text:
REST_URL = 'http://localhost:7474/'
HEADER = { 'Content-Type' => 'application/json' }

%w{rubygems json cgi faraday}.each{|r| require r}

# make a connection to the Neo4j REST server
conn = Faraday.new(:url => REST_URL) do |builder|
  builder.adapter :net_http
end

# method to get existing node from the index, or create one
def get_or_create_node(conn, index, value)
  # look for node in the index
  r = conn.get("/db/data/index/node/#{index}/name/#{CGI.escape(value)}")
  node = (JSON.parse(r.body).first || {})['self'] if r.status == 200
  unless node
    # no indexed node found, so create a new one
    r = conn.post("/db/data/node", JSON.unparse({"name" => value}), HEADER)
    node = (JSON.parse(r.body) || {})['self'] if [200, 201].include? r.status
    # add new node to an index
    node_data = "{\"uri\" : \"#{node}\", \"key\" : \"name\",
      \"value\" : \"#{CGI.escape(value)}\"}"
    conn.post("/db/data/index/node/#{index}", node_data, HEADER)
  end
  node
end

puts "begin processing..."

count = 0
File.open(ARGV[0]).each do |line|
  _, _, actor, movie = line.split("\t")
  next if actor.empty? || movie.empty?

  # build the actor and movie nodes
  actor_node = get_or_create_node(conn, 'actors', actor)
  movie_node = get_or_create_node(conn, 'movies', movie)

  # create relationship between actor and movie
  conn.post("#{actor_node}/relationships",
    JSON.unparse({ :to => movie_node, :type => 'ACTED_IN' }), HEADER)

  puts "  #{count} relationships loaded" if (count += 1) % 100 == 0

end

puts "done!"


text:
William F. ZimmermanAge: 80 years1871–1951
William F. Zimmerman
Birth August 2, 1871 35
Wisconsin, United States
Latitude: N44.5 Longitude: W89.5
Death of a maternal grandmother Maria Agnes Thuernich
1872 (Age 4 months)
Cassville Township, Grant, Wisconsin, United States
Birth of a sister Anna V. Zimmerman
March 29, 1873 (Age 19 months)
Marriage Henrietta Ihm — View this family
Guttenberg, Clayton, Iowa, United States
#1 Roland J. Zimmerman
July 23, 1894 (Age 22 years)
#2 Hortense Zimmerman
Death of a father Joseph "Joe" Zimmerman
December 6, 1908 (Age 37 years)
401 S. Grand, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
Cause: cerebral hemorrhage
Residence December 6, 1908 (Age 37 years)
Tampa, Hillsborough, Florida, United States
Burial of a father Joseph "Joe" Zimmerman
December 12, 1908 (Age 37 years)
Calvary Cemetery, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
Latitude: N34.0283 Longitude: W118.1758
Death of a sister Louise Gertrude Zimmerman
Branges, Saône-et-Loire, France
Death of a mother Cecelia "Celia" Voigt
Young Apartments, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
Residence October 9, 1915 (Age 44 years)
Marriage of a child Roland J. Zimmerman — Ida N. Morris — View this family
February 8, 1916 (Age 44 years)
Detroit, Wayne, Michigan, United States
Marriage of a child Clifford Elijah "Ted" Lyman — Hortense Zimmerman — View this family
Residence August 7, 1916 (Age 45 years)
Hyde Park, Tampa, Hillsborough, Florida, United States
Marriage of a child Edward D. Robinson — Hortense Zimmerman — View this family
November 25, 1921 (Age 50 years)
Death of a brother Joseph H. Zimmerman
August 18, 1926 (Age 55 years)
Prairie du Chien, Crawford, Wisconsin, United States
Burial of a brother Joseph H. Zimmerman
Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Clayton, Iowa, United States
Latitude: N43.0267 Longitude: W91.195
Death of a sister Clara M. Zimmerman
4553 E 41st St, Laurelhurst, Seattle, King, Washington, United States
Burial of a sister Clara M. Zimmerman
Mount Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, Linn, Iowa, United States
Latitude: N42.0111 Longitude: W91.6269
Death of a sister Rosalie "Rose" Zimmerman
701 S Grammercy Dr, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
Burial of a sister Rosalie "Rose" Zimmerman
Forest Lawn, Glendale, Los Angeles, California, United States
Census June 1, 1945 (Age 73 years)
Death of a sister Anna V. Zimmerman
February 10, 1947 (Age 75 years)
Saint Francis Hospital, Poughkeepsie, Duchess, New York, United States
Residence August 8, 1951 (on the date of death)
3105 N Ola St, Tampa, Hillsborough, Florida, United States
Death August 8, 1951 (Age 80 years)
Mound Park Hospital, Saint Petersburg, Pinellas, Florida, United States
Burial August 10, 1951 (2 days after death)
Orange Hill Cemetery, Tampa, Hillsborough, Florida, United States
Latitude: N27.9861 Longitude: W82.4
Cecelia "Celia" Voigt
Rosalie "Rose" Zimmerman
Clara M. Zimmerman
Joseph H. Zimmerman
Anna V. Zimmerman
Louise Gertrude Zimmerman
Joseph "Joe" Zimmerman
Birth: March 27, 1836 — Austrian Empire
Death: December 6, 1908 — 401 S. Grand, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
William Hambitzer
Death: October 9, 1915 — Young Apartments, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
Alexander "Alex" Sullivan
Clarence William Sullivan
Florence "Flossie" Sullivan
Peter Jacob Olson
Cecile Rogde
Barbara Rogde
Birth: June 5, 1865 29 — Dubuque, Dubuque, Iowa, United States
Death: May 3, 1938 — 701 S Grammercy Dr, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
John A. Limback
Rosemary Limback
Anthon Zimmerman Limback
Birth: December 16, 1866 30 — Dubuque, Dubuque, Iowa, United States
Death: July 11, 1932 — 4553 E 41st St, Laurelhurst, Seattle, King, Washington, United States
Anna C. Hagensick
Madeline Anna Zimmerman
Cecelia Mary "Celia" Zimmerman
… Zimmerman
Ellen K. Seibert
Birth: December 5, 1867 31 — Dubuque, Dubuque, Iowa, United States
Death: August 18, 1926 — Prairie du Chien, Crawford, Wisconsin, United States
Henrietta Ihm
Roland J. Zimmerman
Hortense Zimmerman
Birth: August 2, 1871 35 — Wisconsin, United States
Death: August 8, 1951 — Mound Park Hospital, Saint Petersburg, Pinellas, Florida, United States
William Fuerste
William Joseph Fuerste
Lucile Fuerste
Paul Kiene
Death: February 10, 1947 — Saint Francis Hospital, Poughkeepsie, Duchess, New York, United States
Henry Charles Charpiot
Death: August 7, 1909 — Branges, Saône-et-Loire, France
Mother's family with William Hambitzer - View this family
step-father
Peter Hambitzer
Marriage: December 3, 1861 — Wyalusing, Grant, Wisconsin, United States
Family with Henrietta Ihm - View this family
Birth: 1871 39 25 — Guttenberg, Clayton, Iowa, United States
Death: February 17, 1962 — New York, New York, United States
Marriage: October 11, 1893 — Guttenberg, Clayton, Iowa, United States
Ida N. Morris
Elizabeth "Betty" Keusseff
Birth: July 23, 1894 22 23 — Guttenberg, Clayton, Iowa, United States
Clifford Elijah "Ted" Lyman
Edward D. Robinson
Birth: September 20, 1896 25 25 — Iowa, United States
Death: May 27, 1983
Rosaha Heister
Johann Theodor Voigt
Maria Agnes Thuernich
Mother's family with William Hambitzer
Family with Henrietta Ihm
Hermann Ihm
Caroline Koelitz
William F. Zimmerman(1871–1951)
Henrietta Ihm1893
Roland J. Zimmerman(1894–)
Hortense Zimmerman(1896–1983)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Work proceeds apace on a "major motion picture" to be produced somewhere in central Virginia, Ken West said July 23.
A "table of 13" will be filled by persons of all major world religions.
"Buddha, Hindu, Christian, voodoo…the whole gamut," West said.
A man named Don who believes that he is an incarnated god will play God. If Don doesn't work out, West said, a replacement will be found.
"We can always find somebody that thinks as he does," West said.
All of it, he added, will be very high-tech.
Other aspects to be covered may include a feature on the life and times of Albert Einstein, and the revelation of some of his theories, the Theory of Mass-Energy equivalence.
West explained that "many particles can be found within a square" and that a "square" has extremely useful properties in physics, some of which might be echoed in the Masonic use of the square as a tool of power.
West also revealed some alternate theological history.
After the Romans allowed two women to take Jesus to the tomb, West said, a crew of extra-terrestrial angels arrived to give aid.
Afterward, West continued, Christ came back to earth for 40 days, to reveal himself to the faithful. However, he said, the Romans got word of his return, and Pontius Pilate called for him to be arrested once again.
In addition, West shared a recap of the origin of Voodoo, which he attributed to the era of the Spanish conquistadors.
The Catholics, he said, brought their religion to the tribal nations of the Caribbean.
"(the tribes) intertwined (Christianity) with their own religion of vengeance – to poke little holes in your body," West said.
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Interested In Central Whidbey Island?
Central Whidbey Island is located in Island County, Washington. There are roughly 12,630 residents, living in 5,670 households. The average temperature for Central Whidbey Island this time of the year is low of 41F and high of 56F. On average, Central Whidbey Island gets about 1.65 inches of precipitation in April. Most residents are home owners (78%), have a post secondary degree (61%) and are married, no kids (40%).


text:
Fr Doyle's Life
Fr Doyle's relevance for lay people
Fr Doyle's writings
Publications about Fr Doyle
Home2014September
Thoughts for September 30 (St Jerome) from Fr Willie Doyle
September 30, 2014 September 29, 2014 PK Jesuit, Saints
St Jerome in the wilderness
Don't dwell on what you have not done, for I think that want of confidence in His willingness to forgive our shortcomings pains Him very much, but rather lift up your heart and think what you are going to do for Him now. You know the secret of making a short life very long in His eyes, and a life of few opportunities crammed full of precious things. Do everything for His sweet love alone.
COMMENT: Here we see the wonderful gentleness of Fr Doyle, consoling someone to whom he was giving spiritual direction. Sometimes there may be a tendency to consider Fr Doyle as overly austere; only somebody who deliberately looks for austerity, and ignores other aspects of his life, could come to this conclusion.
His message for us today is very helpful. Every one of us sometimes fails to do some good that ought to be done. The answer is to repent, and then move on, and do our duty now. Dwelling on past failures can lead to discouragement and perhaps even to scruples. Indeed, as Fr Doyle points out, our lack of confidence in God's forgiveness pains Him.
Today is the feast of St Jerome, one of the Fathers of the Church and also a Doctor of the Church. Fr Doyle mentioned St Jerome once in a letter to his father written from the trenches. The charming aside in which he jokingly mentions St Jerome is also further evidence of Fr Doyle's balance and good humour. He is describing the booklet on Vocations that he wrote and refers to the old abbreviation "MSS" for the word manuscript, and how the abbreviation once lead to humorous incident in Clongowes College:
You will be glad to know, as I was, that the ninth edition (90,000 copies) of my little book "Vocations" is rapidly being exhausted. After my ordination, when I began to be consulted on this important subject, I was struck by the fact that there was nothing one could put into the hands of boys and girls to help them to a decision, except ponderous volumes, which they would scarcely read. Even the little treatise by St. Liguori which Fr. Charles gave me during my first visit to Tullabeg, and which changed the whole current of my thoughts, was out of print. I realized the want for some time; but one evening as I walked back to the train after dining with you, the thought of the absolute necessity for such a book seized me so strongly, (I could almost point out the exact spot on the road), that there and then I made up my mind to persuade someone to write it, for I never dreamt of even attempting the task myself.
I soon found out that the shortest way to get a thing done is to do it yourself, or rather God in His goodness had determined to make use of me, because I was lacking in the necessary qualifications, to get His work done, for I am firmly convinced that both in "Vocations" and "Shall I be a Priest?" my part consisted in the correction of the proof sheets and in the clawing in of the shower of bawbees.
I remember well when the MSS. – which does not stand for Mrs as Brother Frank Hegarty read out once in Clongowes: St. Jerome went off to Palestine carrying his Missus – had passed the censors to my great surprise, the venerable manager of the Messenger Office began shaking his head over the prospect of its selling, for as he said with truth, It is a subject which appeals to a limited few. He decided to print 5,000, and hinted I might buy them all myself!
Then when the pamphlet began to sell and orders to come in fast, I began to entertain the wild hope that by the time I reached the stage of two crutches and a long white beard, I might possibly see the 100,000 mark reached. We are nearly at that now without any pushing or advertising, and I hope the crutches and flowing beard are still a long way off. God is good, is He not? As the second edition came out only in the beginning of 1914 the sale has been extraordinarily rapid.
Thoughts for September 29 (Feast of the Archangels) from Fr Willie Doyle
September 29, 2014 September 28, 2014 PK Jesuit, Self-conquest, Virtues
St Michael the Archangel
Today is the feast of St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael, the archangels.
This feast was significant in Fr Doyle's spiritual life, for he made a vow to the Sacred Heart on this very day 104 years ago. He made the vow during one of his late night vigils, and signed the vow in his blood (this was not uncommon at the time; St Therese is known to have done something similar, and Fr Doyle was an early devotee of this saint, so he may have copied the practice from her). Here is the text of the vow:
"Most loving Jesus, kneeling before You in the Blessed Sacrament, I solemnly consecrate myself to Your Sacred Heart by vow. I vow always to be Your faithful lover and to strive every day to grow in Your love. In imitation of the oblation which B. Margaret Mary made of herself, I now wish to give myself up absolutely and entirely, without any reserve whatever, to Your most Sacred Heart, that You may be free to do with me, to treat me, as You wish, to send me whatever suffering or humiliation You wish. I desire to put no obstacle to the action of grace upon my soul, to be a perfect instrument in Your divine hands, to be Your victim should You so desire. I want to make this oblation and immolation of myself to Your Sacred Heart as completely as possible, and in the manner which You wish me to make it, O my Jesus. Therefore, again, by this vow, I make a complete surrender of myself and all I have to You. Do with me as You will, for from this hour I am wholly Yours. Amen.
Feast of St. Michael, Friday, Sept. 29th, 1910.
Made at Midnight. Signed W. J. DOYLE, S J."
One year later, while on retreat, he added to this vow as follows:
MY VOW.
I deliberately vow, and bind myself, under pain of mortal sin, to refuse Jesus no sacrifice, which I clearly see He is asking from me. Amen.
(1) Until I get permission to make it permanently, this will only bind from day to day, to be renewed each morning at Mass.
(2) To avoid scrupulosity, I am quite free unless I honestly believe the sacrifice is asked.
(3) Any confessor may dispense me from the vow at any time.
Feast of St. Michael, Tullabeg. September 29th, 1911.
Though not coming under the matter of the vow, my aim will be :
(a) Never to avoid suffering e.g. heat or cold, unpleasant people etc.
(b) Of two alternatives, to choose the harder e.g. ordinary or arm chair.
(c) To try and let absolutely no occasion of self-denial pass: they are too precious.
(d) As far as possible, not to omit my ordinary penances when a little unwell.
(e) My constant question to be: What other sacrifice can I make? What more can I ive up for Jesus? How can I do this action more perfectly ?
REASONS FOR MAKING VOW.
(1) The immense help it will be to become fervent.
(2) Additional great merit from doing the acts under vow.
(3) I see now what was the strange want which I have felt so often in my life. I have been urged by grace for years to take some such step, but only recently clearly saw what I should do.
(4) My sanctification depends on doing this.
(5) I wish to do my utmost to please my dear Jesus.
(6) I feel simply I must make this vow as if I had no power to refuse, which shows me that all this is the work of grace, and not my doing in the least.
(7) Since Jesus, out of pure love for me, has always lived this life, and since I have promised to imitate Him, how can I now refuse to do so?
(8) I shall gain immensely by this vow, my work for others will be blessed, more souls will be saved and greater glory given to God.
(9) What shall I lose? A little gratification which brings no real pleasure but always leaves me unhappy, for I feel I am resisting grace.
I make this vow with immense distrust of myself and my power to keep it, but place all my confidence and trust in Thee, O most loving Heart of Jesus."
By the time Fr Doyle made this second vow 103 years ago today, he had advanced far in the spiritual life and was actively seeking daily sacrifices to offer to the Lord for others. Even though we are not as advanced as Fr Doyle, we can learn much from his vows if we try to incorporate the same spirit of generosity towards God and detachment from our own will.
Thoughts for September 28 from Fr Willie Doyle
September 28, 2014 September 27, 2014 PK Saints, Virtues
Don't let the devil spoil the work by making you fret and worry.
COMMENT: This line from Fr Doyle is taken from a much longer letter of spiritual direction, the specifics of which are unlikely to be relevant to many of the readers of this website.
But this line, about the father of lies, and his capacity to make us worry, is relevant for us all…
One of the characteristics of the Holy Spirit and His influence in our lives is peace and consolation. On the other hand, one of the traits of the enemy is worry and anxiety.
All of the saints faced worries and anxieties. Many were founders who faced financial worries. Many saints faced false accusations of scandal. Then there were those who underwent a severe trial of faith, experiencing a profound dark night of the soul. Then we have those "victim souls" who suffered intense illness and abandonment. Other saints had to separate themselves from friends and family in the process of entering religious life, or going away to the missions, or even converting to Catholicism. And of course there were the martyrs, who faced torture and horrific death.
One thing that characterises the saints throughout their trials is serenity. They had the peace that the world cannot give; they refused to give in to the temptation to fret and worry. We see this same tranquility and cheerfulness in Fr Doyle's letters home to his father from the Front. It is hard to believe that bombs and gas attacks were being unleashed around one who was so happy and concerned for others.
We who live in a comfortable age – which is paradoxically marked by much anxiety and stress – have much to learn from the example of the saints.
Thoughts for September 27 (St Vincent de Paul) from Fr Willie Doyle
September 27, 2014 September 26, 2014 PK Prayer, Saints
For fifteen years has Jesus been waiting for me to return to Him, to return to the fervour of my first year of religious life. During that time how many pressing and loving invitations has He not given me? What lights and inspirations, remorse of conscience, and how many good resolves which were never carried into effect. O my God, I feel now as if I cannot resist You longer. Your infinite patience and desire to bring me to You has broken the ice of my cold heart. "I will arise and go" to You, humbled and sorrowful, and for the rest of my life give You of my very best. Help me, sweet Jesus, by Your grace, for I am weak and cowardly.
COMMENT: In today's quote we find Fr Doyle lamenting what he considered to be his unfaithfulness during his first 15 years of religious life. These lines were written during the 30 day spiritual exercises he did just after ordination in 1907.
In retrospect, it's not immediately clear to us that Fr Doyle was lukewarm or lacking in zeal during his time studying for the priesthood. Many who knew him then considered him an excellent role model. However it is clear that Fr Doyle felt he lacked something during this time, and it is also clear that after this retreat he went about the process of serving God with a much greater efficiency and exactitude so that in comparison a very pious period of studying for the priesthood might seem lukewarm and lacking in devotion.
Fr Doyle isn't the only great spiritual hero who felt he had much lukewarmness to account for. Today's saint, Vincent de Paul, seems to have had very mixed motives during his early years. The desire to secure a prestigious ecclesiastical benefice and live in comfort seems to have been foremost in his mind when he was ordained a priest in his very early 20's. In fact, he even had recourse to the courts to vindicate what he saw as his rights in the Church, and, so keen was he to protect his rights that he even chased a man who owed him money to Marseilles. It was on this expedition that he was kidnapped by Turkish pirates and sold as a slave. It is this experience, plus the importance of friendships like those with St Francis de Sales and Pierre de Berulle that gradually brought about his conversion.
There are other important similarities between St Vincent and Fr Doyle. Both were renowned for their charity. In Fr Doyle's case this started very early in life – as a child he would take food from his family home and give it to the poor around Dalkey, his native village. He kept this habit all his life, often giving away his food and gifts to soldiers in the trenches.
Both also stand in opposition to the dreadful disease of Jansenism. For anyone unfamiliar with this heresy, here is an excellent description of it, and it's relevance to Ireland (and the history of abuse in Irish institutions) that I have taken from the blog of Fr Ray Blake:
The bleakness of the Irish institutions where abuse took place seems to reflects the theology of those who ran them. There is no Baroque exuberance, no time of festivity, just grinding tedium, where the norm is fast and penance mitigated by an occasional feast which is itself yet another penitential act. The pictures of these institutions show no sign of the Catholic sun shining, and black tea is served instead of good red wine, there is indeed only Calvinist gloom. One simply can't imagine a sense of festival that is more than an empty mouthing of the Gloria in these grim mills.
People have suggested that Jansenism lies behind the appalling accounts of dehumanisation and abuse. What type of anthropology lies behind Jansenism? There is a heightened sense of sin, sin which cannot be overcome, but only beaten into semi-containment. There is a division of humanity into the saved and the damned, with the majority being damned. There is a tendency to see the poor, the weak as being damned, or at the very least as being beyond the influence of grace. Victims are damned, abusers are damned. Grace is given so sparingly, by a God who is mean with both love and Grace, and man, he is made in the same niggardly image. God is not merciful and forgiving but full of anger and rage, swift to condemn, waiting to punish. The wounds of the Son are not salvific but condemnatory, both victims and abusers are left without hope, the hell of now is but a foretaste of the hell to come. It is in this image man is created.
Anyone with a passing familiarity with Irish Catholic history over the past century will instantly identify with what Fr Blake says here. Even if Irish priests and nuns didn't know about Jansenism or thought that they were unaffected by it, it is clear that many were at least tainted with its spirit.
In St Vincent's case, he knew the original promoters of this heresy, and tried, through gentleness and friendship, to win them back. In the case of Fr Doyle we find a great abhorrence of Jansenism. As he said in one letter:
The wretched spirit of Jansenism has driven our dear Lord from His rightful place in our hearts. He longs for love, and familiar love, so give Him both.
It is clear that everything Fr Doyle stood for was in marked opposition to the Jansenistic spirit. Fr Doyle had a great love of the poor and the weak and a burning, passionate love of Christ. He was always gentle with others, and wrote a booklet to combat the problem of scruples. He encouraged the notion of spiritual childhood and the reliance on God's grace to overcome our faults.
Both St Vincent and Fr Doyle are relevant to us today for another reason. It is truly shocking to read about the state of the Church in France during St Vincent's lifetime. Priests were uneducated, slovenly, given to liturgical abuse and living lives of scandal. Bishoprics were seen as the hereditary rights of powerful families, and young boys were appointed bishops by these families in an attempt to secure their rights and benefices.
Yes the Church in Ireland, and indeed in much of the world, faces its fair share of problems today. But we must remember that it is in immeasurably better shape than it was 350 years ago. Both St Vincent and Fr Doyle were deeply concerned for the reform of the Church and for the priesthood in particular.
September 26, 2014 September 25, 2014 PK Reparation, Self-conquest
How much is comprised in the little words agere contra! Therein is the real secret of sanctity, the hidden source from which the saints have drunk deep of the love of God and reached that height of glory they now enjoy.
COMMENT: The phrase agere contra refers to the practice of going against oneself, of denying oneself in various ways in order to overcome our defects and vices.
It is not in vogue today, but it has traditionally been an important part of the spiritual life and it is essential in understanding the spirituality of Fr Doyle. He practiced this in so many different ways, many of them small and insignificant, but which have the effect of showing love for God, of making one stronger and generally equipping one for better service of others.
Anybody can adopt this type of practice in little things if the will is there – getting up on time, going to bed on time, giving up sugar in our tea, giving up butter on bread or maybe just giving up jam but keeping the butter!! Many of us make such sacrifices for earthly and mundane reasons such as our health or career or our appearances. Surely our love of God, and desire for sanctification, should be of more importance and should be a greater motivation for going against ourselves? Venerable Fr Petit, who was Fr Doyle's spiritual director in Belgium during his tertian year, immediately after ordination, said that we find self-denial difficult because we have such little love of Jesus.
Let us conclude with some thoughts from St Paul from the first letter to the Corinthians in which he express some of the same thoughts:
Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Well, I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air; but I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
September 25, 2014 PK Self-conquest
I have noticed that every time I have indulged myself, my appetite especially, for no matter what reason, I have always had remorse and felt unhappy; but that each generous victory, every additional act of penance, has been followed by peace of soul and contentment.
COMMENT: Fr Doyle wrote these words in his diary on this day in 1913 – 101 years ago today.
These words are probably counter-intuitive for us. Most of us in the modern world have bought into the idea that life is about maximising our pleasure and getting as much "stuff" as we possibly can. Yet, so often this approach to life leaves us unsatisfied. Pope Francis has been particularly insistent on this theme of detachment and poverty of spirit.
Fr Doyle – and indeed all of the saints and many others in religious life across history – had a different philosophy. They believed that happiness and peace came from detachment, and from a radical love of God and neighbour. An essential part of developing this detachment was penance and mortification.
Perhaps our lesson today is that it wouldn't hurt us much to say "no" to ourselves from time to time, and that it would probably make those around us a bit happier as well.
September 24, 2014 September 21, 2014 PK Virtues
You may make the most complete and absolute offering of yourself to God to bear every pain He may wish to send. Renew this frequently and place yourself in His hands as His willing victim to be immolated on the altar of sacrifice. But it is better not to ask directly for great sufferings; few of the saints did so.
COMMENT: Today's quote from Fr Doyle may perhaps be difficult to understand for most of us. We love our comfort and we, naturally, desire to keep our comfort.
But Fr Doyle, like many of the canonised saints, didn't just live on the natural level – he lived supernaturally as well. One of the characteristics of a growth in sanctity is a complete abandonment to the will of God, and an acceptance of sufferings if these should be His will. At the very least, according to St Ignatius, we should be indifferent to sickness and health, poverty or riches, popularity or rejection… But once again, for most of us this is hard, and we can but pray for an increase in our faith and trust in God's gentle Providence.
Thoughts for September 23 (St Pio) from Fr Willie Doyle
September 23, 2014 September 21, 2014 PK Saints, Self-conquest, Virtues
St Pio of Pietrelcina
It is indeed easy to condemn oneself to death, to make a generous offering of self-immolation; but to carry out the execution daily is more than most can do. . . . Go on bravely, don't expect too much from yourself, for God often leaves one powerless in acts of self-conquest in order to make one humble and to have more recourse to Him. Remember above all that even one small victory makes up for a hundred defects.
COMMENT: Well, perhaps it is not quite as easy for us to condemn ourselves to death as Fr Doyle suggests! Perhaps many of us can identify with the character in the Flannery O'Connor story: "She could never be a saint, but she thought she could be a martyr if they killed her quick!"
More seriously, we can sometimes be willing to make great sacrifices, but keeping up the struggle against our selfishness day after day is what really presents the difficulty for us. And as Fr Doyle encouragingly says, we should not expect too much from ourselves: we are weak, and should accept our weakness with humility. But this doesn't mean that we settle for mediocrity: as Fr Doyle points out, God is always with us and will sustain us. As St Pio, whose feast is today, says,
Pray, hope, and don't worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.
There is a temptation for the demanding message of hugely popular saints like Padre Pio to be overlooked. Too often the lives of such saints get swamped with tales of their miracles and extraordinary phenomena. Lest that happen, here is one final thought from St Pio which in many ways is very similar to the spirit and teaching of Fr Doyle:
The life of a Christian is nothing but a perpetual struggle against self.
You know well that even the smallest cross and happening of your life is part of our Blessed Lord's plan for your sanctification. It is not easy, I know, to look at things in this light. But one can train the will to look upon the act of others, even their sinful acts in as much as they concern ourselves, as coming from the hand of God. There is so much real holiness and so very much solid happiness and peace and contentment in this little principle, that I am very anxious you should try and acquire it, so that nothing may really ruffle the peace of your soul. Don't think this is easy, it is not; and you will fail time after time in your efforts, but with perseverance, steady progress will be made.
COMMENT: The last few years have seen tremendous financial turmoil, and many people face severe financial difficulties, perhaps for the first time in their lives.
But as Fr Doyle points out, there is much peace and contentment to be found in the Providence of God. He arranges all things for our long term good and sanctification, even if we do not recognise, or appreciate it, at the time. Fr Doyle lived this reality in the trenches; it was precisely this faith in the loving protection of God that sustained him as he took incredible risks to save others.
As Fr Doyle points out, it may be very difficult for us to have this trust in God, especially if we are suddenly confronted with difficult and life-changing news. We must pray for the grace to acquire this faith and trust in Providence. The Father who feeds the birds of the air and dresses the flowers of the field will not let us down or abandon us.
September 21, 2014 September 20, 2014 PK Gospel, Saints
The Call of St Matthew by Caravaggio
We must love God with our whole heart. Can He be loved otherwise? Is it too much that a finite heart should love infinite Beauty? I fail in this wholehearted love if I keep back anything from Him, if I am determined not to pass certain limits as proof of my love, if I absolutely refuse to sacrifice certain things which He asks, if I refuse to follow the grace which is impelling me on.
We must love God with our whole strength. If I love God with all the strength that grace gives me now, this grace is increased by each act of love, so that I should from day to day love Him more. Love for a creature is strongest at its commencement, it becomes weaker, it ends in weariness and disgust. It is quite the contrary with divine love. Weak in the beginning, it grows as we come to know God better, as we taste Him more, as we approach Him more familiarly and enjoy His presence more intimately.
COMMENT: Today is the feast of the apostle St Matthew, though we do not celebrate it liturgically as it is a Sunday. Christ called him, a sinful and wealthy tax collector. St Matthew followed, giving up his comfort and mammon to follow a prophet who had not even anywhere to lay his head. Matthew continued following him, even unto death.
But both Fr Doyle and St Matthew grew in intimacy with Christ, and in turn gave more and more to Him. Tradition has it that St Matthew was martyred, possibly in Ethiopia. By the time Fr Doyle was sent to the trenches, he seems to have reached a level of detachment where he gladly shared the deprivations of his "poor brave boys", and was even hoping to go to a leper colony if he survived the war.
Neither man started out so heroically, but responding to grace day by day transformed them in ways they never imagined. We too can be transformed if we rely on grace. It doesn't necessarily mean martyrdom or great suffering for us, but it will mean that we will render great service to God and man if we just follow where God leads.
Fr Willie Doyle SJ
frwilliedoyle AT gmail DOT com
Books about Fr Doyle
On sale now - click image to purchase
On sale now! Click book cover.
Click here to buy O'Rahilly's classic biography of Fr Doyle
Children's book about Fr Doyle
Click here to buy Carole Hope's new biography of Fr Doyle, with special focus on World War 1.
Click here to buy the new CTS booklet on Fr Doyle by K.V. Turley.
Click here to buy Trench Priest, a 168 page magazine about Fr Doyle
Fr Doyle's famous booklet Vocations
The Irish involvement in WW1
Book about the Irish involvement in WW1
EWTN Live interview about Fr Doyle
EWTN Life on the Rock interview about Fr Doyle
EWTN Bookmark interview about Fr Doyle
Fr Doyle on Rome Reports
Radio interview about Fr Doyle
Video tribute to Fr Doyle
Prayer (For Private Use Only)
O Jesus, who has given us the example of Your servant, Father William Doyle, graciously grant us the favours we ask You through his intercession...[Make petition.]
Teach us to imitate his love for You, his heroic devotion to Your service, his zeal for repairing the outrages done to Your glory and for the salvation of souls. Hear our prayer and show us the credit he now enjoys in heaven so that we may soon be able to venerate him in public worship."
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be
This blog seeks to share some daily reflections from the writings of the heroic Jesuit "martyr" Fr Willie Doyle. My hope is that more people can come to know, and learn from, this remarkable man.
A more complete explanation of this blog can be found by clicking on Why This Blog? at the top of the page.
Comments and emails are welcome.
frwilliedoyle at gmail.com
Fr Doyle in 1908
Prayer for Priests by Fr Doyle
O my God, pour out in abundance Thy spirit of sacrifice upon Thy priests. It is both their glory and their duty to become victims, to be burnt up for souls, to live without ordinary joys, to be often the objects of distrust, injustice, and persecution.
The words they say every day at the altar, "This is my Body, this is my Blood," grant them to apply to themselves: "I am no longer myself, I am Jesus, Jesus crucified. I am, like the bread and wine, a substance no longer itself, but by consecration another."
O my God, I burn with desire for the sanctification of Thy priests. I wish all the priestly hands which touch Thee were hands whose touch is gentle and pleasing to Thee, that all the mouths uttering such sublime words at the altar should never descend to speaking trivialities.
Let priests in all their person stay at the level of their lofty functions, let every man find them simple and great, like the Holy Eucharist, accessible to all yet above the rest of men. O my God, grant them to carry with them from the Mass of today, a thirst for the Mass of tomorrow, and grant them, ladened themselves with gifts, to share these abundantly with their fellow men. Amen.
In obedience to the decree of Pope Urban VIII, all that all that is written on this site about Fr. Doyle has no other force or credit than such as is grounded on human authority. Hence no expression or statement is intended to assume the approbation or anticipate the decision of the Church.
Recent posts on Remembering Fr Willie Doyle
Thoughts for January 20 from Fr Willie Doyle
Thoughts for February 8 from Fr Willie Doyle
Fr Doyle's writings
Books about Fr Doyle. Part 4: Merry in God AND Trench Priest
Thoughts for Easter Sunday from Fr Willie Doyle
The Third Station of the Cross by Fr Willie Doyle
Thoughts for the last day of the year from Fr Willie Doyle
Fr Doyle links
Self-conquest
Proud member of a premium Web Directory Site HotVsNot.com We are listed under Christianity Directory


It was Saturday Night and we were ROCKING OUT at the off grid prefab house kit!!!!
Outside the weather might have been crisp; but inside the energy efficient, passive solar prefab on Saturday night? It was hot, hot, hot.
It Was A Big Ole Slumber Party In The Prefab Off Grid House, Y'all.
Pipsqueak #1 wanted a Camping Party for his birthday. We planned to camp in the field. Then the entire city of Richmond came down with colds. So for those that braved the chilly weather recovering from colds, we turned the Camping Party into a Slumber Party In The Prefab.
Dogs were running wild. Childrenz were running wild. It was wild! YEAH!
Twenty-five people came out, and SEVENTEEN people stayed the night in the off grid prefab home.
Filling beds. And air mattresses. And with a wood cook stove cooking at all times, honeychiles.
It was crisp outside, but inside the prefab it was hot, hot, hot!
...while the boys kicked soccer balls, built a campfire, and launched occasional Wolf Pack Raid Strategies.
Then they all played a rousing game of Pin The Tail On The Bull.
Note: None of the children neither their parents batted an eye.
"Where do you get your water?"
"How does solar power work?"
"What's a structural insulated panel?"
"Um... HOW does the composting toilet work?"
It got dark, the stars came out, and we stayed up way too late. Eventually, one by one, we drifted to bed, the prefab home so cozy from our body heat and cooking on the cook stove that guests cracked windows, letting in sharp blasts of icy air to lower the energy efficient home's off grid indoor temperature.
And of course, at the crack of dawn (actually, before, as they wanted to Watch The Wildlife), the pipsqueaks started hopping about as the adults groaned and slowly rose to make *lots* of coffee.
P.s. You can't have cook stove cooking for a crowd without a pot o' beans on the stove.
These beans were a hit. When it's cold, you'll enter from the frosty outdoors to find the passive solar prefab warm and toasty with a pot of beans simmering to heat yer innards up.
Add more ketchup than you'd think!
Add some of George Geier's fantastic, homemade, creamy, spicy horseradish-y yellow mustard. Ohhhh, beg him for the recipe. I bet he'll fess up.
Stir that hot mess up.
Drain and dump in cooked kidney beans - I love to use red *and* white (cannellini).
Stir it up again. Heat to serve.
Hellz yes if you're not vegetarian then throw in a bunch o' bacon / fat back / sizzlin' something as Step 1! I'm cooking lots of vegetarian things this weekend in case people are vegetarian. Bruschetta, Nekkid Potato salad, cucumber sandwiches, homemade pasta pesto, homemade hummus with olives & cukes & pita, (why am I saying homemade, it all is, so I'll stop it), cheese quesadillas, butternut squash soup are a few things I had on hand just in case... delicious regardless!


text:
package com.englishtown.vertx.jersey;

import io.vertx.core.Vertx;
import io.vertx.core.json.JsonObject;
import io.vertx.core.net.JksOptions;
import org.glassfish.jersey.server.ApplicationHandler;

import java.net.URI;
import java.util.List;
import java.util.Map;
import java.util.Set;

/**
 * Provides configuration for a {@link JerseyHandler}
 */
public interface JerseyOptions {

    /**
     * @param config
     * @param vertx
     * @deprecated use overload with just {@link JsonObject}
     */
    @Deprecated
    default void init(JsonObject config, Vertx vertx) {
        init(config);
    }

    /**
     * Initializes the jersey options
     *
     * @param config the underlying configuration settings
     */
    void init(JsonObject config);

    /**
     * Returns a list of packages to be scanned for resources and components
     *
     * @return
     */
    List<String> getPackages();

    /**
     * Optional additional properties to be applied to Jersey resource configuration
     *
     * @return
     */
    Map<String, Object> getProperties();

    /**
     * Optional list of components to be registered (features etc.)
     *
     * @return
     */
    Set<Class<?>> getComponents();

    /**
     * Optional list of singleton instances to be registered (hk2 binders etc.)
     *
     * @return
     */
    Set<Object> getInstances();

    /**
     * The http web server host
     *
     * @return the http web server host to listen to
     */
    String getHost();

    /**
     * The http web server port
     *
     * @return the http web server port to listen to
     */
    int getPort();

    /**
     * Whether the web server should be https.
     *
     * @return whether the web server should be https.
     */
    boolean getSSL();

    /**
     * Vert.x http server key store options
     *
     * @return Java key store options
     */
    JksOptions getKeyStoreOptions();

    /**
     * The TCP receive buffer size for connections in bytes
     *
     * @return buffer size in bytes
     */
    Integer getReceiveBufferSize();

    /**
     * The accept backlog
     *
     * @return the accept backlog
     */
    int getAcceptBacklog();

    /**
     * Returns the base URI used by Jersey
     *
     * @return base URI
     */
    URI getBaseUri();

    /**
     * Returns the Jersey {@link ApplicationHandler} instance
     *
     * @return the application handler instance
     * @deprecated
     */
    @Deprecated
    ApplicationHandlerDelegate getApplicationHandler();

    /**
     * The max body size in bytes when reading the vert.x input stream
     *
     * @return the max body size bytes
     */
    int getMaxBodySize();

    /**
     * Gets whether the server supports compression (defaults to false)
     *
     * @return whether compression is supported
     */
    boolean getCompressionSupported();

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
EVS teaches me something
EVS, Teach Me Something
Meet volunteers
Meet Justyna in Germany
EUROPEAN VOLUNTARY SERVICE IN BERNAU (BEI BERLIN)
From September 2015 I am EVS volunteer (Erasmus+) in Internationaler Bund in Bernau bei Berlin. The organisation has many aims. One of them, there is an education centre where young people have supporting and developing courses. The classes are adapted to individual needs of each person. In case of learning problems or preparing for exams, students can get support from teachers and psychologists.
The organisation cooperates with others in international projects.
In October, I participated in the project "Our House of Europe" – Erasmus+ Program (the Youth), organized by Internationaler Bund Bernau, CEFIR in Dunkerque and the Regional Institute in Katowice. Partner schools from Poland were the John Paul II Special Purpose School and Education Center in Jaworzno, and the Secondary and Vocational Schools in Siemianowice Slaskie. The main aim of the project was the European awareness and equal educational opportunities for young people with limited opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills because of disabilities, origin or financial situation. 40 young people from Poland, Germany and France took part in integration games, language animations, various workshops where "Europe" appeared in many views.
The youth knew Bernau, where there was the project, in the urban game:
among others, they were discovering elements associated with the European Union.
Also we went to near Berlin where German young people were our guides. The sightseeing program includes the most popular landmarks of Berlin, such as the Brandenburg Gate, the fragments of the Berlin Wall (East Side Gallery), the Reichstag or Alexander Platz, where many passers-by were surprised by listening to German, Polish and French expressions like "Thank you," "Please" or "Sorry".
The interesting task was a simulation of the Council of Europe, where young people played the representatives of different countries and voted for the proposals.
After the first day of the project Adrian Fijołek, vice president of the Regional Institute in Katowice, translator and trainer, said enthusiastically:
"Some of these young people the first time meet people from another country. Many of them have never been abroad. Until now they have been able to speak foreign language only during classes at school. Today, they are thrown in at the deep end and they find different ways of communicating with each other: from saying single words, showing gestures, facial expressions, to searching sentences in their mobiles. With great joy I was watching their joy and openness during the integration workshops or language animations. I am glad that they want to cooperate with each other in spite of many everyday difficulties in their schools, homes, communities. Here they are positive, as they say, and try to take initiative. They overcome some limitations or shyness, they find the courage. Today you could feel that they know more than one day."
There are some impressions of Polish participants:
Wiktoria (17, Chorzow): "I came here to learn other languages, to know new people, their cultures and to acquire new experiences."
"The atmosphere in our group is very good," says Ania (22, Jaworzno). Klaudia (17, Chorzow): "Today we have learned different words, communication and teamwork. Also we have learned to be open-minded towards other people not only from our country."Marek (20, Chorzow) sums up the present day: "We have made first friendships and met very interesting people."*
A group of each country during one of the evenings presented the elements of their culture. During Polish evening, the participants could familiarize with lots of information about Poland, especially the area of Silesia. They could watch the Krakowiak (Cracow region folk dance) and volunteers were learning simple dance steps; to cheer along with fans of Ruch Chorzow or get a taste of Michałki from Siemianowice (regional sweets) and homemade apple and plum preserves. As part of the information about Poland I had made a presentation "Education System in Poland," which later turned out to be the starting point for many discussions about some culture differences and similarities.
The project brought young participants many advantages: unusual experiences, a different way of acquiring knowledge, stronger motivation to learn foreign languages and knowing other cultures, and many others. Last day, most people declared willingness to re-take a similar undertaking. So enjoy the opportunities that gives us the Erasmus+ programme!Quotations (my translation from Polish) are from Facebook Instytut Regionalny w Katowicach.In November, I participated in an integration trip for new students of the education centre of Internationaler Bund Bernau. In the undertaking there were students from Bernau, Eberswalde and surroundings. There were integration games, sports, board games, billiard. Together we were making pizza. Moreover, the program includes a guide tour of the Ethnographic Museum in Wandlitz (Barnim Panorama), where we could see old life in the countryside, strictly subordinated to changing seasons.
And in Berlin we participated in Berlin Dungeon, also an interesting show but with less idyllic atmosphere: black humor and horror were leading extreme emotions. We were going around an old town house where personages, with a bit of an eccentric style, told us bloodcurdling Berlin stories. The viewers not only watch actors, but also often they take part in the show. The haunting undertaking. Soon new events so also new impressions, and I am happy to share them 🙂
Justyna, EVS volunteer, Bernau bei Berlin (Germany).
Meet volunteers	Leave a comment
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Meet Lidia in Spain →
Welcome to Poland- dawn of On-Arrival 5
Welcome to Poland- The dawn of On-Arrival 3
Pamelas experience


People would always have different preferences when it comes to choosing something. Whether it is a man or a woman, it would still have a big difference when it comes to deciding which one is better and which from the choices is not. Like for example, choosing for the kind and color and even for the style of the house, people would have their own view about it. For most homeowners, they are always having a hard time selecting between having a kitchen inside the house or making it outside their house. Bradenton Outdoor Kitchens mentioned that things that people should consider when they are making a decision. Listing all the advantages and disadvantages is a very good way to sort out things correctly and to have a good chance of getting a better decision.
Having a good mindset would give you a positive view of everything. In choosing for the open type of kitchen in your house would give a lot of good sides. You will be able to see your guests visibly and you would have a lot of chance to interact or even continue your conversation while you are cooking or preparing for the meal. Most of the modern houses have this kind of style as they want to look the place even comfortable to the eyes. As you can able to see everything directly without removing or with the destruction of the wall that divides the place. These could be the good thing about having this kind of style. But you have to remember as well the possible negative output of ensuring this one to your house. First is the smell. Since, there is no division or wall that would divide the kitchen from your living room, it would mean that the one you're cooking in the kitchen can be smelled as well to your sitting area. It would make the place smelly the entire time. Second, it is more prone to noise and privacy as well. You have to make sure that your kitchen is always clean because your visitors sitting in the entertainment area will see you and your kitchen visibly.
Thinking about having a close type of kitchen is also a nice decision. It looks more traditional and formal. Unlike for the first type, this second one is more on having a privacy. Your visitors would not be able to see dirty stuff from your kitchen. You don't need to worry if you didn't wash your plates or your kitchen's floor is messy during that time. Of course, the smell won't easily spread throughout the house. The disadvantage of having this one maybe is about entertainment or complete connection with your guests. You would have a difficult time making them more comfortable as they can't see you because you are very busy doing other stuff in the other room.
In choosing for the best one, consider and ask everyone in your family in which one would they like to have and which one has a great advantage for everyone.
What are the Signs of Pests Infestation?
One of the major problems in our residence is the pest infestation, which is a very costly situation. But if you didn't notice the infestation in the past, it could be way pricier than you're experiencing now. If the situation is already worse, the more you're going to spend the pest control methods because honestly pests multiply fast. The next thing you know, you've got a family of rodents living in your kitchen.
Pests will break, contaminate and nibble all the things they see. The ideal technique to reduce the effect bring is to cast off them while they're still not multiplying. The challenge is that this is not simple as you can also think. So if you're suffering from pest infestation, call a pest control company immediately. Meanwhile, the following are the signs of such infestation.
The challenge we have with pests is that they're probably going to remain at your house as soon as it finds an entrance. If you think about it, pests look for shelter aside from food. Your residence might have a lot of entry spaces and also food and water which the pests look for. This means that since they have the resources already, they can reproduce. Pests will make nests so they can stay for long-term. Beware of the areas that are less-trafficked and dark because they mostly nest there. This consists of the back of appliances, inside loft insulation and the interior wall cavities. And, the nest will smell.
If you're checking the areas with high threat for pests, you can start with a musky odor. Examples of such areas are the corners of your kitchen and basement. Most of the time, the awful odors that the pests leave at the back are described as having the same smell of the rabbit's hutch. Mind you, it is not a scent that going to smell great. If you track where the smell is coming from, it will lead you to the nest.
One of the obvious signs is damaged furniture or wiring. Have you noticed a damaged chair leg? This is likely because you have a rodent lurking around. Rodents have the tendency to chunk the whole lot they see because it helps ruin their tooth that are continuously growing. So you have a lot of items that are not secured like pipes, wires, insulation, woods and plastics. To make sure, assess the skirting boards, cupboards, and different furniture portions that have high hazard of getting chewed on.
Pests are good at hiding, but they aren't truely silent. The best method to hear the pests is to listen to them during the night. They are very active at this hour. You might heat them running on the ceiling or the floor. Listen closely especially in the kitchen because that's the place they always go to whenever they look for leftover.
Those are some of the obvious signs that you are having a pest infestation. If you ever notice at least one of them, call a professional right away.
Air quality is somewhat many people are especially concerned about. Unluckily, many people are innocent of the fact that indoor air quality is frequently much worse than the air outdoors. This is notwithstanding the continuous great deal on outdoor pollution as observed nowadays.
In addition, compromising health and general quality of life, many people were commonly unaware of how poor indoor air quality has done this. For senior citizens or folks who have allergies or breathing problems, this is particularly true.
This can be a great use in homes wherein conventional duct installation is not possible. For homes built without a duct system in place, this can be an unwieldy and expensive scheme.
Using the ductless split system, you'll never worry on how you will be able to install ducts in your home. Air becomes much healthier for it does not need to pass through these ducts which eventually, in time turned out to be dirty and filthy. Ducts in nature build up airborne particles and contaminants. By flowing throughout the duct, the pollutants distributed this air to which our family breathes. Moreover, you can enhance indoor air quality by bypassing the use of ducts.
By using ductless system, it can be much energy efficient. Temperature setting can be adjusted for different rooms, and that homeowners will be able to save on their monthly bills. Giving calm and proficient concord heating and cooling for home, single or multiple zone system can also be installed as split systems. Multiple air handlers can be connected by means of a single condenser.
Coming up with topics about the air pollution, the majority of people automatically think that this term is referring to the outdoor air these terms refer to the air outdoors. At the same time as the terms apply to an outdoor air, it can also be applied to and indoor air too. Indoor air is greatly a concern to many places like business and employment.
Indoor air pollutants could come from several components. Mold and dust are some of those that occur naturally. Others like cleaners, chemicals gassed by textiles as well as the other building supplies composes the unnatural. Prohibited substances can be present in the air, you and your ever-cared customers breathe similar to volatile organic compounds, such as phthalates, formaldehyde, and other illegal and harmful substances.
These pollutants will turn out to be of much indoor health problems by reducing air circulation within the building. Headaches, allergies, contagious diseases, even hormonal problems could be the result of the lack of fresh air and poor indoor air quality can greatly increase the problem.
Place doormats both on entrance and exits. This helps to trap dust particles from entering your premises.


text:
Mixed, Chopped and Stirred
by Radhika Dinesh | Oct 1, 2014 | Cover Story, Features | 0 comments
From generation to generation, and culture to culture, one common thread remains—the quest for zen, balance and a sense of identity. The grammar of immigration and ethnicity absorbs the ties and traditions of the settled and the unsettled. As newer immigrant generations come of age, the search for identity often follows a blend of the new with the old. Who we are and what we impart to our children becomes part of the mosaic of diversity that America stands for.
Though it was years ago, I can remember the conversation as if it were yesterday. We were both awkwardly sitting on a bench in a local park, where the only noise was the wind whipping through the trees. Our parents were more interested in our meeting than we were. After several minutes of silence, he finally broke the tension with the following question, "Do you know how to make sambar?" I timidly turned to him and uttered, "No."
Fast forward to twelve years later. Standing in a cramped kitchen, with sweat pouring out of every pore, in Chennai, India, my mother-in-law turned to me and asked, "Do you know how to make sambar?" This time, without hesitation, I boldly told her, "No." Her eyes pierced, but she calmly asked me, "What has your mother taught you?"
What have my parents taught me?
They taught me to be polite in public. They made sure I showed respect to any adult who crossed my path. They continuously reminded me that a good education is the foundation for a successful life. But what things have I learned from them that were not specifically taught? As a second generation Indian American, what is my "zen—the attainment of enlightenment?"
In the late 60s President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965, which changed the face of America. "This bill that we will sign today is not a revolutionary bill. It does not affect the lives of millions," Johnson said at the signing ceremony. Contrary to the President's views, more than 18 million immigrants entered the United States over three decades following the passage of this law.
My parents, like several Indian immigrants who came to this land in the late 60s, early 70s, seemed determined to build an India here that mimicked the one they left behind. This generation wanted to bring India to the United States during a time when Indian activities were few and scattered. I remember sitting in the car, struck with utter boredom, driving from Foster City to Berkeley, just to have a masala dosa at the only South Indian restaurant at the time, Pasand Madras Cuisine.
Enjoying a masala dosa there, I never imagined the influence Indian culture would have on American society.
As a second generation Indian American, I realize it is not necessarily beneficial to be part of only one culture, but to embrace aspects of both cultures.
But how much, if any, of the Indian culture, tradition and language is lost as future generations assimilate more and more into the American lifestyle?
Although several of my friends and I enjoy various cuisines, wear dresses and jeans, and don't necessarily speak any Indian language fluently, we continue to value our traditions and teach our children the important values and lessons that those traditions uphold. Will future generations have a well-balanced outlook on life, ethnicity and values, where they will be able to embrace any culture and proudly say that they have found their zen?
Temple Integration
"Radhika, you are going to be late for school!" "Put your shoes on and get in the car!" I remember my mom rushing me till I was buckled snugly into the car seat. As we screeched down the residential streets in order to save thirty seconds of time, a brightly dressed person caught my mom's eye. Even though she rushed me through the house and sped down the quiet neighborhood streets, she stopped to meet this new Indian face in this foreign land.
Pretty soon, my parents found a few friends and created a tight circle that met almost every weekend. During one of their "dinner parties," it was decided that the Bay Area needed a Hindu temple where everyone could gather, socialize and pray. Livermore, in California, was chosen as the central location and people from all over the Valley were to be involved in the construction and erection of this monumental establishment.
In July of 1986, the temple construction was finally completed. Thousands from all over the Bay Area witnessed the grand opening, or Kumbhabhishekam, of the temple. Walking through the throngs of people, it was impossible not to ram into someone as we tried to catch a glimpse of the action.
My father flew overhead in a helicopter, from which bags of flowers showered over the temple. My mother and grandmother were on two different ends of the temple. Hours went by without my seeing my parents. I was, essentially, a teenager all on my own. Despite the hours spent, I did not understand or care to understand the significance of the rituals.
The generation that built the Shiva-Vishnu temple did so hoping to teach their children the importance of the temple and its rituals. With Hinduism being not only a religion, but also a way of life, my parents' generation turned to the temple and other religious activities to find their balance.
While many of them brought their children up with strong ties to religion, how much will be passed onto the next generation? I cannot help but wonder how many Indian Americans like me visit the temple these days? When I casually asked some friends if they go to the temple the most common response I got was, "Yeah, sometimes, with my parents."
David Roche who writes on South Asian music and culture and was an arts columnist for India Currents writes that
"The South Asian tradition of building these establishments in order to find definition may not continue with as much intensity when it is left up to the future generations. They may integrate certain religious aspects into their lives and their childrens' lives, but they may not frequent their local temple."
Culture-making and tradition-defining are creative, messy processes. The establishment of temples, and cultural organizations are archetypically fissiparous behaviors typical of South Asian social tradition. There is not an efficiency quotient for passing down cultural legacy and no real Urtexts, despite the beloved and constant harkening back to the Vedas and Shastras as religous authorities.
Clothes Culture
The blue, faded pullover sweatshirt I was told to wear one cold winter morning barely fit over the long braids that were crisscrossed on the back of my head and attached to either side with a brightly colored ribbon. Sitting in admiration of those girls who had their hair hanging loose just below their shoulder blades, I wondered if they chose to wear their hair loose. Why was I constantly told to tie my hair? Was it for sanitary reasons? Was it stylish? Or, was it for no concrete reason at all? Thoughts would constantly cross my mind of how it would be to choose how to dress, to choose how to wear my hair, to choose to wear a sweater or not …
"Hurry up, we are late," my mom shouted from the kitchen. I stood staring at my closet for what seemed like decades, debating what to wear. I grabbed a pair of jeans and a pink V-neck sweater. I thought this would be ideal to wear to a dinner party at my mother's friend's house. I was finally ready and I walked down the hallway, trying to exude confidence. With my grandmother's room behind me, a sense of overwhelming relief consumed me, for she would have, more than likely, frowned at my attire.
My mother turned to look at me and her smiling face turned into that of someone who had just eaten a lemon. Without an utterance, I turned around, disappointed, and went back to my room to change my attire. It may have been fear of what other people might think of her or her daughter that prompted my mother's reaction. There was a reputation to uphold for the family and it was hard for me, a teenager, to understand this.
With my own daughter, I would like to give her a choice when it comes to attire. Some children love to dress up in the bright colors of Indian clothes, while others find it very uncomfortable and unforgiving.
When my in-laws arrived last September, they brought what seemed like an entire suitcase of Indian clothing for my now, two-year old daughter. The pure silk outfits were colorful and really suited her complexion. While my mother-in-law pulled out one expensive outfit after another from her overfilled suitcase, I began to wonder where she might wear all of these outfits. The freshly starched cotton and the prickly zari on each pavadai (long skirt) looked very uncomfortable and would probably not be used on a regular basis.
According to Smita, a resident of Fremont, and a mother of two girls, "My kids love wearing it [the sari]. The older one thinks that it is a princess outfit. The girls like wearing Indian clothes. Maybe because I don't wear it, they like it."
A high school friend Vishnu exclaims, "I don't think anyone wears traditional clothes anymore, even in India. We wear what people wear in movies."
Even as the eastern culture has been influenced by western styles, western culture has recently begun using styles and colors that imitate Indian designs. American department stores carry "kurti" tops for women in designs that are similar to those available in India. Will these trends alter the way people choose to dress in America? "The influence is naturally superficial, and therefore short-lived," says Meera Mohan, a resident of Ohio, and a mother of three. Sandhya Shah draws the line between cult and culture, "It is great that people are more cognitive of other cultures. I am annoyed when I see people wear bindis because they think that is a fashion statement." Are people turning to other cultures to find a sense of zen?
Even as cultures in America seem to melt together, the distinct association of attire to culture remains strong. As young children grow up in this melting pot, they may adopt a variety of clothes and accessories that may not necessarily be associated with one particular culture. Maybe someday, people will combine the patterns of a sari border with the ever popular and comfortable blue jeans.
A few years ago, I decided that a change of pace and environment was important for me, and I moved to a village in rural Tamil Nadu and got a job as the Principal of a K-8 school, where I was served fresh meals regularly. For the first six months, the meals were welcome and I truly enjoyed the authentic flavors. But as time went on, I found myself craving foods that were never my favorites. Lasagna with meat sauce. A burrito with the works. Fish and chips. And then white rice gradually became a late onset allergy, which no amount of Claritin or Allegra could alleviate.
One hot, humid day in the middle of Thottanaval Village, four volunteers and I crammed into a small Sumo car and headed out to Pondicherry. The extremely bumpy and uncomfortable ride was a minor price to pay for the major payout we were about to receive. One volunteer had mentioned a Pizza Hut located there and from that moment, our eyes and mouths had watered in anticipation.
The Pizza Hut situated in the heart of the French quarter of Pondicherry was the perfect remedy for our homesick cravings. After arriving there, the five of us stood dumfounded at the corner as the brightest light shone down on the rundown, dull building. It seemed like the sun was particularly focused on the one building, much like a spotlight during a theater performance.
In fact, Pizza Hut was my least favorite brand of pizza, but that day, it was the most scrumptious meal I had ever eaten. When the oozing cheese and the over-sauced slice was put on my napkin, I felt a sense of joy and relief. We enjoyed that pizza for what seemed like hours.
Why is it that we find some sort of comfort or zen in familiar foods?
Food is something that connects the world together. America is a place where a person can have several types of authentic cuisines within a 25-mile radius. For this reason, children born here have a palate that allows them to enjoy and relish different cuisines. "I think my kids will have to find out what works best for them. They do understand the idea of listening to their bodies and … of mind control, which is central to vegetarianism," says Vaidy from Virginia. Asha Ranga from Fremont says, "I see them liking American food. I am hopeful that they will come back to the phase of liking Indian food. I think they will turn out similar to me. They really like spicy food."
Food is such an integral part of culture that parents will continue to accustom their children to Indian dishes. With Indian restaurants appearing like mushrooms on a well-watered lawn, newer generations may decide to order in when it comes to authentic Indian food, rather than spend hours in the kitchen preparing meals like our parents and grandparents did.
What is Your Mother Tongue?
How important is learning another language?
Several of my friends who grew up in Indian households understood other languages, but spoke very little. They were able to communicate with their parents, but were not really interested in learning the language completely, while others were forced to attend language classes once a week.
A short film, Tamil Ini by Mani Ram attempts to portray the state of the language in a foreign country three generations later. The grandfather in the film insists on speaking in Tamil to his grandson. The boy is not interested in learning the language and replies only in English. The grandfather is insistent that the family follows not only the cultural events, but also speak the native language. The son is not as insistent and, eventually, the grandson not only does not understand Tamil, he eventually does not know how to say his own grandfather's name.
"My grandparents speak to them in English. My children understand Malayalam. The ratio of what they hear is about 75% English and 25% Malayalam. All the third, fourth generation kids are going to want to join a class to learn a language that they could have easily learned at home," Rupa, a mother of three from Fremont, is sad to say that her children are not picking up their native language as much as she did growing up.
My daughter hears three different languages at home (Tamil, Malayalam and English). She should be able to pick up all three languages fluently, if we are consistent. It is important to us that she understands the languages her parents and grandparents speak. We plan to give her opportunities to speak these languages, but if she only speaks English, that would be fine too.
Amisha, a mother of three from Ohio claims, "Without a constant Gujarati presence in the home, it is a challenge to keep speaking it. My husband and I don't speak it to one another, but I do speak it to the kids. This is another aspect of culture that has been difficult to maintain. I think, unless we put in a very strong effort to maintain the languages, we will lose them in this next generation."
Although all aspects of our culture are rich, the acceptance and emphasis made will ensure the continuance of it for years to come. Whether children understand and embrace the language, diet, attire, or religion is not as important as them following the values that we, as parents, teach our children.
"I think it is a confluent, bi-culture that will be passed on to the next generation …" says David Roche. In other words, bharatanatyam dancers with ballet and pilates training and Karnatik and Hindustani musicians adept with media technology.
The next time someone asks me whether I know how to cook sambar, I can confidently answer, "Yes, and I also know how to make, lemon chicken, vegetable lasagna, and enchiladas." I am, like many Americans of Indian descent, a beautiful and elegant blend of several different cultures and traditions.
Radhika Dinesh is a teacher with over ten years of experience in the California public schools and as a Principal in India. She is the Artistic Director of Alarippu Dance School for bharatanatyam in the Bay Area. She is also a photographer at Dinesh Kumar Photography in San Jose.
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The winter-blooming flower was harvested for centuries by women famed for their glowing skin and long, lustrous hair. The geisha adopted their secret, using the oil to remove their iconic stage makeup and nourish their skin.
The seeds are cold-pressed to extract the essential oil and retain its full benefits.
Camellia oil has more naturally-occurring antioxidants than almost any other botanically derived oil.


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