I'm supporting...

I've chosen my Belarus football team to support.

It's from the town of Vitebsk.  FC Vitebsk has changed it's name many times, but so have all the other teams in Belarus; that's what we do.  It was called Drina Vitebsk, which was named after the river (which flows on to Riga); which is nice.  We play Neman, (Grodno- far west near polish/ Lithuanian border) and Isloch (Minsk), both named after rivers too.

Vitebsk in blue playing Neman

The results this month

How are we doing?  we are 11th in the premiership at the moment having lost three matches this month.  We play Smolesvichi, a town near Minsk next Sunday.  

What can you do if you came and watch a match in our city?  We are up near the Russian border.  You can also get to Latvia in the west.  The town is famous for being the birth place of Marc Chagall.  We have the house where he was born, and a small museum.  Don't expect to see much art work.  The second world war made a large jack-boot imprint on this part of the world.  Marc was 35 when he left Vitebsk and headed to Paris.  He died when he was 98 years old.  

Where Moiche Chagalov was born.

North is Russia, west is Latvia, south is Minsk

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Church of the Annunciation

Belarus demographics reveal the old Polish border in the west, where Polish speakers have a presence.  They are also in Lithuania.  Interestingly, and nothing to do with football, a map on 'Big Think' shows the old German- Polish border as a political division in Europe.  The newer populations that moved into the region of Silesia given to Poland after the war appear to be more liberal and social that the older conservative areas.  Isn't that interesting?

Where the Poles live in Belarus with the old border marked

Where Poles live in Lithuania

The political differences in Poland either side of
the old German-Polish border

Postscript

After a while things quietened down.

Seven of us, the fishing fraternity, decided to do something.
Money was getting tight, so we pushed out the boat.

That wasn't the only thing that was tight;
The fish didn't want to be caught.

At day break we were all for giving up.
There on the beach was a lone man.

He seemed friendly and asked how were doing.
"Nothing of interest here", we called back.

"Throw the nets over on the other side", he returned.
We could hear him clearly on the off-shore breeze.

We're pretty much experts, but 'nothing ventured, nothing gained'.
The nets immediately hit a shoal.  Latter I heard we had picked up 153 fish.

Now that was quite a miracle, and it got us thinking.
Must be Jesus on the shore. "I can't wait to see him" said Peter.
Typical Peter, he stripped off and was over board in a second.

By the time we'd got the nets in the boat, and made our way up onto the beach,
Jesus and Peter were by a small barbecue grilling fish.

We all sat in a circle, like we'd done so many times before.
Jesus looked up to heaven and asked for the creators blessing.
He then broke the fish into pieces and passed it to us.
We felt alive again.  Food, and his presence.
A prefect combination.

After we'd finished a wonderful thing happened.

Jesus met with Peter.
Peter had been beating himself up over his betrayals of Jesus. 
Jesus made it clear, repeating three times,
that he knew Peter's faith and love was rock solid.

Then he asked Peter to lead us in pastoring 'his' people,
the people he was now leaving.
This then was to be our future.

Of course Jesus said and did far more than I could tie down in these feeble words.

He even hinted to Peter that I might live for ever, until he returns again. 
Wow, that got everyone talking.
 I promise I'll tell you if it happens. 
Watch this space.

Shalom

That Sunday evening, Jesus' friends gathered together secretly, bolting the door securely.

Then Jesus was with with us.  'Shalom' he said.  What a powerful surge of joy filled that place.  We all started talking at once.  Words became meaningless.  All eyes were fixed on him.

"Shalom, the Creators purpose is fulfilled; and I now passing it to you."
And he breathed on us.
"Receive my presence in your life so that we can never be separated."

"You will know who is to be forgiven, and who does not deserve it."

____________

What a shame Thomas was not there.  He missed out.
Thomas is the sort of guy who need proof for everything.
He's a scientist; 'seeing is believing'.

A week later and we were meeting again.  Again Jesus was with us, and this time we all looked across to Thomas.  He made a shy smile.  He got up and walked over towards Jesus.
Jesus embraced him, and showed him his wounded body.
"Now you believe?" said Jesus.
With faltering voice Thomas conceded,
"My saviour and my liberator."

"You 'see' and have physical proof.  What about those who can not see me, and yet believe?"
______________

After his return, Jesus did many other things that I have not recorded here.  I have chosen these stories so that you may believe that Jesus came from the creator; that he was the one foretold, and that through knowing him, you too will have life in his name.

Sunday Morning

As Sunday approached, Magda left the house in search of Jesus.   
She wasn't sure what to do, but thought she would try her luck at the mortuary.
When she got there, she found the doors open, and not a soul about.

The spell of disinfectant and rancid fat pervaded the gloom.
At last she found the refrigerated store.
Draws the size of bodies lined the room from floor to ceiling.
On the far side one draw had been left open.
It was empty.  She let out a short scream.
There was the certificate of death that had been tied to Jesus foot.

Magda fled and ran back to find her friends.
She soon bumped into Peter and John who coming towards her.
"The bodies gone" she blurted out, as white as a sheet.
In an instant Peter and John took off.
They sprinted past Magda towards the mortuary.

John got there first and crashed in through the doors.
He found the empty draw.
Refiling through emptiness;
only Jesus' clothing and other bits remained.
"Madga's right, the body has been taken,"
acknowledged Peter, "but where?"
It hadn't clicked that Jesus had told them already what to expect.
"No point in staying here."

_______________________

Magda was in the street crying,
She looked back into the building and saw two people seated behind the reception desk.
They called out to her "What's upsetting you?"
"The body of my dearest friend, has been taken, and I don't know where."
A man was approaching her in the street.
In vain she called out to him, "Do you know where he has been taken?"
The man stopped and held out his arms.
 "Magda."
She looked up, her eyes rising to his.
"Padre" she called out.
She raced towards him; the briefest contact.
"I'm not huggable yet" he smiled.
"I'm here for now, but soon I will be returning to the creator.
Go and tell all our friends that I am alive."

Wrenching herself away, she held this duty tight.
"I have seen our Lord.
That's why there is no body.
He is alive."

She explained everything that had happened.

Never live it down

It's a rare sight to see someone die in public.
It induces an evil, seductive fascination.
A state that can only be achieved with company.
A 'what are they doing here?' innocence.

In prolonged agony Jesus  called out in thirst.
Not a request, but wine was stuck in his face.
A strange action for a man who was drying up.

When the bodies of those men were lowered,
Jesus had been dead for some time. 
The other victims were a tangled mess,
Jesus body was strangely complete. 
Pierced with a blade, pied blood flowed.

Friends, Joseph and Nicodemus discussed what to do.
The Judge was keen to get this aberration tidied up.
"Yes please do dispose of the body."
"I agree it should never have happened this way."
"We'll never live this one down."

"My family has recently purchased a tomb." 
"It's nearby, let's put his body there."
"I brought the embalming kit."
"Act quickly, the whole city is closing for the holiday."

Hope of the Nations

"Right, you're coming with me sonny Jim."
 Jesus had been lead into a notorious building in the centre of town; a building with no windows.

"We are going to the top floor, so you might as well help."  The burly officer passed Jesus a pill of cabling.  He tried to see if Jesus could carry the battery pack too, but his strength seemed already to be failing.

Outside a crowd was gathering.  Brutality was in the air.
TV crews had been instructed to entitle all new bulletins
 'Jesus - Hope of the Nations'.  
There was international interest in this story. 
The police chief pointed out the inaccuracy.
"Don't say 'Hope of the Nations', say 'he thought he was 'Hope of the Nations'."
"Too late mate,"  smiled our Australian correspondent.

The crowd became increasingly agitated.  "What you doing?"  "Show us the body."

Then- electricity struck.  Three naked bodies could be seen on the roof.  They were being strung up up on flag poles; Jesus was in the middle.

A sicken scenes of triumph; a stinking odour of evil, spread through the throng.
The officers drew lots to see who would get Jesus' private possessions; quite a nice mobile phone someone had given him.

Little did they know that what they were doing had been foretold in the book of Psalms chapter 22 vs 18.

There were also people who loved Jesus there too.  They strained up to see Jesus swaying body.

Peter grabbed hold of Jesus's mother's hand.  He is telling me that from now on we stick together.

I give up

Weary and wary, the judge knew from instinct that this case was far more complex than viewed at first sight; there was going to be no easy way out. 

Some petty issues are intractable. 

This was a part of the job he hated.

'I'll have him humiliated.  The shame will render him harmless.  See if that pacifies these bullies', he thought.

The judge instructed some young officers to play around.  They put a bag on Jesus head, hit him with sticks, experimented with electricity and water.  That should do the trick.  See if the Chief is happy now.

But by now the Chief Officer and his cronies were having none of it.  Their zeal was sharper than ever.

"We'll make a complaint." 
"You're not taking the risk seriously."
"You'll have blood on your hands." 
"The Secretary of State will hear of this."

The mood was turning nasty.  How to de-escalate?

The judge turned to Jesus.  "What have you done to these people?  If I'm going to get you off, you are going to have to help me."

"You would have no power over me unless it were not given to you for above.  Your part in this is less that these others. They know what they are doing", Jesus replied. 

'In all my life I have never been in a spot like this', thought the judge.  'I've really got to save this man.  He's done nothing wrong.'

He turned again to the Chief of Police but before he could say anything, the chief interrupted,
"we've had enough Judge." 
"We're not going to be responsible for the mayhem that you're creating."

"Look I'll tell you what", argued the judge, "you can take him and do what you like.  And I've not said that. OK?"

Time had passed.  It was now about midday.

The case against Jesus

Caiaphas was sent for and the waiting continued. 
One of the police officers looked Peter in the face and said,
"you are one of the Jesus' people-I recognise you." 

"Wrong man"  said Peter emphatically. 

"No", another officer came over, "I was on that call-out, and I saw you.  You had a gun." 

"Look, I'm here on the Barabbas case- I don't know the guy you are talking about."

Peter was adamant. 

The clock struck Midnight.

----------------------------------

Caiaphas was wringing his hands.  "We are going to have to get the Duty Judge involved.  There is a risk we might have to release him without charge."

The Duty Judge was in his pyjamas, but he came out to see the officers.  "Is this so urgent that it can't wait for the morning?" he asked with evident irritation.

"Very serious, otherwise we would have dealt with it ourselves.  There is a real and present risk that terrorist acts may occur." explained Caiaphas. 

"Right, I'll question him myself", said the Judge.  His wife brought him is dressing gown and he took Jesus into his house.

"Incitement to create acts of terrorism."  The Judge read out the charges.  "Are you leading a Jihad?"

Jesus:- "None of this is from me.  They are all other people's ideas about me."

Judge:- "Look, I'm a bit rusty on my religious extremism.  Please be patient.  What do these people say you are about to do?"

Jesus:- "I'm not here to change the world violently.  My purpose is to restore relationships between people and their creator."

Judge:- "So you are a religious leader?"

Jesus:- "Again, not my words.  I'm here for the seekers of truth."

Judge:- "Pah- Truth."  The Judge was a faithful 'social constructionist'.

The Judge took Jesus back outside.  He announced,
"There is no case to answer here.  Shall I show some liberal tolerance and pardon this religious extremist?"

Caiaphas, Annas, and a small crowd all became impassioned. 

"No, this guy is very dangerous.  He's a risk to society.  If you want to be liberal, pardon Barabbus."(Now he really was a violent extremist.)

 

Waiting Room

Peter knew he was lucky to have been let off.
And he also had an idea where Jesus would be taken.
With a useful friend, he headed to the Kidron Police Station.
Sure enough, the friend's ID worked and the friend got in: he knew the Police Chief well.
The friend said he would try his luck at getting Peter in too.

Soon the friend was back.  He whispered something to the girl behind the desk.  She looked over to Peter and jerked her head, indicating that he could enter.

As Peter passed her at the door, she winked, and noted that she had seen him with Jesus on news reports.   "Not me," replied Peter, "I'm here on a different matter."

Peter went into the waiting room.  A friendly office made everyone a round of warm tea.

Meanwhile in the interrogating room Annas was getting impatient.
He knew it was only a matter of time before Jesus said something incriminating.
"Everything I've said has been witnessed by so many people," Jesus suggested. "Ask anyone to testify."

A guard next to Jesus spun round and punched Jesus in the stomach.  "How dare you speak to the boss like that. You're wasting police time."  Jesus, recovering said "If I speak in lies, then fine, but everything I say is the truth."

"Enough of this ridiculous farce."  said Annas, "Let's take him to Superintendent Caiaphas."

Arrested

Later that evening Jesus went with his people over to Kidron Valley, and loitered in the public park.
Judas, the 'grass', knew the place well.

A line of police cars slowly snaked their way through the gates of the park, lights blazing.

Jesus knew exactly what was happening.
He stood up and walk towards the offices.
They were climbing out of their cars, guns at the ready.

"Who you looking for." He called out to them.

"A guy named Jesus," they shouted back.

"Well that's me."  He could see Judas in the passenger seat of a car.

When he said that's me, the offices started back by reflex, ducking behind their vehicles.

Jesus looked bemused,  "Who was it you wanted?"

"Jesus from Nazareth," they said again.

"Why that's me,"  he said with firmness.  "None of these other guys are involved, let them go peacefully."  (He wanted to protect his friends).

But Simon-Peter who had taken cover fired the first shot.  He hit a driver in the right ear.

Jesus was upset.  "Put that gun down Peter,  Don't you see I have to go through with this."

Then the police rushed forward and pushed Jesus to the ground, handcuffed him, and marched him off to the station;  first to Deputy Annas, and then to his big boss, Caiaphas.  He was the one who had advised  'Stitch this guy in time and you will save nine'.

Wallachia

Wandering thoughts to Wallachia

Starts with The Lutheran Church in Poland-  The Jesus Church in Ciezsyn, a historic church on the Polish - Czech border. Ryan Socash presents a sweet picture of the polish town.  Interestingly the town flag looks very similar to the Armenian national flag.

Ciezsyn was a German/ Silesian/ Austrian frontier town, and when Poland and Czechoslovakia were created in 1919, lead to a brief war.  It's a typical sob story.  "This was our traditional 'heartland'.  We need this land for security.  The Poles are all migrants."  The border now passes through the middle of the town along the river.  There are many cities in this state.   With Europe and a visa card, you might not notice the border now, though it's Zlotys on one side and Crowns on the other.

Next to Ostravia, the big steel city.  Then on to Olomouc, that could have been the Moravian capital.  It has a UNESCO world heritage site in the form of its plague memorial. It is so big there is a small unobtrusive chapel in the base.

Next over to Zlin.  This town was famous in the 1900's for being the centre of world shoe empire called Bata. The history link the Valech rising up with the Swedes against Albrecht Von Wallenstein, the famous Habsburg general who retired to Jicen, a place Theo took us to.

Stories from Zlin-  First the story of how came to be.  It is on the far edge of the Wallachia region, that dates back to roman times.  The Wallachi or Vlach, are the originally Romanians.  In Moravia they lost their Latin and became Slavs.  The first Tomas of the town was Tomas Bata.  He rose from being a local artisan to creating a global shoe empire.   The company got the order to make shoes for the Austro-Hungarian Empire during WWI.

How Tom Stoppard comes to listed as a famous Moravian Wallach I don't know?  He was born in 1937 in Zlin as Tomas Straussler. His father was a Bata company doctor.  The Bata company had created a modern hive of industry with interesting modern houses for the workers.  The company spread across the world and when Tomas Bata saw that the Nazis were going to exterminate the Jews, he arranged for all his Jewish employees to be transferred overseas. The Strausslers when to Singapore.  They Singapore was overrun by the Japaneses.  Tom, his brother and mother escaped to Australia.  Tom's father was killed in a fleeing boat that was hit by a missile.

Tom's mother remarried a British officer, but Tom said that he never felt British, or anything in particular through his life.

Olomouc has an old astronomical clock that was strafed with bullets by a departing German occupiers as the Russian and Romanian armies advanced.  The repair to the clock replaced pictures of saints with proletariats.

Olomouc's repaired clock 

Red area is Moravian Wallachia

Call it Good

We approach the pivot point of time.
Our purpose will be complete, as at creation.
We see what we have done, and call it good.
Life is restored, reconnected, eternal.

These precious people you gave me.
They know and trust  us both.
They know what has to be done.
May they stay strong in the storm to come.

Only one is lost, but that was foretold.

These friends make this all worthwhile.
We will come through together.
I am thinking also of the people they will touch, the wider community.
In the same way that we are bonded together, may we all be united as one.

This is what others will see,
The love that has underpinned us from creation,
and is central to life itself.

John chapter 17 - the Bible

Comes with joy

"Ok, I'll spell it out again.  I'm warning you that soon I will leave you, and it will be awful.  You will be devastated (though others may be pleased)." 

"However I will return in joy."

"It's going to be like when a mother gives birth.  She knows the process will be extremely painful, but it will be worthwhile, because the baby comes with joy.

"When I come back from the creator you will have all you need, and the joy will take this present suffering away."

"Then you will ask in my name; but there will be no need, because you will ask the creator directly.  It will be the same thing.  I am simply going back to my origin with the Creator."

"We are slowing getting it", reassured Jesus friends. "You and the creator are one."

"Yes, you are believing me. Look, soon you are all going to be dispersed, and you will leave me alone.  But I won't be alone, because I am one with the creator."

"I'm telling you this to prepare you, so that it's won't come as shock, and trouble you." 

"Be encouraged.  All things are to be set right."

For No Reason

Look, if you follow me you are likely to bump into a lot of people who are traveling in the opposite direction, and they are not going to like it!  That's what happened to me, so don't be surprised.  The worker follows what his/her boss says, so don't take it personally.  If others travel with you, then they are following me also, though they may not realise it.  Those who know me should know how serious this is.  They know that this is part of the creator's design.  Now choosing not to follow when you have seen wonders; that's unforgivable. It's sad, but we were warned, "They hated me for no reason*".

Quote from the book of Psalms chapter 35, verse 19.  repeated in chapter 69, verse 4 (The Bible)
From John chapter 15, verses 18 to 25, the Bible.


Remember, my presence is going to be in you, so the way of truth will be clear.  Your actions will reveal my presence.  

The Advocate

I have to be honest, and warn you.
To follow me is to expect a hard life.  People will kick you out of the mainstream.  
Some will think they are doing the right thing if they kill you.  

Now you are looking upset.

Remember what I said.  I have to go in order that you can have 'the Advocate'.  With my presence in you, this wrong will not win.  Many can't believe that righteousness will prevail.  But I'm telling you, it will.  Justice will be done.  

I could say so much more, but no need, because when you receive my presence, the adventure will continue.  You will discover so much more, and it will all be direct from the creator.  

The Creator, my life now, and the advocate, (my presence in your life); all perfectly match.  We are the same.    

John Chapter 16  verses 1 to 16.  The Bible

The Bond

If you desire to love me, see things from my perspective.
You will always to be able to do this because we'll do it together.
I'll be a living presence in you.

We'll travel together

Our relationship together will help you to see and know things clearly.

Don't be put off if others cannot see my presence.  You see me because of our bond.


It goes like this:-

I am linked to the Creator of all -  I am linked to you - and you are linked to me.  Therefore you are linked to the Creator.

I hold you, and you hold me.

Then Judas (the other one) said, "Why can't this be for everyone?"

Jesus replied "Everyone who wants to follow my way does so because they love me, and the creator. We are friends and live together.  I'm not making this up.  It has been said from the dawn of time."

"The gift that  I give you is peace in your heart and mind.  This is something no one can take from you. These current tribulations enable you to know the reality of what I am saying."

John chapter 14 verses 15 to 31 - The Bible.

The Vine

From John Chapter 15, The Bible

Just say again

Jesus: "Hey, don't let yourselves be glum!  You know the creator of all things; and you trust me!
Where I am going is a wonderful place. I'll make sure that there's provision for everyone.
I'm not leading you on, I'm serious.  And you know exactly how to get there."

Thomas: "Ah, that's the problem we haven't a clue.  Just say again."

Jesus: "It's me.  Follow me, and you will get there.  I bring you into complete truth, and life as it's designed to be lived.  If you know me, you know the creator of all.  So just think, you've now actually met your creator!"

Philip: "Yes, that's the bit we need.  Just show us the creator."

Jesus: "Look at me Philip, Look.  How do you think I have been able to speak with such authority, and do the wonderful things you have seen happen?  I'm not some crazy magician.  It's the creator inside me.  We are one together.  What's more, we can be inside you too, and you will continue to see amazing things happen. Your lives will bring us both glory and honour.  Ask for anything in my name, we are with you, just think of that!".

From John chapter 14 - The Bible

Love each other

Judas nipped out to the cash point, and Jesus called us about him.

He held both hands together but slightly apart.  "As the servant is made great", (shaking his left hand) "so the Creator is magnified" (shaking the right).  "The two reflect on each other as one", (and his hands came together as he lifted them upwards).

"It's really is not going to be long now; you heard me mention this to the tough guys.  Where I'm going you just can't come."

"So, if you forget everything else, remember this.  Love each other is the same way that I have loved you.  Remember what I have done, and do it again.  In this way people will see that no matter what happens, I am still leading you."

Peter looked Jesus quizzically in the eye. "Spit it out, where are you going?"

"Peter- I'm telling the truth; you can't come.  Not yet that is, but you will come later."

Peter retorted "you try and stop me.  I'm sorry, I'm coming even if it kills me."

Then Jesus look sad, and his eyes dropped.  "It will kill you", he said, "but before midnight strikes you will have said you never knew me."

From John Chapter 13 verses 31 to the end.  The Bible.

No Shit!

"Put those down this instant!"

"Now stop protesting.  You've had a hard day, I can see you're stressed.  We keep hearing that you're leaving us; that this is going to be our last get together.  So come and  relax, we're celebrating."

He'd managed to slip out and begun the disgusting task of cleaning the dog shit off our shoes. 

"I wasn't going to be able to stop him.  I know he loves us all, and this is the way he shows it, but he said it was much more than that.  'The dirt he's cleaning is on the inside; that if I didn't let him clean me up, we couldn't actually be friends'.  "Right" I said, "I'm stripping."  He laughed,  no, not so extreme.  He's come to clean up the shit we get ourselves into.  Actions speak louder than words.  We had to let him finish what he had started.

When he was done he made the point.  Here's the message.  He's been our guide, our mentor.  But the students are not greater than their teacher, and the ones delivering the message are not greater than the message giver.  So we too should serve others.  Copy him.  It's the way to be.

From John chapter 13 the bible.

Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession

Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession (Poland)

This is a small church with spectacular buildings, and a long and curious history.

I bumped into it when looking at the Sudenten Mountains.  One church is called the Vang Stave Church in Karpacz.  This was a Norwegian Lutheran church once of Vang, that became too small for it's town.  It was to be pulled down for a bigger church.  Indeed it was, but the old church was shipped off to Silesia, in the old days of Silesian Prussia.

The Church of Peace in Jawor is a world UNESCO heritage site.

The Augsberg confession was drawn up as a response to the Holy Roman Emperors demand that all German states explain their religious affiliations clearly.  This was in an attempt to unite the empire in the wake of a Turkish invasion.

Clip here for views inside

Do we do Greek?

These are my notes from the Festival trip.

Andrew - "What about Greek?  Do we do Greek?"
J -           "Who's asking?"
Andrew - "Philips's asking, he's chatting to some Greek tourists."
J -           "Does Philip speak Greek?"
Andrew - "I should think so,  He's got a Greek name."
J  -          "Yes, then he can translate.  This is for everyone."


My record of what was said
The people listened intently, knitted brows and concentrating hard.

"I am now standing on the edge.  I can stay back, or step forward."

"Just one grain of wheat must be buried in the ground and 'die' in order for it to become a plant to provide a 100 grains, and feed many."

"The paradox - If you love your life so much that you grasp hold of it to keep it - it will be crushed, and you will loose it.  If you hold it lightly, willing for it to be of benefit to all, you receive the priceless gift of life eternal.  Are you willing to 'step' with me?"

"Yes, I feel this is terrifying- not easy.  But there is no going back.  I am committed to glorifying my father."

 {And then everyone heard a loud, powerful voice saying "I have done so, and I will again."}

People there were astonished.  'I think it's an angel helping him to be strong', said one.

"Not for me, but for you - right now, you need strength." 

"This is when evil will be driven out, my body will be lifted up, exalted"  

He looked across the crowd.  The Greeks understood that they were included.  They understood the double meaning - the paradox.

"Hang on" someone shouted out, "you can't be the 'Messenger for all time', and also the one whose 'body is exalted'?  The Bible does not allow it." 

{Audible sigh} -  "Now is when all this stuff is clear and plain to sort out.  Soon you will have to figure it out on your own."  

He left us with all these bewildered people.  I recall that we've been warned that despite making it 'barn door' obvious, 'people coming alive' for instance, many will not put two-and-two together.  I could see that quite a number had been affected however, even those with considerable power and influence, although there is no way they would admit it.

'For goodness sake' -  he made it blindingly obvious what he meant.  Any fool could understand him it they were so inclined.   

Fiesta Time

"Nip down into town to see Zac*.  He'll have a car waiting for you.  If he asks what I need it for, just it's for my work, he'll understand."

I see Zac's legs sticking out from under a car.  "For his Lordship eh?" says Zac, smiling.  I've got just the thing.  Never been driven before.  A little cutie."  He directs me to a Mitsubishi Colt convertible.  "That will get eye's turning."  I reach for my wallet - "No, on the house.  My bit for the kingdom."

"You're not coming?"  I ask. "You'll be all alone."  Zac shrugs.  "The traffic will be terrible."

This is the biggest ever occasion in the calendar.  Everyone is on the move.  The roads are choker, 

We join the melee.  As the other drivers notice who is in the car behind  the atmosphere changes.  There is cheering, and whooping.  Those with flags get them out of the windows and semaphore the message.  Teenage girls, stand up through sun roofs, waving arms, hair streaming out like banners.

Jay is shining, It's his big day.  An opportunity for people to show their appreciation and love for a guy who has done so much for this place.  Cars honk their horns and pull back to let our car glide through.  "You've saved us", I hear shouted out as we pass by, "Hallelujah!"

We head on into the heart of the city.  Right under 'their' noses.   Jay is protected by the people who love him.  And 'they' can do nothing.  What a day.

* Zechariah 9:9 Do not be afraid daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt.

From John chapter 12 verse 12 The bible

Mitsubishi Colt convertible

Ready for the fiesta

Traffic getting into Jerusalem

PoLItlcAL gEOloGY

What is Political Geology?  

The 2019 book called Political Geology is edited by Adam Bobbette and Amy Donovan.

At the Whitechapel Art Gallery on the 20th February Amy and the artist Rachel Pimm gave a talk.  I'd have loved to have been there.  I enjoy the mixing of such diverse subjects - Art, Politics and Geology.

What comes to mind?  Politics is power.  Borders often relate to geology.  Mining and extracting are highly political.  The country of Moresnet was created to preserve peace between neighbours eager to get their hands on iron ore.  When the the iron ore ran out, so did the country.

Geology affects the status of countries.  Once Norway was poor and remote.  Following the discovery of oil and the  ability to extract it safely from the sea, Norway's status changed dramatically.  Norway also has amazing hydroelectric schemes and leads the way in renewable energy. It sponsors the Nobel Peace prise.

Geology can also make a country very vulnerable.  Bangladesh is a case in point. Fields are washed away.  What can they do?  The Netherlands is now one of the safest places against floods.  It has engineered a nation wide solution.

Some borders remain understandable and fixed, such as that between France and Spain.  Others have checkered histories, such as the border between Germany and Czechoslovakia in the 1930's.  The border was along the Sudeten (German name) mountain range, but didn't lots of Germans live on the other side of the border?  Didn't they want to join the Nazi fun?  The Czech army had built all it's defences in the mountains.  That was the end of that. 

Sudetenland - the other side of natural mountain border.

I remember being taught that Ireland was once covered in thick beds of coal, until it was all eroded off and dumped in the sea long before humans were ever around.  Ireland could have been the cradle of the industrial revolution.

The political significance of The Falkland Islands (Isle Malvinas) is to do with geology, not sheep.

What about other combination of subject? It's like one of those children's books with three flaps creating different combination of animal/ vegetable/ mineral (geology).

My ideas to explore:-

1) Social Physics
2) Bio- Music
3) Philosophical Engineering

Combine anything.  Why not?

Smell

From the vantage point of a recliner in Martha's Arbour, life's pretty good.  We have just had a fantastic meal cooked by our celebrated hostess.  Her brother and 'his lordship', haven't stopped hysterically laughing all evening.  Now everyone knows we are here, and I'm getting that strange feeling of insecure that often pervades our company like a bad odour.

In the distant you can hear the wine, high up, of hovering drones.  Tonight they are far off, over towards Jerusalem.  We are used to them.  Each has a loaded missile designed for a pin point assassination.  It's well know that Jay is high on the certified terrorist hit list.  I guess Lazarus has joined him there.  His association with Jay is not good for his assurance premiums.  One minute he's floating over the river styxs in Hades, the next he's had a recall.  I can joke now, but it was unspeakably sad.  His grave has become a bit of a local tourist attraction. Even the clothes he was wearing at the time are on show, and boy they stink. 

Jays attitude?  He says it not his time yet.  No need to worry.  Enjoy the moment.  I hope he enjoyed the moment when Mary took a bottle of Creed Silver Mountain Water Eau de Parfum (I know the perfume well having bought some for my wife.  I felt the sting of that payment for at least three hours.)  Well, pain and love mix.  Jay was so sweet to Mary.  She, distressed, and he praising her saying that she was preparing him for death.  She knew she wouldn't be able to get near him when it came to the real thing.  Oh Jay, don't talk about death, we're celebrating life.  But I guess he's right, you can't do much with a bottle of perfume if you been blown to smithereens.

From John chapter 12 - The Bible

Words not Actions

He was very, very lucky to get away alive.
I was one of the group that cornered him at the festival.
We knew he would have to come, so it was only a matter of time before we could get him alone

Surrounded as he was, he was careful what he said.

"Say it straight - are the divinely appointed messenger?" We demanded.  We're through with pleasantries.

He replied "I have told you so many times, but you've never listened... so what will make the different now?  The ones who know me, and care about; they can tell you."

Surly 'enough'- (we are not likely to get more), this is 'incitement to hatred and intolerance'.  It's cryptic, but that's what we expect.  We know he's playing games with us. We must act while we can.  It's the only way terrorist acts can be prevented.  'Catch the snake as it leaves its hole', as the saying goes.  Our actions will be understood in a court of law.  Self-defence; for public well being.

He will say more. He's pleading now.

"You have seen how the poor have been helped.  For which of these acts am I to die?"

It's not for your bloody actions that you die, it's for your words.  We have him round the throat, but he sill manages to say more...

"You recall those words... of the Psalmist, in chapter 28, verse 6, "and you are all gods.."  just words.... and I've only said I am 'the son of god'... you never believed me, even when wonderful things happened to honour the Creator....a paradox eh? you see, impossible for you to believe.

Everything went red.  I threw a stone, it hit another guy on the head.   Lunging and ripping.  I still have a bit of his shirt.  How he got away from us, I just don't know... but he did.

He went back to that place where his cousin had been. And people said they saw the link.  His cousin spoke powerfully, but never did amazing things.  This guy, it's all happening.

 From John chapter 10 verses 22 to 30 (The Bible)

City of London - Annual Sculpture Trail.

My preferred route

My route through this years art states from the Guildhall Art Gallery and then weaves over to Aldgate, to continue on the the Whitechapel Art Gallery.  There is a great contrast between the two.

Other galleries to see are Victoria Miro, and the Gagosian (see Time Out 50 best Galleries.)

The Good Head

"You who believe in coincidental, purposeless evolution should be suspicious of anyone who tries to get into a school without signing in at reception.  They are very likely to have evil designs."

"The good Headteacher stands by the entrance and greets all the students as they arrive.  She knows them by name. The students know her too, and trust that she only ever has right intentions. When she calls, they follow, just a pace behind.  They would not do that to a stranger.  They are suspicious of even his voice."

"I tell you, I am the 'Good Headteacher'.  Don't believe anyone else who tell you they are, they are liars and tricksters.  I make it my duty to ensure that everyone in my school is safe.

"I know my students, and they know me.  I know others who want to to join, and they are welcome. There are plenty of spaces here."

"I'll give my life for the care for my people.  You may think you can cause havoc, but I chose to do this knowing that it will only be for a short time. All will be well."

"This is unprofessional language" said some.  "He's obsessed."

"You're being a bit harsh" said others, "he's a just very committed, and these kids have nothing else."

From John chapter 10 verses 1 to 21 The Bible.

The Medical Report

I have been asked to investigate an unusual medical occurrence that has recently come to media attention.  Undoubtedly this is an incidence of a 'miracle', but the manner in which it occurred has raised significant concerns.

The accusation I am investigating is that the GMC code of conduct has been breached on a number of points.  The practitioner J, is believed to have no formal qualifications or licence to operate.  A number of highly dubious practices have been observed.  I have recorded my recommendations at the end of this report.

The condition of boy H is well known.  He has a considerable package of care and lives with elderly parents.  The practitioner J is not known in this area.  He is reported in some sources as a 'quack'  who does not operates from a registered clinic.

Some of the doctors of the town, intrigued and concerned by J's practices, arranged to meet him.  They sent for the boy H, who has a number of health difficulties including congenital blindness.

It was put to J that this was an impossible and heartbreaking case.  H has had considerable medical interventions  It is recorded that his condition is medically incurable. A number of the doctors present noted that it was hard to say whether H or his parents had suffered the more over the years.

It was known that J has religious motives behind his actions.  It was suggested that this case offered proof that there is no created purpose in life, that if a personal creator chooses to allow such suffering, then this is compelling evidence that goodness does not exist.  ('The god who creates worms that live in babies eyes" argument for a dispassionate non-personal creative force.)

J is recorded as defending his position by saying that it was never the Creator's intention for families to suffer like H.  He conceded that it was a heartbreaking case, with no fault apportioned.  However, he noted, due to an amazing coincidence of timing, the Creator would do something in this situation.  He stated that from the origin of life, this moment was destined;  for these doctors, for H, his parents, and anyone else affected, to see the personal nature of the Creator, and that suffering is not His intention.

I understand the meeting ended on a somewhat unsatisfactorily note, and J was observed giving some specific instruction to H.

The next incident occurred when H and his parents reporting to the Health Centre to have H's eyes medically examined.  He now had two fully functioning perfect eyes.  The Doctor who made the  examination was forced to check that she had the correct records. She even made H's parents come from from the waiting room to prove his identity.   It is undoubted that a miracle took place.  By definition, miracles are rare, but they they are noted in the medical record.

Recommendation
Now to consider the question of J's fitness to practice.  We are not clear what procedure actually took place.  H was not forthcoming.  His witness statement is short and given his intellectual ability,  I do not think we can expect greater detail.  He states simply that in the past he had empty, sealed eye sockets, and now he has two eyes with green irises.  H  is an unreliable witness as to whether J used professional  recognised practices.  His parents were warned that the use of unregistered physicians is illegal. Unfortunately H and his parents continued to show considerable aggression and were ejected from the practice, in line with Trust policy.  I do not believe we have any powers at our disposal at present to prevent this occurrence happening again.  I will table this as a point of order for our next executive meeting.

It is also a concern to note that it is understood that H has joined J in 'cult like' activities.
A local media source has quoted  J sardonically saying-
    "now the bind see, and those with sight remain blind."

From John chapter 9 (the Bible)

This House Believes

We were impressed on our table.
He got our vote in the debate.

Now we called him over for a drink,
"Budge up and give the man some room."

He looks round the table with serious intent,
"If you follow what I've just been saying,
you will find you are truly free to think and be."

"Hey- wow man- We are all graduates here." I say,
"Give us permission to think for ourselves."

"Yes", he says,"but I can see you still want to shut me up.
Get rid of me forever.
There is something that still blocks your understanding."

"No, you'll completely wrong." I say.
"We are all enlightened here,
believers in science and fact."

He replies.
"If you truly believed in science you would see that everything I say is genuine.
It's comes straight from the Creator, the author of science."

This was getting personal now, and I didn't like it.
"When you know the Creator- you see the world through different eyes,
Distorted vision will never see straight,
I appreciate this has got under your skin.
By knowing the Creator, you are given a privileged perspective
Everything comes into focus."

I wouldn't call him a big head, just deluded.
I can't remember the cult he comes from,
I wonder if he's known to the mental health services?

From John  chapter 8, verse 31 (the Bible)

That just about raps it up

Obscene

She’s always been the queen of clean,

All surfaces, - pristine,

Squeaky clean, like polystyrene,

Seems kind’a mean,

Could say, obscene,

That she's now in quarantine,  

with Covid 19

A Glass of Mexican Beer

It don’t take no abacus,

Easier to catch than couscous

No need to get yourself, raucous,

Raise a beer to Coronavirus.

Splendid Isolation

This ain’t no fabrication,

No K.G.B. machination,

Stuffing up our commercialisation,

Wash your hands, do your oblation,

Channel frustration, defeat causation,

A Nation in splendid isolation.

Great Buildings of the World Unite

The Ilinden Memorial in North Macedonia- Honouring the uprising of 1903

Inside the Memorial in Krusevo. 
The town is officially bilingual - Macedonian and Aromanian.

 This was an abortive attempt at removing an imperial dictator.  Interesting to compare this with uprisings in the British Empire.  The Bulgarians said the Ilinden uprising was too soon, and happened without their, or Russian consent.  The retribution that followed was worse than the war.

What about Bulgaria?

 Buzludzha, said to the the site of a heroic defeat in 1868

Now sadly derelict

And Paris - The French Communist Party Headquarters designed by Oscar Niemeyer

Where is your Father?

Who is this 'Shibilis'?
(A tiresome purveyor of scaramuccia.)

"I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but have the light of life."

Yes, heard it before.
On what authority does he speak?
What makes him think that this cryptic gibberish will please anyone?
What's so bad about darkness?  It's a part of life, part of the real world.

"I speak with the authority given by my father;" so you say.
Your father... king of the Gypsies?

You say you were there before our 'ancient and sacred' law was written.
You say, 'with your father'.
You say that you are not here to pass judgement on us.
Why thank you very much, as your father is your witness...

"Where is your Father?"

(Who are you anyway?)

(and why do I not expect a straight answer?)

"Soon, I'll be gone.  I'm going were you cannot go."

(Mercy me, at last, good news - he'll top himself.)

"When the body is lifted up, the scales will fall.
All will know that I speak with complete authority.
Then what I am saying will make sense.
My priority is to please my Father, 
We work together."

"Watch now guys - don't be taken in."

"Easy does it."

With credit to John Chapter 8 verse 12 (The Bible)

Meet My Big Brother

My brother, now he is something else!
You would think that he should be the responsible one,
the one to care for the old folks.
No- he's the one who lives off hospitality,
and wanders around the dessert sleeping rough.

Anyway, he's been staying over. 
Great to have him about; he always lends a hand.
With his posse, he's been out doing good as usual.
They are always up to something sensational... 
I do look up to him; a genuinely good guy.

I was telling him that this year he should go to 'The Festival'. 
It's really big- over in Jerusalem.
Masses of people there. 
It would be great if he could get the audience he deserves.

But no. He says the honchos don't like him.  Got it in for him.
I don't see it myself.  My brother?  Wouldn't hurt a sparrow.

Well, the rest of us are going. 
A bit of a nostalgia-fest I know, but all the cool people will be there.

Turns out he did go.  I thought he wouldn't be able to resist it. 
Some of my mates saw him on one of the side stages.
Yes, and he did pull in the crowds. 
Most people think he's really great. 
He gets straight to the point.  Says the stuff that really counts. 
He hates hypocrisy, and our society is full of it. 
What he says really needs to be said, and he's the one with the guts.

I guess that's what gets on their wick; the honchos. 
They have us all pretty much tied round their little fingers. 
Best to play ball...but my older brother? 
No way- he won't dance to their tune. 
He says his Father is the one he is loyal to. 
Now we share fathers... I think, but I know he is talking about the Creator, not Dad. 
I get it, but those dunder-heads don't.

By the end of the festival, big bro is 'main staging'. 
He's really on a roll saying stuff like -
  "Come to me, anyone who is thirsty, and I will give you rivers of living water that will flow from you to all people."

That's just fantastic isn't it?  I like it. 
But our leaders think he is putting himself above the Creator.
 They think he has to be stopped pretty quick, and they're mean.

Bro was luck to get out of that one in time.
My mate says he thinks I'm related to The Messiah!
Wow I say- "do you know our family and where we were dredged up?"
Not Galilee.  It's a dump.

John chapter 7 - The Bible.

Of Apples and Pears

CHAPTER XXXVI

Traduttore traditore, commenced ringing in my p. 247ears, and I asked myself whether I should be acting honourably towards the publisher, who had committed to me the delicate task of translating him into German;

Had I treated Ab Gwilym in this manner?  Even when translating his Ode to the Mist, in which he is misty enough, had I attempted to make Ab Gwilym less misty?  No; on referring to my translation, I found that Ab Gwilym in my hands was quite as misty as in his own.  Then, seeing that I had not ventured to take liberties with people who had never put themselves into my hands for the purpose of being rendered, how could I venture to substitute my own thoughts and ideas for the publisher’s, who had put himself into my hands for that purpose?  Forbid it every proper feeling—so I told the Germans, in the publisher’s own way, the publisher’s tale of an apple and a pear.

I at first felt much inclined to be of the publisher’s opinion with respect to the theory of the pear.  After all, why should the earth be shaped like an apple, and not like a pear?—it would certainly gain in appearance by being shaped like a pear.  A pear being a handsomer fruit than an apple, the publisher is probably right, thought I, and I will say that he is right on this point in the notice which I am about to write of his publication for the Review.  And yet I don’t know—said I, after a long fit of musing—I don’t know but what there is more to be said for the Oxford theory.  The world may be shaped like a pear, but I don’t know that it is; but one thing I know, which is, that it does not taste like a pear; I have p. 248always liked pears, but I don’t like the world.  The world to me tastes much more like an apple, and I have never liked apples.  I will uphold the Oxford theory—besides, I am writing in an Oxford Review, and am in duty bound to uphold the Oxford theory.  So in my notice I asserted that the world was round; I quoted Scripture, and endeavoured to prove that the world was typified by the apple in Scripture, both as to shape and properties.  ‘An apple is round,’ said I, ‘and the world is round—the apple is a sour, disagreeable fruit; and who has tasted much of the world without having his teeth set on edge?’  I, however, treated the publisher, upon the whole, in the most urbane and Oxford-like manner; complimenting him upon his style, acknowledging the general soundness of his views, and only differing with him in the affair of the apple and pear.

From G Borrow- "Lavengro"

Feast and Fast

All these people!  This has become a phenomenon.
They can't get enough of him.
Taken time off, trapesing across the country.
Is he that good?

Now he wants them all to be looked after.
They're getting hungry.
Isn't it obvious this was going to happen?
And we're going without all the time.

Let's do a whip round.
Typical - nothing - totally unprepared.
Kind kid- What would his mum say?
Well done Andrew.

Here have some, but don't be greedy.
It's got to go round 5000.
I should really be back at work; not party to this fiasco.

He looks up to heaven; says the grace.
"Thank you God to the lucky winner of some kid's lunch."

What's this? Hand it out.  Sure- nothing to do with me mate.
A bit more?  Bigger lunch than I thought.
Hey you, give us a hand, this isn't finished.

Umm, quite tasty- That's a great bread 'n' fish sandwich.
Anyone for more?  Yes no problem, Here pass it on,
Plenty where it came from.
You! No need to grab.  I'll serve you last!

Do you mind if I borrow your basket?
You'll get it back for sure, with interest.
Vegetarian?! Just fling the fish to the cats!

I'm a bit uneasy about this.
This lot are going to want more and more.
I know what 'He' will be saying;
'Food's one thing, but it's not enough.
It's spiritual food you're craving.
This stuff 'll fill you up for a day.
You need manna that will sort you out for eternity.'

I'm going to suggest next time,
let's be a bit harsh.
A little nibble and a small sip-
That's you limit.

John 1 Chapter 6 - The Bible.

The Maelstrom

"Stretching before me, the troubled breast of the mighty river, and, immediately below, the main whirlpool of the Thames—the Maëlstrom of the bulwarks of the middle arch—a grisly pool, which, with its superabundance of horror, fascinated me.  Who knows but I should have leapt into its depths?—I have heard of such things—but for a rather startling occurrence which broke the spell.  As I stood upon the bridge, gazing into the jaws of the pool, a small boat shot suddenly through the arch beneath my feet.  There were three persons in it; an oarsman in the middle, p. 222whilst a man and woman sat at the stern.  I shall never forget the thrill of horror which went through me at this sudden apparition.  What!—a boat—a small boat—passing beneath that arch into yonder roaring gulf!  Yes, yes, down through that awful water-way, with more than the swiftness of an arrow, shot the boat, or skiff, right into the jaws of the pool.  A monstrous breaker curls over the prow—there is no hope; the boat is swamped, and all drowned in that strangling vortex.  No! the boat, which appeared to have the buoyancy of a feather, skipped over the threatening horror, and, the next moment, was out of danger, the boatman—a true boatman of Cockaigne that—elevating one of his sculls in sign of triumph, the man hallooing, and the woman, a true Englishwoman that—of a certain class—waving her shawl.  Whether any one observed them save myself, or whether the feat was a common one, I know not; but nobody appeared to take any notice of them." 
                                                                Chapter XXXI, Lavengro by George Borrow.

This text links with the two other books I have been listening to recently.

'Our Mutual Friend', which features Elizabeth Hexam, the ferryman's daughter, and talented oars woman of the Thames.

Also Robert MacFarlane's book 'The Underland', which features a trip to the original Maelstom, of Andoya, Lofoten Islands, where the waters of the arctic well up over 'The Edge', creating perpetual 'Maelstrom', as first described by Dutch sailors.

Other features of MacFarlane's book are- the rock art of the Norwegian caves, and his trip though the 'cast' landscape from Trieste to Maridor in Eastern Slovenia.  This is a land, like so many others, that has been the nut in the vice of two opposing great powers.  In First World War, Slovenia was to be sacrificed to Italy as the price for them joining the war against Austria.  In the Second War , the Germans were intent on returning lands forfeited to Yugoslavia (the Land of the Southern Slavs), in particular Slovenia's second city Maridor.  Apparently in the first war the Julian Mountains were turned into a giant system of tunnels, gun emplacements and fortresses.  The Austrians held out, thereby containing the entity that is now called Slovenia (it can be argued).

MacFarlane also visits the extraordinary 'refrigerator' mountain that  cools the water in it to ice, which is extruded as a glacier from it's base.