tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9723107573309313912024-02-07T05:28:28.042+00:00That Theology Studentsome humour // some faith // some humility // some GodDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13823423964264196374noreply@blogger.comBlogger369125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972310757330931391.post-47506084771849378612011-10-11T10:07:00.002+01:002011-10-11T10:07:41.449+01:00Rumours of my demise...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
...were pretty much bang on true, but I've got a thing or two more to say.<br />
<br />
Those heading over here from <a href="http://www.christiannewmedia.com/">Christian New Media</a>, or <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/LSTheology">@LSTheology</a>, thank you! Feel free to read through my old stuff. It passes the time really well, but then, I really like what I write, so, I would find that. I hope you enjoy your perusal.<br />
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But eventually, head on over to <a href="http://thisisnotimportant.co.uk/">This Is Not Important</a> for my new stuff, and my 4 step plan for world domination. You'll just have to search REALLY hard for that last bit.<br />
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Thanks, and I look forward to seeing you at my new place.</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13823423964264196374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972310757330931391.post-31048552299787515272011-10-10T12:11:00.002+01:002011-10-10T12:11:39.973+01:00This Is No Longer Important<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
Well, the death knell sounds for That Theology Student. Thank you for all your support, love, kindness, and comments.<br />
<br />
However, I promised I wouldn't leave you without a helper - or, another blog in which to read the things I think about stuff. Clicking <a href="http://thisisnotimportant.co.uk/">here will take you there</a>, and here's a pretty little screen shot of it:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrdvL5JBL0tw4wNgfUwoONl42FmADXwggtvhkQQOAFPsPS0dcj4xyOFoGY_83FZGi-Y8cR1Jct9scTEsytwNsomCTl-9t_ISKsz7Zz4_ehgEqyLVhztZS8iSEWyPR-r1fGaiyekTYbGM/s640/Picture+9.png" width="540" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Thank you once again. It's been fun.</span></div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13823423964264196374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972310757330931391.post-10005208673407033462011-10-05T23:29:00.000+01:002011-10-05T23:29:44.965+01:00The Wrong Buttons<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This was genuinely thought up somewhere between sleeping and waking this morning. How my mind thought that giant foam hands were a good punchline at that hour of the morning I've no idea.<br />
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--<br />
<br />
In some more serious news, I didn't get into the finals of the Christian New Media Awards. I wasn't expecting to, considering the majority of my output has been drawings of stick people of late.<br />
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But this, I think, is the catalyst for change. Change that will probably mean the end of That Theology Student. However, do not despair! I shan't leave you without my words of wisdom or inane crappery. There are some exciting new blog plans afoot, so keep your eyes peeled.<br /><br />Or, just, y'know, watch out for when I next post something. No need for peeling eyes, I guess.</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13823423964264196374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972310757330931391.post-60522290110444629842011-10-03T22:50:00.001+01:002011-10-03T22:50:29.613+01:00Irritated Jesus<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Yesterday, my friend James and I were discussing the various possibilities of Jesus' irritation at his disciples/religious leaders/fools, etc. Obviously, Jesus got LOADS of stones in his sandals...</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13823423964264196374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972310757330931391.post-81133377306446263882011-10-03T21:54:00.001+01:002011-10-03T21:54:40.728+01:00Shortcuts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Yeah, take that, arbitrary 58 minute journey cut down to 40. I win.</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13823423964264196374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972310757330931391.post-91729666890768217942011-10-02T01:26:00.001+01:002011-10-02T01:26:49.988+01:00There Is No Spoon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This perhaps sounds a little dramatic, but you know those times when you're not bursting with spiritual fervour, and every Bible reading or prayer seems like a massive act of faith?<br />
<br />
That.<br />
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However, I think I like it here. It means that when God shows up in a lyric, or a kind word or an old friendship, he's much more real. Church and Christianity are merely conduits to God's relationship with us, not the relationship itself.</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13823423964264196374noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972310757330931391.post-53449142365420991622011-09-30T13:12:00.000+01:002011-09-30T13:14:38.186+01:00I still don't do Taxes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Inevitability has this way of making us remember it. Monday morning has an inevitability about it, and makes us grow strangely cold at various points on Sunday evening. Growing old/growing slower/<a href="http://thattheologystudent.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-have-dream.html">not becoming a professional footballer</a> are all inevitable, and every so often we're reminded - by younger, hipper (yes, exactly) and fitter friends, or by our bodies as they creak and moan at every movement. Manchester United winning is inevitable, and just something that we fans who actually live vaguely near the team we support will have to put up with.<br />
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Death, however, despite it being the most inevitable thing there is, has a tendency to be forgotten about.<br />
<br />
Recently I seem to have been affected by death, but in a way that is slightly removed from myself. My neighbour died - I knew him to say hello to, but we weren't close. My sister-in-law's best friend's husband died. I don't think I had ever met him, but I know how sad this is for everyone involved. Even the normally chipper Matthew Paul Turner of <a href="http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/">Jesus Needs New PR</a> is currently writing a series of pieces about a friend who died this weekend of a terminal illness.<br />
<br />
I'm not a massive fan of death. It tends to ruin things, like families, and relationships and happiness. It's all pervading: there's an overwhelming sense of sadness, and when you escape the sadness for a moment, when you remember again, it hits you twice as hard between the eyes.<br />
<br />
I remember my first real taste of death. I was about 13, and a friend's father had died. I didn't know him, and I hardly knew her. But the complete unfairness of it all was apparent to me. I sat on my chair in my room and cried. A lot. How could something so horrific and complete happen?<br />
<br />
Somehow, we forget that death is inevitable. It may be that the progression of modern medicine has put the actuality of death so far into the future that we've forgotten the potency it possesses. It may be that the fear of death has taken hold and we try and push death as far away as possible. It may be the fact that life is usually quite long - whoever said life was short, they were wrong: it's the longest thing you'll ever do - that means that death is not often thought of when it can be avoided.<br />
<br />
But death is inevitable.<br />
<br />
It has been documented that I've been <a href="http://thattheologystudent.blogspot.com/2011/09/harry-potter-and-pinnacle-of-evil.html">enjoying Harry Potter lately</a>. The final book comes to an end when Harry - and if you haven't read/seen it yet, sucks to be you - approaches death willingly; not without fear, but with courage; and in willingly sacrificing himself, lives. The crucial difference between the character of Harry and Lord Voldemort is that Voldemort is looking to live forever - his life's work is to make himself immortal.<br />
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Yet, death is not something to fear. I struggle writing that sentence because it IS. It's horrible, painful, undignified and messy. It leaves gaping holes in hearts and rips lives apart.<br />
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But there is this hope that something greater than death is at work, and I cling to that hope like a drowning man, because otherwise, life is meaningless.<br />
<br />
<i>We were sons of insurrection, doomed to face the dark alone, </i><br />
<i>'Till vicarious perfection, dearly won, was made our own. </i><br />
<i>So where's your landslide, where's your victory? </i><br />
<i>Tell me now, where's your sting? </i><br />
<i>Unassailable you waited, the great enemy of man, </i><br />
<i>'till your awful jaws were sated, and we were ransomed from your hand. </i><br />
<i>Now that you have been disarmed, we will cross over unharmed.</i><br />
<b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Tf-tpc-vaQ">Thrice, Major/Minor, 'Disarmed'</a></b></div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13823423964264196374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972310757330931391.post-54904307438115073322011-09-30T00:15:00.001+01:002011-09-30T00:15:47.665+01:00Not funny, but true<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13823423964264196374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972310757330931391.post-5482684434315520702011-09-29T00:26:00.001+01:002011-09-29T00:26:24.218+01:00Grammar Went To Plot<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This is a brief excerpt from a genuine conversation I had, where the suggestion that wasps sleep at night was quickly denounced with the claim that they don't sleep, but in fact plot our downfall.</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13823423964264196374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972310757330931391.post-64248291049127966542011-09-27T23:53:00.001+01:002011-09-27T23:53:10.781+01:00The Cereal Monster<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The worst bit was that it happened both times that I ate cereal today. And no, I'm not going to justify eating cereal twice, because I don't have to.</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13823423964264196374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972310757330931391.post-21559816611802295082011-09-27T00:08:00.000+01:002011-09-27T00:08:49.791+01:00Going all graph on yo' ass...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This, of course, is a joke. I take no responsibility for you all going out, getting drunk, and singing loudly. I'm merely reporting the facts from my scientifically accurate survey made up in my head.</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13823423964264196374noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972310757330931391.post-54639017828797172802011-09-26T00:58:00.001+01:002011-09-26T00:58:39.171+01:00Busyness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13823423964264196374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972310757330931391.post-80510198492227012032011-09-25T14:48:00.000+01:002011-09-25T14:48:57.161+01:00Two Hail Marys and a Picture Of The Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Confession is an idea that fascinates me. It's so alien to me, as a confused Protestant/closet charismatic/trying follower of Jesus, that it has a certain aura about it.<br />
<br />
In a recent conversation at a wedding, my rather outspoken and controversial friend Barney suggested that asking God for forgiveness every time we do something wrong is unbiblical. There's no precedent for it in the New Testament, but there is an understanding that the sacrifice of Jesus covers all sins - we are already forgiven, end of.<br />
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1 John claims that if we confess our sins, God will forgive us. It makes no mention of asking for forgiveness in order to be forgiven. And does 'God will forgive us' appertain to what will happen in that moment? What will happen at the end of time? What is happening outside of time now?<br />
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I don't rightly know the answers, and feel free to argue it out down below. However, I do know two things: I am a sinner, and I am forgiven. Somehow, those things work out, and God must take the credit.</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13823423964264196374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972310757330931391.post-78708868422610016712011-09-22T23:13:00.005+01:002011-09-22T23:13:56.705+01:00Dreaming<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I think, considering I've only been doing this a week, that dreaming about the marginally funny things I could draw is a little optimistic. And a little odd too.<br />
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I really should get a hobby. Like, I dunno, blogging.</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13823423964264196374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972310757330931391.post-46731978459112975902011-09-21T23:20:00.000+01:002011-09-21T23:20:37.398+01:00Change?!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYVKj9KP3hYeNVfy1h-WvjiIz2E-XdvLgx9TOXfiOihtNUAdUfw4y76gpYMhDRYlzdLi66dU0LxhZYgkg1u2mM5DsWhSY83eLJoJFfG-GoWZDjy3d6AdNODRO6o50BKbEURMAIVLLdVg/s1600/DSC_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYVKj9KP3hYeNVfy1h-WvjiIz2E-XdvLgx9TOXfiOihtNUAdUfw4y76gpYMhDRYlzdLi66dU0LxhZYgkg1u2mM5DsWhSY83eLJoJFfG-GoWZDjy3d6AdNODRO6o50BKbEURMAIVLLdVg/s640/DSC_0099.JPG" width="540" /></a></div>
The weird thing is, I'm completely against the changes. I suspect, if I had my way, I'd probably take Facebook back to about 2009 and simpler times. Is it possible to have an opinion regarding the changes on Facebook, AND be a Luddite at the same time? If so, I am.</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13823423964264196374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972310757330931391.post-83011413879361381392011-09-20T23:59:00.001+01:002011-09-20T23:59:57.821+01:00Well, I guess this is growing up...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizELzQim0dsURJ1b1aUp2l498B21HoXllu5IO-YEdHawvbtO20VoiLmBgBhnfwPmP4k1yjn3W3j0__MlL6xdMv3KA0RG12KJputP-8akYlPYTGrYYp13LdjJlKAp-3kof0ratpsyLmJ5I/s1600/DSC_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizELzQim0dsURJ1b1aUp2l498B21HoXllu5IO-YEdHawvbtO20VoiLmBgBhnfwPmP4k1yjn3W3j0__MlL6xdMv3KA0RG12KJputP-8akYlPYTGrYYp13LdjJlKAp-3kof0ratpsyLmJ5I/s640/DSC_0098.JPG" width="540" /></a></div>
Growing up is slightly odd, particularly when you have a memory like mine. I walk down certain roads, and recognise houses of acquaintances I once knew in primary school, or places that I spent many childhood hours doing nothing in particular.<br />
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I'm now 23, and I still don't quite feel like I fit the bill of a 23 year old. There's something a little unsettling about coming back to the house you grew up in. Everything has changed, and nothing has changed, just like the woods. It's still the same woods as 15 years ago, and I recognise trees and hideouts like it was yesterday. But it's not the same. Everything has moved on.</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13823423964264196374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972310757330931391.post-64262252046078036742011-09-19T23:37:00.002+01:002011-09-19T23:37:44.932+01:00Some friends and stuff...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You may have spotted that I'm doing daily pictures. This is down to a lovely friend of mine, called <a href="http://miriamkendrick.wordpress.com/">Miriam</a> who actually draws pretty things daily; and my own stubbornness. I definitely doubted if I could do it. Admittedly I've done less than a week. But that's about as regular as you can get around here. I'll write some stuff soon, too.<div>
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I would also strongly recommend you go over to <a href="http://thegeneraldance.tumblr.com/">The General Dance</a> for thoughts much cleverer than mine. Also, Tim has just finished his MA, to much general applause and admiration, so it's entirely fitting to ask him when he's going to write his PhD. He REALLY likes that.* </div>
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*He doesn't.</div>
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A minor piece of admin: I've changed the comments to moderated. It's not because I think I'm about to get a stream of vitriol, but because I'm getting a bit of spam. So, keep on commenting! However, I will only let the nice ones through. I am entirely bribable. </div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13823423964264196374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972310757330931391.post-51418170711832408082011-09-19T23:19:00.000+01:002011-09-19T23:19:58.151+01:00Frustration<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6r2GpuU6b5S_w6wnjhnbIvoU8d6m0618Ct-y8nTOwUuB_Pr7s0mGt_T6rjriudznhtDLwCpTk7J5UQyKJGZEmT-AMwYlQ_fEjxpGBfKe6RMkXRBFkA1sKbcoNVhBX555Z6bmlia46HU0/s1600/DSC_0097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6r2GpuU6b5S_w6wnjhnbIvoU8d6m0618Ct-y8nTOwUuB_Pr7s0mGt_T6rjriudznhtDLwCpTk7J5UQyKJGZEmT-AMwYlQ_fEjxpGBfKe6RMkXRBFkA1sKbcoNVhBX555Z6bmlia46HU0/s640/DSC_0097.JPG" width="540" /></a></div>
This doesn't really need an explanation... </div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13823423964264196374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972310757330931391.post-79133387697125155652011-09-19T00:56:00.000+01:002011-09-19T00:56:08.976+01:00Strawberry Jam<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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You may think this disproportionate. However, you don't know how much I like strawberry jam.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2U1LsjiZ3P-xHSQLYAzpmijq-rpQqniImqFO7qXva984r8gi8nsECgIu86zdLnPUuQD5QYUnh9SSPiu8Sj4wqE5AlKc23YARY-U-zuCCcEASCr5fWdjK5B5NL-9TTbjuGIxdnfdmsQYE/s1600/DSC_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><br /><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2U1LsjiZ3P-xHSQLYAzpmijq-rpQqniImqFO7qXva984r8gi8nsECgIu86zdLnPUuQD5QYUnh9SSPiu8Sj4wqE5AlKc23YARY-U-zuCCcEASCr5fWdjK5B5NL-9TTbjuGIxdnfdmsQYE/s400/DSC_0094.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13823423964264196374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972310757330931391.post-77558954275755543042011-09-18T00:58:00.001+01:002011-09-18T00:58:27.624+01:00Some cider inside her insides...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Sorry for the wonky. I'm really tired...</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8AAA5kPwbvI-eQ6h2z0UJ6Eq8jyYlROCFny-pHdZGvgJTQPE90XShxd5VMgohWzj3XxYiqkYWjudc84ET3R19JN5Zn8io-BYM2SagnfP8ZiYVtpZ-mYdXMDRK3lTqtlJRpu9VCdJ3w4/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8AAA5kPwbvI-eQ6h2z0UJ6Eq8jyYlROCFny-pHdZGvgJTQPE90XShxd5VMgohWzj3XxYiqkYWjudc84ET3R19JN5Zn8io-BYM2SagnfP8ZiYVtpZ-mYdXMDRK3lTqtlJRpu9VCdJ3w4/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8AAA5kPwbvI-eQ6h2z0UJ6Eq8jyYlROCFny-pHdZGvgJTQPE90XShxd5VMgohWzj3XxYiqkYWjudc84ET3R19JN5Zn8io-BYM2SagnfP8ZiYVtpZ-mYdXMDRK3lTqtlJRpu9VCdJ3w4/s400/DSC_0093.JPG" width="460" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8AAA5kPwbvI-eQ6h2z0UJ6Eq8jyYlROCFny-pHdZGvgJTQPE90XShxd5VMgohWzj3XxYiqkYWjudc84ET3R19JN5Zn8io-BYM2SagnfP8ZiYVtpZ-mYdXMDRK3lTqtlJRpu9VCdJ3w4/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8AAA5kPwbvI-eQ6h2z0UJ6Eq8jyYlROCFny-pHdZGvgJTQPE90XShxd5VMgohWzj3XxYiqkYWjudc84ET3R19JN5Zn8io-BYM2SagnfP8ZiYVtpZ-mYdXMDRK3lTqtlJRpu9VCdJ3w4/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8AAA5kPwbvI-eQ6h2z0UJ6Eq8jyYlROCFny-pHdZGvgJTQPE90XShxd5VMgohWzj3XxYiqkYWjudc84ET3R19JN5Zn8io-BYM2SagnfP8ZiYVtpZ-mYdXMDRK3lTqtlJRpu9VCdJ3w4/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8AAA5kPwbvI-eQ6h2z0UJ6Eq8jyYlROCFny-pHdZGvgJTQPE90XShxd5VMgohWzj3XxYiqkYWjudc84ET3R19JN5Zn8io-BYM2SagnfP8ZiYVtpZ-mYdXMDRK3lTqtlJRpu9VCdJ3w4/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13823423964264196374noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972310757330931391.post-29493481626092162072011-09-17T00:26:00.001+01:002011-09-17T00:26:23.831+01:00Harry Potter and the Pinnacle of Evil<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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These last two months, I have read every Harry Potter book, listened to Stephen Fry reading most of the books, and seen the first four films. Rather boringly, I've not backslidden once.</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13823423964264196374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972310757330931391.post-75420400427747024862011-09-15T22:25:00.000+01:002011-09-15T22:26:29.191+01:00Picture of the Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This is a picture about my day. Enjoy.</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13823423964264196374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972310757330931391.post-23892415677178693592011-09-14T21:46:00.005+01:002011-09-14T21:53:11.597+01:00It's like magic...<img src="http://i.picasion.com/pic44/54a159d0b71d6885df8ebcb1d6a13ff2.gif" width="440" height="340" border="0" /><br /><div><br /></div><div>I painted one of my walls with blackboard paint the other day. The lovely <a href="http://miriamkendrick.wordpress.com/">Miriam</a> (she of incredibly good art and sultry ginger hair) suggested a draw a picture a day. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is my first offering.</div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13823423964264196374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972310757330931391.post-16993380364580101912011-09-14T00:03:00.005+01:002011-09-14T10:49:52.451+01:00Review: 31 Days to Find Your Blogging Mojo<a href="http://31daystomojo.com/graphic.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 241px; height: 285px;" src="http://31daystomojo.com/graphic.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://bryanallain.com/">Bryan Allain</a> is, according to his own estimation, a 'Humor Writer, Blogging Coach, [and] Mammal'. I asked very sweetly if I could review his new book, 31 Days to Find Your Blogging Mojo, which, wins plus points for using the word 'mojo' in the title, and almost loses them again by being quite long-winded to say.</div><div><br /></div><div>The basic essence of the book is that Bryan reckons 31 days of consistent effort on a blog - thinking creatively, editing, changing, and focussing your writing, will 'create lasting change'. The book is split into 31 chapters of a couple of pages each, every chapter taking a subject and expounding upon its importance to your blog. Not only that, Bryan then suggests an action (Today's Mojo Action) which helps focus the subject into practical suggestions to help you find your 'Blogging Mojo.'</div><div><br /></div><div>There are pros and cons to the book. The most obvious thing to say is a positive: it's really very helpful. Having read the book quite quickly over two days, there's a lot that I'm sure I'll go back and read, digesting and responding to the action points. One could argue that what he has said is nothing new - you could pick up his suggestions from elsewhere, by being astute and reading blogs - but the crucial things here are the facts that a) it all comes together in one book, and b) the presentation. Bryan writes in a very colloquial style: easy to read and understand. I don't particularly find his brand of humour hilarious - part of me wonders if the humour in the book doesn't translate particularly well to the British psyche - but that doesn't stop how he writes being enjoyable to read, and simple to comprehend. Unfortunately, between chapters/days, Bryan inserts some of his humour material from his blog; unrelated and often odd. This jars a bit, and feels a little like filler. However, that aside, the actual material for the book sits well together, and genuinely feels like you're making a progression.</div><div><br /></div><div>I guess the crucial question is this: would I change my blog after reading this book? Yes, I would. And I would recommend that you read it, and change your blog too. Or start a blog. This book is ideal for all levels of bloggers, beginners or old hands. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you really want to blog to the best of your ability, but aren't quite sure how, this book is a great buy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Find it at <a href="http://www.31daystomojo.com/">31daystomojo.com</a>, or as an e-book for Kindle from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Days-Finding-Your-Blogging-ebook/dp/B005MGUFX4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315838806&sr=8-1">Amazon</a>.</div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13823423964264196374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-972310757330931391.post-17946983905230672312011-08-29T14:14:00.007+01:002011-08-29T17:29:04.794+01:00How I Was MuggedI was mugged by a nice man in a green top the other day. His name was Tom. He carried an umbrella (for it was raining) and had tousled hair. He spoke eloquently and quite quickly, and in the brief meeting we had, he managed to exact £8.50 from me.<div>
<br /></div><div>I left feeling demoralised and guilty, such a fool for giving away my money, hating myself for not doing more to put up a fight, to protect my hard earned cash. I've recently become unemployed, and yet, I gave up £8.50 with a whimper and a desperate urge to get away from the scene of the crime as soon as possible.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Of course, I refer to a charity mugging, and the fact that I'm now giving £8.50 to the NSPCC so they can continue to run Childline, which is understaffed - a third of calls from lonely or abused children don't get through. Undoubtedly, this is a good and worthwhile cause. In some of my forays into youthwork, I've seen the impact of abuse upon children: neglected, vacant, over-sexualised, raucous and uncontrollable. It is obvious that Childline has been, and is, a valuable asset in this country for children wanting to break those cycles of abuse. So why on earth was I so reticent to give my money away? I think there are a few options:</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>1) I'm a fundamentally bad person.</b> This is a possibility. I sometimes want drivers in souped up cars to crash, or people who give bad customer service to eat something unpleasant. However, I'm not so evil as to want children to keep on being abused.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>2) I'm a very poor person.</b> This is nearer the truth. I'm unemployed, and have no income. But poor? So poor as to not afford £8.50 a month (what's that, lunch and a pint of cider?) to help stop the neglect, physical or sexual abuse of defenceless children? That's entirely untrue.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>3) I don't like giving.</b> Linking to no. 3, I don't have an income, so giving money away is rather hazardous. One has to be particularly careful that the money you have doesn't become the money you DID have, too quickly. But I'm fine with giving disproportionately. I'm very fortunate to come from a safe and plentiful home, but I know that others aren't. What I have can easily aid those who do not have. Giving is not the problem.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>4) I dislike being made to feel guilty for who I do or do not give to.</b> This, I think, is the main reason why I did not want to give money to the entirely just cause of the NSPCC. (Possibly along with being a fundamentally bad person. But mainly the guilt thing.) I only stopped on Friday because Tom smiled nicely, and I usually feel sorry for those guys. But stopping was my mistake. I was never going to walk away from him, for fear of being deemed impolite. He then pulled out all the stops: "I give to 8 charities." "A mother with three kids gave without hesitating earlier, and yet people who earn 10 times as much don't give us the time of day." "These children are the future, and yet we're reticent to give the equivalent of a round at the pub." All these things may be true, they may be lies - in some ways, that's not the point. The point is the effect they create: guilt on the part of the listener. Now, does guilt imply that I'm guilty? Certainly, I've never given to the NSPCC or Childline before. However, does my other giving of my money, time and talents, particularly in relation to the children's and youth work that I've done, assuage my guilt? Not in the mind of the collector. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>It's sad, that in this day and age of plenty (which, let's not kid ourselves, it is) we have to be guilt-tripped into giving money. It seems to be the only viable way of charities collecting money - I know it well, I've worked for a church. People generally only respond to appeals for money when they feel a little bit guilty about not doing so. So we walk away from the situation guilty for not originally giving money, guilty for apparently lying ("I'm unemployed and can't really afford it"), guilty for giving up your money when you didn't mean to, and £8.50 poorer.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Yet until we all become a) truly generous, or b) Marxist, I guess we'll have to put up with the guilt, the garish t-shirts, and the misery that is giving to charity. </div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13823423964264196374noreply@blogger.com2