Saturday, November 3, 2018

A Facebook Departure

It's been an interesting week, but one thing that has struck me is the negative aspects of social media in personal relations.  So many of the people on Facebook are more along the lines of acquaintances rather than close friends.  Facebook, in particular, seems to have a way of bringing out the claws--even between relatively close friends.  (Reminds me of Lorde's song "The Love Club," which includes the line, "And the girls get their claws out...")  Reflecting on my own interactions, I'm definitely not blameless.  Of course, neither is the other person in this particular social media soap opera.

Facebook is a strange animal in that it can facilitate the dismantling of good relationships while fostering superficial ones in their place. It also offers a strange dynamic regarding personal boundaries.  For instance, I may steer clear of constantly checking Facebook in the evening while other people do precisely that.  I may assume people avoid sleeping with their phone when, in fact, it's never out of reach--emitting its treasured tones all night.  This connectedness--or, really a lack thereof--creates a strange dynamic between friends, for instance, who use Facebook in different ways.  It also encourages a certain disregarding of the pleasantries that seems to have a way of directly going to a topic; this may come across as pushy or intense.

Anyway, it's not the first time I've voiced concerns about Facebook, but I think this time I've decided what to do about it.  I think my plan will also facilitate my planned professional move towards public affairs for the state.  After all, I've noticed that those within public affairs have less of a personal profile readily available to the public; I think I'm starting to see why.  So, my plan is to leave Facebook behind for a while.  I may be back next year--in time to discuss daughter's wedding, for instance.  We will see.

In my absence, Kimberly Erickson will be the lead on our Facebook page for the books and art.  Our Christmas sale, started initially as a way of helping to offset the costs of oral surgery, will likely stay up at least through January.  In fact, I'm thinking the photographs will stay available into 2019.  If you want to check out my newest release, you'll find Darkness and Fractured Shadows online.  While reviews are important, I think it's also critical that I write what I enjoy writing.  The genres I seem to enjoy writing the most these days are mystery, fantasy, and science fiction.  New releases will be shared on the website and/or Facebook page.  Also, don't forget me over on Twitter.

Of course, you can always reach me via e-mail too!  

UPDATE:

I found a good way of cutting my Facebook time was removing it from my iPhone.  This allows me to stay in contact with people, yet it feels a bit less personal than having it on my phone.

Monday, October 22, 2018

Oregon's Cascade Head, A Shorter Hike Option

Nature photography is particularly enjoyable when exploring new territory, but potential destinations are often made a little less attractive by the required hikes.  Sometimes it's helpful to learn the shortcuts to these beautiful spots, so that you're not quite as dead tired when you arrive!  Oregon's Cascade Head is a good case in point.


The first thing to bear in mind is that you can't really drive to Cascade Head proper.  GoogleMaps will show misleading driving directions, but you should just ignore that suggestion.  When I first tried to hike to Cascade Head--primarily to photograph ravens along the way--I mistakenly began the hike at about the lowest point I could have chosen.  Driving from Salem/Monmouth via Highway 18, I headed north at the Hwy 101 interchange towards Astoria.  After about a mile, I turned left on 3 Rocks Rd, and the trailhead was then an immediate left.  This was a gorgeous hike, but it was a bigger deal than I had anticipated.  After more than four miles of fairly steep hiking, I called it a day.  I did see some wonderful wildlife, including a family of distant ravens, but I didn't reach any ocean viewpoints by foot.  (The most popular route is apparently reached by continuing further west on 3 Rocks Rd.  This second trailhead offers a hike just over five miles one-way.)

I'd like to suggest, however, that you try a third option.  Again, driving from Salem/Monmouth via Highway 18, I headed north at the Hwy 101 interchange towards Astoria.  Rather than turning on 3 Rocks Rd, I continued up Hwy. 101's rising grade.  At about the 4-mile mark from the Hwy 18 interchange, you'll catch a Forest Service access road to the left.  (It comes up so quickly that I don't recommend trying to make a left turn from Hwy 101.  Instead, turn around at the next wide pull-out, and turn back around safely.)


At this point, you'll see the sign above.  Follow the gravel road carefully the three miles towards the Nature Conservancy Trail.  While the drive is a little bumpy, the scenery is as attractive as one would expect.  (Remember that traffic will suddenly appear heading the opposite direction, so be careful about taking your eyes off the road for more than a second or two.)


After three miles, you will see the trailhead sign pictured to the left.  From this point, the trail to Cascade Head is a fairly easy one mile hike.  Watch for birds and deer along the way and enjoy the peaceful and serene setting.  

A question I have for my readers concerns star-watching from Cascade Head.  Has anyone done this before?  From the signage to the left, it looks like one might risk being blocked by a closed gate at the end of the evening, but I don't know if this particular worry is valid.  (I've reached out to the Siuslaw Nat'l Forest.)

Enjoy your visit!





Verified account  

Saturday, September 15, 2018

Pacific Northwest Art and Book Sale!

We hope you can drop by our brand new Pacific Northwest Art and Book Sale!  While Kimberly is between galleries, we thought this was a perfect time to put out our biggest sale to date.  Besides Kimberly's fused glass and paintings, the sale also features my photographs.  John Carroll Collier, Kim's father, has also graciously donated the sketch seen above!

Hope you can check it out.  After all, Christmas is coming up fast!


Monday, September 3, 2018

Secular Humanism and Dimensions of Diversity & Inclusion

(This short essay was related to a question regarding my perspectives of diversity and inclusion within state and federal government.)

As an English major, I would first clarify that language and meanings of words change with time; they are not fixed like anchors into a seabed; words change and evolve with time. The word "diversity" evokes quite a different meaning today than it did a century or two ago, and its meaning is likely to change again in the coming years.  At present, diversity refers to the collection of people from different backgrounds and cultures.  Inclusion, on the other hand, describes the way these people are included or valued within an organization.  (In the past, the word "assimilated" might have been used, but today it has fallen out of favor as it suggests that members of unique groups must surrender a degree of their uniqueness in the process of belonging.) In one sense, however, inclusion or welcoming of diversity boils down to respect, courtesy, and a willingness to listen and try to understand members of different groups.

The second part of the question could be taken a few different ways.  For instance, the external nature of courtesy and respect has not changed so very much over time.  What has changed is a tendency in modern culture to try to re-package familiar concepts or ideas in such a way that we may sometimes fail to recognize them for what they are.  Be that as it may, I would suggest that diversity and inclusion hold a particular importance for the Modernization Unit due to the interaction of unit members with such a wide and varied audience of people--from external technicians and advisors to members of the legislature or internal staff.  If respect for others fails to exist, it could be damaging to the agency's reputation as well as the project's timeline towards completion.  

As a demonstration for my attentiveness for this area, I raised concerns years ago about serious OED failures in its communications with those for whom English represented a second language (ESL).  A number of us pointed out, for instance, that required letters for new employers were unavailable in Spanish or Russian.  I also raised concerns regarding a cultural perspective within Tax that believed ESL speakers could understand English "if they really wanted to do so." (A former Tax manager told this to me behind closed doors.)  Today, OED is a much more respectful place for minority business owners.  

Sounding a note of constructive criticism, however, I would suggest that some of the recent state training in this area is guilty of two primary errors.  First, the simplistic nature of the cultural differences section encourages racial stereotypes; this is hardly helpful.  Second, a concern has been raised among some that elements of the training seem to support something akin to a religious position concerning what could be described as secular humanism.  This is a complex discussion with philosophical, religious, and constitutional dimensions, and this is likely not the appropriate place to address these in significant depth--except to say that to fully understand these complicated issues one really needs to be a deep thinker rather than a follower of the crowd.  Be that as it may, though, for me diversity and inclusion really boil down to respect and courtesy, and these are behaviors I demonstrate each and every day of my life.

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Small Business in Oregon: The LLC

This is an experimental public service post.  Depending upon feedback, the series may / may not continue.

Have you been thinking of starting an LLC in Oregon, but you didn't know quite where to start? This is one of my first small business themed post, but I hope you find the information offered helpful. Please note that this post is my personal work only, and it does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of my employer. Visitor statistics and feedback will be reviewed later to see whether, or not, this will continue as a series. None of this information should replace the professional advice received from a reputable attorney or CPA.


As soon as you have met with your CPA and/or attorney, it's time for you to register your business name(s). This registration is done through the Oregon Secretary of State Corporation Division's Business Information Center. Besides registering your business name, you can also register at this same time for your Business Identification Number--used for state tax reporting. Alternatively, you can also use the paper form of the Combined Employer Registration and fax the completed form in as instructed. Bear in mind, though, that using the paper form will create a significant processing delay for you. Completing the online form will result in you obtaining your Business Identification Number (BIN) much more efficiently, but the decision is yours. The Oregon Department of Revenue (DOR) will issue the BIN, and the Oregon Employment Department (OED) will review and send a Notice of Determination (NOD) some time later. This explains how and when your company becomes subject to Oregon Unemployment Tax program. You don't need to wait for the NOD, however. As long as you have your BIN, you can file and pay your quarterly taxes. If you don't want to send checks, you can also pay using the DOR's EFT System.


You're already likely familiar with the federal taxes, but what about state taxes? What do you need to know? There are several different of categories of payroll taxes in Oregon, and it's possible that they won't all apply to you: Oregon State WithholdingUnemployment TaxWorkers CompensationTri-Met (Portland Metro), Lane Transit (Eugene Metro), and Canby Transit. Today, we're going to focus more on Unemployment Tax than the other tax programs. This may also be a good time to read the Oregon Business Guide.


Oregon LLCs


Did you know that, unless they elect to be covered, LLC members are excluded from Unemployment Tax by default? (See ORS 657.044(c) and Corporations and Limited Liability Companiesflyer.) This means, of course, that if it's only llc members working, you should not be reporting or paying Unemployment Tax. Leave column A blank; don't include zeros, or this will delay return processing at OED. Reporting correctly as an llc will save you a considerable amount of money each year, and it will also ensure that your reports are processed much more quickly and efficiently, because manual corrections won't be required.  



LLCs and the Federal Election

One other thing to remember concerns the federal election of the llc, since the limited liability company is a disregarded entity for IRS purposes.  This federal election has no bearing on how the OED recognizes your company.  In other words, it's like the IRS looks at the llc and sees a corporation, partnership, etc. (whatever you have elected), but Oregon looks at the llc...and sees an llc.  Since corporate officers are reportable employees in Oregon, this is a really important distinction for you to clearly understand.  The LLC is always an LLC with regards to the UI Tax program.  (DOR will recognize the entity the same as the IRS.)


A Few Word About Independent Contractors


One of the most confusing areas for new businesses is making the distinction between employee/employer or independent contractor. Making a mistake here can be expensive and time-consuming to correct. In order for someone to be correctly classified as an independent contractor in Oregon, the person must represent an independent and established business within the same industry in which they are providing services. If the potential "independent contractor," is just a fellow off the street, then you're likely looking at a relationship better categorized as employer/employee.



Ministers and Oregon Independent Contractor Law 

Because of this being an area of special interest, I am adding it here. As religious organizations would not usually be llcs, this may appear again if this series continues.

A Quick History Lesson

Before the Oregon Supreme Court’s decision in 2000 (See Newport Church of the Nazarene v. Gordon Hensley and the Oregon Employment Department.), ministers were excluded from Unemployment Tax, making ministers ineligible for unemployment benefits. A key part of the court’s decision is provided below.

In sum, we conclude that, in purporting to draw a distinction between church ministers and leaders of other religious organizations, ORS 657.072(1)(b) violates Article I, sections 2, 3, and 20, of the Oregon Constitution. In light of that conclusion, and in accordance with Salem College and Rogue Valley, we construe the statute consistently with OAR 471-031-0090 (1996) to include both ministers and leaders of other religious organizations in Oregon's unemployment compensation program…

Are Ministers Independent Contractors?

Since the above court decision, there’s frequently confusion when it comes to reporting ministers. The first thing to bear in mind is that ministers are no longer automatically excluded; that’s the result of the Oregon Supreme Court decision. If their compensation is to be excluded from unemployment tax at all, it would hinge on whether, or not, they are indeed independent contractors in accordance to ORS 670.600.

When it comes to ministers, however, it may prove difficult to establish that they are truly independent and free from direction and control in the services they perform. While the independent contractor flyer is an excellent reference, these services often require a more detailed review. Frequently, for example, most churches and religious organizations have doctrinal positions that are defined and established. The pastor who decides on a whim to preach counter to the established doctrinal beliefs of his denomination may risk censure or termination.

On the other end of the religious spectrum, some denominations may assert that their ministers are free to preach any teaching at all. Even for universalists, however, the acceptance of all pathways leading to the same spiritual end is a position which excludes other religious beliefs and positions. In other words, even if an organization were to make the argument that they have no particular set of core beliefs, that they’re open to considering all other faiths and religions, this lack of adherence to a central doctrine becomes (in effect) their doctrine. It’s also difficult to say that you are accepting of everything, because many faiths and traditions are inherently contradictory in nature. In short, then, it’s not an easy thing to establish complete freedom from direction and control for ministers. It may not be readily apparent, but there are almost always either defined or undefined expectations to consider.

What about housing allowances, stipends, and reimbursements?

For UI Tax purposes, housing allowance payments will always be subject. Even if the parsonage was owned by the church and the minister was simply allowed to live there rent free, the fair market value of the rent should be reported as wages for UI Tax.

Stipends are considered subject wages and should always be reported. Honorariums paid to the minister directly are subject if paid by the church or employing enterprise.

Actual reimbursements are excluded as long as there is a valid and written accountable plan, which is consistently followed.

The IRS’ Minister Audit Technique Guide may be of some use, but bear in mind that federal income tax rules often are different from state unemployment tax rules.

Monday, August 27, 2018

Understanding the Abuse Controversy


The essay below began as a simple article, but I have decided to scratch the project for now. For one thing, the latest developments make this particular approach less timely than it was, and I have neither the time nor inclination to re-write this. Think of it as a stream of consciousness of sorts on the current controversy.  Please note that all photos are my own.  Perhaps this essay will be of some use or help to you!

(Unfortunately, for several reasons including possible future publication options, a couple sections of this essay have been removed from the blog.)
     
   
     Once I first became aware of the nightmarish news out of Pennsylvania, I felt ill.  Since learning of the crimes, I’ve been dealing with alternating feelings of  shock, anger, and embarrassment for the immoral and criminal behavior of some of our clergy and leadership.  Where do we begin?  

     It seems that we must endeavor to address the victims of these crimes first.  But what can we possibly say to them besides sincerely seeking their forgiveness as members of the Church?  They already understand all too well that there are no perfect earthly institutions.  The Catholic Church betrayed them so completely, so scandalously, that one wonders if any of them remain Catholic today.  While it is true that institutions are run by imperfect people, and that we should endeavor to avoid letting negative experiences unduly color our larger view of an institution like a church, this is an essentially worthless and tone-deaf argument to try to make to a suffering victim.  Victims already understand perfectly well the evil that can come from otherwise good institutions, but what can we possibly offer them today?

     Perhaps it’s worth considering something like the safety message we are all familiar with hearing when we fly.  Remember the warning we receive to remember to put the oxygen mask on first in the event of a depressurization before trying to assist someone else?  That advice seems to be in accordance with common sense. In an emergency, it is sometimes prudent to attend to ourselves before we can adequately provide aid for those who depend upon us.  We are all in shock here, and it makes a modicum of sense to suggest that it’s too early for most of us lay people to offer much in the way of constructive words for the victims—other than we are terribly sorry for what happened. Meanwhile, may I suggest that we take hold of the mask and breathe in some fresh air to counter the growing stench of shock and anger?  As we begin to make sense of the larger picture, perhaps other meaningful, substantive words will be forthcoming for those who suffered evil at the hands of these ordained men of our church.

     One dimension of this tragedy that warrants particularly careful reflection and prayer is the way this issue keeps recurring within our history; it’s hardly new. In the 11thcentury, for example, Saint Peter Damian wrote the following.


Listen, you do-nothing superiors of clerics and priests. Listen, and even though you feel sure of yourselves, tremble at the thought that you are partners in the guilt of others; those, I mean, who wink at the sins of their subjects that need correction and who by ill-considered silence allow them license to sin. Listen, I say, and be shrewd enough to understand that all of you alike are deserving of death, that is, not only those who do such things, but also they who approve those who practice them.

     The following related passage was purportedly written by Basil the Great within an early compilation of canon law known as the Decretum Gratiani. Its recognition today, however, seems to stem more from references made by Saint Peter Damian within hisown writings rather than this original compilation or collection of canon law. As a consequence, this quote is often misattributed to Saint Peter Damian rather than Basil the Great.

Any cleric or monk who seduces young men or boys, or who is apprehended in kissing or in any shameful situation, shall be publically flogged and shall lose his clerical tonsure. Thus shorn, he shall be disgraced by spitting into his face, bound in iron chains, wasted by six months of close confinement, and for three days each week put on barley bread given him toward evening. Following this period, he shall spend a further six months living in a small segregated courtyard in the custody of a spiritual elder, kept busy with manual labor and prayer, subjugated to vigils and prayers, forced to walk at all times in the company of two spiritual brothers, never again allowed to associate with young men for purposes of improper conversation or advice…



     Of course, even before Basil’s strong words from the 4th century, the New Testament itself seems to foreshadow this particular evil within the Church with the following passages from Mark 9:42 and Luke 17:2.

If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.

and


It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.

Between the preceding stern warnings and passages such as 1 Corinthians 11:27, concerning the eating of the bread and drinking “of the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner,” or the warning concerning the “stricter standard” with regard to the teacher found in James 3:1, one can hardly deny that both holy Scripture and sacred tradition concretely warn of the fruits of this kind of immorality.  For those ministers who would dare lead Christ’s precious sheep astray, it would likely have been better for them, like Judas, if they had never been born.

     This dimension of stark severity, however, seems strangely absent within today’s modern Church: replaced often with dimensions of popular psychology or echoes of the Sexual Revolution.  Voices such as Father James Martin, the at-large editor of the once great America, The National Catholic Weekly, seem bent on moving the Catholic Church to an altogether different place—e.g. expressing “reverence” for homosexual unions and even the encouraging of transgenderism.   Unflinching orthodoxy, on the other hand, sees clearly that each act of abuse like those that took place in Pennsylvania, represents an act remarkably similar to Judas’ betrayal of Christ, actions that attack not only the living person of our Savior, but also His followers, and the Gospel itself.  

     Bishop Fulton Sheen, a particularly inspiring communicator for Christ’s Church, puts it this way in Radio Replies, Volume 1.

If I were not a Catholic, and were looking for the true Church in the world today, I would look for the one Church which did not get along well with the world; in other words, I would look for the Church which the world hates. My reason for doing this would be, that if Christ is in any one of the churches of the world today, He must still be hated as He was when He was on earth in the flesh. If you would find Christ today, then find the Church that does not get along with the world.

It doesn’t take a genius to see that the closer the Church moves to embracing the world, the worse things become. It seems that we have exchanged being the salt of the world for the…flour, but where does this leave us today? I suggest that we first must acknowledge that something is seriously wrong with the structure and spirit of any church in which these crimes can be tolerated and overlooked. I have heard recently that Pope Francis may be prepared to call for a change to our Catechism to reflect the perceived immoral nature of the death penalty—and even more baffling pronouncements concerning a belief now that life sentences are tantamount to torture. Yet, so far as have heard, the relatively small section addressing sexual abuse (CCC 2389) does not appear to be headed for any similar expansion.

---

     Given the numbers and historical context of this—not to mention a sense that things have grown worse as steps towards liberalization have been more greatly tolerated—I think we as Catholics must demand that the Church’s own published instructions be more closely followed. Below is an excerpt from “On Priesthood and Those with Homosexual Tendencies, Instruction from the Congregation for Catholic Education.”


From the time of the Second Vatican Council until today, various documents of the Magisterium, and especially the Catechism of the Catholic Church, have confirmed the teaching of the Church on homosexuality. The Catechismdistinguishes between homosexual acts and homosexual tendencies.

Regarding acts, it teaches that Sacred Scripture presents them as grave sins. The Tradition has constantly considered them as intrinsically immoral and contrary to the natural law. Consequently, under no circumstance can they be approved.

Deep-seated homosexual tendencies, which are found in a number of men and women, are also objectively disordered and, for those same people, often constitute a trial. Such persons must be accepted with respect and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. They are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter.8

In the light of such teaching, this dicastery, in accord with the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, believes it necessary to state clearly that the Church, while profoundly respecting the persons in question,9 cannot admit to the seminary or to holy orders those who practice homosexuality, present deep-seated homosexual tendencies or support the so-called "gay culture."10 


Such persons, in fact, find themselves in a situation that gravely hinders them from relating correctly to men and women. One must in no way overlook the negative consequences that can derive from the ordination of persons with deep-seated homosexual tendencies…


---


     If I were to endeavor to offer concrete advice going forward it would be to safeguard all vulnerable populations as if our spiritual lives depend upon it, take a one strike, you are out approach to abuse, embrace the cleansing quality of light and transparency in all of these affairs, and take meaningful steps towards reconciliation and forgiveness with those victims the Church has wounded so terribly.  Perhaps some of the wisest commentary concerning this spiritual crisis, however, is found within Archbishop Alexander Sample’s recent pastoral letter to the faithful of the Archdiocese of Portland. In this important letter, Archbishop Sample outlines four recommendations that include: increasing accountability of bishops in concrete and meaningful ways, initiating an outside investigation, bringing investigation to bear not only upon the perpetrators, but also those in authority who knew but failed to act, and ensuring that new reports of concern are never again whitewashed or ignored. These recommendations of accountability, if enacted, would take us far along the road of healing, reconciliation, and justice, because what we need today is unflinching orthodoxy and not false promises.




Tuesday, July 3, 2018

A Tempered View of SEIU's Purpose

Back in 2011, I honestly didn't see the purpose or need of a union for Oregon State employees like myself.  I wrote about Union Troubles on this blog and put these representation issues out of my brain...temporarily.  I say temporarily because the need for union representation became pretty apparent just a few years later.  There is no reason to discuss the particulars here, but you can read more about it in this Catholic365 article.  What became crystal clear to me is that state agency leadership is prone to make the same errors in judgment (perhaps worse) than private sector managers and administrators.  In trying to stand up for a colleague, I found myself under proverbial fire in my office for years.

While I am fortunate to have an awesome manager now and new leadership in place within the agency, echoes of the earlier troubles certainly remain throughout my work environment. In a sense, there seems a little bit of a disconnect between what conservative Republicans like myself profess to believe about Oregon State leadership and the usual Republican position about unions such as SEIU. That is, we agree that not all state managers and leadership are always making good choices, right? We agree that all too frequently politics and hidden agendas infuse these public workplaces in ways both readily apparent and those of a more subtle nature. What we seem to disagree upon is the need of the front line worker to have someone in his corner to level the playing field. Years ago, I witnessed some truly awful things happening within my workplace. The people in authority had the power of state government behind them, but what did I have? Until I reached out to SEIU for a little assistance, I had very little going my way (except prayer).

Like other issues we face as adults, the issue of union representation isn't necessarily quite as black and white a picture as many paint it to be. The problem, even for Republican state employees like myself, is that we agree that not all agencies are managed and supervised with good judgment and high ethics. That being the case, all state employees really do need the union to help begin to level the playing field. Until we can trust our state agencies to consistently act the way they should, the union remains a necessary evil, if you will, to safeguard our workplace rights. That's why I won't stop paying union dues even after the Supreme Court's Janus Decision. When it comes to the other political issues that unions frequently align themselves with, I continue to respectfully differ with them on those important matters.  It is possible to disagree with many of the union's views outside of the workplace, yet welcome their assistance when those needs arise.  Let's work towards making unions obsolete; until then, though, I will continue to support mine with my time and finances.



Note: I currently serve as a labor representative on my agency's Labor Management Committee.  In the past, I have also briefly served as a steward in order to assist a colleague.

Sunday, July 1, 2018

Recreating a Delightful Italian Dessert

One of the many memorable things about last year's visit to  Sperlonga, Italy, situated on the Tyrrhenian Sea, was a delightfully simple, yet elegant ice cream dessert I ordered at Ristorante Scylla.  Today, I decided to recreate this dish.  Unfortunately, it was not quite as simple as I anticipated.  

First, you will need four oranges.  After rinsing well, use a vegetable peeler to remove the orange rind.  Try to avoid getting the white pith as much as possible, as it will unnecessarily sour the candied orange pieces.  It is suggested that you cut the orange peel into smaller pieces than I did.   




The next part in the process requires bringing about four cups of water to a boil, dropping in the orange peel, then lowering the temp to a simmer for fifteen minutes.  After the time is up, slowly stir in about two cups of sugar.  Bring to a boil, then simmer for one hour. You will want to stay around the kitchen for this period, as you will need to stir and monitor the boiling mixture.




Once the mixture boils down sufficiently, remove the candied oranges and place them on a rack to dry.  Strain the orange syrup at this point and save for later.  (This is also a good time to add additional flavorings like lavender.)  This essentially becomes a marmalade syrup.





The next challenge is slicing the ice cream into attractive cubes.  After cutting the ice cream out of its carton, it's time to get to work.  I bought a salad chopping tool for this purpose, but it did not work well.  We also tried a pizza cutter with no luck.  In the end, the best tool was a baker's dough cutter.  











Enjoy the cubed ice cream with candied orange peel and drizzled syrup over the top.  I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!


(If planning to travel to Sperlonga, there are a few practical pieces of advice I'd like to offer that could spare you some trouble and inconvenience   Feel free to contact me for details.)


Thursday, June 21, 2018

A Letter to Marylhurst University Employees & Students

I can't believe it's over. Well, truth be known, one's education should never be something that is exactly over--until we are, at least. Last weekend, on June 17th, I received my B.A. with Honors, in English Literature and New Media from Marylhurst University. My first university course was in September of 1987 at Seattle Pacific University, and I finished more than three decades later. The last few years have been particularly challenging, since, in addition to my studies, I have been working full-time for the state and also serving as a busy husband and father. Despite all of the hard work (and injured feet in Europe), it has been a truly rewarding experience. My study abroad to London and Rome was probably the most memorable part of my academic journey, but writing my senior thesis on Harper Lee's Atticus was memorable too--in an entirely different sort of way. The bittersweet part of my passage to graduation is that my loved school is closing.

I've decided to share an open letter to faculty, staff, and my fellow students. This is the same letter that was recently anonymously quoted within a recent Inside Higher Ed article by Doug Lederman. I hope it begins to express how I feel about this loss.


When I heard the sad news on Marylhurst this past week, I felt stunned. Other emotions have come and gone in their respective pageantry over the past few days, and the overwhelming feeling now is one simply of great loss. Yet, I am just a student who briefly felt at home in this special place. My heart goes out to the staff and wonderful faculty—especially the ones who must strive to put on a happy face and continue their important work in the coming stressful months. I am so sorry that this took place. It seems a particularly tragic end when one considers the rich history of more than a century and the associated legacy of learning that Marylhurst has come to represent.

It’s been a long journey. I first attended college classes at Seattle Pacific University in the fall of 1987. When I finally graduate next month, the experience will seem particularly bittersweet now. I was briefly considering pursuing a graduate degree, but that’s almost certainly impossible at this point in my life. The flexibility that Marylhurst offered this twenty-year plus Oregon State employee was critical in my academic success; I don’t think I would have had the energy to make a traditional college work. Marylhurst brought me a great deal. In the end, though, one of the greatest things the school brought me was a relatively simple (yet elusive) item called hope. I fear that Marylhurst’s departure is going to slowly erode viable options for so many like myself, and, sadly, this ultimately means a loss of hope in people who can’t stand to remain in their current occupations for a minute longer than necessary. (Each day, my job feels more like a glorified data entry assembly line, and the antics of some of those in upper management in terms of open, transparent, and ethical promotional processes…leaves credibility too often in a shattered heap along the wayside.)

While I don’t understand all of the complexities of Marylhurst’s decline, I have a suspicion that this was avoidable. Could we have done something? I, for example, helped raise many thousands of dollars for the state’s Charitable Fund Drive in 2007. If I had known of the dire situation…I might have joined with others to try to create some realistic options for MU. Sadly, though, none of us seem to have known the truth before it was too late to likely effect any substantive good out of this situation.


From early morning and late evening classes on this beautiful campus to the amazing study abroad experiences in London and Rome, the rich experiences and fine education I have taken from Marylhurst will infuse my life with a greater depth; they will be forever treasured.



Karl Bjorn Erickson
Monmouth, Oregon





Marylhurst University Graduation







University of Kansas (1989)







Seattle Pacific University Photos (1987-1989)
















Monday, February 5, 2018

So, You's Wants to be a Professional Writer?

British Library with Study Abroad Group

I just completed a short video presentation (below) concerning the art of writing, and it occurred to me that it might be nice to have a post directed at writers, or those considering writing professionally.

To that end, I am going to include collected links and resources here for people to explore as they may wish.

 RelatedVideos



(poetry reading)


(London and Rome)


Blog Posts

















Published Articles on Writing *



* It looks like some of my favorite articles on writing are no longer available online.  Guess it's time to write some more!