Our local NPR station has a series called “This I Believe” which features local people spouting on various things. It can be silly, and it can be quite moving. While I mainly listen to the radio while driving somewhere and so don’t actually follow any shows or even segments of shows, it is among the bits I feel particularly pleased to capture on my Mr Toad’s wild rides around town… The other day a rabbi I know and rather admire... Read more

my literary friends, and those who look for an excuse to lift a pint in honor of James Joyce… Read more

I just read this and it made me go and listen to her song again… Read more

Evelyn Underhill was very important for me as I was trying to put my spiritual life in order. I see that the Anglican communion has designated today as her feast day. I’m so glad… Read more

Jimmy Dean died yesterday. Couldn’t help think of his working man’s classic… What particularly moves me is how this song so deeply called to a certain class of American’s in its day. People who didn’t and actually still don’t have much of a say in things. They work hard, but don’t advance. Just working stiffs. In the culture wars my views seem often at odds with theirs. But not always. I share their admiration for people who will put it... Read more

On this day in 1846 various malcontents started the Bear Flag Revolt, an opportunistic action in the middle of the Mexican American war, creating the California Republic. The next day William B. Idedeclared himself president, a reign which would last a mere twenty-five days before he and the rest of the Bear Flagers would join John Freemont’s American forces. With that California’s future was settled. Other than as a footnote, and the origin of the state’s flag, there isn’t much... Read more

My old Dharma friend Danny Fisher interviewed me about my joining in the demonstration against SB1070 in Phoenix, for Shambhala SunSpace. Here it is. Read more

This afternoon I’ll be joining clergy from across the state in a worship service kicking off Rhode Island’s Gay Pride Week. the following is the public announcement from the chair of our Religious Coalition for Marriage Equality in Rhode Island. I think it is worth a read. And if you’re in the area, I hope to see you at three… The eyes and the ears of the State of Rhode Island will be upon us for a brief moment this... Read more

(thank you, Alan!) Read more

Brooke McEldowney’s 9 Chickweed Lane tells a story. And a pretty good one, I think. Here’s today’s installment.    If you like a bit of a story, some soap, a bit of war, characters you’re going to like, well… The storyline begins pretty close to here. And can be followed up to now by going here… Read more