IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME

Can't believe it's been so long since I last posted.

Bruce finished his tour last night...that's how long it's been.

We are in the middle of panto fever here and everyone has been working so hard on this years production.

But I have been blighted by the usual round of celebrity shows that cram over the TV at this time of year. When did so called celebs retching on TV become entertainment!!! And hopeless singers who are parading their stuff on a Saturday night. Why oh Why!!!!

Can't we have some decent programme's please. Even repeats of Crossroads would be nice.

Now in the background I can hear that former model prattling away on TV.

It's sad, that is a lady who needs help............

I do too............needing something to watch!!!!!!

P.S. Doesn't Joe Bugner have the worst voice of a heavy weight boxer!!!!

OBSERVATIONS ON AMERICA

Just back from a great week in Philadelphia. A nice town and I never realised it was so historical. We learned all about Independence, and how it was all done and dusted right there. We also had to go run up the 'Rocky steps' as depicted in the films.

It was a nice relaxing week, reading books and good company. Oh yes and we went to see THE BOSS, but that probably requires another post altogether.

We did spend some time in an amusement centre, Pam beat me a pool. That probably requires counselling on my part!!!! I don't like getting beat.

But, when we wandered through, I was taken back with just how many games were based around guns. All kinds of games, played by all different age groups of people. I found it quite disturbing.

There was even a father and daughter playing a killing game together......the things you can do.....

I wonder what that says about a gun society. In the week we were there, there were a number of random shootings.......................................

Makes you think.

But people, friendly, hospitable and genuinely couldn't do enough for you. And Philadelphia, a great city to visit.

BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY

This weekend see back to Church Sunday, and while I admire the idea (not the fact that it happens on the Glasgow Holiday Weekend) and I am sure it works in places. But it has to be genuine.

You can't have people turning up at Church where people don't really want visitors. There are many places that have the standard 'Do Not Disturb' signs well in display.

Then there have been the Churches I have been to that I wouldn't want to invite people to, because of the disservice they do to the gospel.

What people need is genuine fellowship. A genuine expression of the gospel. A genuine want to be part of the community. A genuine expression of the grace of Jesus.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/berkshire/8266841.stm

Not judgement. Not fashion. Not trendy. Not even rap!! (see above)

Just genuine.

FINALLY X FACTOR

This was on in the background again last night and I was wrongly accused of not providing proof for an argument about X Factor being staged rubbish!!!!!

Here is why I don't like it.

1) People who 'think' they might be quite good are put up for public ridicule. Giving a platform for Simon Cowell to be rude and obnoxious!!!!
2) Then they are the sad stories....ones to get those at home crying and tuning in again to see if these heart warmers will have the chance of winning.
3) It's all a massive set up......

And finally folks....they only want those who fit the mode. Thank goodness Chris Martin, Fran Healy, Bob Dylan and Bruce (yes Bruce) Springsteen were discovered before all this hype started. They might not have made it through....so mark my words the person who wins will be a good singer but they will be young, pretty and stereotyped. One more for the production line.

RANT OVER!

Avoiding X Factor

Still trying to avoid blogging about X Factor........

Anyhow in a week of depressing weather I saw the first selection box on the shelves at Morrison's!!!!! Just how depressing is that...How many days to Christmas??????

Also, while standing in the rain waiting on the bank opening at Anniesland I went to the local charity shop and had a wee gander through the books and came across the two book I don't have that follow up the Golden Compass. They were prices at 1.79 and 1.89!!! The girl couldn't explain and said I should contact the manager. In truth, she was a bit defensive!!!

But why these prices????? Why not £2 or £1.50!! It's worse that £1.99!

COMPASSIONATE RELEASE

Just been listening to more stuff on the radio about the Lybian release. I have been troubled by the whole affair and can't really get my mind round the whole situation because of politics muddying the waters.

You see, I just can't get it out of my mind that this isn't part of some big political deal. I find it so hard to believe that any of this was done just on purely compassionate grounds. To me it all comes down to a dirty three letter word. OIL!

Then it adds insult to injury when an American woman comes on the radio waxing lyrical about who the whole thing is appalling, because it is just all about oil. But then what is Iraq all about...Pot. Kettle. Black..........

If and I mean IF this guy was released on compassionate grounds, then I think it adds stature to us as a people and a nation regardless of the saber rattling coming out of Hollyrood.

But if and I think it was, he was released on some kind of dodgy deal..........then it will all come out in the wash eventually.

For the next post, I may tackle X Factor!!!

CAR PARKS

We went to book our holiday for next year today and was in a supermarket car park in Bearsden and spent a ridiculous 15 minutes trying to get out of it!!! It would put me off shopping there. It's bad enough queuing inside the shop never mind outside. Grrrrrrrr

Anyhow, fed up of the rain. So we have booked up for Gran Canaria next year. After the experience of last year would love to do it all again.

Pam got an email at work about taxi's and refusing to get in ones that promote lap dancing club's etc. Just wondering if that bothers people? Or what other advertising really gets up your nose??

Just started reading a book called "The First Paul: Reclaiming the Radical Visionary Behind the Church's Conservative Icon by Marcus J Borg and John Dominic Crossan." Looks like it will be good but a tad controversial