Jude Smith

Series 6, about episode 13. King Corn. All the candidates are out in the mid West, and they have to decide whether they are going to back ethanol or not. Its a locally favourable issue. It notionally solved a greenhouse gas problem.. But it doesn't work. Its an ethical dilemma. Sell out for an easy run in, or stick with your guns? Make an unpopular statement and maybe lose the right to speak into the debate later. Make an untruthful statement and lose the integrity to speak into the debate later. Do I take the ethanol pledge?

Its been a long, long time coming, but I know a change is gonna come... And so it has. I'm still in the lecture but just wanted to say that I appear to have made the big ole Myers Brigg leap into the world of being a P! What does that mean: well I think for me it means that my need to be in control is waning! Wonderful: bring it on!!!!!

Tomorrow is the day. I have long held onto my identity as an INFJ. It could all change tomorrow.. Even as I was answering the questions I could feel myself nearing the EP chasm that owns so many of my friends! What am I blethering on about? Its Myers Brigg in theological reflection tomorrow!!! (The fact that I am stressing to myself about change tells me that maybe I still am IJ)

The uneducated among you will think that this is about England last night: but no. I am referring to my lovely club Luton Town. Not only are we in administration we are ten points docked too! Its shaping up to be a rubbish season, and all because of some shonky businessmen trying to make a fast buck! Come on the Hatters: lets pull it back!

Apparently this is my dominant conflict management style! Not convinced personally...

There are a load of references in novels and the like to how disappointment is worse than anger; how it makes people feel worse about what they have done and all that. Right now I'm inclined to agree. I just snuck home for a weekend. And as people have asked me how things are I'm aware of how disappointed I feel. Disappointed is a difficult one to deal with. I'm not sure its dissipated with forgiveness in the same way that anger is. Its not a very active emotion.. it just sits on you. It doesn't inspire, or instill hope. It just drains. And I don't like being drained. blah blah blah... This too will pass.

I thought I'd say a little bit about the most useful thing I have acquired recently. Its called a smartmug or something and means I can have nice coffee every morning! Yay. Very good pressie idea for Christmas! Yes, well I'm off to do something more productive than talk about mugs (actually I;m off to prison but thats by the by)...

Theres been a very current debate in youthwork circles about extended schools. Tim Sudworth and others (like me) have pointed out a number of issues in the scheme: both practical and ethical. It seems like the practical ones are being broached by others now too. HERE is the BBC link. Hopefully we can open up the ethical debate now too..

The BBC just ran THIS story. I think we are supposed to see it as a damning indictment of today's world.. but.. it is kind of funny. All I can say is that they must have a very lax school receptionist!

I just watched X-Factor. Dangerous. But then there was Luton lady Bev. Her family live just down the round from my gaff (well my house, where I don't live any more)! She was great! I am now possibly hooked! Duh..

Yesterday did not start well. My solution to this was to retreat to the cinema. Which I did. First up was Rendition. Do not go and watch this film if you are squeamish or want to join the CIA. But its one of a little glut that are out to say something artistic about the craziness that is post 911 security policy. Watch this space for reviews of more of the same! In order to lighten it up I went straight into Ratatouille. Not as laugh out loud funny as other Pixar adventures but clever and well animated and left me wanting to eat really nice food! And by then I was a picture of serenity and calm, and went to the pub!