Monthly Archives: November 2011

November 9, 2011 · 9:56 pm

I like these moments

I like the moments when I recognize an actress or an actor – when I am watching a film and I spot someone I did not know was in the cast. Or someone playing against type. Or someone at an early moment of their career.

In the midst of an incredibly busy stretch (and on laundry duty again), I find myself watching The Indian Runner – a film written and directed by Sean Pean based on Bruce Springsteen‘s song “Highway Patrolman” and featuring David Morse and Viggo Mortensen.

All of a sudden, I had an ah-ha moment. That is Benicio Del Toro, I said. A very young Benicio Del Toro, but Benicio Del Toro. Of course David and Viggo were also young.

I checked on IMDB and sure enough. Bernicio Del Toro. I like these moments.

See you along the Trail.

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November 9, 2011 · 5:54 pm

Incredible plans

Incredible as it sounds, I plan to take part in a 5k on Thanksgiving Day. Sister-in-law Jane suggested it.

They bill the event as a “Waddle.” I can do that.

Jane and Sean will run or jog. Eric may do the same. Tricia will walk. Other family members may run, walk, or jog as well.

Me, I plan to creep, with occasional bursts of waddling.

Now that I have provided the best laugh you will have all day, you might consider making a gift to the Central Virginia Food Bank – the cause supported by the event.

See you along the Trail.

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November 8, 2011 · 11:36 pm

Four executions scheduled in next ten days

Until recently the next ten days were scheduled to bring five executions. One has been stayed. Four more loom.

November 15 – Reginald Brooks in Ohio (includes a petition)

November 15 – Oba Chandler in Florida

November 16 – Guadalupe Esparza in Texas

November 18 – Paul Ezra Rhoades in Idaho

More details will follow as I find them.

See you along the Trail.

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November 8, 2011 · 11:13 pm

Time to go

My words falter as I ponder recent revelations of events at Penn State University.

The abuse of children and the failure to intervene appalls me.

No excuse. No defense.

Joe needs to go.

Anyone else who knew and failed to speak or act needs to go with him.

I believe that. I affirm that. Yet even as I type the words, I tremble. When have I failed to do what morality – what decency – what God required? I know I have. I think we all have. I acknowledge that. It will probably keep me awake tonight. It tempers my anger. It leads from smug self-righteousness.

But it is no excuse. no defense.

Joe needs to go.

Anyone who knew and failed to speak needs to go with him.

See you along the Trail.

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November 8, 2011 · 10:58 pm

Not knowing – knowing

A Texas court has stayed the execution of convicted murderer Henry “Hank” Skinner.

I do not know if he is guilty or innocent.

I know that he deserves every opportunity to prove his innocence – including DNA tests.

I do not know what that test will show.

I know that the murders of Twila Busby, Randy Busby, and Elwin Caler were horrific crimes, terrible violations.

I know that I grieve for them and all who love them.

I know that executing Hank Skinner will not bring them back, will not restore community; it will deny any possibility of rehabilitation for Skinner; it will be an act of violence that degrades our society.

See you along the Trail.

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November 8, 2011 · 9:35 pm

Why I like New York City 1

As I stepped out of the door of the United Presbyterian Church of Ozone Park – a congregation with many members from the Caribbean, I heard the skirl of bagpipes at a street event.

Amazing diversity!

See you along the Trail.

 

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November 6, 2011 · 6:19 pm

Proclaiming the Good News of God’s Peace

Order now!

Advent is coming. November 27, 2011 brings the First Sunday in Advent in western churches.

Once again, the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program offers a booklet of collected daily devotions for the Season of Advent. Proclaiming the Good News of God’s Peace contains brief devotions and accompanying prayers that follow the daily lectionary readings. Individuals, households, or congregations may use the devotions to prepare for the coming of the Prince of Peace.

Order copies for yourself, your family, and community of faith.  You may also call Presbyterian Distribution Service at (800) 524-2612 to order Item #24358-11-004.

The booklets cost $.40/each.

Note: Eastern Orthodox churches use the Julian calendar and observe 40 days of Advent rather than four weeks, thus Advent begins on November 15.

See you along the Trail.

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November 6, 2011 · 5:52 pm

What I am doing in December

Yes. The commercialism of Christmas annoys me. On Tuesday, November 1, while on my way to have lunch with my friends Leo and Theresa Chavez Sauceda in Vallejo, I stopped by a drug store – one of the major chains, I forget which. Transition dominated the shelves that day. Of course by now, the transition is completed.

Halloween items: gone.

Shelves: stocked with Christmas items.

Yes. In many ways it is too early to begin thinking about Christmas. But, when one lives in multiple places, one has to plan time with care to do what one wants.

So my plans for December have begun:

  1. Travel to Cleveland
  2. Buy coffee for Carol at Noble Road Presbyterian Church (probably with Eric)
  3. Coffee (recurring theme) with Francis and Isaac about the Dougbe River Presbyterian School
  4. Go to movies
  5. Watch football
  6. Finalize the “usual events” – Christmas Day at my brother’s home; Trivial Pursuit; Steelers games at the Winking Lizard;

Today, I added another item to the list.

On my way to worship with the saints of the United Presbyterian Church of Ozone Park, I noticed a woman wearing a hat. Her hat reminded me of my hat-wearing friend Merdine T. Morris. And I knew.

December needs to include time to see Merdine T.

See you along the Trail.

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November 6, 2011 · 5:24 pm

I see the moon

Watching football, I found myself looking out the window where I spotted the moon across the way.

 


See you – under the sun and under the moon – along the Trail.

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November 5, 2011 · 7:57 pm

Why won’t Texas perform a DNA test?

DNA tests have exonerated a number of individuals “convicted” of crimes in recent years.

In Texas, Hank Skinner has asked for a test of DNA evidence that he believes will prove his innocence. So far, his request has been denied.

Now time is running out. On Wednesday, Texas will execute Hank Skinner.

Skinner was convicted in 1995 of the murders of Twila Busby, and her two sons – Randy Busby and Elwin Caler.

Questions have been raised about Skinner’s guilt.

A larger question looms: Why won’t Texas perform the DNA testing?

Individuals can join former judges, prosecutors and law enforcement officers, along with current and former elected officials who have called Texas state officials  not to execute Skinner until that DNA testing can be performed.

The National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty offers the opportunity to sign a petition.

I do not believe the state (any state) should execute individuals. I will continue to call for the abolition of the death penalty. But, I have signed the petition because I also believe that, if there are going to be executions, there should be as much certainty about their guilt as possible.

I pray for Hank Skinner and all who hold his fate.

I pray for Twila Busby, Randy Busby, and Elwin Caler and all who love them.

See you along the Trail.

 

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