Due to other commitments today, I was not able to get to Skipton anywhere near a decent time of day, but at least I saw this out and about. The very last step entrance Dennis Dart in the Pennine fleet, R717 YWC was new to East London (as can be told by the font used on the number blinds) before being used by Stagecoach Manchester - and Pennine will likely be its last owner, with this being its likely last day of service due to DDA regulations forcing this type of bus out of action in about a year.

GET YOUR KNEE OFF OUR NECKS Commitment March Rally at Lincoln Memorial Lower Steps in Washington DC on Friday morning, 28 August 2020 by Elvert Barnes Photography

Visit Commitment March website at nationalactionnetwork.net/commitment-march-on-washington-dc/

Elvert Barnes 57th Anniversary of 1963 March on Washington COMMITMENT MARCH docu-project at elvertbarnes.com/57MOW2020

I don't know what these things are, but they curl up when they wither and all I could think of was "Emotional Nature"

3 stone Diamond ring

This is going to be long but hey... its my 365th picture, so I am entitled to it right?

365 of 365 – that’s my 365 project done! But really? Was it a 365 project? Technically speaking and to be honest, NO... it wasn’t! A 365 project is where you take a shot every day for 365 days in a year. Of course, you are going to miss some days especially when you are doing it as a hobby and have a job, commitments etc but I would expect this rate to be less than 5%. I started my 365 on 1st April 2009 and it has taken me 511 days to complete it. Within that time, I had to take 2 breaks of about 2 months each to accommodate holidays, personal commitments and to take some time off from the 365! Even when I was doing the 365 I missed so many days that I can’t be bothered counting! So, I really, really, really can’t put myself in the same league as all those 365ers who do this day in day out for a year with such commitment and enthusiasm. Hats off to those 365ers – I really know the effort you put in to it.

But what was I trying to achieve with this project? I wanted to start using my camera, start learning to use it, expand my knowledge, be more creative, understand lighting, be able to shoot people without freezing up, confuse people with all my strobist info, etc. Have I achieved all that? The answer to that questions is a resounding YES! I was able to do all that and more. There is no denying the advantages of doing a 365 project if you are really passionate about photography. It really gets you off your backside and makes you want to do better. It’s a constant challenge trying to be better and do better.

One of the best things to result from this 365 is the contacts that I have made on flickr and other sites! You guys are truly awesome. Thank you so very much for all the comments, faves, encouragement and advice you have given me. I truly appreciate the time and effort. I hope that I will be able to give back as much as I have been given.

There is so much to say but I will end up by giving some sagely advice. A 365 is what you make it – it really is not worth taking a shot every day just so that you are fulfilling this criteria. You may have taken a shot every day for a year but if you are not happy with your project by the end of it, you really haven’t achieved anything. You should be happy with what you are doing and be proud of it as well. Which is why I needed to take a break from my 365 – I was suffering from 365 burnout and I felt my photography was suffering because of it. By taking a break, I was able to re-evaluate, regroup and come back to the project with enthusiasm. And I think this helped me a great deal to improve my pictures. A 365 project is something that you do for yourself – you make the rules, you decide on how to stick to it.

Small note - All this wouldn't be possible without my one and only true love - who got me interested in photography, encouraged me, gave me ideas and kicked my backside when I was slacking. Love you very much and thank you for being with me!

Over and out.

Oh.... I almost forgot to confuse you with the Lighting info – bare Sigma EF500 and bare 430EX both at 1/8 behind model on either side; generic Ying Yang flash at 1/1 (no output control) bounced against white board in front of model and slightly to camera left; triggered by Cactus V4 and optical trigger (on 430EX); A bit of flare was added on in photoshop.

I've decided to finally commit to something. Hopefully this one won't be that bad. Something about this makes me feel good, like I'm doing something with my life. I cannot wait until the year 2017. I want to be a photographer and a artist. I am

Herbert von Karajan, born April 5, 1908 Salzburg, † July 16, 1989 Anif near Salzburg (cemetery Anif), conductor.

Studied at the Salzburg Mozarteum and at the University of Music in Vienna (resident 1926/1927 7, Neubau alley 54, 1927 1, Stubenbastei 1, 1928/1929 1, Kolowratring (Schubertring) 8, 1930 1, Mölkerbastei 12). After a commitment in Ulm (1930-1934 Opera Director of music), he went to Aachen (1934 General Music Director); when he conducted Wagner's "Tristan" at the Berlin State Opera on October 21, 1938, the word "Miracle Karajan" was coined. In 1941 he became head of the Berlin Staatskapelle (Staatskapelle is a denomination used by several German symphony and theatre orchestras) participated in the Salzburg and Bayreuth festivals and staged at La Scala in Milan.

In 1947 Karajan (after political turmoil and professional ban because he was accused of his [controversial] NSDAP membership) came to Vienna and laid the foundation for an unprecedented career when he became director of the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde (Society of Friends of the Music in Vienna) in 1949. Soon after, he went to La Scala in Milan, was in 1954 (as successor of Furtwängler) lifelong chief conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic (May 1988) and was artistic director of the 1956-1964 Vienna State Opera (which he left in disarray) and the Salzburg Festival; in 1967 he founded the Salzburg Easter Festival and became its overall director, in 1969 he founded the Salzburg Karajan Foundation. Karajan has toured extensively throughout Europe and the US, first conducting an orchestral concert during a Vatican service, but increasingly struggling with health issues.

In 1977 he returned to the podium of the Vienna State Opera; in 1987 he conducted the Vienna New Year's Concert. Karajan had an ingenious gift for the interpretation of almost all works of orchestral literature from classical to modern; with his pedagogical skills and his successful efforts to achieve technical precision for the perfect reproduction of musical productions (he was extremely interested in technical developments and put the media at the service of classical music), he was one of the greatest conductors in music history.

In January 1997, the "Herbert von Karajan Centrum" was opened in state rooms of the former Königswarter Palace, 1, Carinthian Ring 4. Its main goals are musical performances in the context of spatial possibilities, the construction of a publicly accessible archive about the life's work of Karajan as well as the intensification of the music education of the youth.

Honorary citizen of the city of Vienna (April 24, 1978).

On behalf of the City of Vienna, a Commission of Historians examined the historical significance of those personalities the streets of Vienna have been named after from 2011 to 2013 and made a historical contextualization. According to the final report of this research group Herbert von Karajan was from 1933 a member of the NSDAP. Karajan (1925 Conkneipant (= extraordinary member of a corps which does not fulfill the requirements of the full member) in the Salzburg Fraternity "Pan-German Gymnasium-Rugia") was one of the most important conductors of the Nazi state. From 1934 he served as General Music Director in Aachen and from 1941 in Berlin. He was also used by the Nazi regime before the Second World War for foreign propaganda. After the war Karajan received until 1947 conducting ban.

Herbert von Karajan, * 5. April 1908 Salzburg, † 16. Juli 1989 Anif bei Salzburg (Friedhof Anif), Dirigent.

Studierte am Salzburger Mozarteum und an der Hochschule für Musik in Wien (Wohnhaft 1926/1927 7, Neubaugasse 54, 1927 1, Stubenbastei 1, 1928/1929 1, Kolowratring (Schubertring) 8, 1930 1, Mölkerbastei 12). Nach einem Engagement in Ulm (1930-1934 Opernkapellmeister) ging er nach Aachen (1934 Generalmusikdirektor); als er in dieser Eigenschaft am 21. Oktober 1938 an der Berliner Staatsoper Wagners „Tristan" dirigierte, wurde das Wort vom „Wunder Karajan" geprägt. 1941 wurde er Leiter der Berliner Staatskapelle, wirkte bei den Salzburger und Bayreuther Festspielen mit und inszenierte an der Mailänder Scala.

1947 kam Karajan (nach politischen Turbulenzen und Berufsverbot, weil man ihm seine [umstrittene] NSDAP-Mitgliedschaft vorwarf) nach Wien und legte hier den Grundstein zu einer beispiellosen Karriere, als er 1949 Direktor der Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde wurde. Bald darauf ging er an die Mailänder Scala, wurde 1954 (als Nachfolger Furtwänglers) lebenslänglicher Chefdirigent der Berliner Philharmoniker (Zurücklegung Mai 1988) und war 1956-1964 künstlerischer Leiter der Wiener Staatsoper (die er in Unfrieden verließ) sowie der Salzburger Festspiele; 1967 begründete er die Salzburger Osterfestspiele und wurde deren Gesamtleiter, 1969 begründete er die Salzburger Karajan-Stiftung. Karajan unternahm zahlreiche Tourneen durch Europa und die USA, dirigierte als erster ein Orchesterkonzert während eines Gottesdienstes im Vatikan, kämpfte jedoch zunehmend mit gesundheitlichen Problemen.

1977 kehrte er nochmals ans Pult der Wiener Staatsoper zurück; 1987 dirigierte er das Wiener Neujahrskonzert. Karajan hatte eine geniale Begabung zur Ausdeutung fast sämtlicher Werke der Orchesterliteratur von der Klassik bis zur Moderne; mit seinem pädagogischen Können und seinen erfolgreichen Bemühungen um technische Präzision zur perfekten Wiedergabe von musikalischen Produktionen (er war an technischen Entwicklungen äußerst interessiert und stellte die Medien in den Dienst der klassischen Musik) gehörte er zu den größten Dirigentenpersönlichkeiten der Musikgeschichte.

Im Jänner 1997 wurde in Prunkräumen des ehemaligen Königswarterpalais, 1, Kärntner Ring 4, das "Herbert von Karajan Centrum" eröffnet. Seine Hauptziele sind musikalische Darbietungen im Rahmen der räumlichen Möglichkeiten, der Aufbau eines öffentlich zugänglichen Archivs über das Lebenswerk Karajans sowie die Intensivierung der Musikerziehung der Jugend.

Ehrenbürger der Stadt Wien (24. April 1978).

Im Auftrag der Stadt Wien hat eine HistorikerInnen-Kommission die historische Bedeutung jener Persönlichkeiten, nach denen Wiener Straßen benannt sind, von 2011 bis 2013 untersucht sowie eine zeithistorische Kontextualisierung vorgenommen. Laut Abschlussbericht dieser Forschungsgruppe war Herbert von Karajan ab 1933 Mitglied der NSDAP. Der deutschnational und völkisch sozialisierte Karajan (1925 Konkneipant bei der schlagenden Salzburger „Alldeutschen Gymnasialverbindung Rugia“) zählte zu den wichtigsten Dirigenten des NS-Staates. Ab 1934 fungierte er als Generalmusikdirektor in Aachen und ab 1941 in Berlin. Zudem wurde er vom NS-Regime bereits vor dem Zweiten Weltkrieg auch für die Auslandspropaganda eingesetzt. Nach dem Krieg erhielt Karajan bis 1947 Dirigierverbot.

Herbert-von-Karajan-Platz

www.wien.gv.at/wiki/index.php/Herbert_von_Karajan

The Enforcement Board

President Gjorge Ivanov of the Republic of Macedonia addresses the education pledging session at the Supporting Syria conference.

The Supporting Syria conference delivered commitments to support 1.7 million children in education across the region.

BACKGROUND

The Supporting Syria and the Region conference is taking place in London, today on 4 February 2016.

It brings together world leaders in a bid to raise the money needed to help the millions of people whose lives have been torn apart by the devastating civil war in Syria.

Syria is the world's biggest humanitarian crisis. Billions of dollars in international aid are needed to support people caught up in the conflict.

The UK, Germany, Kuwait, Norway, and the United Nations are co-hosting the conference to raise significant new funding to meet the immediate and longer-term needs of those affected.

The conference is also setting ambitious goals on education and economic opportunities to transform the lives of refugees caught up in the Syrian crisis - and to support the countries hosting them.

This event alone cannot solve all these problems. Ultimately a political solution is necessary to bring the Syrian conflict to an end.

Find out more: www.supportingsyria2016.com

FREE-TO-USE PHOTO

This image is in the public domain and free-to-use, as long as you credit the source as: Adam Brown/Crown Copyright

the latest piece I got myself and instant favourite, done by my good ftiend Tommy TTT from Classic Ink in Dublin.

Commitment March: Get Your Knee Off Our Necks

Soon after the Second Eastern European War (2EEW), the United States’ security commitments to the European continent doubled as many of America’s allies in NATO felt especially vulnerable to mayhem initiated and sponsored by Yugoslavia. Indeed, the instability in Russia, the Balkans, and the Ukrainian steppe culminated into rising feelings of apprehension among NATO’s easternmost members and partners. To help mitigate these deleterious sentiments, the US deployed additional forces to Europe to contain violent revisionism (e.g. Yugoslavian designs on Bulgarian and Greek territory) and transnational terrorism (e.g. the Yugoslavia- and Songun-backed Black Cross insurgency). By forward-deploying several stripped-down mechanized brigades, the US attempted to materially demonstrate its commitments to NATO while also pivoting to contain Songun expansionism in the Indo-Pacific. However, it quickly became apparent that the logistical burden of upholding sophisticated security regimes in two separate parts of the globe was enormous. Indeed, maintaining and fielding hard-hitting armored equipment like the M6 Jackson MBT proved to be more hassle than it’s worth. Thus, a capability gap emerged among US forces in Europe. While looming conventional threats from Yugoslavian armor grew, the costs of matching Yugoslavia and its cronies tank for tank were demonstrably too steep to be realistic. The US could maintain its Jackson fleet in Germany and move them when absolutely necessary, but parading them across the continent as a show of fast-acting force was not feasible. An intermediate fire support vehicle was desperately needed.

Ironically, this is roughly the same situation that produced the Interim Armored Vehicle (IAV) program, which ultimately manifested the Stryker family of vehicles. That is, the Stryker and its numerous variants were supposed to offer a full range of combat solutions at discount rates. The reduced weight—and, subsequently, protection—of the Stryker were to allow whole brigades to be made airmobile and deployable within a matter of 96 hours. Unfortunately, elements of this rapid deployment fantasy were a pipe dream. The Stryker quickly fulfilled roles it wasn’t suited for, exposing the crews to numerous lethal hazards, i.e. anti-tank mines or improved explosive devices. More or less, the Interim aspect of the IAV program proved to be on the nose as the US Army quickly looked for a more well-defended solution. Eventually, the M32 Legionnaire was selected to replace the Stryker, leaving the latter to be mothballed in the desert.

The conditions created by the 2EEW, however, demonstrated that up-armored vehicles simply did not have the same deployable dynamism as the sought-after brigade combat teams built around the Stryker and other light-medium armored vehicles. Thus, much of the heavy lifting in Europe has been done by America’s fleet of revamped M7 Scott IFVs and its derivatives. While these vehicles do pack a wallop given they posses both 30mm cannons and integrated ATGMs, switching between the two frequently creates problems for the crews who must decide if the autocannon is capable of destroying hardened targets (e.g. machineguns nestled in concrete buildings) or if wasting a more expensive anti-tank munition is advisable. Indeed, many Scott teams in the field lamented not having a light tank capable of using its gun to counter defilade or eliminate mobile armored targets. The US Army responded to these lamentations by waffling over whether or not to announce a tender for a specially designed vehicle to complement the M7, or to simply make-do with what the Army already possessed, e.g. wasting missiles on persistent, but otherwise cheap threats.

Luckily, some spirited officer deep in the bowels of the Department of Defense forwarded the Scott teams’ concerns to members of the of the defense industry, resulting in a partnership by BAE Systems and General Dynamics to update the primary components of the Stryker Mobile Gun System (or M1128) and mount them on the M7’s chassis. This would give the Scott brigade teams additional firepower while maintaining the same levels of protection and mobility. More or less, firepower and mission versatility would be increased without overburdening the logistical chain meant to keep American units active in Eastern and Southern Europe. The first prototypes were deployed in 2023, with full adoption occurring less than two years later. Designated the M9 Handy after General Thomas Handy, former command-in-chief of US Army Europe during the early Cold War, the finalized vehicle was understood to be an interim solution to America’s deployment woes, especially since the US’ expertise in designing and building dedicated tanks had waned after decades of disuse.

So far, the M9 has proven to be a relatively capable machine. Equipped with a 105mm main gun and updated fire-control software, the vehicle is capable of shredding light-skinned vehicles and most enemy IFVs, self-propelled artillery, and some classes of other armored fighting vehicles. The subcomponents of the M9 (e.g. ammunition carousel) are easily slid in and out of the vehicle, or otherwise mounted appropriately, taking advantage of the M7’s modular design. Nevertheless, the relatively light protection afforded by the Scott’s baseline armor has relegated the M9 to hit-and-run tactics as the vehicle would likely suffer from catastrophic failure if it engaged enemy MBTs and received penetrating fire. This was evidenced during multiple iterations of the multinational exercise Joint REBUKER in which numerous M9s were declared dead after being used in the traditional brawler role many associate with tank warfare. Thus, the Handy has organically come into a heavy reconnaissance role. Deploying ahead of the main formation, M9s are able to observe and report while also causing a ruckus to help mask their escape. This unintended fighting style is likely appropriate for any live conflict as the forward-deployed brigades would simply be there to delay the enemy and collect tracking information rather than stop an attack full-stop. In other words, Handy is meant to hand off his duties to Jackson once the latter arrives.

The Army’s success with the M9 sparked curiosity amongst the Marine Corps as well, particularly after the Corps divested its M1 Abrams MBTs in order to become leaner and more agile in the Pacific. The relatively inexpensive refurbishment of old equipment to serve new missions struck a chord with the frugal Marines, leading them to request samples of the mobile gun system mounted on their shiny, new Havoc Marine Personnel Carriers. Dubbed the Experimental Mobile Firepower (XMF), the turreted chimera quickly underwent a string of trials simulating bringing the vehicle ashore during an amphibious assault. Unfortunately, the weight of the system and lack of hardening against corrosive seawater proved to be disastrous. The XMF essentially lost all organic amphibious capabilities, totally negating one of the primary elements of the Havoc platform. Moreover, the additional cooling systems meant to keep the firing computers in action during sustained maneuvers frequently failed after making contact with high concentrations of littoral salt. Plus, recently introduced vehicles like the M10 Berger heavy UGV and Textron Organic Precision Fires Vehicle made the XMF redundant. The XMF was literally and figuratively dead in the water, leading the Marine Corps to abandon the project.

Still, two of the three XMF samples actively serve in auxiliary roles today. While one vehicle has been made into a museum display, the other two can be seen roaming various training grounds, serving as stand-ins for oppositional vehicles like the Yugoslavian M-94 Serdar. In this way, the cycle of finding interim solutions to recurring problems continues to be served by the original Stryker family of vehicles as cannibalized elements of the Interim Armored Vehicle have found new life in America’s modernizing armed forces.

The designs of both chassis/baseline vehicles belong to Evan, so any praise for those should go to him. He was simply kind enough to let me bastardize his builds with my turret, so be sure to check out his latest APC. The plow is heavily inspired by Bear Lamp's.

“Commitment unlocks the doors of imagination, allows vision, and gives us the "right stuff" to turn our dreams into reality.” -James Womack-

A good friend invited me to shoot her friend's wedding. I had no experience in weddings which pressured me yet made me excited as well. I wasn't able to borrow a speedlight so i shot using my cam alone. I invited another friend to help me out (thanks harold!).... twas tiring yet rewarding at the same time!

Part of my 1st wedding shoot.

Nov 29, 2008 Muntinlupa

Emer & Charise's Wedding

my 10th explored shot. 2nd from my dslr.

Dec 3, 2008

U.S Ambassador Scot Marciel, accompanied by Boeing’s South East Asia President Skip Boyce and GE Indonesia’s CEO Handry Satriago, toured the Garuda Training Center campus with Emirsyah Satar, CEO of Indonesian airline Garuda, on July 6. Both GE and Boeing are partnering with Garuda to offer training and technical assistance in the forms of leadership development, maintenance capability enhancements, and pilot training. As part of the visit, the Ambassador successfully took off and landed at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport in Garuda’s Boeing 737-800 full flight simulator. Other tour highlights included viewing an integrated procedure training mock cockpit, a presentation by Garuda flight attendants, and a safety drill into Garuda’s pool. Upon leaving, the Ambassador reaffirmed the United States’ commitment under the Comprehensive Partnership to work toward direct flights between Indonesia and the United States. [U.S. State Dept.]

Inscription inside our silver commitment rings.

The Gillard Government made a commitment in 2010 to release all children from immigration detention by June 2011, but still 350 children languish in the harsh environment of immigration camps around Australia. The Refugee Action Collective organised a protest on July 9, 2011 outside the Melbourne Immigration Transit accommodation which is used for the detention of unaccompanied minors.

“Bowen said he would have all children out of detention by June but there are still over 350 kids locked up including just under 100 in Broadmeadows,” said Refugee Action Collective spokesperson Benjamin Solah in a July 8 media release. “It’s now July and there are still children locked up, being driven to attempt suicide and self harm whilst the government congratulates themselves on meeting a promise they didn’t actually meet.”

"I just want to be there in love and in justice and in truth and in commitment to others, so that we can make of this old world a new world."

-

William Tarr’s 1974 weathering Cor-Ten steel black sculpture stands atop the plaza of Martin Luther King Jr. High School down the street from Lincoln Center on the Upper West Side at 66th and Amsterdam. All four sides of this cube include important dates in the life of the civil rights leader as well as famous quotes.

The cube is also covered with lots of cryptic initials. BTWHS/MC/CTS/BU is a list of his schools: Booker T. Washington High School, Morehouse College, Crozer Theological School and Boston University. SCLC/MIA are the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the Montgomery Improvement Association. On another side are the initials of his family: CSK is Coretta Scott King, and and a block with his four children: Yolanda King, Martin Luther King III, Dexter King and Bernice King. ‘RDA stands for the Rev. Ralph D. Abernathy; ‘JJ for the Rev. Jesse Jackson and ‘BR for Bayard Rustin. Among the dates in his life are 12/10/64, for his acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize and 4/4/68 for the date of his assassination.

~ Susan Ives

“Let us be dissatisfied until every man can have food and material necessities for his body, culture and education for his mind, freedom and human dignity for his sprit.”

Decoding the Upper West Side’s Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Sculpture - Click to read this fascinating article

About the Artist:

William (Bill) Tarr (1925 – 2006) was a sculptor, painter, photographer, magician, bestselling author, husband, father, and dedicated artist for over 50 years. His monumental public works have been seen by millions from all over the world, and his 30 x 30 x 30 ft. welded steel memorial to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King is perhaps New York City’s most renowned public work. Yet, Bill remains relatively unknown.

williamtarr.com/

-

Part of the album: Manhattan: Lincoln Square

(click to view the entire album)

This little bumblebee had died at work on this goldenrod. It was still in pretty good shape when I discovered it, Farm Lake, near Plevna, Ontario, Canada. Sony nex5r and Micro Nikkor 55/3.5.

GET YOUR KNEE OFF OUR NECKS Commitment March Rally at Lincoln Memorial North Elm Walkway, NW, Washington DC on Friday morning, 28 August 2020 by Elvert Barnes Photography

Visit Commitment March website at nationalactionnetwork.net/commitment-march-on-washington-dc/

Elvert Barnes 57th Anniversary of 1963 March on Washington COMMITMENT MARCH docu-project at elvertbarnes.com/57MOW2020

much more of this sort of thing at ratsinthebelfry.blogspot.com/

With Oreo having triggered a lovely ruckus earlier this week, I note - tongue emphatically implanted in jowl - that colourful commitments should not really be foreign to fundies. We've all shared this flag for a long time now. For those of us whose God is Yahweh, the rainbow waves in solidarity with covenant faithfulness. I consider how something so temporal as light scattered (momentarily, ephemerally) through prismatic raindrops has come to symbolize lasting commitment, in so many places, and see across a surplus of situations the thriving presence of refracted life throbbing with vitality. I'm kind of curious to see whether we're willing to look around, smile, and share the universal experience of the rainbow.

I have to start by honouring the power of these colours as I locally understand them. So let me show you how they function in the world I grew up in; afterwards we can explore further. In church communities where rainbow theology (read "covenant theology") is central, there are plenty of stubborn, head-in-the-wool, dye-in-the-sand religious bigots to go around. I'm one. For as many Sundays as there have been weeks in my life, I've sung antiquated, colourful, dashing and violent (but beautiful) Psalms set to 500-year old melodies. But then I've also enjoyed the blessings of a Reformed work-ethic, the ritual strength of belonging (via infant baptism), the constructed saftey of a haven for children in the triangle of home-church-school, a place where promises are made and affirmed; commitments solidified and sealed, marriages (between one man and one woman) forged, formed, and finished (over the course of a lifetime), generations raised in the fear of the Lord... and if all of that sounds like a brainwashed, Bible-thumping, institutionalized, insular soup, well it often is! But we usually end up alright. Well rounded, disciplined, and creative, if a little fearful and misguided.

We are afraid of what we (by virtue of celebrating one thing really, really well) have excluded from the realm of the possible. Though better motivators exist, fear can often instigate positive change, and so I want to enthusiastically affirm, the (super) humanity of the many individuals (and communities) who also wave the rainbow flag in their own windows, in their own ways: expressive of so many flavours of peace that I have only begun to understand. While working as a graphic/web designer/communicator in the context of HIV/AIDS community advocacy, I have been consistently impressed by the authenticity and passion of the beautiful people who live together alongside the label: "at-risk population", and those who come alongside them, or otherwise hang out, in one accord, in the same place. By their struggle to be understood, and heard, I can only be inspired. As a straight white male with conservative Christian roots, my own risks here are simply the usage of acronyms and other linguistic conflations - but in spite of them, my shout of solidarity extends strongly to PLHIV, LGBT, MSM, Drug Users, Sex Workers, Women, youth, unborn children, prison inmates, Aboriginal peoples, Africans, Canadians, Christians, Muslims and Hindus!

Will we lose our individual identities if we become this accepting? Probably, yes. But we will anyway, en route to becoming who we really are: our idols smashed, and our distorted conceptions of God refined. In that process of becoming, I struggle to articulate the particular brand of rainbow-coloured covenant-keeping that I would recommend. There are paradoxes here that I lack to capacity to resolve. But if Plato's advice to "be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle," is given urgency and scope through Jesus' call to "love your neighbour as yourself" ... we remain free to ask: are we ready to praise the Lord with all created colours and cookies?

GET YOUR KNEE OFF OUR NECKS Commitment March Rally at Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool North Pathway, NW, Washington DC on Friday morning, 28 August 2020 by Elvert Barnes Photography

Visit Commitment March website at nationalactionnetwork.net/commitment-march-on-washington-dc/

Elvert Barnes 57th Anniversary of 1963 March on Washington COMMITMENT MARCH docu-project at elvertbarnes.com/57MOW2020

Deputy Secretary of State Antony "Tony" Blinken visits a community center in Amman serving Jordan-based refugees to reinforce the United States’ commitment to supporting Syrian refugee communities displaced by conflict on November 19, 2015. [State Department photo/ Public Domain]

The old bears tell us that you have to not only market yourself to humans but you have to satisfy their needs. Otherwise you will end up in the landfill or a museum. Who remembers kewpie dolls or the hula hoop? Even Tickle Me Elmo and that purple dinosaur Barney are historical footnotes. The Teddy Bear still rules as it did in the teens when this little tyke chose to be photographed with her favorite bear. The bear continues to connect with humans after over a century of existence.

© Mazur/cbcew.org.uk

Dec. 1, 2011, marks Iraq's Day of Commitment. The ceremony hosted by the Iraqi government at Al Faw Palace, in Baghdad, Iraq, would be the last of its kind as U.S. forces continue to draw out of Iraq. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, took the opportunity to thank U.S. and Iraqi service members for all of their sacrifices that led to the end of an almost decade long war.

U.S. Forces Iraq

Photo by Staff Sgt. Caleb Barrieau

Related Photos: dvidshub.net/r/mcljxd

via Instagram j.mp/1Nr4t4r

growth, power, cooperation, coaching, commitment, strategy, communication, networking, tension, dynamic, trust, serious planning, marketing, evolution,

responsibilities, inflations, commitments, plannings, railings, security, schedule, advertising, perfect speculative bubbles, garbages, very serious managers, intellectual masturbations, good business, umbilical trader's cord, wok,& work, family & honor, heroes & certificates of guarantee.

New codes, new visions, new profits, new perspectives, new little secrets, new Bonus, new laws, new brains, new markets, new resolutions, new mystifications, new applications, new records, new credits, new candidacies, new leaders, new conceptions, new promises, new duties, new food for domestic animals, new politeness, new exploitation of new territories, new conquests, new drugs, new preachers, new prozac, new jails, new jaccuzi, new wars, new parfumes, new innocent victims, new fictions, new indoctrination, New demagoguery,new structuralizations, new audits, new clowns, new hopes, new lies, new promises, new human rights, new constitadores, new monopolies, new pools, new method of preservation for the conservative parties, new unemployed people, new princesses, new Lords, new sorts of beans, new clergymen, new disparities, new violence, new prohibitions, ew sophisticated bombs, all the new world shall be already recreated. Just a better world.

Just buy one ticket and may-be you got it.

Okay, yesterday was the last day of my six-month commitment to fitness buffery. On June 1 I told myself I had to go to the gym every day before work, to try to make a habit of it, and I wasn't allowed to reconsider this new routine until December 1. As I've mentioned a few times in this space before, this was just a Year of Doing thing, not an "I have [x, y, z] weight-loss/fitness goal"; I just wanted to try being fitter for a change. (Because of Pookie's goofy schedule, my five-days-a-week habit quickly turned into six days a week, just for the record.) So now that I'm finally allowing myself to step back and assess, this gym Doing has some pros and cons.

The CONS:

-- I hate getting up early before work.

-- I hate showering in the morning, instead of at night before bed.

-- I hate that I never have time anymore to listen to music on headphones before falling asleep.

-- I hate that I can't stay up late for west-coast hockey games anymore.

-- Something always hurts now. Either my muscles are sore from strength training, or my hips are stiff from cardio, or my enormous feet have gotten more dreadful blisters from my clown-shoe-sized sneakers. I'm never not achy.

-- I don't much care for the idea of exercise; every night I think about what I have on tap for the next morning and dread doing it.

-- People say, "Oh, when you exercise regularly you have so much more energy!" Those people lie. If I have extra energy, I'm using it on my stupid exercise. I'm always way more exhausted by the end of the day now than I used to be.

The PROS:

-- I love my trainer, Cheryl, and am so happy to have met her. Also, I really enjoy my workouts with her, despite hating working so hard at physical activity. She's a lot of fun.

-- I love the feeling of walking out of the gym after a brutal workout, drenched in sweat, my muscles all happy to have been pushed so hard and now to be able to rest and recover. It's a great feeling, and one I've never known in my life, being a sedentary non-athlete for 37 years.

-- For all that I dread the idea of working out, I actually enjoy it once I'm there. For the most part, weight training is way fun, and cardio (I do rigorous treadmill walking and a little jogging mixed with stairs) tends to feel shockingly great once I get going.

-- Dude, I've lost 40 pounds. I was a size 22 in June, and I'm a size 16 now. I'm not skinny by any measure, but I'm nowhere near as fat as I used to be.

-- It's extremely satisfying to know that I'm working so damn hard.

-- I've never been happier with myself than I am now.

So... yeah. I'm not stopping any time soon.

--Schn.

wishes so fervent and selfless.

@Bongeunsa Temple

Seoul, ROK

ENVision Gallery - Ministry of the Environment & Water Resources

Dr. Mrinalini Sharma is well-known for doing the greatest gynecomastia surgeon in Delhi. Many patients from faraway locations seek her advice not just because of her knowledge but also because of her friendliness, sensitivity, and commitment to providing top-notch patient care throughout the process. Depending on the severity of the gynecomastia issue (or breast enlargement) and the desired outcome, the surgeon at Aestiva Clinic performs liposuction to remove extra fat. She is the most demanding surgeon because of her expertise in providing a natural-looking outcome, giving her patients a well-sculpted manly chest. Schedule a consultation at the clinic to learn more.

The MOD celebrated the outstanding commitment and contribution its LGBT+ personnel make to Defence.

More than 200 Armed Forces and civilian Defence personnel, led by the Band of the Welsh Guards, marched in this year’s Pride in London to mark the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales.

In a show of support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and LGBT+ Armed Forces staff, the Commander Field Army Lieutenant General Patrick Sanders, who is the Army's Diversity and Inclusivity Champion, also hosted an event on Saturday morning at the Union Jack Club for all Defence personnel taking part in the march.

-------------------------------------------------------

© Crown Copyright 2017

Photographer: Sgt Rupert Frere

Image APOLOND-2017-112 Gay Pride 2017 0049.jpg from www.defenceimages.mod.uk

Use of this image is subject to the terms and conditions of the MoD News Licence at www.defenceimagery.mod.uk/fotoweb/20121001_Crown_copyrigh...

Boston, MA (September 20, 2014) -- Cardinal Seán O’Malley ordained thirteen men to the Order of Deacon at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

Photos by George Martell - Boston Catholic Development Services.

Cardinal Seán said, “Through the grace of God, these thirteen men of faith have been called to serve the Church as deacons. Each brings his unique gifts to their ministry and we welcome them as brothers in Christ. We are grateful to their loved ones, especially their wives and families, for their love, support and encouragement as our new deacons have prepared themselves for this lifelong commitment to the Church.”

Deacon Dan Burns, Director of Permanent Diaconate Formation, said, “Representing the diversity of the Archdiocese this class includes four candidates from the Hispanic community, one from the Brazilian community, and one from the Vietnamese community. The richness of the cultural and spiritual lives of these men and their families will bring great gifts to our parish collaboratives in the days and years ahead.”

Francis Burke

burke_couple.jpg

Francis Burke and his wife of 27 years, Joanne, are members of St. Catherine of Alexandria parish in Westford. The Burke’s have two children, Laura and David (DJ). Fran recently retired from a career in high tech and is currently pursuing degree in Theology at the Theological Institute for the New Evangelization and also a certificate in Spiritual Direction and Retreat Leadership at Creighton University. Fran Burke and Joanne have worked with the ACTS Retreat group at St. Catherine’s for the last 6 years. Fran was called to the diaconate by the opportunity to serve others. Fran hopes to continue his ministry focused on serving the poor and homeless. Fran will be assigned to St. Mary Parish in Chelmsford and to the Diaconate Formation Office following ordination.

Michael Curren

curren_couple.jpg

Michael Curren and his wife Paula are members of St. Agnes Parish in Reading, MA. Mike and Paula have three children: Brenna is a teacher in Burlington, Maura is an administrative manager at Children’s Hospital, and Timothy is a Greek Orthodox priest at St. Vasilios Parish in Peabody. Father Timothy is married to Dr. Nijmeh Hodaly Curren of Beit Jala, Palestine. Mike started his secular career as a social worker and currently works in non-profit administration as a Senior Vice President for the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund in Wellesley. Mike spent time at the Carmelite Junior Seminary in Hamilton, MA and the Carmelite Seminary at Marquette University before discerning that he was called to marriage and family life. Mike continued to be drawn to a life of service in the Church through parish ministries and leadership, eventually being called to consider the diaconate as a vocation through the encouragement and inspiration of many priests and deacons in his life. Mike will serve at St. Augustine Parish in Andover and the Office of Ecumenical Affairs following ordination.

William C. Dwyer

dwyer_couple.jpg

William C. Dwyer and his wife Jeane currently reside in Merrimack NH and are members of St. Catherine of Alexandria in Westford. They have three grown children – Patrick and his bride Erin, Timothy and Meghan. Bill’s secular career has been in accounting and finance for both large and small companies. Living his Cursillo weekend was a springboard to a deeper relationship with the Lord. He heard a call to the diaconate during the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and has learned from Fr. Lawrence Porter that “the closer one gets to the God of the Bible, the further he sends you out”. Bill’s hope is to continue being active in prison ministry. Bill will be assigned to St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Westford, St. Anne Parish in Littleton, and to the Pro-Life and Respect Life Office following ordination.

George Escotto

escotto_couple.jpg

George Escotto and his wife Maria are members of St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence. They have been married for 22 years and have been blessed with a daughter, Lesly, who is a student at Northern Essex Community College. George received his call to the diaconate through a personal encounter with God during a Cursillo retreat. George works in a Nursing Home as a custodian where he has the daily opportunity to be the presence of Christ to those who live there: “I feel like I am living a ministry here and seeing Christ in every one of the people who live in the Nursing Home every day.” George will be assigned to St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence and to Office of Cultural Diversity following ordination.

Edward S. Giordano

giordano_couple.jpg

Edward S. Giordano and his wife Carol live in Stoneham and are members of St. Patrick Parish. Carol and Ed have two adult children, Mary and Matthew, and a daughter-in-law Jamie. Ed is the Director of Engineering at C.L. Hauthaway in Lynn. Ed has had wonderful Deacon Mentors at St. Patrick Parish and his first exposure to the Permanent Diaconate was at the Incarnation Parish in Melrose where both of his children were baptized by Permanent Deacons. At the Incarnation Parish Deacon Jack Wise gave Ed his first inspiration of the gift of the vocation and ministry of the Permanent Deacon. Ed feels his four years of academic study and spiritual formation have been a blessing that has allowed him to grown closer to our loving, kind, and merciful Lord, Jesus Christ. Ed hopes that he will serve Jesus and the people of God with that same love and compassion. Following ordination Ed will be assigned to St. Barbara Parish in Woburn and to Campus Ministry Office.

Chuck Hall

hall_couple.jpg

Chuck Hall and his wife Mary live in Rowley and worship at Our Lady of Hope Parish in Ipswich. Chuck has been a sheet metal mechanic, machinist, singer-songwriter, radio personality and software engineer. He continues an active musical life as a song writer and in producing audiobooks, including a reading of Chesterton’s “St. Francis of Assisi.” His most recent audio work was the narration of a documentary film on the life Fr. James Alberione, the founder of the Daughters of St. Paul. Chuck’s faith journey began 1971 with a dramatic encounter with Christ that led him out of the 1960’s counterculture and into evangelical and fundamentalist circles, before becoming a dedicated Reformed Presbyterian. His journey brought him to the Catholic Church in 2006, when he attended his first Mass. He was received into the Catholic Church in 2008. Chuck heard a call to the diaconate as he volunteered in hospitals and led a prayer ministry in his home parish. His parish priest encouraged him to consider a diaconate vocation and he entered formation with the understanding that the Holy Spirit could re-direct his journey at any time. The journey was never re-directed, however, and his calling became clearer as formation progressed. Chuck has been influenced greatly by the writings of G. K. Chesterton and the life and ministry of Pope Saint John Paul II. Shortly after being received into the Church, he lived a Cursillo weekend which also was a strong influence in his life. Chuck will be assigned to St. John the Baptist and St. Thomas the Apostle Parishes in Peabody and to the Office of Ecumenical Affairs following ordination.

Franklin Mejia

meija_couple.jpg

Franklin Mejia was born and raised in Dominican Republic. Franklin is married to Wendy R. Mejia. They are the proud parents of Gabriel Andres, 10 and Isabella Maria, 7. He and his family are active members of St. Mary of the Annunciation parish in Cambridge. Franklin holds a Political Science degree and has been involved in television production. Franklin came to know Christ as a child thanks to his Grandfather Nicacio Mejia, who introduced him to the spiritual life and the doctrine of the Catholic faith. At a very young age, Franklin was an active member and youth leader of the Salesian Youth Group in his community. Upon arriving to the United States, Franklin worked for the Hispanic Youth Ministry in the Archdiocese of Boston organizing inter-parochial youth sports tournaments, youth leadership formation programs and an evangelization ministry dedicated to visiting the youth in jail. Franklin’s passion for evangelization led him to Catholic Television where he is the host and producer of “Buena Nueva” (The Good News). His desire to evangelize through the media was inspired by Pope John Paul II, who encouraged the Church to use every means of communication to introduce Christ to others. Franklin will be assigned to Sacred Hearts Parish in Malden and to Catholic TV following ordination.

Eric Peabody

peabody_couple.jpg

Eric Peabody and his wife, Renee, live in Haverhill and have been married 20 years. He is a division manager at a national home improvement retailer and Renee is an administrative assistant at St. Basil Salvatorian Center in Methuen. Eric and Renee have two daughters, Haley and Mary. The Peabody Family are currently members of the collaborative of St. Lucy and St. Monica Parishes in Methuen. Eric has served in various liturgical ministries and is a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Eric entered the Church at the age of 16 through RCIA and his great uncle, the late Rev. Dennis T. Nason, encouraged Eric to consider a diaconal vocation. Following ordination Eric will be assigned to Sacred Hearts Parish in Haverhill and Office of the Catholic Labor Guild.

Jesus Peña

pena_couple.jpg

Jesus Peña and his wife Margarita are members of St. John the Baptist Parish in Peabody and have three grown children. Jesus works as a Case Manager for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Jesus began his vocational journey in April 2009 when, feeling drawn to serve Christ more deeply, he turned to a trusted priest in the community, Fr. Alonso Macias, who suggested the diaconate. Jesus feels blessed by the many men of faith who have served as mentors to him over the past twenty years, including many wonderful priests and deacons. In a special way, Deacon Valentin Rivera and Deacon Antonio Perea were helpful to both Margarita and Jesus. More recently Deacon Leo Martin helped Jesus to understand both the faith and the ministry of the Deacon and to grow spiritually. According to Jesus, “These past four years of formation have been a life changing conversion of the heart through constant prayer, self-emptying, and service. The core of my ministry will be to live the Gospel by surrendering my will to the will of God.” Following ordination Jesus will be serve as a Deacon at the Salem collaborative of Immaculate Conception, St. James, and St. John the Baptist Parishes as well as in the Diaconate Formation Office.

Alvaro Jose Leiva Soares

soares_couple.jpg

Alvaro Jose Leiva Soares was born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil and married his wife Carla in 1986. Alvaro and Carla are proud parents of three grown children, Alvaro Jr., Ivan, and Natalia. They are members of Holy Family Parish in Lowell and active members of both the Brazilian Apostolate and the Charismatic Renewal in the Archdiocese of Boston. Alvaro holds degrees in Economics and Computer Science as well as an MBA. He is fluent in Portuguese and English, and proficient in Spanish. Alvaro is currently working for Kaspersky Labs in Woburn as a Product Support Engineer. Alvaro has worked in many parish ministries and received his call to be a Permanent Deacon through his active participation in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. He is currently responsible for the formation program inside of the Brazilian Ethnic Leaders Team and is currently appointed Liaison and Executive Director of the Charismatic Renewal movement in the Archdiocese of Boston. Following ordination Alvaro will be assigned to Holy Family Parish and the Office of Cultural Diversity.

Michael Tomkins

tompkins_couple.jpg

Michael Tomkins and his wife Danni live in Wilmington and are parishioners at Saint Thomas of Villanova with their 5 children Hailey, Lauren, Victoria, Joshua, and Meghan. Michael attended Boston University where he received a degree in Computer Science and is now employed as Chief Technology Officer for a financial software company. Michael first learned about the diaconate at age 13 when he served as an altar server at the Mass of Thanksgiving for a close family friend, Deacon Robert Amerault. Raised in an active Catholic family and educated from elementary through high school at Saint Clements in Medford, the seeds of faith were planted at an early age. He felt God's call to the diaconate in his early twenties but as a newlywed he knew it would be some time before he could respond, so he and Danni kept busy raising their five children and remaining active in their parish. They found their true passion was for youth ministry where they served for over twenty years in numerous parishes throughout the archdiocese. In 1999 Michael and Danni each received the Pro Deo et Juventute award given in recognition of continuous and praiseworthy service to young people. Michael hopes to be a witness to those he serves to help them to grow deeper in answering their own baptismal call. Michael will be assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Dracut and the Office of Faith Formation for Youth and Young Adults following ordination.

Tam Van Tram

tran_couple.jpg

Tam Van Tram and his wifeThom have been married for 39 years, live in Andover, and have two daughters and two grandchildren. They are members of St. Theresa of Lisieux Parish in North Reading and the Vietnamese community at Sacred Hearts Parish in Malden. Tam plays guitar for the Contemporary Music Group and is a member of Parish Pastoral Council and Finance Committee at St Theresa Parish. Tam also is Chairman of the Finance Council for Sacred Hearts Parish. Tam had a long career in technology and business and now works as an Adjunct Professor at Middlesex Community College teaching Chemistry, Math, and Computer Science. He holds degrees in Chemical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering and expects to complete his Master’s in Theological Studies Degree (MTS) at St. John Seminary in 2015. Tam was raised as a Buddhist in Vietnam and grew up during in the midst of the devastating war that raged in his homeland through the 1960’s and 1970’s. He converted to Catholicism in 1997. Tam sees the great grace of God’s love in leading him through life to this moment of ordination where he can serve the Church and God’s people. Following ordination Tam will be assigned to St. Theresa Parish in North Reading and to the Campus Ministry Office where he will serve as a Catholic Chaplain at the UMass campus in Boston.

Carlos Simon Valentin

image040.jpg

Carlos Simon Valentin and his wife, Angelica, have been married for 16 years and live in Lynn. They have two children, Nicholas and Angel. Simon and Angelica have been active parishioners of St. John the Baptist Parish in Peabody throughout their married life. Simon is a Draftsman and Auto Cad graduate and is currently employed by Greater Lynn Senior Services as a driver for “ The Ride”, which is part of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Simon is the youngest member of the Class of 2014 and will be assigned to St. John the Baptist and St. Thomas the Apostle Parishes in Peabody and the Office of Cultural Diversity following ordination.

Permanent Diaconate

Prior to this ordination, there are 273 deacons in the Archdiocese of Boston (142 active with the remaining retired, on leave, or serving outside of the diocese). Thirteen (13) men will be ordained on September 20, 2014. The Archdiocese of Boston ordains a class of deacons every year. There are currently 49 men in formation (this includes the 13 about to be ordained). Of these 49, 20 (41%) are from our ethnic communities (10 Hispanic, 4 Brazilian, 2 Haitian, 2 Vietnamese, 1 Iraqi), ages range from 36 – 63, and 48 (98%) are married.

The Archdiocese holds an Inquirer Program each year in October/November for those who feel a possible call to the diaconate vocation. This program provides information to men and their wives about the vocation and ministry of deacons, the formation program, and the admissions process. It also includes a Saturday discernment retreat. The program generally draws 20-30 men each year. Information is available from Deacon Burns at deacondan_burns@rcab.org.

Deacon Burns said, “Because the great majority of Permanent Deacons are married men with families, the formation and inquirer programs strongly involve their wives and focus on the grace and challenge of integrating ordained ministry with the primary vocation of marriage.”

Athletic Commitment Celebration

the real essence of freedom lies in our capacity to commit ourselves to life and love...

the One who has committed himself to Love has given up his Life.. and Life has flourished even more...

Boston, MA (September 20, 2014) -- Cardinal Seán O’Malley ordained thirteen men to the Order of Deacon at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

Photos by George Martell - Boston Catholic Development Services.

Cardinal Seán said, “Through the grace of God, these thirteen men of faith have been called to serve the Church as deacons. Each brings his unique gifts to their ministry and we welcome them as brothers in Christ. We are grateful to their loved ones, especially their wives and families, for their love, support and encouragement as our new deacons have prepared themselves for this lifelong commitment to the Church.”

Deacon Dan Burns, Director of Permanent Diaconate Formation, said, “Representing the diversity of the Archdiocese this class includes four candidates from the Hispanic community, one from the Brazilian community, and one from the Vietnamese community. The richness of the cultural and spiritual lives of these men and their families will bring great gifts to our parish collaboratives in the days and years ahead.”

Francis Burke

burke_couple.jpg

Francis Burke and his wife of 27 years, Joanne, are members of St. Catherine of Alexandria parish in Westford. The Burke’s have two children, Laura and David (DJ). Fran recently retired from a career in high tech and is currently pursuing degree in Theology at the Theological Institute for the New Evangelization and also a certificate in Spiritual Direction and Retreat Leadership at Creighton University. Fran Burke and Joanne have worked with the ACTS Retreat group at St. Catherine’s for the last 6 years. Fran was called to the diaconate by the opportunity to serve others. Fran hopes to continue his ministry focused on serving the poor and homeless. Fran will be assigned to St. Mary Parish in Chelmsford and to the Diaconate Formation Office following ordination.

Michael Curren

curren_couple.jpg

Michael Curren and his wife Paula are members of St. Agnes Parish in Reading, MA. Mike and Paula have three children: Brenna is a teacher in Burlington, Maura is an administrative manager at Children’s Hospital, and Timothy is a Greek Orthodox priest at St. Vasilios Parish in Peabody. Father Timothy is married to Dr. Nijmeh Hodaly Curren of Beit Jala, Palestine. Mike started his secular career as a social worker and currently works in non-profit administration as a Senior Vice President for the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund in Wellesley. Mike spent time at the Carmelite Junior Seminary in Hamilton, MA and the Carmelite Seminary at Marquette University before discerning that he was called to marriage and family life. Mike continued to be drawn to a life of service in the Church through parish ministries and leadership, eventually being called to consider the diaconate as a vocation through the encouragement and inspiration of many priests and deacons in his life. Mike will serve at St. Augustine Parish in Andover and the Office of Ecumenical Affairs following ordination.

William C. Dwyer

dwyer_couple.jpg

William C. Dwyer and his wife Jeane currently reside in Merrimack NH and are members of St. Catherine of Alexandria in Westford. They have three grown children – Patrick and his bride Erin, Timothy and Meghan. Bill’s secular career has been in accounting and finance for both large and small companies. Living his Cursillo weekend was a springboard to a deeper relationship with the Lord. He heard a call to the diaconate during the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and has learned from Fr. Lawrence Porter that “the closer one gets to the God of the Bible, the further he sends you out”. Bill’s hope is to continue being active in prison ministry. Bill will be assigned to St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Westford, St. Anne Parish in Littleton, and to the Pro-Life and Respect Life Office following ordination.

George Escotto

escotto_couple.jpg

George Escotto and his wife Maria are members of St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence. They have been married for 22 years and have been blessed with a daughter, Lesly, who is a student at Northern Essex Community College. George received his call to the diaconate through a personal encounter with God during a Cursillo retreat. George works in a Nursing Home as a custodian where he has the daily opportunity to be the presence of Christ to those who live there: “I feel like I am living a ministry here and seeing Christ in every one of the people who live in the Nursing Home every day.” George will be assigned to St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence and to Office of Cultural Diversity following ordination.

Edward S. Giordano

giordano_couple.jpg

Edward S. Giordano and his wife Carol live in Stoneham and are members of St. Patrick Parish. Carol and Ed have two adult children, Mary and Matthew, and a daughter-in-law Jamie. Ed is the Director of Engineering at C.L. Hauthaway in Lynn. Ed has had wonderful Deacon Mentors at St. Patrick Parish and his first exposure to the Permanent Diaconate was at the Incarnation Parish in Melrose where both of his children were baptized by Permanent Deacons. At the Incarnation Parish Deacon Jack Wise gave Ed his first inspiration of the gift of the vocation and ministry of the Permanent Deacon. Ed feels his four years of academic study and spiritual formation have been a blessing that has allowed him to grown closer to our loving, kind, and merciful Lord, Jesus Christ. Ed hopes that he will serve Jesus and the people of God with that same love and compassion. Following ordination Ed will be assigned to St. Barbara Parish in Woburn and to Campus Ministry Office.

Chuck Hall

hall_couple.jpg

Chuck Hall and his wife Mary live in Rowley and worship at Our Lady of Hope Parish in Ipswich. Chuck has been a sheet metal mechanic, machinist, singer-songwriter, radio personality and software engineer. He continues an active musical life as a song writer and in producing audiobooks, including a reading of Chesterton’s “St. Francis of Assisi.” His most recent audio work was the narration of a documentary film on the life Fr. James Alberione, the founder of the Daughters of St. Paul. Chuck’s faith journey began 1971 with a dramatic encounter with Christ that led him out of the 1960’s counterculture and into evangelical and fundamentalist circles, before becoming a dedicated Reformed Presbyterian. His journey brought him to the Catholic Church in 2006, when he attended his first Mass. He was received into the Catholic Church in 2008. Chuck heard a call to the diaconate as he volunteered in hospitals and led a prayer ministry in his home parish. His parish priest encouraged him to consider a diaconate vocation and he entered formation with the understanding that the Holy Spirit could re-direct his journey at any time. The journey was never re-directed, however, and his calling became clearer as formation progressed. Chuck has been influenced greatly by the writings of G. K. Chesterton and the life and ministry of Pope Saint John Paul II. Shortly after being received into the Church, he lived a Cursillo weekend which also was a strong influence in his life. Chuck will be assigned to St. John the Baptist and St. Thomas the Apostle Parishes in Peabody and to the Office of Ecumenical Affairs following ordination.

Franklin Mejia

meija_couple.jpg

Franklin Mejia was born and raised in Dominican Republic. Franklin is married to Wendy R. Mejia. They are the proud parents of Gabriel Andres, 10 and Isabella Maria, 7. He and his family are active members of St. Mary of the Annunciation parish in Cambridge. Franklin holds a Political Science degree and has been involved in television production. Franklin came to know Christ as a child thanks to his Grandfather Nicacio Mejia, who introduced him to the spiritual life and the doctrine of the Catholic faith. At a very young age, Franklin was an active member and youth leader of the Salesian Youth Group in his community. Upon arriving to the United States, Franklin worked for the Hispanic Youth Ministry in the Archdiocese of Boston organizing inter-parochial youth sports tournaments, youth leadership formation programs and an evangelization ministry dedicated to visiting the youth in jail. Franklin’s passion for evangelization led him to Catholic Television where he is the host and producer of “Buena Nueva” (The Good News). His desire to evangelize through the media was inspired by Pope John Paul II, who encouraged the Church to use every means of communication to introduce Christ to others. Franklin will be assigned to Sacred Hearts Parish in Malden and to Catholic TV following ordination.

Eric Peabody

peabody_couple.jpg

Eric Peabody and his wife, Renee, live in Haverhill and have been married 20 years. He is a division manager at a national home improvement retailer and Renee is an administrative assistant at St. Basil Salvatorian Center in Methuen. Eric and Renee have two daughters, Haley and Mary. The Peabody Family are currently members of the collaborative of St. Lucy and St. Monica Parishes in Methuen. Eric has served in various liturgical ministries and is a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Eric entered the Church at the age of 16 through RCIA and his great uncle, the late Rev. Dennis T. Nason, encouraged Eric to consider a diaconal vocation. Following ordination Eric will be assigned to Sacred Hearts Parish in Haverhill and Office of the Catholic Labor Guild.

Jesus Peña

pena_couple.jpg

Jesus Peña and his wife Margarita are members of St. John the Baptist Parish in Peabody and have three grown children. Jesus works as a Case Manager for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Jesus began his vocational journey in April 2009 when, feeling drawn to serve Christ more deeply, he turned to a trusted priest in the community, Fr. Alonso Macias, who suggested the diaconate. Jesus feels blessed by the many men of faith who have served as mentors to him over the past twenty years, including many wonderful priests and deacons. In a special way, Deacon Valentin Rivera and Deacon Antonio Perea were helpful to both Margarita and Jesus. More recently Deacon Leo Martin helped Jesus to understand both the faith and the ministry of the Deacon and to grow spiritually. According to Jesus, “These past four years of formation have been a life changing conversion of the heart through constant prayer, self-emptying, and service. The core of my ministry will be to live the Gospel by surrendering my will to the will of God.” Following ordination Jesus will be serve as a Deacon at the Salem collaborative of Immaculate Conception, St. James, and St. John the Baptist Parishes as well as in the Diaconate Formation Office.

Alvaro Jose Leiva Soares

soares_couple.jpg

Alvaro Jose Leiva Soares was born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil and married his wife Carla in 1986. Alvaro and Carla are proud parents of three grown children, Alvaro Jr., Ivan, and Natalia. They are members of Holy Family Parish in Lowell and active members of both the Brazilian Apostolate and the Charismatic Renewal in the Archdiocese of Boston. Alvaro holds degrees in Economics and Computer Science as well as an MBA. He is fluent in Portuguese and English, and proficient in Spanish. Alvaro is currently working for Kaspersky Labs in Woburn as a Product Support Engineer. Alvaro has worked in many parish ministries and received his call to be a Permanent Deacon through his active participation in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. He is currently responsible for the formation program inside of the Brazilian Ethnic Leaders Team and is currently appointed Liaison and Executive Director of the Charismatic Renewal movement in the Archdiocese of Boston. Following ordination Alvaro will be assigned to Holy Family Parish and the Office of Cultural Diversity.

Michael Tomkins

tompkins_couple.jpg

Michael Tomkins and his wife Danni live in Wilmington and are parishioners at Saint Thomas of Villanova with their 5 children Hailey, Lauren, Victoria, Joshua, and Meghan. Michael attended Boston University where he received a degree in Computer Science and is now employed as Chief Technology Officer for a financial software company. Michael first learned about the diaconate at age 13 when he served as an altar server at the Mass of Thanksgiving for a close family friend, Deacon Robert Amerault. Raised in an active Catholic family and educated from elementary through high school at Saint Clements in Medford, the seeds of faith were planted at an early age. He felt God's call to the diaconate in his early twenties but as a newlywed he knew it would be some time before he could respond, so he and Danni kept busy raising their five children and remaining active in their parish. They found their true passion was for youth ministry where they served for over twenty years in numerous parishes throughout the archdiocese. In 1999 Michael and Danni each received the Pro Deo et Juventute award given in recognition of continuous and praiseworthy service to young people. Michael hopes to be a witness to those he serves to help them to grow deeper in answering their own baptismal call. Michael will be assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Dracut and the Office of Faith Formation for Youth and Young Adults following ordination.

Tam Van Tram

tran_couple.jpg

Tam Van Tram and his wifeThom have been married for 39 years, live in Andover, and have two daughters and two grandchildren. They are members of St. Theresa of Lisieux Parish in North Reading and the Vietnamese community at Sacred Hearts Parish in Malden. Tam plays guitar for the Contemporary Music Group and is a member of Parish Pastoral Council and Finance Committee at St Theresa Parish. Tam also is Chairman of the Finance Council for Sacred Hearts Parish. Tam had a long career in technology and business and now works as an Adjunct Professor at Middlesex Community College teaching Chemistry, Math, and Computer Science. He holds degrees in Chemical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering and expects to complete his Master’s in Theological Studies Degree (MTS) at St. John Seminary in 2015. Tam was raised as a Buddhist in Vietnam and grew up during in the midst of the devastating war that raged in his homeland through the 1960’s and 1970’s. He converted to Catholicism in 1997. Tam sees the great grace of God’s love in leading him through life to this moment of ordination where he can serve the Church and God’s people. Following ordination Tam will be assigned to St. Theresa Parish in North Reading and to the Campus Ministry Office where he will serve as a Catholic Chaplain at the UMass campus in Boston.

Carlos Simon Valentin

image040.jpg

Carlos Simon Valentin and his wife, Angelica, have been married for 16 years and live in Lynn. They have two children, Nicholas and Angel. Simon and Angelica have been active parishioners of St. John the Baptist Parish in Peabody throughout their married life. Simon is a Draftsman and Auto Cad graduate and is currently employed by Greater Lynn Senior Services as a driver for “ The Ride”, which is part of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Simon is the youngest member of the Class of 2014 and will be assigned to St. John the Baptist and St. Thomas the Apostle Parishes in Peabody and the Office of Cultural Diversity following ordination.

Permanent Diaconate

Prior to this ordination, there are 273 deacons in the Archdiocese of Boston (142 active with the remaining retired, on leave, or serving outside of the diocese). Thirteen (13) men will be ordained on September 20, 2014. The Archdiocese of Boston ordains a class of deacons every year. There are currently 49 men in formation (this includes the 13 about to be ordained). Of these 49, 20 (41%) are from our ethnic communities (10 Hispanic, 4 Brazilian, 2 Haitian, 2 Vietnamese, 1 Iraqi), ages range from 36 – 63, and 48 (98%) are married.

The Archdiocese holds an Inquirer Program each year in October/November for those who feel a possible call to the diaconate vocation. This program provides information to men and their wives about the vocation and ministry of deacons, the formation program, and the admissions process. It also includes a Saturday discernment retreat. The program generally draws 20-30 men each year. Information is available from Deacon Burns at deacondan_burns@rcab.org.

Deacon Burns said, “Because the great majority of Permanent Deacons are married men with families, the formation and inquirer programs strongly involve their wives and focus on the grace and challenge of integrating ordained ministry with the primary vocation of marriage.”

The Wedding is a life long commitment.

Darrell and Patti wanted to publicly declare that commitment.

With Love in the air we head out for photos.

In Clinton Tennessee on a bluff that overlooked Norris Lake.

We have a great location with Trees and a few wandering paths.

They was a very easy couple to work with and it was a very emotional wedding..

Congratulations.

We shot many poses and this gallery is just a highlight..

+=Plugs=+

Knoxville Photography by Driver's Photography.

Cosplay Photography

Engagement Photography, Wedding Photography, Knoxville Photography

Glamour Photography , Sports Photography, Family Photography, and Senior Photography in the greater Knoxville Maryville Tennessee area.

driversphotography.com

KWD Productions is The Knoxville source Wedding Videos, Wedding Videography, Kickstarter Videos, Kick Starter Videography, Reality TV Videography, Music Videos, Music Videography, Video production and Videography

www.KWDProductions.US

Videographer wedding Bride event DVD Birthday parties

Knoxville Engagement Photography,

Gatlinburg Engagement Photography,

Maryville Engagement Photography,

Tennessee Engagement Photography,

Knoxville Wedding Photography,

Gatlinburg Wedding Photography,

Maryville Wedding Photography,

Tennessee Wedding Photography,

Knoxville Photography,

Gatlinburg Photography,

Maryville Photography,

Tennessee Photography,

Knoxville Glamour Photography,

Gatlinburg Glamour Photography,

Maryville Glamour Photography,

Tennessee Glamour Photography,

Expectant Moms Mom Pregnant Mothers Maternity Photography Portraits Newborn Photographer Baby Photography Child Children Adult Kinder Photography Kids Photo Teen Photography High School Senior Photography Family Photography Funeral Pet Headshot Sport Sports Football Baseball Swimming Head Shots Business Portraits Commercial Photography Interior Design nude Restorations Real Estate Realestate Glamour Fashion Modeling Portfolio boudoir photography sexy fun tasteful Bridal Portraits Engagements Fall Spring Holiday Music Birth beauty tattoo harley biker man woman cosplay art

SERVING THE EAST TENNESSEE AREA

Knoxville, Maryville, Rockford, Alcoa, Farragut, Fountain City, Powell, Halls Karns, Oak Ridge, Lenoir City, LaFollette, Lake City, Caryville Jacksboro Jellico, Clinton, Kingsport, Johnson City, Sevierville, Seymour, Pigeon Forge, Kodak, Corryton,

Crossville, Louisville, Speedwell, Tazewell, Huntsville, Morristown, Jonesborough, Kingston, Jefferson City, Sweetwater, Madisonville, Harriman, Rockwood, Oliver Springs, Newport, Rogersville, Cookeville, Morristown, Greenville, Bluff City, Concord, Maynardville