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inner heart: Humility
"Some persons grumble because God placed thorns among roses. Why not thank God because He placed roses among thorns." ——Benjamin Franklin
Francisco de Zurbarán
Oil on canvas
In the solitude of a dimly lit stone cell, Francis is at once physically before us and spiritually elsewhere. Absorbed in meditation, he cradles a skull in his hands. Beneath the hood of his Capuchin habit his barely discernible eyes are turned heavenwards. The tattered, patched-up garment is the embodiment of the Franciscan ideals of poverty and humility. A more essential representation of Francis is hard to imagine. Zurbarán made the painting in Seville.*
From the exhibition
Saint Francis of Assisi
(May – July 2023)
Presenting the art and imagery of Saint Francis (1182–1226) from the 13th century to today, this exhibition looks at why this saint is a figure of enormous relevance to our time due to his spiritual radicalism, commitment to the poor, and love of God and nature, as well as his powerful appeals for peace, and openness to dialogue with other religions.
From some of the earliest medieval panels, relics and manuscripts to modern-day films and a Marvel comic, the exhibition shines a light on how Saint Francis has captured the imagination of artists through the centuries, and how his appeal has transcended generations, continents and different religious traditions.
It brings together paintings from the National Gallery Collection by Sassetta, Botticelli, and Zurbarán with international loans including works by Caravaggio, Josefa de Óbidos, Stanley Spencer, Antony Gormley, Giuseppe Penone, Andrea Büttner, and an exciting new commission from Richard Long.
[*National Gallery]
Taken in the National Gallery
The Los Angeles Fire Department and the Los Angeles City Firefighters Association are proud to recognize Captain II Richard Moody as "Firefighter of the Year” for his many personal and professional accomplishments during calendar year 2023.
With 24 years of exceptional service to the people of Los Angeles, Captain Moody brings spirited leadership, selfless dedication, approachability and positivity to all he does.
Prior to joining the Los Angeles Fire Department in 2000, Richard spent ten years as a paid-call Firefighter and Captain for the Orange County Fire Authority.
After commencing his LAFD career, he quickly discovered a love for firefighting truck operations, and was soon promoted to Apparatus Operator, serving that role with distinction at Fire Stations 17 (Industrial Eastside), 102 (Valley Glen), 10 (Convention Center District), and 98 (Pacoima).
Earning a promotion to Captain I, he proudly served a leadership role at Station 41 serving Hollywood and the Hollywood Hills, before achieving a special duty position in LAFD Tactical Planning. His many contributions to that demanding specialty assignment helped him in earning a promotion to Captain II and service as the Task Force Commander at busy Fire Station 11 in the Westlake / MacArthur Park area. With a leadership style characterized by an open-door policy, Captain Moody has never missed an opportunity to train and learn alongside those in his command, and has been perpetually noted for always putting the needs of his crew first.
With Captain Moody's highly specialized skills and experience in high demand, he was soon assigned to the LAFD Critical Incident Planning and Training Section (CIPTS) to handle complex logistics, where he has supported the department's multitude of large-personnel commitments to incidents such as brush fires, civil unrest, municipal events, large-scale emergencies and memorial services for firefighters.
It is worthy of noting that he has served on the logistics cadre in almost every LAFD fallen member's memorial service for the last 20 years, as well as compassionately assisting other Fire and Police agencies in their most difficult moments.
His ever-expanding role within the Department and in support of allied agencies is indeed legendary, including service as a member of FEMA Task Force 1, Field Incident Management Team, and as a Trustee of the Los Angeles Firemen's Relief Association. A beloved mentor, he selflessly assists with LAFD In-Service Apparatus Operator training videos and has presented the essential After Action Review for the Apparatus Operators Core Program. He enjoys helping with Department related fundraisers such as golf tournaments, Hope For Firefighters and other important events, such as the LAFD Valor Awards.
Captain Moody served the demanding role as the Logistics Section Chief for the Getty Fire in 2019, overseeing the first-ever 100% City-Managed Base Camp for over 2,000 firefighters. It was a milestone success for our Department, and his Logistics Section set a new standard for the support, care and treatment of deployed firefighters in the midst of a major firefight.
At CIPTS, Richard has created a full-time logistical support group, supplying a wide variety of equipment and vehicles, developing vendor relationships and designing response procedures for both planned and emergency events near and far. He has an uncommon ability to say “yes” to - and most importantly deliver, any requested need from the Department or City, no matter how big or small, through the remarkable relationships he has developed within and beyond the LAFD.
As but one example, within 12 hours of the Mayor's request, Rich assembled and led a team to open a first-of-its-kind Covid-19 Public Testing Site at the LAFD Frank Hotchikin Training Center in Elysian Park, fully staffed by nurses, doctors and firefighters. The site served as the blueprint for and eventually expanded into the Dodger Stadium vaccine super-site.
Other special events that Captain Moody and his LAFD CIPTS team have overseen include the Space Shuttle Endeavour final move, U.S. Special Olympics, World Police and Fire Games, L.A. Port Fleet Weeks, Dodgers, Lakers and Kings games, The Summit of the Americas, and countless concerts, festivals, ceremonies, protests and award shows.
He is looking forward to participating on LAFD’s team to organize and manage a successful City deployment for the LA2028 Summer Olympics.
Without question, Rich exemplifies leadership and humility in the ever-changing role of our Department. The men and women of therefore heartily congratulate Captain II Richard Moody for being named 2023 Firefighter of the Year!
LAFD Event - 041824
Photo Use Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: LAFD Photo | Gary Apodaca
Connect with us: LAFD.ORG | News | Facebook | Instagram | Reddit | Twitter: @LAFD @LAFDtalk
Photos by Francisco Montiel. Event hosted by Centro de Cultura Digital, Shutterstock, Frutos de Vida, Buñuelo Capuccino, Bopcakes #CMMX #CreativeMornings
The global theme for April 2015 was “Humility” and our speaker at Portland/CreativeMornings was Charlie Brown, CEO and Founder of Context Partners. We were hosted by PNCA and sponsored by Create Legal and 52 Limited, and Razorfish. With thanks to Pro Photo Supply for the photo & video gear.
Photo by Scott Larsen. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
In the old and new testament, the scriptures declare, “Say to the Daughter of Zion [inhabitants of Jerusalem], Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, that foal of a donkey [a beast of burden”. On Palm Sunday Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a lowly don...
Taken at the 2007 Nipmuck[nipmuc, nipmuk--however you choose to spell it] pow wow. My first pow wow and I enjoyed it a lot. I'm glad to finally be close enough to interact with my heritage. [yes I am a nipmuck[nipmuc; nipmuk]. =3]
The humilty dance where men and women reverseded dancing roles. [isn't the guy in black and red gorgeous? <_<]
always makes me VERY HAPPY... from pepsi .. just cos ,,,,,,
white ,,,,, Purity, Innocence, Silence, Secrecy, Reverence, Humility, Youthfulness, "I am worthy of you", Heavenly
coral,,,, Desire
yellow ,,,,Joy, Gladness, Friendship, Delight, Promise of a new beginning, Welcome Back, Remember Me, Jealousy, "I care"
If there is any advice Col. Kirk Gibbs can give to his successor, it is this: Lead with honor and humility.
As Gibbs, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District’s 61st commander, prepares to relinquish command of the LA District July 19 to Col. Aaron Barta, he offered up some advice and reflected on the past three years as the leader of one of the largest Corps districts in the country.
There are many things Gibbs said he is proud of when it comes to the LA District, but three things stand out: the District being recognized two years in a row as a "Best Place to Work" in the Corps; completing Weed Army Hospital at Fort Irwin, California – the Department of Defense’s only Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-Platinum, carbon-neutral, net-zero certifiable hospital – on time and within budget; and the one-on-one time he was able to spend with employees in the District.
It is the people Gibbs said he will miss the most – the employees and the District’s close partners across the four-state area.
“I have never focused on relationships like I have here in this District, and I sincerely believe it is part of the District's culture,” he said. “When projects are tough, the close relationships get us through those challenges and ultimately deliver the program.”
During his time with the LA District, Gibbs has overseen a multimillion-dollar program that provides engineering, construction, planning, contracting, real estate, emergency operations, environmental and regulatory services to military, federal, state and local governments across a 226,000-square-mile area of Southern California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah. That also includes leading about 750 military and civilian personnel with a wide array of expertise.
But leading people is nothing new to Gibbs, who has served for more than 24 years as an active-duty Soldier, leading both military and civilian personnel.
“Each person is different, and I have learned that good leaders get to know each person individually and then lead them in a way that brings out the best in that employee,” he said.
Providing priorities and a solid intent on the District’s missions, particularly disaster response operations, helps employees stay focused on what’s really important, he said.
Gibbs will now serve as the chief of staff at the Corps’ headquarters in Washington, D.C. There, he said, he hopes to be an advocate for all of the Corps’ districts nationwide.
“I feel that this District and the great people are responsible for giving me the incredible opportunity of being the Corps’ chief of staff,” he said. “The people have taught me so much, and I will take that with me to make a positive impact on the Corps’ enterprise and help our Districts deliver our programs in civil works, military, Interagency and International Services, real estate and regulatory.”
Gibbs knows how the importance of mentors and having a good support system have played in shaping his career, and he credits his parents with instilling in him respect for others; his wife, Kim, who taught him to endure all challenges, no matter how great, with grace and dignity; and his former chief of staff – Col. Steve Hill – for giving him tough jobs to prepare him for success.
“(Hill) gave me tough jobs that I thought he could have done at the time, but as I look back, the toughest assignments he gave me in that civilian organization at the Corps headquarters prepared me for District command and enabled me to achieve the goal of commanding at the battalion, brigade and District levels,” he said. “I also remember he told me I would be a chief of staff for the Corps one day. He was preparing me for that. I didn't believe him, but that is my next job.”
And, as for additional advice he can share with Barta, Gibbs provided these words of wisdom:
- Be prepared to change leadership style when leading a District of professional civilians. Don't lead them in the same way as Soldiers;
- Engage with people and get around to see them across the District's entire area of operation. Don't sit behind a desk;
- Study hard initially and learn the policies, processes and programs. “You will never be the expert, but you must prepare yourself to make effective decisions as quickly as possible”;
- Always provide a commander's intent and an end state. The civilian workforce appreciates that; and, lastly,
- Lead with honor and humility. “It isn't about you. It is about the District's people and our vital mission.”
As for the future of the LA District, Gibbs said he hopes future leaders continue to change the culture to an organization that is more risk tolerant in streamlining processes and moving projects forward; deliver the Department of Veterans Affairs and Customs and Border Protection programs phenomenally – on time, within budget and to the highest quality; and to remain a "Best Place to Work" in order to retain and recruit talent to the high-cost living area of Southern California.
“I want the District to do what it always does and ‘knock those programs out of the park,’” he said.
Design (work in progress) for posters to teach the 16 guidelines for a happy life to children. For more info click on my 16 guidelines set to the right of the picture, or go to www.essential-education.org
Humility: realizing everyone has something they can teach us, that our humble work is important, and that we all depend on each other and on the earth.
The global theme for April 2015 was “Humility” and our speaker at Portland/CreativeMornings was Charlie Brown, CEO and Founder of Context Partners. We were hosted by PNCA and sponsored by Create Legal and 52 Limited, and Razorfish. With thanks to Pro Photo Supply for the photo & video gear.
Photo by Scott Larsen. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
The global theme for April 2015 was “Humility” and our speaker at Portland/CreativeMornings was Charlie Brown, CEO and Founder of Context Partners. We were hosted by PNCA and sponsored by Create Legal and 52 Limited, and Razorfish. With thanks to Pro Photo Supply for the photo & video gear.
Photo by Scott Larsen. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
An animal doing something funny (because pooping on someone's head is funny), for the March Scavenger Hunt.
The Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) and the City of Los Angeles Firefighters Association proudly announce Captain II Andrew Ruiz as the 2024 Firefighter of the Year. Captain Ruiz has dedicated 31 years to the fire service, with over 26 of those years serving the citizens of Los Angeles.
Captain Ruiz currently serves as a Unit Commander in the In-Service Training Section and has served as a Drill Master at the LAFD Training Academy. His past assignments have included fire stations in Battalions 1, 5, 11, and 13. Outside of his duties with the LAFD, he is the Lead Master Instructor for the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Fireground Survival (FGS) program and has been teaching internationally since 2009, where he has influenced thousands of firefighters on how to save their own lives.
Captain Ruiz is an instructor at the Rio Hondo Fire Academy, where he has taught various disciplines since 2008, focusing his efforts on training the next generation of firefighters. He is currently collaborating with California State Fire Training (SFT) to revamp the Fireground Survival Program, Rapid Intervention Company (RIC) operations, and firefighter rescue techniques. Captain Ruiz has also served as a panel member for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) focused on Coordinated Fire Attack and Ventilation.
Andrew and his wife of 28 years. Maura, are the proud parents of two daughters. Amanda recently graduated with her Master's Degree in Speech Language Pathology and is currently serving Fullerton School District. Alyssa is in her third year of nursing school at Biola University.
Captain Andrew Ruiz’s professionalism and selfless service inspire not only his peers within the LAFD, but also the countless individuals whose lives he has positively impacted. This honor reflects the deep respect and admiration he has earned throughout his career. He exemplifies leadership and humility as a public servant, striving to fulfill our Department’s public safety mission.
We extend our sincere congratulations to 2024 Firefighter of the Year, Captain II Andrew Ruiz!
Photo Use Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit LAFD Gary Apodaca
LAFD Event 032025 - Firefighter of the Year 2024
Connect with us: LAFD.ORG | News | Facebook | Instagram | Reddit | Twitter: @LAFD @LAFDtalk
How extraordinary is it to have received the great wisdom of the Sri Guru Gita from the satguru himself? For 14 precious days, satguru Paramahamsa Vishwananda graced the world online and physically with a commentary explaining on how rare it is to meet a satguru.
Paramahamsa Vishwananda gave his precious time explaining each verse that Lord Shiva had spoken to Devi Parvati after she had asked the question on the nature and purpose of the satguru in order to uplift mankind. He explained the importance of being humble, sincere and simple on the path towards loving God. This was indeed a unique and rare opportunity that Paramahamsa Vishwananda has given the whole world. An opportunity, yet again, to transform ourselves into selfless beings who just love for the sake of loving just as the satguru does in all his humility.
paramahamsavishwananda.com
bhaktimarga.org