Ironic?

... certainly poignant for those who've lost theirs.

Stunning writing by Dave Bookless, A Rocha

The latest A Rocha magazine is out - and it contains a stunning piece of writing by Dave Bookless (co-founder of A Rocha UK) about good leadership and healthy life. We can all learn from this candid account of tough choices.

Among his thoughtful points Dave says

... there is a painful sense of erosion in stepping back from leadership

and

Whilst I've been speaking about God's call to get deeply stuck into the places where He plants us, I have been losing touch with the place and people to which God has called me.

(It's the Spring 2009 edition - not yet on the A Rocha UK website.)

Lloyds TSB decision about Gaza relief organization

This information about a decision by Lloyds TSB is 2 months old.

It really took me by surprise when I stumbled on it just now.

advent

One worth sharing ...

made Vice-President by bloggers

Interesting Media Show on R4 today. But then I'm interested in media.

Is new media important? Well Sarah Palin might vote in favour!

The interview with Andy Brickley, whose blog was instrumental in getting Palin known and loved, introduced a blogger with a well-researched and very focused approach.

Now what is it that I want to achieve ...

unexpected social commentary

I've heard that Jay-Z is one of the most successful and creative hip-hop artists of all time. All I knew until Friday night was that his appearance at this year's Glastonbury sparked controversy, so while I was blobbing in front of the TV on Friday evening I stayed up to watch a documentary on BBC2 about the making of one of Jay-Z's albums ~ and I'm glad I did. [Part of a series on Classic Albums directed by Jeremy Marre - this one available on DVD]

His remarkable rise to fame was heralded by his first album Reasonable Doubt, released in 1996, which broke new ground for rap, telling the bittersweet story of a Brooklyn street hustler with striking, coded lyrics supported by rich soul samples. Jay-Z chose this to be his Classic Album because of the power of its music and the disturbing story it tells.

I was fascinated by the story it tells. I'm intrigued by the passionate enthusiasm of thousands of people for his music which, though I appreciate it intellectually, gives me only a murmur of aesthetic enjoyment. Most of all, I was captivated by the social commentary that Jay-Z gives.

trains and boats and planes, cars and buses - door to door!

Just came across this ...





It looks great - well put-together, easy to use.