(no subject)

Today is the feast of Hugh of Lincoln*, who did many good things, including protecting Jewish victims of persecution and mob violence**, as well as beginning the gothic rebuilding of Lincoln Cathedral after it was damaged by an earthquake, but is probably most memorable for his pet swan.

It used to follow him about, and guard him while he slept. I don't know how or why he acquired it, but I'd have thought an attack swan would be a very effective bodyguard.



* Who is most definitely not to be confused with Little St Hugh of Lincoln, a murdered child who inspired a particularly unpleasant blood libel.

**Somewhat ironically, given the use made of the other Hugh of Lincoln by anti-semites

(no subject)

My reading for my - somewhat uninspiring - systematics essay is not going well ("Is 'faith seeking understanding' a useful understanding of theology?")

Thus, I am wasting time on the internet, and courtesy of Facebook discovered this rather amusing sketch. (Disclaimer: I've never been to an Alpha course meeting, but I'm fairly sure they don't sing 'Michael Row the Boat Ashore'). Nevertheless, it made me smile.

My room is absolutely freezing. It always is when it's windy.