1 - Hell by Jeffrey Archer
I have enjoyed Archer's fiction despite it being panned by journalists (envy?). His factual writing is just as good. This is his beginning a harsh four year prison term. I wish he had told us a little more about the trial as he seems to assume it is fresh in the readers's memory. Imprisonment starts with 22 days in Bellmarch, a top security prison. Archer is the epitome of the stiff upper lip. He shows no airs and graces save for his fussiness over the prison food. He prefers to privately supplement a vegetarian diet. He collects the stories of fellow prisoners and makes a thoroughly entertaining story.
7. Purgatory: A Prison Diary Volume 2 (Prison Diaries)by Jeffrey Archer
In his second volume Archer is transferred from high security to a lower category prison, Wayland in Norfolk for 77 days . He should have been in an open prison but he was accused by Emma Nicholson, a fellow peer, of not properly using funds he had collected for Kurdish relief. There was no substance to the accusation but the investigation dragged on and because of it Archer suffered a tougher prison than was his desert. Archer is resilient and resourceful disciplining himself to continue writing just as he would do when free. His is a frank portrayal of the realities of prison life with its idiosyncratic rules. Among his fellow inmates, a Colombian manages to get him a bargain emerald for his wife's Christmas present but he fails to supply a sought after piece of modern art. Archer keeps busy in the gym and with his writing. The extent of drug abuse appalls him.
8. Heaven (Prison Diary) by Jeffrey Archer
Finally transferred to an open prison Archer completes 636 remaining days his sentence in a more relaxed regime until he unwittingly breaks the conditions of a home visit. At the insistence of home secretary Blunkett, who seemed to believe tabloid untruths about Archer receiving preferential treatment, he is sent to the harsher regime of Lincoln until after 23 days an enquiry shows the prison service at fault.
Archer is shown to have received a far harsher sentence than is normal or his crime. but supposed friends who could have exposed judicial prejudice against him, refused to testify. One finishes these volumes with a lot of respect for Archer and his ability to endure adversity.
One learns you cannot escape from an open prison, only abscond, and some do even when nearing completion of sentence. Another surprise is the number of murdererd qualifying for open prison. Most will have killed family members and are no longer seen as a threat to others.
9. Three Stories: "Father! Father! Burning Bright", "The Clothes They Stood Up In", "The Laying on of Hands" by Alan Bennett
These are three clever stories as well written as you expect from this gifted author. However I think they are spoiled by two things. When you stop and think about them they are three unlikely tales, not realistic in any world I recognise. Secondly they all have a strong sexual theme. Some people seem obsessed by sex. Does it really loom large when one is visiting a dying father?
10. Ann Widdecombe: Right from the Beginning by Nick Kochan
Anne Widdicombe is the most prominent professed Christian in the Conservative Party.Here we learn the family, education and faith backgrounds that have influenced her. She is a very strong character not afraid to be in a minority from early years when she stood out as a protestant in a Roman catholic convent school. She read classics at Birmingham then went to Oxford where Union debates seem to have been more important than academic concerns. Her debating skills meant she was noticed but she had to fight prejudice and two unwinnable by elections before being offered a safe seat. When an MP, her progress was hindered by her principled pro-life stand. Thatcher's government ignored her promise because of her passion against abortion. Major promoted her but when she became a minister in was in Howard's home office where she was prisons minister and her boss was at loggerheads with Derek Lewis, director of prisons. Anne believed Lewis was unfairly dismissed by Howard. She was close to resignation but her moment of vindication was delayed until Major stepped down. Her speech in the Commons and saying there was something of the night about Howard meant he was not the man to lead after Major. This book ends in 2000 with Anne as shadow home secretary.
We also learn that Anne's faith went from a strong evangelical one to a time of seeming agnosticism. Then after rediscovery of faith she was increasingly critical ot the lack of a clear witness from the Church of England. When the general Synod went for the ordination of women it was too much for Anne. She left Anglicanism and soon became Roman Catholic. It was an ecclesiastical U trn which one could not envisage her doing politically.
Here we have a strong, warm hearted woman who is fulfilled in her singleness. She shows you an be a Christian politician but inevitably it will involve some compromises you will make and others you will not. Climbing to the top of the pole is not the aim.
A fascinating study of a remarkable woman, surely the only public figure who is proud of virginity.
Bumps
Rachel was due to give birth a week before Good Friday. here we are on Easter Day. Induction is due Tuesday if the baby does not decide to appear in the next two days.
We decided to compare bumps, the temporary and the permanent.
Post prandial snooze which I snapped after mine.
We decided to compare bumps, the temporary and the permanent.
Post prandial snooze which I snapped after mine.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
The Grand Hotel
Brighton front from the pier looking towards the Grand Hotel.
Here in October 1984 the IRA came close to killing Margaret Thatcher.Five people died and 34 were injured. Those killed were Anthony Berry MP, Roberta Wakeham, Eric Taylor, Muriel Maclean and Jeanne Shattock. It was the most dangerous plot against a government in England since 1605. Then Guy Fawkes and others were executed for treason. We are so much more civilised. The Irish bomber was sentenced to 35 years increased to his whole life by Michael Howard. Along comes Blair with his Good Friday Agreement and its supply of "Get out of jail free" cards. So after a mere 14 years of jail this murderer walks free and so he remains. What happened to justice? The people of Northern Ireland prefer peace to justice, being too tired of violence.
The BBC reports, The bomber, Patrick Magee, was trapped by fingerprints left during his stay at the Grand.
Sentenced to eight life sentences in 1986, but released under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement 14 years later, he recently said: "I stand by my actions."
"I was aware of flying through the air and then falling down," says conference organiser Harvey Thomas.
He was buried under 10 tons of rubble, with water pouring down on him from smashed storage tanks.
"I had no doubt at all that I was going to die for the first few moments," Mr Thomas says. With his wife heavily pregnant he thought he would never see his first child.
As it became more difficult to breathe, firemen heard his cries and he was pulled free with minor injuries.
Harvey Thomas, a committed Christian, is now friends with the bomber. "I wrote to Magee and said I wanted to forgive him, but I was not speaking for everyone else."
It took Mr Thomas 14 years to reach that stage and the pair first met two years later.
"It was awkward for him I think, but not for me because once you decide to forgive you no longer have the anger."
Harvey T is a gracious Christian.He takes seriously the command to forgive your enemies.However, no unrepentant person is forgiven by God and this Irish murderer in unrepentant. His day of jugdement will come. It is given to man once to die and after that .....
Brighton Pier
Brighton Pier was opened on May 20 1899. 
Brighton Pier from the front.
Looking east from Brighton Pier.
Katy and Sunday on the pier.
Brighton Pier from the front.
Looking east from Brighton Pier.
Katy and Sunday on the pier.
Brighton and Hove
Brighton Pavillion bullt by John Nash for George IV when Prince Regent.He became Prince Regent in 1811 when his father was thought to be mad, and was crowned in 1820. He died in 1830 leaving a rich art collection and an architectural legacy including Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Royal Pavilion. The Royal Pavilion grew over 35 years from a simple farmhouse to a spectacular palace. In 1787 Henry Holland extended the original farmhouse into a neo-classical building know as the 'Marine Pavilion'.From 1815-1823 John Nash used new technology to transform the Pavilion into the Indian style building that exists today. He enlarged the building and added the domes and minarets that characterise his design by superimposing a cast iron framework over Holland's Marine Pavilion.
Kay and Sunday. a student from Nigeria visiting us via HOST. HOST links oveseas students with families offering hospitality. We have had students from Germany, Gambia, Nigeria,Indonesia, Hong Kong and China.
Lunch on the shingle beach at Hove looking towards Brighton. Brighthelmstone (as Brighton was originally called) was transformed from a small fishing town into a fashionable resort in the mid 18th century through the discovery of the therapeutic effects of bathing in and drinking sea water. The success of this cure, promoted by Dr Richard Russell, drew fashionable society to the town to take the waters.
As Prince of Wales, George IV first visited Brighton in 1783, aged 21, partly on the recommendation of his doctors who thought that the sea water might ease the swellings in the glands of his neck. He also found the relaxed atmosphere of the town a welcome relief from the constraints of the staid and stifling court of his father, George III.
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