THE IN DEATH SERIES

By Norah Roberts writing as J. D. Robb.

I read "Innocent in Death" recently.

The thing that strikes me most about these books is that, though they are set in the future, there are really no scientific, technological or societal advancements or changes. Heck, some of the technology used in "Innocent in Death" is nearly outdated or passé now. Other forms of revolutionary, futuristic devices and other things mentioned are available in our time through smartphones.

RADIO-RELATED STUFF: CATCH NHK JAPAN; HEAR MEG HARRIS FOR THE FIRST TIME

Picked up NHK Radio Japan Monday night.

Hardly had the radio on again for most of the day yesterday.

Caught a bit of Meg Harris on AM 640 last night. Glad they found a replacement for Charles Adler.

RADIO-RELATED STUFF

Dan Duvall's delivery is getting much better.

Was listening to radio stations from Mexico on the internet the other week.

Only had the radio on for a few minutes today. This probably reflects my growing indifference to most of what's on it, just like when I started watching less and less TV years ago.

Been enjoying listening to Ben Swann the last several days.

For the last few weeks, I have been picking up the weather beacon from CFB Trenton under WRMI 5850.

CHECK OUT NEW SINGLE FROM INDIE HIP HOP DUO MALIBU SHARK ATTACK BEFORE DEBUT LP DROPS MAY 23

By throwing everything into the pop culture blender, Trans-Atlantic duo Malibu Shark Attack describe themselves as "Post-New Wave-Prog-Electronica Indiecore Synthpop Rap." While that may sound overwhelming, the unique stew of culture and genre-mashing works, and that's thanks to the multi-cultural background that comprises Malibu Shark Attack.

This is a funny, entertaining single. These guys have some real potential.

The album will be available to the public on May 23.

SUE TOWNSEND DEAD AT 68

Susan Lillian Townsend, author of the Adrian Mole books as well as other books and plays, has died at the age of 68.

The Adrian Mole books were among the funniest things I have ever read. Adrian Moleisms pop up in my head not infrequently and part of my anglophelia is stoked by this literary series.

I HATE WATTPAD

For one thing, they don't have an easy way to access different categories of books.

For another, in the last couple days they don't seem to have a way you can see the entire chapter of a book at one time.

Third, there is no way to email them directly.

Fourth, when I go to make a suggestion, I get a message saying there's a problem with the site's security certificate.

MY EXPERIENCE OBSERVING THE PASSOVER

This year I decided to celebrate Passover. I had tried to celebrate it last year but wasn't very successful.
Saturday night when I went to my mother's house for dinner we had lambchops. She gave me one for lunch the next day. I saved it and ate it Sunday night along with a clove of garlic for the bitter herb. I also took communion, Jesus being our Passover lamb.
I took Monday off from doing what I normally do and spent some time thinking about Jesus sacrificing himself for our sins. I listened to a song about that and read the accounts of Christ's death in Matthew and John.
I am also making an effert to celebrate the feast of unleavened bread. I went down to the grocery store this morning and bought some tortilla shells. I have been eating them today at lunch and dinner in place of regular bread. I didn't at first think I could eat any unleavened bread this year but then God opened up to me the idea of buying the tortilla shells.
Also, I have been trying to think about getting sin out of my life and the nature of how we grow in Christ along with the physical part of this feast.
I will be covertly celebrating the Day of the Firstfruits Sunday at my local church while everyone around me is celebrating Easter.
In the future, I hope to find other people with whom I can celebrate God's feasts.

FORGIVING THE UNTHINKABLE

  Shock And Confusion

We all remember where we were when some of the world's most major tragedies occurred.  My dad can tell you that he was working up in the mines in Sudbury when American president Kenidy was killed.  I have a vague memory of when the Challenger exploded.  We all can pin point that tiny place we inhabited when the towers fell.  How did that make us feel?  I have never asked my dad, and I was on the young side in 1986, but I remember being confused, angry, and sad in 2001.

After that life plotted its course, and the calendar almost made 12 trips around the years.  It was one year ago today that the world stood still yet again as news of bombings at the famed Boston Marithon had occurred.

  Personal Anger

I sat in that fog of shock and disbelief for a couple of days following the tragedy, as the news reports floated around me in ominous heavy sheets.  My shock and disbelief turned in to anger when I found out that one of the fatalities was an eight-year-old boy.  Anger for the fact that he would never drive a car, ask a girl out, get married, hold his children, or realize his God given potential.  I spoke of this anger to a friend of mine, but that brought little comfort.  I just couldn't erase from my head the could have beens, now never wills.

  An Unusual Prayer Request

The Saturday after I went to my church as usual, but still the heavy ball of anger remained.  I sang along with the hymns, went forth at the altar call to pray.  When the pastor did opening prayer he asked for us to pray not only for the victims, but for the salvation of the bombers.  At first I was confused, but then I remembered that Jesus died for us, and that we should extend that Christlike hand even when it seems unforgivable.

Ms. Gillie

THIS SUNDAY @ THE BLACK DOG! EVEN MORE AMAZING MUSIC...

This Sunday afternoon, 2 pm until 5....

 

At The

Black Dog, 227 West Front St. in Stirling.

 

 

 

The ‘Amazing Jam’! Even more amazing music...

 

 

This will be the Amazing Jam’s third Sunday afternoon playing music at The Black Dog in Stirling.

The space works: drinks and food are good and prices seem reasonable. We play music there for about 3 hours. We are welcomed by both staff and the patrons in the lounge and restaurant. Our music is greatly appreciated; people always ask to know when we would return!

 

 

Once a month through April May and into June on Sunday afternoons. This Sunday afternoon (April 13th) then May 18th and June 8th. Time is from 2 pm until 5.

 

 

The format is a ‘song circle’ with the lead changing from person to person among the group. When their turn comes around, everyone has the option to offer a tune or pass the privilege to their neighbour. Depending on the music, the mood, choice of instruments, etc. some will choose to support whoever is leading a song, others may prefer to sit out and listen. 

 

 

In its previous incarnations the Amazing Jam had a thoroughly amazing character. A very large part of this was due to the fabulous core group of musicians (amazing characters, all of us....) who turned out time and again to bring it all together. A number of us have committed to this ‘revival’: people you’ll remember from the Amazing Jam in Madoc and in Marmora. We invite you to come out and join us, making music with old friends; for sure, there’ll be some new faces too.

 

 

Remember....

 

 

“Bring your instruments, your voices and your music. It’s

a

ll unplugged

and it’s all good! Guitar, bass,

harmonica, banjo,

mandolin, ukulele,

fiddle, accordion,

flute, celtic harp – the list goes on.

“There may be only 4 or 5 o

f

us or maybe a whole room full of

musicians. A place for

‘first-timers’ and experienced players alike.

A

good bunch of pe

ople playin

g all kinds of music together.

People in

their teens all the way through proto-geezers. Maybe even an incipient-geriat or two....

 

 

“The blues does not rule. Any acoustic music from

punk to polka!”

 

 

Hope to see you Sunday afternoon in Stirling.

 

 

James

SOMETHING THAT'S HELPED ME DEAL WITH NUMEROUS HEALTH ISSUES

Recently I have dealt with some health issues, and never would have made it through with out Jesus, family, and friends.  The Bible says kind words are like honey, and with what has been going on in my world of late it has been an amazing blessing to have an abundant river of it.

Friends I want you to know that I am continuing to fight with kidney issues, heart stuff, and other things.  I am, however trusting more and more in the one who died for me.  I am also relying and keeping as a constant in my life my favorite scripture Phillipians 4-13.

I will update you on things as they come about, and other things that are going on.

God bless and keep all of you.

Ms. Gillie