Libyian Foreign Minister Defects and Other Possibilities

Bit of a surprise, in spite of the circumstances, but one does wonder what else is in store, especially given the expulsion of five Libyan diplomats. Gadaffi may shrug off this defection, like that of the Interior Minister, but it does show lack of faith in the regime and that it is a sign to others.

Prince Harry Joining Arctic Trek for "Walking With the Wounded"

Fantastic stuff and I hope it all goes well, especially given the charity involved. One thing intrigues me though, is the Prince the first British Royal to visit the High Arctic, at least on land? Any answers let me know.

Ed and Justine Are Getting Married!

Warm congratulations to the couple and all the best :-). It's a big commitment, but given that Ed took on the Labour leadership when the Party had just gone into opposition, it definitely shows his mettle

Serotonin levels and sexuality

Whilst this is fascinating, it is by no means conclusive, nor in any way, whether accurate or not, should it deviate from the dignity and love and support many gay and lesbian people receive and need, just as much as we need affirmation in our lives

Libyan No-Fly Zone An Apparent Success

It's awful, and we must make sure this does not become another Iraq, but I think that the options for better alternatives are few if any, and the need to protect civilians is paramount.  So long as we keep on tactics that are primarily for the Libyan people, that keep a coalition of nations, especially the Arab countries, on side, and so long as we do not go for full ground assaults unless it is a last resort, then hopefully all will be well

Apologies

By way of explanation, recently I have had to reassess a no of things in my life, and by consequence I have realised that there have been times when I have been guilty of the very charge I have thrown at others. Namely being judgemental, arrogant, obnoxious, and self-righteous, and delighting in the downfall of those, particually in politics, who I dislike.
I am not alone in this, but it is bad behaviour whatever the excuse and I write this having just looked at some of my previous blog entries over the years and am sometimes pained by what I am reading. Given this blog does have a readership, I therefore felt it was best that I say sorry for the bad behaviour listed above, especially if I have hurt anyone.
I do have opinions and I suspect I will always voice them where appropriate, and I know I won't be a "Saint" at times in the future, but by Grace of God I will try to behave and not to be sanctimonious about it.

Messenger to Mercury

The first pictures back are fantastic. Bear in mind that Mercury is the Inner Planet most rarely visited by space probes, so hopefully this time we shall end up with more data than we have done before.Especially fascinating given that two-thirds of Mercury seem to be made of iron-metal

Bishop Presnethe on Twitter

The writings and thoughts of former Bishop of Collreg and Polar explorer, Sir Michael Presnethe can be found on Twitter. He can be found at @BishopPresnethe.
The former explorer served on Abruzzi's Stella Polare expedition, as well as Scott's Discovery expedition and Shackleton's Nimrod expedition. He was also involved in the 1924 British attempt on Everest.
Presnethe, who died in 1977 at the age of 101, has recently been the subject of renewed attention following a BBC Documentary made about him in 2006 *




*Michael Presnethe is a fictional character in a forthcoming novel

7:14 Prayer Outside Parliament

Last night I went with Rachel to attend the Christian Prayer meeting outside the Houses of Parliament. We arrived shortly before Seven PM, and as the pathway outside the Commons was getting crowded, we crossed the road and stood with a no of others at the edge of the square itself. As this was in honour of the Biblical Verse 2 Chronicles 7:14. When it came to 7:14PM therefore, we started praying for an hour. Many sang impromptu hymns, both of the Hymns and Psalms variety and the modern praise songs. One felt buoyed along, and it was good to see hundreds of people there.
At 8PM, we all knelt down and continued our prayer for Parliament and it's MP's, Peers, and staff. That they'd honour God's Word and that goodness would reign there. One felt a sense of peace and certainty and whilst the road ahead may be hard. I think it is fair to say that all evidence considered, something wonderful is starting.
Afterwards Rachel and I headed off for a drink and something to eat in Whitehall. I couldn't help but quietly pray for the inhabitants and staff of Downing Street as we passed. Governmental and Parliamentary Politics is a worthwhile and wonderful cause, but it is fraught with difficulties and heartbreak, and one must always be aware of the vulnerabilities that exist there and not add to the difficulties. It's hard, but all worthwhile things are at some point

UK Aid Policy is not "Anti-Christian"

I have to disagree with the alleged comments mentioned here by Cardinal O'Brien. Aid to anyone in distress is not anti-Christian, it is living Christianity. For example, did the Good Samaritan want to know the beliefs and theology of the man who was attacked before deciding to help him?

Farewell Discovery

After nearly thirty years, common sense has prevailed and we have seen the last flight of one of the great fleet of shuttles. 
Whilst it is right, not least after Columbia and given their age, to ground the space shuttles, it is a sad time in some respects given what great innovation and unique achievement they made in regard to the Space Programme

The LSE and Gaddafi

There clearly needs to be an enquiry, but it raises an even wider question than the one David Miliband suggests, which is are our UK institutions careful about who we associate with and why! To be fair the mere fact that Gaddafi was out of the diplomatic cold in recent years enabled these events to happen and that in itself raises a whole series of ethical questions, not just for now, but for the time ahead.

Plurarity and News Corp

I am pleased a lot of concessions were made by News Corp, but there are still legitimate concerns. Namely Jeremy Hunt should have referred it given his past known enthusiasm for News Corp and that appearances can mean a crucial difference here, plus the genuine concerns people have over News Corp's already high influence on the UK Media. It's not as if they have a dangerous competitor either!

Sir John Major on Libyan Crisis

I know some fellow members in the Labour Party disagree, but I have always had time for Sir John Major and regard him as, if misguided at times, one of the more decent, kind, and thoughtful members of the Conservative Party. Here he puts the case for dealing with Libya on BBC Radio Four's Today programme much better than I did yesterday

Happy Birthday Queen

Today is not only St David's Day (and a Happy Day to my Welsh readers and those with Welsh blood in them), but also Queen's official 40th birthday. They actually started in 1970, but their official birthday dates from when they were joined by John Deacon. To help with the celebrations, there is an exhibition in Spittalfields chronicling their first five years, and it's the first ever large-scale Queen exhibition.
Happy Birthday Brian, Roger, John, and to Freddie's family and friends.

Gaddafi's Reckoning

I am not surprised at his belligerence and his refusal to move, but the UN must do something soon given the way things are heading. The refugee influx at the Egyptian and Tunisian borders and the administration in the East of the country being recognised means that Gaddafi has a choice of surrendering or negotiating exile. Any other option is unrealistic and if he will not accept that soon, then the UN needs to go in en masse