Povey Prattle

  "God the compassionate one, whose loving care extends to all the world, we remember this day your children of many nations and many faiths whose lives were cut short by the fierce flames of anger and hatred. Console those who continue to suffer and grieve, and give them comfort and hope as they look to the future. Out of what we have endured, give us the grace to examine our relationships with those who perceive us as the enemy, and show our leaders the way to use our power to serve the good of all for the healing of the nations. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord who, in reconciling love, was lifted up from the earth that he might draw all things to himself. Amen." (By former Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop, Frank Griswold)

Povey Prattle is taking a week off. "See you" again circa 12th September 2011

When I was a mere slip of a lad my parents told me never to “grab”.     That meant that I should never “seize (something) suddenly”, e.g. a biscuit, or a sweet (candy), or some “seconds” at dinner.     Their point was that I should ask permission before taking a biscuit or a sweet or some leftovers; and that I should “take my turn” in favour of others.   I believe that Mum and Dad’s instincts were good. They were directing my siblings and I into the direction of sharing our limited resources.     Sixty years on both the language and the culture has changed.     Thus we “grab a shower” or “grab a bite to eat”.     It’s a useful enough “shorthand” in speech - a way of indicating that the speaker must accomplish some task or other in a hurry.   Yet I feel some uneasiness when my local Supermarket advertises an in-house “Netflix” service as “Grab a Movie”, or when some Convenience Stores advertise their (mediocre) sandwiches as ...