Predator: Dark Ages

I'm a big knight nut. I love knighthood. What most don't know but I'm actually a big Predator fan. The above movie is a fan film that puts the Predator in the Dark Ages. Not Masonic, but I thought this was cool.

For Your Saint John's Day Celebrations...

Saint John the Baptist by Titian

LiveScience is reporting that Bulgarian archaeologists may have found, at the site of an old church on the island of Sveti Ivan (Saint John) in Bulgaria, some remains of Saint John the Baptist. You can read the full article here. Of course, this would not be the only place that Saint John is believed to be interred. There is a legend that the head of Saint John (or Yahya), a prophet in Islam, is in his tomb at Umayyad Mosque in Damascus.

Shrine of Yahya in Umayyad Mosque

Saint John plays a special role in Masonry, as we are all doubtlessly aware. One of my favorite articles was this one by Greg Stewart of Freemason Information. My lodge, Faribault Lodge No. 9, will be hosting a Saint John's Day event that we haven't done in awhile, if ever. (I'm still looking through the records which are very old.)

Here are all the details:

It is with great pride that we invite all of you to join us and our families as Faribault Lodge No. 9 revives the old tradition of celebrating Saint John's Day, Sunday June 24th. We will open our lodge at 8:45 am and form in procession to walk the four blocks to Our Merciful Savior Episcopal Cathedral. We will process in with the congregation at 9:30 am and attend services. Your families may also join us as well but only Masons may be in the procession.

The dress for church is dark suit and tie for the members of Faribault Lodge No. 9. For all other Masons, we would appreciate a jacket and tie but a tie and dress shirt is acceptable. After services have completed, you may either cross the street to Central Park or you may process back to the lodge where we will proceed to close the lodge. You can change clothes at the Lodge building before the picnic. 

After our procession, we will have our Saint John's Day picnic with our families at Central Park. Central Park is across the street from the Cathedral. Please bring a picnic lunch for your family only as we are unsure how many people will be attending. If you do not feel comfortable attending the service, which is perfectly acceptable, you are still most welcome to join us at the picnic. The picnic will likely start 11:30 am.

This tradition is indeed very old. We find references, in many historical accounts, of Masons, in full regalia, processing to a house of worship during the feast days of Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist. Visiting different houses of worship continues as a tradition in many Grand Lodges as a way to introduce themselves to local religious organizations.

We are especially lucky to be attending services at Our Merciful Savior. For those unaware, Bishop Henry Whipple, a well-known humanitarian, was the first Episcopal Bishop of Minnesota and his Cathedral was Our Merciful Savior. In fact, it was the first Cathedral in the state of Minnesota and continued to serve as the cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota until 1941. It also has the distinction of being the first Episcopal Church in the United States of America to be designed as a cathedral.

Faribault Lodge has had many prominent members including Past Grand Master Frederick E. Jenkins (1922) and General James Shields. General Shields was a charter member of Faribault Lodge No. 9. He, along with Senator Henry Rice, served as the first senatorial delegation from the state of Minnesota. General Shields also has the distinction of being the only United States Senator to have served three states.

Again, all Masons are invited to attend. We will be in full regalia for this procession. If you are a lodge officer or Grand Lodge Officer, please bring your officer's apron and jewels. Also, we may not have enough white aprons; if you are not a member of Faribault Lodge, please bring your lodge's aprons to ensure all Masons are properly attired. We have also created a Facebook Event page which you can find here.

I just recently joined Faribault Lodge No. 9 and have had a blast. I hope to get more historical papers about Faribault and Corinthian out into the future.

Do you have a comment? Leave it below. 

The Nite Show: Interview with Professor Weinberger

I caught this wonderful interview on The Nite Show with Tom Mischke. On this particular program, Mischke is speaking with the author of Too Big to Know, Prof. David Weinberger. 


What is knowledge? How has the Internet changed how we as human beings seek out information and what does that do to the paradigm of knowledge seeking that we know? Just a wonderful discussion and as a Mason, I think that there really is some need for us to understand the way that the Internet will affect human knowledge in the future.

A Plant of Deep Root...

Here is an interesting story coming out of the border regions of the Sahara. The people there are doing combat against the creeping sands destroying the arable land there. The weapon against this scourge, the acacia tree. Lines of acacia trees are being planted to keep the Sahara at bay.

You can read more here. Truly, a plant of deep root.

H/T to WM Steve B.

Boy Scouts of America Celebrates 100 Years

On February 8th, 2010, the organization, Boy Scouts of America, will be celebrating its 100th year anniversary. This is an incredible event for the premier organization for boys and young men. During my time in Scouts, I learned a great deal of skills that I have used in my adult life.

Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, in my opinion, are in the best position to make good boys into better men. Boy Scouts is a great preparatory step into manhood. I loved my time as a Scout leading to the ultimate award, the Eagle Scout. Understanding the importance of Scouting on not only this country and its brightest minds but also the participating countries in the World Scouting Movement is essential to improve our young men. Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't describe just how essential Girl Scouts of America is to improving the lives of young women. I have friends that are Gold Awardees and they have done many great and important things as well. Scouting has changed my life and I truly see many shared qualities between the Troop and the Lodge.

There is a modern convergence for Brothers that also serve as Scoutleaders. It's known as the National Association of Masonic Scouters. In Minnesota, the Grand Lodge recognized this organization just last year at the Annual Communication. There is also an award that Masonic Scouters are eligible for called the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award. Daniel Beard Carter was made a Master Mason in Mariner's Lodge No. 67 and later affiliated with Cornucopia Lodge No. 563. The Senior Deacon of my Lodge, Rick, was awarded the Award at the same Annual Communication that the Masonic Scouters organization was recognized.

Scouting also has its own "secret society" known as the Order of the Arrow. The only way to be eligible is to be voted on by the members of your Troop. The Order of the Arrow was created by E. Urner Goodman, who was a member of Robert A. Lamberton Lodge No. 487 in Pennsylvania. I am also a member of the Order of the Arrow and was very impressed by the work done by all the members. (Of course, that was many years ago. Now I feel old.)

In all, with this incredibly short account of Boy Scouts and their relationship to the Masonry has not done justice to everything that can be covered. It's also interesting to note that the man instrumental in bringing the Scouting Movement to America, William Boyce, was a Freemason and a Shriner. If you want more information, there is an article entitled "Freemasonry and Scouting" by Bro. Bainbridge at the Masonic Trowel. If you have a son or daughter, think seriously about having them join Scouts, it will change his or her life. Happy 100 years BSA, I hope for many more.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I want to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. I was wandering around Youtube and noticed that the Food Network had posted Alton Brown's videos on making a Thanksgiving turkey. If you've never watched "Good Eats", you don't know what you're missing. I've decided to post the videos on how he suggests you use a cook a turkey. It's brilliant.

Ark of the Covenant to be Revealed June 19th

"I will tell all of the entire situation regarding the Ark of the Covenant."

I want to thank Worshipful Brother Clay for letting me know about this article and translating for me. As is being reported by the Adnkronos in Italy, the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Abuno Paulos, is calling a press conference on Friday, June 19th to reveal one of the great mysteries of our time, what happened to the Ark of the Covenant?

"The Ark of the Covenant," affirms Paulos, "has been in Ethiopia for many centuries. As Patriarch I have seen it with my own eyes, and only a very few qualified people have been able to do this, so far."

The Ark of the Covenant was revered by the Israelites as the container of the sacred tablets on which was written the Ten Commandments as well as holding Aaron's rod and manna. It remains a source of great mystery and wonder. The power of the Ark has been for centuries a search for the power of God on earth and was prominently featured in the movie, "Raiders of the Lost Ark". If you have never seen the movie, you can get a quick synopsis here.

I will be very curious to see what is presented by the Patriarch. Whether it is true or not, skepticism will remain high until serious research is done. A corresponding video, also by Adnokronos, presents more information about the unveiling next week.

*********Correction*********
6/18/09

It is probably the Friday of this week. Apparently, they are having a religious leaders conclave in Rome before the G8 Summit. The Ark will be placed in a Museum built by the Prince of Ethiopia. Some more key phrasing more closely related to Masonry from the article as translated by WB Clay:

The Ark has inspired the fantasies of archaeologists, writers, religious groups, of every kind. In fact, tradition states that it emanates a certain power, but also that those who touch it are incinerated. It is an object that given its location -- the Temple of Jerusalem -- has from time to time been at the center of stories related to the Masons or the Knights Templar. However, it should be remembered that there are many churches in Ethiopia which kept an "Ark," and that other scholars -- often moving at the boundaries of mystery and legend -- have placed it in various other parts of the world.

***********Update************

The press Conference was held on Friday by His Holiness Abune Paulos who explained that he would not be showing the Ark but instead said that he was not there to present evidence of the Ark. In fact, he really didn't say anything. So, with all that I can honestly say, I am not surprised. I guess it is time to cancel my tickets to Addis Abada.

**********Update************

June 26th

According to the World Net Daily, a conservative Christian online newspaper, has reported that Patriarch Paulos has not given any further word concerning the Ark nor has any further press conference been scheduled. The Patriarch has explained in previous statements that today would be the day that something would be shown.

He has revealed the possibility that the purported Ark may show up in the future museum to be built in Ethiopia. Tim Worstell of examiner.com said it best:

It's not so much that the Ark of the Covenant will be revealed, it's that the Ethiopian Orthodox Church has the Ark of the Covenant and could reveal it if they wanted to. But they don't so they won't and so there, yah boo sucks!

The Commercial Critic

My brother has recently begun blogging about a subject that not many people think about but are almost always inundated with on a daily basis, commercials. The name of his blog is The Commercial Critic and I think everyone should check it out. He has some very interesting thoughts on what commercials are really telling the doughy minds waiting to be molded. Whether it involves what the American Dream grows on to the march of death through a football game, there are always great insights into the world of commercials. Check it out. You can also follow him on Twitter @TheCommCritic.

Today in History: Order of the Illuminati is Formed (Groan)

I am going to bother a lot of brothers by even discussing this certain event but so be it. Today, in 1776, Adam Weishaupt gathered together men on the fringes of the Enlightenment in the German state of Upper Bavaria into various groups under the name "Perfectibilists." Their purposes remain relatively unknown but it is possible that they were formed to overthrow the various princes of Germany. At the end of it all, the Illuminati Order fractured over who was to take over the various groups and finally died.

Sadly, this group has continued to serve as conspiracy fodder for all the kooks and crazies of the world. So here is a secret from a brother of a Secret Society, Freemasonry, for all those conspiracy theorists; come close, I have to whisper it in your ear: FREEMASONS AREN'T MEMBERS OF THE ILLUMINATI. I'll give your ears a minute to stop ringing.

Sorry that I had to yell so loudly but I am hoping that one day, that little trick will start some neurons in the brains of those that believe that a Cabal is out to take over the world. I also have a message for those men that would like to join Freemasonry: (don't worry, I won't yell into your ears) the secrets within Freemasonry are many but you will not find a single iota of crazy nonsense in our Fraternity; no Illuminati, no Bohemian Grove, no fish frys. (okay, fish frys may be the only crazy thing you might find in a Lodge.) We don't agree on evil plots (trust me, we can't even agree on what to have for dinner) nor do we make flu viruses (that's a new one). Also, we will not be making any money off of a certain new movie based off a certain book about aforementioned group.

I usually don't rant but sometimes I gotta. When you look on Youtube and find a series about the Illuminti hitting over 200 episodes, you get a little perturbed. I have had people ask me if I am a member of the Illuminati or have been accused as such so I am hoping that I can put this whole conspiracy thing to bed. We may have our fights about cladestine and other issues within the Fraternity but I think there is one thing everyone can agree on, Anti-Masons seek to make all of us look evil, weird, or just plain crazy.

With all this talk of Illuminati, I have decided to post a video of one man's desperate plea to join.

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Joining the Illuminati
colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor First 100 Days

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UPDATE:
Worshipful Brother Chris Hodapp, writer of such great books as Freemasons for Dummies and Solomon's Builders has adapted a great piece from another title of his (co-written by Alice Von Kannon), Conspiracy Theories and Secret Societies for Dummies, concerning the Illuminati which you can find at another website of his, Conspiracy Theories and Secret Societies for Dummies. If you are interested in this subject, I would definitely check it out.

Reverend Davidson Loehr on "In the Stream"

My favorite radio host now has a new show broadcast live online by the City Pages, a hip city paper in Minneapolis, called "In the Stream". I really found his Good Friday show to be fascinating as he had Reverend Davidson Loehr as a guest. He was on Mischke's show to discuss his views of belief in America.

Rev. Davidson Loehr, a Vietnam War veteran, earned his Ph.D in religion from the University of Chicago and has been a Unitarian minister for two decades. He is also a member of the Jesus Seminar.

If you are unfamiliar with Rev. Loehr, one of his most famous sermons is entitled, "Living Under Fascism" which you can find here. You may disagree with the Reverend but it is always important, in my opinion, to understand the arguments of scholars on every side of an issue, especially one as important as religion. I was really interested in the understanding of compassion as it relates to living beings, not merely human beings, but all creatures. According to Rev. Loehr, studies are showing that all creatures seem hardwired with a sense of compassion for their fellow creatures.

If you have time, you should also listen to Mischke's other shows as he is truly one of the jewels of Minnesota radio and is on the forefront of how radio will be: online, on demand, broadcasted over the airwaves, and in many new forms not yet conceived.

Mischke Broadcast Off the Air

Monday December 8th in the year 2008 will be remembered as a sad day by Mischke fans around the globe. For those that do not know who Tom "T.D." Mischke is, I will give a brief summary of the brilliance of this man's radio broadcast. I would describe the Mischke Broadcast as a stream-of-consciousness circus with Tom Mischke as Master of Ceremonies. His show was free-form, spontaneous and fun; it was not the typical broadcast of liberal and conservative pundits barking into a microphone but rather a lyrical tribute to good radio.

Sadly, on Saturday, Mischke reported that he had been laid off by the station. Others had also been laid off due to budget cuts. Minnesota has lost a rare gem of entertainment and I am completely shocked by the lack of regard for this man's work by the station. He was not even allowed to give a proper sendoff. If you were fortunate enough to hear the brilliance of the show, I am sure you know why I am so upset.

I will post the podcast link as I have read that they will keep his last five days of shows available until the end of this week. http://www.am1500.com/itunes/itunes_mischke.xml

Also, there exist many fan sites for Mischke but my favorite is the Madness of Mischke. There you will find the Mischke poem on the front page that represents exactly what his show meant to people. (you can hear the poem read here) Mischke, thanks for the wonderful years you have given this community and I hope your voice will be heard again soon.