Not as many books read as I’d hoped, as my aim was 24 in 2024.
The Hobbit (J. R. R. Tolkien) I enjoyed listening to this while walking Rufus.
Everything Is F*cked (Mark Manson) Don’t be put off by the title, an excellent book to guide you through life and manage your expectations and mental health.
Tin Men (Christopher Golden) Great science fiction with a good human element and twists.
Alien (Alan Dean Foster) A novel based on the movie, what happens when you don’t listen to a smart woman with a cat.
She/He/They/Me (Robyn Ryle) An interactive book that guides you through the issue of gender, your journey depends on your answers to questions.
Wrong Place Wrong Time (Gillian McAllister) A journey backwards in time to understand a murder.
Eating Robots (Stephen Oram) Short stories that anticipate the near future of technology, often shocking.
Biohacked & Begging (Stephen Oram) Another series of short stories to pull you up sharp and challenge your thinking.
Fathomless Riches (Rev. Richard Coles) A brutally honest autobiography that covers attempted suicide, time in a mental hospital, London’s gay scene, drugs, pop stardom, broadcasting, writing, and life as a vicar – and that’s just for starters! Not for the easily offended.
Beyond the Burn Line (Paul McAuley) A science fiction novel set in the distant future that addresses big issues. I rarely give up on a book but, like many other people, I gave up with this one. My advice, avoid like the plague!
How to Sleep Well (Dr. Neil Stanley) An excellent book covering all aspects of sleep.
Aliens (Jim Al-Khalili/Editor) A comprehensive study about the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe from a variety of authors and experts.
Night Sky Almanac 2024 (Storm Dunlop & Wil Tirion) This is a yearbook I wouldn’t be without; each year’s edition is always by my side.
So, my aim is now at least 25 in 2025, and I’m off to a good start.
My twenty favourite albums of 2024 are largely connected by being works of maturity (including Billie Eilish) with the remaining albums showing great originality. I’ll let you discover which is which as all these albums demand careful and repeated listens. As with most albums, they should be listened to in their entirety as presented (not shuffled).
The twenty albums are listed and described below. My top five (in alphabetical order of artist and marked with an asterisk) are The Cure, David Gilmore, Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, and Stuckfish. All five are worthy of the top spot, but I couldn’t decide. If pushed, I’d say The Cure is my number one album of the year.
Lives Outgrown (Beth Gibbons) – This is the debut solo studio album by Beth Gibbons, the singer of the group Portishead. She wrote the album over a decade, with topics specific to nearing the age of 60, including motherhood, anxiety, menopause, and mortality. The album reflects on the deaths of family and friends over several years.
Hit Me Hard and Soft (Billie Eilish) – Billie Eilish hasn’t always hit the musical spot for me, apart from some notable exceptions. But, at an incredibly early age, she has produced a masterpiece with this album, it speaks to both the mind and heart. A true work of maturity.
Songs of a Lost World (The Cure)* – A mind-blowing album from Robert Smith and The Cure. It both laments the lost of loved ones and uplifts the spirit, there’s light in the darkness. It’s arguably the most personal album of Smith’s career. Let the entire album flood your heart and soul.
Down the Hill (Cousin Silas) – This is a really excellent ambient album from my friend David Hughes, it’s relaxing and reflective. You can find this album on Bandcamp.
The Derelict (Cousin Silas) – Another favourite from Cousin Silas, this time some dark ambient inspired by the original Alien movie and scenes of the alien ship, both external and internal, the corridors, and the alien pilot room. As before, this album can be found on Bandcamp.
Luck and Strange (David Gilmour)* – The legendary guitarist of Pink Floyd needs no introduction, and this is an album of both maturity and creativity. His daughter Romany features on the album as does the keyboard playing of the late Richard Wright from 2007. David Gilmour said that his producer (Charlie Andrew) challenged him musically and was not intimidated by his past work with Pink Floyd. He also considers it to be some of his best work.
This Could Be Texas (English Teacher) – The debut studio album by the English Teacher. It drew acclaim from critics and won the 2024 Mercury Prize. It’s been described as a truly original effort from start to finish, an adventure in sound and words, and a landmark statement.
Mountainhead (Everything Everything) – This concept album takes place in a fictional world wherein all of society is consumed with the building of a giant mountain. However, the twist in the story is that the people would have to dig a deep hole and live in it in order to build the mountain. Furthermore, at the bottom of the pit lives a giant golden snake that they have to escape. It represents an alternate society where those at the bottom have to work relentlessly to keep the elite elevated.
Romance (Fontaines D.C.) – This is the fourth studio album from this Irish rock band, one in which they have moved on from their previous work. Inspired by Japanese manga and Italian cinema, they search for truth in a world gone wrong.
True (Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks)* – What can I say? Jon Anderson is the voice of Yes, and this is like getting a new Yes album. Fantastic progressive rock.
Ritual (Jon Hopkins) -This is an album to feel or (equally) one to listen carefully and deeply. It works on both levels. An ambient album from a master of electronic music.
In a Landscape (Max Richter) – Another album of reflective music, this time from a master of classical minimalism.
Wild God (Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds)* – This is a magnificent album by the wonderful Nick Cave, released to universal acclaim.
A Matter of Time (Shed Seven) – Shed Seven passed me by first time around, but I decided to give this album a listen. There’s nothing original here, except an album full of good songs created by a group that clearly enjoy making music. It’s a case of the whole being greater than the sum of the individual parts.
Wall of Eyes (The Smile) – This is the first of two albums released this year by the Radiohead spin-off group. As a Radiohead fan it’s unsurprising that both albums feature in my favourites. Having said that, both were released to universal acclaim.
Cutouts (The Smile) – The second of the two albums is more challenging and prioritises atmosphere over conventional song writing. The lyrics address capitalism, climate change denial, and socio-political dread.
All Born Screaming (St. Vincent) – Anne Clark, known professionally as St. Vincent, has made the album whose title she’s had in her head for nearly twenty years. She wasn’t ready then, but felt the time was right now. It’s a uniquely personal album and is self-produced, to truly render the sounds in her head and maintain a greater control over her own work.
Ensoulment (The The) – A late night listening album (long in the making) from the wonderful Matt Johnson and The The.
Confidenza Soundtrack (Thom Yorke) – I’m not a great fan of soundtrack albums, but this one by Thom Yorke of Radiohead stands tall on its own. One for everyone, but especially Radiohead fans.
Stuckfish IV (Stuckfish)* – This is the fourth album (obviously) from a melodic progressive rock group based in Northumberland. Philip Stuckey is a friend, although I haven’t had the chance to hear them live. They deserve wider recognition. Find them on Bandcamp.
James 2:1-10 addresses favouritism within the Christian community, particularly regarding the treatment of rich and poor. This passage questions whether showing partiality aligns with genuine faith in Jesus Christ, presenting a scenario where a wealthy person is given preferential treatment over a poor person.
James emphasises that God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith and heirs of his Kingdom, pointing out the irony that the rich, often shown favouritism, typically oppress believers.
The author introduces the ‘royal law’ of loving one’s neighbour as oneself, arguing that showing favouritism violates this principle, like breaking the whole law.
James 2:11-17 continues by discussing the ‘law of liberty’ and the relationship between faith and works. James warns that judgement without mercy will be shown to those who have not been merciful, emphasising the importance of compassion in Christian living.
The passage concludes by stressing the crucial relationship between faith and works, arguing that faith without action is dead. James illustrates this with an example of encountering a person in need and offering words without practical assistance, emphasising that true faith is demonstrated through actions.
May we demonstrate our faith every day through an attitude of understanding that results in beautiful actions of love without favouritism.
Volunteering encompasses a multitude of benefits that extend beyond altruism. Engaging in acts of service fosters a profound sense of fulfilment and satisfaction. Research indicates that volunteerism correlates with improved mood, reduced stress levels, and enhanced overall wellbeing.
Furthermore, volunteering cultivates a stronger sense of community. By participating in local initiatives, individuals forge connections with like-minded individuals and develop a deeper understanding of societal needs.
Volunteering also serves as a platform for skill development. Volunteers hone essential competencies such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. These experiences contribute to personal and professional growth, enriching one’s repertoire of abilities.
From a pragmatic standpoint, volunteering enhances your curriculum vitae (resume). Employers value candidates who demonstrate initiative, passion, and a willingness to contribute to the greater good. Volunteering serves as tangible evidence of these qualities, distinguishing individuals in competitive job markets.
Volunteering is a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery. It offers opportunities to step outside comfort zones, confront challenges, and unearth hidden talents. Through service to others, individuals embark on a journey of continuous learning and development.
Overall, the benefits of volunteering are manifold, encompassing emotional, social, professional, and personal dimensions. Engaging in acts of service not only enriches the lives of others but also nurtures individual wellbeing and fosters a stronger, more interconnected society.
As a Christian with a scientific background, who sees no conflict between faith and science, I find it incomprehensible that anyone can deny the reality of climate change and global warming.
Similarly, I find it puzzling how people can believe and share dubious articles that have no basis in empirical evidence, sometimes combining this with a belief that God alone is responsible for the planet and it’s nothing to do with us. It’s so much easier to pass the blame onto someone else (even if that person is God) than face the consequences of our own actions.
As I understand it, climate change is cyclical (earth’s history shows this), but global warming (since the start of the Industrial Revolution) is largely the result of human activity. This is accepted by the vast majority of the worldwide scientific community. Unfortunately, many people confuse climate with weather, just because you’re experiencing a cold spell doesn’t negate the overall global trend.
My responsibility as a human being and as a Christian is to care for the planet and its inhabitants. God doesn’t expect us to be careless and irresponsible towards his creation. We all need to play our part to look after our home, the planet that has been entrusted to us for our children and future generations.
Ed Balls Day is a bit of fun and the stuff of nonsense. It celebrates and remembers the day (28 April 2011) when British politician Ed Balls tweeted his name thinking he was entering it into a search box.
Since then […] every year Twitter rejoices in the madness of the internet gaffe and marks Ed Balls Day.Source
A simple mistake has made him the Patron Saint of Simple Mistakes. To his credit, he hasn’t deleted the tweet, it remains on Twitter in all its pomp and glory, although at the time he didn’t know it was possible to delete them.
It’s a day to look forward to, it’s a day to enjoy with family and friends, it’s a day to share with others. It’s a day that unites everyone. Whatever your race, colour, or creed, everyone can enjoy Ed Balls Day.
Some bemoan the fact that’s it’s become too commercialised these days, having lost its true meaning. So, however you celebrate, make sure it’s significant.
Yes, it’s a bit of fun, but at its heart is the positive affirmation of simple mistakes and a willingness to own them.
Imagine you meet someone called Jack and, because of their chosen clothes and style, you’re not sure of their gender identity. Imagine then having speak to another person about them. In that instance, knowing their personal pronouns will enable you to refer to them correctly, not make an idiot of yourself, and save embarrassment all round.
Indicating your personal pronouns is an act of courtesy. Respecting someone’s personal pronouns is an act of thoughtfulness. No one is forcing it on you or anyone else. It’s nothing to get annoyed about. It’s about being better human beings, understanding of others.
Palm Sunday this year falls on the day we remember Óscar Romero, the Archbishop of San Salvador who championed the cause of the poor and marginalised. He was assassinated on Monday, 24 March 1980, at the age of 62.
So, instead of concentrating on the events of the first Palm Sunday, I’d like to celebrate Óscar Romero and learn from the life of this extraordinary man, a hero of faith, prayer, and justice.
Óscar Romero was the Archbishop of San Salvador at a time of terrible violence and oppression during El Salvador’s civil war. He was a contemplative and conservative man, but a fierce opponent of economic inequality and of the kidnapping, torture, and murder of his people.
He became a beacon of hope for the poor. Although his killers were never identified, it’s almost certain that Romero’s very public stand against the injustice of the military government was the reason he was shot dead as he celebrated Mass.
Romero saw that love can’t be theoretical, neither is it soft or weak, but there is a violence to love. Not a violence that hurts people, but a violence that resists anything that harms people. It stands up to the powers that exploit and destroy others; it’s this kind of love that Jesus demonstrated on the cross.
Read: Philippians 2:5-11 (one of the Lectionary Bible readings for today).
Óscar Romero wrote: “All of us, if we really want to know the meaning of conversion and of faith and confidence in another, must become poor, or at least make the cause of the poor our own inner motivation. That is when one begins to experience faith and conversion: when one has the heart of the poor, when one knows that financial capital, political influence, and power are worthless, and that without God we are nothing. To feel that need of God is faith and conversion.”
“The violence we preach is not the violence of the sword, the violence of hatred. It is the violence of love, of brotherhood, the violence that wills to beat weapons into sickles for work.”
On this Palm Sunday, let’s reflect on the life of Óscar Romero and consider how he followed Jesus, the one who rode into Jerusalem as the Prince of Peace.
St. Patrick’s Day, which falls on 17th March, is all about celebrating the legendary patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. He was actually born in Roman Britain way back in the late 4th century. He was kidnapped when he was just 16 and taken to Ireland to work as a slave, but he managed to escape. He later returned to Ireland around 432 CE with a mission, to convert the Irish to Christianity. He used a humble shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity, which eventually became a symbol of this day.
For over a thousand years, the Irish have been celebrating this day, sticking to their traditions. They usually start with a morning church service and then dive into festivities in the afternoon, especially since it falls during Lent when the rules about meat-eating get relaxed a bit. That means it’s time for some serious feasting on Irish classics like bacon and cabbage.
Interestingly, the first-ever St. Patrick’s Day parade didn’t happen in Ireland, but in America! Back in 1601, in a Spanish colony that’s now St. Augustine, Florida. And then in 1772, Irish soldiers in the English military based in New York City decided to honour St. Patrick with their own parade. Over the years, these parades became a big deal, showing off Irish pride among immigrants in America.
Fast forward to today, and St. Patrick’s Day is all about parades, wearing anything and everything green, and of course, indulging in delicious Irish food and drinks. It’s a massive celebration, not just in Ireland but all over the globe, especially in places with lots of Irish folks. But beyond the fun, it’s also a time to think about Irish heritage and culture.
Sure, over time, the day’s meaning might have shifted a bit, but it’s still all about honouring those Irish traditions and remembering the work St. Patrick did in spreading Christianity. Yeah, some people might grumble about how commercialised it’s become or how it sometimes plays into stereotypes, but for many, it’s a day of cultural pride and religious reflection, a reminder of the incredible legacy left by Ireland’s favourite saint.
Ever wondered why February gets an extra day every four years? Well, it’s all about keeping our clocks and calendars in sync with the Earth’s orbit around the sun. You see, our orbit takes approximately 365.2422 days, but the Gregorian calendar, which we use, only has 365 days. So, to make up for this discrepancy, we add leap years.
The idea of adding an extra day to February goes back to Julius Caesar’s time. Augustus Caesar later added two days to August, which caused February to lose out on its length.
Leap years happen every year that’s divisible by four, except for years divisible by one hundred but not by four hundred. This fine-tuning ensures our calendar stays accurate. The Gregorian calendar, introduced in 1582, made further adjustments by skipping three days every four hundred years. Additionally, leap seconds are occasionally added to align Earth’s rotation with atomic time and prevent drift.
Interestingly, leap years are also linked to the tradition of women proposing to men. This tradition stems from a 5th Century Irish legend involving St. Bridget and St. Patrick, and it gained popularity in Scotland in the 19th Century.
If you’re born on February 29, you’re called a leapling! In non-leap years, leaplings celebrate their birthdays on February 28 or March 1.
Popular culture has embraced leap years too. Works like Gilbert & Sullivan’s “Pirates of Penzance” and the film “Leap Year” explore leap year themes. While there’s no specific leap year cuisine, dishes like frogs’ legs and recipes involving the number four are often associated with leap year traditions.
Anthony, Texas, proudly calls itself the Leap Year Capital of the World and hosts a four-day festival every leap year. Superstitions about leap years are reflected in proverbs from various cultures, and some believe leap years bring bad luck for marriages.
Fun fact: Rare Disease Day is observed on February 29.
In conclusion, leap years play a crucial role in keeping our calendars accurate, and they’re woven into various cultural traditions and beliefs. So, every four years, let’s celebrate that extra day in February!
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