Noah and the Ark

In the year 2007 the Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in England
and said, "Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated,
and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save two
of every living thing along with a few good humans."

He gave Noah the CATIA drawings, saying, "You have 6 months to build the
Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights."

Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard
but no Ark. Noah!" He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the
Ark?"

"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah, "but things have changed.
I needed Building Regulations Approval and I've been arguing with the
Fire Brigade about the need for a sprinkler system.
My neighbours claim that I should have obtained planning permission for
building the Ark in my garden because it is development of the site,
even though in my view it is a temporary structure.
We had to then go to appeal to the Secretary of State for a decision.

Then the Department of Transport demanded a bond be posted for the
future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions to
clear the passage for the Ark 's move to the sea. I told them that the
sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.

Getting the wood was another problem. All the decent trees have Tree
Preservation Orders on them and we live in a Site of Special Scientific
Interest set up in order to protect the spotted owl. I tried to convince
the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls - but no
go!

When I started gathering the animals, the RSPCA sued me. They insisted
that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the
accommodation was too restrictive, and it was cruel and inhumane to put
so many animals in a confined space.

Then the County Council, the Environment Agency and the Rivers Authority
ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an
environmental impact study on your proposed flood.
I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Equal Opportunities
Commission on how many disabled carpenter's I'm supposed to hire for my
building team. The trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I
have to hire only accredited workers with Ark-building experience.

To make matters worse, Customs and Excise seized all my assets, claiming
I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species.
So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to
finish this Ark. "

Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow
stretched across the sky.

Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean you're not going to
destroy the world?"

"No," said the Lord. "The British government beat me to it."