When the wrong man gets the job.

We watched , along with millions of others, as world leaders stepped to the podium to pay their respects to the memory of Nelson Mandela.

We assumed that the black interpreter standing next to the Presidents and dignitaries had security clearance and that he knew what he was talking about.
Wrong.
It turns out that Thamsanqa Jantjie had a history of mental illness, was hallucinating and was signing gibberish during speeches of solemn and soaring eloquence.
For example during the most poignant moments of President Obama's address Jantjie was signing "BIG FISH; LITTLE FISH IN A CARDBOARD BOX." "GET ON YOUR ROCKING HORSE" AND " YOU NEED A HAIRCUT."
 It is normal practice to exchange interpreters every 20 minutes, but this trickster kept the show going for FOUR HOURS.

Only now do we realize that the whole world was duped.

Which leads me think of the arrival of the Great Impostor, Anti-Christ, who will, by his eloquence and mesmerizing speeches, deceive the whole world.
If Thamsanqa Jantjie could do it, for Anti-Christ it will be a cinch.

Jubilate.
Ian

The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light.

Well folks, Merry Christmas to everyone, that is, if you live in South Korea. 
Here is the satellite image of Korea this December.
Seoul, a matter of 60 kilometers from the border, appears bathed in light. They are enjoying Christmas this year and should be, since the city boasts the largest Church congregation in the world.
 They have something to celebrate.
Now look to the North. A black patch with scarce a pin prick of light. Their communistic doctrine has ensured that there is no money to turn them on, and no reason either. 
This puts me in mind of a piece of humor I once read:
COMMUNISM: You have two cows. The government takes both and gives you part of the milk.
FASCISM: You have two cows. The government takes both cows and sells you the milk.
NAZISM: You have two cows.The government takes both cows and then shoots you.
BUREAUCRACY: You have two cows. The government takes both of them, shoots one, milks the other and then pours the milk down the drain.
CAPITALISM: You have two cows. You sell one of them buy a bull and start a dairy farm. Then you give a Christmas food package of milk, cream and cheese to your neighbor who sits in the dark.

Jubilate.
Ian

The demise of Manchester United.

It is always difficult to see the end of an institution but it seems that it is happening with Manchester United Football Club. (MUFC)

The club dominated the English Barclay Premier League for twenty years, guided by the stern, unwavering hand of Manager, Alex Ferguson and followed by a horde of tens of thousands of die-hard fans.
But more recently all has not been well in the 'Republic of Mancunia'

Another hand, of less sure authority, has taken over the helm of the ship of state. Dreadful drubbings have been administered to the dream-team, none harder to bear than the one given by their arch enemies from across town, Manchester City.
What can possibly be the problem? 

I have a short answer. 

Blasphemous songs and slogans.

One sixty foot banner hung in the stadium proclaims:
"MUFC : OUR RELIGION" another "SIR ALEX IMMORTAL" and yet another displaying a 20 foot high portrait of David Moise, the new manager, declares "THE CHOSEN ONE"

Oh dear. This year there have been no miracles, no euphoric presence or hymns of praise, just a series of dismal defeats and melancholic fans streaming home before the game ends.

Perhaps things may turn around, but I suspect not before the fans  find a different Messiah and put their faith in a different god than the one they currently worship.

Jubilate.  ( Dedicated to my friend, Toks Odofin, a true die-hard)

Ian

Nelson Mandela 1918 - 2013

We say farewell to a noble and courageous warrior for his cause.

In so far as Mandela strove to be a peace maker among men he must surely be registered in Matthew Chapter 5, as numbered among the children of God (Matthew 5:9).
He will not be remembered for his soaring oratory, his wise sayings or for his consummate skills as a politician; what set Mandela apart, as a statesman of international stature, was the GREATNESS of his HEART.
He emerged from the darkness of 27 years of sordid incarceration like a diamond emerging from the darkness and  pressure of the Kimberly mine.
 He came forth from his imprisonment not bitter but BETTER.
He came forth not calling his countrymen to retaliation but pleading for RECONCILIATION. 
In so far as that is true, Mandela became the greatest gem that South Africa has ever produced.
When I was visiting Capetown I heard one of Mandela's quotes.

He likened his country to a zebra. "Shoot it in the black stripe;it will die. Shoot it in the white stripe;it will still die. My brethren to live together we must learn to love and to forgive."

Could any man have expressed South Africa's challenge more perfectly or lived the life of reconciliation more convincingly?

Jubilate.

Ian