GadgetVicar

Wonders of The Solar System

I had a quiet evening in last night and was so tired I fancied a relaxing no-brainer kind of entertainment, so ended up watching the box (or should that now be panel?). It turned out to be a stimulating geek fest with The Sky at Night (on "Is there life on other worlds?" - I'm a sucker for that), followed by Horizon on the subject of dark flow. Both were fascinating programmes.

The highlight was earlier on in the evening - Professor Brian Cox presents Wonders of the Solar System, the BBC's latest HD-fest that looks at what it says on the tin. I'd love his job! The only word to describe the programme is stunning. The youthful Cox explains and enthuses, the visuals are beautiful, and the music fits gloriously. See the first episode about the Sun on iPlayer. Take a look, and give thanks to the wonder-full Creator:

Glee

Lots of laughter at the meeting of our Prayer Response Team tonight. I could have sworn that the intro to one of the songs we used in worship was "We Will Rock You" by Queen. The little group I was in never got round to praying for each other as we were too busy getting to know each other, which was part of the aim for the evening. We ended with Holy Communion and prayer for the staff. Much appreciated. We're beginning to feel our way forward in this area of ministry, with a sense of things developing well. Sunday morning will see us offering prayer for everyone in the congregation, in what is beginning to look and feel like something special.

Rounded off a busy few days by watching "Glee" (or as GV Bro describes it, "Let's do the show right here").  Tonight we discovered that Sue Sylvester has a soft side. Amazing! I really don't understand how one of my friends, who is a lover of all things cheesy, doesn't like "Glee".  It's clever, funny, and at times, uplifting. There's prejudice, jealousy and anger. There's also lots about loyalty, joy and creativity.  It is very watchable.

It all takes me back to my own youthful days of treading the boards......maybe we should start a Glee Club at church?

And lastly: Little Boots @ Glasto

Tenori-on and Stylophone! Electro-poptastic.

Also at Glasto: Neil Young - Rockin' in the Free World

It never ends but is quite wonderful - you have to love all that distortion and feedback.

Flo @ Glasto

Flo @ Glasto. Whadya think?

Chris Moyles on Baptism & Church

Hat Tip Lorraine. It's fascinating how unaware people are now about what actually happens in church, the meaning of baptism "in the pit", and the basic tenets of Christianity. We have a lot of work to do in terms of engaging with people. But, hey, in this instance, Mr Moyles has got a little taste of joy and grace.

Why the Bible is a Big Fat Lie and I'm an Idiot for Believing It - Bart Ehrman Interviewed by Stephen Colbert

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Bart Ehrman
colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor NASA Name Contest

U2 - No Line On The Horizon

It's kind of sneaked up on me, but U2's new recording, No Line On The Horizon is released on Monday. Being bedridden for a few days this week allowed me to investigate further. Listened to the whole thing pre-release on Spotify. It's a grower, with some great songs, and a whole lot of deep spiritual stuff going on. Highlights for me are 'Magnificent' and 'Breathe'.

Then tonight, I discovered they've been busy boys at the BBC. See them perform on the Radio 1 Live Lounge here. Then watch them perform on the roof of the BBC Centre in Langham Place by pressing the red button on your digital telly (and how wonderful to see the many people gathered on the steps of All Souls - if U2 want to play an impromptu gig in Glasgow, they're welcome to use St Silas' steps as a venue).

Also got invited to a U2 Album launch party next Saturday night. The band won't be there of course (or will they?) but we're invited to dress up as band members! Methinks this might be taking fandom a bit too far.

Now, where did I put my wrap-around "fly" glasses?

Elbow on the Beeb

Quite by accident, we discovered that Elbow have recorded a live version of their album, The Seldom Seen Kid, with the BBC Concert Orchestra for BBC Radio 2. It can be seen on digital TV by pressing the red button. Or online here. A beautiful and uplifting rendition of the whole album.

A taster of what  is to come as we see them play live in Edinburgh next month.

Life is for Sharing

I saw this premiered during the Celebrity Big Brother eviction on Friday night. A fantastic bit of marketing and a wonderfully joyful celebration of life and creativity. I was in Liverpool Street Station on the 9th January. I wonder whether I would have joined in if it had happened that day?

Maybe there is a wee lesson in there for the Church in how to communicate Jesus, who is Life?