Dr Greg Clarke, co-founder of the Centre for Public Christianity, has written an article for News Limited's online discussion board The Punch commending the translation of the Bible into Aboriginal languages.
Surely the last thing most Aborigines need is a white man telling them about a brown man who might be trying to save them.
White man has introduced many things to Aborigines - some good, many bad. Perhaps it is time that we consideredlearning something from their culture
If we must translate something why not the Harry Potter series or a Kate Grenville or Tim Winton novel and not the judgmental, instructional hell and damnation of the Bible.
Today I received an e-mail inviting me to attend a "dynamic and comprehensive 10 month leadership program incorporating one-on-one coaching, seminars, residentials, external networking opportunities and action learning projects."
Residentials? Action Learning Projects?
WTF?
What does residentials mean? It is not a word. I hope that it means they will provide me with a house. If so, I would like a house with a pool, tennis court and separate area for an energetic dog. I could use the big yard for all those action learning projects I will have to complete.
And what exactly are action learning projects? That phrase is pointless. It tells me nothing. Are there inaction learning projects? The phrase is ungrammatical and a perfect example of the weasel-words beloved by governments and people-management consultants.
My suspicion is that these phrases are made up by people who have a very poor grasp of English but a very high self-regard. Clearly wankers or, as they would call themselves, personal friction facilitators.
In the 2010 Federal Election much has been made of Labor's Moving Forward slogan. Perhaps the Coalition's unofficial slogan, befitting their backwards-looking conservatism, is Stand Still. Be Stationary. That could explain why parents can claim for 'stationary' but apparently not pencils and rulers in the Coalition Education Tax Refund policy.
I hope Labor's Moving Forward package includes funding for much needed spelling and proofreading lessons for political staffers.
We are currently enduring one of the most excruciating periods known to man, that is, an election campaign. Despite being an avowed psephologist I do not like election campaigns; call me nerdy but I just like the statistics on Election night.
I have no desire to turn the television news on or click on news.com.au and view the lies being told, the deep-seated and electorally unpopular ideologies that are being hidden and the truths that are being massaged, stretched and bent to suit the prevailing mood. I just can’t stand reading about all the promises that each side of politics makes during a campaign.
Which brings me to the timely Song of the Week…
Promises Promises Music by Burt Bacharach lyrics by Hal David Stage Musical Version Sung by - You’ll never guess! See below!
Lyrics
Promises, promises I'm all through with promises, promises now I don't know how I got the nerve to walk out If I shout, remember I feel free Now I can look at myself and be proud I'm laughing out loud
Oh, promises, promises This is where those promises, promises end I don't pretend that what was wrong can be right Every night I sleep now, no more lies Things that I promised myself fell apart But I found my heart
Oh, promises, their kind of promises, can just destroy a life Oh, promises, those kind of promises, take all the joy from life Oh, promises, promises, my kind of promises Can lead to joy and hope and love Yes, love!!
Every night I sleep now, no more lies Things that I promised myself fell apart But I found my heart
Oh, promises, their kind of promises can just destroy a life Oh, promises, those kind of promises take all the joy from life Oh, promises, promises, my kind of promises Can lead to joy and hope and love Yes, love!!
That linked version above is from the 1968 Musical Promises Promises. But who was singing?? Some clues:
The performer won a Tony for Best Actor in a Musical.
He is best known to Gens X and Y for his 13 year stint on Law and Order.
