Red Mr. Peanut Bank and Gallito Mescalito and the gang are back at Padre Mickey's Dance Party.
It was a dark and stormy night....
Read the rest over there.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
They're Baaaack!
Red Mr. Peanut Bank and Gallito Mescalito and the gang are back at Padre Mickey's Dance Party.
It was a dark and stormy night....
Read the rest over there.
Episcopal Diocese Of Minnesota - Rev. Brian Prior Elected Bishop
The Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota is pleased to announce that the Rev. Brian Prior has been elected IX Bishop of Minnesota.
Prior has been the Rector of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Spokane, Washington since 1996. Among the manybrian prior photo slight crop boards and committees on which he serves, Rev. Prior is the Vice President of the House of Deputies of the General Convention of The Episcopal Church. He received his M.Div. from Church Divinity of the Pacific in Berkeley, California in 1987. Rev. Prior has been married to Staci Hubbard Prior for 21 years. They have two teenage sons.
"I am thrilled to have the privilege of being among the first to welcome Rev. Prior as our new bishop," says Scott Crow, chair of the Standing Committee, which is charged with overseeing the election. "Our process has been filled with prayer, discernment, and the movement of the Spirit in our midst. It has been a powerful experience to witness the church at work and I look forward to the joyful Ordination and Consecration of our new bishop on February 13, 2010."
H/T to John Chilton at The Lead.
Prior has been the Rector of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Spokane, Washington since 1996. Among the manybrian prior photo slight crop boards and committees on which he serves, Rev. Prior is the Vice President of the House of Deputies of the General Convention of The Episcopal Church. He received his M.Div. from Church Divinity of the Pacific in Berkeley, California in 1987. Rev. Prior has been married to Staci Hubbard Prior for 21 years. They have two teenage sons.
"I am thrilled to have the privilege of being among the first to welcome Rev. Prior as our new bishop," says Scott Crow, chair of the Standing Committee, which is charged with overseeing the election. "Our process has been filled with prayer, discernment, and the movement of the Spirit in our midst. It has been a powerful experience to witness the church at work and I look forward to the joyful Ordination and Consecration of our new bishop on February 13, 2010."
H/T to John Chilton at The Lead.
Louisiana Soldiers Amongst The Fallen
From WGNO:
NEW ORLEANS - At least two of the 18 fallen soldiers honored Thursday by President Barack Obama were from Louisiana.
The bodies of 24-year-old Sgt. Patrick Williamson of Broussard and 21-year-old Pfc. Brian Bates of Gretna, in suburban New Orleans, were on the plane met early Thursday by the president at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.
Paul the BB lists more names of troops who died recently in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Lower image from Paul's blog.
UPDATE FROM THE COMMENTS:
Webmaster said...
Here they all are, sorted by home town.
Oh my! So many just from Louisiana....
Lord, have mercy.
Happy Halloween!
Am I cute?
Oompa Loompa likes green.
Have a cuppa tea?
A package for you.
I'm a big, scary
Solve my Rubic's Cube.
Halloween cuteness from Doug.
UPDATE: You know, I'm terrible with cations, no gift for them at all. Of the wee teabagger, Oyster at Your Right Hand Thief sez, "What would be the best label, though? Constant Comment? Sleepytime? Red Zinger?"
Other suggestions for captions for the costumes are welcome.
Friday, October 30, 2009
My Friday Shuffle
Padre Mickey does it. Why can't I? The tunes below are from my popular music files. (El Padre didn't do the shuffle today. Sometimes he misses, but he's now in the process of purchasing and setting up his new Macmini)
My Love Is A Guarantee - Toussaint McCall
Work With Me Annie - Hank Ballard & the Midnighters
The Nightingale - Cyril Tawney
Day Dream - Allen Touissaint
Here I'll Stay - Karen Akers
Glow Worm - The Mills Brothers
You Win Again - Hank Williams
Bold Riley - Kate Rusby
Tell Her to Come Back Home - Crooked Still
I'll Fly Away - Alison Krauss & Gillian Welch
Blueberry Hill - Fats Domino
A Rose In April - Kate Rusby
Bright Mississippi - Allen Touissaint
Paper Doll - The Mills Brothers
S'Wonderful - Diana Krall
Obama's Words After Signing The Hate Crimes Act
Remarks by the President at Reception Commemorating the Enactment of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you so much, everybody. Thank you so much, and welcome to the White House.
There are several people here that I want to just make mention of because they helped to make today possible. We've got Attorney General Eric Holder. A champion of this legislation, and a great Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. My dear friend, senior Senator from the great state of Illinois, Dick Durbin. The outstanding Chairman of Armed Services, Carl Levin. Senator Arlen Specter. Chairman of the Judiciary Committee in the House, Representative John Conyers. Representative Barney Frank. Representative Tammy Baldwin. Representative Jerry Nadler. Representative Jared Polis. All the members of Congress who are here today, we thank you.
Mr. David Bohnett and Mr. Tom Gregory and the David Bohnett Foundation -- they are partners for this reception. Thank you so much, guys, for helping to host this.
And finally, and most importantly, because these were really the spearheads of this effort -- Denis, Judy, and Logan Shepard. As well as Betty Byrd Boatner and Louvon Harris -- sisters of James Byrd, Jr.
To all the activists, all the organizers, all the people who helped make this day happen, thank you for your years of advocacy and activism, pushing and protesting that made this victory possible.
You know, as a nation we've come far on the journey towards a more perfect union. And today, we've taken another step forward. This afternoon, I signed into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
This is the culmination of a struggle that has lasted more than a decade. Time and again, we faced opposition. Time and again, the measure was defeated or delayed. Time and again we've been reminded of the difficulty of building a nation in which we're all free to live and love as we see fit. But the cause endured and the struggle continued, waged by the family of Matthew Shepard, by the family of James Byrd, by folks who held vigils and led marches, by those who rallied and organized and refused to give up, by the late Senator Ted Kennedy who fought so hard for this legislation -- and all who toiled for years to reach this day.
You understood that we must stand against crimes that are meant not only to break bones, but to break spirits -- not only to inflict harm, but to instill fear. You understand that the rights afforded every citizen under our Constitution mean nothing if we do not protect those rights -- both from unjust laws and violent acts. And you understand how necessary this law continues to be.
In the most recent year for which we have data, the FBI reported roughly 7,600 hate crimes in this country. Over the past 10 years, there were more than 12,000 reported hate crimes based on sexual orientation alone. And we will never know how many incidents were never reported at all.
And that's why, through this law, we will strengthen the protections against crimes based on the color of your skin, the faith in your heart, or the place of your birth. We will finally add federal protections against crimes based on gender, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. And prosecutors will have new tools to work with states in order to prosecute to the fullest those who would perpetrate such crimes. Because no one in America should ever be afraid to walk down the street holding the hands of the person they love. No one in America should be forced to look over their shoulder because of who they are or because they live with a disability.
At root, this isn't just about our laws; this is about who we are as a people. This is about whether we value one another -- whether we embrace our differences, rather than allowing them to become a source of animus. It's hard for any of us to imagine the mind-set of someone who would kidnap a young man and beat him to within an inch of his life, tie him to a fence, and leave him for dead. It's hard for any of us to imagine the twisted mentality of those who'd offer a neighbor a ride home, attack him, chain him to the back of a truck, and drag him for miles until he finally died.
But we sense where such cruelty begins: the moment we fail to see in another our common humanity -- the very moment when we fail to recognize in a person the same fears and hopes, the same passions and imperfections, the same dreams that we all share.
We have for centuries strived to live up to our founding ideal, of a nation where all are free and equal and able to pursue their own version of happiness. Through conflict and tumult, through the morass of hatred and prejudice, through periods of division and discord we have endured and grown stronger and fairer and freer. And at every turn, we've made progress not only by changing laws but by changing hearts, by our willingness to walk in another's shoes, by our capacity to love and accept even in the face of rage and bigotry.
In April of 1968, just one week after the assassination of Martin Luther King, as our nation mourned in grief and shuddered in anger, President Lyndon Johnson signed landmark civil rights legislation. This was the first time we enshrined into law federal protections against crimes motivated by religious or racial hatred -- the law on which we build today.
As he signed his name, at a difficult moment for our country, President Johnson said that through this law "the bells of freedom ring out a little louder." That is the promise of America. Over the sounds of hatred and chaos, over the din of grief and anger, we can still hear those ideals -- even when they are faint, even when some would try to drown them out. At our best we seek to make sure those ideals can be heard and felt by Americans everywhere. And that work did not end in 1968. It certainly does not end today. But because of the efforts of the folks in this room -- particularly those family members who are standing behind me -- we can be proud that that bell rings even louder now and each day grows louder still.
So thank you very much. God bless you and God bless the United States of America.
UPDATE: Watch the video at The Friends of Jake.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you so much, everybody. Thank you so much, and welcome to the White House.
There are several people here that I want to just make mention of because they helped to make today possible. We've got Attorney General Eric Holder. A champion of this legislation, and a great Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. My dear friend, senior Senator from the great state of Illinois, Dick Durbin. The outstanding Chairman of Armed Services, Carl Levin. Senator Arlen Specter. Chairman of the Judiciary Committee in the House, Representative John Conyers. Representative Barney Frank. Representative Tammy Baldwin. Representative Jerry Nadler. Representative Jared Polis. All the members of Congress who are here today, we thank you.
Mr. David Bohnett and Mr. Tom Gregory and the David Bohnett Foundation -- they are partners for this reception. Thank you so much, guys, for helping to host this.
And finally, and most importantly, because these were really the spearheads of this effort -- Denis, Judy, and Logan Shepard. As well as Betty Byrd Boatner and Louvon Harris -- sisters of James Byrd, Jr.
To all the activists, all the organizers, all the people who helped make this day happen, thank you for your years of advocacy and activism, pushing and protesting that made this victory possible.
You know, as a nation we've come far on the journey towards a more perfect union. And today, we've taken another step forward. This afternoon, I signed into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
This is the culmination of a struggle that has lasted more than a decade. Time and again, we faced opposition. Time and again, the measure was defeated or delayed. Time and again we've been reminded of the difficulty of building a nation in which we're all free to live and love as we see fit. But the cause endured and the struggle continued, waged by the family of Matthew Shepard, by the family of James Byrd, by folks who held vigils and led marches, by those who rallied and organized and refused to give up, by the late Senator Ted Kennedy who fought so hard for this legislation -- and all who toiled for years to reach this day.
You understood that we must stand against crimes that are meant not only to break bones, but to break spirits -- not only to inflict harm, but to instill fear. You understand that the rights afforded every citizen under our Constitution mean nothing if we do not protect those rights -- both from unjust laws and violent acts. And you understand how necessary this law continues to be.
In the most recent year for which we have data, the FBI reported roughly 7,600 hate crimes in this country. Over the past 10 years, there were more than 12,000 reported hate crimes based on sexual orientation alone. And we will never know how many incidents were never reported at all.
And that's why, through this law, we will strengthen the protections against crimes based on the color of your skin, the faith in your heart, or the place of your birth. We will finally add federal protections against crimes based on gender, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. And prosecutors will have new tools to work with states in order to prosecute to the fullest those who would perpetrate such crimes. Because no one in America should ever be afraid to walk down the street holding the hands of the person they love. No one in America should be forced to look over their shoulder because of who they are or because they live with a disability.
At root, this isn't just about our laws; this is about who we are as a people. This is about whether we value one another -- whether we embrace our differences, rather than allowing them to become a source of animus. It's hard for any of us to imagine the mind-set of someone who would kidnap a young man and beat him to within an inch of his life, tie him to a fence, and leave him for dead. It's hard for any of us to imagine the twisted mentality of those who'd offer a neighbor a ride home, attack him, chain him to the back of a truck, and drag him for miles until he finally died.
But we sense where such cruelty begins: the moment we fail to see in another our common humanity -- the very moment when we fail to recognize in a person the same fears and hopes, the same passions and imperfections, the same dreams that we all share.
We have for centuries strived to live up to our founding ideal, of a nation where all are free and equal and able to pursue their own version of happiness. Through conflict and tumult, through the morass of hatred and prejudice, through periods of division and discord we have endured and grown stronger and fairer and freer. And at every turn, we've made progress not only by changing laws but by changing hearts, by our willingness to walk in another's shoes, by our capacity to love and accept even in the face of rage and bigotry.
In April of 1968, just one week after the assassination of Martin Luther King, as our nation mourned in grief and shuddered in anger, President Lyndon Johnson signed landmark civil rights legislation. This was the first time we enshrined into law federal protections against crimes motivated by religious or racial hatred -- the law on which we build today.
As he signed his name, at a difficult moment for our country, President Johnson said that through this law "the bells of freedom ring out a little louder." That is the promise of America. Over the sounds of hatred and chaos, over the din of grief and anger, we can still hear those ideals -- even when they are faint, even when some would try to drown them out. At our best we seek to make sure those ideals can be heard and felt by Americans everywhere. And that work did not end in 1968. It certainly does not end today. But because of the efforts of the folks in this room -- particularly those family members who are standing behind me -- we can be proud that that bell rings even louder now and each day grows louder still.
So thank you very much. God bless you and God bless the United States of America.
UPDATE: Watch the video at The Friends of Jake.
Latest Dispatch From Lindy In China
Just a quick note from your sniffly friend. I am feeling much better thanks to your care, a little rest, and some medications.
I still don't have an internet connection at home. But, a very nice man named Jackey is working on it. It is his duty. I do believe that eventually I will have a connection and that all will be well in my techonolgical life. But, in the meantime, China is teaching me patience.
I have to have a Chinese name to get my bank account and to sign up for cellular service so my new friend, Scott, wrote the name Lin Da for me in Chinese. It means beautiful and high achievement. Names are very important in China and he was honored that I asked him to help me with something so important.
We had one day of cooler weather but it's back to being hot in Wuxi. I've heard that I should enjoy it while I can because the winters are pretty harsh. That may, however, be relative...
I spent most of the morning trying not to give the true definition of "virgin bush" and cursing the Australian cultural bias of my text book. I do feel somewhat bad about sending the little darlings out into the world without knowing the full meaning of the term but it's not my job to teach them. Imagine the looks on their faces when they learn...
I am off now to the noodle shop for lunch. Best to all and love.
Lindy
Ann forwarded Lindy's email to me, and I asked of it would be all right to post the news. Lindy responded to Ann as follows:
ABSOLUTELY!
And you can tell her that I am on-line at home now so I have more leisure for this sort of thing.
I'm feeling more like myself now. I don't know what's in that Chinese medicine but it has gotten me up and going much faster than my colleagues who are still suffering through with their western medicine. I mean, sure, it tastes bad... But, I'm well again.
Best to you, Ann.
L.
I'm sorry that Lindy was ill, but pleased that she is now feeling better. Lindy's comments about "virgin bush" had me rolling on the floor. The story is so Lindy.
Pray For Roseann And Gary
From Roseann at Facebook:
Roseann is recovering from surgery for a vein graft.
(Book of Common Prayer, pp. 458, 459)
Still in a lot of pain. My priest just came by with a ton of food for us. Gary will have surgery again on Monday. Raining and pouring, literally and figuratively.
Roseann is recovering from surgery for a vein graft.
O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servant Roseann the help of your power, that her sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God our heavenly Father, graciously comfort your servant Gary in his suffering, and bless the means made use of for his cure. Fill his heart with confidence that, though at times he may be afraid, he yet may put his trust in you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Book of Common Prayer, pp. 458, 459)
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Why [Heterosexual] Men Do Not Write Advice Columns
"ASK STEVE"
Dear Steve,
I hope you can help me here. The other day, I set off for work leaving my husband in the house watching the TV as usual. I hadn't driven more than a mile down the road when the engine conked out and the car shuddered to a halt. I walked back home to get my husband's help.
When I got home I couldn't believe my eyes. He was in our bedroom with the neighbors daughter. I am 32, my husband is 34, and the neighbor's daughter is 22. We have been married for ten years. When I confronted him, he broke down and admitted that they had been having an affair for the past six months. I told him to stop or I would leave him. He was let go from his job six months ago and he says he has been feeling increasingly depressed and worthless. I love him very much, but ever since I gave him the ultimatum he has become increasingly distant. He won't go to counseling and I'm afraid I can't get through to him anymore..
Can you please help?
Sincerely,
Sheila
--------
Dear Sheila:
A car stalling after being driven a short distance can be caused by a variety of faults with the engine. Start by checking that there is no debris in the fuel line. If it is clear, check the vacuum pipes and hoses on the intake manifold and also check all grounding wires. If none of these approaches solves the problem, it could be that the fuel pump itself is faulty, causing low delivery pressure to the injectors.
I hope this helps,
Steve
Padre Mickey sent the joke to me, passing it on from his aunt. The title, as received, did not contain the word "heterosexual", but El Padre suggested the fix.
Don't blame me. Blame El Padre.
Dear Steve,
I hope you can help me here. The other day, I set off for work leaving my husband in the house watching the TV as usual. I hadn't driven more than a mile down the road when the engine conked out and the car shuddered to a halt. I walked back home to get my husband's help.
When I got home I couldn't believe my eyes. He was in our bedroom with the neighbors daughter. I am 32, my husband is 34, and the neighbor's daughter is 22. We have been married for ten years. When I confronted him, he broke down and admitted that they had been having an affair for the past six months. I told him to stop or I would leave him. He was let go from his job six months ago and he says he has been feeling increasingly depressed and worthless. I love him very much, but ever since I gave him the ultimatum he has become increasingly distant. He won't go to counseling and I'm afraid I can't get through to him anymore..
Can you please help?
Sincerely,
Sheila
--------
Dear Sheila:
A car stalling after being driven a short distance can be caused by a variety of faults with the engine. Start by checking that there is no debris in the fuel line. If it is clear, check the vacuum pipes and hoses on the intake manifold and also check all grounding wires. If none of these approaches solves the problem, it could be that the fuel pump itself is faulty, causing low delivery pressure to the injectors.
I hope this helps,
Steve
Padre Mickey sent the joke to me, passing it on from his aunt. The title, as received, did not contain the word "heterosexual", but El Padre suggested the fix.
Don't blame me. Blame El Padre.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)