#NeverTrump & #NeverHillary & #AlwaysPray

It's been an election cycle to remember, yet I hope it's also one I can soon forget.  I'm a conservative Republican and Christian who has considered himself a stalwart Republican since I was a young volunteer for the the Reagan/Bush ticket in 1984.  One of the most critical issues to me is the silent holocaust of abortion: a deadly machine that crushes innocent life all around us 24/7.  In the era of Abraham Lincoln, the GOP stood up against slavery.  Today, it stands against the rising tide of abortion and euthanasia.  It is also the party that encourages self-reliance and independence from the honey-sweet lie of government handouts and welfare.  After all, welfare, like programs of reverse discrimination, feed the lie that personal stability is impossible on our own.  As someone who began married life poorer than a homeless church mouse, I can sympathize with giving a helping hand.  That, however, shouldn't become the culturally accepted norm.  The Republican Party for me, then, is the party in defense of sacredness of life--from birth to natural death--whereas the Democratic Party is one that embraces death and government handouts rather than life and personal accountability.

It might seem remarkably strange than for me to admit that I can't vote for Donald Trump this November.  I agree that Hillary Clinton is a deceitful candidate with terrible judgment, but she doesn't frighten me as much as the specter of the Trumps in the White House does.  Some of the most telling glimpses into a person's character come from what may seem the smallest of interactions.  Yet, when Hillary told her daughter Chelsea about the Benghazi Consulate attack, there was no ambiguity or question about who attacked us and why.  It had nothing to do with the hateful video and everything to do with a terrorist attack on the annniversary of the 9-11 tragedy.  The fact that Hillary was simultaneously telling the public a politically-motivated lie concerning the events in Benghazi is as strong an arguement against her candidacy as I can imagine.  Yet, Hillary is the gift that won't stop giving: new legal violations and lapses in judgement seem to come to light on a daily basis now.  With regards to the e-mail server incident, we are, for example, facing either an incompetent individual or a criminal.  What other options are open to us for consideration?  She is as dark a choice as we have had in many years.  She is someone who will attack the Second Amendment, nominate liberal judges to the Supreme Court, and wreck further havoc upon our fragile economy.

The above may all be true concerning Hillary, but what do we have in Trump?  We have an egomaniac, a self-absorbed demagogue with no hint of impulse control and exhibiting compelling evidence of paranoia.  As recently as a few weeks ago, I observed that voting for Trump seemed the only answer with regards to fighting for the Culture of Life.  Well, it is true, however, that the Culture of Life extends to many areas beyond the issue of abortion and euthanasia--e.g. war and immigration.  When Trump recently issued a veiled threat concerning his opponent, it was the straw that broke the camel's back as far as our family is concerned.  This is a candidate who seems intent on actively sabotaging his own campaign with the most nonsensical and dangerous of rhetoric.  If you attempt to argue sense to his supporters, you will likely receive a vitriolic and personal attack alleging that you might as well vote for Hillary.   

 I, for one, take offense at the attitudes so often displayed by Trump's excitable followers.  In fact, more and and more often I take offense at large swaths of Republican-leaning populists for their rude and vulgar comments concerning their political opponents.  When I ran for Oregon House District 20, for example, I took pride in also reaching out to Hispanic voters.  Local Republicans attacked me for this--one accidentally sending a detailed (and bigoted) critique of my immigration beliefs directly to me.  Some political events that I attended also highlighted the Trump crowd of today--loud talkers with little evidence of deep thought.  I suggest it's time for the Republican Party to take a close and hard look at itself in the mirror.  As this election season has demonstrated, there's a lot of ugliness in our party--as well as the Democratic side.  There are no easy answers, but I will not be voting for either candidate at this point.  I will, however, endeavor to pray for our nation, its people, and its unborn.

A Review of Cannery Pier Hotel

     I have a confession to make.  We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary at Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa in beautiful Astoria, Oregon last September, and this is coming to you quite late.  That, in and of itself, though, should tell you that this is a jewell among hotels; it still lingers on my mind.

     I love Astoria.  This entire north coast community caught my imagination years ago.  While folks are quick to judge the area on its dark winter weather, it can be a beautiful place to visit and explore any time of year.  In fact, this hotel is a particularly great spot for storm watching during those long winter months.  Where else can you curl up next to a roaring fire with a glass of wine and feel like you're on the ocean?  The hotel rooms also offer staggering views of the Columbia River and the Astoria-Megler Bridge.

     Everything about your stay here will be luxurious and memorable.  Even waking up in the middle of the night and pausing to look out your balcony windows will remain an image etched in your mind for years to come.  There's nothing ordinary here--not the service and certainly not the place.  So, I hope you will include this wonderful stop among your next vacation plans, but don't take just my word for it!  Below is an excerpt from the hotel's attractive and intuitive webiste.



"Experience the majesty of the mighty Columbia River from the comfort of your hotel room. The Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa was built on the site of the former Union Fish Cannery, 600 feet into the river. We offer guests unparalleled views of a real working river, as well as views of Cape Disappointment Lighthouse and nearby Washington. Each room has a private balcony and is lavishly well-appointed with a fireplace, hardwood floors, and luxurious amenities. Take advantage of our full-service Day Spa with an authentic Finnish sauna and fitness room; or learn more about Astoria's heyday as the Cannery Capital of the World on our Museum Walk. For the ultimate in comfort and luxury, and uniquely historic Astorian experience, think of the Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa."

Consumer Alert Re: Appliance Hospital

Below is a copy of a letter shared with Kelly's Home Center.  Unfortunately, the cost of damages has risen more after realizing that the carpet can't be salvaged and hardwood floors will require refnishing.  At this point, then, we're approaching twelve or fifteen thousand dollars in total repair costs.  A Better Business Bureau complaint has been filed, but we are letting our insurance company take the lead now.
  

We have been shopping at Kelly’s for many years now—just recently having purchased four new appliances--but I thought I’d share an explanation of why we will be avoiding your service contracts (and possibly Kelly’s altogether) in the future.

May 3rd turned out to be quite the unpleasant day.  We had contacted Appliance Hospital regarding our Kelly’s service contract for our Electrolux washing machine.  It was supposed to be a routine service contract repair.  After verifying that a new motor was required on our washer, the technician said he’d help me with tightening connections on the back of the machine.  When he said it was good to go, I didn’t give it any further thought.  Turns out that the connection between the hose and the washer itself was loose: very loose.  My wife and I left on some errands in Salem.  Our daughter called us later saying she heard weird water noises.  We had her check all around the washer, but she didn’t catch any problems.  We dismissed it—unfortunately.  Later in the evening, wet spots began to develop in the carpet in our bedroom (2nd floor) and living room below.  I was sure the dog had done something…  Then, my wife began poking around more carefully.  She noticed a bulging wall above the stairs, and she realized it was water.  I quickly switched the water off out front, and Kim poked holes trying to let it out.  Turned out that this was far too little, too late.

ServPlus arrived the next morning and began taking chunks of the interior away—cutting holes throughout the walls ceiling and setting up industrial fans.  Call me old fashioned, but I believe that when the thumbs up is given it means that all associated connections have been checked.

I spoke briefly with Todd at Kelly’s this afternoon, and he assured me that he’d be in touch about this distressing situation.  Sadly, Todd was not in touch with me, and never returned my message later in the afternoon. 

Over the years, we’ve spent thousands of dollars on quality appliances from Kelly’s.  It’s a shame our customer relationship may be ending on such a sour note.  We realize it wasn’t Kelly’s that failed to check the washer connections, but it was Kelly’s that utilized a sub-standard company such as Appliance Hospital.  To add insult to injury, Appliance Hospital cancelled the scheduled service call with us today to replace the defective motor—not that we were altogether comfortable about the prospect of their second visit.  They falsely alleged that we personally had threatened them with a lawsuit.  While our homeowner’s insurance company may decide to pursue civil remedies, we’re not particularly focused on that right now.  Instead, we’d like to get our house fixed—all $11,000+ in required repairs.   I hope you see, Kelly’s, that companies like Appliance Hospital fail to serve the interests of your customers, which means they don’t serve you well either.

Medieval Mystics

It's a long story, but sometimes one reads an assignment incorrectly.  In a nutshell, that's how this post was born.  Hope it's of some interest!

Between Julian of Norwich and Margery Kempe, Julian of Norwich definitely was my favorite.  Both her style and content were much more palatable for me than Margery Kempe’s writings.  I’m personally inclined to discount the latter writer’s work…but what do you think?  Was she playing with a full deck?

Here’s one passage from Julian of Norwhich that caught my attention, because it reminded me somewhat of an ancient homily for Holy Saturday, which is included in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  If interested, I’m copying Norwich’s passage first, followed by the ancient homily excerpt.

Also God shewed in part the wisdom and the truth of her soul: wherein I understood the reverent beholding in which she beheld her God and Maker, marvelling with great reverence that He would be born of her that was a simple creature of His making. And this wisdom and truth: knowing the greatness of her Maker and the littleness of herself that was made,— caused her to say full meekly to Gabriel: Lo me, God’s handmaid! In this sight I understood soothly that she is more than all that God made beneath her in worthiness and grace; for above her is nothing that is made but the blessed Manhood Of Christ, as to my sight.

Norwich, Julian of (2015-06-10).  The Showings of Divine Love (Kindle Locations 95-99). Wilder Publications, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

Today a great silence reigns on earth, a great silence and a great stillness. A great silence because the King is asleep. The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in the flesh and he has raised up all who ever slept ever since the world began.... He has gone to search for Adam, our first father, as for a lost sheep. Greatly desiring to visit those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, he has gone to free from sorrow Adam in his bonds and Eve, captive with him He who is both their God and the son of Eve.

(The Lord’s descent into hell from an Ancient Homily for Holy Saturday.)

I’ve not led an academic discussion for a very long time, so forgive anything I’ve overlooked!  Please select one or two questions from the following six to start our week’s discussions.

1.  Do you have any thoughts on possible literary or religious influences with regards to Julian of Norwich and Margery Kempe?

2.  How would you compare and contrast this week’s selections? In what ways are Julian of Norwich and Margery Kempe different in their approaches?

3.  Which writer spoke to your heart the most eloquently, and why? 

4.  What did Margery Kempe mean by referring to Mary as the “Empress of Hell?” In Book 1.79? 

5.  Do you have any thoughts on the following quote from Chapter 3 of Julian of Norwich’s book?  Does she have a different concept of heaven than you may personally hold?

And being in youth as yet, I thought it great sorrow to die;— but for nothing that was in earth that meliked to live for, nor for no pain that I had fear of: for I trusted in God of His mercy. But it was to have lived that I might have loved God better, and longer time, that I might have the more knowing and loving of God in bliss of Heaven. For methought all the time that I had lived here so little and so short in regard of that endless bliss,— I thought [it was as] nothing. Wherefore I thought: Good Lord, may my living no longer be to Thy worship! And I understood by my reason and by my feeling of my pains that I should die; and I assented fully with all the will of my heart to be at God’s will. 

Norwich, Julian of (2015-06-10). The Showings of Divine Love (Kindle Locations 60-65). Wilder Publications, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

6.  While this week’s texts are inherently religious in content and scope, is there perhaps a more secular message that can also be taken from one or both of these works?

     7.  What did Julian of Norwich mean by the vision of the hazelnut in Chapter 5?  What does this passage seem to mean to you?

Greetings! View this email in your browser

Good Day at Once! On this, the 400th anniversary of the passing of the world's greatest bard, I thought it was only fitting to say hello to all of my faithful readers! You've perhaps noticed that this is the first e-mail like this in about half of a year.  Well, as some of you already know, I'm busy finishing that English degree that I began in 1987 at Seattle Pacific University.  I'm happier than a clam on a beach to be attending Marylhurst University in Portland now.  While I've temporarily suspended "book promotion" efforts while in classes, I did want to wish you all well and draw your attention to several pieces you might enjoy. I know that writing about places and trips is looked down upon by some of my writing friends; it's not intellectual enough, you know.  I beg to disagree.  As a fellow who grew up in Eastern Washington and has lived in Seattle, Whidbey Island, Bellingham, Dallas (TX & OR), Lawrence, KS, Redding, CA, and now Oregon's beautiful Willamette Valley (since 1996), I am fascinated when discovering new and unique places.  (If you've read my last novel, you can probably tell how critical a solid sense of place is to me.)  The Wallowas are a particularly strong case in point.  I'll never forget the first time I visited northeast Oregon; I was totally unprepared by the majesty I discovered.  I hope I am successful in conveying a little sense of that wonder in this recently published article from Travel Oregon.  As an added "bonus," I am including a couple paragraphs immediately below that we decided not to include in the published article.  It might just bring a smile... Of course, if you annoy the locals, you may find yourself taking the longest "short cut" you can imagine.  One local confided that a sweet old lady she knew had finally lost patience with an out-of-towner bearing a laundry list of complaints: the mountains weren't that special, the weather was too hot, there were no stores in which she cared to stop, etc.  Having finally had enough, the old woman carefully gave the complaining visitor detailed instructions to Hwy 3 out of Enterprise to Lewiston/Clarkston.  She explained that this route might offer her exactly what she was seeking.  Now, as someone who accidentally took this frightening little stretch of asphalt (again, thanks go to Google Maps) back in 2007, I can understand the humor here.  Still, I have to say I feel a little sorry for the complainer, too. Imagine a narrow road weaving steeply towards the hilltops, and you have some inkling of the drive.  There was beauty, too, of course: wild deer and a huge owl to name a couple examples.  As I recall, when the road began to feel more like a paved walking trail, I remember my wife asking me to drive slower and slower until we were inching along at less than 20 mph.  When I expressed concern about traffic, she insightfully pointed out that no one else was stupid enough to take that particular road.  Enough said. I also invite you to read two pieces associated with my educational venture.  First, here's an article concerning the importance of continuing education (and completing what one begins).  Second, here's a page created for a digital humanities course that you might also enjoy.  Truth be known, my selection of Stafford and Roethke probably has a lot to do with that sense of place element again. As Shakespeare might have said, had he done online newsletters, Adieu!

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Mock NEH Grant Application (Academic Project)

Karl Erickson, Marylhurst University

Nature of the Request: Sounds and Words, a Project for the Preservation of Domestic Humanities endeavors to safeguard precious audio and video recordings of renowned United States’ authors, poets, and playwrights before they are lost to future generations of readers and scholars. Its goals extend beyond becoming merely a comprehensive repository for these audio and visual recordings; the project aims to unearth new and forgotten content reflecting professional and personal sides of our country’s greatest writers.   A successful project would be evidenced by not by preservation efforts alone, but also by making these works more available to the public. As envisioned, this project will accomplish what no other online media source has before attempted: a comprehensive, searchable, and intuitively-accessed audio and video content of our country’s greatest writers.   It is hoped that similar endeavors may also be sparked in other parts of the western world.  In order to accomplish this project, we are seeking necessary funds to begin the first phase of this important work.

Humanities Content:   In an earlier Digital Humanities project entitled William Stafford & Theodore Roethke, A DigitalHumanities Project, I demonstrated the irreplaceable value found in recordings of the writer’s thoughts and readings in his own voice. Is this context or background required for the appreciation of the writers’ work? Usually, it is not. However, if one wishes to delve more deeply into the complex mind of the writer, there is great value in this audio and visual content of a wide-ranging nature. From old and forgotten interviews to recovered family recordings, these snapshots of time are our heritage; the time has come to step forward and preserve them for future generations.

There is perhaps a tendency by some in the field of humanities to too quickly pigeonhole or characterize great authors after only a single novel or collection of poetry is read. Sounds and Words, a Project for the Preservation of Domestic Humanities aims to make more widely available a diverse range of media, which will shed direct light on the true nature, character, and thought of those to whom we owe such a great debt for the work of their minds. This way perhaps we may begin to see these writers in a deeper and less stereotyped sense.

Unlike the other DH project mentioned above, this new project would focus on all (United States born) great authors, poets, and playwrights of the last century, or so. While its scope extends greatly beyond the original Stafford/Roethke project, I believe it could be a successful long-term endeavor.  Restricting focus to United States writers would likely encourage more thorough efforts into discovering and legally acquiring use of new recordings into the repository; a worldwide writer focus is believed to be too monumental a project to reasonably undertake at this time.  Once a sufficient number of media resources have been acquired, efforts would begin to focus on the creation of a website dedicated to the purpose of sharing the acquired media with students, researchers, and the general public.

Project Format: The archive or media repository will be restricted to audio and visual recordings featuring (United States born) great authors, poets, and playwrights. With few possible exceptions, these will be the writers themselves as opposed to talks or discussions about them. The media content would be tagged in such a way that complex searches will be possible—e.g. family recordings of novelists. This ease of user searchability would help encourage greater use as a new academic resource.

As touched on earlier, the project will allow both researchers and the public to have a greater understanding and appreciation of the viewpoints and differences of thought and art of selected writers.

Audience Distribution: A multi-prong approach is intended to increase audience size (demographic distribution) and interaction. First, letters and other media forms will be utilized when the project is ready for Beta Testing. It will invite a select group to utilize the repository for a time without any cost in exchange for sharing feedback and completing surveys. Second, social media will endeavor to build interest in Sounds and Words, a Project for the Preservation of Domestic Humanities by highlighting particularly important and interesting media discoveries. It will invite new users to join in the research and discovery at the heart of the project. Third, it is also our intent to consider ways of employing a crowdsourcing technique with regards to media tagging. This will not only build involvement and interaction, but it will improve tagging quality.

As found in “By the People, For the People: Assessing the Value of Crowdsourced, User-Generated Metadata” from the Digital Humanities Quarterly (2015, Volume 9, Number 1), there is great potential found in harnessing the power of crowdsourcing.

As of now, there remains debate about the comparative value of traditional and folksonomic metadata as organizational systems for today’s information needs. Nonetheless, there is growing recognition of the fact that folksonomies offer libraries with an ideal return-on-investment scenario [Syn and Spring 2009] with minimum cost (much of which can be off-set by digital humanities grants), maximum output of data [Bischoff et al. 2009] [Noll and Meinel 2007], as well as the chance to increase community engagement with their patrons. As the findings of the present study demonstrate, folksonomic metadata, when used in tandem with traditional metadata, increases findability, corrects preventable search failures, and is by and large accurate. Furthermore, the data suggest that given the same tagging conditions, librarians and non-librarians produce a surprisingly similar distribution of useful metadata. Collectively, these findings point to the potential to change the way we search for and organize our most treasured media.

Works Cited:

Manzo, Christina, Geoff Kauffman, Sukdith Punjasthitkul, and Mary Flanagan.

        ""By the People, For the People": Assessing the Value of Crowdsourced, User-Generated Metadata."

        DHQ: Digital Humanities Quarterly: By the People, For the People: Assessing the Value of Crowdsourced,

        User-Generated Metadata. Digital Humanities Quarterly, 1 Sept. 2015. Web. 06 Mar. 2016.

Erickson, Karl Bjorn. "William Stafford & Theodore Roethke, A Digital

       Humanities Project." Karl Bjorn Erickson, Author. Karl Erickson, n.d. Web. 06 Mar. 2016.