Orient Express

Earlier today I was looking into the possibility of making a forthcoming journey by sleeper train rather than by plane. It would, after all, be good for one's carbon footprint. I quickly abandoned the idea, however - partly because the cost was prohibitive, but also because I didn't fancy the prospect of Frau Grumpy and self having to occupy separate 'single-gender' compartments, the only kind on offer.

So, is this a tour of the Middle East and Central Asia we're planning? Nothing so adventurous, actually. The train in question is the sleeper from Brussels to Berlin.

We need to talk

This is a classic. Communities Secretary (that's a good joke already) Larch Blearyeyes responds to the complaint of the Church of England that the Government doesn't take any notice of it: 'Nonsense, we're talking to you all the time. Though, now you come to mention it, we'd have more time for you if some of your lot were blowing up Tube trains.'

It couldn't be made much clearer, could it? So step forward, please, volunteers for Bombers For Jesus, and we'll get those ministers engaging with us yet! That was also a joke, by the way. But I'd find the remarks of the Rt. Hon. spokesperson more uproarious still if I were in Hizb ut Tahrir.

PS The Beeb's obligingly toned down its quote from Ms Blearyeyes, but fortunately the money quote from the original version is enshrined here.

PPS Work is the curse of the blogging classes... Having lately re-entered the ranks of the proletariat, I'm afraid my posting time is drastically reduced. I'll do what I can.

The Britain I've returned to

Anglican politics being what it is, it is probably not every day you can hear the views of a high-profile Evangelical bishop cited with approval by an Anglo-Catholic monk. So if Michael Nazir-Ali is getting this kind of accolade, as he did in the sermon I heard at High Mass this morning, it mght suggest that he's on to something.

As also might today's news. Two reasons for British Muslims to view their fellow-countrypeople with contempt, one of them (at least) also a reason why normal people are voting BNP. Or, is this why we believe in ourselves so little that we allow this to happen?

The Bish may not have all the answers, but at least he's going around with his eyes open. The full article is here.