The Meerschaum Canteen

John Lennon's Opinion about Over Population

2010-01-01T10:48:00.001-06:00

What's interesting to me about this is to see the customary liberal hauteur expressed by Lennon accompanying what is now considered a conservative point of view.

Latin Mass is IN for 2010!

2010-01-01T10:22:00.003-06:00

According to the Washington Post, of all places, the Latin Mass is IN for 2010! Let's hope some of its hipness transitions to actual faith.

H/T to Father Z @ Wdtprs

Colbert Eviscerates Bart Ehrman

2010-01-01T09:30:00.004-06:00

Basking in newly installed internet freedom this morning I spent time browsing the Christian Pipe Smokers forum. Dug, a fellow piper, tipped us off to a First Things blog post entitled, "Colbert: Defender of the Gospels!" featuring a video where Stephen Colbert, a Catholic, takes on famous atheist Gospel scholar, Bart Ehrman. Of course it's not serious but it is interesting to see Colbert poke obvious holes in Ehrman's methodology.

Deer Season 2009

2010-01-01T00:54:00.005-06:00

These are a little late but I just got internet back. There's a lot more photos but these four should whet your appetite.

High, Voltage, Rock and Roll!

2009-12-02T16:53:00.004-06:00

Ultimate Skeet Shooting

2009-11-20T12:34:00.001-06:00

I'm sellin' the Remington and getting a tank for skeet.

Tannerite

2009-09-03T21:00:00.000-05:00

Sarge, if we go hunting we need to play this joke on your dad.

50lbs of Tannerite in Chevy and Machine Guns 2008

2009-09-03T20:55:00.001-05:00

Tannerite Official Instructional Video (See, it's safe)

2009-09-03T20:00:00.000-05:00

Order here

Health Insurance...or a new car

2009-09-02T20:46:00.003-05:00

I as have ventured into business for myself, I am proud to report that I now have individual health insurance for my family. Fortunately, my family has always been insured, but up until now, it has always been provided by an employer. As I shopped for insurance amongst that nationwide debate on healthcare reform, the topic really hit home.
For my family of five, I pay $280 per month for a decent plan. There were options both more and less expensive, but I was able to choose what best fit my concerns. Admittedly, I did become frustrated with the complexity of the insurance plans, and do believe the system as a whole is not user friendly and generally too expensive.
For $280 a month, 5 people are covered in case of medical tragedy, let's assume that is average for most households. Granted, $280/month is a lot of money, but not the travesty that some are making it out to be. Especially when you consider we just came off a government sponsored program aimed at people buying brand new cars. The program catered only to those who drove so called "clunkers" and helped them get into a brand new car. Now, this is pure speculation, but I'm guessing very few of those individuals bought their new cars with cash. They got a loan, to pay for one of the worst investments a person can make - a brand new car. I don't know what the average new car payment is these days, but I suspect $280 would be fairly reasonable.

So, it is perfectly acceptable and encouraged by our government to go into debt on an material item that is rapidly depreciating in value, but outrageous that we should have to pay the same amount to protect the health and well being of a family of 5? I know that car is only worth $20 - 40K, but how do you put a value on the health of your family?

I pay about $140/month to insure two 5 year old vehicles worth a combined $25,ooo. So is it really that unheard of to pay $280 for myself, my wife, and my three kids?

I don't write this as a proponent of our health care / insurance system, as it certainly has some issues, but merely to put the issue in perspective. Those shouting the loudest are generally those wasting the most. The last person I heard griping in favor of ObamaCare, and that they couldn't afford health insurance, was a smoker who spent around $300/month (between them and their spouse) on cigarettes!!!! What?! Another proBama and raging democrat was all for social programs and high taxes, but regularly works jobs for cash to avoid actually paying taxes. They also voluntarily take regular "layoffs" so they can draw unemployment. I'm getting off topic....

Anyways, our government should be focusing on lowering debt, lowering taxes, and allowing Americans to prosper based on their own ingenuity.

Mother of Four Joins the Army

2009-09-02T17:04:00.002-05:00

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/02/rebecca-johnston-mother-o_n_274401.html

Rebecca, featured in this story, is one of Mendy's clients. In fact, she came to Mendy to help her get ready for bootcamp. She has spent the past several Wednesday mornings training at our house at 5:30 am. In addition, my oldest son and one of her kids play on the same football team.
Although my political views vary quite a bit from hers, I have a lot of respect for what she is trying to do. I spent some time scrolling through the comments on her story, and am saddened by some of the crap that people are saying, both about her -they obviously don't understand her story - and about our country. The derrogatory comments and anti-American sentiment amazes me.

Semper Fi,
Sarge

The Interview

2009-08-08T09:23:00.001-05:00

This is the new and improved "Interview". The editing has been tightened, overdub volume levels lowered and some great special effects. Oh, and mistakes taken out.

The Interview (48 Hour Film Project) - WARNING! Contains strong language and violent images

2009-08-04T12:47:00.001-05:00

New Film I'm in.

Front Porch Republic

2009-03-15T14:10:00.006-05:00

FPR, to my mind, has the right marriage of ideas: traditional conservatism (as opposed to neocoservativism) and environmental sustainability - or a human ecology combined with conventional ecology.

Into the Wild: Thoughts on Christopher McCandless

2009-03-13T21:02:00.005-05:00

Before Midnight Mass Christmas Eve Sparky and I watched a film called Into the Wild. It's directed by Sean Penn and based on a biography of the same name by John Krakauer about the life of Christopher McCandless. McCandless is a bright, A student who upon graduating from Emory University decides to donate the $24,000 left in his college fund to charity, ditch his car in the desert, burn his remaining cash and identification, and hitchhike across the Unites States to his final destination - the Alaskan wilderness.

I can't remember when a film had such a lasting impact; it was a bit of an emotional and spiritual time machine for me. Watching the film had the effect of zooming 33-year-old Chad back 10 years and putting on the 23-year-old Chad suit, complete with my 23-year-old worldview. It’s an odd thing to have two worldviews you’ve maintained at different times in your life meet face to face, especially since there’s obviously been a lot of water pass under the bridge between the two.

Even though I experienced some cognitive dissonance while hearing Emile Hirsch, who plays McCandless, voice opinions filed in the dusty archive of my mind, I was surprised to find myself identifying as much as I did with McCandless. In fact it brought back a lot those old feelings of exhilaration and joy that only letting go and taking off can do. That being said my identification probably has more to do with feelings of a spiritual kindred-ness rather than a shared view of the world alluded to above. The roughly 10year age difference between my current age and Chris’ in the film might account for those occasional warm feelings of embarrassment (“Oh no, that was me”) at his wide-eyed expressions of idealism.

But it’s this spiritual kindred-ness I felt towards McCandless that provoked my sentiments of defensiveness as I read reviews of both the film and the soundtrack for the film. Most reviews were by in large positive while maintaining a degree of aloofness regarding his search for meaning. This was mostly expressed with adjectives describing him as “reckless” or “naïve.” What irritates me about this is that…why can’t they just take him on his own terms without imposing their ideas of normalcy upon him? In affect they’ve reduced the spiritual dimension of his life and subordinated it to his physical preservation (the result of a materialist mindset?), which to me is what is often wrong in this age. Not that physical preservation is bad just that too often it needs to take a backseat to more ethereal matters. What’s the point in living if life is parboiled down to mere safety and preservation?

Of course it’s risky to hitchhike; of course there’s uncertainty in having no cash; of course it’s jeopardous to walk into the wilderness in the middle of winter with little experience and no map – but this is the point. It’s about facing the seeming absurdities and contradictions in life head-on and doing something about it, even if it means death. It’s the hope of peace in the answer that is the motivation.

His NASA engineer father was married to both his mother and another woman at the same time. Given this utter phoniness he grew up in - a sham of marriage disguised by bourgeois pretensions - should he have taken the safe road? Would it have been less risky for his soul to simply not ask questions, to follow well-worn paths of convention? Would it really have been more responsible had he done what his parents told him…followed their footsteps? Granted, there were other options, but would they have been better for him? Physically the answer is obviously, yes. But spiritually?

A scene towards the end of the film struck me where McCandless writes in his journal the words, “HAPPINESS ONLY REAL WHEN SHARED.” A short time after writing those words he would die of malnutrition. The deceptively simple truth of these words indicate to me that Chris’ trip into the wild, far from being a reckless and naïve pursuit, was an act of bravery that may have saved his soul. This is not a fruitless pursuit in my book.

Bass Master

2009-03-13T20:37:00.001-05:00

Amon Duul II

2009-03-02T08:51:00.001-06:00

Anyone hear of these guys before? This song is from 1971.

R. Chad Gets Older

2009-02-19T11:16:00.003-06:00

At least he shares the day with Lee Marvin and Smokey Robinson. And Copernicus.

The End of Civilization

2009-02-17T10:25:00.002-06:00

Good thing this isn't the way it really went.
video

Follower of "Religion of Peace" Beheads Wife

2009-02-15T15:18:00.004-06:00

A Muslim man who runs a cable station in Buffalo, NY to promote "understanding" of Islam beheads his wife. Seems a little off message, no?

Story

BREAKING NEWS!

2009-02-09T17:14:00.003-06:00

Is it any coincidence that the day Alex Rodriguez comes out about taking steroids, causing a sports world frenzy, that the US Senate has advanced the newest stimulus package? I think not!! Whatever it takes to distract the masses! This bill is gonna pass, just wait for the next sports bombshell or Hollywood overdose to drop! This shit makes me sick!! Have a nice day!

Gym Class Flashbacks

2009-01-31T00:00:00.002-06:00

Well its been a while since theres been a new post on the meershaum, thought I might get things rollin again! How can anyone forget these old gym class scooters, Coach Jeffries would be proud!

Life Day

2009-01-14T13:24:00.002-06:00

Well, this is way past the 12 days of Christmas, but I couldn't remember my log in. A friend pointed these out to me and they are only a couple of the gems available on Youtube. One account digitized the whole show including commercials, so if you're jonesing for 1973, look for the "Part 1" "Part 2" listings.

Apparently in Star Wars Land they celebrate "Life Day." This was broadcast 30 years ago.

First is Cooking with a Wookie.

And this one is pretty sexy for a family special.

The Soiling of a Boyhood Hero

2009-01-11T12:58:00.003-06:00

First Kenny Rogers gets busted for making obscene phone calls, now this. The moral of the story for me: Be careful who you choose to idolize as a kid because, sooner or later, even the mighty shit their pants.

Time To P.L.Own It

2009-01-10T22:14:00.002-06:00

For weeks I have watched reports of Israel unloading thousands of pounds of artillery on the tiny swatch of land that is Gaza. While the violence rages on, the international community's reaction to this defensive offensive (or is it an offensive defensive?) runs the gamut. The loudest voices I am hearing are the ones denouncing Israel for its excessive use of force and condemning the western world's imperial bullying. My thoughts on Israel notwithstanding -- and the nation that gave us Krav Maga and the Uzi certainly has blood on its hands -- Palestine does not get a pass. For their part, these most recent actions demonstrate a failure of Palestinians to police their own, namely Hamas. An analogy: Imagine some extreme faction of Americans, one not representative of the whole, engaged in violent action on behalf of us all. Say the Minutemen, those Mexican-hating 'patriots' protecting our southwest border, decided to start firing shoulder-mounted rockets from our backyards in San Diego across the border and into downtown Tijuana, followed soon after by Mexican counterstrikes launched on San Diego. Sure, as a San Diegan I'd be pissed at Mexico for putting us in the line of fire, but I would be quick to recognize that the most accessible means of protecting my family and my property is take a strong stand against the Minutemen's strikes. I would expect the leaders of our community to publicly denounce the Minutemen's actions, and I would not stand by quietly while my neighbor fired a rocket from our cul-de-sac back at Mexico. If we say nothing while an attack is launched from our backyard then we lose some credibility when we lament a bomb dropping on our toolshed. It is time for the Palestinians to protect themselves by policing their own. How many of us in that situation would ban together, go pound on the extremist neighbor's door and demand that he quit launching rockets from the roof of our church, from our driveways, or from the yards outside our kids' school? I am sure we would be more influencial over our own than the U.N.'s distant pleas. I admit it's not a perfect analogy but you get the point. Americans are better than average at turning the spotlight on the wacky, over-the-top ideology of the most extreme among us, be they survivalists or elected officials. A free press is handy for just such a reason, but that's a topic for another day. For today, it behooves Palestinians to turn the heat up on Hamas. George Orwell wrote in the 1942 essay "Pacifism and the War", "You're either with us or against us." So, Palestine, you're either against Hamas or ...

Admin Priviledges

2009-01-10T09:11:00.005-06:00

Who wants to be an administrator for the Canteen? Anybody and everybody can be one. It will allow you to, among other things, add banners, change the layout and add blogs to the blog list. If interested let me know.

This is Odd

2008-12-24T18:40:00.001-06:00

Switchblade

2008-12-23T11:20:00.004-06:00

A friend just gave me one of these as a gift. Pictured is a Colt M16K automatic blade, however mine is actually a Colt AR15K - originally produced as a manual blade but custom converted to a dual action automatic with the same sleeper button as pictured above. Apparently, my friend used to deal in knives and still has quite an assortment of blades - from stilettos, switchblades, and fixed blades, to a set of brass knuckles with a button activated razor sharp "gut-hook" that pops out the side when triggered. (pictured below - the opposite side is engraved with a FTW logo...very classy item)

I was previuosly unaware of such a contraption, but now understand how handy these knuckles are for performing the classic smash-n-slash move, often seen issued immediately preceeding a finishing heel-stomp-to-the-head. This combination has been perfected by many elite military and biker gang brawlers throughout the US and abroad.

John Safran: The Pope vs the Dalai Lama

2008-12-18T20:01:00.002-06:00

Found this on Vox Nova the other day.

Oh that wacky Benny Lava!

2008-12-10T18:56:00.001-06:00

More YouTube goodness....

Roadie

2008-12-06T19:53:00.005-06:00

After weeks of research and trying to decide which to go with, I took the plunge today and bought this bike. It was between this and a Cannondale, which I was interested in due to brand loyalty from my mountain bike. Ultimatley I had to go with this - the Specialized Tarmac Elite.

The good thing about buying during the off season is that I got a better deal than had I purchased in the spring, the bad thing is I have to wait for it to warm up to get any good rides in...I can't wait.

Maggot Cheese

2008-12-04T18:52:00.004-06:00

Casu marzu (also called casu modde, casu cundhídu, or in Italian formaggio marcio) is a traditional sheep milk cheese, notable for being riddled with live insect larvae. Although outlawed there for health reasons, it is found mainly in Sardinia, Italy on the black market. Casu marzu literally means "rotten cheese" in Sardinian and is known colloquially as maggot cheese.

Wikipedia Entry

Father Matt (My Pastor)

2008-11-28T23:46:00.001-06:00

The Deer Hunter

2008-11-19T19:30:00.002-06:00

I took Jake deer hunting with me this year for the first time. Of course he was extremely excited, especially since we left mom and his younger brothers at home - just us guys. I'm not quite ready for him to handle high powered firearms yet, so he went only as my spotter, but a hunter none the less.

After seeing nothing but coyotes the first day and having to sit through some miserable weather, I was a little discouraged for him, and kept reminding him that sometimes that's how hunting went. Despite our poor luck the first day, he jumped out of bed and was ready for day two early the next morning even proding me along some to hurry to our stand. After another stretch of nothing, we decided to get down and go for a little walk prior to officially calling it quits for the weekend, although I had pretty much decided the hunt was over.

Just as we were returning to where we had left our gear, I noticed a buck cruising along just inside the woods opposite the field we were walking through. Perfect, I thought, Jake was going to get his deer. With an uncanny lack of hesitation I signaled for him to freeze, dropped my glove from my trigger hand, shouldered my 30-06 and squeezed off a round. For a split second I was confused when I did not see the white flash of tail as the deer jumped and stumbled from the stike of the bullet, but instead it simply disappeared from the view of my scope. I looked at Jake and saw excitement, shock, and bewilderment all in one as he screamed, "you got it!"

It was a direct shot to the head and the deer didn't feel a thing, instant death dropping straight to the ground. The round had gone in one ear and out the other, effectively shattering the skull, leaving only minimal surface wounds, and the only blood to speak of was a trickle leaving its ears and mouth. I tried to maintain a steely composure and act as if this was perfectly typical for me -as if I were some kind of highly skilled and trained outdoor assasin. I'm not sure whether he bought the act or knew there was a lot of luck involved to make that shot from a standing position 150 yards out, but either way, I'm pretty sure we made for a great memory of his first hunt with dad.

First Batch of Homebrew pt. 2

2008-11-17T18:23:00.001-06:00

Eighth Day: Siphoning into secondary fermentor. Next weekend I'll bottle.

National Outdoor Leadership School

2008-11-11T10:13:00.004-06:00

National Outdoor Leadership School

First Attempt at Brewing, pt. 1

2008-11-09T15:44:00.005-06:00

Ingredients

Sterilization

Steeping uncracked grain

Malt Extract

Used uncracked grain

Boiling Wort

Excess Foam

Hops

Anchor Steam Christmas Beer

Kitchen is getting Steamy

Chilling Wort

We've got beer

Primary Fermentation

Obama and McCain - Dance Off!

2008-11-06T13:59:00.001-06:00

I love McCain's face about halfway through.

Slow Fade

2008-11-03T19:11:00.002-06:00

On this eve of election day, I can't help but reflect on my political views. The short answer is: I'm a republican...but in reality it is much more complicated than that. More specifically, I am both socially and economically conservative, and I disagree with some of what both candidates are bringing to the table. Economically speaking, our country always has, and will continue to go through cyclical periods of relative prosperity versus downturn. To some degree, this is unavoidable regardless of any particular Commander in Chief...life will go on regardless of the tax rate.
Our country's collective value system, however, is not cyclical. I say collective because I truly believe that the majority of Americans still hold traditional values (life, marriage, pride in country, hard work, and self reliance/responsibility) true to heart. The problem is somewhere along the line we've become scared and ashamed to hold our neighbors to the same set of standards. How often do you hear, "Well I wouldn't do that, but it's not my place to tell them they can't." Really? Why not? Or how about, "I don't mix my religion and politics." What? How can this be? I propose that if you truly have religion, or better yet faith in Christ, you can't not mix the two. If you believe it's not right for you, why would it be right for someone else? Why do we as Americans allow the vocal minority to intimidate us into compromising our beliefs? I realize that some people really do think that abortion is ok, or that gay marriage is perfectly acceptable, or that it's ok for hard workers to support the lazy - but most Americans simply do not agree. I don't have facts and figures to back this up, and maybe I'm being naive, but I don't think so.

Unfortunately I have more questions than answers, but it boggles my mind as to why we are so afraid to embrace our own convictions. This doesn't stop at politics, but the weakness bleeds into our everyday life, conversations, and situations. The "right" thing is becoming increasingly less popular to do. I'm sure you can come up with a variety of applicable situations -I know I can.

All that said, I will be voting for McCain. Not because he's on the Republican ticket, and certainly not because I agree with his all of his policies, but I do believe he best represents the values I referenced above...and without these, the other stuff really doesn't matter.

As an ironic twist of fate, my oldest son's football team was featured in the recent Obama infomercial. I cringed at hyperlinking that, so I'll offset it with this one.

Venture to Run

2008-11-03T19:05:00.003-06:00

I decided to start a personal blog to journal the running component of my life. It still needs some formatting work, etc., but you can check it out here: Venture to Run

Autumnal Ruminations

2008-11-01T22:41:00.001-05:00

Autumn is in full swing finally, and temperatures have begun to fall. We had our first freeze this week on Tuesday. Lethargy not-with-standing, this is my favorite time of year. My main compulsion during this season is to brew a pot of tea, sit in my recliner next to the fireplace (with fire of course), wrap up in a blanket, smoke my pipe and read a good book. On the weekends when I don’t have to get up in the morning I might substitute tea with a bottle of wine or porter. The warming effect of alcohol, along with its penchant for inducing nostalgia, is ideal for brisk Fall evenings.

Outside howling winds rush through the trees, branches clack together, a distant rifle shot from the farm down the road – all enhance the cocoon-like coziness.

Smashing Pumpkins - Cherub Rock

2008-11-01T22:31:00.004-05:00

I guess if there was a band that kinda captured those first couple years down at Springfield this would be it. I can remember just laying on my bed with the windows open listening to those characteristic Corgan guitar harmonics. I know they tried to come back...what was it last year?...anyway it's weird to me how they've really just disappeared when they used to be so huge.

Arkansas Cult Leaders Tony and Susie Alamo

2008-11-01T20:10:00.002-05:00

"We smoke cigars when we ain't brainwashing."

"Looking for a Donkey Companion and Some Donkey Info"

2008-10-25T10:44:00.004-05:00

Today, upon checking my email, I found the title of this post in the subject line of an email I'd received. At first I was like, where have I gone on the world wide web that would constitute me getting bestiality spam? Then it dawned on me that this might actually be legit because I'm on the Growing Growers listserve, which is a listserve for local farmers. Sure enough, that was the case. Anyway, I thought that was too funny not to share.

Kansas City Homes Tour

2008-10-22T14:14:00.006-05:00

Our home is one of four pre-1900 houses on the Pendleton Heights Homes Tour, Rockin' in 2008! All are welcome and even encouraged to attend. Pre-November 15 tickets are $10, and $12 a piece after. Further details can be found here:
http://www.pendletonheights.org/holiday-homes-tour/

Warhammer: Age of Reckoning

2008-10-16T21:06:00.004-05:00

Okay, I'm nerding out here but this game looks pretty cool. If I didn't think the learning curve was too high for a non-gamer type such as myself, I'd actually give this a try. Oh well, I'm sure I've got better things to do than to get caught up in some fantasy realm with a bunch of kids and grown men living in Mom and Dad's basement.

Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning

Okay, this settles it...I'm definitely votin' for McCain now!

2008-10-16T19:00:00.001-05:00

Bocephus - "The McCain-Palin Tradition"

Bumper Stickers...more politics

2008-10-16T16:44:00.006-05:00

Follow me...I'm going to FRONTLINE!

2008-10-14T19:26:00.002-05:00

Psychedelic Conception

2008-10-13T21:42:00.003-05:00

More experimentation with iMovie.

The Gods of the Copybook Headings

2008-10-13T21:24:00.002-05:00

AS I PASS through my incarnations in every age and race,
I make my proper prostrations to the Gods of the Market Place.
Peering through reverent fingers I watch them flourish and fall,
And the Gods of the Copybook Headings, I notice, outlast them all.

We were living in trees when they met us. They showed us each in turn
That Water would certainly wet us, as Fire would certainly burn:
But we found them lacking in Uplift, Vision and Breadth of Mind,
So we left them to teach the Gorillas while we followed the March of Mankind.

We moved as the Spirit listed. They never altered their pace,
Being neither cloud nor wind-borne like the Gods of the Market Place,
But they always caught up with our progress, and presently word would come
That a tribe had been wiped off its icefield, or the lights had gone out in Rome.

With the Hopes that our World is built on they were utterly out of touch,
They denied that the Moon was Stilton; they denied she was even Dutch;
They denied that Wishes were Horses; they denied that a Pig had Wings;
So we worshipped the Gods of the Market Who promised these beautiful things.

When the Cambrian measures were forming, They promised perpetual peace.
They swore, if we gave them our weapons, that the wars of the tribes would cease.
But when we disarmed They sold us and delivered us bound to our foe,
And the Gods of the Copybook Headings said: "Stick to the Devil you know."

On the first Feminian Sandstones we were promised the Fuller Life
(Which started by loving our neighbour and ended by loving his wife)
Till our women had no more children and the men lost reason and faith,
And the Gods of the Copybook Headings said: "The Wages of Sin is Death."

In the Carboniferous Epoch we were promised abundance for all,
By robbing selected Peter to pay for collective Paul;
But, though we had plenty of money, there was nothing our money could buy,
And the Gods of the Copybook Headings said: "If you don't work you die."

Then the Gods of the Market tumbled, and their smooth-tongued wizards withdrew
And the hearts of the meanest were humbled and began to believe it was true
That All is not Gold that Glitters, and Two and Two make Four
And the Gods of the Copybook Headings limped up to explain it once more.

As it will be in the future, it was at the birth of Man
There are only four things certain since Social Progress began.
That the Dog returns to his Vomit and the Sow returns to her Mire,
And the burnt Fool's bandaged finger goes wabbling back to the Fire;

And that after this is accomplished, and the brave new world begins
When all men are paid for existing and no man must pay for his sins,
As surely as Water will wet us, as surely as Fire will burn,
The Gods of the Copybook Headings with terror and slaughter return!

By Rudyard Kipling

BookMooch

2008-10-03T20:00:00.002-05:00

I thought some of you might find this BookMooch site useful.

He's not getting my vote.....

2008-09-30T12:49:00.002-05:00

While I was doing some browsing of our so called "economic meltdown", I came across this quote on CNN by John McCain. “The first thing I would do is say, ’Let’s not call it a bailout. Let’s call it a rescue,” McCain told CNN. The Arizona Republican said that “Americans are frightened right now” and it is the job of political leaders to give them both an immediate solution and a longer-term approach to the problem.

Oh yeah, nothing like using euphemistic language as your first solution to this problem! This just straight pisses me off! The American people have clearly ruffled a few feathers in Congress for this bill not to pass, they're not "frightened", they're pissed off!! To me this shows just how out of touch ole grandpa is with the people. I know, I know, this is probably considered a little bit of "gotcha journalism" but sometimes I just cant help myself. POWER TO THE PEOPLE!!!

Photos from My Retreat at Conception Abbey

2008-09-27T16:29:00.004-05:00

WHOS TAKING KIMBO?

2008-09-19T07:25:00.005-05:00

26.2 - almost

2008-09-14T21:15:00.003-05:00

Mendy and I went to St. Louis this weekend to run in the Lewis & Clark Marathon. Hurricane Ike decided to roll through town as well. The downpour put a serious kink in my pre-race plans and almost caused us to not even start - little things like the parking lot being under two feet of water and runners having to push their flooded cars out in the dark before the race even began. Eventually we found some high ground to park on and decided to brave the elements.

Despite running through ankle deep water, pounding rain, and gusts of wind that hard enough to knock over some of the course porta-johns, I was pacing pretty good. I really didn't know how fast or far I had gone at any point because the course markers had mostly been destroyed or blown away, and I didn't wear my Garmin watch for fear of ruining it, so I was mildly disoriented for most of the event, but feeling good running-wise.

As it turns out, the last half of the course was under water and the race directors had to move the finish line up to the 10 mile marker and started shuttling everyone back to the start and parking area from there. 80% of the runners were only signed up to do the 1/2 marathon (13.1 miles) so getting to 10 miles wasn't all that bad given the conditions. I, however, was running good, wanted to get my miles in, and was disappointed that the race had been shut down. So instead of boarding the buses with the rest of the masses, I turned around and did the 10 miles again in reverse. So, only 20 miles today instead of the full marathon, but a good war story none-the-less.

Next month - 50K Trail Run in the Ozarks put on by Bass Pro Shops and North Face...here's hoping for better weather.

Darth?

2008-09-06T15:45:00.002-05:00

What is it?

2008-09-06T15:07:00.003-05:00

After Republican V.P. candidate Sarah Palin's acceptance speech Wednesday night, my office was a buzz with comments extolling her attractiveness. Then it seemed necessary for us to breakdown just what it is about her that attracts. My boss sent me the following from a political forum he frequents. I thought it hit the nail on the head:

"James" tries to define what we were wrestling with earlier:

Great speech, great delivery, great presence.

As far as I can see, she did what she needed to do. She defied
expectations, she got some powerful and effective hits in on Obama.
She got some good hits in on behalf of McCain, and also on her own
behalf.

She spoke clearly and calmly in a voice that is soothing and
reassuring and confident, without a touch of the grating bitchiness
evident in the voice of someone like Hillary Clinton. Far from some
air-headed, untested, unprepared beauty queen persona that the media
wanted to assume her to be, she spoke in a way that seemed neither
afraid nor arrogant.

As to her babe reputation, I’ll say that it goes much further than
that. It’s not just that she’s beautiful with her large, sparkling
eyes, gorgeous smile, perfect skin, and lustrous hair. It goes much,
much deeper. It’s the personality behind the looks, and how that
personality manifests itself in her features and bring them alive that
makes her a very powerful force.

Sarah Palin is an extraordinary communicator on the non-verbal level.
She radiates calm and poise and inspiration, all at the same time.
Frequently people of power or high social status exhibit what are
called "cathathetic signals"; things that indicate their awareness of
their importance, signals that are also designed to make the listener
aware that the listener is of less importance. Their ego manifests
itself in postures, expression, and tone meant to reduce the ego of
others. Think of the pompous arrogance of Joe Biden. Or even Hillary
Clinton. They think they are better than you, and they can’t help but
communicate it.

Sarah Palin communicates confidence and ease with power, without
exhibiting any of these signals whatsoever. NONE. What’s interesting
is that Obama tries extremely hard to accomplish this same goal, it’s
part of what makes him an uplifting and inspiring figure. But with
Obama it is not genuine; it’s very carefully managed and controlled
and there are times when he loses his grip on it and a less flattering
side of himself is revealed.

Personally, I don’t care much for McCain. And the campaign is still
very young. But if tonight was any indication I expect some amazing
things from Sarah Palin.

My Baby Boy!!!!!

2008-08-31T14:35:00.002-05:00

Shout Out to the Midtown Miscreant...Check it

2008-08-27T19:20:00.008-05:00

I particularly liked yesterday's (AUG 26th) PSA on the campaign. Hat tip to Ray.

Midtown Miscreant

Okay, I think I need to say a little more, here. Although he writes about a lot of things, the "Miscreant" is the equivalent of a Kansas City Charles Kuralt if Kuralt was a sharp-tongued construction worker. Instead of searching out unique roadside attractions across America, the Miscreant finds incidences of urban blight, takes photos, and writes about what he finds. It's the way he writes about it, his filling in the blanks, that I enjoy. When happenstance takes you through parts of town that you don't normally go to, outside the comfort zone of your normal stomping grounds, thoughts always seem to come to mind about how the people live, or used to live depending on the degree of blighted-ness. What the Miscreant does well is bring a sort of regular Joe critique and a hint of nostalgia to places that often simply get painted with the broad stroke - "urban blight." Old abandon houses and buildings get a kind of "I wonder..." treatment while at the same time broader issues affecting a particular area get brought to our attention. His Ghost of KCK post is a good one to check out. Great photos on that one.

M.I.A. PAPER PLANES

2008-08-21T10:53:00.001-05:00

She ain't no Mya but shes close!

J.Ralph - Kansas City Shuffle

2008-08-15T23:20:00.001-05:00

Anybody heard this song before? I plugged in "Kansas City" in the search on youtube and found a lot of videos with this song. Guess I'm out of the loop.

Mr. T Treat your mother right

2008-08-15T21:45:00.003-05:00

Leeeroyyy JENKINNNS!!!!!!!

2008-08-15T20:55:00.001-05:00

Ulrich Schnauss - Clear day

2008-08-15T20:47:00.002-05:00

It would be nice if K.C. had some sort of safe inner urban trail like this that you could cruise on with a bike and headphones...maybe pick up some groceries along the way. Dare to dream.

RMNP

2008-08-11T22:11:00.003-05:00

Struggling in Ohio as the Economy Tightens

2008-07-30T18:42:00.003-05:00

This article was recently forwarded to me which featured the ladies pictured here. Read it for yourself, then come back.........

At first blush, I thought this was a parody on low income welfare recipients, but I soon sadly realized it was for real.

These ladies, and the media outlet who chose to run this story in this fashion, are classic examples of what is wrong with today's society. I cannot muster any empathy for someone who has NEVER had a job due to depression from a car accident at age 23!?

Are we to be proud of their nobility because they have chosen to take the high road and not impregnate the 19 year old daughter as another source of revenue? As Bronco would say, "well that's mighty white of 'em!"

Someone close to her needs to let the daughter know that one of the reasons she's having a tough time getting a job is because of her appearance. I don't mean to be derogatory, but she is grossly overweight and a forearm tattoo doesn't help matters (another wise choice that my tax dollars were spent on) A career in nursing...come on.

Part of their survival plan includes "cutting back on ice cream". It goes without saying that while this is an obvious need of theirs, it hardly justifies economic stress. Looking in detail at their budget, these women are actually profiting by leeching off the taxpayers, and literally living quite large. With all necessities covered (food, rent, utilities) with the exception of clothing, these two still have leftover money.

Note that the grandmother still has a teenage son at home, yet her daughter Gloria is 40 and Angelica is 19....so Angelica's uncle is younger than her. This by itself isn't terrible, but it notable when combined with all the other pieces of this story.

I can't help but question the work ethic and the desire to really make something of themselves. Unfortunately a pattern is being created from parent to child, then from media to the masses that this is ok, when it is not. It is being portrayed and taught that this type of living is normal, and that as a society we should continue to support it, when we shouldn't. I can't comprehend how anyone could read this and still be in full support of the current way government assistance is administered.

In the words of Ronald Reagan, "welfare's purpose should be to eliminate, as far as possible, the need for its own existence." Apparently we've lost track of this sound advice.

Burn Fitness Training

2008-07-22T20:49:00.004-05:00

Mendy's new website is now up and running, created by yours truly. Yes, even the Sarge can use pink. Check it out at fitbyburn.com

Worldcat

2008-07-20T12:45:00.009-05:00

I'm not sure how much you all use the library and/or all the features on Google, but I found a pretty neat and useful feature today. Tomorrow I'm going to a book club. The book we're reading, Wendell Berry's What are People For? (featured in the screen shot above) is the book we're reading/discussing. Not really wanting to buy the book, and not too confident that Barnes and Noble would have it, I decided to look for an alternative. After checking the KC Public Library catalog online (all their copies were checked out probably from people from the book club)I thought I'd just search the "Books" section of Google.

Of course they have all the places you can buy the book listed on the side, but if you look a little further down you can click on a library search. What this does is hook you up with Worldcat, which is an online catalog that gives you the search power to look in the catalogs of just about every library in the world. This allowed me to find the book I was looking for in the Grandview Mid-Continent Public Library, which I'd have overlooked if I had just simply gone to the KC Public Library site.

Something else I think Google does is allow you to search and read online books that are...I guess public domain (not sure what they call it for books) so you don't have to buy or even go to the library for those books. Couple all this with the standard interlibrary loan capabilities of most libraries and you've got the information world literally at your finger tips. Who needs to go to college when you can get an education with the click of a mouse?

Power to the People!

Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl - Philospher's Song

2008-07-18T23:51:00.001-05:00

Mos Def - Ghetto Rock

2008-07-18T23:41:00.001-05:00

I kina like dis how you say ghetto rock. fo sho fo sho.

Happy Trails

2008-07-09T22:55:00.007-05:00

Last weekend I ran in a trail run event put on by a group called the Kansas City Trail Nerds. Aside from solo runs, I hadn't done an organized trail event for several years. It was the most fun I've had in long time and can't wait for the next one.

Their next event is a 10K Trail Night Run on Friday, August 8th. Sounds like a great Canteen outing to me.

Here's a shot of my muddy legs at the end of 15 miles.

Project Make McCain Exciting: Gray Ambition

2008-07-04T22:30:00.001-05:00

What does Light Beer and American Evangelicalism have in common?

2008-07-03T16:50:00.004-05:00

We haven't had a good religion post lately; I was getting a little worried that we'd gone too far into the secular direction so I've thrown this one into the ring from the Irish Calvinist.

People have described some of the contemporary practices within evangelicalism as being driven by consumerism. We can see evidences of this with many of the popular devices that are employed, whether it be in the altering of vocabulary, the transition from preaching to conversations, the emphasis upon felt needs rather than spiritual needs, the polling of unbelievers as to how church should be conducted, a deemphasis upon doctrine, a redefinition of Jesus as weak and effeminate, and an idolatrous portrayal of a God who’s love is able to trump his righteousness. Regrettably, all of these things are common today.

Read the entire article here.

Considering I'm Catholic I obviously disagree with Calvinism theologically, but I do believe that if you're going to be an intelligent Protestant strict Calvinism, from the theological debates I've read, is the only way to go. Everything else falls apart ultimately.

My hunch is that the reason why Calvinism is gaining popularity in many Southern Baptist circles (and other fundamentalist Evangelical circles) is that they're trying to find some "tradition" that can intellectually combat the increasing Catholic encroachment on their turf. I think this is a great move, because it will mean that we (Evangelicals and Catholics) can really begin to have an honest dialog with real understanding of the differences.

First Batch of Homemade Soap

2008-07-03T10:47:00.002-05:00

In about three weeks these will be ready to use. If you're interested I'll give you a chunk. The essential oils I used for the fragrance are bergamot, lavender and lime.

McSorley's Old Ale House

2008-06-19T20:23:00.006-05:00

Oldest continuously operating pub in the United States. It was established in NYC in 1854. Although the neighborhood obviously use to be Irish, when I went it seemed to be all Eastern European...Ukrainian maybe.
In the other direction is the bar. Above it there are old chandeliers with wishbones that date back to the Civil War from soldiers getting ready to head off to war. They're so old dust stalactites hang from the bones.
I think we ordered these beers in fours...or sixes, I can't remember - four/six for each hand of the server. You order either a light or a dark. If I remember correctly it's their own beer. One of their food specialties is onions and Saltines.
Great urinals, eh? Are those art deco Sarge?

McSorley's Official Website

Canteen Riders

2008-06-15T20:45:00.002-05:00

Here's a link to Landahl Park, the trail we talked about going to next.

Also, here's one to Stocksdale Park. Stocksdale doesn't have near as much mileage yet, but it would be a good for a relatively short ride sometime.

Fairfax Lightening Strike

2008-06-15T14:04:00.001-05:00

In Our Way

2008-06-15T07:23:00.001-05:00

Canteen Word of the Day

2008-06-14T10:26:00.003-05:00

por·cine /ˈpɔrsaɪn, -sɪn/[pawr-sahyn, -sin]
–adjective
1. of or pertaining to swine.
2. resembling swine; hoggish; piggish.
[Origin: 1650–60; < L porcīnus; see pork, -ine1]

In light of Sarge's last post I thought the word porcine apropos. I discovered it this morning while reading an article on Fox Sports entitled Best Human Train Wrecks in Sports History. Not surprisingly golfer John Daley made the list. Here's the paragraph in which it is used:

The long driver continues to make a nice living as the PGA Tour's lone duffer. He chain smokes cigarettes on the course. He pounds beer, despite his long struggle with alcoholism. He travels to events in a recreational vehicle. Recent video footage of the porcine Daly playing shirtless furthered his Hillbilly image.

"...the porcine Daly..." I love that; can't wait to use it.

Japan versus Obesity

2008-06-13T12:51:00.004-05:00

Interesting article (linked below) on many different levels. Although the methods might be a little extreme, at least the accountablity of this program places the burden of taking care of yourself back on the individual, where it belongs.

I wonder what the Japanese phrase for "muffin top" is...or if they even have the need for one?

Japan, seeking trim waists, measures millions

Fist and Ursus Conquer the Blue River Mountain BikeTrails

2008-06-02T21:09:00.003-05:00

State License Plates All Look the Same

2008-05-29T21:54:00.007-05:00

This came out all jumbled and I'm too lazy to change it, but has anyone noticed how unoriginal license plates have become lately? Below are just a few I found before getting bored. You can't hardly tell one from the other. They've all got the same baby blue fade-in thing going on. It's like all the states hired the same marketing company and found some relationship between baby blue and out of state tourism dollars.

Westboro Baptist Church does Gay Bar

2008-05-29T21:30:00.001-05:00

I hadn't heard anything from the Westboro Baptist Church in awhile so...thought I'd play this catchy tune.

New Blog Mascot?

2008-05-28T20:56:00.004-05:00

I found this Meerschaum on ebay for $10,000.

New Camera Captures Memorial Day Weekend

2008-05-26T20:58:00.008-05:00

Fist's Flowers

Roxy

Nate & Me

Sil's Peppers

Liberty Memorial

Union Station

JMJ & Katy

Great Ape

Ryan Playing Horseshoes

New Friend

White Reggae Band

Fire

Prohibition Ad Campaign

2008-05-26T19:02:00.004-05:00

St. Ides Malt Liquor Commercial - Ice Cube

2008-05-24T00:35:00.002-05:00

"...get your girl in the mood quicker, get your jimmy thicker with St. Ides Malt Liquor."

Douglas Feith, former Undersecretary of Defense, on the Daily Show

2008-05-19T21:48:00.002-05:00

Part 1

Part 2

High Plains Distillery In Atchison

2008-05-18T00:54:00.009-05:00

Wednesday of last week I attended a "Hail and Farewell" dinner organized by my office in Weston at O'Malley's. Prior to heading inside several of us sat outside passing time with beers and conversation. Dr. King, one of the Staff Ride instructors, mentioned a Kansas vodka that he, a self-proclaimed vodka connoisseur, touted as "quite good." Although I only half heard him talking (Dr. Wright and I were busy trying to one-up each other with 70s punk trivia) I did vaguely remember him mentioning a local distillery that produced a vodka by the name of "Most Wanted."

Friday, after my bike-ride, I stopped by the liquor store for some beer. While browsing I decided to take a gander at the prices of scotch. Seeing that my favorite scotch was out of stock I moseyed over to the bourbon section and noticed some Most Wanted Kansas Whiskey. Curious, and remembering the name, I picked up a bottle. In short, it's smooth and tastes like apples. For just shy of $20, and the fact that I'm buying local, I'm sold on the stuff.

Check out their site. It features some inspirational entrepreneurial stories; the New York Times article is particularly interesting.

Gothopotamus

2008-05-12T21:44:00.000-05:00

1-877-Cymbalta?

Urban Homesteading: "It's About Choices"

2008-05-06T23:24:00.004-05:00

Pretty darn cool. Check it out.

Firewood for the masses!

2008-05-02T14:23:00.003-05:00

After last nights Hurricane like winds, I'm gonna have plenty of firewood for future phase partys.

the primaries in 7 minutes

2008-05-02T10:46:00.001-05:00

check out this video

The City of Subdued Excitement

2008-05-01T20:37:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I was reminiscing about Bellingham and thought I'd post a few photos I found on the web. I really miss that place, and my old friend Aaron "Musalexalugercamp" Goodenberger (R.I.P.) who past away a year ago.

Click here for a live webcam of the bay.

"Big Daddy" Don Garlits

2008-04-25T22:34:00.006-05:00

If anybody is interested I'm thinking about heading down to KCIR tomorrow night (Sat). Give me a call and I'll pick up some ear plugs.

Burn, burn, yes you're gonna burn!

2008-04-21T19:19:00.003-05:00

Turns out that JMJ is quite the firestarter.

Gun Show Next Weekend

2008-04-18T23:36:00.001-05:00

If I'm not mistaken I believe I've seen a few of those fluorescent signs along the highway advertising a gun show next weekend. What do you say? Canteen field trip? I bet there's a guy there with the exact same T-shirt the guy in this video is wearing. Plus, Sarge, I think you should take the plunge and go ahead get the Desert Eagle.

Google Maps "Street View"

2008-04-18T23:12:00.003-05:00

I just found out about this the other day - Google Maps "Street View." They must have had some roving truck that had a camera rotating 360 degrees going all over the U.S.

Transcript of the Pope's Speech at the Ecumenical Prayer Service

2008-04-18T22:33:00.005-05:00

I thought the Pope's speech today highly relevant, and important to the Canteen community, considering the somewhat diverse religious makeup of its contributors. I've highlighted a few paragraphs that I think are the meat of the speech.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, My heart abounds with gratitude to Almighty God -- “the Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all" (Eph 4:6) -- for this blessed opportunity to gather with you this evening in prayer. I thank Bishop Dennis Sullivan for his cordial welcome, and I warmly greet all those in attendance representing Christian communities throughout the United States. May the peace of our Lord and Savior be with you all!

Through you, I express my sincere appreciation for the invaluable work of all those engaged in ecumenism: the National Council of Churches, Christian Churches Together, the Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, and many others. The contribution of Christians in the United States to the ecumenical movement is felt throughout the world. I encourage all of you to persevere, always relying on the grace of the risen Christ whom we strive to serve by bringing about "the obedience of faith for the sake of his name" (Rom 1:5).

We have just listened to the scriptural passage in which Paul -- a "prisoner for the Lord" -- delivers his ardent appeal to the members of the Christian community at Ephesus. "I beg you," he writes, "to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called ... eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph 4:1-3). Then, after his impassioned litany of unity, Paul reminds his hearers that Jesus, having ascended into heaven, has bestowed upon men and women all the gifts necessary for building up the Body of Christ (cf. Eph 4:11-13).

Paul’s exhortation resounds with no less vigor today. His words instill in us the confidence that the Lord will never abandon us in our quest for unity. They also call us to live in a way that bears witness to the "one heart and mind" (Acts 4:32), which has always been the distinguishing trait of Christian koinonia (cf. Acts 2:42), and the force drawing others to join the community of believers so that they too might come to share in the "unsearchable riches of Christ" (Eph 3:8; cf. Acts 2:47; 5:14).

Globalization has humanity poised between two poles. On the one hand, there is a growing sense of interconnectedness and interdependency between peoples even when -- geographically and culturally speaking -- they are far apart. This new situation offers the potential for enhancing a sense of global solidarity and shared responsibility for the well-being of mankind. On the other hand, we cannot deny that the rapid changes occurring in our world also present some disturbing signs of fragmentation and a retreat into individualism. The expanding use of electronic communications has in some cases paradoxically resulted in greater isolation. Many people -- including the young -- are seeking therefore more authentic forms of community. Also of grave concern is the spread of a secularist ideology that undermines or even rejects transcendent truth. The very possibility of divine revelation, and therefore of Christian faith, is often placed into question by cultural trends widely present in academia, the mass media and public debate. For these reasons, a faithful witness to the Gospel is as urgent as ever. Christians are challenged to give a clear account of the hope that they hold (cf. 1 Pet 3:15).

Too often those who are not Christians, as they observe the splintering of Christian communities, are understandably confused about the Gospel message itself. Fundamental Christian beliefs and practices are sometimes changed within communities by so-called "prophetic actions" that are based on a hermeneutic not always consonant with the datum of Scripture and Tradition. Communities consequently give up the attempt to act as a unified body, choosing instead to function according to the idea of "local options". Somewhere in this process the need for diachronic koinonia -- communion with the Church in every age -- is lost, just at the time when the world is losing its bearings and needs a persuasive common witness to the saving power of the Gospel (cf. Rom 1:18-23).

Faced with these difficulties, we must first recall that the unity of the Church flows from the perfect oneness of the Trinitarian God. In John’s Gospel, we are told that Jesus prayed to his Father that his disciples might be one, "just as you are in me and I am in you" (Jn 17:21). This passage reflects the unwavering conviction of the early Christian community that its unity was both caused by, and is reflective of, the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This, in turn, suggests that the internal cohesion of believers was based on the sound integrity of their doctrinal confession (cf. 1 Tim 1:3-11). Throughout the New Testament, we find that the Apostles were repeatedly called to give an account for their faith to both Gentiles (cf. Acts 17:16-34) and Jews (cf. Acts 4:5-22; 5:27-42). The core of their argument was always the historical fact of Jesus’s bodily resurrection from the tomb (Acts 2:24, 32; 3:15; 4:10; 5:30; 10:40; 13:30). The ultimate effectiveness of their preaching did not depend on "lofty words" or "human wisdom" (1 Cor 2:13), but rather on the work of the Spirit (Eph 3:5) who confirmed the authoritative witness of the Apostles (cf. 1 Cor 15:1-11). The nucleus of Paul’s preaching and that of the early Church was none other than Jesus Christ, and "him crucified" (1 Cor 2:2). But this proclamation had to be guaranteed by the purity of normative doctrine expressed in creedal formulae -- symbola -- which articulated the essence of the Christian faith and constituted the foundation for the unity of the baptized (cf. 1 Cor 15:3-5; Gal 1:6-9; Unitatis Redintegratio, 2).

My dear friends, the power of the kerygma has lost none of its internal dynamism. Yet we must ask ourselves whether its full force has not been attenuated by a relativistic approach to Christian doctrine similar to that found in secular ideologies, which, in alleging that science alone is “objective,” relegate religion entirely to the subjective sphere of individual feeling. Scientific discoveries, and their application through human ingenuity, undoubtedly offer new possibilities for the betterment of humankind. This does not mean, however, that the "knowable" is limited to the empirically verifiable, nor religion restricted to the shifting realm of "personal experience".

For Christians to accept this faulty line of reasoning would lead to the notion that there is little need to emphasize objective truth in the presentation of the Christian faith, for one need but follow his or her own conscience and choose a community that best suits his or her individual tastes. The result is seen in the continual proliferation of communities which often eschew institutional structures and minimize the importance of doctrinal content for Christian living.

Even within the ecumenical movement, Christians may be reluctant to assert the role of doctrine for fear that it would only exacerbate rather than heal the wounds of division. Yet a clear, convincing testimony to the salvation wrought for us in Christ Jesus has to be based upon the notion of normative apostolic teaching: a teaching which indeed underlies the inspired word of God and sustains the sacramental life of Christians today.

Only by "holding fast" to sound teaching (2 Thess 2:15; cf. Rev 2:12-29) will we be able to respond to the challenges that confront us in an evolving world. Only in this way will we give unambiguous testimony to the truth of the Gospel and its moral teaching. This is the message which the world is waiting to hear from us. Like the early Christians, we have a responsibility to give transparent witness to the "reasons for our hope", so that the eyes of all men and women of goodwill may be opened to see that God has shown us his face (cf. 2 Cor 3:12-18) and granted us access to his divine life through Jesus Christ. He alone is our hope! God has revealed his love for all peoples through the mystery of his Son’s passion and death, and has called us to proclaim that he is indeed risen, has taken his place at the right hand of the Father, and "will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead" (Nicene Creed).

May the word of God we have heard this evening inflame our hearts with hope on the path to unity (cf. Lk 24:32). May this prayer service exemplify the centrality of prayer in the ecumenical movement (cf. Unitatis Redintegratio, 8); for without it, ecumenical structures, institutions and programs would be deprived of their heart and soul. Let us give thanks to Almighty God for the progress that has been made through the work of his Spirit, as we acknowledge with gratitude the personal sacrifices made by so many present and by those who have gone before us.

By following in their footsteps, and by placing our trust in God alone, I am confident that -- to borrow the words of Father Paul Wattson -- we will achieve the "oneness of hope, oneness of faith, and oneness of love" that alone will convince the world that Jesus Christ is the one sent by the Father for the salvation of all.

I thank you all.