Two pieces of excitment

Apologies for the lack of posts recently this is due to the first piece of exciting news. Rhea's disorderly meanderings are all being packed into boxes (provided by the very helpfully titled helpineedboxes.com) and we're going on a journey into the west (well a little more west than we are now). Normal service shall hopefully be resumed in a couple of weeks when said boxes have all been unpacked again to make our new empty spacious abode all cluttered and homely.

The second piece of very exciting news greeted me this evening as I picked up our copy of Sky Magazine from the door mat (apologies for those without satellite/cable but I'm sure it will make it to terrestrial eventually) and I was even more excited (so much so, speech left me for a moment) when I opened it up and read the following ...

... (blimey that was a bit of a Douglas Adams sentence) ...

Terry Pratchett's book Hogfather has been made into a Christmas TV Special showing on Sky on 17th and 18th December!

Huh? What do you mean, "so?"

Sheesh, you people.

Wrong to be Atheist

Dr John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York, has attacked public atheism.

In a report released earlier this week, Dr Williams (Archbishop of Canterbury) and Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor (Catholic leader) said:
“Many secularist commentators argue that the growing role of faith in society represents a dangerous development. However, they fail to recognise that public atheism is itself an intolerant faith position. If we pay attention to what is actually happening in the United Kingdom and beyond, we will see that religiously inspired public engagement need not be sectarian and can, in fact, be radically inclusive. This report argues that faith is not just important for human flourishing and the renewal of society but that society can only flourish if faith is given space to makes its contribution and its challenge."

'The Theos report attacks institutional atheism and argues against consigning faith to the private sphere. It claims that religion will play an increasingly significant role in the UK due to three trends: the return of civil society; the pursuit of happiness; the politics of identity.' (source)

Surely Drs Sentamu, Williams et al are being just as intolerant towards those who are secular, atheist, agnostic, etc?

I feel that it is appropriate to question the position of religion in public life. As a humanist, I strongly contest the idea that we need religion for society to be civil and happy. We need politicians, educators and law makers to be innovative, thoughtful and creative. We need enlightened citizens who care more about their responsibilities than their rights.

The journey wouldn't be easy but the destination would be worth it.

Remember, remember ...

... the fifth of November.

How could I forget?

It seems like I'm the only person not celebrating Guy Fawkes Night lets make a fffff-flippin' big noise Night in my neighbourhood.

It's not that I don't think it should be celebrated but I'm fed up of jumping out
of my skin every five minutes at explosions that would be more at home in a war zone.

Harrumph.

It's Christmas!!!

Well, no actually it's not. It's the third day of November ....

... so why, when I turned the tv on today, was I greeted by Wizzard screaming at me whilst images of suitable Christmas presents flashed on screen?

I adore Christmas. Around the middle of December, my mental age reverts to six years old. I love the seasonal images, foods, music and scents. I enjoy decorating our home and spending time with those for whom I care. I also like spending time choosing appropriate and hopefully well received gifts for family and friends.

Christmas for me is no longer a celebration of someone's birth but instead is the satisfaction of a deep seated human need for a little light and cheer in the depth of winter.

But I really wish that retailers didn't push the start of Christmas earlier and earlier each year. And instead of making sure little Johnny has the latest console with more games he can possibly play, I wish some of that money could be diverted to more philanthropic activities.

Hey ho ... or should that be ho, ho, ho?