Date: 3:16 pm Thu 12th of Nov, 2009 Subject: Grumpy about phones Security: Public Tags: inquiry

There's a thing on the BBC website about a possible end to landlines phones, and right now I am thoroughly in favour. Yesterday I got four calls, all of them from robots offering me advice. Actually, two of them were from the same robot, even after I pressed '9' to get myself taken off the list. I just had a call there - hung up as soon as I answered.
Bring back the post office, I say.

Also, while I am posting, so far no-one has come up with an answer as to where all the heat is going (see previous post). I've spoken to quite a few people and none of them have known, although we've had some possibilities, such as heat is being stored in organic bodies. A more promising prospect came when someone told me that hot stone treatment teaches that when the stones get cold quickly it's because they are absorbing lots of negative energy. This suggests that the general grumpiness of the planet's population since the agrarian revolution has countered the increasing spread of heat-producing activity like cooking fires and nuclear reactors. So therefore, bad vibes are the best solution to global warming.

Seriously, though. I don't want to have to consult an expert or the internet to find out. Let's take this on as a folk science project. Answers, please.

Date: 6:59 pm Tue 10th of Nov, 2009 Subject: Where has all the warmth gone? Security: Public Tags: question

I'm currently reading Naming the Powers by candlelight, so posting with my palmtop iPod Touch feels very anachronistic. However I was looking at the flames and wondering where the heat goes. Does heat energy turn into something else? My understanding was that it didn't, and that eventually all energy would be reduced to heat and it would be the Heat Death of the Universe. However I can't figure out where it is going. Does the planet shed heat? If so then I can understand, but I thought that heat had to be in matter, and aside from space probes and meteors I understand that the planet and atmosphere aren't accruing more mass or losing it.
I presume that there is a property of matter or energy that I don't know about. If you know or can guess where I have gone wrong please let me know.

Date: 9:51 pm Sat 31st of Oct, 2009 Subject: Second graduation Security: Public Tags: cpt

I graduated! I am now in Christian Peacemaker Teams. Crumbs. I have a Calling, all of a sudden.
I have also got a better handle on what I am, what I do, and what satisfies me. I have had the time to get to know myself away from the day-to-day reality I have been using to interact with the world. That might sound complicated, it really just means that I have had space to think.
I need to decide which Team to apply for Reservist Status on. I am drawn to Aboriginal Justice in Canada. I think I'd like to go full time, eventually, but although there are vacancies at the moment, I think they are likely to go to people who have been waiting longer than me.
So in terms of resolutions or next steps, as well as figuring out eventual deployment, with the appropriate prayer and discernment, connecting with my communities and working at becoming an ally, I am going to try to speak to my congregation about this work of Peacemaking. I can't do this alone, clearly. And it is not right to keep them disconnected from my passions. I hope to see new CPTers after all!
Please ask questions as much as you can to help me process what I have learnt and work at living it out.

Date: 5:32 pm Fri 23rd of Oct, 2009 Subject: Crisis, kidnapping, torture and death. Security: Public Tags: cpt

Today has been a really tough day, in terms of topics. We started out looking at weapons in common use, learning something about capabilities and practicing crawling for cover. We practiced being in a mine field. I was third in line when the front guy got his leg blown off, and the guy ahead of me went forward to help and the same thing happened to him. So there was me, amid a minefield, with two moaning and bleeding guys out of reach. Even in roleplay, it was nasty. Afterwards the trainer asked what the first thing to do is (the answer is freeze) but my first thought was "make a joke". At the time I managed to yell "what are your injuries" but I really wanted to say "tell me where it hurts". We had been taught a controversial technique for probing for mines, so someone threw me a stick so I could try it. Naturally it landed about three feet away.
These weapons are evil.
In the afternoon we've been talking about kidnapping (a very real issue for CPT in the field) and torture, which as far as I know hasn't yet been used on CPTers, but is a reality for many local partners. Kidnapping was a longer discussion, with more history behind it and more to say, in terms of possibilities and preparation, but torture was far harder. I don't think I am underestimating myself when I say that I can't see myself coping well with torture. Really the physical stuff would be hardest to live with. For me it disrupts any mental strength I could muster. I'm talking about the pain in the moment, the present reality, not the big picture stuff with the assault on my personality and the destruction of my being. I really don't want to be tortured. After dinner we're going to be talking about death. Skeleton at the feast or what? But I anticipate it being easier to cope with than what we've been doing for the rest of the day.
The training is drawing towards a close now. It's going to be very hard to go back to Stirling, even if I'll have a clear idea then of my CPT role. I'm aware that I will be stepping back into a life that is rather set in its ways, in the truths it permits.
Thanks to all those who have been in touch. Feel free to email me in the coming week, as I may be needing distraction, of perhaps easing back to normal life. Or whoever I turn out to be when I return.

Date: 10:08 am Fri 9th of Oct, 2009 Subject: Well, well. What will those wacky peacemakers get up to next? Security: Public Tags: activism, cpt

http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/10353

Date: 7:59 am Mon 5th of Oct, 2009 Subject: (no subject) Security: Public Coordinates: LMC Tags: activism, church, cpt

Hello hello, how are you all? I am well. London turns out to be a lot nicer than I realised. Several times I have had moments where I forget which country I am in. Truth be told, the international nature of the household and team here makes that plausible. I don't have much net access nor time to use it in, although we have a few free days scheduled. Still, all is going well. There's a lot of introspection as well as practical skills and I think I am getting a handle on some of this nonviolence stuff.
There are several sorts of people and we're learning from each other, as is only proper. I do have some qualms about whether I am contributing, but as I write this I wonder if that's only my vanity speaking. I did teach someone how to use the washing machine, in any case.
Love Peter

Date: 1:18 pm Wed 30th of Sep, 2009 Subject: Mindmulch Security: Public Tags: cpt

Yuck, just had to send an email out to a bunch of people I know admitting my failfulness, in a way I had rather hoped not to. I am enjoying spending a few days in the parental home before London and CPT training, but now I have a stupid headache and a number of guilt-flavoured things I ought to have sorted out before I left, or which have cropped up since I left, and which I am unable to help with.
However, a few weeks ago someone assured me that whatever was going on, it would go on fine without me. So I am claiming that as the truth.
Had fun times with Sister and Nephew yesterday and this morning. Did have trouble explaining anything CPT-related to Sister, though, out of twin desires not to sound like a self-important activist and not to sound like a theory-obsessed bible-student. Usually I sound like I don't know what I am doing (which is also partially true).
On another note, I have been sorting through a lot of things in my old room. I managed to part with a bagful of books, leaving a great many that I might want to read sometime in the future. I threw away my A Level Psychology and History Notes, keeping the best bits (systems of ego-defence and Metternich's Mind Map). I also held onto my English Notes. Lots of Philip Larkin.
Nephew is doing well, has a very sweet smile and thrashes about most energetically if he gets bored with you holding him.
Not a lot else to say (actually tons, only it's all my personal mindmulch which no-one else needs to see).

Date: 9:19 pm Fri 18th of Sep, 2009 Subject: "Where's my horse?" Security: Public Tags: cpt

After learning about Mary Travers' death, I was reminiscing about songs we used to sing at Primary School, because one of them was 'Puff the Magic Dragon', inexplicably. ( Which reminded me... )
Anyway, I have got my reading for CPT training. It is quite intimidating. I read the smallest book, large print small paged Jesus and Nonviolence: A third way by Walter Wink. I massively recommend it to anyone, regardless of creed or politics. It's quite short, as I say. And it's on Amazon for a couple of pounds.

Date: 7:42 am Wed 16th of Sep, 2009 Subject: skimming the thoughts floating to the top of my mind. Security: Public

I have an idea for a meme. Who do I email to start it? Can I send a general email to the Elders of the Internet or is there someone specificially in charge of launching them?

I had a daydream the other day in which I killed the Pope (possibly by accident) and became Pope in his place by right of conquest. There's a great deal wrong with that.

I got a sample timetable for this October's CPT training. One day is down as 'Conflict' and the next two as 'Conflict Resolution'. I think I may pack my bat'leth. The last day is 'Closing Ceremonies'; I am unreasonably excited by this.

( What D&D Character are you? )

Date: 8:45 am Fri 11th of Sep, 2009 Subject: Call for submissions... Security: Public

While I'm online - I seek advice about teenagers. Specifically, at what age can I start to brainwash them with anarchist propaganda?
There's a guy at church who is, as far as I can make out, going through the rocky bit of adolescence, and I think he'd be ripe for some indoctrination. Worth it? Morally okay? I really don't know. I wish I had gotten a handle on what I actually believed earlier, and he's having something of a comparable upbringing, so I reckon we could find stuff to talk about. Plus he really seems to be having a rotten, hormone-laden time. Opinions?

Date: 8:34 am Fri 11th of Sep, 2009 Subject: (no subject) Security: Public

What the... what?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8249792.stm
Splendid news - but taken me a bit by surprise because I was thinking a couple of hours ago that this ought to be done. And then I get home and find out that it has been. Instant answers? I have become like unto a GOD!

Date: 8:41 am Wed 2nd of Sep, 2009 Subject: Nice weekend Security: Public Tags: church, cpt, work

I had a jolly good weekend. I am putting it down to not working my usual Saturday-night/Sunday morning shift and instead going out to attempt to see a movie. As it turns out I only got to see one yesterday after two attempts but it was good. Roll onDistrict Nine!
I got lots of churchy stuff done. I think one planning meeting, one prayer meeting, two services on Sunday and quite a bit of socialising. And one hour-and-a-half conversation with G in his modestly swanky office about lots of stuff. Some of it was very deep. Scary, at times. I am feeling a great deal happier about church now than I did before Palestine. Draw your own conclusions. Was going to fast today but as usual I have eaten before I remember. Perhaps after I wake up. Plus there's all this cake lying around! Feast at times of feasting, no?
For some reason my computer's speakers aren't working. At the moment I feel inclined to leave it, after doing the obvious stuff (checking the volume, checking the cables).
Today I handed in my letter and holiday form. Since I want to take off all of October to attend CPT training (I'll ace every semester and get an A) I needed to write a covering letter. It's really any time more than three weeks, and this is five weeks of work because of the way my days are spread out. I handed over my envelope to the person in charge (let's call them Codename Doglike for their enthusiastic obedience) and before looking, they said 'just so you know, there's no holidays available in October'.
If I can't get it covered I will probably be able to take unpaid leave. Which will, in any case, leave me with five weeks of holiday still to take.
Keep on being given the produce aisle to work. Much more of this potato hauling and I will be dealing with unsightly muscle growth.
Peter out...

Date: 4:51 pm Tue 25th of Aug, 2009 Subject: I feel I should be humming contentedly. Security: Public

( In which our hero recounts gentle anecdotes of the last few days, focusing on the little pleasures and battles of life )

Date: 8:33 am Sun 9th of Aug, 2009 Subject: (no subject) Security: Public

The fallout from Palestine continues to filter in my head and settle. Yesterday after coming back from work I took off my socks to find my feet covered in bites from bedbugs I have imported. Fail. I didn't wear most of my pairs of socks when I was out there, so the unused ones filtered into the general sock population. As a result I have to wash all my clean laundry! The world turned upside down, indeed.
My new room is very cheery, although the wallpaper is too nice for coloured sticking gum, so when I bring over my wall papers I'm not sure where they will go. Internet is a complicated mistress at the moment. Wireless isn't working for me, but if I open my door to the hall and drag the telephone table as far as it will go, my ethernet wire will reach the hub.
One of my worries about coming back was that I go back to wasting most of my time online (rather than wasting it on books, or outdoor time). This might actually be God's elegant solution. Or maybe BT just suck.
It feels very strange to think that I will almost certainly never be with the same group again. They were all great in different ways, and though I am determined to see some of them in the future (all, if possible), part of the experience was being with the group as well.
One of the things I have managed to do with my nonline time is reread the last three books of The Invisibles, and I finished the last one during my break at work today. I understand it a lot more this time around. It's sort of a shame that it's nearly 2012 and we don't have all the stuff they have. But also good.
I listened to Stephen Fry's latest podcast, a speech he gave at the iTunes festival (whatever that may be). I really don't like Celebrity Stephen Fry. To his credit I don't think it's totally his cup of tea, either. I blame QI. Why did the world have to discover him?
Ahem.

Anyway, I foolishly joined a meme by not reading the rules before responding.
Give me a topic - ANY TOPIC - and I will write my thoughts on it. The catch? You have to post this in your journal and I get to pick the topic you write about.

Rules: Whatever the topic is that you write about you must have at least 10 sentences or 2 paragraphs. Let's have fun. And this is freewriting so I'm not asking you to deliver a masterpiece, just two paragraphs of your thoughts on whatever it is the person requests.

Date: 7:41 pm Sat 8th of Aug, 2009 Subject: Great Lords of Marketing, forgive us! Security: Public

Wow. Just... wow.

Date: 8:46 am Mon 27th of Jul, 2009 Subject: Find/replace, if you care to. Security: Public Tags: cpt

Arrived at Deep Space Nine yesterday. We're under a lot more scrutiny here, both from the locals and the military, because the place has been steadily run into the ground and sees very few tourists. However there is a wonderful programme ongoing to restore the damaged and abandoned parts and get merchants to come back. Unfortunately, despite all the support from the Federation and individual planets, the fact of the matter is that things won't ever be on track until the Bajorans are running the place. We had a tour of the promenade today. There are Cardassian checkpoints everywhere, and many routes are sealed to force people to take long detours. Always the reason given is the nebulous 'security'. A lot of Bajorans have moved back and some are opening shops, but the Habitation Ring is still less than half occupied. Some of the suites are occupied by Cardassians, who live bizarrely close to their Bajoran neighbours, and form links with the military outposts. Did you know that there are about four Cardassian soldiers here to each settler?
I'm going to pick up a Bajoran Earring from a women's cooperative for Captain Wailor while I'm here and maybe some other souvenirs.
The Temple is closed (both the Prophets and the Cardassian's annexed area), which is a shame as it's nice to see the cultural side of things. Apparently they are doing some structural work. There isn't much visible new construction as in other places; instead the emphasis is on reinhabiting old areas. Some of them, cleared of settlers, are immediately declared militarily restricted zones, and so can't be used. In one case, a suite was restored and given to a family only to be occupied by a military post.
The hope in the situation comes right from the people here. Despite all they have been through they are welcoming and friendly. Some of that doubtless comes from economic reasons - latinum is scarce here. But it's more than that. There is a determination to survive and prosper. They are very resilient for a spiritual people.
This is also humbling for me. I have realised through conversations how inadequate my models and ideas about resistance and change are. While talking about the possibilities for political action, all our concepts seemed tokenistic and shallow compared to the daily struggle of living. That said, today we accompanied the Bajoran Orphans as they went to school - but more of that some other time.

Date: 1:20 am Thu 23rd of Jul, 2009 Subject: Made it Security: Public Tags: cpt

Got in with no trouble. The rest of team is really cool. Jerusalem is the oddest place I have ever been (and I've been to Cumbernauld!)
Anyway, if anyone asks you can mention that I'm fine. Probably won't be online a lot but I am making copious notes.
Peter out...

Date: 12:37 pm Mon 20th of Jul, 2009 Subject: One day to go. Security: Public

Yikes.