I wanted to steal the Bonekickers board, but somehow that didn't seem advisable.

Two of the actors chilling between scenes.

I don't know what this set was all about. I think it must have been someone's office. Apparently the 'green screen' is what weatherpeople stand in front of when doing the weather and then a background is added.

So this is why our television licence is so exorbitant. Look at all of these folks sitting around doing nothing.

The Beeb comes to Central URC

Central URC is a very historic building that was constructed in 1789. This past Wednesday the BBC used our building to film a portion of a new series entitled 'Bonekickers'. What was strange is that they didn't use our historic sanctuary or even our rather impressive vaults that lie beneath the building. Instead they used two rather non-descript halls and our rather modern stairway.

I wasn't allowed to photograph the actual action, but I was permitted to photograph one of the sets. The Director also let me watch the action on a monitor, but without any sound because he didn't want the plot line to be given away. I guess he didn't trust me.

Here is what I do know from hearing some ensuing conversations and what I could ascertain from the monitor. Our hall was an Islamic Study Centre and four students came in to study. Two Knights Templar or wanabee Knights Templar (at least I think that is who they were) had gained access to the centre and threatened the students with a sword.

What the stairway and the downstairs hall was used for remains a mystery. Anyway, I look forward to the screening in April. My only concern is that if Christians killed Muslims in the episode I really don't want a thank you to roll up in the credits.

One final note, our Church Treasurer is quite happy!

UK Living standards set to overtake US

The UK's gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to rise to £23,500 per person during 2008, £250 more than the £23,250 GDP per head predicted for Americans, according to Oxford Economics.
Britons are also expected to enjoy higher living standards than both the Germans and the French, with GDP per head in the UK around 8% higher than in both of these countries, where it is expected to be £21,665 and £21,700 respectively. (from AOL)

There is only one problem with this. . .Petrol $8 per gallon; Heating bill per year $2400 without electricity; Hamburger, Fries and a Coke (not McDonald's) $11.00; Movie for 2 with popcorn and a shared drink-$26; Jar of Skippy Peanut Butter -$3; small packet of Peanut M&Ms -$1.10

And one very big plus. . .Universal Health Care -Priceless!

Fireworks display welcomes in 2008 at the London Eye.

Happy New Year!