Viewing all items in Resource Category: Editorial

First, the sea: palm oil is washing up on beaches across Norfolk, Cornwall and Wales, appearing as white clumps. Councils are warning that such ‘bergs’ can be fatal to dogs. It seems that ships are permitted to dump palm oil into the sea if they are at least 12 miles offshore.  But the toxic lumps...

When it comes to DIY, some of us need more help than you might think. Last year Google was asked how to change a light bulb more than 30,000 times. Other DIY jobs that drove people to Google were how to fix a dripping tap (422,000 times), and how to bleed a radiator (322,000 times). ...

The early Church was slow to dedicate a liturgical day to offering prayers and masses to commemorate the faithful departed.  But in time prayers were offered on behalf of dead monks, that they might attain ‘the Beatific Vision’ through purification, which the Church later described as Purgatory.  Odilo, the powerful abbot of Cluny, (d 1049)...

 Don’t leave netting out in your garden over the winter – it is killing our hedgehogs.  So warns the RSPCA, after reports of dozens of hedgehogs getting entangled in football, badminton and pond nets. Evie Button, a wildlife scientific officer, warns: “Netting can be a particular hazard for wild animals, as they can easily become...

One in 50 parents is smearing their children’s heads in mayonnaise in order to try and kill nits, according to a recent survey.  Parents also try using hair straighteners to burn the lice (one in 25), and garlic oil to smother them (one in 33).  But such remedies, though imaginative, do not work. Sadly, nearly...

Christ the King We call this life? Peace When Darkness Comes The Insomniac Owl Guy Fawkes Night ** Editor:  The last Sunday before Advent is the Sunday of Christ the King…. Christ the King (Luke 23:32-43) Scoffers at the Skull Place Pouring scorn On Christ the King. Criminals and soldiers mock As the shock of...

If you are longing for a nap, go ahead.  A recent study has found that people who enjoy a small number of daytime naps a week have only half the risk of life-threatening events such as heart attack or stroke. Researchers say that the reason may be because napping relieves stress, and thus aids cardiovascular...

Having a positive view on life can help you live longer.  A recent study has found that people who are optimistic are more likely to live to 85 or older. The study by the Boston University School of Medicine found that the most optimistic men and women have an 11 per cent to 15 per...

The morality of hunting has made the headlines in recent years, but here at least was one man who was converted while hunting.  Hubert (bishop, d 727 AD) was out on Good Friday hunting stag when he came across a stag with a crucifix between its antlers.  This so shook him that he converted to...

(Luke 23:32-43) Scoffers at the Skull Place Pouring scorn On Christ the King. Criminals and soldiers mock As the shock of the nails Pierce and penetrate The hope of a people, On the whole, Far away, A people who don’t know about distance. But one far-off one Comes close, Reaches for the kingdom As he...

Why should being a ‘lay’ person stop you from as full a ministry as being ordained?  Here is a saint for all lay people who suspect they can do as good a job…. Charles Borromeo was an Italian who lived in Milan from 1538 to 1584.   His uncle, Pope Pius IV, made him Archbishop of...

Two in five hospital patients never have any visitors, according to a recent survey. And a recent poll of 200 hospital nurses by the Royal Voluntary Service found that many nurses believe that the lack of social contact hampered patient recovery. People with no visitors are less likely to be stimulated by conversation, or move...