X-Oriente

Welcome Binah Blue!

This is little Binah. We got a new puppy this weekend. She is a Border Collie, blue in color, and she is a credit to her breed. (8 weeks and wicked smart, and very sweet.) She's named after the 2nd (or 3rd, depending on which direction you count) S'firah on the Kabbalistic Tree of Life. Binah means "Understanding" and that is the trait that seems to characterize Border Collies. Binah is my third BC. The first, Kayla has gone on to her eternal reward, and our second Gif (named after the web graphic format) is doing fine and just a little freaked out by this little blue whirlwind. Welcome, Binah!

Shriners' Hospital Needs your help

The Shriners childrens hospital in Chicago needs your help to win an online contest. If they win, they'll get two new game systems (with tvs) for the kids to use when they're stuck in a hospital bed. Between now and monday (march 31st), please go to this Colgate website:

Click on Illinois, and please vote for the shriner's hospital. You can vote once each day, and you do not need to give any personal information to vote.

As you control the digital printing presses, please help get the word out to brothers that their votes are needed asap -- the contest is very close. As we say in Chicago, "vote early, vote often!"
Thank you!

Welcome, Stone Guild Publishing!

I am pleased to announce that X-Oriente has its first real sponsor! Stone Guild Publishing is a new Masonic publisher in Plano, Texas They've come out with a new book, Morals and Dogma for the 21st Century: A Modern Interpretation of Albert Pike's Greatest Work. This is Pike's Morals & Dogma, "translated" for a modern audience. It is meant not to replace the original, but to be studied alongside the original. A collaboration by Brian Chaput, William Goodell, Kevin Main, and JJ Miller, Morals and Dogma for the 21st Century is a terrific companion for anyone who wants to an easier entry into all things Pike. You can get your copy at www.stoneguildpublishing.com.

I'm thrilled to have them as X-Oriente's sponsor, and they will be sponsoring the next episode. Which is in post now, and as soon as I finish this contract gig I am working on which has taken almost all my time, I'll finish it up and post it. We're in a bit of a hiatus at the moment but that will change very soon. Fiat Vox!

Christmas Music Special Tapes tomorrow!

If you would like to dedicate a song to your brothers, now is the time! Pick up your phone and call the skypeIn line at 847-380-1881 and leave your dedication, or record your dedication as a WAV or MP3 and send it to me at xoriente@gmail.com. Don't write it in an email, I want to hear your voice. Do it today! Don't put it off! Christmas comes but once a year!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thankful for (in no particular order, just stream of consciousness):

YOU, my brethren and listeners who challenge me to work hard on the show and make me feel like a rock star at least once a day.

My wonderful family, my beautiful wife who makes me laugh once a day at least, and a son who gives me joy with no end.

Oriental Lodge No. 33, my Mother Lodge and the best brothers a guy could have.

The Brothers of North Star No. 1, F&AM PHA

The Brothers of Old No. 2 in New York. My role models.

Technology which allows me to explore the world and communicate with Masons outside of my area.

The Blue Majesty, my maxi-scooter which gives me hours of fun and has lowered my blood pressure at gas stations.

Are there any event planners out there?

Are you a professional event planner? A really good amateur? If so, we should talk. Please contact me backchannel to discuss an idea.

Hiccup!

Looks like X-Oriente was down for a bit and it was my bad. I moved the domain to a new registrar and forgot to update the CNAME record. Anyway, it's fixed and I can get back to producing the next episode!

Are you a 20-something Mason?

I'm looking to talk to guys in their 20's (and younger if you are out there) in preparation for a show I am doing on your generation. Please drop me an email if you can help me! Thanks!

Problems finding the MP3?

There was a problem earlier today where the feed wasn't able to find the audio file. It has been fixed, but you may need to refresh the episode listing in iTunes if you are subscribing to the show. And if you are not, why not? Please subscribe!

Fiat Vox!

Episode 12 is coming and other announcements

Next issue, "It's About Time part 3" is in post production and it's about time. It's also about time to move on to some other topics in Masonry. I am preparing a show on "Gossip and Freemasonry." I'll fill you in on all the juicy details later, but first I want to talk to you guys. Have you been a victim of gossip? Do you avoid gossip? How? Please drop me a line and let me know what your experiences with gossip in the Lodge.

Also, episode 12 will probably be the last episode distributed in MP3 format. I will try switching to AAC. AAC format yield higher quality, quicker downloads, easier post-production, and the ability to do cool things like video and enhanced podcasts with chapters and graphics. If this will be a problem for you please let me know ASAP. My data informs me that the vast majority of you guys listen with AAC-capable podcast clients, already , so it shoudln't be an issue.