TALEBEARER

This blog entry is a special shout-out to the local cyber-Gestapo in the adage of what Americans like to call – “The First Amendment”.

It has saddened me to hear that there are local trawlers who take the time to search for stuff online so they can report it. My personal blog is one of the targeted sites for their ‘Thought Policing’.

People are actually exercising free-speech on the internet? Not allowed it would seem.

My intention in this entry is to enlighten these ‘tell-tales’ so they know their actions are well and truly sad. Those of you outside of all this; do join me for the ride and maybe for a good chuckle.

The Bible say’s a lot in regard to ‘Gossiping’ and in this case the current ‘Gossip Culture’ victimization my blog has been under fire from. I feel bad that our pastor has to endure mass irrelevant whining about websites that these complainers choose to surf in on. It’s like deliberately looking for trouble.

The biblical term for these people – Talebearers! Even before the days of the internet; ‘gossip culture’ has been stirring up problems, because some people had nothing better to do.

In Leviticus, the creator commands: “Do not go about spreading slander [or being a tale-bearer] among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbour's life. I am the Lord.” (Lev. 19:16 NIV)

Secondly, “Where there is no talebearer, strife ceases”. (Prov.26:20b). Gossip is basically better off being non-existent. I could endure this entry with several reasons why people gossip, but that would be a Tolstoy length chapter and wouldn’t transition to blog form very well….

In conclusion:
The good book commands that if someone has a problem with another that they confront the individual, as stated in I Corinthians (5:11,12 NIV). I don’t know the identities of my voyeuristic trawlers, but I know of them and therefore believe it is down to them to stop with the cloak & dagger act and get it sorted.

I am flattered that a lot of people find my blog interesting and take the time to read it - especially those generally enjoying the content. I think the people who have been complaining about here have no business surfing on in to start with.

In light of this, I request that the gossip-brigade should goosestep in another direction and simply Go Away. I also request that those who support myself and this blog to express it more as I really do value the vote of confidence. Thankyou for reading.

INTERGALACTIC

Doctor Wholiday’s Bible Club, Blog #4: Space Juice and Coolness

Day Four of The Doctor Wholiday spectacular saw more gunging, crafts, partying and loads of fun.

Today I found ‘Tardis-Former’, a young lad who answers to the name Ethan. I presented him with what I like to call from this day forth: The Ken Flatt Coolness Award. If you achieve coolness, you get a special prize. The Ken Flatt’s Coolness Award was in the form of a Transformers: Animated figure of Elite Guard Bumblebee. Ethan loved it! (and yes fellow collectors, it was C-10 packaging!)

I think ‘The Ken’s Coolness Award’ will take off in September to be bestowed on any kid in TGI that is simply outstanding in a brilliant and creative way. Creativity is something I greatly encourage in anyone and being cool is by doing many different good things.

OK… Achieving coolness is a ‘Parker Lewis Can’t Lose’ reference. I just drew from it for the greater good. Heck, why not!

Today was about assembling our team collage. Each collage is an assembled banner for each of the 6 teams. 100’s of Doctor Who magazines and other sci-fi material was lined up by our 6 planetary groups to mutilate into their perspective works of beauty. Planet Mercury’s (Group 6) collage has a Slitheen’s head stuck to a Dalek body. I took some pictures of the brilliant collaborative work which can be viewed in my Facebook Dr Wholiday’s photo album.

Speaking of great work! The custom Tardis the kids are making are made using Tetrapak drink cartons as the base. Those things are non-recyclable. Great use for them I say! The Tardis models are coming along really well and should finalised at the end of the week. I’m really proud of all the work in general this week.

Fellow space pilot Will Purnell and myself spent a good afternoon on the highlights video of the event featuring some key moments of the week. We’re hoping you’ll all enjoy this fun-filled video package which will be aired tomorrow and uploaded to Facebook land for the more global audience. The song Star-Breather is just simply awesome and a great description for the man upstairs.

I’m right now having to gather some spare clothes x 2 and towels x 4 for possible double duty in the gunge tank tomorrow. The last day too, and what a day it is going to be! I am sure the Doctor (Wholiday) will leave a lasting impression as the summer holidays draw to a close.

I best make the most of it.

===KEN

“My friend, you have achieved Coolness! “
- Parker Lewis.

COSPLAY

Doctor Wholiday’s Bible Club, Blog #3: Enter The Tardis-Former!

Wednesday’s instalment of Doctor Wholiday’s Bible Club featured a fancy dress contest. The Dressed up cast of characters included: A White Power Ranger (SPD/DekaRanger version), Darth Vader without a helmet, Sky, Stars, Dalek Sect, The 10th Doctor, K 4 ½ (a puppy version of K-9), Martha Jones, A Spaceman, Spiderman, and various other alien species.

A special mention goes to my favourite costume which was a young lad dressed as a Tardis. He looked like a Transformer with his head, arms and legs sticking out each end. I christened the boy Tardis-Former! I helped Tardis-Former walk around the catwalk runway to model his gear to everyone as I tried to keep his Tardis light (which was a hat) from falling off his head.

As I helped Tardis Former out of his box, he brandished quite proudly a Transformers: Animated shirt. As he didn’t win a prize, I am sure I can whip up something special for tomorrow. That kid has good taste!

A Transforming Tardis! What a great concept!

George the Dalek came along later and claimed 3 more human victims. The gunge today looked more solid than usual. Perhaps they are mixing up a stronger batch down in the lab.

Towards the end, photo opportunities came along and the queue to have a picture taken with either Doctor Wholiday, George, or a Cyberman (or any combination of either) was packed but orderly. I got a snapshot done with The Dalek about to zap me with his egg-whisk gun.

Doctor Wholiday also gave out Jelly Babies in true 4th Doctor homage fashion! Awesome!

Wednesday was all in all another fun-packed day. Roll on tomorrow.

STRUCTURE

Doctor Wholiday’s Bible Club, Blog #1: Gunge and Buildings.

So it is the last week of April 2009 and what a great way to round it off than spend the mornings having a blast at Doctor Who-liday’s Bible Club.

Right now I have the bragging rights to boast that my local Church Building (Elim Pentecostal) currently looks like a Doctor Who convention. The decoration right now is phenomenal and I think I can honestly say this is the best thing my church has ever done!

Now when I mean Church, I mean the community not a building.

It kind of brings back memories of 10 years ago when a certain Transforming robot convention was held at the St Barnabas Center in Clapham London hosted by the missus (and me). Great times and a great building which on Sundays is used as a church!

Back on topic…

10 years ago, something like Doctor Who-liday would have never been taken into consideration at Elim. It would have only taken one Negative Nancy in the congregation to throw a xenophobic hissy-fit to spoil things for the creative majority.

The thought of a church building event probably would also have spark a negative reaction to some. I partially attribute this to a world-view that a church is a ‘religious’ place, when really most ‘church’ buildings are used for other things besides *cough* religion. Going inside a garage doesn’t turn one into car now, does it? 

Attitudes on all ends are improving...

Onto the bit about having fun…




I am this week alongside the great TGI Crew having a great time with Keynsham’s youth putting on a fantastic event with fun, gunge, activities and yes a smidgen of gospel too. What really matters is that the kids are having a fantastic time and enjoying the week.

I was also the first victim of George The Dalek’s gunge tank towards the end of the morning. The Dalek voice in the church hall hosted a Q and A (with some help from Dr Wholiday) where I messed up a Skaro related question. For my lack of a good answer I was splattered in blue translucent alien gunge to the delight of the crowd.

George the Dalek did not reveal himself yet, but his voice was heard over the speakers. Tuesday however is a different story and we have a runway ready for our 6 foot alien dustbin guest.

Our groups for games have also been amusedly divided into the Sontarans, Daleks and Cyberman. Seeing 3 large groups of kids in sequence doing the “Sontar-Ha!”, “You Will Be Deleted” and “Exterminate” soundbytes for their teams is a sight to behold.

I’m really looking forward to Tuesday.

Good fun! Next blog soon.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, The Church has left the building!”

SHINDIG

I spent a large portion of this Saturday attending and helping out at the TGI Kids Christmas Party.

The TGI Friday kids party featured: food (of course), games, a Veggie-tales Christmas DVD showcase and the most outstanding of all a Punch & Judy display. The Punch & Judy was in its true traditional, non-PC performance (aside from the omission of the hanging scene) and was loved by kids and adults alike. Seeing a Punch & Judy act again after 2 decades was quite cheerful to say the least. I’m glad no sensitive types complained, especially as PC Plod confirmed to the audience that Judy and the baby were still alive and well from being thrown down the stairs by the naughty Mr Punch.

Of course ‘Santa Claus’ appeared at the end with a bag of goodies for the young uns. Every kid got a present to take home too. Afterwards ‘Santa’ waved goodbye to everyone as he left though the back door or the Pastor’s office and onto his vacation. :P

Having a Christmas Party in early January is a great way to give Christmas and the holiday period good send off. I think its good of TGI to do this event at this time every year, since it provides a last Christmas related highlight for the kids who have to go back to school the following week. For me, I am happy to help out and be a part of it and most importantly, its great to see those kids happy.

FASHION

Today I got involved in the Kids Fashion Show held at my local church. My friend Vicky was running the event where the proceeds would go to charity.

I did not have anything to model so Vicky asked me to bring along my Casey Jones outfit which I originally made for this years now cancelled Alternate Halloween. I scared a few kids (and probably some adults too) but I got to have my march on the makeshift catwalk and got a good ovation.

The other cast of characters were a pirate, 2 Buzz Lightyears, A Hero Robot, Bob The Builder, Princess Barbie, a Fairy(?), a Sheppard, and some dude with a newspaper hat.

As well as the show we had some stalls selling raffle, cakes, custom jewellery and other goodies. The final takings were said to be very good at the end although I am not at liberty to say how much 

Thanks to Vicky for putting on a fantastic show. Had a fun day being involved and making sure the kids and parents had a great time.

WINGS

Hey gang…

Just a quick blog to say that TGI: Friday at church went down a treat last night and the premiere event was enjoyable to be a part of.

I’m working with the 10-11 year old section and I have a charming group of characters who I will really get to know in the weeks to come.

So TGI (that’s Thank God It’s…) is where I’ll be on my Friday evenings from now on.

Here’s to more evenings of fun, fulfilment and fire.

FRIDAY

Today I went to a Prayer Breakfast at my church to pray and channel for the Youth Ministry for this year as activities are starting up again. I had me a couple of Croissants and a cup of tea, as our church always does a marvellous spread.

As of this Friday coming I am going to be a regular helper, leader and foot soldier for the TGI Friday group. I’m going to be slotted in with the year 5-6 squad and to see where it goes from there. A few of the kids who are attending already know me through other church ventures, so there is a good bit of continuity to build upon.

This week will be presenting a great opportunity to get back into doing kids work for the man upstairs and being a great figure for the young uns. I am excited at the prospects this will bring and the good times yet to come.

Roll on Friday!