Added to my e-bookshelf … Cyan

The passage of time in the course of advanced space travel – the way that passage varies between the travelers and those they leave behind, and the effect on even the strongest of relationships touched by that variation – has been a popular topic in fantasy and science fiction for a long, long … uh … time.

I remember watching “The Twilight Zone” as a youth, where an episode called ‘The Long Morrow‘ touched upon that effect. And I’ve enjoyed plenty of other treatments of that topic, in a variety of media, in the decades since … including Cynthia Felice’s “Downtime,” which I reviewed for LibraryThing a couple of years ago.

Now comes “Cyan,” written by Syd Logsdon, published by EDGE-Lite and Hades Publications … and a welcome addition to my shelf.

The story begins on Earth, in a not-distant-enough future. It is a world dealing with a variety of problems, many of which can be traced back to what you and I are doing right here, right now. As the population grows and resources dwindle, more and more are convinced that, truly, ‘the end is nigh’ and that the only viable solution is NOT to be found on this planet.

So where is this solution to be found, and how do we get there? What do we find when – if! – we arrive there, and can we truly handle it? Could we adapt, or would we just adhere to the mindset that got us into the problems to begin with?

And I’m not just talking about global issues, but small, personal, even intimate relational issues between individuals, as well. Borrowing a line from Tina Turner, “what’s love got to do with it?”

In “Cyan,” Logsdon provides answers to these and other questions that arise in the course of his story. They are answers that ‘grow’ the story and your interest in it … though there are times when the answers are less-than-encouraging, even as they develop the story -and your interest – further.

Along the way, the reader will meet a cast of characters that run the full gamut of humanity – and more. As the story progresses, two of these characters will emerge as leading protagonists, each with a vision for humanity’s future, and the path to realize that vision … but at what cost? There will be a confrontation of course, though its ultimate resolution might surprise you … it surprised me, and was one of the favorite parts of my read.

I recommend this read. I think Logsdon has brought a new and fresh approach to an established trope of the science fiction genre … and crafted a good story, too.

Will we see some more in the future? Time will tell.

__________

NOTE: I received a free e-copy of this work through LibraryThing in exchange for a review.

I am PCUSA … and PRO-Fossil Fuel … Pt. 1

• Part 1 of my argument AGAINST blanket divestment

As the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA meets in St. Louis this year and considers demands for an immediate and total, blanket divestment of the denomination’s investment funds from “fossil fuel producers,” I have to ask … is blanket divestment the answer? Shouldn’t we, instead, consider reinvestment of those funds into responsible – even moral – fossil fuel producers?

Let me give you some idea of my background – the context in which I am composing this post, and future posts on this topic. It’s important to the consideration – if any! – that you will give to what follows …

For the past 34 years, I have lived and worked in and around the city of Midland, in the western region of Texas … smack-dab in the middle of what they call ‘the oil patch.’ There is some cattle and some cotton in the foundation of this community, but most of Midland today is built upon the energy industry, and the production of oil and natural gas plays a major -even predominant role – in our local economy.

I do not work directly for the energy industry … though I have been happily married those same 34 years to someone who is. As for me, I first worked in in this part of Texas as a contract archaeologist … but my vocation has changed more than once with the ups and downs – especially the downs! – in the energy industry over the past three decades. So I have also worked as a television writer/producer, a newspaper reporter/editor, a website/social media manager, and for the past ten years as a website editor for a community college.

This has given me a tremendous opportunity to observe the industry ‘up-close and personal,’ as we used to say in the news business. I suggest that I might have more insight than some others into the industry, its people, its technology and practices, and the changes in said technology and practices. I have seen, reported-on and learned from – to borrow a phrase from a movie title – the good, the bad and the ugly of fossil fuel production … and the beautiful, as well.

Let me qualify that last paragraph, though … my experience observing fossil fuel producers has been exclusively with oil and natural gas. I have no such current experience with the coal industry, and I am not qualified to comment upon changes that may have taken place in their technology and practices. When it comes to coal, all I have to go on are the 55-year-old memories I have of that industry – actually, the remnants of that industry – in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area of northeastern Pennsylvania … observations which helped to firmly set my course down the environmentalism path as a teenager way-back-when.

Anyway, that is where I come from. Where I am going, in the weeks ahead, is to develop my pro-fossil fuel thesis, and to suggest options for a position within the Presbyterian Church USA that still promotes protection and restoration of God’s creation, yet encourages responsible – even moral – energy production that includes fossil fuels. Thank you for your time in reading the above. I welcome any comments you wish to make in the space below … regardless of your stance on fossil fuel production. It is my hope that this will be the start of a discussion among those who ultimately share a common goal, a common destination … though for now, we may be reaching it by different paths.

Goin’ nuts in Texas

I’m going totally nuts in Texas … and I’m not alone.

It has nothing to do with the company I’m keeping, though there are those who would question the general level of sanity among us here in the Lone Star State. No … in this case, it’s all about the nuts themselves … and not just any old nut, either.

Carya illinoinensis – more commonly known as the pecan – is a member of the Juglandaceae family, a worldwide gathering that includes several genera and many, MANY species. Until the 16th century, collection and consumption was a confined to native Americans in Mexico and southern portions of what would someday be the United States. Spanish explorers in these areas brought appreciation for the pecan back to Europe with them.

Back on this side of the pond, the passing of time and major changes in society did nothing to alter the pecan’s attraction. Thomas Jefferson grew trees of the Illinois nuts at Monticello, as did George Washington at Mount Vernon … well, at least they oversaw the growing of said trees on their plantations.

In 1919, the Texas Legislature officially designated Carya illinoinensis as the State Tree of Texas, and Native Pecan as State Nut. The town of San Saba, Texas proclaims itself to be “The Pecan Capital of the World” … and they have good cause for said claim – look it up!

Depending upon where you are, pecan nuts start dropping from the trees in mid-to-late fall. I’m one of many, MANY people who have been busy harvesting this year’s crop. On evenings that I’m at home, once dinner and dishes are done, I have a shelling station set-up in my living room, and I’m watching TV while working. I sort the shelled results by ‘whole halves’ or ‘pieces.’ Some results will go in the freezer for use in the months ahead, while the rest goes on the shelf for use now … pralines, pecan brittle, spicy party mix, and pecan pie.

A sad story I once heard at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, involved pecan pies …

It was November, 1963, and the Johnson Ranch was abuzz with activity. President John Kennedy was touring Texas. Following stops in San Antonio, Houston, Fort Worth, Dallas and Austin, Kennedy and his wife were going to visit the Johnson Ranch for a relaxing weekend as guests of Vice President Lyndon Johnson and his wife.

That included the baking of pecan pies for dessert that weekend - a special recipe created by Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson, herself. Work in the kitchen and everywhere else halted at mid-day when they received news that President Kennedy had been shot in Dallas, followed shortly after with news that he had died, and later that Johnson had been sworn-in as President.

In the midst of all that, I was told, an employee reached up and stopped the clock in the kitchen where they had all heard the news of Kennedy’s murder … and you can still see that clock in the kitchen, set at that time, when you tour the park.

In so many ways – most of them wonderful, and at least one of them terrible – the pecan is a part of the Lone Star State, its history, its culture and its image …. and the reason I go nuts in Texas, year after year.

_____________________________

Here are links to some of my favorite pecan recipes …

PECAN BRITTLE: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/pecan-brittle

SPICY PECANS: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/46029/hot-and-spicy-pecans/

PECAN PIE: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1766-bourbon-pecan-pie

Slipping Back Into an Old Habit

I know, I know … this is that time of year for resolutions, for goals, for breaking away from habits and all. But for me, this time around, it’s a time to slip BACK into an old habit I once had.

It was almost two years ago, now, that I had enough of people commenting upon my appearance, and finally went to see the family doctor. I felt fine, really, but I decided to get a professional opinion.

Little did I know that I was stepping into the ring for the first round of my Texas Cancer Smackdown.

But that’s what it was. It’s an ongoing thing … starting with the initial problems that were fixed – and led to my cancer diagnosis. Then there was the surgery, the chemotherapy and many, MANY tests to check my progress – or lack thereof.

As an e-acquaintance of mine has noted on another forum, there’s a lot more to it than that as you – and everyone close to you – has to embrace a new normal. That was the case for me, as well, as I embraced a variety of changes to my normal … some of which I really hated.

One of those was blood donation. I had been a regular donor for more than 35 years, and it was important to me. And it became more important as people fell prey to fabricated scares of the process, and blood donations dropped. Another factor … I have blood type O-, the ‘universal blood type’ which can be transfused to almost anyone in need, regardless of their blood type.

All that came to an end two years ago, though. And it bugged the hell out of me, especially when the news would carry special pleas for donations from the Red Cross and the blood banks.

But now …

I finished my final chemotherapy infusion on January 1, 2017. Because of the type of cancer I had, I was not allowed to donate blood for one year … but I would be able to donate once again (with some types of cancer, you can’t, ever). The local donor center for United Blood Service is closed today. I could go in tomorrow, but one of the UBS staffers asked if I might come in when she’s there, on Wednesday … you got it!

This week, as others are resolving to break old habits, I’m going to embrace one … and I feel pretty damn good about that. I’m winning another round of my Texas Cancer Smackdown!

A Christmas tradition, of sorts ...

Even in the days of DVDs, when I could watch A Charlie Brown Christmas easily and inexpensively, whenever I wanted, I would still wait for the Christmas season to come around, so I could watch the broadcast, just as I did the first time it aired ... and have done every Christmas season since then.

Wellll ... at least until the last couple of years, when broadcasters made additional cuts to the original program. Made me glad I bought the DVD a while back ... I still wait for the Christmas season to come around ... I just watch it via a new medium.

I like the humor of the story, with characters and dialogue that doesn't drive adults out of the room, screaming ... and I like the fact that we are allowed to laugh - or not - spontaneously, without the urging of a laugh track.

And I LOVE the music! The soundtrack was composed by the late, great Vincent Guaraldi, and was performed by Guraraldi and his trio. It's one of my favorite holiday music albums, AND one of my favorite jazz albums.

And I like the idea that a story about Christmas has something to say about Christ ... with a wonderful delivery by Linus of Scripture from the Gospel of Luke (King James version, no less), answering Charlie Brown's question of 'what Christmas is all about.'



There are some wonderful anecdotes out there about the making (and the near UN-making) of "Charlie Brown Christmas," and how viewers and critics had the nerve to rear-up and roar-out their opinions of the show ... opinions that differed dramatically from what network executives had predicted.

Makes me wonder if such a cartoon special could be produced and aired on a major television network today ... I don't know ... maybe not. I remain a big fan of cartoons ... but I just don't see as much respect for viewers young and old as I see demonstrated in something like "Charlie Brown Christmas." And with contemporary cartoon production being what it is, would we ever again see a gathering of talent such as Charles Shultz (words), Bill Melendez (images) and Vince Guaraldi (music), all of whom were not only creators, but determined advocates for their project? Again ... I don't know ... maybe not.

Now, if there was just some way to add those old sponsor plugs for Coca-Cola and Dolly Madison.

I'm walkin', yes indeed …

I’ve been walking, lately. And I’ve been walking a lot more, getting out past my usual routes of recliner-to-frig, and car-to-office. And the funny thing is, I’m LIKING it.

I wasn’t always such a slug. In my younger, slimmer days – oh, about 500 years ago, or so – I worked as an archaeologist, covering a lot of ground each day in the course of surveys across the southwest. But with the passing of time and the change of careers, I became more sedentary. I’m not as young or as slim as I used to be.

Not as healthy, either. It’s been a year-and-a-half since I stepped into the ring for the first round of my Texas Cancer Smackdown. There was the initial hospital stay which oled to my cancer diagnosis … then there was the surgery, and the recuperation … then there was the chemotherapy. Nothing new there … but it an already sedentary lifestyle became even more so, with extended periods where I was unwilling – and sometimes unable – to move much.

Then there was earlier this year, when the initial chemotherapy round was completed and the side effects were wearing off – and I was feeling pretty good. What’s that old saying? “Ten-feet tall and bulletproof!” I was feeling so good I started doing stuff with a too much enthusiasm and WAY too little thought. All of which led to a fall from the roof of our dock, severe dislocation and minor fractures to my ankle, and several ribs fractured … and more downtime.

Oy vey!

The community college where I work supports a variety of activities to encourage and improve employee health. This month, they announced a walking challenge. Maybe it’s the ‘challenge’ part that got to me, but I signed-up … and started walking.

And started liking it … and started looking for more ways to get in more steps every day. I live just a few blocks from the campus where I work … and just a few blocks from church … and just a few blocks from the nearest convenience store. When I do take the car on errands, I park as far away from the entrance to the grocery store/pharmacy/concert hall/whatever.

Needless to say, there are advantages to all this walking. There’s added points for the challenge, of course, and improved health. But that’s not all. There’s more contact with my neighbors, and others I meet on the streets. I’m observing more and learning about the things I walk past, than I would if I were driving past at 35+ MPH. If something catches my attention and my interest, I can stop and enjoy it … again, more than I could if I were driving past at 35+ MPH.

And I’m free to think about all kinds of stuff. Last weekend, we had my brother-in-law and his fiancé over for dinner – the menu and the shopping list for it came together during a walk. Thoughts for what I would say at a church gathering were organized and practiced during a walk.

And the idea for composing this post came up during a walk.

I'm walkin', yes indeed!

All a-twitter over Twitter

I’m confronted with what one of my boys would call a “first world problem” …

Last week, Twitter launched an experiment, expanding the number of characters allowed on posts to 280 from the original limit of 140. The test, I read later, involves a small, random group of users (a single-digit percentage of the total users). It seems I’m one of the select few.

“We few, we happy few …”

Hmmmm, happy? Maybe not … at least, not in my case,. I rather liked the 140-character limit. It was a challenge to me. Could I communicate my thoughts successfully – and succinctly! – in my tweets? It required me to stretch my vocabulary, use punctuation more effectively, and move away from rambling rants and towards brief bullet-points.

Sort of a haiku for the new millenium.

I’ll be interested in learning the results of this experiment. For my part, I’ll be contributing to the 140-character end of the bell-shaped curve (or whatever) illustrating those results.

Just because I get twice as much space doesn’t mean I have to fill it. If I have more than can be said in 140 characters, I could always post something on “ArchaeoTexture.”

Added to my virtual bookshelf ... Kentucky Kaiju by Justin Stewart, Tressina Bowling and Shawn Pryor

I was a total neophyte in just about every way as I opened my e-copy of “Kentucky Kaiju.” Graphic literature (comic books, back then) was not allowed in my home when I was young; I have not yet had the pleasure of visiting the state of Kentucky and enjoying its culture; AND, I have never encountered a Kaiju … though that last might be a good thing, judging by the creatures presented to me in this book.


Through illustrations by Justin Stewart and Tressina Bowling, and accompanying text by Shawn Pryor, “Kentucky Kaiju” takes readers on a tour of Kentucky that somehow did not make it into the pages of the state’s official tourism/visitor guidebooks.

Are there any Gojira/Godzilla fans out there, reading this? Imagine what might happen to the critters (domestic and wildlife) caught between a pair of massive explosions – one from a nuclear reactor, and the other from a massive bourbon distillery. What might emerge from that glowing and flavorful fallout?

“Kentucky Kaiju” has the answer.

At just fifty pages, with much of each page taken up by a single illustration, it may seem like a quick read. But I recommend taking your time with each page, preferably with a glass of your favorite Kentucky ‘sip’ close to hand. The illustrations by Stewart and Bowling are first-rate, and you’ll want to keep an eyes out for small details that add to the story of the Kaiju being presented, and to your enjoyment of that story.

The same is true of Pryor’s text … we’re not talking mere captions here. Once again – take your time, and enjoy yourself.

The closing page of the book assures readers that “‘Kentucky Kaiju’ Will Return” … I’m looking forward to it!
__________

NOTE: I received a free e-copy of this work through LibraryThing in exchange for a review.

An occasion where I DON’T take a knee

One week ago today, I was in the food court at Houston-Hobby Airport, waiting for a flight home following the latest round in my ongoing Texas Cancer Smackdown. This round had gone well, with good test results and encouraging words from the folks at M.D. Anderson.

For obvious reasons, I was in the mood to relax – even celebrate – with some lunch. The food was good, and a cold glass of local brew added to my enjoyment of the meal. Several feet away, the Apollo Chamber Players were performing light classical pieces as part of the airport’s “Harmony in the Air” program … all in all, I was in good spirits.

But then there was change, as Apollo switched gears and began playing “The Star Spangled Banner.” I stood up, and turned to face the performers for the duration of the song.

I didn’t have to, I guess … sitting at a table with company, in the middle of lunch, surrounded by many who continued on their way to-or-from their flight, or enjoying their meals, paying no attention to the music. This was followed by works of a similar vein … “America the Beautiful” and “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” … it didn’t take long to realize this was Apollo’s recognition of this particular day, ‘9/11.’

As for “The Star Spangled Banner,” I would have been forgiven joining the majority and ignoring the music, myself … but I couldn’t.

This is the national anthem of my country … one that, for all its faults, I love and respect. And I am especially proud and respectful of what so many people have done, what so many have sacrificed to create and preserve this country. That includes the freedom I have to raise questions, to address faults and seek changes. There’s just no way I could NOT stand.

Nor will I take a knee, which has become sooooo fashionable now. I guess I’m getting old and crotchety, but I see a HUGE difference between Rev. Dr. King taking a knee in prayer – and in refusal to budge – in the course of his protests, and multi-millionaire pro-football player Colin Kaepernick briefly taking a knee in HIS protests.

Do I dismiss the presence of racism in America, and the sometimes-deadly consequence of that presence for ‘people of color?’ NO WAY. But there are people out there taking to the streets, risking so much more than Kaepernick – people who never had a fair shot at the success he has enjoyed.

I will say this … he has people talking about race – and that’s a GOOD thing. But aren’t there other problems we should be discussing – and SOLVING! – rather than whether or not teams will employ/start him because of his demonstration on race issues?

Like I said before, though, I’m grateful for the freedoms I enjoy in this country … and that includes the freedoms to choose. People like Kaepernick choose to kneel during our national anthem? Let ’em! AND MAY I BE COMPLETELY AND HAPPILY WRONG IN MY BELIEF THAT THEIR SIDELINE SHOW WILL ACCOMPLISH NOTHING SUBSTANTIAL.

But me? My choice? With a nod to Bernie Taupin, “I’m still standing … yeah, yeah, YEAH!”

Added to my virtual bookshelf ... Dreamweaver: Book 2 of the Dream Cycle by Najeev Raj Nadarajah

DreamWeaver is a good enough read for fans of swords-and-sorcery and other stories that fall within the realm of 'fantasy fiction.' I read my e-copy from cover to cover, and I enjoyed the experience. But I can't help but think there's something familiar about it ... something that I've read somewhere and somewhen else, by someone else.

DreamWeaver is the second installment of the 'Dream Cycle' by Najeev Raj Nadarajah, and it follows the journeys of young Weaver - not only physical journeys across a landscape ravaged by conflict, but personal journeys through Weaver's mind, heart and soul as he grows and matures, and seeks his place in a chaotic world.

Weaver is a young man with powers abilities beyond those of ordinary humans - and perhaps even beyond those of other empowered individuals. How far beyond? Hard to say, because Weaver doesn't know himself, and each of those steps in those aforementioned 'journeys' are part of the learning process. Fortunately, Weaver is accompanied by an elder - bound by vows and paternalistic feelings - who protects him and guides him as best he can through those journeys.

But that's only part of the process. Weaver finds himself in school where he will not only study reading and writing, but exclusive classes to help him better command and control his powers. Some of his instructors are warm and encouraging, while others are cold and appear to hold him in contempt. And while he finds antagonists among the other students, he also has a growing circle of friends, companions who will play a significant and supportive role in his journeys.

He'll need that support because there is an evil Lord in this world, one responsible for much of the conflict that has ravaged the land through the exercise of his own powers and the actions of his agents among the people, and one who has a growing interest in young Weaver.

Sound familiar? Oh, and did I mention that there is also some fun and exciting diversion from all this in the form of a sport played by Weaver, his friends and antagonists, and the matches are VERY popular at the school and the community at-large?

I'll admit, this HAS become a crowded genre since the success of J.K. Rowling's 'Harry Potter' ... I remember something like this happening forty years ago, during a resurgence of interest in J.R.R. Tolkien's 'Middle Earth.'

Which is why I give Nadarajah credit for carving-out his own niche, one that has elements all its own ... the story, it's characters, their motives, their powers, the media for getting in touch with those powers and the means for expressing them and taking them to the next stage.

DreamWeaver does have an ending. But in the tradition of serials past and present, it leaves some questions unanswered, some issues unresolved ... and some material for the third installment of the 'Dream Cycle.'

__________

NOTE: I received a free e-copy of this work through LibraryThing in exchange for a review.

Suggestion for PCUSA ... Music for “Marching As to War”

The most recent national election has provided a new President of the United States ... one with an attitude and goals that some within the Presbyterian Church USA find alarming ... to say the least!

Through the world wide web and with the assistance of internet applications, a number of my 'virtual' acquaintances within the church have shared their concerns - their dread, even - over the developing situation ... and a call-to-arms, of sorts, to alleviate that situation. And let me say, their concerns are not unfounded ... in just a few weeks, President of the United States Donald Trump and the conservatives in Congress have already set back victories already achieved by liberal-to-moderate factions within our society during the term of Trump's predecessor, Barrack Obama.

And more may be on the way ...

There is genuine heartbreak among the liberals over these setbacks to their hard-won victories ... and there is anger, as well. I hear expressions of that heartbreak and anger from a number of my virtual acquaintances, and during our weekly #PresbyIntersect Twitter chat frequented by pastors and laymen and general public from all over. They are heartfelt expressions and a number of them are quite strong ... words such as 'action,' resistance' and 'fight' are not uncommon.

And while they're not advocating violence, taking up firearms in their resistance to what's happening, they are calling upon us to stand up/speak up/act up nonetheless, utilizing hearts and minds, voices and votes in this fight fueled, in part, upon Christian faith.

Marching orders ... marching as to war? In a way ... yes.

The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – a man who knew more than most of us about resistance, about activism in the pursuit of justice for all – once said, “those who love peace must organize as effectively as those who love war.” It was almost exactly fifty years ago that he said those words, in the midst of a rally opposing the war in Viet Nam. But they are words that apply to a variety of conflicts, for those seeking peace to resolve those conflicts for the benefit of all ... including those within the Presbyterian Church (USA) now considering the prospect of action and resistance to what is becoming – for now, at least – the new status quo.

Shall we, as Christians sharing the love of Jesus, go marching as to war? If so, maybe I could recommend some marching music. I have to warn you, though, it is a song of which thew Presbyterian Church (USA) does NOT approve.

"Onward, Christian Soldiers" dates back to 19th-century England, with music by Sir Arthur Sullivan and words by Reverend Sabine Baring-Gould. The hymn was inspired by calls in the Bible for Christians to be soldiers for Christ. A frequently-cited example is II Timothy 2:3 ... "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." ... and, YES, I do continue to prefer my old King James version of the Bible.

Personally, I think the Presbyterian Church (USA) was wrong to strip “Onward, Christian Soldiers” from their official hymnals. In the years since then, I have appreciated those individual PCUSA congregations that chose to dismiss ‘that silliness out of Louisville’ and continue to use the hymn in worship. And I still get a lump in my throat and my heart when the Salvation Army band comes marching down the streets of Pasadena, California every January 1st, playing that hymn ... God bless ‘em all!

But here’s a thought ... considering the points I made above ...

How about presenting a resolution to an upcoming gathering of the PCUSA General Assembly to restore “Onward, Christian Soldiers” to the hymnals? 

Take a moment to read through the lyrics ... considering the calls-to-action that are being heard lately, they may be just what we need to think and say. And maybe it’s time to act upon those words, for us to accept our marching orders ... to be “Christian soldiers, marching as to war.”

Thank you for your patience with my rambling, and God bless you for your thoughtful and prayerful consideration of my suggestion.

Jeff McDonald
Member, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Midland, Texas, USA

Well done, good and faithful servants!

EDITOR'S NOTE: The following text is from a letter by Pastor Cheryl Homsher, Grace Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas, to the church family at Grace. The Fellowship Christian Church of Midland (founded by refugees from Myanmar/Burma) had been a part of Grace, using its facilities for worship, fellowship and more ... until this past weekend. It was cause for a gala celebration. The photographs in this post were taken by Homsher and Judy Brown.

---

This past Sunday, we gathered to seek and to worship God with the Burmese Chin congregation at their new building.

What a truly spirit-filled day!

I believe the 35+mph winds were just a way of reminding us of the tremendous power of the Holy Breath of God in our world and in our lives – and especially today for the Chin.

We started outside with prayer, singing, balloons and ribbon-cutting, and then gathered inside for worship.

The sanctuary was filled to capacity (and beyond), and the service was live-streamed into the fellowship hall, which was also full.

Members of the other 5 Chin churches of Midland were present; we had a strong representation from Grace; and delegations from Chin churches in Ft. Worth, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona and Oklahoma were present. Leaders of the North American Chin Baptist Association were present from Battle Creek, Michigan; Atlanta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indianaand Des Moines, Iowa.

There was lots a great music, including two songs from The Backsliders. (Thank you, Backsliders!)

Pastor Thang’s mentor, The Rev. Dr. Stephen Kio, preached the sermon. Pastor Stephen, a distinguished guest, worked for the United Bible Society for many years and translated the Bible from English into Falam/Chin.

We were treated to a wonderful lunch after the worship – many different meats, and vegetable salads.

As always the Chin were very gracious, and their gratitude to Grace was overflowing.

And looking back over the day, my words to you, Grace, are these: Well done, good and faithful servants.

Call it what you will ... but MARK it!

IN FLANDERS FIELDS

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved,

and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch, be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep,

though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Lt. Col. John Alexander McCrae, MD - Canadian Expeditionary Force

(Died January 28, 1918 at Boulogne France)

Here in the U.S., one doesn't see the poppies on people's lapels so much, as we used to when were children ..... One of the most ridiculous victories in America's 'war of drugs' was the declaration by 'drug czars' and their staffs that the poppy reminded people of addiction to drugs, rather than appreciation to those who gave the 'last full measure of their devotion' in service to their country. Such is not the case in Canada, England, and other countries that once formed the 'Commonwealth.' The paper poppies - and the fundraising for veterans' relief that they represent - have been prominent in photos and video the past couple weeks.

Armistice Day, Remembrance Day, Veterans Day ..... call it what you will ..... but find some way to mark this day. Here, in America, the focus of the day has been expanded to honor all men and women who, throughout history, have answered their country's call to serve. There have been many in our own family, but - mindful of the origins of this particular holiday - I will tell the boys of their great-grandfather Frederick, a sergeant with the 102nd Balloon Company, U.S. Air Service, American Expeditionary Force, and his service in France during the First World War.

A prayer for Trump is a prayer for us all

Looking back over the weeks leading up to Election Day, as the idea circulated that response to election results might include protests, I noticed the focus was almost entirely upon candidate Donald Trump and his supporters. Little or no mention of candidate Hillary Clinton and her supporters ... but then, depending upon your news sources - and your personal views - there would be no cause for complaint from that camp, come Wednesday morning.

Which brought us to that Wednesday morning, and a 'Dewey defeats Truman' moment for the new century. So, what is the proper response to that moment, for Clinton supporters? Via texts, tweets, blog posts and online chat rooms, I've heard from a number of them - their outrage over the results, their fears over what life will be like 'with Trump in charge, their tears and their anger ... and from some, a call to hit the streets and share all of that with the general public.

I'd like to propose another response for supporters from BOTH camps ... prayer.

Me? I'll be praying as someone who entered the voting booth less-than-enthusiastic about both of the major party candidates for President, prepared to take a co-worker's advice to 'hold your nose, lean in and press one of the buttons.' I cast my vote ... and I wish that more people across the country could say. But now, it's time to deal with the results.

I shall pray that President Elect Donald Trump will be a better President than I expected him to be. I pray that he will be open to new experiences and new views, and that he will learn and grow from them. I pray that he will receive good advice and good counsel from those he chooses to be part of his inner circle, and that he will also keep his eyes and his ears, his mind and his heart, open to those outside that circle.

I pray for his success as President of the United States. As current President Barrack Obama said following a meeting with Trump at the White House, "If you succeed, the country succeeds." I was encouraged by the demeanor of both men following that meeting, and the tone of their comments about one another considering what has passed between them over the preceding years ... funny how your view of someone might change once you have ACTUALLY met that someone face-to-face, looked them in the eye and shaken their hand ... for all that has passed between them in those preceding years, this was their first ACTUAL meeting.

And so, I pray ... and I urge all of you who are open to faith, regardless of your religion or denomination, to do the same. And remember, there will be opportunities for ALL of us to speak and work towards helping our nation succeed.

Added to my virtual bookshelf ... "Professor Challenger: New Worlds, Lost Places" compiled by J.R. Campbell and Charles Prepolec

In the course of a prolific career that traversed a wide variety of genre, British writer Arthur Conan Doyle created - for me, at least - three singular characters. Over time, those three have achieved varying degrees of popularity and shelf-presence.

I have read all of Doyle's stories of detective Sherlock Holmes, and almost all his stories of Brigadier Etienne Gerard. In contrast, I have read only one of his Professor George Edward Challenger stories ... but what a wonderful story it was! And I am not at all surprised that it provided much of the foundation for “Professor Challenger: New Worlds, Lost Places” a collection of short stories inspired by Doyle's brilliant, headstrong and physical academician.

The stories were compiled by J.R. Campbell and Charles Prepolec, and I strongly recommend reading their introductions before proceeding to the stories themselves. These intro’s provide a very good background from which many of you will learn something new and useful ... I know I did.

As for the stories themselves, it should be no surprise that some appealed to me more than others ... although the general level is good, and I recommend them all. It’s just that some were less successful for me than others. One of those was Guy Adams’ and James Goss’ “Professor Challenger & the Crimson Wonder,” which is related to us in the form of a series of communications between the story’s characters. It’s not a bad idea ... it worked very well for Lawrence Sanders’ “The Anderson Tapes” ... but here, not so well. Still, though, I was intrigued enough to want to finish the story and find out how it ends .. it was just a little harder getting to that end.

Some stories that appealed to me more were those that captured – even in brief snippets – some of Doyle’s original story, and the exchanges between its characters. There are several with brief exchanges between Challenger and Edward Malone that display thr professors disdain for the ‘dim-wittedness’ of people in general, and the journalist’s public education in particular. Another was Stephen Volk’s “Shug Monkey,” which closes with an exchange between Challenger, Malone and Lord John Roxton that very much captured the spirit of an exchange between those same three characters in “The Lost World” ... a spirit of work to be done and adventures to continue.

More than a century has passed between the publication of these stories and thr novel that inspired them. So it should be no surprise that the passage of time and concurrent development of science and technology is reflected in the vocabulary. I have no problem with that. I also have no problem – welcome it, actually - with the stories including female characters of strength, intelligence and initiative who are allowed to do more than just scold the professor, or wail when said scolding leaves them set atop a high dresser.

My thanks to Campbell and Prepolec for assembling these stories ... and inspiring me to seek out and read the rest of Doyle’s stories of Professor Challenger. I recommend the - both this collection of stories, and the stories that inspired them - to you all.
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NOTE: I received a free e-copy of this work through LibraryThing in exchange for a review.

Love is in the air ...

Loading-up at H.E.B.

... well, green chile, actually ... same thing.

For me, September is one of those times where something touches and excites the senses, bringing fond memories to the surface, and setting me on the path to add yet another page to that particular 'fond memory' archive.

It's chile-roasting time in the southwest ... and love truly is in the air ... well, for me, at least!

The first page of this particular archive was entered more than forty years ago, when I made the move from northeast to southwest, bidding farewell to the Keystone State to pursue my education - and, eventually, my life - in the Land of Enchantment.

It was only a few weeks after my arrival, and the start of the fall semester, and I was on my way to class when I caught a whiff of something new, something wonderful in the air. It was still there after class, and I had some spare time, so I took Toucan Sam's advice ... "Follow your nose!"

That led me to a nearby K-Mart parking lot and my first view of a chile roaster, and my first taste of fresh-roasted green chile, harvested just the day before from the fields of Hatch, New Mexico (the Green Chile Capital of the Universe), and trucked overnight to Albukookoo.

Firing-up at Market Street

There was a hint of love in the aroma ... and the taste sealed it, beginning a passionate relationship that continues to this day, renewed each September when roasters set-up in parking lots of shopping centers around the southwest ... when I take a bag of freshly-roasted chile home to wash and package, some for now and some for later ... and when I think about the meals ahead - green chile stew/casserole/strata/enchiladas/quiche/cheeseburgers/chicken salad/pizza (especially with piñon nuts)/omelettes/queso/cornbread - you name it!

Something that touches and excites the sense of smell, bringing fond memories to the surface. For some, it's the smell of freshly-laundered linens drying on the clothes line, while for others it's bread baking in the kitchen, or a pile of leaves burning in the backyard. For me, it's the smell of roasting chile ...

... oh, YES ... love IS in the air!

My problem with Patriot Day

It's been just under fifteen years, now, that Joint Resolution 71 passed through the U.S. House of Representatives, then the U.S. Senate, then was signed into by law President George Bush, proclaiming September 11 as Patriot Day. This followed President Bush's proclamation of September 14, 2001 - just three days after the horrific terrorist attacks of '9/11' - as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance. Personally, I think President Bush had the right idea in that proclamation, perhaps realizing that there was more to what we experienced that terrible day - and the days and years that followed - than just patriotism.

You see, I have a problem with labeling 9/11 as Patriot Day ... I believe there was so much more to those attacks, and to the response of people on-the-scene, across our nation and around the world, that was deeper than an emotional attachment to a nation.

I have no doubt that there were patriots among the firefighters who and police officers rushed into the Twin Towers that day. But they were also responding to a call of duty, fulfilling an oath they took upon graduation from the academy, with their hand upon a Bible, closing with 'so help me God.'

Was it strictly his patriotism that led Mychal Judge, O.F.M. - a Franciscan friar and Catholic priest who served as a chaplain to the New York City Fire Department - to enter the lobby of the World Trade Center North Tower, where he continued offering aid and prayers for the rescuers, the injured, and the dead until debris from the collapsing South Tower sliced through the lobby, killing him and many others?

On the far side of the world, I believe there was something more that patriotism at work when a Thai village delivered an illustrated letter of condolence to the U.S. Embassy in Bankgkok, for the people in America. and in the months following the attack, the Japanese government found a way to support America's war in Afghanistan with non-combat support troops, in spite of Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution - drafted in the wake of World War II - that forbade use of Home Defense Forces abroad.

These are just a few examples ... I'm sure you can offer others ... and I welcome your contribution. You may also offer examples of how I'm wrong, that this 9/11 is aptly labeled Patriot Day ... I welcome those contributions, as well.

BUT ... whatever you call it, please find some means in your mind and in your soul, to mark this day.

Added to my virtual bookshelf ... Tesseracts Eighteen: Wrestling With Gods compiled by Liana Kerzner and Jerome Stueart

Don't let the title of Wrestling with Gods, a collection of short stories and poems assemble by Liana Kerzner and Jerome Stueart, fool you. It DOES provide an overlying theme for this latest installment of the Tesseracts series ... but it provides only a hint of what the reader will find inside.

The idea of wrestling with gods is an old, even ancient tradition ... just ask Jacob about his wrestling an angel, or Gilgamesh about his battle with Ishtar's bullish minion, or Sun Wukong about his smackdown with Buddha's palm.

Over the millennia, tablets have crumbled into dust and temples have been consumed by the jungle. But the belief in gods is still with us, and tales of conflict with said deities are still part of our shared literary tradition.

Wrestling with Gods is a good addition to that tradition. Story by story, we read of a protagonist's conflict ... with faith or religion, with family or community, with themselves or with a wide and colorful variety of gods and demigods, their priests and supplicants, their blessings and curses. These stories, their settings and their cast of characters are limited only by the imaginations of the contributors, and their ability to tell stories in a manner that draws readers in and entertains them ... which in this case is to say, 'unlimited.'

And the variety of 'styles' employed by the different contributors - their perspective, their language, their tone - was another attraction for me.

That's not say there aren't stories that will appeal to you more than others ... there were, for me. My favorites included "Mecha Jesus" by Derwin Mak, "Come All Ye Faithful" by Robert J. Sawyer, "A Cut and a Prayer" by Janet K. Nicolson, "Summon the Sun" by Carla Richards and “Ganapati Bappa Moriya!" by Savithri Machiraju.

That's just a small sample of the total offerings ... I'm sure you will find some favorites of your own ... and enjoy the book in general.
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NOTE: I received a free e-copy of this work through LibraryThing in exchange for a review.

Added to my virtual bookshelf ... Railroad Rising: The Black Powder Rebellion by J.P. Wagner

I am told J.P. Wagner covered a lot of ground and a lot of topics in the course of his career as a journalist. Having 'been there, done that' myself, I suspect it left him with an appreciation for a broad range of interests.

That certainly appears to be the case in his first published novel, Railroad Rising: The Black Powder Rebellion. Fantasy, action and adventure, swords and sorcery? Check, check, check. Steampunk, royal court intrigue, love story? Check them all off as well.

The story follows the adventures of Cartog, a young nobleman far down in the line-of-succession, and far-removed from any prospect of inheritance. Accompanied only by Yakor, his faithful retainer and a formidable master-of-arms, Cartog has set off on a journey to find his fortune elsewhere and make his own way in the world, perhaps as a mercenary.

They ride into a small town seeking employment ... but instead find themselves in the midst of a what appears to be an uprising and attempted kidnapping. This is the first of a series of events that will involve Cartog and Yakor in a growing conflict and circle of enemies, as well as a growing prospect for advancement and circle of friends. It could lead to great fortune in the long term, or death in the short term.

"Railroad Rising" was an easy read and enjoyable enough, with a straightforward story line and simple characters. But I have to agree with other LibraryThing Early reviewers who thought it could have used some editing, and some polishing to the story and characters.

And we might have gotten some of that, had it not been for circumstances far removed from the realm of Cragmor, in our own real and mundane world ... "Sadly," we read in the book's postscript, "J.P. Wagner passed away in 2015, before the publication of 'Railroad Rising.'" It is something I read with regret as I finished this book ... I was looking forward to Wagner's NEXT book.
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NOTE: I received a free e-copy of this work through LibraryThing in exchange for a review.

Added to my virtual bookshelf ... Living History: On the Front Lines for Israel and the Jews by Phyllis Chesler

WARNING: Reading Phyllis Chesler's book "Living History: On the Front Lines for Israel and the Jews" may be hazardous to your sense of well-being. It could lead to increased levels of skepticism. This, in turn could lead to a variety of side-effects ... a willingness on your part to question what we are told about the world around us, to make an extra effort to gain more information. You may even find yourself rejecting what 'everybody knows and believes,' in favor of a view that is more complicated, more detailed ... and perhaps more truthful.

These were my thoughts as I came to the conclusion of the book, a compilation of selected articles and essays Chesler composed over a 12-year period as she documented a growing number of incidents that form part of what she describes as a “slow motion Holocaust.” It is a theme that is familiar to those who have read Chesler's works in the past. This was my first introduction to Chesler, and I found myself engrossed, article-by-article, page-by-page. All of it delivered in a style that is clear, concise and compelling.

The incidents she documents have a growing range, occurring in a variety of social, educational and cultural settings around North America and Europe. They also have a growing level of shrillness, as denunciations of 'all things Israel' are encouraged ... and dissenting voices are discouraged.

And it's not just the talk. There is the way 'Middle East issues' are reported in the media. And there are the calls for excluding pro-Israeli attitudes from public fora, from universities, even from churches. Then there is the growing movement to call-out corporations that do business with Israel, and moves to divest investment funds from those corporation who won't go along.

An initial response might be something like, 'come on ... not really.' I was thinking that very thing, at first. But then you find yourself stopping, thinking, then recalling your own first-hand experiences ... as I did when my own Christian denomination began considering divestment from companies that do business with Israel ... JUST as Chesler reported.

There are still among us survivors of those years when the noun 'holocaust' became forever capitalized. Chesler's "Living History" will leave you with the unsettling thought that still another Holocaust may be in the works.

I strongly recommend this book ... with ample time to read it closely, carefully, and to occasionally set the book aside and consider what you've just read.
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NOTE: I received a free e-copy of this work through LibraryThing in exchange for a review.