Limoges

When I was in Poitiers several months ago, I was thwarted in my desire to travel to Limoges to see its wonderful station, by engineering works on the line. I didn't fancy going there by the replacement bus service.

However, in February, my wife and I are going to spend a weekend in Limoges.

The real thing.

Somebody's model.

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Hot Chip:

Coming on Strong

This album is really growing on me; it was their first one.

Stand out track for me: "Hittin'skittles"

Here are some reviews I extracted from the internet - all of which I agree with.

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Preposterous, touching and brilliant.

 

Their songs are infectious, silly and often weirdly beautiful.

 

[It] comes off at first like slight pop-- novelty even. But extended listens reveal a goofy sincerity and romantic insouciance.

 

Coming on Strong is one smooth record; even with all the glitch, all the bleeps and bloops, and all of the genre bending, it never leaves any residue behind.

 

One of the better albums to come out in 05. Takes awhile to grow on you but...the end result is something amazing and unique. Excellent album!

 

This is some of the best electronica I've heard in recent years. These guys know what there doing!Just amazing! Buy this album, right now!

 

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Last night's dinner:

 

A rather excellent carry out Pizza:

 

Toppings: black olives and anchovies. No artichokes available from this particular vendor.

 

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The altar:

 

I was reminded of the beauty of the altar in Roman Catholic churches during Mass when the recent funeral of Jacintha Saldanha was broadcast on TV from India.

 

Until the mid- to late-1960s the Priest celebrated Mass with his back to the people.

 

Then it was deemed better to have the Priest face the congregation and churches were re-designed  and the altars moved forwards so that the Priest could do just that.

Where it all started.

 

The comic and well-known Roman Catholic, Frank Skinner, fondly remembers the days when the Priest had his back to the congregation. He did not find that alienating. Rather, he felt that by standing before them and addressing the altar, it was as if the Priest was representing the people or even leading them in their celebration. Rather like the bus driver in front of all the passengers, taking them on their journey to God. I can see what he means.