A six-story statue of Jesus Christ in Monroe, Ohio was struck by lightning and burned to the ground, leaving a blacked steel skeleton.
Insurance companies are calling it “An Act of God”
The “King of Kings” statue had become one of southwest Ohio’s most familiar landmarks having stood at the evangeliocal Solid Rock Church since 20004. The church and statue are next to the Interstate 75 highway in Monroe, just north of Cincinatti.
The statue was made of plastic foam and fiberglass over a steel frame, showing the torso of Jesus with upraised arms. It was nicknamed “The Touchdown Jesus” because the pose resembled a referee signalling a touchdown.
The same nickname is used for a famous mural of the resurected Jesus that overlooks the Notre Dame football stadium.
Lightning struck the statue about 11.15pm on Monday, setting it on fire – damage from the fire was estimated at $700,000 with another $300,000 damage caused to an adjacent ampitheater.
(A Little Rant on Behalf of the Millions of Voiceless Creatures Dying a Cruel and Unneccessary Death Because of our Greed)
The story they tried to sweep under the carpet continues and has become the worst environmental disaster in American history, and it is only just beginning.
We are still reeling from the tearing recession and damage done by the financial collapse of the institutions we were taught to believe were taking care of our needs. If you talk fast enough people can’t tell the difference between “need” and “greed”.
The recession may start to look insignificant when we realise that messing with the planet as if it were our personal playground has consequences that we are actually going to experience…
It looks like mankind is at that stage where it is being told to wake up and learn a lesson or two about life and how one should behave.
Whether it learns or not is anybody’s guess. There are some very slow learners out there, and they have far too much control.
…It would be bad enough if it were only the human race that the human race could hurt, but it isn’t.
“Don’t worry” they said – the ocean can handle a bit of oil…
“Don’t worry” they said – there are plenty of fish in the sea…
“Don’t worry” they said – there are plenty of birds in the sky…
Maybe it’s time to stop believing the things they say…
Such a pity they own most of the newspapers…
The World’s greatest Flower Show – The Chelsea Flower Show 2010 opens in London on Tuesday the 25th of May.
Chelsea is the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) flaghip event and is the main event in the horticultural calendar. It is also the annual showcase of the best garden designs in Britain.
This year it sold the last available ticket eleven days before the opening date – the earliest since visitor numbers were capped in 1988 to 157,000. Last year tickets sold out two days before the show opened.
Plan Your Dayin Advance
Opening Times:
May 25-28: 8am-8pm
May 29: 8am-5.30pm; sell off 4pm
The Show takes place in the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea:
Royal Hospital,
Royal Hospital Road,
London SW3 4SL
020 7649 1885
The best way to enjoy your visit to the show is to do some good planning for your day in advance. This will give you a huge advantage and help avoid lots of unnecessary issues.
Useful Information Visitors to the Chelsea Flower Show
Babies and Children under Five are not allowed into the show. They would not enjoy the show – and neither would you. No pushchairs or prams are allowed.
Animals: No animals are allowed into the show except for Guide Dogs.
Luggage: There is a left-luggage area at the showground (the position of this will be marked on your official catalogue) – but it is best to travel light.
Security: Visitors will be subject to security searches.
Tickets: Buy your tickets as soon as possible – the number of tickets is limited and they sell out very fast. (Sold Out for 2010)
Transport: Getting There
The RHS recommends that visitors travel to the show by public transport. The show is located within the Transport for London congestion zone
Your Route to the RoyalHospital at Chelsea
(Not because you may need to see a doctor – the RHS Flower Show is held at the RoyalHospital in Chelsea.)
There are Two Entrances to the Show Grounds
Decide how you will be getting to the show and where you will be approaching it from so you can plan your route.
1)The main public entrance is the Bull-Ring Gate on the Chelsea Embankment.
2) London Gate, which is off Hospital Road
Getting There by Rail:
The Nearest Underground Station is Sloan Square – on the District and Circle Lines (1/5 of a mile or ½ a km from the grounds – a 10 minute walk. As with many of the big events in London all you have to do to find your way is to follow the crowds.
The Nearest Mainline Station is Victoria – 1 mile away (1.6km) This is a fairly long walk, especially at the end of your day, but there is a Shuttle Bus to and from the showgrounds. For information on rail services, use the National Rail journey planner
London General are operating a shuttle bus service between London Victoria (Hudson’s Place) and the Chelsea Flower Show 2010 (Barrack Gate, Chelsea Bridge Road) from 7:30am to 8pm each day (6:30pm Saturday).
Fares for Adults are £3.50/return; £2.50/single
Concessions (Senior Citizen/Child and holders of valid travelcards) are £3.00/return; £2.00/single
The nearest Bus Routes are along Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea Bridge Road and Pimlico Road. Many other buses stop around Sloan Square.
Bus numbers 11, 137, 211, 170, 360 and 452 stop closest to the showground.
Bus numbers 19, 22, 319 and C1 stop at Sloane Square.
Taxis can come right up to the Bull Ring and London gates, but if there is a lot of congestion on the roads you can ask to be dropped off at Sloan Square.
Courtesy Buses run to and from Battersea Park – you may be able to find parking here, but get here early and don’t be surprised to find it filling up fast.
Wheelchair Users or Visually Handicapped: Your show ticket covers the admission of a companion
Cycling: Bicycle racks are available in Burton’s Court opposite the London Gate entrance.
Car Parking: Public parking, including for orange/blue badge holders, is available in BatterseaPark on a first come, first served basis. You may be able to find parking here, but get here early and don’t be surprised to find it filling up fast. There are more than 2000 spaces available from Tuesday to Friday, but on Saturday fewer spaces are available due to other public events in BatterseaPark.
Wandsworth Council parking charges apply: the standard tariff is £1.80 per hour, with a maximum stay allowed of four hours. Please note that there are no reduced rates for disabled visitors.
BatterseaPark is located outside the Transport for London congestion zone and is approximately 20 minutes’ walk from the show.
Courtesy Buses run to and from BatterseaPark: a park & ride service is available; buses, including a mobility bus, operate at frequent intervals between BatterseaPark and the showground’s Bull Ring Gate entrance.
FOR GROUPS:
Coach companies must apply for a police set down/pick up permit in advance. To apply, e-mail details of the number of coaches, the day(s) of attendance, name and address to chelseacoaches@rhs.org.uk.
Coach parking
Parking for coaches is available at the following locations:
BatterseaPark, London SW11 4NJ (entrance via Albert Gate on Albert Bridge Road)
Tel: 020 8871 7128 (advance bookings only) Tariff: £30 per day (price correct at time of publication) Please note: coach parking is not available in BatterseaPark on Saturday 29 May.
Seagrave Road, near Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre, London SW5
Tel: 0871 871 9809 for details and pricing
Be Prepared…
Be Prepared in how you Dress
Temperatures can be extreme so take flexible clothing along so you can peel off the layers or whip out a waterproof…
Rain – it may rain heavily but using an umbrella in crowded areas is not ideal so consider taking along a waterproof hat and a raincoat instead.
Sun – the sun can also sometimes be surprisingly hot at the show so take protective sunscreen lotion and a wide-brimmed hat in case;.
Shoes – always wear sensible, comfortable shoes as you will be on your feet a lot . Flat, waterproof soles are the best as the surfaces can be uneven and after a heavy rain the ground can get muddy.
Be Clever – Arrive Before the Larg Crowds – get here as early as you can to try to avoid the largest crowds (and leave before they do as well).
TIPS FOR THE DAY:
When You Arrive at the Showground
Buy the official Chelsea Flower Show catalogue as soon as you enter the grounds, or even before. Read it carefully as it may save you time later.
The guide has a list of cafes. Restaurants and Champagne Bars under the Services section and gives the location on the map, opening times and the type of meal etc offered there.
The map on the back of the catalogue will show you where to find the restaurants, public toilets etc. It also gives details of official meeting places for visitors, the lost-property counter, how to find Lost Children and where to find First Aid Posts.
Free Gardening Advice: The RHS provides a free Gardening Advice Service to visitors to the show – details of where to find this are listed on the guide under the Services section.
Re-check the show’s opening times so you can plan your visit to get the most out of the day.
Your ticket does not allow you to leave the grounds and return- If you are going to be there at a mealtime plan to eat in the grounds.
Bank: There is a bank at the grounds – you will be able to change foreign currency or top up your purse. It will be shown on the map on the catalogue as well as being listed in the “Services” section. Ideally, draw your money before you get to the show to avoid queues but remember to keep your purse safe in the crowds.
Eating:
Get your food early. Plan your lunch early to avoid the busiest crowds at the various catering outlets.
Self-Catering: You can take a picnic for yourself and a little picnic blanket to sit on if you don’t intend to use one of the restaurants. Find your comfortable spot under a tree or wherever before everyone else starts looking around for somewhere to be at lunchtime. Take a flask of tea or coffee so you can have your own refreshment break on tap.
Don’t leave anything till the last minute – weaving your way through the crowds can take a surprisingly long time.
Visit the toilet outside of the lunchtime rush – the queues may be uncomfortably long.
Take it easy – the day can be very tiring with so much to see and do – you are here to enjoy yourself so take it easy and pace your day well. Stop to admire the views or have some refreshment while you recharge your batteries.
Try to leave before the main crowds – buses and taxis and the train stations get very overcrowded by the sudden extra demand at closing time.
Exits from the showground are well-signposted in the grounds and are marked on the map at the back of your Catalogue, as well as being listed in the Services section.
Buying Plants
If you want to buy plants at the show – Plants can only be bought at the sell-off at the end of the final day of the show, but be prepared – it is like the first day of the January sales but the plants are heavier.
You may have to carry your plants for a long time because of the heavy congestion with everyone leaving the grounds at the same time. Take your own heavyweight plastic sack, or a collapsible trolley to carry your purchases.
Independent experts testifying at the House of Representative’s commerce and energy committee hearing on the Deepwater Horizon Well oil spill have said that whereas BP and government agencies have been using the figure of 5000 barrels of oil a day leaking from the damaged pipeline, the real figure is more likely to be between 20,000 to 100,000 barrels a day.
Experts say because BP was refusing to release vital data, it is difficult to make an accurate estimate.
Steve Wereley, a professor of mechanical engineering at Purdue University said that based on the latest BP videos released, the two wellheads combined to gush 95,000 barrels a day into the Gulf of Mexico. He said his estimate could be wrong by plus or minus 20% so the daily leakage would be between 76,000 and 104,000 barrels a day.
Amateur Video of the Gulf Oil Spill
But don’t worry about that.. the Ocean Can Absorb The Spill …Fox News assures us it can.
Well, that’s a relief then.
Just in case anyone was worried about their visit to or their viewing of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa – good news…
Good news from the South African authorities – on South African news tonight was an assurance to South Africans regarding possible power shortages during the upcoming World Cup in South Africa – South Africans were told not to worry because the national electricity supplier WILL NOT TURN OFF STADIUM LIGHTS DURING POSSIBLE WORLD CUP POWER SHORTAGE – but it might ask people to turn off their lights and televisions to conserve power…
——–
” LAND must be a NATIONAL ASSET!!!!! ” Pan Africanist on March 15, 2010, 10:22 am
———
“Land is power,money,bread and life, any liberated nation without land is the lost nation of poverty,exploitation and economic exclusion.
The so called property clause in the constitution protect the rights of the agressors,opressors and exploiters who took our land through the barrel of the guns,our parents work through their blood and sweats to maximise profits of this imperialists on farms and they got nothing in return.
It is about time that the ANC government realised that they have misled the poor of the poorest are still in cesspool of poverty while whites are owning more farms.
Aubrew Ngwatle ” Aubrew Ngwatle on March 15, 2010, 12:15 pm
————–
“Id just like to point out, that the ANC government, in the past year or so, have sold prime property to foreign companies.
A few areas have been sold to Australian platinum mine companies. And prime industrial/commercial waterfront properties have been sold to middle-eastern countries. All by the ANC.
This land issue is merely diversionary tactics, to make you believe that our country burning, is the fault of the white man, and not the ANC.” Sinudeity @gmail.com on March 15, 2010, 2:07 pm
——————-
“Its pointless for whites (farmers) to make noise about the land. This land belongs to blacks and its in our interests to have it nationalised not to be owned by a minority.
As you may know, the clause will pass in Parliament since ANC has the majority and they are being mentored by the man himself who had the balls to kick the white farmers from the Zimbabwean land (Bob). Surely you claim to own the farms, did you pay for them? You think Malema’s utterances are ill advised?
Finally there shall be sanity South of Limpopo and the land shall be returned to its rightful owners whether these white farmers like it or not” Honourable Marshall Makoni on March 16, 2010, 10:32 am
———————
On a lighter note, I did have a good chuckle at an email that arrived today:
Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth, and Vladimir Putin all die and go to hell.
While there, they spy a red phone and ask what the phone is for. The devil
tells them it is for calling back to Earth. Putin asks to call Russia and talks for 5 minutes.
When he was finished the devil informs him that the
cost is a million dollars, so Putin writes him a cheque.
Next Queen Elizabeth calls England and talks for 30 minutes.When she was finished the devil informs her that cost is 6 million dollars, so Queen Elizabeth writes him a cheque.
Finally Nelson Mandela gets his turn and talks for 4 hours. When he was finished the devil informed him that there would be no charge for the call and feel free to call South Africa anytime.
When Putin hears this he goes ballistic and asks the devil why Nelson Mandela got to call South Africa free.
The devil replied, “Since Jacob Zuma became president of South Africa, the country has gone to hell, so it’s a local call.”
I sometimes have to chuckle at myself when I realise that what I thought were the correct words to a song turn out to be somewhat off the mark, so I do like to see what kinds of misconceptions other people have, to make me feel a bit better and it’s astounding to see what creative imaginations peoples’ ears can have.
GET YOUR SCI-FI WRITTEN HERE…
If you are ever looking for good ideas for a science fiction book or a short story, the wierd and wonderful things people think they hear can be a very good place to start…
Here are a few of the mis-heard lyrics I have come across on the web:
————– Song: Africa Artist: Toto
Real Lyric:
There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
Misheard Lyric:
There’s nothing that a hundred men from Mars could ever do
————–
Song: Mrs Robinson Artist: Simon and Garfunkel
Real Lyric:
We’d like to know a little bit about you for our files
Misheard Lyric:
We’d like to know a little bit about your four armed flies
—————–
Song: Blowin’ in the Wind Artist: Bob Dylan
Real Lyric: The answer, my friend,
is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind.
Misheard Lyric:
The ants are my friends,
they’re blowin’ in the wind
The ants are a-blowin’ in the wind.
——————
You see… that’s just three examples and you already have some great imagery for a science fiction story in the making.
Of course, some of the misheard lyrics are far more down-to-earth and quite believable even if they weren’t actually the words to the song. One good example of this comes from the Canadian National Anthem, no less:
Song: Canadian National Anthem
Real Lyric: Oh Canada, we stand on guard for thee..
Misheard Lyric:
Oh Canada, we stand on cars and freeze…
………………….
That’s quite believable, although why they would be standing quite there does leave a bit to the imagination.
———-
And when your science fiction novel is finished you can get Molly to help getting it printed:
This “Rain Orchestra” video is quite amazing to see and shows how powerfully an idea can be conveyed, even using the simplest of tools…
An orchestra or choir convincingly recreate the exhilarating sound of light rain starting to fall, building up to the cresendo of a thunderstorm, using nothing more than their hands and feet as instruments.
Well, I was going to start on a somewhat different note, but I had the BBC news on in the background this evening (Monday 26 Jan) when what appeared to be a senior official from the MOD (Ministry of Defence) started explaining that yes, there have been violations of British airspace recently by UFOs, (here he explained that we don’t know if they’re from Moscow or Mars ..) and the British Defense Force has fired at them on a number of occasions. (Unsuccessfully so far, the news reader assured me). This stopped me in my tracks and wondered if I was hearing things.
Because I had only half been watching I’m not sure if this was the repeat of a statement made a while ago or a current one, but that was a first for me, a top-brass Military Man (or at least a well-dressed MOD spokesman) stating that yes, they were currently dealing with UFO’s (whether made of Marshmallows or from Moscow or Mars, it was still a first.) I shook as much dust out of my ears as I could in case the statement was repeated but it wasn’t.
A few weeks ago there was a news story about a wind turbine that had been damaged, alongside reports of UFO sightings. The original news story gave possible explanations of the damage being done by ice being flung off another of the turbines, or even a frozen block of urine falling out of a plane, but these seem to have been dismissed.
I sent a text to my brother who is on holiday in Egypt, telling him of the MOD admitting to firing at UFOs, and got the reply: “Shame, they probably just came by to refuel…” which warranted the reply: “True… it was actually British Gas who were firing at them…”
The UFO controversy has taken on a whole new dimension since Britain’s Ministry of Defense released files on UFO sightings to the National Archives at Kew. These date back to the 1970s and include witness accounts and the government’s response, and are part of a four-year project to make all UFO documents available to the public via the archives at Kew. CNN covered this in May last year.
If you want to find out more about close encounters over Gatwick Airport, alien abductions, stray satellites – and what the UK Government thought of it all – then this is the place to be – UFOs at The National Archives at Kew. Anybody interested in digging through this archive may want to start with Dr David Clarke’s background guide to the files a synopsis of the highlights in PDF form.
Even Obama doesn’t seem to have avoided the UFO factor according to a video clip of CNN broadcasting from the inaugration which has images of a UFO over Obama’s inaugration, passing the Washington Memorial at a time when no planes were allowed over the area. Is this a hoax or is this real?
I think it looks like a turbo-charged pigeon, but it is somewhat strange.
Well, I started with the BBC news on in the background now I feel as if I may be in a strange other-worldly dream of UFO’s… I’ll finish this when I wake up, but…
… Its All Out There …
