Why we're in Iraq
These boneheads have the ear of the president and all sorts of Republican congressional members. Scary.

Mike and I in Bristol (thanks Caren)

Abby's Request

Abby wondered why I didn't get a photograph of Michael Bolton at the wedding party (see earlier blog). Regrettfully, I didn't have a camera with me at the time. But, I was sent this great photo of Michael and I at his concert in Bristol when he invited me on stage to jam! Notice the cool purple spotlight they place on me during my solo!

Padraig Harrington lifts the Claret Jug

Why are Europeans so good in the Ryder Cup and so poor in the 4 Majors?

At the start of today's final round of The Open, the BBC Commentators were wondering why the European golfers always do so well in the Ryder Cup but so poorly in the 4 'Grand Slam' events. A European hasn't won one of the big four tournaments (The Masters, The US Open, The British Open, or the PGA) since 1999. And yet, in that same time frame they have hammered their US counterparts in the bi-annual Ryder Cup. Earlier this week, Nick Faldo said that it was because European players are too chummy with one another.

I think it might be sociological. Most European countries are to a great or lesser degree socialist. The United States is capitalist. Europeans learn to handle problems cooperatively and stress teamwork and common goals. Capitalists stress individual initiative and competitiveness. So, an American golfer will tend to go out to play his 'own' game and beat his opponent. Whereas a European golfer might lack the killer instinct but will thrive on foursomes and best ball. Interesting theory.

Well, the drought ended today. And it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. Padraig Harrington ended not only the European 8 year drought but was the first Irishman to win The Open in 60 years.

Kath (the mother of the groom) and Maurene after the festivities
Maurene with the happy couple

Maurene signing the wedding register

Francis, our church's Authorised Registrar makes it official. (He looked quite spiffy in his bowtie.)

Wedding photographs

Whilst we were in London we met Alan and Layla. Alan was the son of Kath who attended St. James's Church. Maurene and Kath became good friends and when Alan and Layla decided to marry they asked Maurene to conduct the ceremony. It was a family-only service and I went along to be the doorman, start the CD player at the appropriate time and be an unofficial photographer. The wedding party that evening was held at the Eastern Eye, a great Indian restaurant in Bath. Lo and behold, Michael Bolton came in during the evening. We wanted to ask him to sing 'When a man loves a woman' to the happy couple but his rather large bodyguard seemed a bit intimidating!

I didn't even know Tigger was left handed. . .

I'm taking a week's holiday during The Open. BBC Coverage begins on the radio at 6.00am and on TV at 9.00am and goes until 7.15pm. I wish I'd gone to Carnoustie but I'm going to work on a mosaic so that I want be tempted to do too much 'church stuff'.

Labradors are the world's smartest dogs. . .

At first glance, you might surmise that a dog that would walk into the midst of the peloton of the Tour of France bicycle race wasn't overly intelligent. You would be wrong. This particular Labrador was aware that his master had placed a large bet on this member of the T-mobile team not winning this mountain stage of the tour. Knowing that a large reward of kibble awaited, the Labrador took matters into his own hands (or should I say paws) and made certain that the rider took an unfortunate spill. A Labrador truly is 'man's best friend' . Oh, the dog wasn't hurt -thank goodness.

Carnoustie or Carnasty?

TIGER WOODS was given a savage reminder of how tough Carnoustie can be yesterday.
The day after South African star David Frost complained the course was too easy, Woods faced lashing rain and winds of up to 25mph.
The 514-yard 14th hole would usually be a driver and nine iron for the world No 1.
But yesterday he hit driver, three wood and then failed to reach the green with a four iron from just 112 yards! (from the Tuesday edition of The Sun)

Maurene, Hazel, and Ron (a rose between two thorns)

Time to celebrate!

Maurene and I are thrilled that this evening the Reverend Dr Hazel Starritt joined us in our ministry team. The Induction Service was held at Central United Reformed Church and was well attended not only by members of the three Bath URCs but other local Bath churches and past churches where Hazel served. Hazel is a non-stipendiary minister. This means that she works in another profession. But, she will lead worship at two of our twenty services per month. That is a great help as it gives Maurene and I a bit of time to do some other things that need to get done!

Hazel is a physicist and is the head of the Radiology Department at the Royal United Hospital. It was a great service and a good time was had by all!

It's tough being a celebrity

Ryan Keith and Keith Ryan

I love this photograph of my nephew and great-nephew. Keith and Tiffany sent it to me by email. Babies wearing sunglasses always makes me laugh. Like Maurene below, Ryan strikes a celebrity pose. Vogue, Ryan, vogue!

Stiking a celebrity pose

Back from Manchester

Maurene and I have returned from the General Assembly in Manchester. I promised photographs from the event, but because of our strange religious practices and human sacrifices the authorities would not allow any photos from inside the hall. I did get this photograph of Maurene at Piccadilly Station just after we arrived last Saturday.

Reaction to my Independence Day Presentation

My last post had photographs of the 4th of July party that we hosted at the manse. At the party, I was asked to give a brief presentation about the origins of Independence Day. We Americans sometimes forget that our history isn't the only history! Anyway, I talked about Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence and the list of grievances against the crown (King George). There were a few chuckles since we now live in the best preserved Georgian city in the entire world (Bath).

One congregant couldn't resist sending me this little photographic response. It was supposed to be humorous, but sadly, it just didn't seem all that funny. Please view my Tony Benn 'democracy' videos that were posted earlier. Eternal vigilance, dear ones!

We're off to Manchester for four exciting days at the United Reformed Church General Assembly. Maybe I'll take my camera and get some exciting photographs of a bunch of ministers sleeping during the tedious presentations. If Jesus could see what a mess we so-called Christians have made of the 'kingdom of God.'

For a moment I thought I was back in Memorial Park

Master Chef

The gazebo was a popular place during the showers

The guy in the middle bought his cap at the Mall of America on a stateside visit

Maurene's Stars and Stripes Cake

Fourth of July Garden Party

Maurene and I hosted a Fourth of July Garden Party for the churches. As you can tell by the attire of our guests the weather wasn't typical Independence Day weather. It was showery, quite blustery, and very cool. I had downloaded lots of patriotic music (Sousa marches, Mormon Tabernacle Choir, a little Willie Nelson and some John Denver) and piped it in to the garden. Not my usual fare, but the Brits seemed to enjoy it.