X-Oriente

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.

Happy Father's Day!

The greatest Father's Day present one can get is the privilege of being a Dad. Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there.

The Broken Column: Ill. Walter Ernest Webber, 33°

July 31, 1943 -- April 22, 2006

Illustrious Walter E. Webber, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, U.S.A., was called to eternal refreshment in the Paradise of the Grand Architect of the Universe on Saturday afternoon, April 22, 2006, after battling illness for several months.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to:

The 32° Masonic Learning Centers for Children, Inc.
PO Box 519
Lexington, Massachusetts 02420-0519

There will be a memorial service at the National Heritage Museum on the grounds of Supreme Council Headquarters in Lexington, Massachusetts on Sunday, April 30, 2006 at 1:00 pm. Details of the arrangements will be forthcoming.

He will be deeply and sorely missed.