10 Ancient New Year Traditions And Stories
[See #6.]
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Sweet Land Of Liberty
40,000 new laws take effect in 2014
I'm not sure, but I think I accidentally just became a Class D felon.
I'm not sure, but I think I accidentally just became a Class D felon.
And The Episcopal Church's Political Response To This Is...?
USA Today:"The ACA was not designed to reduce costs or, the law's name notwithstanding, to make health insurance coverage affordable for the vast majority of Americans," says health care consultant Kip Piper, a former government and insurance industry official. "The law uses taxpayer dollars to lower costs for the low-income uninsured but it also increases costs overall and shifts costs within the marketplace."
The government wished for clergy to promote the ACA as we were informed that it addressed inequality in our society's medical treatment options. Instead, it has created five million more people with no medical insurance coverage. I guess government can't be God, after all.
The government wished for clergy to promote the ACA as we were informed that it addressed inequality in our society's medical treatment options. Instead, it has created five million more people with no medical insurance coverage. I guess government can't be God, after all.
As Burns Noted, The Best Laid Plans....
Human Events: You’d need a heart of stone not to laugh at the spectacle of global warming fanatics trapped in the ice on their way to Antarctica, where they planned to make a big deal about the relative shortage of ice. It’s even funnier because the highly sympathetic mainstream media so clearly understands how utterly embarrassing this is.
It should also be mentioned that it's summer down there, too.
Reality will really hit home, and far harder and colder than the ice, when the ship's owners get the massive bill for the rescue. [Yeah, that happens.]
It should also be mentioned that it's summer down there, too.
Reality will really hit home, and far harder and colder than the ice, when the ship's owners get the massive bill for the rescue. [Yeah, that happens.]
Wow, NPR Is Really On The Cutting Edge Of News
This business has been going on for as long as there has been Photoshop. In one way or another, it has been going on as long as there have been colleges in the United States.
A Campus More Colorful Than Reality: Beware That College Brochure
I worked with a parish in Rhode Island once, during my days in what's now called "transition ministry" [My good God, what a stupid term], that did the same thing with their parish profile.
I worked with a parish in Rhode Island once, during my days in what's now called "transition ministry" [My good God, what a stupid term], that did the same thing with their parish profile.
Tuesday's Wave
"Music rots when it gets too far from the dance. Poetry atrophies when it gets too far from music."
~Ezra Pound
Monday, December 30, 2013
An Obituary Of Note
Of little interest to anyone other than a motorhead, but I started following auto sports because of this guy. Also, his autobiography, They Call Me Mister 500, was one of only two books that I've read that made me laugh out loud [the other was Catch-22].
Andy Granatelli, 1923-2013
Andy Granatelli, 1923-2013
This Has Been A Developing Problem For A Generation, Yet No One In Govt Education Has Cared
Lost in all the noise about helping girls achieve their potential is a growing body of evidence that boys are in trouble. It's the real "gender gap." Consider this: A recent study by two MIT economists found that men, not women, are less likely to graduate from high school and finish college. As a result, the study said, "over the last three decades, the labor market trajectory of males in the U.S. has turned downward along four dimensions: skills acquisition, employment rates, occupational stature and real wage levels."
Of course, given the gender inequity that dominates elementary education, this shouldn't come as a surprise. Plus, since the late 1980's, too many boys have been soaked in Ritalin and other psychotropics in order to get them to stop acting like...well...boys. Those of us who tried to address this in its early stages were labeled "sexist".
Of course, given the gender inequity that dominates elementary education, this shouldn't come as a surprise. Plus, since the late 1980's, too many boys have been soaked in Ritalin and other psychotropics in order to get them to stop acting like...well...boys. Those of us who tried to address this in its early stages were labeled "sexist".
Hahaha. Good One.
New York Times' David Brooks to Teach ‘Humility’ at Yale
Good God, I thought this was a spoof. That fact that it isn't just makes it funnier.
Good God, I thought this was a spoof. That fact that it isn't just makes it funnier.
Count Basie And Frank Sinatra In Consultation
With the bass player doing what they do, just walking lines until the big shots are ready.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Changing Times
President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, and their two daughters did not go to church on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, according to press pool reports. The Obamas are in Kailua, Hawaii for a 17-day Christmas vacation.Although the Obamas did not go to church for Christmas, President Obama did play golf during the afternoon of Dec. 24 and Mrs. Obama spoke with children by telephone on Christmas Eve for about 30 minutes concerning Santa’s whereabouts as tracked by NORAD.
Please explain the sentence "Although the Obamas did not go to church for Christmas, [he] did play golf...." It makes it seem as if one is a substitute for the other. Now, if it had been surfing, I could understand.
Please explain the sentence "Although the Obamas did not go to church for Christmas, [he] did play golf...." It makes it seem as if one is a substitute for the other. Now, if it had been surfing, I could understand.
Swell
Washington Post:
"Hospice patients are expected to die: The treatment focuses on providing comfort to the terminally ill, not finding a cure. To enroll a patient, two doctors certify a life expectancy of six months or less. But over the past decade, the number of “hospice survivors” in the United States has risen dramatically, in part because hospice companies earn more by recruiting patients who aren’t actually dying, a Washington Post investigation has found. Healthier patients are more profitable because they require fewer visits and stay enrolled longer."
"Hospice patients are expected to die: The treatment focuses on providing comfort to the terminally ill, not finding a cure. To enroll a patient, two doctors certify a life expectancy of six months or less. But over the past decade, the number of “hospice survivors” in the United States has risen dramatically, in part because hospice companies earn more by recruiting patients who aren’t actually dying, a Washington Post investigation has found. Healthier patients are more profitable because they require fewer visits and stay enrolled longer."
The Pseudo-Science Is Settled
New Study Exposes Acupuncture As Pseudoscience
You mean sticking pins into people doesn't really do anything? Who would have thought that?
You mean sticking pins into people doesn't really do anything? Who would have thought that?
Friday, December 27, 2013
This Always Works Out Well
And now, foundational religious teaching as an action-adventure movie.
Biblical films' Hollywood comeback
Biblical films' Hollywood comeback
Mazel Tov, Christians!
Americans who feel “excluded” are not excluded. They have decided to feel excluded. Which is, of course, entirely their right to do; no one forces anyone to celebrate any American holiday. But attempts to remove Christmas from the public sphere are destructive to our society. It would be as if Jehovah’s Witnesses attempted to remove public celebrations and references to the Fourth of July because they don’t celebrate national holidays.
Why are these attempts destructive? Because the entire society — Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and atheists as well as Christians — benefits from the goodness and joy that the Christmas season engenders.
Why are these attempts destructive? Because the entire society — Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and atheists as well as Christians — benefits from the goodness and joy that the Christmas season engenders.
As I am asked every year, Christmas is a season, not a simple 24 hour period. It does not begin right after Thanksgiving [that's the secular "retail" Christmas], but at sundown on Christmas Eve and continues until sundown on January 5th. In other words, twelve days, just like the venerable song says.
That's Because Christianity Should Engage Through Excitement, Rather Than Drone On Through Tired Tropes
Pentecostalism Invades Lambeth Palace
For those who don't know, Lambeth is the traditional seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, who serves as the titular head of the Anglican Communion, the Episcopal Church's global identity.
On the other hand, the conventional annual media story, mildly updated, once again makes its appearance:
Washington Post discovers the bleeding obvious about liturgy
For those who don't know, Lambeth is the traditional seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, who serves as the titular head of the Anglican Communion, the Episcopal Church's global identity.
On the other hand, the conventional annual media story, mildly updated, once again makes its appearance:
Washington Post discovers the bleeding obvious about liturgy
Why Is The Divorce Rate So High? It's A Puzzler.
Because for too many, weddings are fantasy shows, rather than sacramental rites.
Why Do Schools Choose To Perform Christian Music If It Will "Offend"?
Honestly, I never get why government schools decide to use Christian tropes and then complain about them at the same time. Just avoid the music rather than butcher it. Really, just stick with "Frosty the Snowman" and other related gibberish.
Some Parents Upset After L.I. School Removes Religious References From ‘Silent Night’
In a related story, apparently at least one Veterans Administration hospital considers singing Christmas carols to patients to be "spiritual care" and, thus, bans a high school choir.
Some Parents Upset After L.I. School Removes Religious References From ‘Silent Night’
In a related story, apparently at least one Veterans Administration hospital considers singing Christmas carols to patients to be "spiritual care" and, thus, bans a high school choir.
Remember This The Next Time Someone Says, "The Science Is Settled"
Professor admits faking AIDS vaccine to get $19M in grants
Yes, you read that correctly. That's 19 million [American] dollars in grant money. For some people, that's a considerable inducement to lie. It's also a drop in the bucket compared to how much grant money is available to study climate change.
Yes, you read that correctly. That's 19 million [American] dollars in grant money. For some people, that's a considerable inducement to lie. It's also a drop in the bucket compared to how much grant money is available to study climate change.
We're Constantly in Fear: The life of a part-time professor
“It’s really political,” she says. “There’s an atmosphere where we don’t feel safe to talk [publicly] because we’re afraid our opinions and our thoughts can work against us. We’re constantly in this fear that this could hurt me from getting classes assigned next semester or my comments could hurt me when I’m trying to apply for a position.”
Why is it that academia and Hollywood, the two institutions that are always pranging on about workplace fairness and social equity, are the two biggest offenders in those areas? Should I be surprised that these are two highly secularized portions of our society?
Why is it that academia and Hollywood, the two institutions that are always pranging on about workplace fairness and social equity, are the two biggest offenders in those areas? Should I be surprised that these are two highly secularized portions of our society?
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Here's An Interesting Take On Last Week's Episode Of Moral Panic
It seems what the producers intended and what A&E envisioned with the show is much different than the show that they ended up with, but they didn't do anything about it because it was so wildly popular and so wildly profitable. But even with all the money, they have never really been comfortable with what happened.
This is what happened. The whole idea of the show was to parade these nouveau riche Christian hillbillies around so that we could laugh at them. "Look at them," we were supposed to say. "Look how backward they are! Look what they believe! Can you believe they really live this way and believe this stuff? See how they don't fit in? HAHAHA"
When the producers saw the way the show was shaping up, different than they envisioned it, they tried to change course. They tried to get the Robertson's to tone down their Christianity, but to their eternal credit they refused. They tried to add fake cussin' to the show by inserting bleeps where no cussword was uttered. At best, they wanted to make the Robertson's look like crass buffoons. At worst they wanted them to look like hypocrites.
They desperately wanted us to laugh at the Robertsons.
This is what happened. The whole idea of the show was to parade these nouveau riche Christian hillbillies around so that we could laugh at them. "Look at them," we were supposed to say. "Look how backward they are! Look what they believe! Can you believe they really live this way and believe this stuff? See how they don't fit in? HAHAHA"
When the producers saw the way the show was shaping up, different than they envisioned it, they tried to change course. They tried to get the Robertson's to tone down their Christianity, but to their eternal credit they refused. They tried to add fake cussin' to the show by inserting bleeps where no cussword was uttered. At best, they wanted to make the Robertson's look like crass buffoons. At worst they wanted them to look like hypocrites.
They desperately wanted us to laugh at the Robertsons.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Friday, December 20, 2013
The Liturgies Of Christmas
Christmas Eve:
5:00 pm Celebration of the Holy Eucharist on the occasion of the Feast of the Incarnation with Carols and Hymns.
10:00 pm Festal Celebration of the Holy Eucharist, also with Carols, Hymns, and special music.
Christmas Day:
10:00 am A Celebration of the Holy Eucharist, especially for those who prefer a quieter, daylight experience. Yes, there will be music.
Friday's Church: St. Thomas Catholic Church, Kokkamangalam, Kerala.
Pious legend has it that this was one of the seven churches founded and built in India by St. Thomas the Apostle.
John Prine - Spanish Pipedream
I don't know if it's the travails of some hairy guys on some basic cable TV show or the constant pranging on of everyone with a two-bit opinion about health care [rather, medical insurance, as "care" doesn't seem to be on the list of concerns], but it caused the refrain of this forty-three-year-old John Prine song to come to mind.
And if you have never heard of John Prine, you have lead a very sheltered life. Gladly, it's never too late to learn.
BTW, I beginning to become fatigued with the weekly episode of "moral panic" on the part of some members of the public square. I may make it a weekly feature. First, it was the race of Santa Claus, now some inelegant and impolitic statements from a reality TV person; I can hardly wait to see what next week's about.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Thursday's Biblical Recipe: Palestinian Flat Bread
1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
13 cup fine cornmeal
•1 Tbsp. olive oil
•1 ½ tsp. salt
•½ cup lentils, cooked
•1 Tbsp. millet, ground into powder
•1 ½ cups water
•1 tsp. onion powder
•½ cup sesame seeds
One of the few breads to incorporate lentils in the dough, Palestinian flat bread is great when served with hummus or some other dip. Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine flour, cornmeal, olive oil, salt, lentils, millet, and water to make a dough mixture, and flatten onto an oiled baking sheet. Sprinkle with onion powder and sesame seeds. Bake 20 minutes or so. For a crispier cracker, leave in oven an extra 10 minutes.
13 cup fine cornmeal
•1 Tbsp. olive oil
•1 ½ tsp. salt
•½ cup lentils, cooked
•1 Tbsp. millet, ground into powder
•1 ½ cups water
•1 tsp. onion powder
•½ cup sesame seeds
One of the few breads to incorporate lentils in the dough, Palestinian flat bread is great when served with hummus or some other dip. Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine flour, cornmeal, olive oil, salt, lentils, millet, and water to make a dough mixture, and flatten onto an oiled baking sheet. Sprinkle with onion powder and sesame seeds. Bake 20 minutes or so. For a crispier cracker, leave in oven an extra 10 minutes.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
While The "Thought Leaders" In The Media Argue The Race Of Santa Clause, Christians In The Middle East Are Under Attack
It would be nice for them to be outraged by this, wouldn't it?
Forced Exodus: Christians in the Middle East
I once worked in a grubby newsroom with a bunch of rumpled men rendered half-dead by their alcohol and tobacco habits. It was for a small newspaper chain serving little towns along the Pennsylvania/Ohio border. They carried no Ivy League or journalism school credentials, did not have "power meals" at trendy restaurants [unless you count the local Moose Lodge], and drove Chevys and Fords. But, they would pursue a story like this with energy and vengeance.
Why? Because it's a good story; the kind that sells newspapers.
[I want to note, especially as "flyover country" people such as this tend to be dismissed by the East Coast folks with whom I have worked over the last 24 years, that they were also among the most intelligent and erudite people I have ever known, right up there with a standard company of Marine Corps officer trainees. In fact, as I get older, I miss the wide-ranging and intelligent conversations that I could have with these rumpled men.]
Forced Exodus: Christians in the Middle East
I once worked in a grubby newsroom with a bunch of rumpled men rendered half-dead by their alcohol and tobacco habits. It was for a small newspaper chain serving little towns along the Pennsylvania/Ohio border. They carried no Ivy League or journalism school credentials, did not have "power meals" at trendy restaurants [unless you count the local Moose Lodge], and drove Chevys and Fords. But, they would pursue a story like this with energy and vengeance.
Why? Because it's a good story; the kind that sells newspapers.
[I want to note, especially as "flyover country" people such as this tend to be dismissed by the East Coast folks with whom I have worked over the last 24 years, that they were also among the most intelligent and erudite people I have ever known, right up there with a standard company of Marine Corps officer trainees. In fact, as I get older, I miss the wide-ranging and intelligent conversations that I could have with these rumpled men.]
A Moor?
I really wish the media "thought leaders" would stick to arguing about the race of a character like Santa Claus than informing those of us who know better of the physical appearance of Jesus.
Juan Williams Says Jesus Was Likely ‘Oriental Asian’ or a ‘Moor’
Yeah, Jesus is allowed to be of any ethnic group on Earth except, you know, that of 1st century Semites. I've often encountered an unease with modern Israel by contemporary media members, but it shouldn't be retroactive to 2000 years ago. It's okay, Jesus can be a Jew. If it makes a "thought leader" feel better, he was also a Palestinian.
By the way, if we have to argue about the race of Santa [and only is this diseased and cacatopic age would we have to], I'll simply point out that his model, St. Nicholas, was Greek.
Juan Williams Says Jesus Was Likely ‘Oriental Asian’ or a ‘Moor’
Yeah, Jesus is allowed to be of any ethnic group on Earth except, you know, that of 1st century Semites. I've often encountered an unease with modern Israel by contemporary media members, but it shouldn't be retroactive to 2000 years ago. It's okay, Jesus can be a Jew. If it makes a "thought leader" feel better, he was also a Palestinian.
By the way, if we have to argue about the race of Santa [and only is this diseased and cacatopic age would we have to], I'll simply point out that his model, St. Nicholas, was Greek.
Who Is "We"? Expecting A Politician To Be The Messiah Has Been An Error For...Oh...Two Thousand Years Or So.
"He made so many promises. We thought that he was going to be - I shouldn't say this at Christmastime, but - the next messiah."
China Goes To The Moon; NASA Spends $390,000 On A Cartoon About Global Warming
The Top 100 Examples of Government Waste
At a time when the government would prefer that we pay more in taxes [you know, instead of "wasting" it by donating to charities, the arts, and...ahem...churches], it's nice to know how focused they are on being responsible with our largess.
At a time when the government would prefer that we pay more in taxes [you know, instead of "wasting" it by donating to charities, the arts, and...ahem...churches], it's nice to know how focused they are on being responsible with our largess.
The great biofuels scandal
Biofuels are inefficient, cause hunger and air pollution, and cost taxpayers billions
I remember some thin-necked fellow over in Litchfield singing the capsheaf benefits of the bio-fuels that he was selling through his oil company, with the help of state politicians, of course [yes, them, again]. "This will change the world", he exclaimed.
It appears so.
I remember some thin-necked fellow over in Litchfield singing the capsheaf benefits of the bio-fuels that he was selling through his oil company, with the help of state politicians, of course [yes, them, again]. "This will change the world", he exclaimed.
It appears so.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Always Be Alert When Scientists Say "Case Closed"
Multivitamin researchers say "case is closed" after studies find no health benefits
As Richard Feynman once said, "“If you thought that science was certain - well, that is just an error on your part.”
As Richard Feynman once said, "“If you thought that science was certain - well, that is just an error on your part.”
Tuesday's Wave
“There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true.” - Søren Kierkegaard
Monday, December 16, 2013
Obituaries Of Note
Peter O’Toole, Star of ‘Lawrence of Arabia,’ Is Dead at 81
Imagine that your first leading film role is in a highly expensive production starring the venerable talent of the age [Anthony Quinn, Jose Ferrer, Anthony Quayle, Claude Rains, Alec Guinness, etc.] and directed by a living legend. Imagine, then, fulfilling your job in such a way that it is impossible for anyone else to ever play the role.
While it recounts the wartime work of the archaeologist Thomas E. Lawrence, "Lawrence of Arabia" is much more about the exercise of free will and the quest for identity. Robert Bolt's script is filled with marvelous dialogue, though my favorite moment may be when Lawrence is rendered speechless by a sentry's question, "Who are you?"
If you ever have the chance, and can find it, one of the great movies about appearance vs. reality is "The Stunt Man", also starring O'Toole. In interviews, he would call it his favorite role. Although, to be honest, his best role may have been playing himself.
[An aside: in seminary we would have an annual "Speak like Peter O'Toole Day", which often made for some memorable readings in the chapel.]
Tom Laughlin dies at 82; filmmaker drew huge following for 'Billy Jack'
At the other end of the cinematic spectrum was Tom Laughlin, who created the grind house movie character "Billy Jack". If "Lawrence" encouraged me to study archaeology, the half-breed "Billy Jack" reminded me of the angst that is always a part of a divided genetic heritage. That, and when one lives and works mostly with affluent whites, it's good to know some martial arts.
To his credit, Laughlin created a marketing strategy based not on what was familiar Hollywood practice, but on the manner in which the early rock and roll stars introduced new songs, namely by paying theaters to show the film and adverstising it in campaigns targeted towards a younger audience. It's now, and has been for some forty years, the way in which all films are marketed.
Here's Billy Jack practicing his particular brand of peace-making [Warning: there's a little bad language near the end].
Imagine that your first leading film role is in a highly expensive production starring the venerable talent of the age [Anthony Quinn, Jose Ferrer, Anthony Quayle, Claude Rains, Alec Guinness, etc.] and directed by a living legend. Imagine, then, fulfilling your job in such a way that it is impossible for anyone else to ever play the role.
While it recounts the wartime work of the archaeologist Thomas E. Lawrence, "Lawrence of Arabia" is much more about the exercise of free will and the quest for identity. Robert Bolt's script is filled with marvelous dialogue, though my favorite moment may be when Lawrence is rendered speechless by a sentry's question, "Who are you?"
If you ever have the chance, and can find it, one of the great movies about appearance vs. reality is "The Stunt Man", also starring O'Toole. In interviews, he would call it his favorite role. Although, to be honest, his best role may have been playing himself.
[An aside: in seminary we would have an annual "Speak like Peter O'Toole Day", which often made for some memorable readings in the chapel.]
Tom Laughlin dies at 82; filmmaker drew huge following for 'Billy Jack'
At the other end of the cinematic spectrum was Tom Laughlin, who created the grind house movie character "Billy Jack". If "Lawrence" encouraged me to study archaeology, the half-breed "Billy Jack" reminded me of the angst that is always a part of a divided genetic heritage. That, and when one lives and works mostly with affluent whites, it's good to know some martial arts.
To his credit, Laughlin created a marketing strategy based not on what was familiar Hollywood practice, but on the manner in which the early rock and roll stars introduced new songs, namely by paying theaters to show the film and adverstising it in campaigns targeted towards a younger audience. It's now, and has been for some forty years, the way in which all films are marketed.
Here's Billy Jack practicing his particular brand of peace-making [Warning: there's a little bad language near the end].
Sunday, December 15, 2013
This Explains It
The Episcopal Church of the United States is a member of the Anglican Communion, the world-wide body of churches that share the Book of Common Prayer, a particular theological perception, and trace their origin to the Church of England's missionaries who accompanied the original...well...let's just call them "settlers".
To display how we became a world-wide church, the map below shows in pink all of the areas that were invaded at one time or another by England. Only twenty-two countries have not known English intervention.
To display how we became a world-wide church, the map below shows in pink all of the areas that were invaded at one time or another by England. Only twenty-two countries have not known English intervention.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Larry rang the Christ Church bells this morning in memory of those lost in the terrible event of a year ago, with Jim offering silent prayers in our chancel. Thanks to them both for doing so and for taking on this small piece of ministry that is quiet yet audible. It was good for us to say a few prayers in the midst of our labors.
Good morning, all. It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, although I wish the storm had started around 9am as predicted instead of 7am. Also, plan for power outages as the new generator, which has been running flawlessly since its installation two weeks ago, decided to get stubborn and not start this morning.
Something my farmer grandfather taught me: If it works, you won't need it; if it doesn't,..well, you know the rest. I mentioned this to the First Selectman and she said that the whole town could then safely blame me should there be a power loss. Aces!
Services as usual tomorrow, although please don't endanger yourselves getting to the church. I hope to record and post tomorrow's sermon and announcements in a video format, but that depends on equipment, power availability, and my understanding of how these things work. Given my experience with the generator, that's iffy at best.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Once Again, Is It Education Or Child Abuse?
9-Year-Old Suspended For Saying ‘Merry Christmas’ To Teacher
Are you kidding me? Listen to this puzzlewit teacher:
"Reporters spoke with Mr. Horner as he was leaving from school on Tuesday. “I warned the children not to bring religion into my classroom,” Horner said. “Maybe he’ll [Tim] listen to adults next time.”
From the school's website:
We pledge open and frequent communication between school and home and to establish a relationship of trust and respect. We encourage active parent participation in their own children's education, in their children's classroom and in school-wide curricular, extracurricular and administrative activities. Argonne's Caring School Community Program provides us with a school-wide community building and discipline program with common goals and a common language.
The irony burns a little, doesn't it?
Are you kidding me? Listen to this puzzlewit teacher:
"Reporters spoke with Mr. Horner as he was leaving from school on Tuesday. “I warned the children not to bring religion into my classroom,” Horner said. “Maybe he’ll [Tim] listen to adults next time.”
From the school's website:
We pledge open and frequent communication between school and home and to establish a relationship of trust and respect. We encourage active parent participation in their own children's education, in their children's classroom and in school-wide curricular, extracurricular and administrative activities. Argonne's Caring School Community Program provides us with a school-wide community building and discipline program with common goals and a common language.
The irony burns a little, doesn't it?
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Oops
Misinformation Marred First Month Of Connecticut Health Website
and
CT Obamacare Exchange, Praised in Rose Garden, Gave Wrong Info for Every Single Individual Plan And the state was aware of the problems a full month before Obama's speech.
Further Oops:
Connecticut’s health insurance exchange has spent nearly $75,000 to commission three murals with an additional $4,000 spent to have one of the murals installed.
and
CT Obamacare Exchange, Praised in Rose Garden, Gave Wrong Info for Every Single Individual Plan And the state was aware of the problems a full month before Obama's speech.
Further Oops:
Connecticut’s health insurance exchange has spent nearly $75,000 to commission three murals with an additional $4,000 spent to have one of the murals installed.
More And More Often....
Grocery Store Kicks Girls Off Property For Singing Christmas Carols
It's okay as the story has a happy ending, thanks to the store's...attorney?!
It's okay as the story has a happy ending, thanks to the store's...attorney?!
Thursday's Biblical Recipe: Cerkez Tavugu
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cups water, as needed
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb. shelled walnuts, finely chopped
- 6 cups fresh bread crumbs
- 1 Tbsp. paprika
- small jar of pimentos
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
A Thoughtful Look At Secularism And Its Weaknesses
And from a former professor of mine, no less:
Why the recent flurry of church/state issues? In America it is part of the politics surrounding the so-called “culture wars”: The rising influence of conservative Protestants in the Republican party has mobilized liberals against any political role of organized religion—especially since conservative Catholics have been allied with conservative Protestants on most of the issues “south of the navel” (issues, that is, that liberals are personally anxious about). The politics in Europe is different: Conservative Christianity (Protestant or Catholic) is not very significant politically, but the perceived threat of militant Islam has made secularism (such as French laicite) appear as a defense of European values against theocracy.
It's interesting to me that when the institutional Episcopal Church decides to insert itself into the "culture wars", it tends to take the side that is contra-conservative, even when the conservative argument is an extension of mainstream theology. Hence, the Episcopal Church often allies itself with a minority argument [at least among practicing Christians] espoused by a secular, sometimes non-theist, organization that has no interest in reciprocity. This isolates the Church among other churches and denominations and, in turn, places the Church in a disrespected position among the secular ideologues.
[Before anyone gets upset with my opinion, especially those who prefer the minority view, I should point out that I don't care one way or the other. I don't determine the ideological course of the Episcopal Church as I have neither the power, the position, nor the interest to do so. I was taught, and rigorously, to objectively regard the actions of society, its institutions and people, as one observes a strange and wondrous animal.]
Why the recent flurry of church/state issues? In America it is part of the politics surrounding the so-called “culture wars”: The rising influence of conservative Protestants in the Republican party has mobilized liberals against any political role of organized religion—especially since conservative Catholics have been allied with conservative Protestants on most of the issues “south of the navel” (issues, that is, that liberals are personally anxious about). The politics in Europe is different: Conservative Christianity (Protestant or Catholic) is not very significant politically, but the perceived threat of militant Islam has made secularism (such as French laicite) appear as a defense of European values against theocracy.
It's interesting to me that when the institutional Episcopal Church decides to insert itself into the "culture wars", it tends to take the side that is contra-conservative, even when the conservative argument is an extension of mainstream theology. Hence, the Episcopal Church often allies itself with a minority argument [at least among practicing Christians] espoused by a secular, sometimes non-theist, organization that has no interest in reciprocity. This isolates the Church among other churches and denominations and, in turn, places the Church in a disrespected position among the secular ideologues.
[Before anyone gets upset with my opinion, especially those who prefer the minority view, I should point out that I don't care one way or the other. I don't determine the ideological course of the Episcopal Church as I have neither the power, the position, nor the interest to do so. I was taught, and rigorously, to objectively regard the actions of society, its institutions and people, as one observes a strange and wondrous animal.]
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Now That's How You Critically Review A Biography
This is about the most complete take-down of a biographer as I've seen in some time. It has a certain splendor to it.
False Portrait: On Deborah Solomon’s Norman Rockwell
The problem with contemporary expectations is that, unless one is to reveal something specious or scandalous about the subject, it's pointless to spend money on publishing the biography. Also, most academic work has to be oriented to the cult of "victim", as fact and original thinking are absent in the universities these days.
False Portrait: On Deborah Solomon’s Norman Rockwell
The problem with contemporary expectations is that, unless one is to reveal something specious or scandalous about the subject, it's pointless to spend money on publishing the biography. Also, most academic work has to be oriented to the cult of "victim", as fact and original thinking are absent in the universities these days.
This Is Why Govt Shouldn't Be In Charge Of Anything Other Than Graft And Money Laundering
Because making the USPS, Amtrak, and now medical insurance hopeless money-losers is just not enough.
U.S. exits GM stake, taxpayers lose about $10 billion
U.S. exits GM stake, taxpayers lose about $10 billion
Some Schools And Their Principals Seem To Be In The Child Abuse Business
A fifth grader in Pennsylvania has been suspended for shooting an imaginary arrow at a classmate. The 10-year-old also faces possible expulsion.
Pretty good quote from the defense attorney: “Here’s how ridiculous it is. If we’re going to punish this poor kid for pretending to shoot a bow and arrow, let’s ticket his parents for parking their unicorn in a fire zone.”
Pretty good quote from the defense attorney: “Here’s how ridiculous it is. If we’re going to punish this poor kid for pretending to shoot a bow and arrow, let’s ticket his parents for parking their unicorn in a fire zone.”
This Is Either The Funniest Or Saddest Thing I've Read This Week
I don't think I was supposed to laugh at this.
I lost my masculinity in Brooklyn, so I climbed a mountain to get it back
Of course, I confused a young man the other day when I was speaking highly of a new router I've purchased and am using to shape guitar bodies. What confused him is that I was speaking of this:
And he thought I was speaking of this:
A couple of years ago I had high hopes for teaching a couple of local high school kids how to make guitars. When they found out it would take longer than a day, they dropped out of the program. Also, one of them was afraid he'd get splinters.
I lost my masculinity in Brooklyn, so I climbed a mountain to get it back
Of course, I confused a young man the other day when I was speaking highly of a new router I've purchased and am using to shape guitar bodies. What confused him is that I was speaking of this:
And he thought I was speaking of this:
A couple of years ago I had high hopes for teaching a couple of local high school kids how to make guitars. When they found out it would take longer than a day, they dropped out of the program. Also, one of them was afraid he'd get splinters.
I've Noticed This Trend Among Gormless Teenagers At Funerals Lately
But, frankly, I'm a little surprised to see "selfies" [which is a stupid term] from adults, especially the prime ministers of the UK and Denmark. The giddy fellow on the right looks familiar to me, too.
At least the woman on the far right is trying to maintain a sense of dignity at Mandela's funeral.
Apparently, I'm not the only one to notice:
Shaking hands with Raul at Mandela funeral: appropriate civility. Grinning while snapping selfie: words fail me.
— Walter Russell Mead (@wrmead) December 10, 2013
Monday, December 9, 2013
I'm Really Beginning To Dislike This Century
The Blessed Virgin Mary required to wear helmet in Christmas parade
Of course, no such story would be complete without the tedious bureaucrat's mantra:
"...but we have a duty of care to the child."
Of course, no such story would be complete without the tedious bureaucrat's mantra:
"...but we have a duty of care to the child."
They Really Thought This One Through, Didn't They?
Volunteer fire departments all across the U.S. could find themselves out of money and unable to operate unless Congress or the Obama Administration exempts them from the Affordable Care Act.
Please, please don't ever tell me how smart these people are.
Then, again, volunteers aren't members of a union that can support candidates with money and votes, so maybe this was the smart move.
Please, please don't ever tell me how smart these people are.
Then, again, volunteers aren't members of a union that can support candidates with money and votes, so maybe this was the smart move.
This Is A Stupid Headline That Pales In Comparison To The Thought Behind It
How Adam Lanza Wrecked Obama's Second Term
I appreciate that partisans of both parties sometimes go to great lengths to defend their favorite politicians, but let's not do so over the bodies of murdered students and their teachers. Speaking on behalf of the responders, this is so grotesque as to make me want to twist this writer's nose a turn-and-a-half.
Update: Apparently, I'm not the only who feels this way.
"20 children were murdered, and 6 adults. Leave it alone. Conduct your pathetic search for someone or something to blame somewhere else, Alex Seitz-Wald. Have some decency. Find another grave upon which to dance the Dance of Obama Exculpation."
I appreciate that partisans of both parties sometimes go to great lengths to defend their favorite politicians, but let's not do so over the bodies of murdered students and their teachers. Speaking on behalf of the responders, this is so grotesque as to make me want to twist this writer's nose a turn-and-a-half.
Update: Apparently, I'm not the only who feels this way.
"20 children were murdered, and 6 adults. Leave it alone. Conduct your pathetic search for someone or something to blame somewhere else, Alex Seitz-Wald. Have some decency. Find another grave upon which to dance the Dance of Obama Exculpation."
Sunday, December 8, 2013
I have been meaning to mention that the Sundays of Advent have their own, individual blessings to be offered at the conclusion of the liturgy.
For Advent I:
May Almighty God, by whose providence our Savior Christ came among us in great humility, sanctify you with the light of his blessing and set you free from all sin. Amen.
Advent II:
May he whose second Coming in power and great glory we await, make you steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, and constant in love. Amen.
For Advent I:
May Almighty God, by whose providence our Savior Christ came among us in great humility, sanctify you with the light of his blessing and set you free from all sin. Amen.
Advent II:
May he whose second Coming in power and great glory we await, make you steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, and constant in love. Amen.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Today's Philosophy Lesson
I believe Berdyaev would say that God is freedom-love-creativity; each of these transcendentals presupposes the others, and personality -- or personhood -- is a function of their dynamic play. Thus, "Personality is very closely linked with love. Personality is realized through love: by means of love solitude is conquered and communion is achieved."
Furthermore, "Love presupposes personality: it is the relation of person to person: personality goes out of himself into another personality, comes to know this other personality and confirms it for eternity." In short, "The 'I' becomes a personality through love," as every baby knows (or fails to know) more deeply than knowledge.
For "Love is dual: it predicates two persons, and not some impersonal identity. And the secret of love is related to the fact that one personality is never exactly identical with another, that the other person is 'Thou.'"
Furthermore, "Love presupposes personality: it is the relation of person to person: personality goes out of himself into another personality, comes to know this other personality and confirms it for eternity." In short, "The 'I' becomes a personality through love," as every baby knows (or fails to know) more deeply than knowledge.
For "Love is dual: it predicates two persons, and not some impersonal identity. And the secret of love is related to the fact that one personality is never exactly identical with another, that the other person is 'Thou.'"
Friday, December 6, 2013
Friday's Church: St. Peter's Lutheran, Citicorp Building, NYC
When Citicorp wanted to build a headquarters on the same site as the old St. Peter's Church, the congregation made a pretty good deal with them. Their parish is now on the main floor of the building.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Thursday's Bible Recipe: Savory Chevon Ragout
1 large bag of frozen cubed goat meat
4–5 large garlic cloves, minced
1 cup onions, minced
¾ cup olive oil
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
5 large, very ripe tomatoes, finely cut
3 Tbsp. cumin
1 Tbsp. ground coriander
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground black pepper
½–1 cup water
¼ cup flour
juice of one lemon
bed of rice
fresh mint
crumbled goat cheese
Place frozen goat cubes in boiling water and simmer slowly, stirring about every 5 minutes. Cover slightly and continue simmering (about 15 minutes) until meat is very tender and a bit stringy. Discard water and cover. In a large frying pan, combine the garlic and onions and cook at medium heat in olive oil; toss in chopped peppers, cooking slowly until all are tender and lightly browned. Add goat cubes and allow them to cook about 5–10 minutes on low to medium heat, taking care to allow them to brown and pick up the flavor of the garlic-onion-pepper mixture. Next add tomatoes, spices, and water and let cook on low heat for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally so that there is no burning. (If there does not seem to be enough liquid in the pan, add another ½ cup water.) As dish thickens, add flour and lemon juice. Serve piping hot over rice, with sprigs of mint and a sprinkling of goat cheese on top.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
I'm Guessing He's A Politician In Some Difficulty In The Polls
There's something touching/desperate about a politician who suddenly starts pranging on about his "religion", the importance of which seems to come and go with the season.
Mark Pryor, the incumbent Democratic senator from Arkansas up for reelection next year, is releasing a new TV ad Wednesday in which he invokes his belief in God. The ad first aired on the news broadcast on ABC affiliate KATV in Little Rock Tuesday evening.pryor mark"I'm not ashamed to say that I believe in God and I believe in His word," says a bespectacled Pryor, who is holding an open Bible. "The Bible teaches us no one has all the answers--only God does. And neither political party's always right."
Mark Pryor, the incumbent Democratic senator from Arkansas up for reelection next year, is releasing a new TV ad Wednesday in which he invokes his belief in God. The ad first aired on the news broadcast on ABC affiliate KATV in Little Rock Tuesday evening.pryor mark"I'm not ashamed to say that I believe in God and I believe in His word," says a bespectacled Pryor, who is holding an open Bible. "The Bible teaches us no one has all the answers--only God does. And neither political party's always right."
Given The Current State Of Foreign Policy, I'd Drink, Too
While the federal government was squeezed on one side by sequester and the other by a looming partial shutdown, the State Department was spending heavily on booze for its embassies abroad.
The Washington Times reports that the department spent about $180,000 on alcohol in September and $400,000 in all of 2012 -- that's three times the $118,000 spent in 2008.
Or is it lingering guilt over the unaddressed deaths of an ambassador and three other Americans?
The Washington Times reports that the department spent about $180,000 on alcohol in September and $400,000 in all of 2012 -- that's three times the $118,000 spent in 2008.
Or is it lingering guilt over the unaddressed deaths of an ambassador and three other Americans?
Gee, No Kidding
Well-armed young women help spike growing gun-ownership numbers
Only someone who has never been to a firing range, or who hasn't been to one this century, would be surprised by this. One of my favorite memories is teaching my niece to shoot a rifle and watching her share the range with a couple of bikers.
Only someone who has never been to a firing range, or who hasn't been to one this century, would be surprised by this. One of my favorite memories is teaching my niece to shoot a rifle and watching her share the range with a couple of bikers.
I'm Beginning To Notice This About Younger Clergy, Too
From what I have seen the administration is full of young people who’ve seen the movie but not read the book. They act bright, they know the reference, they’re credentialed. But they’ve only seen the movie about, say, the Cuban missile crisis, and then they get into a foreign-policy question and they’re seeing movies in their heads. They haven’t read the histories, the texts, which carry more information, more texture, data and subtlety, and different points of view. They’ve only seen the movie—the Cubans had the missiles and Jack said “Not another war” and Bobby said “Pearl Harbor in reverse” and dreadful old Curtis LeMay chomped his cigar and said “We can fry a million of ‘em by this afternoon, Mr. President.” Grrr, grrr, good guys beat bad guys.
It’s as if history isn’t real to them. They run around tweeting, all of them, even those in substantial positions. “Darfur government inadequate. Genocide unacceptable.” They share their feelings – that happens to be one of the things they seem to think is real, what they feel. “Unjust treatment of women—scourge that hurts my heart.” This is the dialogue to the movies in their heads.
It’s as if history isn’t real to them. They run around tweeting, all of them, even those in substantial positions. “Darfur government inadequate. Genocide unacceptable.” They share their feelings – that happens to be one of the things they seem to think is real, what they feel. “Unjust treatment of women—scourge that hurts my heart.” This is the dialogue to the movies in their heads.
An Alternative Take
Pope Francis doesn’t have to thank capitalism, a system that has done far more to alleviate poverty, his pet crusade, than the institution he leads. But he should at least stop demonizing it—not least because it enables the very activity that he cherishes most: charity.
From the comments:
"The thing you have to understand is that the Pope is from Argentina, where 'capitalism' has meant 'state-enabled vampire cronyism' since before he was born. Unsurprisingly, in that same time period Argentina has gone from one of the world’s richest countries to . . . something less."
From the comments:
"The thing you have to understand is that the Pope is from Argentina, where 'capitalism' has meant 'state-enabled vampire cronyism' since before he was born. Unsurprisingly, in that same time period Argentina has gone from one of the world’s richest countries to . . . something less."
Wednesday's Art: The Chalice of Antioch [The oldest known Eucharistic vessel]
This is currently on display in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
More Tales From The Secular World
NYT: What is the social benefit of these old people?
The Times really seems to think we should call it a day at 80, as they wrote of this just a few years ago, too. Have we really become so secularized that we actually ponder the "social benefit" of people and seek to have our government and its media determine the optimum moment of life termination?
By the way, unmentioned by the author of the article is that he had heart surgery at the age of 83. Why didn't he just surrender to the inevitable instead of having the expensive [$80,000] procedure?
The Times really seems to think we should call it a day at 80, as they wrote of this just a few years ago, too. Have we really become so secularized that we actually ponder the "social benefit" of people and seek to have our government and its media determine the optimum moment of life termination?
By the way, unmentioned by the author of the article is that he had heart surgery at the age of 83. Why didn't he just surrender to the inevitable instead of having the expensive [$80,000] procedure?
The Circus Is Coming
With the anniversary of the Sandy Hook murders soon to arrive, I fully expect the local and national media to engage in an un-slaked bacchanal of "mourn porn" in order to boost ratings, sell some more unnecessary electronics and holiday toys, and convincingly present themselves as concerned members of the community.
At the same time, the professional grief workers will appear in any venue that will host them, produce a variety of superficial pamphlets and maybe a quickly published book or two, and create yet another opportunity for the trauma tourism that feeds their industry.
Clergy are already getting into the act, too. There will be political "vigils" and pilgrimages to state houses and Washington D.C.
It appears that the White House doesn't want to be left out, either, judging from the e-mail I received from them this week from a fund-raising organization:
Obama campaign arm encouraging Newtown anniversary events
[An aside: Why does a second term president need a "campaign arm"?]
Speaking as one of those who was actually there, and not so that I might be spotted by a TV news crew; one who participated in the physical and emotional clean-up, I find this more than a little distasteful.
At the same time, the professional grief workers will appear in any venue that will host them, produce a variety of superficial pamphlets and maybe a quickly published book or two, and create yet another opportunity for the trauma tourism that feeds their industry.
Clergy are already getting into the act, too. There will be political "vigils" and pilgrimages to state houses and Washington D.C.
It appears that the White House doesn't want to be left out, either, judging from the e-mail I received from them this week from a fund-raising organization:
Obama campaign arm encouraging Newtown anniversary events
[An aside: Why does a second term president need a "campaign arm"?]
Speaking as one of those who was actually there, and not so that I might be spotted by a TV news crew; one who participated in the physical and emotional clean-up, I find this more than a little distasteful.
You Notice That They Never Discuss Creating "Adjunct Administrator" Positions
Pennsylvania's 14-university state system is feeling the burn of budget cuts and declining enrollment with little relief in sight.In the last few years, the universities have shed 5 percent of their permanent work force and discontinued or frozen new enrollment to 198 academic programs. But that wasn’t enough to shore up their budgets. Now universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education are looking to end programs, lay off dozens of full-time faculty members, and cut ties with numerous adjuncts and more staffers.
I was once an adjunct faculty member of one of these schools, a position that paid $1000 a year and offered no benefits. When the enrollment would fluctuate, adjuncts would be laid off, yet new administrators would still be hired and new administrative positions created. This has been the model for these schools, and many others in other states, for the better part of thirty years and the practice is now reaching its optimum toxicity.
I was once an adjunct faculty member of one of these schools, a position that paid $1000 a year and offered no benefits. When the enrollment would fluctuate, adjuncts would be laid off, yet new administrators would still be hired and new administrative positions created. This has been the model for these schools, and many others in other states, for the better part of thirty years and the practice is now reaching its optimum toxicity.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Back In The '70's, And With A Bunch Of High School Kids, We Were Able To Stage Much More Complicated Plays
I'm thinking we're putting too much faith in "tech".
Technical problems plagued Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz’s Broadway revival of Harold Pinter’s “Betrayal,” forcing the cast to bravely battle on without mechanized set changes... "By 9:30 p.m., they had only got through a few more scenes, and — while the actors made a valiant attempt to continue — some in the audience became restless and left.”
Technical problems plagued Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz’s Broadway revival of Harold Pinter’s “Betrayal,” forcing the cast to bravely battle on without mechanized set changes... "By 9:30 p.m., they had only got through a few more scenes, and — while the actors made a valiant attempt to continue — some in the audience became restless and left.”
A Whole Essay On "The Golden Rule" Without One Mention Of Religion
Socialism: the golden rule
Honestly, a student at Rumsey Hall could write a more coherent opinion piece. This fellow should concentrate on real estate and leave the deep thinking to others.
Honestly, a student at Rumsey Hall could write a more coherent opinion piece. This fellow should concentrate on real estate and leave the deep thinking to others.
Hope And Change
Although, having read Pope Francis' recent statement on economics, I think that someone from Argentina is not the best person to comment on how the free market is supposed to work.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Give Thanks To The Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier, And Government
But the first floor of the Stasi Museum is not about spying. Instead, it is devoted to the propaganda that East German bureaucrats used to foster socialist consciousness in an unwilling public. One display explains the GDR's efforts in the 1950s to politicize what in the past had been family and religious occasions. The state sought to transform weddings, confirmations, and other personal events into "socialist celebrations," to be "committed collectively and aimed at a confession to socialism," according to the awkward English translation of the exhibit.
The exhibition informs visitors that the project "did not gain popular acceptance." Amazingly enough, people didn't want to turn their family holidays into socialist celebrations.
Here at home, this Thanksgiving brings an effort by the Obama administration to turn a day of giving thanks into a day of discussion about the virtues of national health care. On Wednesday afternoon, just hours before Thanksgiving, President Obama's Twitter account -- which has more than 40 million followers -- sent out this message: "Make sure everyone who sits down with you for #Thanksgivukkah dinner is covered." ("Thanksgivukkah" refers to this year's rare overlap of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah.)
The president's tweet linked to a photo of a young man sitting at a table with a turkey and a menorah. The accompanying text: "Celebrating Thanksgiving. Lighting the Hanukkah candles. Talking about health insurance. Gotta love dinners like these."
The exhibition informs visitors that the project "did not gain popular acceptance." Amazingly enough, people didn't want to turn their family holidays into socialist celebrations.
Here at home, this Thanksgiving brings an effort by the Obama administration to turn a day of giving thanks into a day of discussion about the virtues of national health care. On Wednesday afternoon, just hours before Thanksgiving, President Obama's Twitter account -- which has more than 40 million followers -- sent out this message: "Make sure everyone who sits down with you for #Thanksgivukkah dinner is covered." ("Thanksgivukkah" refers to this year's rare overlap of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah.)
The president's tweet linked to a photo of a young man sitting at a table with a turkey and a menorah. The accompanying text: "Celebrating Thanksgiving. Lighting the Hanukkah candles. Talking about health insurance. Gotta love dinners like these."
This Week's Lesser Feasts
December 4: John of Damascus
Raised in a Muslim court, John is recognized as the last of the early church "fathers", those theologians and spiritual artists who established the foundation of established Christianity.
As he stated: "I do not worship matter, I worship the God of matter, who became matter for my sake and deigned to inhabit matter, who worked out my salvation through matter. I will not cease from honoring that matter which works for my salvation. I venerate it, though not as God."
Confirm our minds, O Lord, in the mysteries of the true faith, set forth with power by your servant John of Damascus; that we, with him, confessing Jesus to be true God and true Man, and singing the praises of the risen Lord, may, by the power of the resurrection, attain to eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
December 5: Clement of Alexandria
Clement was one of the major Greek-speaking thinkers of the early church. He came from a pagan background at Athens and his Christian theology was strongly influenced by Greek philosophy. Clement taught at the catechetical school in Alexandria, Egypt, where he was succeeded by another great teacher, Origen of Alexandria.
O God of unsearchable wisdom, you gave your servant Clement grace to understand and teach the truth as it is in Jesus Christ, the source of all truth: Grant to your church the same grace to discern your Word wherever truth is found; through Jesus Christ our unfailing light, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
December 6: Nicholas of Myra
Nicholas' selection to be a bishop was unusual. After the former bishop's death, other bishops gathered to select the next bishop for the See of Myra. During the conclave, the wisest bishop heard a voice in the night telling him to watch the doors of the church the next morning at matins. The first person to enter named "Nicholas" was to be the new bishop. The wise one told the others, counseling them to be at prayer while he waited at the doors. When the hour came, the first to arrive was a young man. When asked his name, he replied, "I am Nicholas." The bishop addressed him, "Nicholas, servant and friend of God, for your holiness you shall be bishop of this place." They brought him into the church and placed him in the bishop's seat where he was to be consecrated the new Bishop of Myra.
Almighty God, in your love you gave your servant Nicholas of Myra a perpetual name for deeds of kindness both on land and sea: Grant, we pray, that your Church may never cease to work for the happiness of children, the safety of sailors, the relief of the poor, and the help of those tossed by tempests of doubt or grief; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
December 7: Ambrose of Milan
"When we speak of wisdom, we are speaking about Christ. When we speak about virtue, we are speaking about Christ. When we speak about justice, we are speaking about Christ. When we are speaking about truth and life and redemption, we are speaking about Christ." So wrote Ambrose, bishop of Milan, biblical exegete, political theorist, master of Latin eloquence, musician, and teacher; in all these roles, he was speaking about Christ.
O God, you gave your servant Ambrose grace eloquently to proclaim your righteousness in the great congregation, and fearlessly to bear reproach for the honor of your Name: Mercifully grant to all bishops and pastors such excellence in preaching and faithfulness in ministering your Word, that your people may be partakers with them of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Raised in a Muslim court, John is recognized as the last of the early church "fathers", those theologians and spiritual artists who established the foundation of established Christianity.
As he stated: "I do not worship matter, I worship the God of matter, who became matter for my sake and deigned to inhabit matter, who worked out my salvation through matter. I will not cease from honoring that matter which works for my salvation. I venerate it, though not as God."
Confirm our minds, O Lord, in the mysteries of the true faith, set forth with power by your servant John of Damascus; that we, with him, confessing Jesus to be true God and true Man, and singing the praises of the risen Lord, may, by the power of the resurrection, attain to eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
December 5: Clement of Alexandria
Clement was one of the major Greek-speaking thinkers of the early church. He came from a pagan background at Athens and his Christian theology was strongly influenced by Greek philosophy. Clement taught at the catechetical school in Alexandria, Egypt, where he was succeeded by another great teacher, Origen of Alexandria.
O God of unsearchable wisdom, you gave your servant Clement grace to understand and teach the truth as it is in Jesus Christ, the source of all truth: Grant to your church the same grace to discern your Word wherever truth is found; through Jesus Christ our unfailing light, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
December 6: Nicholas of Myra
Nicholas' selection to be a bishop was unusual. After the former bishop's death, other bishops gathered to select the next bishop for the See of Myra. During the conclave, the wisest bishop heard a voice in the night telling him to watch the doors of the church the next morning at matins. The first person to enter named "Nicholas" was to be the new bishop. The wise one told the others, counseling them to be at prayer while he waited at the doors. When the hour came, the first to arrive was a young man. When asked his name, he replied, "I am Nicholas." The bishop addressed him, "Nicholas, servant and friend of God, for your holiness you shall be bishop of this place." They brought him into the church and placed him in the bishop's seat where he was to be consecrated the new Bishop of Myra.
Almighty God, in your love you gave your servant Nicholas of Myra a perpetual name for deeds of kindness both on land and sea: Grant, we pray, that your Church may never cease to work for the happiness of children, the safety of sailors, the relief of the poor, and the help of those tossed by tempests of doubt or grief; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
December 7: Ambrose of Milan
"When we speak of wisdom, we are speaking about Christ. When we speak about virtue, we are speaking about Christ. When we speak about justice, we are speaking about Christ. When we are speaking about truth and life and redemption, we are speaking about Christ." So wrote Ambrose, bishop of Milan, biblical exegete, political theorist, master of Latin eloquence, musician, and teacher; in all these roles, he was speaking about Christ.
O God, you gave your servant Ambrose grace eloquently to proclaim your righteousness in the great congregation, and fearlessly to bear reproach for the honor of your Name: Mercifully grant to all bishops and pastors such excellence in preaching and faithfulness in ministering your Word, that your people may be partakers with them of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.