Bits and Pieces

When a Pastime Becomes Quality Time

2013-05-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

Being back in the UK has enabled me to return to one of my favourite activities - Sports-Fishing in lakes and rivers with my buddy (son) and very talented angler, Matthew.

A day spent with Mattie on the banks of river or on an idyllic old manor lake such as Old Bury Hill, is a day well spent. In fact I can't think of anything I'd rather do.

Mattie and I get the chance to talk for hours, interrupted only by the frequent landing of fish and Mattie's desire to feed the many water fowl around, such as Mallard ducks, Canadian geese, coots, moor-hens and swans.

Yesterday I woke up at 5:15 (earlier than on a normal working day) to get ready for the 30 mile drive to our favourite lake, Old Bury Hill. At 5:35 Mattie rang my mobile just to make sure I hadn't overslept. By 7:00 we were ready to start fishing.

Old Bury Hill lake - Dorking, Surrey

It wasn't long before Mattie got into the thick of the action - and went on to catch around 20 sizable fish (twice as many as I did). Mattie has obviously picked up his angling skills from...er...me!

From a dozen bream...

...to a few carp...

...and a tench, made it the "first" time this pupil has beat his teacher. Needless to say I was delighted for him.

While on the subject of angling and just before anyone wishes to criticize the sport, I would like to remind you that fishing is NOT a cruel activity. Research shows, beyond all reasonable doubt, that fish do not suffer any adverse effects from being landed and released by sports anglers. There are many reports of the same fish being caught by different anglers on the same day, proving the fish have not suffered any trauma and resumed normal activity soon after being released. A fish's mouth is it's tool and strongest part of the body. The tiny pin prick caused by the hook is not detrimental to it's well being. If fish felt pain when hooked they would not pull against the hook and increase pressure. A bull or cow will follow whoever is pulling it by the rope attached to it's nose-ring - because it feels pain or discomfort if it doesn't. The very opposite of a hooked fish's reaction.

More importantly, angling allows us to fulfil the basic human instinct of hunter-gatherer. Just as a cat will hunt a mouse or bird, even when not hungry, the angler catches his quarry to hone his survival skills and satisfy his primal instinct to hunt. As the old saying goes "give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day - give him the rod and line and he will feed himself and his family from then on."

And no, I'm not trying to convince myself.

:)

Stephen Hawking: Even a Genius Gets it Wrong Sometimes

2013-05-10T16:51:00.000-07:00

I was surprised and disappointed to read that Stephen Hawking (the cleverest man in the world...and an atheist ) has decided against travelling to Israel for a conference, after bowing to pressure from American professor Noam Chomsky and some 20 other academics.

Chomsky's reason are, and I quote "Israel systematically discriminates against the Palestinians who make up 20% of its population in ways that would be illegal in the UK"

Chomsky is a hypocrite of colossal proportions by siding with the Palestinians who, incidentally, discriminate against their own women, or 55% of its population in ways that would be totally illegal in the UK.

While I'm the first to agree that Israel have over the years blatantly discriminated against the Palestinians, the same 20% who refuse to accept Israel's right to exist, I don't think an academic boycott serves any purpose whatsoever. In fact the sciences are about the only activity where Israelis and Palestinians work together - as equals.

Israel is not perfect by any means and has done many things wrong, as have all other nations, but at least it does not discriminate against its own women.

Israel is a democracy - Palestine probably never will be.

Judaism can and does co-exist with democracy - Islam can't.

Israel has more Nobel Prize winners than all of the Moslem world put together.

Come on Stephen, do as you had intended. Go to Jerusalem and spread your wisdom and atheism.Go to Israel and speak to both Israeli and Palestinian physicists who will welcome you and don't listen to the double-standard rhetoric of two-faced academics.

If you don't attend the Jerusalem conference the sensible people of the world, such as myself, will in future expect you to boycott all Islamic nations for the discrimination of women and gay people.

Oh, and by the way, Bill Clinton and Tony Blair are both going to Israel, and we all know those two care more for the human condition and have worked harder for social justice than pompous Chomsky and his geeky pals ever will.

Dear readers, your comments on this matter would be appreciated.

:(

A Sign Of The Times?

2013-04-29T15:17:00.001-07:00

The orderly North Korean society appears, at first glance, to be together: but the dividing line between those who lead and those who are led is as clearly defined as the imbalance of power. The chosen crowd watches a military parade as a third of their fellow countrymen watch their families die from malnutrition.

(C. Sony Photo Awards)

Protests at imposed austerity in Greece create unrest on the streets of Athens. Why should the masses pay for the mistakes of countless avaricious bankers?

(C. Sony Photo Awards)

The self-destruction of Syria continues unabated. The world observes but does not intervene. No oil there. Nothing worth fighting for. Unlike Iraq, Kuwait, Libya...

The lack of sincerity will continue to fuel the fires of resentment.

(C. Sony Photo Awards)

And countless human beings seeking freedom...

...while countless others seek the opposite - their minds locked in dogma, superstition and, worst of all, religion.

But life goes on in the hope-filled minds of the innocent who share their gift with obliging friends...

...and in the life-long companions who share their undying love.

(C. Sony Photo Awards)

But there is hope. An abundance of hope. The milk of human kindness nourishes those in need...

...and never before have so many helped so many

A sign of the times? What do you think?

:)

In Praise of Beauty - Part 2

2013-04-25T16:04:00.002-07:00

Beauty, be it in Nature or Art, has always fascinated me. I live mostly in a constant state of awe and wonder. Not a single day goes by when I don't see something worthy of my utmost admiration.

Long may it continue, for I will never tire of admiring beauty.

Beauty such as in Sofia C, from Portugal. The epitome of feminine elegance and refinement, and in an arty shot that could grace the cover of any magazine...

and on to the exquisite finesse of this translucent rainforest butterfly...

and the majestic snowy owl...

or the autumn sun forcing it's way through a blanket of rain clouds...

or even setting, after a long day of laborious luminescence...

and...the town I love so well.

Friends Fill my Life With Joy

2013-04-21T12:50:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday I drove down to Farnborough in Hampshire to meet for the first time a man I have come to know over the last two years through his blog writing.

Dicky Carter and I had a couple of beers and a good chat - the kind of informed conversation expected from long-time friends.

We met up in The Crown And Cushion pub in the rural setting of Hampshire. A typical olde English Inn dating back to the 16th century, The Crown and Cushion oozes warmth and old world hospitality.

Dicky was exactly as I expected. His views and opinions matched my expectations to a tee. I was instantly convinced he writes his fine blog openly and from the heart.

I would have liked a longer session and could easily have sat in that cosy pub sampling all the fine ales and continuing our interesting conversation, but I was en route to Basingstoke, a further 45 minutes away.

It was a pleasure meeting Dicky - I hope we can meet up again soon.

On to Basingstoke I went to meet up with Claudia, my dearest friend from Madeira, and her husband Marco. Claudia's work led them to leave Madeira some 6 months ago, much to my delight.

I arrived at her address just as the heavens opened up with a monsoon-like downpour. Claudia came to meet me from the car with an umbrella small enough to make not the slightest bit of difference. But it's the thought that counts.

It was lovely to see her beaming smile and to greet her with a huge hug, so far away from our familiar setting of Madeira. We went straight to the local pub to meet up with Marco, who was having a pint with some friends.

After the brief interval of dining at their home (my favourite Portuguese dish of bacalhau) we went straight back out to the pub, where a night of excellent live music made me feel as if we had never left The Warm Up Cafe.

Marco, Claudia, Lisandra and I at The Warm Up Cafe - Madeira
about a year ago. The night we all wore Johnny Walker
promotional fake specs

Back at the house some few hours and many beers later, we continued chatting until 4am. Just as my eyelids began to struggle to stay apart, we all called it night and staggered off to bed.

My phone woke me up at 8am with a call from Mattie asking if I was already on my way to pick him up - an hours drive away - to take him fishing.

I got out of bed and made my way, silently, to the kitchen downstairs, in order not to wake my hosts. Just as I turned on the kettle I heard footsteps coming down the stairs. Claudia appeared seconds later, smiling and looking none the worse for wear, and promptly insisted on making me breakfast. My objections were not taken seriously and soon the exotic aroma of fresh coffee brought me out of my alcohol-induced drowsy state.

I left some minutes later, jumped in the car and drove away, just as a wave of sadness engulfed me. On the rear view mirror I could no longer see Claudia, and I was missing her, all over again.

So looking forward to the next visit.

:(

Something I rarely do...

2013-04-18T14:46:00.005-07:00

...is promote my music, but now that I've found an old CD of a song I wrote about 3 years ago - I've decided to post it on YouTube.

It's a home recording, simple and unplugged, and it refers to the last stages of my relationship with Madeleine.

It was written around the time when she started telling me what I was thinking and predicting what I was about say.

The time when she started "Talking For Me"

A time when almost everyone around us could foresee our demise.

Everyone...but me.

whttp://youtu.be/eX81QPi2d_w

100 Words: Proud to Be What?

2013-04-12T17:35:00.000-07:00

I am amazed at the amount of times I hear or read the word proud used in the wrong context.

Phrases such as "I'm proud to be Black/White/British/Gay/" and many more, are wrong and annoy me. Those are conditions that were not chosen, nor gained through effort.

One can be proud to be an athlete, an artist, a parent, for to achieve those qualities effort and sacrifice are required.

One can't be proud of something not worked for.

Singer Heather Small has the right idea

I'm not proud to be Portuguese, I'm just happy with it.

But I'm proud to be a good father, a singer/musician, and an atheist - all achieved through hard graft.

The Best Mind Altering Drug is Laughter

2013-04-10T14:55:00.000-07:00

"Panda?...as in the cute cuddly bear?" I asked

"No, I call my wayward husband Panda because he treats our house like a cheap hotel, and only drops in when he wants food and sex"

"But why give him such a cute nickname?"

"Because the Panda eats, shoots and leaves"

eats shoots and leaves

And a few ticklers from recent FB posts

Oh Maggie I Wish I'd Never...

2013-04-08T15:31:00.002-07:00

...seen your face - as sang by Rod Stewart back in the days - has been playing over and over in my head all evening. It all started when I heard the news about Margaret Thatcher's death.

My sympathy goes out to her relatives.

I never liked her and will not weep for her. In fact I disliked her intensely.

Maggie and I were poles apart - politically and socially.

At the height of her power in the early 80s I was a paid-up member of the Labour Party, campaigning tirelessly and volunteering many an unpaid hour in my bid to help elect Neil Kinnock.

A formidable politician she undoubtedly was. A true blue ultra right-wing conservative who cared more for dog-eat-dog capitalism than for the masses.

I also never liked the tag "The Iron Lady" given her by the press, and was always of the opinion a more apt label such as "The Ice Maiden" would have been more appropriate.

But I didn't hate her. And I certainly wouldn't want to do what singer/songwriter Elvis Costello suggested in his song Tramp The Dirt Down, written about Maggie, and which he sang; "when they finally put you in the ground I'll stand on your grave and tramp the dirt down"

The Iron Lady has died - may she rust in peace.

Why Are so Many of Islam's Clerics so Full of Hatred?

2013-04-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

Every time I see or hear extremist clerics of Islam spread violence hatred and intolerance, I wonder what they think their prophet would think of their actions. I also wonder why their followers don't ask the self same question of their religious "leaders". Then I remember that faith is as blind as it is destructive and is the main source of human suffering.

The latest target of the archaic zealots is Amina Tyler.

Amina is a 19 year old Tunisian girl who recently posted a topless photo on Facebook in protest at the inequality and subjugation of women in her (Muslim) society.

Amina is being detained by her family under house arrest - incommunicado - and with the help of local police. She has received numerous death threats after appearing with the words "Fuck your morals" and "My body is mine and not the source of anyone's honour" written across her torso.

Her brave and noble campaign has since inspired world wide protests in support of her actions.

You can also read the inspirational words of fellow blogger SoggyMog on her valiant effort to highlight Amina's plight.

Amina is extremely brave to stand up for her rights in a society where such actions can easily lead to her death.

I know the Islam preachers of hate will try to break her bones, but will they ever break her spirit?

I sincerely hope not.

I ask all my blogpals to please support Amina by spreading this campaign through social media.

Together we can make a difference.

:(

In Praise of Beauty

2013-03-31T15:31:00.000-07:00

Sofia is a friend from Madeira; a friend I happen to miss a lot.

I may even miss her much more than I should.

We chat a lot on FB. She is funny, bubbly, adorable and...extremely beautiful.

Up until recently Sofia had no idea how I felt about her. She didn't know I miss her more than I should. Why should she? It's not as if I was in a hurry to announce my feelings.

After all, Sofia belongs to a different world. A world I can only dream about but never dwell within. A world of different generations.

I do allow my mind to wander, from time to time, and often imagine her in my life. Foolish and futile, of course. After all my life's journey is more than halfway through; hers is merely starting.

And what if she were to fall for me? How would I feel? I can't even begin to contemplate the idea.

How I wish I could turn back the hands of time. And belong to her world.

I adore her. She is so alluring, charming and radiant and a joy to be with.

We are friends - and that's all we'll ever be.

Friends.

I write these words with sorrow in my heart. Reality is often painful.

But reality is where I exist. And reality is also where inconceivable dreams are crushed and implausible hopes dashed.

But inconceivable dreams and implausible hopes are, at times, all one has.

:(

Do You Know Know Who Gives Most to Charity?

2013-03-30T11:08:00.002-07:00

According to statistics widely available, the three biggest individual donors to charity are:

Bill Gates (co-founder of Microsoft)

Warren Buffett (Investor and CEO - Berkshire Hathaway)

Ingvar Kamprad (founder of Ikea)

Nonetheless, misinformation from religious groups would have you believe the rich and powerful never give to charity -a fact as unjust as it is false. The old bible saying "Easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for the rich to get to heaven" is about as factual as the rest of the book itself.

Philanthropy, like moral values, have long since been hijacked by religion in the false pretence that only godliness motivates people to care for others.

Utter nonsense.

In fact the opposite appears to be true. I have never heard of the Vatican wealth being used to feed the poor, heal the sick or offer assistance to refugees. I'm referring to the Vatican in this instance, not to the maverick priests who are generous and follow their own agenda.

Feel free to comment and correct me if I'm wrong. I won't hold my breath in anticipation.

Atheists and agnostics, such as the three men mentioned above, give not for divine compensation or for fear of divine retribution, but because they want to.

And that, in my view, is the only honourable way to give.

The worlds biggest charities are also secular -UNICEF, WHO and UNHCR. If you check any of the lists available, for example Wiki's , you will find religious institutions play only a minor role, despite their tremendous wealth.

No surprise, I hear you say

And the following picture describes what I believe in - the way I am - the way I chose to be. And it is just as easy without god as a false motivational factor.

...and one who is proud to have escaped society's indoctrination attempts.

:)

Bob The Builder? Nothing Compared To These

2013-03-23T16:14:00.000-07:00

I have often written about the obsession some people have with the absurd idea that alien or divine intervention must have taken place in order to enable humans to build ancient constructions such as the Great Pyramids, Aztec and Inca cities, Stonehenge and many more.

The usual pro-intervention argument is based on ignorance or pseudo-science and most definitely on a lack of knowledge of the natural world.

Let's look at some of Nature's marvellous constructions that would rank the Great Pyramids effort alongside a child's Lego house, in terms of difficulty and endeavour.

I'll start with the remarkable architecture of a simple sea sponge, the Venus Flower Basket.

This incredible construction made of silica (natural glass) filaments, is a geometric and structural master-piece. Made by simple marine life-forms without the aid of a single tool, it is a work of art medieval humans could never emulate.

Incredibly strong filaments, entwined in a most regular and intricate fashion, produce a strong and beautiful structure unparalleled in nature.

A man-made glass or aluminium tube of similar proportions would have only 1/100th of the stiffness of the Flower Basket. Mother Nature demonstrates how less intelligent creatures can create structures far more impressive than any early human endeavour.

Let's move on to Nature's pattern artists, the spiders.

Some spider web strands are stronger weight for weight, than steel. No tools, no rulers and no mathematics are required by these amazing creatures to produce these works of geometric art. Just natural ability and a sac full of viscous fluid are necessary to build a habitat and hunting ground that can withstand rain, wind and scorching desert heat.

Some of these complex webs take a spider just a few hours to build.

Now onto Termite Mounds.

These relatives of the common ant use saliva and earth to produce tiny amounts of mud in their mouths which are then used to construct structures that can reach 10 metres high.

How's that for a sky-scraper built without tools?

The interior of these termite mounds are incredibly well constructed and extremely complex. Tunnels and chimneys and even underground gardens used to grow fungus for food.

All this and much much more, without divine intervention or alien guidance.

Nature rules and creates many wonders, given time and the right conditions. It does not requires any man-made imaginary deity or creator to steal it's thunder.

Roache: The Cockroach

2013-03-19T15:07:00.000-07:00

Coronation Street's actor Bill Roache has said in an interview that children who are sexually abused may bring it upon themselves.

The eyes say it all

The 80 year old B celebrity actor with the sinister eyes and creepy smile claimed the child victims are being punished for what they may have done in previous lives.

It's bad enough to realise the senile old git believes in previous lives and reincarnation, but for him to try and shift the blame to the victims is utterly scandalous.

It is the kind of message that should never be broadcast as it trivialises the hideousness of child abuse.

I always thought Roache - aka Ken Barlow - seemed a bit strange, but now I realise his dodgy expression was that of someone with something to hide

Bill Roache's part time job at Manchester Airport

Deja Poo...

2013-03-10T05:28:00.001-07:00

...is the feeling you get when you've heard that crap before.

Note to readers: Got that saying a couple of days ago from Facepoop. Had to use it.

Deja Poo is the feeling I'll get when the dubious men-in-frocks at the Vatican SinCity choose their new trouble-shooter. Elected on behalf of, but not by, god. And all because god must be far too busy to carry out the tedious interviewing necessary to appoint his new henchman.

Busy.

Busy resting. Six days work in a 5 billion-year life and god's hasn't rested enough. I'll apply for his job should he ever consider retiring like Benny Pope.

For political and PR reasons the enclave are bound to elect someone from Africa - the only part of the world where the Catholic vote is increasing. Says a lot for the quality of life and conditions in the dark continent.

One thing we know for certain already; the new pope will be ultra-conservative, unshakable in his opposition to the ordination of women, against abortion, against gay relationships (unless they happen in the secrecy of the sacristy, preferably between priests, but alter boys and girls will be taken (unintended pun) into consideration) and he'll be approaching 80 years old.

And then the RC (arsey - again no pun intended) church will keep moving on (sideways) into their past/our future, until such a time as the majority of people see sense and clear those parasites off of society's hard skulls.

The only way Deja Poo can be averted is if the church surprises us all with a voting stipulation such as "Apply only if you were castrated in infancy" or "Only asexual eunuchs need apply" or better still "Only female candidates will be considered". That, however, is as likely to happen as the second coming.

The second coming!

How odd that Christians wait for the 'second' coming even though there was never a 'first' coming!

It's akin to the mathematical oddity seen in young men who, after a night of sex with the girl they've been chasing for ages, wake up groggy and spent, and ask themselves "was that 2 or 3 shags?" The answer, of course, is always 4 - regardless.

If only humanity always learnt from past mistakes, Deja Poo would be a phenomenon consigned to the dustbin of history, just as religion should be.

:)

100 Words: When the people I love fall in love with people I love

2013-03-07T14:44:00.001-08:00

Having a large group of friends in a small town - as I do - means that often someone is falling in or out of love, at times within the group. The dynamics change constantly.

Most of time it is heart-warming to see people I love falling in love with people I love. Some problems can arise when a couple fall out and one doesn't know how to appease both parties.

But in one particular occasion, that heart-warming feeling gave way to heart-ache when, someone I cared for more than I realised, fell in love with someone other than me. The perceived rejection stirred up hidden emotions and made me question how solid a friendship can be when tainted with romantic undertones.

The price one has to pay to have friends of the opposite sex!

:)

A Day in the Life of Benny Pope - aged 85 and three quarters

2013-03-02T03:51:00.000-08:00

(Note to readers: A copy of Benny Pope's diary came into my possession today and I have decided to publish an extract from 11 Feb 2013, deemed by yours truly to be of public interest. If you are easily offended, please leave this page immediately and log on to The Daily Mail for a watered-down version of this report)

Below is the relevant page of said diary in it's original format.

Translated from Vaticanish into English by:

Dr. Ivor Norfolk-Andchance BA, PhD, DHsS, YmCA, CSi, Aa, RaC, UsA

"Dear Diary, what a fucking 'mare of a day! From the moment I slipped my feet into those Aladdin Ruby slippers this morning and felt something warm and squeegee between my toes, I knew it was going to be a an arse-wipe of a day. I had no intention of announcing my resignation, and wouldn't have done if it weren't for that cunt of a cat Borgia dumping in my slipper again. It's the third time this week that fucking flee-ridden shit-breath no-balls rat-fearing pussy of a puss craps in my slippers! If only I were 50 years younger I'd be able to catch that fuck-face-feline and wring his sorry neck. That bastard is defo going to cat hell.

Seriously Diary, I know I'm cursing unnecessarily but I've had it with this thankless-task of a job. I'll let some other old cunt carry the can for a change.

Talking of old cunts, I had the displeasure of meeting with some of them this afternoon, the pompous fat-assed cardinals, hovering about like vultures waiting for me to keel over. Bad enough having to listen to their sanctimonious crap for 2 hours, but the fucking arse-lickers insist on kissing my ring. Every. Fucking. Time!

What is it about priests obsessions with rings?

Then the old prick from Ireland, what's his name again?..Oh yeah, Sean...Sean something or other, came over to whisper in my ear and he fucking reeked of Jameson. Pissed as a fart he was, and twice as rank. Worst still was to come when old Turkeyneck what's-his-name from Ghana, decided to give a speech to promote his pious ass. Thinks he's gonna get my job when I throw in the towel, the sly mother-fucker. I had to ask the IT department to beam me in subtitles to my iPad just so I could understand some of what he was mumbling on about. Up and down that sorry-ass voice of his, reverberating around the hall, like a fucking elephant with a blocked nose; bla BLA bla bla BLA BLA bla bla.

If I have anything to do with advising on my replacement I'll recommend the brazilian...Shearer, I think his name is, as in the footballer!? Why is it that all brazilians are good at footy? I reckon one of their teams of water-tight-sealed-pussy nuns from Sao Paulo could beat the holy-shit out of the German national side. They would defo beat the Vatican football side, the fucking useless wooses in their colourful pantaloons. Anyway, shortly after that I made the announcement no one outside the church expected.

So, I've only gone and done it now. Announced my resignation and not one miserable tight-arsed cardinal objected. Not a single one, the ungrateful cocksuckers. And I appointed most of them cunts! I wish I hadn't now.

Anyway, I'd much rather go and live in Castel Gandolf than spend another minute in this gay-hornets nest.

PS. I said I was going to carry on working for the church, but I lied of course. No. Fucking. Way. Jose.

PPS. I also said I would dedicate the rest of my life to prayer. Like fuck I will. I'm through with prayer. Done more than enough praying and what have I got to show for it? Fuck all. I've got a fucking diamonte studded frock and a tall cock-shaped red hat. Wow! Ain't I a lucky boy! No more praying 'cause the boss ain't fucking listening anyway. Come to think of it, I haven't had a boss in years. Not since the University job.

PPPS. And just to rub salt into the wounds, I want my peasant flock to know that I am an atheist, and always have been. The reason I stayed in the job is that I didn't want to change profession and take a pay cut. And I was never into hard graft.

Arrivederci, suckers! Muahhahahahahahah

(...)

I, Dr I. Norfolk-Andchance, declare this translation to be accurate and error-free. Some of the slang used may differ in meaning in certain overseas territories; tough shit, you should all speak "proper" English, you fucking language-assassin ingrates.

Dr. Ivor Norfolk-Andchance BA, PhD, DHsS, YmCA, CSi, Aa, RaC, UsA

:)

The Meaningless and Useless Life of a Man Named Ratzinger

2013-02-28T06:29:00.000-08:00

After the shocking and unprecedented pronouncement of the retirement of pope Ratzinger, comes an even more startling statement from the self-appointed ambassador of god.

"I will retire and dedicate the rest of my life to prayer" announced the pontiff.

It appears Josef Ratzinger is not about to undergo a life change and become useful. He was never into change. He was never useful.

Educated to teach the meaningless and insignificant topic of theology (*), Ratzinger went on to become a priest and quickly climbed the slippery rungs of the Catholic ladder all the way to the throne of The Vatican.

A man whose delusion prevented him from becoming a useful member of society, Ratzinger has caused more suffering than most. His stance on contraception and condemnation of the use of condoms has encouraged the spread of AIDS that is ravaging the African continent - ironically the only part of the world where support for christianity and catholicism is on the increase.

On the subject of homosexuality, widely accepted nowadays in tolerant societies, as it should be - a phenomenon observed and studied in hundreds of other animal species as part of normal behaviour - Ratzinger said ""although the particular inclination of the homosexual person is not a sin, it is a more or less strong tendency ordered toward an intrinsic moral evil; and thus the inclination itself must be seen as an objective disorder"

This from a man who has done so much to protect members of the clergy accused of sexual crimes against children and each other.

The pope has not only alienated the gay community; he has also offended Islam by saying in 2006 "Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached".

And he has offended the Jewish community by reappointing the excommunicated holocaust-denier Bishop Richard Williamson.

But the ultimate act of hypocrisy from the man who tells his followers to place their faith in god - that god will protect them from all evil - is that he himself chooses to place his trust in the 2" bullet-proof glass of his popemobile!

One would have thought his omnipotent boss would protect him. But then the pope is anything but a fool.

(*) Theology as an academic pursuit is what I consider a total waste of time and brain-power. No possible benefit to humanity can come from studying theology. Theology does nothing to ameliorate the human condition and even less to alleviate suffering and world poverty. As a study subject I consider it as futile an endeavour as spending years studying the life and times of Harry Potter...or Father Christmas...or Cinderella...or any other mythical concept.

Note to readers: Your comments would be much appreciated - I need views and opinions to help me with the book I'm writing.

Like Tears in The Rain

2013-02-25T16:48:00.000-08:00

Last night as I lay in bed, memories of a time gone by entered my head. And then I wrote this poem:

***

Like Tears in the Rain

Back in time, when love was our bond
we'd plan trips to places neither of us had been
And we'd laugh and cry, but most of the time
we were somewhere in between

One Autumn evening, I witnessed our fall
and all our plans oozed down the drain
Sentiments that were meant to last forever
were washed away, like tears in the rain

:(

Gratitude is the saving grace

2013-02-24T06:58:00.002-08:00

Life is wonderful.

Second only to my family and friends, life is the most precious gift.

Nature has been kind to me. My genetic replication has had few glitches along the way; none serious enough to cause me health problems.

I am grateful.

I had the good fortune to be born to parents who loved and nurtured me, allowed and encouraged me to think for myself.

I am grateful.

I had the good fortune to be born into a society where I was free to express myself and question everything from injustice to religious beliefs.

I am grateful.

I have two sons and a daughter who have grown into the kind of wonderful human beings any father would be proud of.

I am grateful.

I have an older brother who loves me as I love him, who nurtured my talent for music and who still helps me for no recompense.

I am grateful

I have a father any son would wish to have. A man with the dignity, sense of responsibility and style I have always looked up to.

I am grateful.

I have an ex wife, mother of my first two, who still checks up on me, insists on helping and has the uncanny ability to know exactly what I'm in need of most.

I am grateful.

I have lost two beloved younger siblings, victims of unforeseen and tragic accidents - but they were my loving brothers for so many years.

I am grateful.

I have lost my dear mother - but I will always have her with me, in my heart and mind, as a constant reminder of all that is good in humanity.

I am grateful.

I have numerous friends whose love and support have been a constant source of comfort through the good times and the not so good.

I am grateful.

I have shared most of my life with women who have taught me much, and, most importantly, allowed me to experience the immense pleasure and fulfilment of intimate love.

I am grateful.

Life is indeed wonderful...

...and I am eternally grateful.

:)

Wealth or Happiness?

2013-02-21T10:03:00.000-08:00

I was asked recently by a friend, the hypothetical question - if I had to choose between wealth and happiness - what would my choice be? My friend was attempting to lift the gloom and raise my spirits and no doubt expected an instant reply that could be used to argue in favour of my present situation. As you know, I am presently undergoing a difficult transitional phase of adjustment to life in London.

After much deliberation, this is how I reached a conclusion.

The time in my life when I had the most disposable income was just after I sold my house in London, back in early 2007. The time of preparing a planned family move to Madeira. Those were stressful times and full of uncertainty and disagreement that led to the eventual breakdown of my marriage.

Although it was a time of affluence, when I could buy all I needed and a lot of what I didn't need, I remember mostly being unhappy, uncertain and unfulfilled. It was clearly a time of wealth without happiness.

Not something I want to experience again.

In contrast, the happiest moments in my life were in the last 18 months, when, as a single man living in Madeira, I lived a life full of music, constant socialising and making new friends. The money was just enough. A case of having everything I needed but not necessarily everything I wanted.

Something I long to experience again.

As Mick Jagger once said "you can't always get what you want...you get what you need" defines perfectly my experience in Madeira.

The obvious conclusion is I want happiness, with or without wealth. But should the two ever combine, which I hope they do, I can't imagine ever asking for anything more.

:)

The meaning of life - Update

2013-02-19T06:01:00.003-08:00

I wrote a post titled The Meaning of Life a couple of years back, and after re-reading it, decided to add a few more relevant points and some wonderful photos for your enjoyment. As we live and learn our ideas evolve along with everything else - at least it does for some of us.

Love and compassion - no god required

**

The Meaning of Life

Life has no meaning. Life needs no meaning.

Life's meaning is living life.

And that is why scientists and doctors, philosophers and deluded religious thinkers, have failed to come up with an answer. Life is for living, to the best of our ability.

We are not here for any purpose other than living the life bestowed upon us by Nature. The gift of life comes with no conditions attached - never has and never will.

Nature has not given us or any other animal a life in order to indebt us to itself - it has no such agenda.

Nature expects nothing more from us than to live life. And when staying alive is not an option, it will absorb and recycle our remains and turn them into new life.

Nature has no bias towards good or evil, straight or gay, black or white, man or ant. It does not discriminate between the rich and poor, the giver and the taker, the maker or breaker; not even between the living or deceased.

Nature did not favour Mother Theresa over Adolf Hitler, or Florence Nightingale over Josef Stalin - it simply recycled both in the same uncompromising way it will recycle all of us.

Nature expects nothing but continuation and ensures life's longing for itself is the ultimate driving force - without judgement.

We are here to live the life we inherited, and if in the process we send forth our DNA by procreation, fine, if not, fine, there will be no retribution. Nature bears no grudges and harbours no vengeful thoughts.

As social animals, we have developed laws and regulations, morals and activities likely to enhance our existence. All social animal groups display the same characteristics. You will find love and compassion, justice and fraternity in all animal social groups, from a pride of lions to a colony of ants, from a human village to a meerkat colony. Nature has bestowed upon its creations intelligence and common sense.

Humans are inherently good natured and will continue to strive to improve the lives of all who share this great natural world of ours. Humans or any other animal group does not need to invent an almighty god to acquire morals and guidance, it needs only to study the world around us. The answers to social success are already available, one only needs to study Nature to get the answers. For examples of social cohesion and mutual benefit cooperation, look no further than a colony of Emperor penguins; or a band of gorillas; a school of dolphins, and countless more.

Here are some displays of friendship among animals - and no god-given moral code required!

Nature has one commandment; 'Let there be life'.

Humanity needs only to add another; 'Treat others as you'd like to be treated'.

:)

Tears...of a convivial man

2013-02-17T07:59:00.000-08:00

Below is a short poem I wrote last night. It reflects my struggle in adjusting to life here in London after being away so long. A reflection of my homecoming.

What is "home"?

Presently, home is a house, like all others. A structured shelter, devoid of meaning and soul unless those I love most enter and dwell within.

And that...is not happening.

***

Tears

Tears flow gently

warm against my skin

sudden and intensely

tears from deep within

Tears flow gently

as messengers of doom

proclaiming intently

my self-imposed gloom

Tears are still flowing

Details are washed away

but memories remain sowing

tears for another day

***

And as each day passes, the more I question the wisdom of my decision.

100 Words: When the sun went down

2013-02-15T20:26:00.000-08:00

I met her * at Estudasses Bar. I was with brother and a mutual friend when we were introduced.

I liked her instantly. Her beauty and raw energy immediately turned her into the focus of all my attention.

* Note to reader: Anonymity is prudent in uncertainty

To say I was drawn to her dazzling smile is an understatement. And in that 'sawdust-and-dodgy-character' bar, only she sparkled - like a diamond over scattered wood chips.

We spoke of our love of London and music, and music we love.

She is gorgeous, captivating and a talented singer.

Love her.

I came to London.

Can't get her out of my mind...don't want to

Compassion: Friend or Foe?

2013-02-13T06:06:00.000-08:00

Just finished watching an interesting documentary about Abraham Lincoln and certain aspects of his character sounded remarkably familiar. I'm not for a moment comparing myself to the great man - I am not that conceited - but I realise now we have a lot more in common than I at first imagined.

But even more interesting than realising we share a lot of political common ground, Abe being a Republican (albeit moderate), was to find out he suffered serious bouts of depression throughout his life.

Courtesy of www.inspiralyogatherapy.co.uk

Lincoln is not alone among great figures from the past when it comes to depression. It is a known fact that countless altruists throughout history suffered from the condition; Florence Nightingale being an example that springs to mind.

If one is caring and is genuinely interested in helping others and would like to rid the world of all suffering, then depression seems to be the most likely outcome. Closely followed by disappointment.

How sweet are these? Love 'em

It reminds me of the frustrated atheist who once said "If I could end all suffering, I would - that's the difference between your god and me".

Depression is a common clinical condition that can be treated with psychotherapy and, more frequently, drug therapy. And there, maybe, lies the problem.

If, as I suspect, depression is more likely to strike sensitive people, those with ample empathy and who may even be lacking in self-esteem, then I can't see how chemical medication can be of help.

I would have thought drugs merely disguise and suppress the symptoms. A radical change of thinking and mindset seems a lot more likely to bring about a solution to the problem.

Maybe depression is a sad consequence of having compassion. Maybe it is synonymous with feeling empathy. If so, is it an illness or a gift?

I know little about the condition, as you can tell from my simplistic approach, but I am interested.

OK! I am a little worried about it, now that I've gone and changed my life-style completely.

Lincoln immersed himself in work, as a helpful distraction to keep depression at bay. I have - until two weeks ago - been doing the same with constant and endless socialising.

Something I can no longer do while here in London.

Just as well my wandering days ain't over.

-_-