Ruby (2008-2024)

RIP “Ruby” – the Malamute Wolf-Dog! (2007-2024)

Despite her size and strength – Ruby was gentle with children and other pets – despite being more than able to defend herself if the need ever arose. We shared many long and meandering walks through the hills and dales of the Devonshire countryside over the years. Once, whilst in a local forest Ruby jumped into the river and disappeared deep into the murky depths. she eventually re-emerged and scrambled unscathed up the bank – all for a Jaffa Cake! Another time she jumped through an (open) upstairs window and walked around on the roof for about an hour – be fore Gee finally managed to entice her up the roof tiles and back in! People travelling on a local double-decker bus were watching the spectacle as the bus drove past!

Buckfast Abbey - Rule of St Benedict!

Buckfast Abbey: The Magnificent Waterwheel! (4.4.2024)

The time of the day and season of the year was defined by the cycles associated with monastic life – with monastic life guided by the various Rules which guided the daily activities of the monks and nuns. Lay-people – or “Oblates” – also followed these rules – which permitted Roman Catholic spirituality to permeate English society. After its abolition – the Church of England was formed – which would eventually represent the capitalistic ideas of the new post-Catholic elites. As a consequence, it was only during the early 20th century that Buckfast Abbey was permitted to be re-built and for a population of monks to once again inhabit its interior.

China is a Big Place!

China: Woman Spends 5 Years Making Clothes for Impoverished Children! (4.4.2024)

Chen’s act of kindness has not gone unnoticed in her community. Inspired by her selflessness, neighbours and friends have donated various types of yarn, including wool, mohair, and cotton. Chen made sure to utilize every bit of yarn, creating full sweaters, patchwork designs, as well as scarves and gloves from leftover scraps.

“We all support her,” said Chen’s daughter Xu Tingna, who helps coordinate with charity organizations and deliver the finished products.

At first, Chen’s husband worried that she might tire herself out, but Chen’s passion and decision for knitting won support from her family.

Netizens also praised Chen, with one of them saying, “Those kind deeds bring love and warmth. You are the most beautiful grandma.”

Inside the Castle!

Torbay: Berry Pomeroy Castle – Tudor Ruins! (2.4.2024)

During the 1500s, Elizabeth I was an absolute monarch (as was her father – King Henry VIII) – who preferred to live in and around the Nonsuch Park area – including Hampton Court Palace (which is no longer used by the royal family). However, there was once a “Nonsuch Palace” which does not exist today. After Elizabeth I died (1603 CE) – many of the castles she frequented were no long favoured by the royal family – leading to these buildings falling into neglect and ruin. This was the case with Nonsuch Palace which was so badly dilapidate that what was left of it had to be demolished in 1683 CE – for safety reasons – with the ruins being recycled into the constructon (or maintenance) of local buildings.

The Pharaoh of Egypt Fell Victim to Abram's Rather "Loose" Concept of Morality!

Torah (Old Testament) – When Abram “Pimped” His Wife in Egypt! (31.3.2024)

On the face of it, this is an extraordinarily mercenary attitude for Abram to adopt – to say nothing of its racist (anti-Egyptian) and misogynistic (anti-Sarai) implications. Abram cares only about his own well-being and self-aggrandisement – and he will do anything to materially enrich his situation – even prostituting his wife to be used by the Pharaoh for profit! The Jewish authors seem to be siding with Abram and accusing the Pharaoh of acting inappropriately. An interesting question is “why” is this Jewish criminality (which occurs in other parts of the Bible) treated with such a casual and inattentive manner? Following the law and customs of other countries is a duty to all people and a mark of human civilisation – just as non-Jews are expected to show respect for Jewish traditions, attitudes and conventions.

No Sympathy from the US!

Russia: Neo-Nazi Ukraine Behind Moscow Terror Attack – 140 Dead – 143 Still Missing! (30.3.2024)

As many as 143 people are still missing after last week’s attack near Moscow when gunmen sprayed concertgoers with automatic weapons and set the venue on fire, a Russian state news outlet reported on Wednesday.

The official toll from the attack on Crocus City Hall now stands at 140 dead and 182 wounded. But the state Tass news agency quoted Russia’s Investigative Committee as saying that 143 more people appeared in lists compiled by the emergency services based on appeals from people about missing relatives.

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