Stars and Sand: Roger Aubrey

Cry for help

This is a cry for help from any techies out there. I want to reduce the kbps on some mp3 files from 128 to 56. Reason? I'm thinking of starting podcasting! I have experimented with a bible study I did and it's 30 minutes long but about 27mbs in size. I notice that the BBC podcasts I subscribe to are about 45 minutes long but only around 16 mbs. So, if anybody can help - I'm waiting. Thanks. Oh and keep the jargon simple please - remember it's me you're dealing with!

Worse sound in the world

What's the worse sound in the world? Nails scratching down a blackboard? Someone constantly sniffing? A creaking door? (I once had a friend who freaked out at the sound of paper being rubbed on carpet).

Check out this site to join in the search for the world's worst sound.

Arty

While we're on the subject of favourite paintings: I like the Turner painting that won the BBC poll this week. I also like this one; it's Nighthawks by Edward Hopper.

Yes, but is it art?

The other day I featured Britain's favourite painting and asked for your favourites. Here are the choices of some our finest art critics:

Joe James

James Aubrey

Dave Shutt

Matthew Ling

Greatest painting in Britain

Over the past three weeks, listeners of Radio Four's Today programme have been choosing the greatest painting in Britain (not the greatest British painting, but the greatest painting currently here). From the shortlist of ten they chose JMW Turner's The Fighting Temeraire, painted in 1839. You can see more on the winner and the other candidates here.

A thought (why do I do these things?): what's your favourite painting?

Nicknames

Jesus nicknamed James and John 'Sons of Thunder'. (Mark 3:17, NLT)

When I was growing up my friends nicknamed me Strawbs (Strawberry Aubrey). It was a term of endearment and I was known by that name for years.

I really like the way the NLT describes what Jesus called James and John - he gave them a nickname - 'You guys are real sons of thunder; that's what I'll call you!' They certainly lived up to their name (see Luke 9:52-55).

Have a think: if Jesus were to give you a nickname, what would you like it to be? Let us know.

Expiry Dates (2)

Just thinking more on this thing about expiry dates. What's the oldest thing you've eaten or drunk and survived? (Well, of course you survived: you're reading this aren't you!). By old I don't mean your granny.

Expiry Dates

Ever wondered just how long after the expiry date that can of beer in the fridge is still OK to drink? And what about that jar of mustard you just discovered unopened at the bag of the cupboard? Check this site out; you'll be surprised.

On the Bench

Here's one to think about.

Roger's little list

Yesterday Tony Ling kindly provided us with a list of some of the Christian books that have influenced him over the years. Today I thought I'd respond to the vast numbers of requests from all over the world for my own list (well, James said in a throwaway kind of voice that maybe I should do it). And never one to be asked twice, here it is anyway...