Goodness me! Never in the history of the BBC has 'Question Time' received more media coverage or a higher viewer rating. Leader of the BNP Nick Griffin (not Peter Griffin, that would be an entirely different affair) appeared and was faced a barrage of questions at the hand of a studio audience, several politicians and an arts critic.
Nick Griffin needs Jesus. I would say more, but sometimes a summary is superior to a speech. In the Kingdom of heaven described in Revelation, all tongues, tribes, peoples and nations are represented and are present.
Nick Griffin needs Jesus.
Friday, 23 October 2009
Friday, 9 October 2009
House must die
Greg House must die. I'm not suggesting this because I don't like the medical comedy/drama, or indeed the character himself, quite the opposite. I've been watching the show for a number of years now and as it begins its sixth series the producers must be thinking about to end the show. But, the normal ways in which a series ends wouldn't suit House at all, and would ruin the show rather than make it.
1) The first way to end a series is to give the main character/s some meaningful new chapter of life. Getting married, having a child, getting a new job, etc. None of these would work for House as the very nature of his personality prevents any significant changes. This is explained in the second way to end a series.
2) The main character/s resolve some deep seated emotional/personal/relationship problems. This would work in most situations, but because House is in constant pain, is a chronic devourer of relationships, is essentially a miserable, lonely person, for him to resolve any of his problems would remove so much of his personality and character that House would cease to be House. Now, it could be argued that this would be acceptable at the END of the show, but to end such a successful show by changing the personality of the main character would be seem cheap.
3) The third way to end a series is to just draw a line in the sand as if the duration of the show was just a window into a set period of time in the lives of the characters. This works in a series which has a changing cast, ER for example, but when the title and focus of the show is one person, to just phase out would leave the audience asking "what happened to House?"
While i'm sure there are other ways to end a series than these, I doubt whether the more successful shows have utilised any other than the three above.
To that end, the only way to end a series as huge and epic as House would be for House to die in the final few episodes. His death would be a fitting end to a brilliant but tragic life, and thus an excellent conclusion to the show. For the sake of House, House must die.
1) The first way to end a series is to give the main character/s some meaningful new chapter of life. Getting married, having a child, getting a new job, etc. None of these would work for House as the very nature of his personality prevents any significant changes. This is explained in the second way to end a series.
2) The main character/s resolve some deep seated emotional/personal/relationship problems. This would work in most situations, but because House is in constant pain, is a chronic devourer of relationships, is essentially a miserable, lonely person, for him to resolve any of his problems would remove so much of his personality and character that House would cease to be House. Now, it could be argued that this would be acceptable at the END of the show, but to end such a successful show by changing the personality of the main character would be seem cheap.
3) The third way to end a series is to just draw a line in the sand as if the duration of the show was just a window into a set period of time in the lives of the characters. This works in a series which has a changing cast, ER for example, but when the title and focus of the show is one person, to just phase out would leave the audience asking "what happened to House?"
While i'm sure there are other ways to end a series than these, I doubt whether the more successful shows have utilised any other than the three above.
To that end, the only way to end a series as huge and epic as House would be for House to die in the final few episodes. His death would be a fitting end to a brilliant but tragic life, and thus an excellent conclusion to the show. For the sake of House, House must die.
Friday, 25 September 2009
The Travel Bug
I write this sat on a train heading south to Newcastle for the weekend. It's unusually quiet for a friday night's train, but this eeiry quiet, permeated only by the sound of people chatting louder than they would had the train been full and the gentle rocking of the 19.50 National Express service to York, puts me in mind of my first years away from home. When I use 'home' in this context i'm refering to my childhood in Newcastle's coastal towns. The designation of 'home' has changed over the years, at one point being split over various places, but has come to rest in the last 18months in Glasgow.
My dad was visiting recently, and told me that when he was speaking to a friend who's son was about to leave home for the first time, he told him that thing's will never be the same again, because "Alan left home when he was 18 and never came back." Of course, I have been back, but whether or not he knew it my dad had observed an emotional truth if not a practical one. When I left home on the 7th of January 2005, I completed my childhood. I would return to Newcastle, but only ever as a visitor.
And that is the manner of my return at the moment. We are returning to visit. During my first term at International Christian College I returned home no fewer than 7 times, something I regret. During my time in India I would relish the next move as nothing would be required of me for the duration of the travel.
But what is it about travelling that excites me so? Even to this day, even though I am very settled in Glasgow and enjoy my life here immensely, I still get itchy feet and the need to get out of the city every other month or so. I'd like to think it's my sense of adventure propelling me into unknown places. Perhaps, but perhaps it's my childhood rebellion creeping back in. The urge to move on, not to settle, to be 'free' and a stranger in a strange land. Fortunalely i'm married to a magnificent woman who keeps me on my toes and stops me becoming complacent and comfortable with things as they are. My horizons are never too broad. And yet I still enjoy travelling, but to journey with Sarah keeps the balance right.
My dad was visiting recently, and told me that when he was speaking to a friend who's son was about to leave home for the first time, he told him that thing's will never be the same again, because "Alan left home when he was 18 and never came back." Of course, I have been back, but whether or not he knew it my dad had observed an emotional truth if not a practical one. When I left home on the 7th of January 2005, I completed my childhood. I would return to Newcastle, but only ever as a visitor.
And that is the manner of my return at the moment. We are returning to visit. During my first term at International Christian College I returned home no fewer than 7 times, something I regret. During my time in India I would relish the next move as nothing would be required of me for the duration of the travel.
But what is it about travelling that excites me so? Even to this day, even though I am very settled in Glasgow and enjoy my life here immensely, I still get itchy feet and the need to get out of the city every other month or so. I'd like to think it's my sense of adventure propelling me into unknown places. Perhaps, but perhaps it's my childhood rebellion creeping back in. The urge to move on, not to settle, to be 'free' and a stranger in a strange land. Fortunalely i'm married to a magnificent woman who keeps me on my toes and stops me becoming complacent and comfortable with things as they are. My horizons are never too broad. And yet I still enjoy travelling, but to journey with Sarah keeps the balance right.
Monday, 21 September 2009
The latest Big Shout
Dr Richard Dawkins was on an Irish television show called 'The Late Late Show', which looks like it acquired its name from a error using copy and paste. In this 15minute interview Dr Dawkins was asked to speak about his views about God, humanity, evolution etc. However, it soon became apparent that Dr Dawkins had been asked to appear on the strength of his most recent book, The Greatest Show On Earth, and that he was perhaps out of his element. When the presenter asked the audience how many of them believed in God, approximately 70% of them did. Unfortunately for Dr Dawkins, this was after he had deplored the 40% creationist United States for believing in a young earth. Quite out of character for a chat show, the presenter consulted a priest who happened to be in the audience about his thoughts and objections to Dr Dawkins position.
I write about this because i've never seen Richard Dawkins so uncomfortable. Usually when I see him in the media its among people who believe exactly that which he does and therefore congratulate him on his (and their) beliefs. Or else he's got a captive audience with little or no interaction allowed. In either situation he holds the floor. But on The Late Late Show he was in a small minority.
This demonstrates to me that the force which Dawkins wields is severely diminished when he's not among his brethren. He ends up looking like a pompous ass calling people fools. However, I must guard against being two faced; A) do I only associate with people who are similar to me? B) how do I sound when i'm speaking? Is it humbly? Is it arrogantly? Even in proclaiming truth, you can do it incorrectly and make it false.
(On a theological note, I have no problem with evolution as a method of creation used by God. It needn't contradict scripture, but perhaps discussion of this is for another post.)
I don't think Dawkins' writings and thoughts are revolutionary, nor do I think they'll derail faith. Dr Dawkins is the latest Big Shout, the popular non-conformist who it's cool to follow. Like Descartes and Voltaire before him, Dawkins is the month-piece of the day. I think he'll fade into history as one among many, a man who hid behind science to mask his faith.
I write about this because i've never seen Richard Dawkins so uncomfortable. Usually when I see him in the media its among people who believe exactly that which he does and therefore congratulate him on his (and their) beliefs. Or else he's got a captive audience with little or no interaction allowed. In either situation he holds the floor. But on The Late Late Show he was in a small minority.
This demonstrates to me that the force which Dawkins wields is severely diminished when he's not among his brethren. He ends up looking like a pompous ass calling people fools. However, I must guard against being two faced; A) do I only associate with people who are similar to me? B) how do I sound when i'm speaking? Is it humbly? Is it arrogantly? Even in proclaiming truth, you can do it incorrectly and make it false.
(On a theological note, I have no problem with evolution as a method of creation used by God. It needn't contradict scripture, but perhaps discussion of this is for another post.)
I don't think Dawkins' writings and thoughts are revolutionary, nor do I think they'll derail faith. Dr Dawkins is the latest Big Shout, the popular non-conformist who it's cool to follow. Like Descartes and Voltaire before him, Dawkins is the month-piece of the day. I think he'll fade into history as one among many, a man who hid behind science to mask his faith.
Friday, 18 September 2009
Future historic events?
After a significant break of almost 16 months between the previous blog and this one much has happened. I've graduated from ICC with a 2.1 honours degree in Theology, i've been to Ephesus in Turkey, i've ended my time at Somerfield after 200 shifts and i've started leading a small group as well as preaching at HOPE church.
So, now i'm looking for a job. But my thoughts tonight are about the future past. Sarah and I had an evening watching films tonight. Firstly was The Queen, then Apollo 13. Both of these films include historic moments in History; the landing of the Apollo 11 spacecraft on the moon, and the untimely death of Diana Spencer. This got me thinking. Assuming I live to be a pensioner, whatever that'll mean in 2051, what will I look back on over my life as the historic moments I lived to witness? My mother called my down to watch Queen Elizabeth's golden jubilee in 2002 because, as she informed me at the time, it's the only one I'll ever see. And as the years press on that's looking more and more likely. I have in all probability seen my only British golden jubilee. What else will I look back on in my golden years? Will I witness a manned mission to Mars? Will I participate in a war? And what of the church? Will she grow in the west as she has been Latin America and Africa? Or will she dwindle to a remnant as religion becomes less and less tolerated? Who can say, because indeed you can read scripture both ways.
I guess time will tell. For now i'm trying to appreciate that which comes my way. My current unemployment i'm trying to see as a gift of time. Events in the world, other than which celebrity hates which other celebrity - I mean meaningful events, are markers in history. Some are insignificant, some are significant. But all contribute to the outworking of History.
And i'm honoured to be a part of that.
So, now i'm looking for a job. But my thoughts tonight are about the future past. Sarah and I had an evening watching films tonight. Firstly was The Queen, then Apollo 13. Both of these films include historic moments in History; the landing of the Apollo 11 spacecraft on the moon, and the untimely death of Diana Spencer. This got me thinking. Assuming I live to be a pensioner, whatever that'll mean in 2051, what will I look back on over my life as the historic moments I lived to witness? My mother called my down to watch Queen Elizabeth's golden jubilee in 2002 because, as she informed me at the time, it's the only one I'll ever see. And as the years press on that's looking more and more likely. I have in all probability seen my only British golden jubilee. What else will I look back on in my golden years? Will I witness a manned mission to Mars? Will I participate in a war? And what of the church? Will she grow in the west as she has been Latin America and Africa? Or will she dwindle to a remnant as religion becomes less and less tolerated? Who can say, because indeed you can read scripture both ways.
I guess time will tell. For now i'm trying to appreciate that which comes my way. My current unemployment i'm trying to see as a gift of time. Events in the world, other than which celebrity hates which other celebrity - I mean meaningful events, are markers in history. Some are insignificant, some are significant. But all contribute to the outworking of History.
And i'm honoured to be a part of that.
Wednesday, 28 May 2008
Hiatus
Recently on The Alan Show;
In the last 10 weeks there has been much happening on The Alan Show, but, alas, little time to report on findings. A holiday special was planned and very well received, with The Alan Show being filmed in 13 locations other than Glasgow. Granted, one of which was returning to the beloved Whitley Bay set, but there was much call from former main-characters to participate in this holiday special.
Since the return to Glasgow from the holiday special The Director has added a new location to the already-rich assortment on the show. I am currently working at Somerfield for a dozen or so hours per week. This, of course, means that new characters and of course new story lines will occur as a result.
With summer drawing ever-closer and as such the days getting longer, The Director has arranged it so that more scenes can be shot outside, hopefully encapsulating the heatwave that seems to frequent Glasgow at this time of year.
Speaking of the summer, we are fast approaching the end of this series of The Alan Show and we will begin our eleventh series. This is set to take place largely at the Glasgow set, but with some excursions to the Whitley Bay set, as well as the occasional show in Bristol and to an all new location in August. Stay tuned!
Footnote:
For promotional stills from the recent European holiday special, click here, here, here, here, here and here.
In the last 10 weeks there has been much happening on The Alan Show, but, alas, little time to report on findings. A holiday special was planned and very well received, with The Alan Show being filmed in 13 locations other than Glasgow. Granted, one of which was returning to the beloved Whitley Bay set, but there was much call from former main-characters to participate in this holiday special.
Since the return to Glasgow from the holiday special The Director has added a new location to the already-rich assortment on the show. I am currently working at Somerfield for a dozen or so hours per week. This, of course, means that new characters and of course new story lines will occur as a result.
With summer drawing ever-closer and as such the days getting longer, The Director has arranged it so that more scenes can be shot outside, hopefully encapsulating the heatwave that seems to frequent Glasgow at this time of year.
Speaking of the summer, we are fast approaching the end of this series of The Alan Show and we will begin our eleventh series. This is set to take place largely at the Glasgow set, but with some excursions to the Whitley Bay set, as well as the occasional show in Bristol and to an all new location in August. Stay tuned!
Footnote:
For promotional stills from the recent European holiday special, click here, here, here, here, here and here.
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
WhaleGod
Recently on The Alan Show;
With every episode of The Alan Show that goes by I get to learn more and more about The Director. Recently I have been reading a book about Keiko, the orca that starred in 'Free Willy'. Keiko's life adventure to eventual freedom is more gripping than the film. He spent much of his life in a small tank in Mexico city, before being moved to a custom-made facility in Oregon and then being moved to a bay-pen off the coast of Iceland. Eventually he swam free and made his way to Norway, where he spent the last few years of his life.
Now, all along Keiko had trainers who were committed to the process of rehabilitating him to life in the open ocean. He responded to hand signals and rewards of fish and attention. But as is the case with such an awesome creature, if he doesn't want to do something, there is nothing that anyone can do to make him.
It occurred to me this week that this is rather similar to my relationship with The Director, although not an air-tight analogy. I am free to petition The Director about anything I wish, but ultimately it is His decision which plays out. I am the star of The Alan Show, sure, but The Director is the one calling the shots. And while I may not like or understand some of the plot lines that come my way, I am making that evaluation with incomplete information. The Director is the one who knows the end from the beginning, and has the sense to know which is which.
Do stay tuned to The Alan Show and associated media over the coming weeks for our special Spring-Break episodes, taking place in many cities across Europe.
With every episode of The Alan Show that goes by I get to learn more and more about The Director. Recently I have been reading a book about Keiko, the orca that starred in 'Free Willy'. Keiko's life adventure to eventual freedom is more gripping than the film. He spent much of his life in a small tank in Mexico city, before being moved to a custom-made facility in Oregon and then being moved to a bay-pen off the coast of Iceland. Eventually he swam free and made his way to Norway, where he spent the last few years of his life.
Now, all along Keiko had trainers who were committed to the process of rehabilitating him to life in the open ocean. He responded to hand signals and rewards of fish and attention. But as is the case with such an awesome creature, if he doesn't want to do something, there is nothing that anyone can do to make him.
It occurred to me this week that this is rather similar to my relationship with The Director, although not an air-tight analogy. I am free to petition The Director about anything I wish, but ultimately it is His decision which plays out. I am the star of The Alan Show, sure, but The Director is the one calling the shots. And while I may not like or understand some of the plot lines that come my way, I am making that evaluation with incomplete information. The Director is the one who knows the end from the beginning, and has the sense to know which is which.
Do stay tuned to The Alan Show and associated media over the coming weeks for our special Spring-Break episodes, taking place in many cities across Europe.
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