Wednesday, August 15, 2007

NewsLetter from the USA Feb 2007 onwards

NL ONE
Hi! This is a kind of experiment. I would like to make up a kind of "letter" to let you know what a great time I am having in the United States of America.1. I left Sydney Australia at 5.05 pm on Wednesday 31st January. We had some nice beers at the Airport, prior to boarding. I suppose it will be my last for a while. I was grateful for the final bit of encouragement by those who dropped me of at the airport!The flight was more or less uneventful. The Bangkok Airport is very new, gigantic but a bit austere. We did fly from Bangkok to New York without stopping, across the North Pole. That part took 16 hours. It proves that the world is round.2. I was picked up at JFK Airport. We drove from the Airport to the "famous' Murray Hill Centre. The Centre is 17 stories, very tastefully furnished. It does send a message that Opus Dei has arrived, and is here to stay!The Centre is in Manhattan - right in the middle. There are 5 "burroughs' in New York City: Manhaatan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island. 8 million people work in Manhattan every day; 2 million live here.3. The Center of the Work is on 34th Street, virtually the middle of Manhattan. Streets run East West. Avenues run North South. The center is the same street as the Empire State Building - about 2 blocks away!4. It is cold here! I went and bought a pair of gloves almost immediately. I bought them at Macy's just down the road from Murray Hill. Predictably enough the store has a big sign outside: "the biggest shop in the world". It is probably true. It is kind of defining statement about New York!5. I visited St Patrick's Cathedral, about 2 km away, walking through Grand Central Station, on the way. The Cathedral is not bad. Many people were praying there.6. One notices a lot Jewish influence i.e. lots of Jews in the streets; lots of Jewish food etc. it adds a unique, nice flavour!7. Friday the 2nd day, I went on a long walk with "Tim" to "ground zero". It is a little sad!. Hard to imagine what was there before. We saw lots of other well known places on the way and around "ground zero" i.e. Wall Street etc.8. We took the "subway" back. New York has the biggest subway system in the World!Regards
NL TWO
Hi! It seems as though the Newsletter experiment was a success. I have received some replies.

1. At times it seems a little unreal, to be walking around in a land so far from Australia and from what I am used to. Anyway I shall continue with the overseas diary. This Newsletter will be a little less “newsy” than I intended. I lost my “Notebook” yesterday, which had lots of points to enter in the Newsletter.

2. Sunday (4th Feb) my last day in New York was a fruitful day. I organized to meet with Keith Bursemeyer who suggested we visit “The Frick”. I took the subway from Murray Hill Place on 34th Street, and waited a few minutes in the cold for him. The Frick is “the best museum in the world” in a one sense. It is the slightly remodeled home of Henry Clay Frick (1849-1919). He collected all the magnificent pictures and artifacts himself, and you actually see them the way that they were placed in his home. Everything is very tastefully arranged. It is the best in the sense that there are several paintings each by Rembrandt, Renoir, Monet, Velazquez, Goya, El Greco etc. Literally the best of the best. Afterwards Keith took me on a “car ride” though Manhattan and surrounds.

NB Keith came to Australia in the early 70’s to help the Work there. It was great to catch up with him after 30 years. I also met Fr Jim Albrecht, a priest who helped begin Opus Dei in Australia. He left Sydney in 1970.

3. I took an “elevator” (not lift) to the top of the Empire State Building. It gives you a good view of the City: quite useful. In the evening we watch the “legendary” Super bowl. It was an experience to watch it surrounded by fanatical Americans. I learnt a lot about the game. In fact I claim to understand it now. Anyway I enjoyed the 2-3 hours a lot. It is traditionally a time of Beer and Pizza. The beer here is NOT the best in world. Several beers in Australia would compete for that honour.

4. On Monday, a little sadly I left New York. I have grown to like it. I was on my way to Chicago and to work. On Tuesday I had to drive out and hear confessions at a Church for several hours. This was a mildly traumatic experience. They drive on the “right” here. You have to concentrate! It is not easy to switch. I survived the trip there. Afterwards when I came back to the car it was covered with snow. I brushed most of it off. Then I drove back. It was a nerve racking experience: 50 minutes in snow, driving on the right and quite disorientated in a City where the maps are quite average.

5. So what do I think of Chicago thus far? It is actually hard to get a clear picture . It is very spread out. It has the famous Sears’ Tower (the tallest building in USA). It seems cluttered in the CBD. The Subway probably causes this a little. It is not a subway at all but runs on top of some streets making them a somewhat dingy! So far everything has been covered in snow. We use the Fahrenheit System here: 32 F = 0 C. Since I arrived is has been below freezing the whole time.

6. Besides hearing confessions, saying Mass and getting lost as I drive from one place to another it has been an uneventful first week in Chicago. Many of the confessions are in Spanish. That was a surprise but manageable! I am now able to cope more or less with the driving, even able to say a Rosary as I try and remember to always stay on the right.

7. In some of the replies that I received it was suggested to put a few of the negative aspects of the USA. A few small things: their plumbing system is not as efficient or practical as Australia besides that Sorbent would capture the market over night with regard to toilet paper. Besides being a different voltage, current etc their electrical system is not nearly as “professionally functioning’ as Australia. As far consumerism goes their shops similar to Office Works for example, or Bunnings are not up our level! They have fewer goods on display and are more expensive.

There are not many Australians here so I will always be an object of interest! For the first time in my life I have been complemented on the way I speak. And thanked for giving America Mel Gibson and Russell Crowe.

Bye for now and hopefully I will find my diary by next week.
Regards
NL THREE
Hi! 1. This is the third time that I have written and hopefully not my last! Thanks for your replies. As I settle into life in Chicago, there are fewer “impressive” things to write about. No chance to explore interesting areas as snows covers everything!

NB I found my diary though, so can use some old news! I also went to a “shopping spree” and now have a “cell” phone, not “mobile”. 708-601-1629. You put 1 for USA although I do not know how you “call” from Australia.

2. One thing that continues to impress is the amount of snow! On Tuesday, it was snowing – seriously. I had to hear confessions in a nearby Hospital. I decide to walk. It usually takes about 20 minutes. I have never walked in snow before. I thought it would be exciting and it was. “Experts” assured me that because it is “literally” freezing there is no need to worry about the snow melting on your cloths. “Just brush it off like dandruff” I was told when you arrive at your destination. I set off in a spirit of high adventure “walking through” the snow. However, they don’t clean the “sidewalks” much. It was too hard there so I walked on the road. It was a little dangerous having to watch out for cars, but I made it. Felt like I was climbing Mount Everest. The thing about the snow not melting is inaccurate. I found that after I dusted off the snow from my scarf and overcoat, they were damp. The inside of the Chapel in the Hospital is pretty warm so they were dry after 3 hours of confessions. The walk back was even more exciting: it was starting to get dark, and I took a few wrong turns!

3. I have not noticed that my vocabulary has changed but it is “call” not “ring”. “Bill rang” seems strange. It is mail not post! Post a letter sounds very odd! And it is definitely “gas” not petrol. I put “gas” in the car the other day, when I mentioned petrol the attendant looked at me as if I were from Mars (not Australia)

4. I have been preaching quite a bit, I gave meditations at 5 Recollections this week. You meet many interesting people on these occasions. I have been called a “Brit” several times (sounds awful), accused of having an Irish brogue. One Lady said, very sympathetically, that she understood perfectly people from Australia. She referred to the Movie “Papillon” (1973) “the lightly fictionalized story of a French convict -- the Butterfly -- who escaped from Devil’s Island”. It starred McQueen and Dustin Hoffman. It was about convicts. She knew exactly what we are like!

5. Before I arrived in Chicago and even after they kept telling me Chicago was a blue-collar city. The first three men (all in Opus Dei) I met are specialist eye surgeons, one works exclusively on the front of the eyes, another only on the back (retina) and the other, only on the muscle around the eye. I don’t know what to think of the blue-collar description. Chicago is probably more similar to Newcastle in outlook than Sydney.

6. Sometime later I might comment about blacks, (it is OK to use the phrase here). They literally do dominate totally some of the suburbs. My one “sociological comment” could be about “American Individualism”, a very talked about topic. Manifested by a certain self-focus, it is hard to “interrupt” conversations; not a lot of awareness of the immediate needs of others, unable to have engaging and participatory get-togethers etc. This seems worse here but not noticeably different from Australia. From another angle if individualism is a disease and they say Americans invented it, this means that each individual here can only give very “individualistic” opinions about the disease. No one can really analyze it. It would be too subjective. I do “receive’ a few opinions about what is “wrong” with America. I think its problems are the perennial ones that come and go throughout the centuries. In the end the deep and traditional Christian glue that keeps society together is losing its strength. All “functional or successful” countries need a very pervasive, strong religious tradition. It seems that now an “alternative secular” culture is destroying the more authentic traditional American Culture. I think many people are wrong in there diagnosis of the problems of Western Societies and therefore have proposed mistaken solutions. Perhaps it is the logical result of being contaminated with the “individualism” they want to combat!

7. Another disease they speak of is “cabin fever”. Being house bound because of the snow. I feel this too. I have had to resort to “running” using a “Treadmill”. And yet another disease I was warned to be on the look out for was obesity. It is fairly obvious and widespread. But when you are walking along in the snow, with a chill factor of minus 10, the thought does occur to you: “may be obesity is a kind of Eskimo syndrome”. A good way to keep warm!
Regards,
NL FOUR
Hi!
1. It is snowing outside right now. It is simply beautiful to look at. However, if you lost your key and the doorbell was frozen up you would be frozen solid very soon yourself. It is not all bad news though! For part of one day this week the temperature rose above freezing and the snow began to melt. Someone mentioned in a reply to the Newsletter: “I had an enjoyable day today swimming at Bondi Beach and reading under an umbrella” Seemed like a mild taunt!

2. I have had busy week but still had time to visit an impressive museum of Art and See Frank Lloyd Wrights home and studio, which is just up the road. I was kept busy mainly hearing confessions for several hours in various Churches scattered around Chicago. I also gave a Retreat to some men: two and half days of preaching surrounded by snow at Shellbourne Conference Center; an idyllic setting. Preaching and then chatting with Americans is a good way to get to know the USA!

3. Each day I discover some minor customs that are interesting. What I would call very American! If I ask for a glass to have a drink, it is always filled with ice. Everyone has a pretty “cool” icemaker. The coffee is good here too. They always seem to have an efficient coffee making machine going. A bit like the proverbial cup of tea on the boil in the Australian Bush.

4. With my previous references to obesity and individualism you could get the impression that American youth is in bad shape. However, I saw an interesting thing today (It is still Saturday here). I was hearing confessions opposite a “good University: “North Central College”. It has nice looking Main Building. Suddenly a group of girls walked passed well rugged up. Then a group of thirty or more students appeared and proceeded to play Football in the snow! It is a faster version of the game than the classical American Football you see at Super Bowl on TV. Apparently most young men play this when they have a moment to spare. There is plenty of tackling. And fairly fast moving. The rugged and cheerful way they played for two hours in the snow restored some faith in American youth. They are not wimps!

5. I was thinking last Tuesday that speeding is not considered an offence here. I had heard some “dinner conversation” to this effect. Police don’t bother to book you! I was zooming along at 70 mph (110 kmph). The speed limit is 55 mph. I am always being overtaken by better cars. I was immersed in this type of thinking when I saw horrible flashing lights. I pulled over eventually, and an ambulance kind of vehicle sped fast. A lucky escape. But talking to people it seems that “speeding” is not the major source of income for State Governments.

6. I should say something about culture. Part of the comparative sociological aspect of my stay here! I do not know whether these ideas are that relevant to the USA. I have some very “fixed” ideas of cultural manifestations. For instance when I moved to Melbourne I became aware of how different it was from Sydney. The people are “proudly and comfortably” Australian, but seem to have more cultural depth than Sydneysiders! The people of the USA seem to more like Sydneysiders. Some personal insight, from a trivial example, was gained when I visited a large and attractive fountain in Carlton Gardens. Carlton is suburb very close to the City of Melbourne. The fountain looks very classical, many Greek Mermaids etc. In general what you see in thousands of places in Europe. But closer inspection shows that some of the attractive “lumps” of metal or stone are platypus (i) or goannas. In fact there is quite a lot of ‘Australiana” on the fountain, but it harmonizes perfectly. The fountain was built for an ambitious “Exposition” in the late 19th. The Melbournians wanted to show that the “extension of European Culture to Australia”, which has it roots in Ancient Greek Civilization had been successful. It was a flow of civilization or culture. I think culture or civilization has to be a continuum. Of course, and this is important, it is manifested in Australia in a very Australian way. Making reference to this continuity is the only way that discussion about culture and civilization has any meaning. It also means that history and the development of ideas can be put into a context that makes sense.

7. Culture came to mind when I thought about a phrase, that I have heard attributed to Evelyn Waugh. The USA is the only nation to go from the barbaric state to the decadent state without going through the intermediate state of civilization. This is not true. But there is a certain confusion here, when it comes to discussing most topics about morals or sociology etc. Americans tend to always want to bring taxes and communism into it. This happens whether it is abortion or the metric system. It is a “parallel case” of what Newman said. “To be deep in history is to cease to be Protestant”. In this case without a historical context or thinking that you can invent or ignore your past makes you a bit rootless and anchorless when you have to define or support something. Needles to say European History is not a compulsory subject in the Schools and Colleges of USA. This is the same problem in Europe with the failure to acknowledge their Christian roots. It seems difficult for them to “look at” properly their problems.

8. How much culture is there in America? How much culture is there in Sydney? It is an open question! Although the radical statement or conclusion would be the following. I think that only a person with deep sympathy for the Catholic Religion can come close to be a contented intellectual, who can understand and appreciate the development of mankind throughout time and understand the development of ideas.

9. Any way must be going. Chicago s not a perfect City according to some. The gay games were held here in 2006. This is also the State of Lincoln. Abe was born and lived here”. Hemingway grew up just down the road in Oak Park Road But that is another story! I have raved on too much already. Next time I’ll also talk about my visit to the Art Museum and Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio. There is a lot to say about them!

Regards
NO. FIVE NEWSLETTER
1. Hi! This week has been more like a normal working week of a priest in Sydney except Road Signs and the Weather. Concerning the weather, it even got up to 45 F during the week about 6 C above freezing. Could you believe that I was disappointed! The overcoat becomes uncomfortable: too warm etc. I see now, on one of the many large screens that line the streets, that the temperature is back to around 25 F i.e. several degrees below freezing. Great news! It rained for a few hours during the week too, causing a lot of the snow to melt. I am actually glad it was temporary. Later, it snowed heavily, a new white world was created, a wonderful thing for a snow deprived Australian.

2. You might have thought that I would have had an accident with all the ice and snow. I nearly did. It was in a Car Park. It is not a major road so the public snow ploughs give it little priority. I hit the breaks too hard, and started to slide out of control. I turned the wheel instinctively in one direction and avoid bumping a car in front of me. A little scare, nothing more and of course a good lesson. So thus far no accidents. I still walk to the right side of the car every now and then; I will for a while. Often I see cars on the high ways driven by “no one” until I think again.

3. A small social comment: a thing that makes every suburb appear different from Australia is the “look” of the “American” houses as they face the streets. The houses are usually two stories high, at least in most “middleclass’ parts. And there are no fences in front or on the sides. It looks much nicer. It probably encourages a kind of “collective” spirit too. I do not know about its value. Could be a superficial communitarianism!

4. As part of my “inculturalisation” process I am reading Paul Johnson’s mammoth book: The History of the American People. I am a third of the way through. Paul Johnson quotes conflicting sources to define the “character” of Americans: Alexis de Tocqueville 1831 “Democracy in America”, who like Paul Johnson wrote very favourably but more seriously about American Society and Culture. These views conflict with “Domestic Manners of the Americans”. It is a book written in 1832 by Frances Trollope which follows her travels through America. “It created a sensation on both sides of the Atlantic, as Trollope had a caustic view of the Americans and found America strongly lacking in manners and learning”. I have been encouraged to read both books! In any case after reading Paul Johnson’s book I will end up knowing more than most Americans about their country. I already know most of the Capitals of the States. There are fifty States. It is almost a party trick when I recite the Capitals!

5. I said I had time to visit a Museum and the home and studio of Frank Lloyd Wright. He was certainly a complex man. There is an Australian connection: Walter Burley Griffin. He lived in Oak Park (where I am living now) and was a close friend and collaborator of Frank Lloyd Wright. Burley Griffin designed Canberra and a few other things at least 350 buildings! As for Frank Lloyd Wright. (from Wikipedia) June 8, 1867—April 9, 1959) "The greatest artist this century has ever produced seems, at last, to be coming into his own. America's other great artists - our best painters, sculptors, composers - don't really rank with the tops of all time. They're just not Rembrandt, Michelangelo or Beethoven. Wright alone has that kind of standing. He's among the greatest architects who ever practiced.". This is from Wikepedia. So it must be true! There article on Walter Burley Griffin in Wikipedia is worth a look too! I don’t think anyone can look at Frank Lloyd Wrights Homes and not be impressed. Magnificent lines, solid, neat very attractive! His home and studio are just up the road in Oak Park. Many of his majestic houses are in the streets around here.

6. I also visited the “The Art Institute of Chicago”! It is a huge museum. I was there for less than two hours. I tried to “absorb” what is most famous for. “French Impressionists. Mostly Monet but many by Toulouse-Lautrec, Van Gogh, Cezanne, Gauguin etc. etc. I’ll have to go back. I like staring at them! I have a few reservations about “Impressionists” though. They seemed to have started the trend that defines Art as: breaking the boundaries in the most outlandish ways! I have reservations about artists wanting to do something weird; “a just see what happens!” approach It is like jumping out of a building and to see what kind of pattern you make on the “side walk”.

7. In one comment sent in response to these Newsletters, someone noticed my new address: He said: “Euclid Ave must be a pleasing address for a mathematician”! With regard to the references to the cultural differences between Melbourne and Sydney I was told: “Well, Sydney culture was sufficiently developed to manage some of that combination of classical and Australian themes - Sydney University's old buildings have a couple of kangaroo gargoyles”. That is simply fantastic! Another comment on the Melbourne Sydney difference: “I just returned from Perth and I am happy to say that that city can be classified with Melbourne as friendly and "comfortably Australian". It seems to me there is a very strong link between being an AFL city and the sanity of the population” What do you think of that?

8. I had a few comments about my casual approach to speeding:
“Just to remind you that my brother is a cop and it is only 2 hours away (Madison). If he finds you are speeding, watch out! He's nearly 2m tall and build like an wombat, someone you don't want to have problems with!”
Or again
“I have a friend in Colorado who says that the police don't monitor speeds like they do here but don't be fooled into thinking that you won't get caught. He has been 'busted' a few times”.
I am grateful for the advice. Probably won’t cause a behaviour change!

9. I have been working in some High Schools during the week. Amongst 12-13 year old, it is easy to acquire “legend status” if I answer yes to the question: Are you really Australia?

So hopefully until next week, when I will mention my visit to the Al Capone museum! I haven’t seen any bullet holes in downtown Chicago though.

Regards
NEWSLETTER SIX
Hi!
1. We lose an hour tonight! Daylight saving: “With the coming of Spring we spring forward an hour! With the coming of the Fall we fall, back an hour! It is easy to remember! Unfortunately, I cannot mention my visit to the Al Capone museum! I have yet to see the Museum, but it does exist! It is a sensitive issue. Locals, all 4 million of them, do not want Chicago tainted with the “Legend” of Al Capone. Most people are ashamed of him. He was a gangster here over 70 years ago. “Look, you have to move on! Michael Jordon is much better known in Chicago. And much more recent”. If eventually I go to the Al Capone Museum I will have to sneak in, probably with a balaclava! Neither Al Capone nor Michael Jordon was born here!

2. In the Mid West (where I am Chicago), Keith Urban is big news. They think he is Australian. I have not told them he was born in NZ! Why should I? It is part of my perceived Legend Status with kids. From Wikipedia: “Keith Urban Keith Urban was born in Whangarei, New Zealand. By age seven, etc!”

3. I am checking out phone cards! My Mother rang my cell phone. It means that you call from Australia to USA! However after my Mother rang, I accidentally pushed a button with the number on the display. Admittedly I was able to speak to my parents for 5 minutes but it cost $20.00. I used all my credit! My Mother seems to speak very loudly! The mail service works too. My Mother also sent a letter. She said amongst other things: “It was good to be able to speak to your on Thursday. I will try to modulate my voice. I guess because you are a few thousand miles away I feel I have to shout”.

4. Previously, I said that most Americans do not have a sense of History. I wrote this to a well-known social commentator here. He had been saying that Americans are gullible. When I suggested the lack of a sense of History, he wrote: “I think you're being a little hard on Americans. Most of them really do have a sense of history. To them, history is what was on TV last week. Anything prior to that disappears into the mists of time”. Some kind of confirmation

5. As for an interesting angle on American Efficiency! They are supposed to rival the Germans, the Swiss and the Japanese. In the past, in Sydney, I have lost several umbrellas. When the rain stops, I always leave them where I am at. Anyway, I took a train last Sunday morning. It was snowing. I had a few tricks to not forget the umbrella; none worked. As I was passing through the sliding door at my station of destination, I realized that I had left my umbrella on the seat! I took only a moment to return and pick it up. But too late! The doors shut very quickly. It is at least three times as quick as the Sydney System. I was trapped and had to get off at the next station, then catch a train in the opposite direction. I was 5 minutes late for my appointment. It was on the way to hear confessions and give out communion at two Masses at the Church of St Mary of the Angels. It did not make any difference. The time spent at St Mary’s was an enjoyable experience. St Mary’s is a huge Basilica over 2000 seats. It is entrusted to Opus Dei. It is beautiful, and very Polish!

6. I gave Conference today at Metro Achievement Centre. You might have heard of Midtown, a lot of good work goes on there. It is very similar. Mostly young Black or Hispanics Students; Only about 50% Catholic, many Baptists. It is a “Project” of Opus Dei to help poorer and disadvantaged students in the inner City area. It is my first experience at this sort of thing. The talk was in a Chapel. There were about 120 people; not sure of the result!

7. Returning to the topic of individualism. I mentioned in my second or third Letter that Americans tended to be a bit self absorbed. I have noticed one difference from Australia. Perhaps it is because I have spent many years living in Warrane College, a model University Residence, where the students care for each other. In the USA amongst guys anyway, the following are typical situations. Someone might ask you: “Would you like some Coke? You reply: “Oh yes, that would be great!” They answer: “The bottle is over there”. Or they say: “Would you like some coffee. We have these really neat packets of Instant Coffee”. You say: ”Oh yes, that would be nice”. They say: “You can heat the water in the micro wave”. These are real examples. It is normal behavior here!

8. I have met some Americans that are “too American”. Every third word is America or American. It is not offensive though, if you want to find out about America. The following is more difficult. Americans can always put you down! They just have to ask: “And how many people live in Australia!” They think they win! I do my best to explain that Australia does punch above its weight with examples from Sport. In the last two Olympics for example we came 4th in the medal tally. Or in the 2004 totals USA 100:AUS 50; Gold USA 34:AUS17. They appear to not comprehend the data! That is another thing: in general Americans are not great listeners, especially when you are trying to “prove” something different from what they have said!

9. This week everyone is Irish in Chicago. I was told that! It is a good friendly social time. There is Green Beer on tap in most places. They even color the Chicago River Green. It is all good wholesome and non-sectarian fun. The Lithuanians, Poles and Mexicans probably drink most of the beer though!

10. There are some interesting ‘Advertisements here. One that I noticed was by Taco Bell a very big chain of fast “Mexican type” food “Think outside the “bun”

11. Even though the Al Capone Museum is still on to be seen list, I have kept up my “Tourist Activities”. The University of Chicago for example; it has more graduates that have won Noble Prizes than any other University. It has a very well defined campus. I also visited “The Robie House”, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Truly stunning! But more on that next week. I have been busy with lots of priestly work too. Some of that is interesting to talk about as well. I might include a lesson in the Geography of the Great Lakes. HOMES: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior!
Bye for now

NEWSLETTER SEVEN
1. I moved last Sunday! The address is at the end of the email. There is definitely a North South divide in Chicago. I was living on the South. Some say North equals nice and South equals ugly! It seems to have some basis. I moved to the North side! Perhaps the divide is just more of the blue collar syndrome?

2. I have found that many Americans think that Australians belong to one of the few remaining Nations where people are still tough! It could be American humor which is different from Australian humor. Giving retreats, sometimes you have to explain, after a long pause, that they are supposed to laugh at certain passages. This happens to me in Australia too, so might not be that significant!

3. Concerning the Weather, I did not mention it last week! The snow has disappeared except for a few shady spots. They say it might come back. It was the rain and higher temperatures that caused it go. It has got up to70 degrees F. during the week. And they now they tell me that all the snow were exceptional! A once in 20 years event! Three weeks continually below freezing happened a long time ago, when Al Capone was a boy!

4. An Artistic response from the Newsletter: “Lucky fellow. The Robie House! I hope you realize how privileged you were. Hope it's not a case of "pearls before swine...". No offence intended. He also suggested that I “And don’t forget Mies van der Rohe!” “His architecture struck a harmonious note with a progressive American sub-culture, and Frank Lloyd Wright now had a serious competitor to his position as America's greatest living architect”. Also he said “Sorry your work is interrupting the sightseeing”.

5. As for sightseeing, I was impressed with the University of Chicago, next to Robie House, (I visited both last week). It is a very “complete” place. It has unity and harmony. From the sources: “The University of Chicago was founded in 1890 by the American Baptist Education Society and oil magnate John D. Rockefeller, who later described the University of Chicago as “the best investment I ever made.” (…) The first buildings copied the English Gothic style of architecture, complete with towers, spires, cloisters, and gargoyles. By 1910, the University had adopted more traditions, including a coat of arms that bore a phoenix emerging from the flames and a Latin motto, Crescat Scientia, Vita Excolatur (“Let knowledge increase so that life may be enriched”). So in general it looks pretty good!

6. I am continuing to meet more and more people especially on Retreats. Have given three in four weeks. If you talk to anyone for an hour you learn a lot. I have done this many times now. Those involved in marketing are interesting as they have strong opinions on “the typical American”. On the most recent retreat I met an American Jew. He became a Catholic about 6 years ago. He is the classical brash American Jew. It fits the stereotype perfectly. He met someone from Opus Dei. Their first words to each other were simply rude. But they became good friends almost immediately. He was a delight to talk to. Interesting insights on many things, expressed boldly and brashly.

7. There is definitely an ideological “left” : “right” clash in the United States. The chattering class, or as they call them here “Liberals” make by far the most noise. Some sound sophisticated! If they were in any other country they would be strongly Anti-American! Here no, but they are Bush haters! As regards the Media, I have not “looked” at it yet. However the New York Times is an extreme version of “The Age” or the “SMH”. It was suggested I read it to know what is going on. It covers a lot of ground. It has lost any “Iconic” status that it once had for me.

8. In terms of adding color, flavor and influence to the American Society, you get the impression that there are many more Engineers here and also Lawyers. For example take the Highways! They just are “massive”. The amount of concrete is unimaginable. Then there are the “cloverleaf interchanges”. According to wikipedia it is a two-level interchange in which left turns (in countries that drive on the right) are handled by loop roads or ramps To go left (in right-hand traffic), vehicles first pass either over or under the other road, then turn right onto a one-way three-fourths loop ramp (270°) and merge onto the intersecting road”. I get confused every time.

9. Apparently, beginning from the East, that is New York etc, the further West you go, the highways get bigger and better. Texas has the “biggest interchanges in the world”. Once I said “Motor Ways” instead of Highways. The sound is I unheard of here. They thought I said “Murder Ways”, and said that makes sense!

10. A little bit of Geography: Chicago is right on Lake Michigan. Last week I repeated the standard way to remember the Great Lakes: HOMES: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior. From Wikipedia “The Great Lakes are a group of five large lakes in North America on or near the Canada-United States border. They are the largest group of fresh water lakes on Earth. The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence system is the largest fresh-water system in the world. They are sometimes referred to as inland seas”. Because the lake go from East to West, to some extent it means that the first place that “transport can go North form the South via land is next to Chicago. Thus there is a constant flow of Trucks on Highway 94. It has minimum of 10 lanes in all places; more in some others. Another thing with regard to Highways (any road in fact; they are all numbered). If it is an even number for example Highway 88, or 94 it goes East West. If it goes North South they are odd numbered i.e. Highway 55 , Highway 53 etc. These numbers also contain other “coded” information. If you know the number of the highway you know where you are in the USA. Three digit highways refer to branches of these highways etc.

11. I had my first argument. Background: when I was in Rome, someone thought it was amusing that an Austrian can give ten reasons why he is not German. This proves he is German! (I suppose). It seemed funny at the time, but afterwards I considered it arrogant. Austrians have perfect right to be considered Austrian by everyone. To say they are German is a blatant and offensive “imposition”. Anyway I was told that Australians are British! I argued that this statement reflected American arrogance! Someone added that they founded that every Australian they had met seemed Californian. Up till that time of my life I have only heard that Californians are “Nuts and Fruitcakes”, so it needed some clarification. He was approaching things from another angle. Residents of California do not look like they belong to the professions: shorts, wet hair etc. products of the beach mentality. In a word very casual.

12. While driving I got badly lost during the week. Came off a highway too early. Took me awhile to get to a place where I could stop and look at a map. I mentioned previously that even the “good” books of directions are not that good compared to the Gregory’s Street Directory, UBD or Melways etc.. You have to know where you are to find the street. I was in Taft Street, but could not find it on the map, because you have to know what suburb you are in to look up the street index. It is the same as when postcodes first came out in Australia. They were listed by individual States. This meant you had to know what State the town was in to look up its postcode. If you had no idea what State the town was in, you had to work through all 6 states. Imagine if there are 200 suburbs or more … could be frustrating. The poor system in Australia was fixed within a year. They have not fixed it here yet!

13. I expected St Pat’s to be a big show! It was alright. I drank some Irish beer. Liturgically St Patrick though is insignificant! They do not celebrate it, although the streets and rivers run green! The churches are purple!

Bye for now. Regards

Newsletter Eight
Hi! 1. I am writing this letter in somber mood. I was supposed to go to New York on Thursday March 23, to give a retreat there. My Bag went but I am still here. It included my diary and other important things like my only toothbrush! And of course my confidence in American “efficiency” has taken a battering. Inspired by a “moment” of “American Airways” PR confidence, I remarked to someone that I am living with: ‘They said they will deliver the lost bag this afternoon”. He said: “What did you expect! This is America”. Subsequent phone calls reveal that they still have not “sighted” my bag. It seems to be a thing here: a combination of “over confidence” and “fobbing off”.
2. But on a lighter note! You see squirrels hopping around everywhere! There are many. They are very cute animals. I was told that chip-monks are much higher on the cuteness scale. They appear when it gets warmer. Anyhow, squirrels have an unusual, I would say enchanting, way of moving along the ground From the Sources: “The tree squirrel is a very special animal. It is one of very few wild animals that have adapted to humans and learned to coexist with man. It can live on both natural foods and hand outs. The squirrel is an acrobatic wonder to young and old. Its large tail makes it the most recognized mammal on Earth” Also “A squirrel's brain is about the size of a walnut”. They are cute but not good at philosophy!
3. Concerning animals someone asked me in a reply from the Newsletter: "Have you shown anyone over there how to catch livestock with your hands yet?" I answered: “I am trying to project a more sophisticated image! Chicago is a long way from Grenfell. But if I see a deer or a coyote I shall probably find the temptation irresistible!” Do you know on Wednesday afternoon I went for my first run. The ground was a bit soggy, but I saw two deer. They got away! The thing is that in the past to stop the Chicago River and other smaller streams from causing damage on flooding etc, they left lots of acreage along their banks. Now these areas are wonderful nature parks. In that little run, which turned into a rather long walk I felt I was a long way from the hustle and bustle of the Civilization. Very therapeutic! Looking forward to warmer weather and more idyllic walks.
4. I found out that Chicago has always been called the SECOND City after New York. It is logical. Now I understand why people expect me to love Chicago. Historically, it was designed to have everything. Although they say it takes a year to really fall in love! John Walker said the same!
5. Some of you may know John Walker. He is a Physical Therapist, married a local i.e. Chicago girl. John lived in Warrane College for many years. So did two his brothers Peter and Michael. I knew them both very well. It was great to catch up with John. He said about some of the themes of the Newsletters: “It is interesting to see some similarities to my experiences some 12 years ago! It really is a culture change. And despite the obvious things we have in common (language, entertainment and food), there is a lot that is distinctly different! My feelings have gone through a spectrum over the past 12 years”. John and this wife just had their fifth child, a girl, after four boys. I am going to baptize the girl Catherine on Monday 26th March. Will be a Holy Australian Reunion!
6. I bought a phone card. I used to think it was a uniquely Asian thing. It makes ringing very cheap. It gave my parents a thrill too!
7. Country Music is big in the USA. It is every where. It is a “Southern Thing”, but popular in the Mid-West. Some Cities in the South might have five radio stations that only play country music i.e. Normal Country, Contemporary Country, Classical Country, Mixed Country and Blue Grass! I live with an expert. He has cut two CD’s of Blue Grass. He is great for Birthday Celebrations!
8. A comment on the South North move: “Your address has certainly degraded. Euclid to Keating! Ave. What a pity!” Not a Labor supporter!? A comment on accent from a Sydney Barrister: “As a trivial point of interest: An American forensic psychologist told us at our annual Crown Prosecutors' Conference that Americans regard anyone who speaks with a "British" accent as worthy of more credibility than someone with an American accent.” I think British used in this sense means non American English!
9. I have received many comments on Art and Architecture. An important one: “In my first lesson of Architecture at University, I was told, that no matter how good a building may look it must not leak. Clients never forgive a leaking roof. When one of Wright's clients rang to say her roof was leaking he said, "Madam, You should call a plumber, not an architect". I don’t know if it was Mrs. Robie. I never dared to say that to a client”
10. Sport is huge here. After a lull since the Super bowl we are in the middle of the NCAA Basketball playoffs. It is competition amongst the best College (University teams). The standard is the highest, and because it s a knock out competition it is a do or die effort. Very exciting! It is the best of 64 teams, there is lots of betting too. We are down to the “sweet 16”; by Monday it will the “great 8”; then “the final four” etc. Incidentally there are many private Universities here. The Jesuits have over thirty. Most are very good at basketball, medicine etc but not theology! It would be good if in Australia there were many more private Colleges! 12. My somber mood is caused not only by my still lost baggage but also the time. Even now to retrieve my suitcase will be several hours on the phone. On Thursday I arrived at the Airport at 10.00 am. My flight was cancelled due to ‘storms” in New York! I spent the day at the Airport trying to get on a plane to New York. Most of the day was spent standing in front of four different counters, before returning home at 5.30 pm. I should say one positive thing about the experience. They are probably many. I was standing at one counter. I had Paul Johnson’s book, the History of the American People. I began a conversation with another “disappointed” passenger who had been “bumped off” a few flights. He was from New York. He told me his Father had come to the USA from Austria. His Mother too! “They were sent there by a funny guy with a short moustache. That guy sent a lot of guys to USA. One of them was Einstein. He made a big mistake sending a lot smart guys out of that place etc”. It was another angle on New York Jews. We spoke for about an hour and a half. He was also very helpful. Got me onto another plane, but I was “bumped off” that one too! Paul Johnson also wrote a book “The History of the Jews”. Quite sympathetic to my new friend from New York!
Anyway, pray that I get my baggage back! Not much social comment this time. Maybe next week! You can tell me about the elections as well!
Regards
Newsletter Nine
Hi!
1. I don’t know where to start with the news this week. Not much stands out. My mildly melancholy mood of last week disappeared as my bag turned up on Sunday Morning. Four days after the event. Not perfect efficiency and I did waste a few more hours on phone calls and confused conversations! When “the baggage team” told me that it would be delivered soon, I said: “Shall I “tip” the guy who drops it off at the door”. I was understandably elated with the news. He said: “No, this one is on us buddy!”. I guess I’ll be flying American Airlines again!

2. On Monday I baptized the youngest child of John and Ale Walker. Michael Walker and his wife Gloria flew in from Australia and were the God parents. Ale and Gloria are sisters! Baptism is a universal sort of thing. We use a “global ritual” in the Catholic Church for baptism so I used the booklet made up at Warrane College. We had a party at John’s apartment afterwards. Tried some of the famous Chicago Pizza. It is style of Pizza. Actually we all met up for party for Michael’s youngest boy two days before. He turned two. It was one of those classical kids parties that you see happening sometimes at McDonalds. It was a more “cozy” place than McDonalds but lots of toys, juice, cakes and no beer!

3. The most eventful incident this week was another traffic matter. I have mentioned the hazards of driving on the right and speeding. I have driven different vehicles here. There are always some around. After all this is the land of the “automobile”. Since moving to the North side I have been driving a Ford Contour. It is one of the few “manuals” still around. Makes you feel like driving is a skill! Computers in the cars seem to have more control here! I have been driving this car for about four or five days, probably putting it under a bit of pressure. Obviously the computer thought so. Anyway, as I was driving home at 9.00 pm on the most “intense” part of the expressway, in the middle of the City of Chicago, 5 lanes, in a tunnel the engine stopped dead. It was disconcerting! No power no reason and no time to pull over to the side. There was honking to the left and to the right and from behind. I was in the middle lane. The only thing I could think to do was to push the hazard button and dial 911 on the cell phone. And pray amongst a sea of cars and very big trucks. The phone was answered fairly quickly. After a series of very calm voices I was told to wait. Sure enough three minutes “a green monster” i.e. a giant lime green tow truck pulled up in front of me; jacked up the front of my car with a huge rear bar. The driver then got out. He was wearing bright orange overalls. He suggested I put the car into neutral, then dragged me off the expressway. He dumped me on a side road. I asked him if it were safe to stay here. He said: “you are safer here buddy then where you were!”. I had to agree with him. As I walked around the car waiting for help to arrive from the center where I live, two locals who were passing by came over an offered to help. I think the computer just decided to shut down the car. It is the sort of problem that is difficult to diagnose without sophisticated equipment. Anyway the scariest thing was the guy who was trying to get the car going. I spoke with him for about five minutes, told him that I was new, just arrived from Australia etc. He said: “but you don’t sound like an Australian”.

4. As for my accent, I don’t think I am losing it. I have been busy this week, was at four schools run by people of the Work. I have been assured by Mothers and Father that girls are simply fascinated by my accent. This is the part of the “irrationality” of teenage girls. I will try to use the “new found fame” to give them good advice if they ask me for it. This phenomenon is known as the “apple core syndrome”. Some people are impressed by the superficial appearance of things like the accidental shape of the apple core you leave on the plate! Then they admire you because of what you have produced. It is bit disappointing that it was not content of the homily that impressed them but the accent. I find it easy to talk to American High School Students. My next challenge will be College Students.

5. Another social comment related to my enjoyable week of priestly work. I was at another school for younger boys and girls. At the end of the day, I saw how they dismissed the kids. The Head Mistress, who seemed to enjoy the job immensely had the parents queue up in the four wheel drives in a single line in the Parking Lot and would call the kids by walky-talky out of the school one by one to get into his or her parent’s car. It reminded me of the way planes are organized to take off on an aircraft carrier. It is another aspect of American culture to dramatize organization!

6. In a previous reply someone noted: “I do have one concern though (…) you referred to your mobile phone as your 'cell phone', which does possibly show signs of Americanization”. You have to do that otherwise people won’t understand you, or you are creating unnecessary barriers. It is the same with side walk. Saying footpath is a waste of time.

7. A little more on the Jewish guy at the Airport! I did not invite him to the retreat. Although, we did exchange emails addresses and are communicating. We discovered it was a small world. He travels a lot; sells leather goods in the form covers for books especially bibles. In fact he was in Chicago negotiating a contract with Fr James Socias, a priest of Opus Dei, who is about to publish a bible in Latin America.

8. We all know that “Anti-Americanism” is widespread! Is it stupidity, ideological or cultural? I am looking more deeply into it. Americans do have a sense of their own importance. They have been the most powerful nation in the World for a while. When they give examples of world events or “global products” they are always American events or products. I do not read the papers much, in fact my sources of information are the same as I used Australia. I have watched TV to see the Super Bowl, but nothing else. But what am I missing? I am convinced that unfortunately the medium is the message: just superficial hype; nothing to do with reality. If you watch and believe the media you know more than me about the USA!

9. I am starting to like Chicago more. I have not fallen in love with it yet, but I am assured that I will. Chicago is known for its trains. The USA used to have about one third of all railroad track laid in the world. Chicago was and still is a hub for this means of transport. It laid its first railroad tracks in 1848. Five years later it was connected to the East i.e. New York. By 1860 a hundred trains entered Chicago each day from seven different directions. I assume a hundred trains left each day! It now has trains coming from eleven different directions each day.

10. Lately I received some ‘art education” in one email as a result of my visit to the Art Institute where I stared at the “French Impressionists” for an hour and half. It shows that my “reservations” about the beginning of modern art were accurate. The email said: “Don't be too hard on the impressionists. If you're back in New York you'll have to check out some of Marcel Duchamp's work, which some would say is worse than throwing paint out the window Jackson Pollock style. Whilst it's not trendy to refer to an artist as "seminal" or a "father" of contemporary art, Duchamp comes pretty close to significantly influencing what's being created in the hip contemporary scene. (…) Duchamps most famous ready-made piece is called "Fountain", created in 1901, which is a urinal tipped on its side, signed R Mutt and called art” .

11. From time to time I get responses to the Newsletter with examples of “American individualism”, since I made some comment on this previously. But I have to be careful here. I have some good friends amongst the Americans. I feel comments about them are comments about my life style too. However one of the responses I received: “A friend of mine worked in the Treasury of Citibank in New York for some weeks. He was their top dealer in Gold in the world. All the dealers sat in the same location in the treasury dealing room. In Sydney when the phone rang for a particular person anyone in the room would answer it in his name and ask the caller to wait, making a good impression on the caller, possibly a client. It contributed to teamwork and overall efficiency. In New York no-one answered anything that was not directly his call. Calls were left ringing forever. No teamwork. It was a particular fault that the Australian Dealer mentioned as his overall impression of working in US”.

12. My Father warned me not to come back with an American accent. His concern was that everyone who had gone there from Grenfell had come back with an American accent. I have been checking out the American way of speaking English. The biggest difference is how they pronounce the “a”. It is always the a sound as in “Astra” long and flat. They pronounce each syllable too. John Walker said that his name is pronounced as “Walka in Australia. Here it is Wa-l-k-errr! Tuesday and News are Toosday and Nu-s . We put an “u-ey” sound in there. With regard to the confusion between "Murder Ways" instead of "Motor Ways". Someone ask me to track the source down. He wanted to know if it was the Irish or German influence, as both those cultures do the same thing to English? Seamus Grimes (past Irish resident of Warrane) always spoke, for example, of his "mudder and fadder" and the Germans call Dachshunds Doxhoonts". What really grates on the ears is, however, when, instead of saying they "couldn't" do something (on American films shown here), an actor or actress says they "coutn't" do it.

13. Snow seems a distant memory. The temperature went up to 83 F during the week. There is no Spring here; just Winter to Summer.

14. There were a few comments on the Squirrels. “Who said a walnut size brain was not sufficient for philosophy?” Another comment: I hate to be pedantic, but I noticed your spelling of chipmunk was a bit ecclesiastical: "chip-monk".

I do welcome comments and news from Australia! I hope every one finishes off Lent well, and Happy Easter to all! I will be quite busy. I am the MC of at least one Easter Vigil Ceremony and there are lots of confessions (lots of sinners),
regards



Newsletter TEN
Hi!
1. It has been a busy week, as expected; certainly not a lot of sight seeing! I finished a retreat for 35 women on Sunday afternoon, and spent many hours hearing confessions during Holy Week. There were lots of confessions! What does that they about the state of the Catholic Church here?

2. The retreat was given to an interesting group of women. Like in most places, the further West or South you go the more interesting people are. They talk slower, are more straight forward and a better type of person. This came out during the retreat. At times it was like a “religious revival meeting”. When I emphasized a point, I was greeted by a chorus of “Amen” from the participants. It is not what I am used to in Australia. They have some other ways of showing their appreciation

For example. After the retreat I received an email inviting me to go further west to see the heart of the USA. It read: “I can certainly invite you to come to see the most beautiful part of the United States - the heartland. The real Iowa! How we would showcase our very best for this Australian farmer priest? My folks live on a real farm: they raise crops - and soybeans, and hogs, cattle, and sheep (well, maybe the sheep won't interest you so much.) etc”. Unfortunately I could not disguise my country origins during the retreat. It was the stories that I used! By the way Iowa lies to the West of Illinois, Chicago is in Illinois. You should study a map of the USA to locate all the states. I always carry one around with me!

The email continued: “Iowa City is home to the University of Iowa, where my husband is on the faculty in the department of Internal Medicine. His research is cutting edge in the latest on treatment of lung disease. The UIHC is the largest university hospital in the U.S. (Like Macy's is the biggest department store in the world, and the Sears tower is the tallest! You're right, we Americans are proud of our biggest and most beautiful!)” “Oh yes, I meant to add - that the Mississippi River is the biggest and the longest river in North America!” Of course I am planning to go there. Some Americans appreciate what I notice about their country!

3. I read something interesting things about Coca-Cola in the History of the American People by Paul Johnson. Coca-Cola became the second most globally recognized word. The second most common word. I thought this was interesting. It reflects its popularity. The drink of the twentieth Century! I mentioned this in the get-together. Immediately my American audience wanted to know what word occupied first place. You could see that they were disappointed. Their competitive spirit is a little warped! If they could, they would use the word in first place fewer times to allow Coca-cola to be in first place. The most commonly recognized word though, is OK. When I told them that they seemed to calm down! OK is American enough!

4. A little more on American vocabulary: It is “carry out” NOT “take away”. And “no outlet” NOT “No through road”. Just different, it is not more efficient nor more meaningful. Another very popular phrase is “Heads up”. It means I am going to tell you something that you should be aware of, or warn you about or be attentive to!

5. Talking to a group of older men during the week, one assured me that there is a bridge like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but bigger and better. He said it is at “Bayonne: It links New York and New Jersey, from Staton Island to “Bayonne”. It turns out that it is exactly the same design. However the first bit of information on the matter which I found consoling was the following: According to Guinness World Records, THE SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE is the longest and widest long-span bridge in the world and is the largest steel arch bridge with the top of the bridge standing 134 metres above the harbour. The Bayonne Bridge comes is a poor third”. But if you go to Wikipedia, you see a sunset picture of them both. They look the same. The incident caused a momentary scare! A rival to our icon! Thank God for the Guinness Book of Records!

6. Seamus, our Irish correspondent sent the following comment: “What really killed me about my 'mudder' and 'fadder' Dublin pronunciation was that the first day I arrived in Warrane College back in 1974, George Menz was correcting me in his own inimitable style.

7. Someone made the point about what I quoted with regard to individualism: “It is interesting: it is probably part of their strength and also their weakness - it's not easy to get the balance right” I guess you have to concentrate to achieve the goal, being friendly has to wait until after work!

8. Another person asked: “Could you convert the temperature into Celsius? We find it difficult to relate to Fahrenheit”. Admittedly, it can be confusing. So here is a short lesson! This is from the Internet. It is interesting for all; amusing for the mathematically inclined. There are two main temperature scales. The Fahrenheit Scale (used in the US), and the Celsius Scale (part of the Metric System, used in most other Countries). They both measure the same thing (temperature!), just using different numbers.
If you freeze water, it measures 0° in Celsius, but 32° in Fahrenheit
If you boil water, it measures 100° in Celsius, but 212° in Fahrenheit
The difference between freezing and boiling is 100° in Celsius, but 180° in Fahrenheit.
To convert from Celsius to Fahrenheit, first multiply by 180/100, then add 32
To convert from Fahrenheit to Celsius, first subtract 32, then multiply by 100/180
Note: 180/100 can be simplified to 9/5, and likewise 100/180=5/9.
So, this is the easiest way:
Celsius to Fahrenheit (°C × 9/5) + 32 = °F
Fahrenheit to Celsius (°F - 32) x 5/9 = °C
Example 1: Convert 26° Celsius (A nice warm day!) to Fahrenheit
First: 26° × 9/5 = 234/5 = 46.8: Then: 46.8 + 32 = 78.8° F
Example 2: Convert 98.6° Fahrenheit (Normal Body Temperature!) to Celsius
First: 98.6° - 32 = 66.6: Then: 66.6× 5/9 = 333/9 = 37° C

Typical Temperatures
°C °F Description
100 212 Water boils
40 104 Hot Bath
37 98.6 Body temperature
30 86 Beach weather
21 70 Room temperature
10 50 Cool Day
0 32 Freezing point of water
-18 0 Very Cold Day
-40 -40 Extremely Cold Day (and the same number!)

9. It snowed during the week! It was very cold! Low on both scales. I am ambivalent about the snow. Pretty and magical to look at. Uncomfortable to walk around as a result.

10. Chicago has many beautiful Churches. We visited a number of “real jewels” after the Holy Thursday ceremony. You see a lot of faith and beauty in these Churches. This is email is a few hours late! The Easter Vigil Ceremony stopped me from sending it at my usual Saturday night time.

11. I heard about the death of Fr Steve O’Donnell. Many people here knew him very well. A real tragedy!
Anyhow have a very happy Easter! Regards
6. People like to discuss movies here. Like Australia it is a pseudo intellectual pursuit. Not liketh real ting though! One of my theories is that the discussion of movies is a waste of time!

7. Fr Joe Pich was upset about the reference to making kids leave school like planes taking off. He says sit happens in many place in Australia. Especially where the head o the school is American. They do it after Mass at St Mary’s Star of the Sea in Melbourne The Parish Priest is American. email: Pennant Hills

The Lime Green Monster who saved me from drowning in a sea of trucks and cars did it for free

Newsletter Eleven
Hi!
1. It has been a quiet week in Chicago, a bit of a lull after the hectic Holy Week. That is of course from a priest point of view. As a result the Newsletter might be brief.

2. There was a very heavy fall of snow during the weak, with a few days of cold weather. It was what they call “wet” snow. It sticks to everything. For me at least, it made traveling much more difficult. All the signs were covered with a sticky mass of wet snow. I could not read them! Also when ever you passed under an underpass and there are thousands of them, a big lump of wet snow, could land on your roof. Wet snow is like that, just decides to slip off things randomly. It feels like a giant pelican is flying overhead!

3. During the week I was asked if I could give some talks. Since I gave a talk on Post Modernism a few months ago in Sydney, it seemed reasonable to offer it! The reply was “Post Modernism ------- hum --------- I thought that the Australian Outback was “Pre-Modernism!” What do you think of that?

4. More word differences. It is not Diary but Calendar. Not: I will check my dairy. But I will check the Calendar or the Palm. Even checking my schedule is considered Canadian.

5. Even though “The Fast Food Industry” is absolutely huge. I eat very well. Turkey at least once a week. Quality and presentation are superb!

6. I was speaking to a “finance person” during the week. By the way I have met lots of people involved in Finance. It is not uncommon for a person to own a bank. There are many small banks here. Anyway, he and I were talking about houses. I remarked that in some parts of Chicago there are acres and acres of beautiful mansions. I have not seen anything like it in Sydney or Melbourne. He said the average price of construction per square foot has gone down considerably in the last 10 years. There are two main reasons: cheap labor, an influence of the presence of many: illegals” from Poland and especially Mexico who work at below the “minimum” rate. AND cheap Capital i.e. low interest rates on loans. The second reason could cause problems in the long run. There is lots of money being poured in the USA especially for share, stocks, and Government bonds. It is based on the conviction that the USA will not collapse economically! The most famous economist in the world, Manual Yunker keeps telling me that the complete financial collapse of the USA is only a matter of hours away. I have seen nothing to indicate this, but cheap money is not a good thing. The houses are beautiful, surrounded by ample gardens etc. It is delightful to drive or walk around these suburbs.

7. It does make you ask why the USA is so rich and successful. We could begin with Australia. It is a great place, pretty middle class, stable and the citizens reasonably contented with themselves. The USA is just 15 times bigger with the same characteristics. The dynamic that comes from being 15 times bigger is what makes it such an impressive place. Although you still get lots of Manual Yunkers' and social commentators who are predicting rapid financial and moral decline!
8. I heard a bit of news from the students who went to Rome from Sydney for the UNIV conference. They stayed in the same place with the 50 Americans from here!

9. A bit of social comment! People like to discuss movies here. Like Australia it is a pseudo intellectual pursuit. Not like the real thing though! (not really intellectual) One of my theories is that most of the time the discussion of movies is a waste of time! Many words, but few ideas!

10. By the way “The Lime Green Monster: i.e. the Giant Tow Truck who saved me from drowning in a sea of trucks and cars did it for free! So it is not such a money dominated society!

11. A bit of feedback. First the not so important piece. Fr Joe Pich was upset about the reference to making kids leave school like planes taking off. He says it happens in many places in Australia. The only example he gave was from a place in Sydney where the head of the school is an American Lady.
12. I had some more interesting feed back on Wikipedia. Seamus from Ireland said; “By the way, I don't 'allow' my students to use Wikipedia as a source, mainly because of its anonymity and also its unreliability. In fact I don't allow them to use website addresses as sources. Not that it makes much difference with some of them”. This is the only position an academic can take. Otherwise he would be out of a job. However someone else told me from Sydney: “I don't want to throw cold water on the grandeur of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but it appears that your friend is correct. From Wikipedia: "It (the Bayonne Bridge) was deliberately built two feet (0.6 m) longer than the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which opened the year after." As they say; "everything is bigger in America"
Obviously Wikipedia is not perfectly reliable.
13. Someone asked! “How long are you planning to stay in America? Will you ever return to Australia?” The longer I stay here the harder it will be to return! Another request was “Please change the title of your newsletter into USA HEADS-UP #10.”.
14. Giannina Chaffey sent a packet of “Tim tams”. I tried to “sell” it as an Australian icon. I did not succeed. I have been congratulated on how well Australia is doing the cricket. It does appear in the papers from time to time. After that the conversations usually turns to baseball!
Until next time, regards
Newsletter TWELVE
Hi!
1. This is the twelfth Newsletter from the United States. That must mean some kind of triumph. Three months is a considerable amount of time. Although at time I still get slightly lost at times, and I cannot be described as part of the furniture, I feel very much at home in Chicago.

2. I feel compelled to add an item on the weather. I wore an overcome and few layers on Sunday last, but today was obliged to use the “Air conditioning Unit” in the car. By the way the car that I was rescued in by the Lime Green Monster was towed away to the scrap heap during the week. I have already acquired a bad reputation concerning the vehicles I drive.

3. Even though it has been a busy week, said my first Mass in St Mary of the Angels, and have started giving classes of Church History, I had two “tours”.

4. The first was the Centre of the Downtown part of Chicago. To understand the Architecture of Chicago, you have to know something about the “legendary World Fare” held here in 1893. It was called the Columbian Fare, to celebrate the 4th centenary of Columbus’ discovery of the Americas, (1492). Some of the best buildings in the World were built then, or it started the trend then. I was amazed. It means I can spend every Sunday for years in the City of Chicago.

The lobbying attempts to secure the World Fare was intense. To quote a book that I am reading: “Success today would dispel at least the Eastern perception that Chicago was nothing more than a greedy, hog-slaughtering backwater; failure would bring humiliation from which the city would not soon recover, given how heartily its leading men had boasted that Chicago would prevail. It was this big talk not the persistent southwesterly breeze, that had prompted New York editor Anderson Dana to nickname Chicago “the Windy City”. (1890)

Anyway we began our tour of with the Wrigley Stadium. (The gum people). Wrigley Field, which was built in 1914, is the second-oldest ballpark behind Boston's Fenway Park (1912). The supporters for the team “The Cubs” are like the supporters of St Kilda of the AFL in Melbourne and South’s Rugby League in Sydney. The difference is that the Field and the Cubs have so many “loyal” supporters that no one cares if they win. They rarely do but have huge numbers at all their games.

Then we moved into the City proper. Spent three hours there. That is about saturation point for me. Then you have to go and ponder what you have absorbed. “Chicago architecture is famous throughout the world and one style is referred to as the Chicago School. In the history of architecture, the Chicago School was a school of architects active in Chicago at the turn of the 20th century. They were the first to build “Skyscrapers”.

5. The second tour was the Robie House. “Designated by Wright himself as "the cornerstone of modern architecture”. From official sources: The Robie House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for his client Frederick C. Robie, is considered one of the most important buildings in the history of American architecture. Designed in Wright's Oak Park studio in 1908 and completed in 1910, the building inspired an architectural revolution. Its sweeping horizontal lines, dramatic overhangs, stretches of art glass windows and open floor plan make it a quintessential Prairie style house. Although it was designed more than ninety years ago, the building remains a masterpiece of modern architecture”. Our tour was colored by the Polish Guide. She continually became emotional about the personal lives of the series of occupants: divorces, bashings, and bankruptcies

6. I am convinced that an appreciation of Art, Architecture etc. is important. It is part of mankind’s heritage or patrimony. The best that man could aspire to and achieve is on display. We have a duty to learn about it. In general it is a most enriching experience.

7. I met Deacon Andrew Paris’ brother in law. I have not met Andrew’s sister but have been invited to a “Cook-out”.

8. There was some support or agreement that the Australian Outback being "Pre-Modernism!" “According to the talk on aboriginal communities at the Warrane Easter Seminar the far outback really is pre-modern. Something like the Dark Ages”.

9 Also a comment “you've been enjoying a lot of meals of turkey, which features large in US folklore, and I've always thought it was the most apposite bird emblem for Americans”.

10. Another comment on the Movies and pseudo intellectuals. “pseudo-intellectualism doesn't confine itself to films, unfortunately, but often combines with pseudo-culture to provide lengthy critical analysis of restaurant meals (usually accompanied by some small detail about the chef or vintner, read in the social pages, in order to imply a personalacquaintance). It is amazing how much time can devoted to describing an entrée, method of cooking or flavor, in order to illustrate how finely tuned the eater's or drinker's senses are, when, at the end of the day, the alimentary canal makes no such fine distinctions.

11. Someone asked about poverty. I have not seen much poverty. The black neighborhoods are bleaker but not miserable.

12. I could comment on the tragedy at Virginia Tech, but there is not a lot to say. I heard President Bush’s words when he arrived at the scene an hour after the even. They were good: prayerful and considerate. Everyone appreciated his prompt visit and meaningful message. Actually Prof. Owen Hughes who began the opus Dei in Sydney in May 1963 is one of the principal academics there. I emailed him. He said among other thing “I'm fine, and I really appreciate your prayers, especially for those who died” (…) Again, thanks for your thoughts and prayers. Owen is Professor of Ocean Structures, Aerospace & Ocean Engineering at Virginia Tech.

13. You would have heard about the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a partial-birth abortion ban. This was good news. Not like what happened in the Victoria’s Parliament. Some reaction: “President Bush has strongly supported the law, which prevents doctors from partially removing a child from the womb prior to crushing its skull, since he came into office. The president expressed his pleasure that the Supreme Court upheld a ban on such an “abhorrent procedure.” “The Supreme Court's decision is an affirmation of the progress we have made over the past six years in protecting human dignity and upholding the sanctity of life. We will continue to work for the day when every child is welcomed in life and protected in law.”

Leading candidate for the next Presidential Election and former First Lady, Senator Hilary Clinton (D-NY) called the decision an “erosion of constitutional rights.”
Mrs. Clinton’s top Democratic competition, Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) also voiced his disapproval of the decision. “I strongly disagree with today’s Supreme Court ruling,”

One of the top pro-life candidates Senator Sam Brownback was happy. He said: “this is a great step forward for our nation's citizens, born and unborn”

Sorry about the quantity of text. In Newsletter thirteen you might be luckier. Regards
Newsletter Thirteen
1. I said Number Thirteen should stand out for something, perhaps brevity.

2. Surprisingly, perhaps but American priests dress much better than the Australian counterparts. I have been strongly advised to invest in more up market clothes i.e. white shirts, cuff links etc. With regard to priestly clothes I went to a place called the House of Hansen! Given the large population of priests in the USA the store rivals Rome for clerical gear. In Australia it is practically impossible to get a Cassock made up. Here they make ones of very high quality. You can place order with me if you are a cleric!

3. I have worked a little in several girls schools this week. The Aussie accent still stuns. Today I presided over a First Communion Ceremony from one of the schools. Quite beautiful! 15 angelic brides kneeling down to receive the body and blood of Jesus for the first time! These Americans know how to put on a good show. Solemn and serious too!

4. Some good news on the home front. As you know when older citizens in NSW reach a certain age they have to sit each year for their Drivers License. This can be a traumatic experience. It is like a big exam for a teenager, same emotion and anxiety. Well my Father has been going through this “awful” experience for the last few years. He is 87, and had his test last Thursday. I asked a group of women here to pray for it. They followed the event with heartfelt interest. My Father passed his test, in spite of an obnoxious RTA officer. He is convinced it was due to prayers from the USA. He is able to relax and also drive for another year.

5. In Australia we celebrated Anzac Day on the 25th. It is difficult to explain why it is becoming a National day. It has a few interesting emotions behind it. The Anzac celebration does not to glory in War. It allows us to celebrate many of the virtues of brave, loyal and honorable citizens. There is nothing like it here. They celebrate Veterans Day. Decades ago it was going in the direction of our Anzac Days. But the trend has petered out.

6. As regards “choice” of consumer good. I picked up a bit of anecdotal information around the confessional: before and after! Amongst the clientele at Days of Recollection there are many Salesmen, brokers etc who go to confession. I try to engage them on other topics: before and after. One Salesman sells specialist grocer items. He gave me an example. Take Olive Oil for instance. We are not talking about the normal oil that most people use. He provides over 300 different varieties of Olive oil for stores. From another angle: there is a change of “Pharmacies” here called Walgreens! They started in 1901. Because of the preoccupation with health they have had considerable growth in the last 20 years. They employ over 200, 000 people. They are big, drive in affairs! Many suburbs have them. One interesting item: one store comes on line every 19 hours.

7. I mentioned last week about 5-4 decision up-holding the law. The law was passed in Congress several years ago. Now it will stand. Partial birth abortions are illegal. The judgment contained some interesting considerations and defining statements that have made the pro-life supporters pleased and hopeful. An observation that has invoked considerable comment here: There are 5 Catholics on the Supreme Court. All five voted to up hold the law!

8. Even though it was a busy week work wise. I went out with John Walker (dual citizen and ex resident of Warrane College) on Friday evening. We had a beer etc on the top floor of the Hancock Building. The second tallest building in the USA and Chicago. Afterwards we had a meal at The Cheese Cake Shop. The night was under a $1000. The small appetizer I ordered still looked like a small elephant leg on a plate with chips. Servings are big here!

9. A comment from a correspondent! Watch your spelling! You will be giving us a bad name. The sort of "fair" you are talking about is "fair"; "fare" is the sort you eat at Warrane a little after 6.00pm on the first Friday of the month.

10. A comment on Chicago Architecture “You are the mouse in the middle of the block of cheese!” This is so true. Although the reputation of City took a while to become established. The book I am reading says: “a rising young British writer published a scalding essay of Chicago. ‘Having seen it’ Rudyard Kipling wrote, ‘I desire never to see it again. It is inhabited by savages’. First impressions can be very wrong. On his second visit he was full of praise.

11. From talking John Walker and the spectacular success of Walgreens: health is an in your face issue here. Sport is a constant topic too. It is a very good alternative to political issues. As a result of these two obsessions” health and sport you see the occasional shop front sign “Sports Medicine”. I am sure the well known Sport Medicine Doctor would make millions here. His American patients would complain much less than their Australian counterparts about the prices!

12. I have been emailing the members of the Upper House in Victoria over the cloning debate. Something to pray and work for!

13. Another insight perhaps. Some people from Latin America living in the States for even a long time have difficulties. They can’t seem to disengage from a certain original nationalistic pride. Probably inherited from the Spanish! It leaves them “confused” and a bit critical. To be “contented” in the USA you have to really want to immerse yourself and forget a little where you come from.

14. As regards some of the car designs, decor etc that you find in restaurants, civil buildings which at first sight seems too “zainy” or cheap or ugly! This is due to a kink in the flow of “culture”. There is a “tradition” in the USA that we are new and different. This certainly frees them up to design anything. Sometimes is works but many times it is simply like a still born dinosaur baby: ugly.

15. The pleasant spring weather, seem to ‘really energize” people. I saw some 12 years boys from school playing football, while I was hearing confessions in a Parish Church. There play football like they are possessed. Not afraid to break bones, and tear their clothes The running wildly seems to indicate a kind of spring fever!

In the end it was not that much shorter than usual! Sorry!

Regards
Newsletter Fourteen
We are into May! Definitely springtime here! But still cooler than a Sydney May!

During the week I took the car I drive (now a rather flash new Mazda) for a “grease and oil change”. We all know Americans invented drive in activities like shopping for example! Drive in “banking” was old news here, fifty years ago! A drive-in Grease and oil change is definitely a convenient contribution to modern civilization. It takes about 10 minutes. Imagine a fast food style shop but it is to nourish your car not yourself. It is very efficient. The attendants do about 20 other things besides changing the oil and all very quickly. The chain of “shops” is called “Jiffy Lube”. It is a chain of “grease and oil change” specialists.

More American insights straightaway! I had my first encounter with an American philosopher. He writes books on serious topics like Epistemology! I disagreed with him on some points, as an approach, but in general we agreed on most points like what an awesome guy St Thomas is. The conversation turned to lighter topics like American Culture. He said that most Americans did not have a clue of what America is really like. This is because of all the “biggest and richest” characteristics of America. The philosopher was very American. I spent several hours talking to him. He said no one living outside the US or visiting could get their head around its depth of variety! I was left feeling a bit overwhelmed. Nevertheless it is a case of little by little going on my insightful analysis. The American Philosopher also said that the Irish (in America) invented the “Political machine”. It is a highly organized approach to win in the grand scheme of politics. The Irish unfortunately always saw themselves in conflict with the so called WASP establishment. A bit of myth! But it gave the Irish something to fight over, which they seem to have always liked!

We also agreed that Americans are too black and white in their analysis. It leads to complications especially in approaches to the pro-life issues etc. I guess that is why they write and talk so much about sport. Baseball and Basketball are totally dominating all forms of media at the moment.

There is a tremendous amount of interest amongst US teenagers in the WYD. I hope Kiwis and Aussies are getting just as excited! And preparing to welcome them!

On a more spiritual note! I am doing a bit of reading: I can recommend some books. They are the best “Spiritual Reading” books that I have come across in the last 10 years! The first is: “He leadeth me” It is a kind of follow up to With God in Russia by Fr Walter J. Ciszek. It is very helpful for anyone who believes in God. The second is Jacques Philippe’s Interior Freedom. It is very modern in style but just what the modern person with spiritual yearnings would find beneficial. He has two other books: Time for God: A Guide to Prayer and one on “The Holy Spirit”. The last would be timely for those tired of Ten Days of the Holy Spirit as Pentecost approaches. They are the best books of a spiritual nature that I have come across in the last few decades.

I have a suggestion for the next Warrane College T-Shirt design. I wear one when I go for my frequent runs in walk along the banks of the Chicago River. The title Warrane College probably attracts some attention, although it could be the way I run! Warrane is not that well known though. It would be great to include Sydney or Australia in the logo. That way I am sure Warrane would get thousands of enquiries from American students!

I have mentioned that priestly work is reaching fulltime status. I said Mass in the Big Cathedral here four times this week, with stacks of confessions. But in t spite of this. I had a day long e excursion to “Starved Rock” last Sunday. April 29 was a “fifth Sunday and here we “Opus Dei people” have ‘tradition” of doing something special on the fifth Sunday. There are no Days of Recollections etc. From the well known Source: “Starved Rock State Park is an Illinois State Park located in Utica, in rural Illinois, about 100 miles (160 km) west-southwest of downtown Chicago”. We set of in the morning and had a picnic lunch on Rock over looking the Illinois River. Other points of interest. We saw a dead cow in the river. It is a reservoir of drinking water! We had a beer on the way back, at a nice but noisy Irish Pub surrounded by hundreds of colorful “bikies”. The average age of “bikies” in the USA is 57 years old. They are on the ugly side, have long hair, ride Harleys and have an income of over $200,000 a year. Being a “bikie” is a week-end affair!

There have been Indians in the area for over 11,000 years. That is interesting, but not as startling as the 40,000 years of our Aussie “Indians”. Again from the well known source: “The rock derives its name from a story that a band of Illiniwek Indians was trapped in the 1760s on the rock by a band of Potawatomi Indians trying to avenge the death of the Ottawa Chief Pontiac. The Illiniwek Indians then scrambled to the top of the rock, where the Ottawa Indians and Potawatomi Indians laid siege until the Illiniwek Indians starved to death”.

Another observation: America is much less “egalitarian” than Australia. But Australia is probably one of the most egalitarian “successful” societies in the world. A political hot potato at the moment here is migration. There were big rallies during the week. Again Australia is a good example for most countries about how to approach some of these issues. Some Americans want to build big fence along the Mexican boarder. A silly solution!

Another demonstration was by Planned Parenthood. They called nationwide rallies and demonstrations in protest of the US Supreme Court's decision to uphold the federal abortion ban on the gruesome partial-birth abortion procedure. In a press release, Planned Parenthood said it was summoning all pro-abortion advocates to "express outrage"!

There was some positive feed back about my opinion that priest dress better here. I had no orders for new Cassocks from priests in Australia but fashion conscience women predictably made comments similar to the following. “Thank you for the update on clergy fashion. It is good to know what's coming up for the next season!

With regard to my Australia way of speaking a few people said things in similar vain to: “your accent still stuns us Aussies”!

Some rally bad news! I found out that Vegemite is actually banned here by FDA. My Irish correspondent said: “Did you know that the FDA banned vegemite in the US because of it containing folate? We have marmite here, which I never use, but it seems to be good as an anti-malaria protection and could be useful for Kenya” What is folate anyway? John Walker (fellow Australian) and I are planning a serious campaign! It is simply ridiculous to ban a product which has made a nation great! According to a chemist friend here, folate actually helps pregnant women? Somehow!

Even though I am now driving a new car and keep up with the flow of traffic about 80 mph (130 kmph) no cops have noticed me. I guess it has been a quiet week. Until next time
Regards
Newsletter Fifteen
Hi!
1. I shall try and stick to my resolution of keeping the Newsletter brief. I had a few complaints from last week that I did not number the paragraphs! Sorry!

2. I am going to Boston next week; the supposed intellectual center of the USA. Where it all began. The residents of Chicago and the Middle of America in general don’t think I’ll find much to interest me. I am only going for a week. I asked, Fr George, head of Opus Dei in Australia, a born and bred Bostonian for a list of things to see. He suggested that if I go to the city: “Walk the Freedom Trail, visit the Fine Arts Museum or the Gardiner Museum (site of a famous art heist), see Harvard and MIT, etc. I’ll see what I can do. I am looking forward to being on the East Coast again. Where America history was first acted out!

3. “Many” people express concern in their emails about the cold that I am supposed to be feeling! They are too compassionate! Some have even been praying for warmer weather for Chicago! I am sorry if I gave the impression that the cold bothers me that much In general, things are so well organized you hardly noticed the cold. A few minutes between the car and the door of the house, perhaps! Now that Spring has arrived, I am feeling uncomfortable with the humidity. I am beginning to look forward to wearing an overcoat and gloves again. But I’ll have to wait 6 months for that! Weather is probably just as much a conversation piece in Chicago as it is after Sunday Mass in Country Australia!

4. Some big news! I have a US Driving License. Valid for five years. As usually happens, the photo is not flattering! I had to do the tests on Friday. One written and one practical, that is, in a car beside an instructor. I was initially a bit nervous. There were over 100 pages of text to learn, and driving on the right creates problems at times. However, when I arrived the secretary who directs the “traffic” so to speak, that is tells you how to fill out the forms and which booth to go to etc, said to me” “Oh, you can speak all day to me Father; I would never get tired of that Australian accent. That certainly gave me some confidence. There were a few more incidents like that. I got my nice new photo license in record time! Someone did say though, at least now I have a license to lose!

5. Concerning the “latest” Spiritual Reading books that caused me intellectual and spiritual delight! Several correspondents said: “You are a bit behind there!” One was even from New Zealand, traditionally about 20 years behind Australia! It seems they are way ahead of the rest of the world in modern spiritual reading books Several others had read the books in the French (original) or Spanish. I still recommend the titles I gave last time! Delightful and fruitful!

6. I was completely wrong about the Vegemite: Someone let me know about the following news item. “US denies Vegemite ban” AUSTRALIANS traveling to the US can breathe easy. So can the 100,000 or so Australian expatriates living in America. The US government today dismissed media reports it had banned Vegemite. ‘There is no ban on Vegemite’, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) spokesman Mike Herndon said”. My Irish correspondent, who started the scare said: “He knew that he should not have relied on Wikipedia as a source”

7. To almost annoy me someone said: “Yep just finished a vegemite sandwich, didn't notice any problem. By the way vegemite is made out of the left over contents from beer brewing. It contains all the good things that alcoholics just don't get, like vitamin B and folate. Good for a hangover. And pregnant women who take folate have a lower incidence of spina bifida in their children”.

8. As a result of the Supreme Court Decision upholding the US Congress decision to ban partial birth abortion we were discussing related topics in one of the get-togethers here. I found out that there is no government money for abortions in USA. In Australia practically all abortions are paid for with Taxpayers money! It is one of the most common non-elective procedures in Australia. I think that says something about which Government is more corrupt, whether we like to hear it or not!

9. Getting a Driving License was one of things on my list of things to do when I arrived here. Part of settling in! Social Security number, bus pass, train pass, cell phone, medical cover etc. My list has had all the items ticked off. The last one on the list was to “get a doctor”. I visited one last Monday. He did not make any references to Australia being a source of the healthiest men in the world, but I am in perfect health according to the check up!

10. We had a guest here on Thursday: a Law student, called Jacob, from the Netherlands (Holland). He is 22 years old, doing a Master in Law at a good University in Chicago. He is member of Opus Dei. His Father is a Muslim from Morocco! Can you believe that! His Father still is a Muslim; he married a Dutch Catholic girl. Jacob gave us few insights into Islam. He said among other things it is an intrinsically violent religion. He has credibility in what he says. He speaks several languages including Arabic. We asked him about the “rechristianization” of Holland. He said it is not going that quickly, but Opus Dei is doing quite well there!

11. Also, many people have asked why I am in the USA. I have given several replies. Mostly saying that it is an investment: for me and for Australia, but the bottom line is that the Prelate of Opus Dei suggested that I might help out the apostolate in the USA for a period of time! I hope that answers some queries.

12. The American Philosopher, I met last week has not made it easy to continue our dialogue. In fact the relationship is a bit strained after the following statements “Chicago is the financial center for America's agricultural heartland, perhaps the largest such center in the world! But more annoyingly he said: “I beg to differ regarding Australian beer, which in my experience is mediocre at best” And “Even mediocre California wine is better than most Australian wine”.

Regards,

Newsletter SIXTEEN

Hi!
1. This week I have been immersed in Boston among pilgrims and revolutionaries where I could not do much with regard to emails! It is explains why it is day later than usual. Although when I say pilgrims and revolutionaries I don’t mean the dozen or so priests I was with at Arnold Hall. (I was on a Course or Workshop in a beautiful Conference Center about an hour from Boston). I mean I was in Boston the home of the Pilgrims! They began to arrive in 1620.They are the founders of America, mostly Puritans or Calvinistic types! Boston is also the place where the 1776 Revolution began! The two events are related!

The pilgrims weren’t the first people to arrive. They probably formed the first successful English settlement that “survived and developed”. They are Americas’ most famous immigrants. The direct link between the Pilgrims arrival in 1620 and the revolution of 1776 is a question of almost fanatically felt freedom or independence. The puritans came seeking religious liberty. They were fiercely individualistic. They had many virtues. They were driven, hardy but not tolerant. They developed a type of democracy which they cherished to death. For this reason Boston is known as “The Cradle of Liberty; the Birth Place of Independence! As a puritan descendent said at an early revolutionary meeting: ‘We had a form of self government from very early on! We had always governed ourselves and we always meant to. The “redcoats” did not want that we should!

2. By the way, Arnold Hall, the conference center is beautiful place! “Elegant English style”. Inside there is a lot of white wood; outside there is a lot of weathered cedar slats. The wooden slats quickly become quite gray and look nice. Also inside, the floors are made of deep brown, polished floor boards covered with rich carpets. There are also wooden columns in most of the larger rooms. This is typical New England Architecture All very nice! Gardens are neat and pleasant! There are several ponds with snapping turtles etc

3. From a geographical point of view, Boston though is the Capital of Massachusetts, the heart of New England. It is probably the most Eastern State. It seems to jut out into the Atlantic more and would be closer to Europe! The Indians called the place “Shawmut”. The Puritans changed the name to Boston after place in England. It is arguably an improvement

4. I should mention that I went to visit Plymouth Rock! This is where the pilgrims landed! We are into superlatives in the US. Even the Americans don’t mind it being called the most disappointing monument in the world! It is just a very small rock, with a classical styled stone fence around it. Quite inaccessible! Apparently the pilgrims stepped on the rock as they came ashore. I also saw the Mayflower or a replica. The boat the Pilgrims in which came across The day I went to visit it was extra cold and wet! One of the priests on the course is a descendent of the Brewster’s: a pilgrim family! I felt like a pioneer when I visited the Rock and inspected the May flower. The rain was horizontal and icy. As Alexis De Tocqueville wrote in 1835: This Rock has become an object of veneration in the United States. I have seen bits of it carefully preserved in several towns in the Union. Does this sufficiently show that all human power and greatness is in the soul of man? Here is a stone which the feet of a few outcasts pressed for an instant; and the stone becomes famous; it is treasured by a great nation; its very dust is shared as a relic”.

5. With regard to the other aspect of this part of New England, the revolutionary events, I saw where the Boston Tea Party took place. In fact I saw much more The ideas behind and the events of help to explain a lot about the American psyche! I walked along what is known as the Freedom Trail. It is right in the middle of Boston. It is marked by red bricks in the side walk. We began at the Boston Common a big park in the middle of the City, then moved to State House. The State Parliament! Then saw a series of Cemeteries, Meeting Halls and Church, etc which are significantly connected to the rebellion of 1776! Anyway walking the Freedom Trail was a great way to find out about Boston.

Along the trail I saw the grave of Paul Revere the guy who made the famous ride to warn the “Sons of Liberty” that the British were coming. He was actually like many of the early revolutionaries a French Huguenots! Protestants kicked out of France by Louis XIV! Along the way, there are many other graves of many famous people, including Benjamin Franklin’s parents. He wrote some very nice things about his parents. He was one of 13 children

6. In Boston I met Jim Stenson again! He is famous in Australia for his wonderfully inspiring talks! He insisted in taking me for two mini-tours of Boston. He is still the same! He told me a few inspiring stories and jokes. He loves jokes!

7. Of course in Boston I visited the Opus Dei Center near the famous Harvard University. I also walked though Harvard, to the equally famous Harvard Square. I was with two priests who are graduates! They were keen to enthuse me about what I saw. There much more sandstone at Melbourne and Sydney Universities, though!.

8. In going to Boston and back, taking buses trains and planes etc, I did not get lost or have any mishaps. Different fro my usual experience!

9. I should say something about the “the ‘Sacred Cod Icon!” From the source: “For more than 200 years, Massachusetts has been fascinated with the codfish. In Massachusetts' State House there are 40 state senators, 160 state representatives, and one cod. The cod hangs in the House chamber and has been part of the House for more than 200 years. Called the "Sacred Cod," it is a four-foot, 11-inch wooden representation of the fish that once served as a food staple and fertilizer for the Pilgrims”. When Davy Crocket saw it (King of the wild frontier and the guy who died at the Alamo, and that is another famous phrase here remember the Alamo!) on a visit to Boston he said that he kept bear paws and antlers in his own house for the same reason!

10. Of course, with all the “history of pilgrims and revolution, there are few monuments that remind us of the “European Invasion!”. They seem a little out of place!

11. I think another that thing that explains the American Psyche is the book “Moby Dick” or the Whale by Herman Meville. As part of my “American Survey” having finished Paul Johnson’s book the History of the American People, also a book on Chicago I have begun to read American Literature. Every body in the US has read this book. It is on the school syllabus. Every one agrees that it is enjoyable. But equally every one agrees that the book is weird! The author is weird and the story is weird! It could explain a few of the characteristics of some Americans. The Author and the main character seem to be frustrated Puritans. Good guys but … Anyway I am enjoying the book and learning a lot!

12. In Boston I learnt a lot on the Course! After all you can learn a lot from 13 priest of Opus Dei from all the different parts of the US: the Chicago area, California, The East Coast (i.e. Boston, mostly touched by the Harvard syndrome they think they are pretty good, New York and Washing and then there is Texas. The consensus is that California is very exciting; in Texas everything is very big, NY is dizzy with activity and Chicago is “solid but dull”. Amongst the priests I had no problem selling Australia

13. Although I shouldn’t forget that I began the week in Chicago at the History Museum. There is a Kid’s section where they expect you to sniff all the different smells and “explain” the history of Chicago. You sample smells of the Prairie, the Slaughter house, Chicago Pizza, the hot dogs etc! Chicago describes itself as the most American of American Cities. It is mostly a history of events and extremely powerful and dynamic commercial growth!

There is a section about the less known the early French explores Fr Marquette and Joliet. They sailed into the Great Lakes and into the Illinois and the Mississippi rivers down to the Gulf i.e. New Orleans to the Gulf of Mexico and back! This happened very early, around 1673. The main influence seems to be place names De Moines, Du Plage St Louis etc. I was saturated after 2.5 hours

14. With regard to feedback, there were some very strong reactions the to “Philosopher’s” Aussie beer insult! “I am sending you 1 ONE DOZEN Coopers!. Please put it straight into his blood with an intravenous drip” I also leant that St Miguel Beer is better than any American beer! In general people reacted quite strongly against this type of shallow Philosophy. For example: “I
read a very short book on philosophy recently, and found it hard to see the value of it, It seems to
be a bit like numerology and Tarot card reading and asking quartz crystals what is likely to happen during the day when you wake in the mornings and which appears, to turn good men away from good wine and beer”.

15. There was only mild reaction to the vegemite scare! For example “If vegemite were banned, I would not go into deep depression”.

16. Some were a big indignant that I had pointed out that the Australian Government (with tax payers money) pays for nearly 100.000 abortions each year in Australia. It is still shameful!

17. The newsletter is back to being on the long side, but I guess history takes a while to explain even if it is American!
Regards
NL 17
Hi!
1. After the historical excitement of a week in Boston, these last 6 days haves been rather domestic! For example wildlife around the residence where I live has provided most of the excitement. I have at times slightly exaggerated the “near wild west nature” of my early years of country up bringing! Some of the people I live with have the impression from what I say that there must be a colt 45 wrapped in my laundry bag. Anyway I was given the job of getting rid of a rabbit in the back yard. It has been eating the recently planted Marigolds etc. Rabbits are not the seen the same way here as in Australia. After all in The Great South Land rabbits almost took over. I think we consider rabbits as kind of vicious furry cousin of the serpent that brought disaster to the human race. So far I have been a disappointing example of a rabbit killer! The rocks I threw missed! I am working on a new policy to restore my image as a pioneer from down under!

NB Just a little note about the intended tone of these Newsletters. In general I try to covey what I feel; excitement and interest plus a fairly continuous steep learning curve about many things!

2. Last week I did not mention THE BIG DIG. Boston like many US cities used to have many elevated highways that make the city ugly. The Bostonians came up with a plan to put all the highways underground. Can you imagine “8-10 lane highways crisscrossing the city several meters under ground. They more or less succeeded. They city’s historical beauty is significantly enhanced, revealed in its original “niceness”. They dismantled all the elevated highways! During the week in Boston I heard some negative muttering: the cost. It was the greatest expenditure on Public Works in the World. This is no doubt American “superlative” but close to the truth. The speaker of the house Tip O’Neill, a senator from the Boston Massachusetts convinced the rest of the taxpayers of the US to pay for it! In the first weeks, after it was opened, a section collapsed, killing 2 people and very bad for PR. The estimated cost was $2.8 Billion US, the final cost was closer to $20 Billion! None of the priests on last week’s Course were completely “happy” about the means to the end!

3. What did I learn in the get-togethers this week?. Not Much! I still do a lot of the talking!

4. My “weekly” touristical item was a visit to the Chicago Botanic Gardens, note not botanical. That is the way they spell here. Probably logical. As the brochure says: “The 385-acre Garden features 23 display gardens and three native habitats, uniquely situated on nine islands surrounded by lakes”. It is a delight to walk through! We had a picnic there. Afterwards we saw a sign that said no picnics allowed! I plan to return.

5. Although comparison are never accurate I would compare the US and Australia in the following way which is mostly a geographical comparison! I have probably mentioned some of these ideas before. The US and Australia are very different in terms of their history, migration input etc. Both are what I called “contented” Countries. Both are rich, industrial, and democratic. The political divide is similar: Labor V Liberal, Democrat V Republican etc. A major cause of difference, is the population. Australia has 21 million, US has 300 million. So the US is more or less 15 times bigger in terms of the numbers of people, living in the same area as Australia . Its history is twice as long, with the slave trade and a huge civil war to complicate things. But the if Australia and the US could be compared to bowls of rich soup, perhaps we have similar ingredients, but the US is a bowl which is 15 times bigger, and the content s have stewed for much longer, so there is much more variety, and depth; much tastier if you like! Another way of looking at the US is the consider the Western Plains of NSW, which keep going to the semi arid almost desert region stretching across to Western Australia where we come again to some more or less fertile areas. In the US just imagine the planes of NSW and beyond being very fertile, going to Western Australia, and fertile all the way, then finish with California which is even more fertile than the rest of the US and sunny. This vast fertile is cultivated intensely and densely settled. Anyway this picture might help to have an idea of the almost infinitely “rich interest a long term visitor can have in the US! A long history of “free enterprise spirit” with a dizzy and gigantic pace in commerce and a different source of ideas: more conservative, Christian and wanting to be different for the sake of being different! This is a first approximation to a comparison!

6. Some recipients were grateful for the history angle of last week. I should warn people that there is a certain element of myth in the way Americans look at pilgrims and revolutionaries! One definite characteristic though: the early arrivals in their different groups did not like outside interference! What has made America great? The phrase ‘manifest destiny’ is not used much now, so it is difficult to know the influence of this idea. I think their successful history is due more to maintaining or returning or re-inventing or applying some "good wholesome" principles, like respecting people's freedom, hard work, belief in God, beginning again, pioneering spirit etc.
7. Returning to more ‘domestic’ scenery. I had my first encounter with a Raccoon. It is pretty looking animal, covered with colored rings and a sweet pixie like face. I saw it on one my runs through the forest! I was tempted to swing it by its tail as I have done with possums and goannas. I resisted the temptation and just poked a stick at it! Later I was told that it is true vermin, and probably a carrier of rabies! They are a nuisance. Later, during the week, several tipped over the Garbage bin. Made a mess! I also saw my first Chipmunk, too. They are very small, shy and cute
8. Not many people were offended by my Irish “put down” of recent weeks. The influence for the good of the Irish in the US is huge, sometimes hidden, certainly widespread. And just like the Irish influence has helped to shape the character of the people of Australia I think it has shaped “America-ness”! I have the personal opinions in this area and would like to know if people disagree with me! The effectiveness of the Irish in the English speaking world is due to their capacity to bear in a Christian way the brutal persecution by Cromwell et al. I think God rewarded them, by allowing them to spread the Catholic faith and do a lot of good where they went. They changed a fairly intensely Protestant and anti-Catholic British Empire! They were also fairly successful materially. It was of course helped by their charm and other talents, many of which were refined and strengthened their by bearing "real evil" in a truly Christian way.9. They certainly became involved in politics. But this was more negative than positive. There was at times some noisy signs of them not being “welcome". They did have an "ability to organize themselves. But I think this ability was taken advantage of by the not so "Christian" elements among the Irish and others. They took advantage of their "solidarity" and their "deeply Christian spirit". For example American Catholics felt obliged to vote for Kennedy because he was Catholic. I think he was unworthy of their support. What happened was to take advantage of the "Church": a bad thing! Also their sometimes "blind" labeling of "people" as WASP seems more an ideological tool to win a political fight rather than anything else. For example we have a situation now that in Chicago and certain other areas people are locked into being into a political mind set which is not so good morally.

10. The Irish influence in Australia has a parallel! Rather than Democrats it was Labor. The enemy was not WASPs but the Anglican establishment. Both something of a paper tiger! Very recently there was another example the confusion politics and religion was the following. You could call it politically poor fusion of Faith and ideology. Eighteen Catholic Democrats in the US House of Representatives attacked, in writing, Pope Benedict for saying politicians made a bad decision to approve abortion in Mexico City. The official statement of the US Bishops pointed out their confusion. "To suggest that the Church should not clearly voice its teaching and apply it in a pluralistic society is to attack freedom of speech and freedom of religion. The Catholic Church always will and must speak out against the destruction of innocent unborn children. The right to do so is guaranteed by the Constitution of the USA that all legislators are elected to uphold. Speaking and acting against abortion is not a matter of partisan politics. It is a matter of life and death..

11. With regard to my praise of “Wooden Buildings” in Boston, I received a few comments. “I don‘t think the extra sandstone in Sydney University is an important measure of the architecture. The early Americans were pretty good with brickwork. For example consider the “red bricks with white mortar style” at American Embassy in Canberra!”

12. I mentioned that Plymouth Rock was the most disappointing monument in the world. Apparently it has a rival! Someone wrote: “We were on the stone steps at Plymouth, England, where the Pilgrims left for America. There is a big plaque on the wall commemorating the event
13. The following two news items might come in MercatorNET, but perhaps late and doctored! MercatorNET seems pro-Islam, and even anti-Potter until recently, and their correspondent from Africa suffers from “the dead white male syndrome”! The following two items of news from reflects some aspects of the American way of life.

14. Atheist Gives $22.5 Million to Catholic Education. The Archdiocese of New York received a record-breaking gift of $22.5 million from self-styled atheist Robert Wilson to provide educational scholarships for inner-city children. Wilson, a philanthropist and former Wall Street investor, gave the money to the Cardinal's Scholarship Program, started in 2005, to aid disadvantaged students. Wilson, 80, told Bloomberg News, that, although an atheist, he has no problem giving money to fund Catholic schools. "Let's face it, without the Roman Catholic Church, there would be no Western civilization," Wilson said. "Shunning religious organizations would be abhorrent." Several other donors were impressed and gave smaller packages of 4-5 millions!

15. The other item is to do with an American Icon! On the first week-end, when I arrived in New York an event of National consequences occurred. The “Super Bowl”. There is another event called “The Rose Bowl”. The Super Bowl is professional football. The Rose Bowl is for College Football Some say the standard is similar. The College Football grand final is held at a stadium in California called the “Rose Bowl. Well they had an event last week end called the Rosary Bowl at the same stadium. It was a huge bilingual event. As the news reports said: “The Virgin Mary was honored at a Rosary Bowl that gathered a crowd of 60,000 and featured speakers as diverse as Cardinal Roger Mahony and Miss Mexico!” The event was not free of some exaggeration which one comes to expect in the Land of the Free! The Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, said superlatively "While many continents have never been Christian, and while Europe's churches are nearly empty, ours are still full”.

16. The feast of Our Lady Help of Christians is not celebrated here. I still mentioned it in the homilies that this absent celebration was Australia’s National Patroness.

17. Earlier this afternoon I had my first “Cook-Out”. In many other parts of the world they are called BBQ’s! Everyday Saturday from now until the Labor Day Week-end in September we will have a Cook-Out . This week-end is Memorial Day Week-end. Like Anzac Day. It is a long week-end. It marks the beginning of summer. It rained the whole day, but tradition is tradition. We cooked in Garage. In the end it was enjoyable. The only differences from an Aussie BBQ were the absence of flies and the absence decent beer, very thoughtfully though, they did make a point of having a supply of reasonable imported German beer. The conversation seemed different from what you talk about in a Sydney back yard or Park!

Until next week,
Regards

NL 18
Hi! 1. I finally will achieve my goal of brevity. I am giving a retreat, away from the "world of hectic activity" for a few days! On a retreat you can't say too much. There are 25 men from Chicago on this retreat. I am running, with some encouragement but very privately, an Al Capone look –a-like' competition. It is difficult. No one smokes cigars and the average height is 6 feet! It would be better perhaps to have a Michael Jordon look-a-like competition. I am told he is more of an acceptable icon for Chicago. The retreat is at Shellbourne, about 80 miles from Chicago. The previous 3 or 4 or times I was here it was covered with pure white snow! Now it is all a lovely green. Beautiful!

2 I was told that Our Lady Our Lady Help of Christians was celebrated well in Australia. Great!

3. Still no luck with the rabbit(s). We have sighted three different ones! We are getting a BB gun though! I received a few suggestions from rural Australia. Apparently the "The Australian Rabbit Trap" modeled on the effective American Bear/Wolf Trap", has been declared "illicit" in Australia. I have received several offers of shipments of these rusty, heavy, obsolete but effective for over 100 years devices. They did provide me some pleasant past times!

4. I heard a lot about bagels before I came here, and now they are part of my life! Many mornings we have them for breakfast. They are really not that exciting! Just thick bread!

5. As usual in this part of the world May is planting season and after the ground was covered with snow, for several months, everyone is rushing to plant flowers, bushes etc. They are expensive! In the residence where I live we have same scene, hence the "rabbit" fear! But there is another "fear". "A Cicada plague of biblical proportions!" This phrase has come out a lot lately in media talk, and just plain local talk. They talk about a seventeen year plague. In Australia we have a good relationship with Cicadas, I thought. Here it is a kind of war!

People have visions of a locust plague reminiscent of ancient Egyptian times. It is a bit alarmist. The official sources say': "Cicadas often mistakenly referred to as locusts. Locusts are members of the grasshopper family. Grasshoppers chew for nutrition, while cicadas have sucking mouthparts that do not chew. Cicadas will not bite. They have been known to land on people, however, they cause no harm". There are many though, and still increasing. Running has become a bit squishy / squashy! They only stay around for a week or so; birds like them too!

I found also some good news (and bad news about them). "Cicadas are edible; they're even considered a delicacy in many countries, as well as in different parts of the United States. Some claim that cicadas are high in protein, but recent research conducted at the University of Cincinnati's College of Engineering has determined that cicadas may contain high levels of mercury. Diners therefore are cautioned to limit their ingestion of these "delicacies" to just a few" This paragraph will be my "Social Comment".

6. No one commented on my MercatorNET slur. I was hoping to promote it. No one reads MercatorNET! Recently that was a very nice article about Dr. Lejeune. Not many have heard of him here. My previous comments on the Irish influence led to this reply. "With regards to the Irish (…)one point that is very much overlooked, specifically in the Australian perspective was the influence of the Protestant Irish on our respective national characteristics, keeping in mind that in the Australian situation one third of all Irish migrants were Protestants and in America the majority of the original Irish settlers were Protestant!"

7. The war in Iraq came a little closer to home. A nephew is in Iraq. He is a diesel mechanic. You can keep him in mind.

8. No one has ever mentioned the super 14! What happened!

9. I receive d a few suggestions with regard to beer. The following is informative! "Beer has an effective "shelf life" of only six weeks before it begins to oxidize (A chemical fact not my opinion ) that is to get the best out of it you must buy it as closely as you can to the brewery and drink it as quickly as possible. Therefore your philosopher friend really needs to travel to appreciate the benefits of the Australian product!

10. I mentioned Cookouts last week. That is the correct spelling. Every one calls these events BBQs quite naturally too. So no big deal! We had another BBQ on Monday! It was on the actual Holiday! It is one of the few federally mandated Public Holidays. "Memorial Day" is supposed to commemorate those who have died in wars, fighting for their country, keeping it free etc. It takes its origins from the civil war era; about 660,000 died in the civil war! But the day is very, very tame. Most unlike Australia's Anzac day! Anzac Day s a chance to manifest quite a number of "healthy" emotions and ideals. Apparently Memorial Day used to be much bigger. I do not know what the 'decline in enthusiasm' means in terms of "love for the country". Even liturgically it is quiet! You can, if you wish say a Mass for Peace and Justice. That seems incongruous. Should say a Mass for the dead! There must be some other influences at work in the principal US Liturgical Committee.

11. I received a "Larger than Usual" postcard from NZ. That created a bit of interest. I don't like to say it but "New Zealand" calls up "beautiful images" in people's minds here, of beauty and lushness etc, and even a bit of adventure. They think of Australia as a "tougher" place.

12. Some of the people I live with are going away for part of the summer. And in the Chicago area in general several priests will be away. There will be more work for me and more variety over the next few months. At the beginning of July, there is a plan for me to go to Washington (and other parts of the East). I will be there for about one month, to be the priest of several week long Courses. Unfortunately Bush will be away when I am there. I have been asked to mention a few things to him! It should be good to see what Opus Dei is up to in Washington and also to see some of the 'Magnificent State Buildings!'. Washington like Canberra is a "planned" City. Most literature lists three well known planned cities: Brasilia, Canberra and Washington. Most concluded that Washington is the most successful! I shall be looking very carefully!

Regards to all,
NL19
1. It I has been a quiet but solidly busy week. Plenty of work as several priests have gone to Texas for their ‘Vacation”. A priest of Opus Dei usually teaches in the summer. It is a break but not too much tourism! I hope I go to California for my annual break but it will be a while as many consider that I am having a big holiday. I seem to be enjoying myself too much. As for a pleasant time, we were sitting outside to day, after lunch. It was a beautiful day. They have about 6 days like this a year, Sydney would have 9 months of them!

2. The summer Solstices (common parlance here) is approaching. I have gone from never having seen so much far snow and very early sunsets to a very late twilight. The sun sets around 8.00pm. It is enchanting and interesting to see and compare the same things now, in light and surrounded covered by lush green grass with the same thing four months ago, covered with icy snow and darkness. Both angles are enchanting!

3. I am plodding not sailing fast anyway through the novel Moby-Dick. It is enjoyable but still a bit weird. If every American has read it, it must have had some influence. It is supposed to be very symbolic. Many books and article have been written to explain what it means. I simply see a lot of meaning from a merely straight forward reading of the book. Forget the ‘learned’ articles! The ideas of the book explain the somewhat “contradictory forces” within the soul of the typical American. I do not think it “symbolic” to say as most commentators do that is “a profound meditation on society, nature, and the human struggle for meaning, happiness, and salvation”. He is simply trying to answer these questions. To talk about them is not “symbolic”! The author is a clever puritan, well educated, with no faith etc. His answers are incomplete and inconclusive, and tend to go in an agnostic direction. Not helpful. Did you know that “The first line of Chapter One—"Call me Ishmael."—is one of the most famous in literature”. “Moby-Dick is now considered one of the greatest novels in the English language and has secured Melville's reputation in the first rank of American writers”!

3. There were some interesting people on the retreat. I mentioned that there were 25 men last week. As a result of the 4 or 5 retreats I have given, and the people I have met, I have started have coffee in the City with a few lawyers and bankers. It is what I used in the City of Sydney each Thursday. In Sydney, the men were usually younger and about to become successful. An interesting thing: they drink tea not coffee. And a very sophisticated t and expensive type! It is brewed then often chilled. Coffee costs $2.50. Tea costs at least ten dollars. They always shout me and tip the waiter!

One of the men on the retreat is a doctor on an Indian Reservation. Conclusion: reservations are a bad idea. Name any domestic “abuse” problem, and they have it! There is lots of Federal money to promote this kind of degeneration! There was also true philosopher on the retreat! He is a Professor at Marquette University in Milwaukee Wisconsin. We became quite excited about the real distinction between “esse and essence”. We also re-visited St Thomas’s five proofs for the existence of God. As for Beer and other important Australian contributions to world culture, he was quite prepared to take on faith all my exaggerated praises of Australia products. Not just with regard to beer but sport, friendliness etc.

4. Against my usual policy, I have included an attachment. It is a small power pint presentation. Americans think it is funny. It is mild amusing for an Aussie too!
5. This is the land of tornados. I have never paid any attention to them before. But during the week a lot of damage was done and several people were killed in the State of Wisconsin. As the following source material says. They mostly occur in the USA. And most occur in the states bordering on Illinois. For your information: “A tornado is a violently rotating column of air which is in contact with both a cloud base and the surface of the earth”. For an Australian it is a kind of big black and ugly whirly wind. Whirly winds are harmless though, and they just stir up dust! “Most tornadoes have wind speeds of 110 mph (175 km/h) or less, are approximately 250 feet (75 m) across, and travel a few miles (several kilometers) before dissipating. However, some tornadoes attain wind speeds of more than 300 mph (480 km/h), stretch more than a mile (1.6 km) across, and stay on the ground for dozens of miles (more than 100 km).Although tornadoes have been observed on every continent except Antarctica, most occur in the United States.

6. “Leadership camps” are all the go during summer! Leadership is a most innocuous word in the USA. It means do something useful for summer! Our Aussie egalitarian heritage gives this word another twist! Another phrase which is quite common here is “'gapers block”. It refers to how traffic slows down significantly when there is an accident on the side of the Express way. Even flashing lights of a police vehicle will do the trick.

7. The controversy of the stem cell debate “starring” His Eminence Cardinal Pell only had mild repercussions over here. There were several high profile scientists, on prime time News Services saying that embryonic stem cell research was a waste of time and money. They pointed out that al private money goes into adult stem or non embryonic stem cell research. Looks like the State is a big supporter of “unethical practice” in many countries. Seems silly, but it has happened before. I sent Cardinal Pell an email expressing my joy at his leadership

8. It is the season of graduations here. I had to do my bit too. Was a kind of star at one; year 8 students, though. I had to say Mass and preach on the significance of this step in their lives. It is hard to get excited about going from year 8 to year 9! I was comparing a list of names from a class 8 list here to Sydney. There are many more Philipinos, Maltese and other Asian names in Australia. Easter European names are very well represented in Chicago; very few Asian names. When I pointed this out, they say Sydney must be like California.

9. The Cicada plague was not too bad! Just noisy! Not too “squishy”! I had no visions of Pharaohs Army etc!

9. I saw a sign on a van. Made me homesick! It was an Australia company promoting Aussie goods. It was called “Outback”! Had a picture of a Kangaroo. The catchy advertising line was: “You Call … We Jump”. The picture of the kangaroo said it all!

10. Revisiting the theme of American individualisms! Every time, like any where in the world, some driver annoys you with his rude behavior or in a conversation someone is dogmatic we tend to classify people. Actually the founder of Opus Dei made some comments along this line in 1970. It is in Cronica, October 1970, if you want to check the source. It is page 93 onwards. At the beginning of his advice, he warned the Americans that what he was going to say was a bit hard! At the end of the article, it says several Americans expressed their gratitude by saying that St Josemaria “Tells it like it is!”

Anyway the Founder of Opus Dei said: “You are in an environment which is essentially protestant! It is cold! You have to warm it up! You have to create, with the warmth of your affection, your friendliness, your care, the spirit of a family! North Americans tend to work too much; to worry too much about your work, and not to be concerned enough about people!

I have to say something to each one of you supernumeraries: I have to tell you that each one of your children is more important than your entire business!

Each one of us has a right to this kindness! You all have the obligation to give it! There is not enough love in your lives and in your homes!

It is most likely that I will never see some of you again! And what is the “testimony: that I want you to take back to the United States! That you have a “heart”!

11. I hear Sydney is to host APEC! That should be interesting. The news media will focus on Bush in Australia, and give him a hard time!

12. I received a nice note about family love: “I have 4 boys and a girl, she was born on the 11th of the 11th last year. The boys just love her and are full of affection for her, putting their fingers in her eyes and mouth at every opportunity!”

13. I am looking forward to another busy week of priestly work in the pleasant weather that we are having. Incidentally, the more people that write the more I seem to have to say! But I do appreciate people making the odd comment!

Regards to all!
NL 20
Hi!
1. The time is starting to go very fast in the USA. Like it should! It is related to busy-ness. The weeks come around so quickly that every day seems like laundry day! Every Monday when I change the sheets on the bed and write out my laundry list, I have the impression that I did it yesterday too, and the day before etc.

2. I appreciated the articles and handouts sent about Cardinal Pell. The more controversy the better I say! Some things are clear! Greenies don’t realize that motions in Parliament are on a different level from hugging trees! Most Politicians like to “sound” “meaningful” and ‘clever” But in general it is not obvious that they all use their brains! Some quotes seem to come from fanatics of Cromwell’s England! Pell seems to be doing well though! I read Editorial in the Australian. It made a few publications here! I also liked what John Howard said about Hickey and Pell.

3. One of the emails, originating in Australia said. “I am still slightly unsure how they understand your thick Aussie accent!” I say: there must be a better way of describing the way I talk! Thick sounds like I never brush my teeth!

4. Several people, both here and in Australia, have suggested reading “The politically correct free guide to American literature”. I also heard that all Americans are only supposed to have read Moby Dick. It is considered the book “most unread” by Americans. There was some comment about the book!. “Moby Dick may be important to read for someone who decides to spend some years in USA; as I do not intend to go there, I shall leave to book alone” AND “I heard of Moby Dick but never read it and do not intend to. You may be wasting your time”.

5. The coldness of the winter is in stark contrast with the humid and hot summer of these days. On Friday I visited Oak Park the first Chicago center I stayed at in February. The first time I was there, I once said the Rosary on the third floor looking out on mainly two story buildings, all covered with snow! And snow was actually falling at the time. It was an enchantingly beautiful scene. Yesterday when I dropped in and said the rosary in the same place, it was such a contrast. Hot roofs baking in the sun! .There is also another contrast, related to the weather! The way the women dress. Badly! They seem like a new type of human species: scrawny, pallid, semi naked and having no sense of fashion!

6. There were two events which were exceptional this week. As you know John Walker lives in Chicago, married to an American (wonderful lady) and has five children. Like his Father and Mother, he is a pilot of small planes. He goes out every couple weeks. So, naturally, (...) he took me for a joy ride last Monday. I wore my Warrane Jersey. Since we both spent many years in Warrane College, the clothing stimulated conversation on Warrane memories. We even mentioned the food! We both thought it was good! But the trip in the air was great! Flying is wonderful thing to do! I still can’t believe it. It is not the sort of thing I do everyday. It will always be a once in life time experience. Anyway! Flying has a certain magic about it, to be sailing 1000’s of feet peacefully above “real life”. Looking down on the chaos, makes you almost feel like a superior being, an archangel perhaps, but above it all! It is a real buzz. John is such a proficient pilot that I never felt even slightly uncomfortable. In fact three of his boys who sat in the back seat, had a little nap during the flight. They felt so safe and secure! I have enclosed 4 photos they are worth looking at. Of course it was great chance to see the City. We flew up and down the Shore of lake Michigan next to the main city buildings. We even flew over John’s Apartment and tried to send a signal to his wife, Ale! We left one of John’s boys at home. He was crying when we left. Flying over the apartment to wave to him was a consolation prize!

7. By the way a good book to read about Chicago is “The Devil in the White City, Murder, Magic and Madness at the Fair that Changed America, by Erik Larson”. As the advertising says “Bringing Chicago circa 1893 to vivid life, spellbinding bestseller intertwines the true tale of two men--the brilliant architect behind the legendary 1893 World's Fair, striving to secure America's place in the world; and the cunning serial killer who used the fair to lure his victims to their death”. It is non-fiction! The book has a little note on breakfast cereals! As is well known: (from reliable sources). Breakfast cereals have their root in the temperance movement in the United States in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. Americans were still eating an English breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, and beef, with very little fiber. The first breakfast cereal, Granula (named after granules) was invented in 1863 (…) The next generation of breakfast cereals was considerably more convenient, and, combined with clever marketing, they finally managed to catch on”. Etc! (then came Cornflakes etc) Well anyway “Shredded wheat made its appearance in the 1893 the Chicago World Fair. They “predicted” it would fail. It is still the most popular breakfast cereal here.

8. There are problems with traffic in Chicago. The expressways are massive but bottle necks or jams are very frequent which make planning to arrive on time awkward. For example last Sunday I was rushing to get to St Mary of the Angles, the big Church in the City, which Priests of Opus Dei look after. A truck lost it load on the expressway! The 5 lanes came to a standstill. Several lime green monsters came to the rescue, puts the load of building boards on two of the lanes. And we funneled through the remaining three lanes. It was more or less efficient but added 20 minutes to a ten minute trip. Small incidents like this happen all the time, with a similar result.

9. The second big event was a trip to South Bend, Indiana. It is the Home of Notre Dame University! The real one! It has 11000 students. (8000 undergraduates and 3000 graduates), so small but ‘exclusive! It is one of the best looking campuses that I have seen. Well planned, plenty of space. The have so much money they are pulling down some not so beautiful buildings from the 60’s and 70’s and building much better ones. The official literature begins with the line “The university of Notre Dame is arguably one of the most visited university land marks in the world (A quick walk though the parking lot on football weekend should confirm that)”. The superlative is not too much of an exaggeration. Between 150 to -200 thousand people turn up for the home games. On my second tour I was shown the ‘touch down Jesus’. I saw a picture of Jesus with his hands raised on the side of the library. The library is 13 stories high. The picture occupies every square inch of it. The stadium, a 83,00 seating capacity and a beautiful structure, is a partially sunken playing field. Apparently after a touch down if you look across, in the direction of library, Jesus is giving it a big OK. On the tour I was led to a magnificent new building, solid, exquisite brick etc. The corridors are very wide and .. I saw at least two enclosed indoor ovals. Notre Dame is mad about sport! There are 24 sports played here by men and 24 by women. All at a very high professional level. If they have a good year in football they get 10,000 applications for 2000 places. If they have a bad year they get 8000 applicants. So the student population is select. The undergraduate body is fanatical in the loyalty they show towards the University. It also has a good academic reputation. It also looks very Catholic. A beautiful Church at the Center of the Campus! The big Golden dome of the main administration building has a stunning statue of Our Lady on top that seems to dominate the entire Campus. Everything is well done. Vast grounds well manicured etc. One reason why they can do all this is money. They get hundreds of millions of dollars each year from successful old boys.

The Center of the Opus Dei at Notre Dame, could use some of the millions. It is a bit dumpy!

When I first decided to explore the University of Notre Dame I decided to make a pilgrimage to the famous Shrine of Our Lady. I asked a security guard for directions. He did not know what I was talking about. He directed me to a hole in a nearby cemetery. This could be a reflection of the faith level of the people who teach and study there. I wonder how many realize that Notre Dame means Our Lady? But then again security guards are l obsessed with security. You can’t expect them to have specialized knowledge in anything else other than “security”.

Of lesser importance! My confidence in American Organization took a small blow while there! I had to give en evening Recollection for women at the Cathedral, in South Bend. It was just after I arrived on Wednesday. The Cathedral was locked. And no one had the key. When we finally managed to get a key and started the alarm went off! It was very noisy in the Cathedral. We abandoned the place just as the cops arrived with the sound still deafening. We went to women’s Center of Opus Dei. The evening of Recollection ended well. It was a success. Although I heard the last confession at 11.00 pm!

10. I am always keen to get feedback. Even this sort! “However a review of each paragraph when written may make it a little easier to read with an eye on punctuation”. I should say something about how I produce the Newsletters! It is a simple process. Some “concerned” people have hinted that I must “waste” a lot of time on them. I carry out the following simple process! I make a 30 second note each night in my PDF, usually just one word. Each week, on Sunday night, when I start to receive relies etc, I make a file in WORD. This is for all the email replies that come during the week. I just dump the text from these into the file. That is why feedback or exchanges of any type make for a more interesting Newsletter. Then on Saturday when the rest of the residents are watching a movie I spend between an hour or two, tidying up all the information. It is an “enjoyable” job, but still a job. I hope this stops people from worrying about whether I am using my time fruitfully here

11. With regard to the quote from the Founder of Opus Dei, several people made comments about Australians! Could even help us to be friendlier and less self focused! “You speak of Australian friendliness. When we arrived here almost half a century ago, Australians seemed to us cold, even callous. I had found Americans more friendly, even if somewhat superficial. I do not find Australians cold now. It is when we went to country towns, that we started to warm up to Australians”.

I am beginning to feel quite at home here in some ways. I now know a lot people who will be disappointed if I leave!

By the way who won the first State of Origin?

Regards to all,

NL21
NL21

Hi!
1. It has been one of the more “uneventful” weeks of my stay here. The only thing that stands out this week is that I heard confessions for about 20 hours (several priest are away) and some new priestly gear including a Cassock finally arrived. I look alright wearing it.

2. As a result of my organizing to meet people in the City, I was able to walk through the “famous” Millenium Park. But as I was waiting for my “client” next to the Courts, several people approached me asking for money. I ended up giving my packed lunch away little by little. I usually don’t give money to the “poor” just the offer of food! I also joked with a person sitting next to me that because of the courts near by (the biggest integrated court system in the world), that I felt that I was surrounded by criminals. The idea of being surrounded b y criminals comes very easier to me now. Most Americans know we started as penal settlement. They think it means we are just a bunch of reformed and not so reform criminals.

Just so you know what I am talking about: “First planned in 1997 as a way to create new parkland in Grant Park and transform unsightly railroad tracks and parking lots, Millennium Park has evolved into the most significant millennium project in the world. "Millennium Park," says one prominent civic leader, "will be a worthy creation for all time. It will define Chicago to the entire world as America’s greatest city." It is OK!

3. Of course the death of Pat Smith was sad news. I did know Pat. That makes three tragedies in three months. Pat, Fr Steve and Virginia Tech. Fortunately many positive things happen too!

4. I received a few comments on the pictures that I sent last week. Someone said: “You look very happy in that photo”. Others accused me of suffering from the obvious American disease: obesity. I will not send any more pictures, in spite of the some helpful hints about downsizing them. They clog up too many email boxes!

5. I also received a few hints on grammar! “Your grammar was quite bad in the most recent one”

6. I also received some accurate descriptions of the State of Origin. There were plenty of superlatives in the descriptions. Australia is becoming like America in that sense. Many of the intense adjective were applied to a guy called Thurston” Not Queensland! An objective report came from some who ended with “I love being a western Australian.”

7. Some of the emails expressed a certain amount of compassion for me. They thought missing movies to write the weekly Newsletter was very noble! “We felt sorry that you were missing out on the movie”. They also said something to the effect: “but we are glad you are using your time well” With regard to use of time! There is a very popular custom here. It is because Chicago is such a spread out city. It is listening to books in the car. You would be surprised what you can find on tape or CDs. All books published in the last 10 years, and now more and books going back to the invention of the printing press. From the source “In 1440, German inventor Johannes Gutenberg invented a printing press process that, with refinements and increased mechanization, remained the principal means of printing until the late 20th century” Anyway I have just finished listening to my first book on tape. It was the biography of Mons Ronald Knox by Evelyn Waugh. I found the set of tapes in a car I borrowed. It was excellent. I recommend the custom. Mon Ronald Knox was a very clever writer, exquisitely refined and the epitome of everything good about the English (and a very very small amount of the bad).

8. Some people want me to start an International dating service! It might be related to what I said about girls in the last newsletter. I could add that the only reason that girls seem to play baseball is that they like the uniforms! Not much a reason beside faulty vanity

9. Often an interesting surprise driving home in the late evening on one of the side streets (not the Expressway) is to see a family of raccoons crossing the road. This happens close to the more Forested area. They usually cross the road in groups of 5 or 6. You have to slow down. They have very arched backs which looks so “different” from rabbits, hares, foxes, kangaroos or wombats. There is always biggish leader, and few younger members of the family. Raccoons are related to the bear family so have bear traits, i.e. travel in family groups and are quite aggressive. They will always stand and fight. According to the SOURCE “The aggressive nature of raccoons is innate, and the behavior begins to appear within 4-6 weeks after birth”

10. Americans still like to hear me talking about Australia. Just today I was with a collection of University students. They have come to Chicago to be Councilors “for a summer program that runs courses for Hispanics and Black in the inner City. Some of their questions were different from what I have been used to. What is that Rock in the middle of Australia? Where did it come from! Do Americans stand out when they go to Australia? Etc. Their patriotism is probably more overt than Australia. Even our garden has 6 or 7 American flags in some of the large pot plants. No one has given me an American flag yet!

11. They also like to hear about all aspects New Zealand. They think it is the same as the ‘scenes’ from Lord of the Rings. They can’t believe there are over 34 million sheep in NZ. Then I tell then that Australia has 160; and over 30 million Kangaroos. Then I clarify the numbers of sheep in NZ. There are 34 million but 4 million of them think of themselves as people! They think that is funny too!

12. We have the big Mass on June 26. As it was so cold, I used to wear two pairs of socks in Sydney’s St Mary’s, here at Chicago’s St Mary’s I am tempted to wear thongs.

Regards to all,
NL22
Hi!
1. This week I am full-time at the “biggest” Church in Chicago: St Mary of the Angels! It is run by Priests of Opus Dei. It is close to the City, but not that close by Sydney standards. It is not down town. It would still take 40 minutes to walk into the middle of the City. Chicago is much bigger than Sydney.

2. If I thought I heard many confessions last week. But his week has seen a big increase in time spent in the confessional. Clients come from all over Chicago to St Mary’s. It is world wide phenomenon. Churches entrusted to priests of the Work have established a “niche” market for confessions and spiritual guidance. A bit like the initial popularity of McDonalds: standard high quality product; good service, punctual opening and closing times etc. in a word reliability. Organizations like McDonalds, of course, will come and go in the ebb and flow of history but not good confessional service! We are hear to stay and expand

3. Someone said (in response to my perceived obesity I suppose) “Giving your lunch to beggars seems a very worthy method of dieting”. Apparently obesity is not just an American problem: I have seen recent photos of Tony Montgomery and Chris Cullen!

4. Also in the replies: “On the patriotism thing; perhaps we should send you some Aussie flags”! Yes I would appreciate that. But I am not too concerned about any perceived disloyalty to Australia. In fact yesterday I was speaking to an Immigration Lawyer. In an oblique way the topic of getting a green card came up. The Lawyer said I could get one with ease. At present I have three year visa! It would be thus easy to make it permanent. You could say I am keeping my options open!

5. Another comment: “Commenting on women's fashion is very dangerous ground. Tread carefully!” I shall refrain from doing so in the future!

6. There were some more comments on grammar! “Spelling is important in some cases. e.g. "St Mary of the Angles"?! Did she have an angle?” ALSO “I wasn't going to say anything, (about the Grammar) but I guess someone just had to speak up!”

7. My “incident” for this week was while working at St Mary’s. I was in the confessional on Thursday at around 12 noon! Between clients, one of the many efficient secretaries banged on the door and said: “This is an emergency. They have called from the Main City Hospital. They need a priest now. (I did not realize at the time but American women tend to exaggerate!) “All the other priests are occupied! You have to go!” But nothing went smoothly. Two more people insisted on going to confession. We could not find the oils to anoint the sick and dying. The traffic was awful. Parking was a real problem I managed to park on the 10th floor of a Giant Parking Plaza! The hospital is right in the middle of the City i.e. down town. After several more or less friendly encounters with “hospital officialdom” I made it to the Emergency Room. There was no record of the person. They had misspelled his name. However I had the number of his cell phone. I called. His sister, who was next to his hospital bed answered, and came and got me. It turned out to be not so urgent after all. The victim had collapsed at work amid severe chest pains, but was feeling better in the ICU. We had a good chat. I did a few priestly things for him including giving him the anointing. He was very grateful! We are friends for life now. It might be a short life though. It was a friendly hospital. At least three people insisted in making sure I was reimbursed for the parking fee, which I was. One final thing: the bottle of holy sprang a leak, and I unknowingly left a trail of holy water across several emergency booths! It added to the drama! In the end it was a rewarding experience. There was a feeling of a job well done.

8. Concerning global events! We had the corresponding Mass of June 26th here. The weather was quite warm! The preacher, a local bishop, spoke well. I spoke to him before the Mass. He knew a few important ecclesiastics in Australia. He gave me a special welcome at the “sign of peace! The singing was not a patch on St Mary’s in Sydney. In a way the Masses on the 26th June in honor of St Josemaría are truly, a global event. Most major cities (a quite a number of minor cities) have them.

9. A few hours after I moved into the Center at St Mary’s, a 13 year old girl was killed about two blocks away. It was gang-related. She was killed in cross fire. Apparently there are rival gangs who fight over each others turf. Back ground reading has revealed some terrible news! 32 high school students have been killed in Chicago in the school year just ended. I might put in some news next time. The heritage of Al Capone is alive! The violence only happens in certain areas! Never closer than two blocks a way!

10. To finish on a historical note. Every body knows about the Ferris Wheel! Two weeks ago, I recommended The Devil in the White City. It has few paragraphs on the “dramatic” arrival into amusement park life of the invention of George Ferris at Chicago’s World Fair in 1893! That’s right the Ferris Wheel is named after a guy called Ferris!

From the sources: “The Ferris' wheel was modeled on a bicycle wheel: as spokes to maintain the wheel's shape and balance, it had heavy steel beams; the "forks" in which the axle was set were two steel girder pyramids. The wheel was 264 feet high, the supporting towers were 140 feet high, and the axle - the largest piece of steel ever forged in the US - weighed 46 1/2 tons. The wheel carried 36 elegantly outfitted passenger cars, each of which could fit 40 people sitting or 60 people standing. The wheel was spun by either of two 1,000 horsepower steam engines, and stopped by an oversized air brake. Ferris' innovative design, a model of efficiency, let the wheel withstand Chicago's infamous winds while being able to hold about five times the 1,200 tons that it did carry fully loaded. At its opening on June 21, 1893, the Ferris Wheel became the irresistible centerpiece of the Exhibition. As one reviewer put it, "You cannot advertise the wheel, anyway, any more than you can advertise the fair, or the Atlantic ocean. They are all too big." Operating without a hitch throughout the Exhibition, Ferris' wheel carried an estimated 1 1/2 million visitors, each paying 50 cents (equal to the Exhibition's general admission charge) for a 20-minute ride. Ferris name lives on, in the "observation wheels" that can now be found in virtually every amusement park in the world.

Finally, the World Fair of 1893 was a good thing! Again from the Sources: “The Ferris Wheel was by no means the only invention unveiled at the Chicago world's fair. Juicy Fruit Gum, Cream of Wheat cereal, diet carbonated soda pop, Pabst Beer, Shredded Wheat, Cracker Jacks, Aunt Jemima Syrup, and hamburgers all made their debuts there. But it was certainly the most spectacular -- and least fattening -- of them all”.

Some more information from recent replies: “Last week it snowed heavily in Katoomba and even in Oberon” Is that an exaggeration?! And “One stupid cow from the greens party is trying to get Cardinal Pell charged with contempt of Parliament” I have a low opinion of members of the Green Party too!

There was also some news about Opus Dei. “But Opus Dei really needs to be built up in Wellington NZ” This a bit of a hint for people in NZ. The people in Wellington are waiting for you!

I am living in a “Complex” known as Midtown. It is place where a lot of work is done with inner city “needy kids. At the moment there are 16 advisors or mentors helping out with a six week summer program! They are “select’ University students from all over the USA although mostly the Mid West. It is like being in Warrane College again. But with no losers around! Sixteen idealistic students who want to do something useful during the summer. They are happy to hear about Australia. We celebrated two of their birthdays yesterday. There was a “red-neck” play: pure Americana, but also a Monty Python skit as well as the Speech of St Crispin’s Day by King Henry in Shakespeare’s play Henry IV. The acting was of a professional quality. Maybe the later two things were in response to some remarks I made about American culture. Perhaps, the 16 “mentors” are intelligent, idealistic and also bit sensitive! I can be a little thought provoking at times!

Another thing, today after talking to a lady for while, she asked me where I was from, very politely of course! I said Australia. She said if you had said Australia in the conversation before I would have guessed that you were Australian. Apparently Australians say Australia in a unique way which identifies them immediately as Australian! It could be used in a war situation to find out who was a spy or true blue!

Regards to all!

NB I am 10 hours late with this email! There is no easy access to the Internet after 10.00 pm here. Next week I’ll be on the outskirts of Washington DC giving a course. I hope there is Internet access there.


NL23
Hi! 1. I am very grateful for the abundance of “Rugby News”! Last week’s victory must have been unexpected! In general the “News of the Result” was not descriptive. It was mainly very short items like “we won”, and “great game”. We should not expect anything else from Rugby Fans, many of whom are former players. One of the downsides: no one to share the joy!

2. Today is Friday. I am sending Newsletter a day early. I am not sure what to expect in Washington DC in terms of computer facilities or anything else. I will be teaching three out of the four weeks that I am there. I plan to see the city and the monuments though. Hopefully next week’s Newsletter will contain some impressions. When I leave tomorrow from O’Hare it will be my fourth National Flight. It is still an ordeal. Getting used to it though!

3. It is enjoyable in the Parish of St Mary’s. I have been running the 2 miles to Lake Michigan most days. I noticed that we are in a very yuppie area. The “nice” area ends two blocks on the West side. It is on the West side where the gangland murders, drug trade etc take place. If you focus on the East towards the Lake, and don’t read the Newspapers too carefully, or watch the News on TV life is very blissful. In general the area is quite “energizing” if you like activity.

Concerning Parish life, I did 7 baptisms at once last Sunday. Even in “Liturgical maters” we do things “bulkily”. We don’t just buy things in bulk! I think I made a few friends amongst the couples. The area around the baptismal font was quite crowded. Another high-light was giving classes to parents and Godparents of possible “new baby Christians”. I did this during the week. The attendees said they were happy with the “Australian perspective” on the 7 Sacraments and the 10 Commandments. I am not sure what they meant. In each class, which goes for about two hours with a break in the middle, there are over 20 adults and a few quiet babies!

Part of the enjoyment is to meet people, like a typical Parish Priest, after Mass. You stand there and the Parishioners flow past full of compliments! Some have an Australian connection and want to tell you about it. The vast majority simply want to express their friendliness. Some guess that I am from New Zealand, South Africa, Boston etc!

4. Some comments on last week’s analogy on confession! “I would have rated Opus Dei a notch above (indeed way above) the likes of McDonalds”. Several people took exception to the use of clients instead "penitents". I liked this line though! “It sounds so politically correct; and what one calls "politically correct" usually is "absolutely incorrect". This phrase could be used on other occasions!

5. The big news is July 4th, American Independence Day. It corresponds to Australia Day. It fell on Wednesday. It makes you ask: How patriotic is USA? I believe that Patriotic sentiment should be manifested!

One thing you notice is that Australia has a different history. From a Catholic priest’s perspective i.e. mine, Catholics in Australia were more involved “in making” the country from the very beginning than in the USA. From the very beginning 20% of Australia’s was Catholic. In the USA there were about 25 thousands out of several million. I have had several conversations and exchanges of opinions on these matters. One other significant historical difference: in the USA they had to fight for their independence; we did not this; this gives a different perspective too!

I think Australians are patriotic but do not always manifested so "loudly" as some Americans. I also find that "patriotic sentiment" here is more linked to service in the Army, Navy, Air force etc. On the day of the big fireworks display July 3rd, 9 pm there was a few rousing speeches. The main speaker asked all those ever involved in the Services to stand up. It was piecemeal: Army, Air force Navy etc. This took place on the Shore of Lake Michigan in a modern architecturally “significant” amphitheatre, (Very Big of course) and lots of families. In the end you had lots of older people 80 years etc standing next to young veterans. That was moving. They all cheered each time a new group stood up. When the speaker said: “Today we remember the principles that this country was built on” this provoked another big cheer too. I wonder if people were aware of the principles. I do not think “patriotism need be so linked to military service. There are other types of service! One of 16 students advisors commented on this: “It is a bit like the message of Opus Dei. Every one is expect to try to be holy, not just nuns, priests etc i.e. the more “professional part” of the Church Hierarchy! In a similar every one should have a strong civil and patriotic sense not just those in the “services”. It seems an accurate enough statement.

Liturgically, the Mass for Independence Day s it is a very insignificant affair. I have found the liturgical celebration of the two days, corresponding to Memorial Day (Anzac Day) and Independence Day (Australia Day) much more serious in Australia. Here the Masses assigned for the day seem an after thought. Nothing like the Masses for Australia day or Anzac Day. Although, in many places the homilies have to do with the Declaration of Independence; with interesting stories of the men who “pledged their sacred honor”! Whatever that means! The hymns can be stirringly patriotic! There isn’t anything in the readings or texts of the Mass about these sentiments though.

8. As part of my own celebration for July 4th, I went out on a boat on another series of lakes. Not Lake Michigan or one of the Great Lakes. There is a series of lakes about 35, of them linked by channels on the edge of Chicago. It was a delightful day! A couple invited several of us on their Barge like boat. It is customary to squirt the people on the other boats as you go past. There are specially designed guns for the purpose. It was fun. We nibbled on tasty and attractive looking bits and pieces, drank beer, even had a Piazza delivered and then eaten, over a 6 hours period. I think they like the sun too much though. Unlike Australia where we have learnt to treat the sun with the respect that it deserves, in the Midwest, where it is more cold than hot over the year, they are kind of sun worshippers. Perhaps it is city thing! Like vitamin D deprived English migrants coming to Australia for the first time. They think you have to get sun burnt to show that you have had a good day out.

9. St Mary’s is close to where it happens. I have been Down Town a few times this week, meeting people and having coffee etc. We always go to Starbucks. It is OK. But it is still Starbucks. It is not like Melbourne (or Sydney for that matter). Things happen by “chains stores” in most places outside of New York. There are the McDonalds, the Dunkin-Doughnuts, and the Starbucks etc. In Melbourne you have lots of coffee bars run by different types of people. Very few chains of stores. Chains of stores lead to “standardized” service and products but less atmosphere and “hominess” so to speak! It seems more in keeping with the mentality of the American System! Chicago is after all the most American of American Cities!

10. There was an incident here on Thursday. A good looking 30 year old stranger painted graffiti and broke the main window at the official entrance to Midtown Achievement Center. It reminded me of Warrane College. It happens more often at Warrane I am sure. In some of my more candid conversations I am being told more and more about the Australian stereotype. Rough, likes fighting etc. I was told a group of American youths would be intimidated by a group of Australia youths. I hope the young people of Australia can destroy completely this image at the WYD next July! In spite of the incident The Midtown Achievement Center and St Mary of the Angels is till a very interesting and exciting to live and work out of. I quite like it.

11. I have mentioned to a few of the correspondents that in America that naturally, like if you came to live in Australia, you are expected to conform to certain modes of “behavior”. I noticed an example the other day. This is from my perspective of course! In the Our Father (the Lord’s Prayer) we say “forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us”. I find myself changing the way I usually say this. This is because when you lead the Our Father in a big Church, speaking through a good audio system in front of many hundreds of people, it is better to sound like them! The way I say trespasses and trespass has changed! I used to say “tresp”e”sses and “tresp”e”ss, but now I says tresp”A”sses a and tresp”A”ss. (I hope you can get an idea of the sound; I have little idea of phonetics).

12. On the train into the City I met a kid (18years old) who had no idea of where Australia was. I tried to explain with an imaginary globe. He knew about Latin America and Japan, some parts of Asia but I was not able to explain exactly where Australia was. He seemed incapable of learning that much! His parents were from Mexico! Nothing against the people you meet in trains, but in the future I will probably be going Down Town by car most times. I have discovered that I can very easily park in the heart of the City next to the Catholic Cathedral. This clerical “favoritism” is useful but causes envy! Superbly convenient though.

Hopefully next week I will send news of a completely different part of the USA. Although I like Chicago a lot: it is more interesting by the day, I am sure Washington DC will be very different and extraordinarily interesting!

Regards to all,


NL24
Hi! 1. This letter is filled with “Pax Americana”! What else could you expect in Washington DC! Like a tour through the Ancient Roman Forums except it is a lived-in modern version! Also Newsletter 24 means that I have been here for 2 days over 6 months. I arrived on Thursday February 1.

2. I left Chicago on Saturday morning. Before though, on Friday evening I went out for quiet beer and chat. Something I use to do a lot in Melbourne and in Sydney, and miss a lot! I went out for a beer, very close to where I was living recently, i.e. St Mary’s. It was a Yuppy pub. I was speaking with someone who had spent 10 years working in social type projects in Nigeria. He is now living in Texas. He teaches at a school there. We compared “notes” on the different societies. He said he had 500 friends in Nigeria. He has about 5 in Texas. It is harder for people to trust him in Texas! Nigeria has its problems but the “rich humanity” of the people in Nigeria is overwhelming. He thinks many people in Australia and the USA could learn something about “love” from the Nigerians. There is another “beer drinking” place about a block from St Mary’s in the other direction. It is less Yuppy. I might try that out when I return at the beginning of August. I don’t think I will have any problems finding someone to talk to!

3. At present I am in Washington, about to give a series of courses workshops. At present I am Wyoming Center but soon to move to a teaching venue. When you arrive at Washington it has completely different feel to it than other places. Not like Chicago. Chicago is flat for example. Washington is hilly, with lots of big trees and lush parklands. Chicago is American i.e. obviously colorful. Washington seems more subdued. You cannot help comparing it, almost instinctively, to Canberra, one of the other planned Cities of the world. It is much more “lived” in. It feels like nice place! Where I am staying now, before I drive out of “Longlea Conference Center” is called Wyoming. It is in the middle of all the Embassies. Most of the “houses” are more like Villas or mansions. Nothing like suburban houses!. I have walked passed about 20 Embassies or related building i.e. Residences of Diplomats etc. There is even an Islamic Center looked after by the Oman Embassy. When I went past the Center I noticed that lots of our Islamic Bothers were quite obese! I guess they are being Americanized or perhaps getting in shape to do espionage in a non conspicuous way! Anyway it is a great place! And as one of the people living in the Center said. “This place is so good that if we didn’t live here we would have to visit it!”

4. I met Prof. Owen Hughes several hours after I arrived! He, along with George Block, (the anniversary of his death was July 12th ) came to Australia to start Opus Dei. Owen comes to the Center Wyoming every two weeks. I did not realize that he had been in Australia for 25 years “1963-1988”. He has been back almost 20 years. He speaks like a fanatical supporter of Australia.

5. As part of my introductions to Washington I was taking the “Super-shuttle from the Dulles Airport. It is a long way out. The closer one is the Reagan Airport. There was Woman in the Van! She had just returned from Bangladesh! She was interest in saving the tigers there. She said there were far too many people in Bangladesh. What she said gave the impression she was a stubborn supporter of Planned Parenthood! There seem to be too many people who speak very confidently about killing babies and saving endangered species!

6. I arrived on Saturday afternoon. Had to attend and preach a Day of Recollection on Sunday but in the late afternoon managed to see a few things. We drove to the famous Arlington Cemetery first. It was more by accident than design. My guide was showing me the road I had to take to get to the Conference Center where I will be teaching most of this month. Anyway it was a good place to begin the mini-tour. From the sources: Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia, is an American military cemetery established during the American Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, formerly the estate of the family of Robert E. Lee's wife Mary Anna Custis Lee. The cemetery is situated directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., near to the location of The Pentagon. More than 300,000 persons are buried here on 624 acres. Veterans from every one of the nation's wars are interred in the cemetery, from the American Revolution through the military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Pre-Civil War dead were re-interred after 1900” We arrived for the changing of the guard ceremony. The guards “keep sentry duty” for the unknown soldier. The guards are changed so frequently to impress the tourists! The changing of the guard was too stylistic compared the way we do things in Australia. It even seemed a bit on the “gay” side. The sentiments, to remember the dead and the sacrifice they made, are good though.

6. The Lincoln Memorial was the high light of the mini tour. Of course, the tour just laid the groundwork for a more extensive study later, especially the museums etc. I read Abrahams Lincoln’s two famous speeches on the two inside walls of the “temple”. The tour also included the Congress Building and the White House. I was impressed by the rows of Government Buildings etc.

7. Speaking about Washington someone said: “My first trip there was really great and it gave me a very deep appreciation of the finest principles that this great nation was founded upon” Although it does make me ask myself what are the principles? What are the ideals? “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness!” (From Thomas Jefferson). Of course, we all need ideals. It helps us get up in the morning. It helps us to keep going. I am sure it stops depression.

8. In the tour I did drive past some of the Smithsonian museums! Apparently there are many. There specialize in all sorts of things. I have made plans to visit some and the Art Museum as well.

9. Concerning the things that I visited. The Lincoln Memorial was the most meaningful! From the Sources: The Lincoln Memorial, which is on the National Mall in Washington, D.C”. Just a comment on the “Mall”. It is a huge tract of land with grass, monuments and museums etc in the middle of Washington. It is where everything is. The Wyoming Center is about 2 miles from the Malls. Back to the “emotional” experience of the Lincoln Memorial . The Sources continue: “The building is in the form of a Greek Doric temple and contains a large seated sculpture of Abraham Lincoln and inscriptions of two well-known speeches by Lincoln. The memorial has been the site of many famous speeches, including Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered on August 28, 1963”. Another monument on the National Mall is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It is famous with a list all those killed in the War; many people go there to remember their loved ones, leaving flowers, photos and prayers. The Mall is open to the public 24 hours a day.

Back to the Lincoln Memorial: “IN THIS TEMPLE AS IN THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE FOR WHOM HE SAVED THE UNION THE MEMORY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN IS ENSHRINED FOREVER. It is a fairly massive structure. Perhaps I am getting used to them now! Everything is big! I don’t notice the size anymore. One of the most impressive things are the two speeches on both the inside walls. The First is “The Gettysburg Address”. It was made just after the turning point of the Civil War! They were remembering those who had died! Apparently one of the best Orators in the USA at the time gave a much longer speech before Abraham Lincoln and entertained the crowded. But no one today remembers what he said. The following words of Abraham Lincoln’s speech were read out by my guide. He read them like a true American! They are moving if you read them in a loud voice. Obviously the battle itself was less important than the speech. It was given at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, November 19, 1863 “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth”. People were surprised when Lincoln sat down! So short they thought! But so good!

10. The speech on the opposite Wall is longer. It was at the beginning of his second term. I’ll report on that next time!

11. My sociological comment concerns intellectuals! I have mentioned this before. People here are not too discerning as regards attitudes. They tend to identify politics and morality to closely. This is more true in the Mid West than the East Coast! A manifestation of this was when I was talking about Australia. John Howard, the current leader of Australia is known for being conservative. After all he sent troops to Iraq. This particular conversationalist thought that John Howard is responsible for all the moral good in Australia! It would get worse morally as soon as the Government changed, i.e. a political change. He obviously thinks New Zealand, in view of its leader, would have to be radically bad. In the short term and maybe even the long terms political parties and leaders don’t determine the National character that much! They could be a reflection of it. There seems to be a lack of intellectual flexibility in the USA. A true intellectual, which is rare in any country particularly rare in the USA (and Australia), hopefully has the capacity to analyze things based on ideas and historical trends. An intellectual is naturally flexible, not rigid or dogmatic, but insightful!

12. Just a kind of addendum to this already long Newsletter. I have just returned from giving a week long course to some “American women” at Longlea Conference Center. It reminded me of John Denver’s song country roads. The place is in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I used to like the song a lot. Now even more. His words are quite accurate. “Almost heaven, west Virginia; Blue ridge mountains, shenandoah river.
Life is old there, older than the trees Younger than the mountains, blowing like a breeze”
The National Park just down the road from the Conference Center. It occupies a big part of a valley where the Shenandoah Rivers flows! .

To give you an idea of how isolated the place is! I could not be contacted by cell phone. And to use the Internet I went to a small town called Culpeper and used the Internet in their library. I need to print off an exam as well for the “students”. The main subject that I taught was on the “Trinity”. So I appreciated the long walks through the scenic landscape to help me think about an explanation of the nature of “subsistent relations” more clearly. Once, my walk was interrupted by a “skunk” crossing my path. It was my first encounter with a real skunk of the animal type. I did not try to pat or feed it. It looked pretty: black and white. I left the path for a while. Later I checked the sources.
“Skunks are mammals, usually with black-and-white fur, that are best known for their ability to excrete a strong foul smelling odor (…) it is a mixture that has a highly offensive smell that most people describe as a combination of the odors of rotten eggs, garlic and burnt rubber. The odor of the fluid is strong enough to ward off bears and other potential attackers, and can be difficult to remove from clothing. The smell aside, the spray can cause irritation and even temporary blindness, and is sufficiently powerful to be detected by even an insensitive human nose anywhere up to a mile downwind. Most predatory animals of the Americas, such as wolves, foxes and badgers, seldom attack skunks—presumably out of fear of being sprayed”. Luckily I was not in a curious mood!

Regards to all,
Hi!
1. This is later than usual. Computer problems! They are replacing the Server at Wyoming! I have returned from another week almost always surrounded by John Denver “musical notes” echoing over the Blue Ridge Mountains! But not many people commented on my encounter with the skunk last week! This week in North Virginia, I saw two big brown bears, which were seemed friendly from 20 meters. I thought it prudent to go no closer. I heard lots of coyotes too. Nothing to worry about I was told; part of the furniture etc. They make walks after sunset more challenging, though!

2. Right now I have stopped in on my way back at a magnificent Center! It is called Reston Study Center! It is superb! I have not seen such a marvelous Center since I spent 4 days at Murray Hill Place when I arrived in New York, USA 6 months ago. Murray Hill is a 17 story “Opus Dei Showpiece”. Reston is only three stories but very nice; built from scratch, good materials, impressive stone outside, lots of wood inside. It is another “Opus Dei Showpiece” too! It is the best Center building that I have seen! Everything, corridors, rooms, chapel are all very spacious. I could certainly stay here for a while but I am just visiting for few hours for a “cook out”. It was birthday celebration. I heard about 20 “red neck jokes! After the party somebody will give me a lift to Wyoming. That is the Center I stay at when I am not at Longlea Conference Center giving workshops which is my mission on the East Coast!

3. Other news: I have 17 pages of Moby Dick to go! (420 pages is the size of the book). It is OK but with Harry Potter about to be available in a few hours, delightfulness versus tedious historicalness, Harry Potter will be my choice for the next few days. I started reading John Adams by David McCullough a week ago. It has been recommended by many of my American friends! Written by a popular historian David McCullough, (700 pages I have read about 220). Quite informative! John Adams has already become one of my few heroes. He was definitely the “Father of American Independence”. He wrote some of the US Declaration of Independence. He wrote all of the Massachusetts Constitution. The book says the following about this 2nd document: “As time would prove, he had written one of the great, enduring documents of the American Revolution. The constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is the oldest functioning written constitution on the world”. I suppose it is true. On another page (much earlier in the book) it talks about his ability as a lawyer! The book says: “He could extemporaneously and, if need be, almost without limit. Once, to give a client time to retrieve a necessary record, Adams spoke for five hours, through which the court and jury sat with perfect patience. At the end he was roundly applauded because as he related, he had spoken ‘in favor of justice’”

4. Of course the various references to Constitutions etc and founders of the USA should hopefully make every one more interested in the history and the text of Australia’s Constitution. Interestingly enough, it begins “Whereas the people of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and Tasmania, humbly relying on the blessing of Almighty God, have agreed to unite in one indissoluble Federal Commonwealth …”

5. I should say something about recent Workshop, after all it was has kept me busy during the last 7 days. I was surrounded by a group of American men from the East Coast. There were some interesting stories. The participants took turns to talk about topics in the get-togethers. For example Zolton S. spoke about how he escaped from Hungary in 1956 when he was 17. Another person spoke about the situation in Columbia. Things are getting better. It has an economic growth rate of 8%. The F.A.R.C. (a communist revolutionary confused independence movement into drugs and kidnapping) is gradually being controlled! Also, in spite of drugs and kidnappings etc there are 28 schools in Columbia run by Opus Dei! Another interesting get together was by someone who works for IBM, quite high up. He works almost completely from home! Just needs a cell phone and fast Internet connection! Work options are expanding! He is married with three little kids. If his wife wants to go to Florida for example to visit her parents, his in-laws, he always says yes. He goes with his family and takes his “virtual office” with him! He has no problems with his in-laws! Americans from the East Coast were keen to hear about Australia, so I spoke with the usual passion, prejudice and patriotism! It was very much appreciated!

6. The classes during the Workshop were again on the Trinity. Men seem the same as women when it comes to understanding the “higher mysteries” such as the Trinity! We played a game of soccer! It is a universal game after all. The last evening we had a delightful show of “American music”. The star was someone with two different types of Banjos and a mouth organ! The music was more or less folk songs from the mid 19th Century! By the way the banjo is considered an American instrument but according to the sources: “The banjo is a stringed instrument of African American origin adapted from several African instruments. Enslaved Africans in the American South and Appalachia fashioned the earliest banjos after instruments they had been familiar with in Africa, with some of the earliest instruments sometimes being called "gourd banjos". The name banjo commonly is thought to be derived from the Kimbundu term mbanza. Today, the banjo commonly is associated with country and bluegrass music”.

7. Many Americans are married to South Americans. Or you could say many South Americans are married to people from the US. One person, originally from Argentina was on the Workshop! Was in the Argentine Army, kind of defected, married a local from Pennsylvania, where he was doing a PhD in Engineering! We spoke a bit about the difference and similarities in the relationship Australia//England and Spain//Argentina. He thinks our connection is stronger and a positive thing! He had lots of theories about why the break between South America and Spain was more pronounced. He favors a kind Pan South/Central American Union. He thinks “envy”, a kind of natural Latino trait has prevented this! He also had some ideas on New Zealand and Canada!

8. I did visit the National Art Gallery on Sunday last! I took the advice of Carl Schmitt who comes from a family of Artists. “Only visit for an hour and half, and more less only one area of interest! I saw more or less Italian pictures from 1300 to 1600! It also included some paintings of a few Spanish artists. It was an “up lifting” experience. I plan next time to see artists from the US: the years 1600 to 1900 approximately. It will not take that long and there will be time for another section as well.

9. With regard to the huge number of Museums and Galleries in Washington which all come under the umbrella of the Smithsonian Institute. From the Sources: “The Smithsonian Institution is an educational and research institute and associated museum complex, administered and funded by the government of the United States and by funds from its endowment, contributions, and profits from its shops and its magazine. Most of its facilities are located in Washington, D.C., but its 19 museums, zoo, and eight research centers include sites in New York City, Virginia, Panama, and elsewhere. It has over 142 million items in its collections. The Smithsonian Institution was founded for the "increase and diffusion" of knowledge by a bequest to the United States by the British scientist James Smithson (1765–1829), who had never visited the United States himself. In Smithson's will, he stated that should his nephew, Henry James Hungerford, die without heirs, the Smithson estate would go to the United States of America for creating an "Establishment for the increase & diffusion of Knowledge among men". After the nephew died without heirs in 1835, President Andrew Jackson informed Congress of the bequest, which amounted to 104,960 gold sovereigns, or $500,000 U.S. dollars ($9,235,277 in 2005 U.S. dollars after inflation)”.

10. Last week I did not say much about the other wall of the Lincoln Memorial. Written there is the Second Inaugural Address, (Washington, D.C. March 4, 1865). One of the sources says that “This theologically intense speech has been widely acknowledged as one of the most remarkable documents in American history. The London Spectator said of it, "We cannot read it without a renewed conviction that it is the noblest political document known to history, and should have for the nation and the statesmen he left behind him something of a sacred and almost prophetic character." You can look it up on the NET. It worth reading! A couple of quotes though: “(…) These slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. All knew that this interest was, somehow, the cause of the war”. Also “Both (sides) read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes His aid against the other”. Later: “Fondly do we hope--fervently do we pray--that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away”. Finally “With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who ```l` h`d _blp d d e b``p `$ abd di hir ``eg( ab ` p b` `n , a d `d g`h` e` acha fd @ a ebaa` a j ap `n hac` H' eabe amkhf dbre`rd $ ` th ` `l n`dhfd L`d` `ag`d ,_p`b__D`a __!! An lde`dpp nf `heba ab d `raa$ @`a b@pd`dap dd $H` `__D ap__1 F _`ha dh a` d a Ld `ha Cde `e dh d cb_p` ``am`e a `ar h ldq. @if$ D` e `a` hod hhcd d`d ` `h` ha d b`` _`` D `d aab a a`dl$ L `` aeddd D d @ bHb`` `and & @` cdap e eb ` r ldd `h`$ Ab t`e` ` id H ad ph$ @p`ahd d`D Aaf`d s r dhd ad` a` _ ``tdda `bed`d hepa @bba al H`la `n had _ e``e cf `e`n` g da di`` ` mn `l @`d Ladcdd _ A eab _ldb` doda a dcg ``T` `d qot hl d a t`il de - Fda` C`ld( D a aa _a daf `. P di e`a h ` dg! He sa` hb t`a Ahf @ e``" D` p be ahd a d! @l` abticu``p add `cp h``d ``re `ap d d e ` ``` Aod h `he @ ``te @`ab__L`ar__ 0. S`aa`a. _hd _aabhc` s ``ap`hdd Cid a` ap Dal` lf _I `aba `fp de ` ap H` `_D`` __!! H I ``i @ tk ajd ! `d`d` ph @`( Aen$ A` h`hf`on ab the @i` D bp ``e dol da`fe add e b`d, Bnd gbbd phndeh$ _D`d```ai a @ ae ` b` d Aq `ra a` ap`hf d( _e cpike cp ` cba p ada$ @` a`` I ` ald ae (da` b` d`e fhp t``i )$ H ``__P`a`__0!"__Lpa __Ra ab @ te ah`!L @`__H`a __i____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Howard sounded good from here!

15. Also in the replies someone noted: I hope that the CIA is not scrutinizing your e-mails. If they came across that "gay" changing-of-the-guard comment, they might pin you as a subversive!

16. Another interesting document is the Bill of Rights. The First Amendment was written in huge letters on the entire side of an eight story building. It says: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances”. It is talked about a lot these days! Does the first phrase mean “no Religion” or “let all Religions flourish?”

Regards to all,

NL 26
Hi. 1. I have had several late nights this week. Nothing to do with beer or Courses! It is Harry Potter! How much Harry Potter have you been reading? He is very popular here! Another good global phenomenon! The book is even better than the previous ones from several points of view. Wonderful ending and many of the threads come together, especially the moral ones: selflessness, friendship, loyalty etc in a word practical, measurable, “live- out” virtue triumphs! What does its popularity mean? Human beings still want to go sail forward with the winds of a Christian Civilization?!

2. It is best to get this Newsletter out earlier than usual. The computer system here is playing up and there could be a “permanent” crash. Anyway being in Washington for a week is very different from giving Courses at Longlea Conference Center. No John Denver tunes floating through the air. But lots of noise associated with “high” security: police car alarms, fire alarms, all kinds of secret service etc! A very obvious thing about Washington is security! It appears too much especially here where I live. There are many Embassies. Never a big fan of “police” I feel followed by some police or security vehicle every time I leave the Center! Incidentally the National Security Agency, the NSA is called No Such Agency as they take themselves too seriously.

3. Someone took up my challenge! I said “Nobody commented about the skunk “? Some told me: “One morning, I woke up and smelled a strong unknown bad smell. My Canadian friends informed me that there was probably a skunk in the bushes, about 300 meters from the seminary. There were plenty of stories about skunks. One of my friends from the country said that a farmer caught a fleeing skunk with a sort of pincer with long handles. He was rewarded with a foul squirt of putrid liquid. All his clothes had to be buried in the ground, and he had to sleep in the outdoors shed for I do not remember how long”.

4. However I have seen many many things in this city designed to have plenty to see! The first thing I did was to visit St Matthews Cathedral! From the Sources: “It is dedicated to the Apostle Matthew, who among other things is patron saint of civil servants, having himself been a tax collector.” That seems most appropriate for a City of Public Servants! The building was begun in 1840. Again from the Sources: “The structure is Romanesque with Byzantine elements. (…) it is shaped like a Latin cross and seats about 2000 persons. The interior is richly decorated in marble and semiprecious stones, notably a 35-foot mosaic of Matthew (…) The Cathedral drew world attention when the state funeral of President John F. Kennedy was offered there on November 25, 1963”. With regard to Churches it is difficult to compete with Europe! Church are well kept but I think they have lack a certain finesse because of what is known as the “American System: This was a brilliant idea in the 19th Century to standardize most building and construction items, size of doors, window etc. There certain sizes for most items. Even though it reduces the prices enormously it can give “plainness” many of the more “classier” buildings where which you would expect to be “refined” or costumed made etc. It takes away the charm and the quality of “unexpectedness” from buildings and makes them appear too standard, made on a production line perhaps!

5. What I liked most about the Cathedral was an interesting scene in one of the side chapels. It is a scene of the Wedding of Mary and Joseph! Quite Unique! It has Anna (the Mother of Mary) and group of women on Mary’s side. Joachim (the Father of Mary) and small group of men on Joseph’s side. Raphael (1483-1520) did a similar thing. They say it is a common Christian theme but it the first one that I have seen.

6. I have done lot of walking in the City. One incident of interest was with a “beggar”! I have a standard policy of not giving away money! It did not work that well. A fellow approach me, I gave my usual “speech” about not giving away money; that I only buy food for people etc. He was quite talkative and “suggested” we go to buy the food I was offering. We walked to a shop brought some canned food. I paid about $12. There are many “homeless” people on the streets. They don’t look too bad; they usually have a sense of humor too!

7. I visited the “world famous” Washington Portrait Gallery. I only had time for the US Presidents! Some the Sources: “Generations of remarkable Americans are kept in the company of their fellow citizens at the National Portrait Gallery. The Gallery presents the wonderful diversity of individuals who have left–and are leaving–their mark on our country and our culture”. Concerning the part that I saw: “As the nation's only complete collection of presidential portraits outside the White House, the "America's Presidents" exhibition lies at the heart of the Portrait Gallery's mission to tell the country's history through the individuals who have shaped it”. You get a completely different idea of the US by visiting the Gallery. The various descriptions at the Gallery of Presidents are what the average person thinks. For example the book I am reading about John Adams led to me to think he is hero. He is. But the Gallery says he was practically “a nobody”. Naturally enough the "pseudo coolest” painting was of Clinton!

8. The Washing to Metro is another “must see” or “must use”. My experience of deep undergrounds are Wynyard in Sydney, the underground in London and now this! You can say at least a decade of the Rosary coming up the escalators at the stop where I got off! It is smooth, efficient and not too crowded! Probably has less character than Chicago or New York though! From the Sources: Since opening in 1976, the subway network has grown to five lines, consisting of 86 stations and 106.3 miles (171 km) of track. The system is the second busiest in the United States, with an average of 702,171 trips taken on weekdays. The only busier subway system is the New York City Subway”.

9. Last Sunday I went on a short trip to Annapolis the Capital of Maryland. Washington DC is wedged between Maryland and Virginia. Annapolis is a significant kind of place! Maryland was founded very early on; involved in the Declaration and War of Independence, as well as the drawing up of the Constitution. Even though we visited the “Capitol”, the name everyone uses for Congress (Parliament), and a few other laces, lunch was still memorable even. It included a beer! People expect Australians to drink beer. My friend just had an ice cream! It was somewhat of a contrast! With regard to the “Capitol” , the Treaty of Paris was signed here, (to end of the war of Independence); Washington resigned his commission here, and Spirow T. Agnew presided over corruption here. We visited an outstanding Church. Many colored statues. I was asked to do a baptism by the Parish Priest.

10. Annapolis is also famous, besides its place in American history for the Naval Academy. It is National Institution so big and famous! My guide worked for the Navy for 14 years so spoke enthusiastically about the different aspects. Besides the museum, where we saw aspects of historical Sea battles eg Coral Sea, Midway etc and even a video of the cold war video, and other buildings, there was a particularly interested edifice. It is a monument, or mausoleum in honor John Paul Jones. There is a permanent guard there. When you have things to do with the Army,. Air-force and Navy they tend to guard everything and make it formal and ritualistic! Who was John Paul Jones? From the sources: “ John Paul Jones, July 6, 1747 - July 18, 1792 Nickname "Father of the American Navy"; Place of birth Kirkcudbright, Scotland . Place of death Paris, France; (…) he remains the first genuine American Naval hero, and a highly regarded battle commander. His later served in the Russian Navy as an admiral! Jones uttered the legendary reply to a British officer's surrender request, "I have not yet begun to fight!" Also from the Sources: “The Academy's motto is ex scientia tridens, which is Latin for "from knowledge, seapower". The Academy also supports the Navy and Marine Corps core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

11. We dropped into the National Shrine on the way back! From the Sources: “The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is a prominent basilica of the Roman Catholic Church located in Washington, D.C., honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary as Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the Patroness of the United States. It is the largest church in the Western Hemisphere and seventh-largest religious structure in the world”. It has many visitors and many activities. Again from the Sources: “The Basilica is often - and wrongly - said to be the official church of the United States, which it is not. The United States has no official religion; thus, there is no official church” “The diameter of the main (Trinity) dome of the Basilica is only 7 feet shorter than that of the dome of the United States Capitol.

12. I also visited The National Cathedral. It is a strange name! I do not know whether there is any deliberate ‘competition” in the names National Cathedral and the National Shrine. From the Sources: “The Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the City and Diocese of Washington, known as the Washington National Cathedral”. In 1792, Pierre L'Enfant's "Plan of the Federal City" set aside land for a "great church for national purposes. The result was Episcopal cathedral! It is officially called the "National House of Prayer" of the United States. It has some of the most beautiful “reredos” (backdrop to the altar). One has more painted statues from Our Lady than an other Church! The Architect, an Anglican was sent to Europe to get some ideas on Churches. He returned convinced it had to be Gothic like. The result is a massive Gothic Church. But quotes form Abraham Lincoln and others seem out of place! Anyway the Architect became a Catholic during the project! Each day he would worship down the road at the Catholic Church and even after the Church was completed. I guess the Gothic influenced him!

13. During the week here I have not been over extended but have had few interesting priestly assignments. I had another serious argument! Over whether Australia is independent! Americans don’t agree when they became Independent either. Of course “some’ Americans think that because we have a Queen we are not Independent!

14. I received several emails asking if I had met George! I initially did not understand. I thought they might be referring to particular friend here on trip! The thing is George Bush is not on my radar! People in Australia would hear and see more about Bush than me. I hardly read the papers or watch even the news. Perhaps just a bit! My source of information is from talking to people and observation. Besides I make my own the advice of C. S Lewis. (C S Lewis, Surprised by Joy, page 159) “Even in peacetime I think those are very wrong who say that schoolboys should be encouraged to read the newspapers. Nearly all that a boy reads there in his teens will be seen before he is twenty to have been false in emphasis and interpretation, if not in fact as well, and most of it will have lostall importance. Most of what he remembers he will therefore have to unlearn; and he will probably have acquired an incurable taste for vulgarity and sensationalism and the fatal habit of fluttering from paragraph to paragraph to learn how an actress has been divorced in California, a train derailed in France, and quadruplets born in New Zealand

15. You do meet some famous people though. Russell Shaw dropped into the Center. He is a journalist and writer. We spoke about aspects of the Intellect History of the US. He recommended a few books, including “The Education of Henry Adams”. I plan to read Alexander Hamilton next, then something about the Civil War then I will start his list. I am glad that Harry Potter is out of the way! At present John Adams is keeping me up to scratch about how to start a nation!

16. Demagogues! Is my theme this week as a reflection of American Society and Culture! I find the East Coast more similar to Australia than Chicago. The issue is: why famous people are famous. Some are extraordinarily talented and have used their talents to “help” civilization. I think Abe Lincoln was not that talented but certainly had certain abilities that help the USA through a serious crisis. He could inspire people to give themselves to a good cause. Australians do not make icons to the same extent as Americans. It is because we are more realistic, even to the extreme of cynical. Americans have been too ready to make icons because more willing to make heroes. They are more idealistic and less cynical! This is attractive but can lead to demagogy! In general I prefer an enthusiastic environment rather than a cynical one. US has more of this than Australia, but not as much as I envisaged. It is question of balance. Some parts of Australia especially among the University staff are too cynical and anti-Australia. In the US there are some places of the opposite extreme. Too tainted with “fictitious heroes” or whose deeds are exaggerated!

17. Someone wrote: “Sorry to pick on your spelling but referring to Columbia do you mean Colombia ( near Venezuela in north of South America)? And also “Beware of Brown Bears! Do not try to preach on to them. You are not Saint Francis”.


18. As expected some rather typical news arrived from New Zealand: “The All Blacks overcame the Wallabies to win the tri nations and Bledisloe cup. The silver ferns have beaten the Aussie team as well. More results later.

19. Today I went to the Zoo just up the road. I arrived there by accident. In the afternoon I went to The Smithsonian Museum of Air and Space. Both were interesting. I will leave the details to next week. I will not have a lot to say about Longlea Conference Center. Same classes and same scenery!

Regards to all,

NL 27
1. I have been at a Course at “Longlea Conference Center” all week. It is a nice place hidden in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Course consisted of another interesting group of people! And always you learn a lot on these Courses! I also spoke about Australia! Interest is undying! New Zealand and even Tasmania are exotically attractive for every one as well. I had no encounters with bears, skunks or coyotes, however I did come across a beaver! At dusk at the end of a jogging session, I was walking along the bank of the small local river. I saw what looked like a black bucket; we had been talking about bear sightings a few hours before! Suddenly the bucket came to life; I thought it might be a bear, but realize quickly enough to avoid an outburst of panic that it was a beaver! I was disappointed it did not speak to me. My only previous encounter was the beavers of “The Lion, the Which and the Wardrobe!”. It shuffled off into the water. Paddle for several yards, gave a mighty slap on the water with its tail and disappeared into the depths. They are big and strong creatures! Amazing really. They build dams. They cut down a lot of trees to do so! As the sources say: “Beaver dams are created both as a protection against predators, such as coyotes, wolves and bears, and to provide easy access to food during winter”. Check out Wikipedia for more!

2. I mentioned last time that I went to the Zoo just up the road, I arrived their accidently on a casual walk in the neighborhood. It is not as good as Taronga Park. The small mammals were the best! Never seen anything like them before! There small animals called “mercats” some kind of very active “rat like creatures” who are restless and run around their enclosures all the time! Small brightly colored monkeys and pre-historic looking “armadillos” were of some interest. All very new! There was a funny incident about Wallabies! Many of the animals were asleep or hidden. A typical “American small boy asked his mother if the starling looking for worms in the enclosure was a Wallaby! The Pandas were too shy to say hello! I had forgotten how big elephants are. When you get close you realize it is not good to be so close! They kept making announcements that the animals were “happy” here, and were not badly treated. They had free medical and dental clinics regularly etc. I thought it was unnecessary but it is manifestation of some trend.

3. I was “deliberately” introduced to a New Zealander! Americans think we have a natural affinity; I guess we have. People here often confuse the two places! More often than not they merge one into the other. The New Zealander had some interesting things to say about many things. He left NZ at 18, lived in Australia, then India and then married in the US.

4. I came across an interesting comment from a sociologist on modern society: “I grew up in a small town in the Midwest in the 1950s. Of the 150 students in my senior class, I knew the religion of virtually every one. Even now, when I have long forgotten their names, I can generally remember who was a Catholic, who was a Methodist and so on. Nor was that some personal quirk of mine, because in fact most of my classmates knew everyone else's religion. My own children, who went to high school in the 1980s, knew the religion of hardly any of their classmates. Why the difference? To solve the mystery, you need to know that over those thirty years religious endogamy (the practice of marrying only within one's faith) has largely faded in America, at least among mainline Protestants and Catholics and Jews. In the 1950s, for the most important aspect of any adolescent's life – finding a partner – it was essential to keep track of one's peers’ religious affiliations. By the 1980s, religion was hardly more important than left- or right-handedness to romance. Very few of us keep track of the handedness of other people because it seldom matters to our social interactions. People know whether they themselves are left- or right-handed, but it is not an important badge of social identity. Similarly, though most Americans know their own religious affiliation, for younger Americans that affiliation is less salient socially”. What do you think of that?

5. My comments on Abe Lincoln and the John Adams, on the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence etc has made me think that these kinds of considerations are all important issues in Australia as well. We are so used to it, or for some other reason we hardly think about what made Australia the way it is! But as Russell Shaw said you can’t know yourself if you don’t know your history! Perhaps some one should write a book or encourage people to read it if it is already around “Significant Australians”.

6. Commenting on description of some buildings some one said: “I had never before stopped to think of a precise reason for the plainness of modern buildings that try to imitate European styles. As you point out, the main reason must be the standardization of parts in order to decrease costs. The old guilds of builders of cathedrals did not worry even about symmetry”. “In those days, the craftsmen were quite free to let their sense of beauty, their imagination guide them”.

7. Something that I forgot to say about the visit to the National Cathedral. One thing that you can certainly say about the National Cathedral is that it was the “quickest” Gothic Church ever built. My guide (another well known writer) pointed this out! He also said that he could see the day that the National Cathedral might be entrusted to a Catholic Organization! The current “entrustees” are imploding. The Cathedral is very tastefully done. Many people go there just to see the “classiness”. But as my guide said: “Tastefulness is not salvific”. I had a beer with the guide on the way home. We both seem to enjoy the occasional beer! The “bar” was a fairly spacious place. There were loud and quiet groups spread through out. As we were leaving, we saw a group of students from Boston College. The name was written on their t-shirts. It is a University run by Jesuits. Suddenly my guide yelled out, very clearly, does anyone want to go to confession. There was some laughter, but no clients! Slightly awkward but my writer friend likes to do this kind of thing.

8. It was sad news to hear about the death of Jack Mason! He was another old and faithful member of Warrane’s staff. He was always an enjoyable conversationalist! We will all miss him!

9. On news about family matters and rugby some one of wrote: "Only two
months before my third daughter is to be born and the world cup kicks
off. I'm uncertain as to which I'm more looking forward to, both will
involve late nights, sporadic sleep and moments of inevitable
frustration".

10. On the final day of the Course most of us climbed a nearby
mountain. The excursion included a picnic lunch. The Mountain is
called "Old Rag". It looks over a valley that is steeped in history.
During the Civil war there were many battles fought here. From an idle
comment I made concerning my admiration for Abe Lincoln, I was
"welcomed" into a whole new mental world. This is Virginia. They were
on the losing side in the Civil war. They present a fairly articulate
and passionate case for the why the South should have been allowed to
secede. They cannot say anything good about Lincoln! I have a lot to
learn!

11. I am about to take a plane to Chicago. Washington and the Mid West
are too different world. Both good though. Yesterday a friend from
Australia arrived. We spoke for a long while. He said I still sounded
and thought very much the same!

Regards to all!

NL 28
Hi!
1. It is amazing! I seemed to have just passed through Chicago on my way back from Washington! I did not really stay! Said hello and Mass and now I am Lincoln Green, a small residence next to the University of Illinois. It was a bit of a surprise. Since I have been giving Courses it was thought one more would be easy.

2. I was really quite mentally “engaged” in Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland. So much so that when I returned “through” Chicago, last Saturday, after being away for a month, I could not even remember the name of the railroad station to stop at. I took the train from the Airport to St Mary of the Angels. Had to phone someone to ask the name! Had to change the mental CD so to speak! The name of station is Damen!

3. Where the hell is Lincoln Green you could ask! .It is 100 yards from the University of Illinois which is in Champaign/Urbana, about 180 miles south of Chicago. It is a well known University. Since coming to Chicago 6 months ago, I have heard a lot about it. Namely that is a “State” University and “the best” in the USA or the World (they tend to be are synonymous here) for certain faculties i.e. Engineering and Accounting. It is big: about 40,000. Anyway to be here is another adventure.

4. By the way being here in a University Residence does make you ask questions about Universities; especially Private Versus Public. I have spent most of my adult life at Universities in Australia and NZ and was becoming a big fan of private Universities. My “rush” towards the acceptance of the supposed “superiority” of private over public has slowed down. Some kind of compromise is required! Most of the older Universities are private in the US!

5. I have received a few more replies than usual this week. Probably resulting from my attempts to “trim” the Newsletter list. The Newsletter could be having the effect of changing perceptions of some correspondents. For example: “The more I read your letters the more the US sounds an interesting place to visit sociologically. Funny that, I thought the US was a homogenous wasteland of Tom Cruises and Paris Hiltons. I still can't understand the reason why they are so loud, dominating and parochial”

6. After finishing John Adams, a book by the “Historian” David McCullough, I am more familiar with the ideas and personalities that shaped America. If it were not for John Adams the USA would have had a bad start! Not from John Adams, but certainly from the other “founding fathers”, a “perceived” aspect of the quest for “true freedom’ was to disentangle themselves from the “monkish influence and superstition” of the past. This “quest” can easily be easily be given an anti-Catholic flavor. Thomas Jefferson wrote the “phrase” in his last letter, trying to join the July 4th celebration of 1826 (50 year anniversary of the Declaration of Independence).

7. In am still delving into the Civil War and slavery! I am reading another book called “Lincoln’s virtues”. He has many qualities to admire. He seems to be one of the world’s great leaders. There is a need for some investigation of the issues surrounding the Civil War! Especially since another correspondent said: “I must agree wholeheartedly with the view of the Virginians about Lincoln, the Civil War and secession. I still think the wrong side lost the Civil War. I think that the South more closely expressed the true nature of American constitutionalism based on a consensual federal structure and opposition to what was perceived as tyrannical centralized government”. I hope I can think through that way of looking at things! At this stage I am still trying to understand the "South's" view. My opinion at this stage leans towards the following. The core element is slavery. It was a curse! It is like the widespread acceptance of abortion. For example in Australia we more or less accept this widespread evil. The "conservative" Government. pays for 80,000 babies to be killed each year! It is cultural. Slavery in the South was similar in the sense that something “bad” was considered normal. No one wants to face up to it. I still see the defense of the South as a defense of slavery!

8. From time to time you may have noticed some mention of the Rugby World Cup! I cannot keep abreast of what is happening! The topic never comes up at meals of get-togethers! So would appreciate any enthusiasm you can help me to generate!

9. Several people expressed sympathy for the collapse of a bridge at Minneapolis. Someone even said: “Sad news about the bridge in the north of the US”. No sadder than about 100 things that happen in Australia every week!

10. Some clarification seems to be in order for what I said last week about mee(r)cats! I spelt it wrong but also was too subjective in my analysis! “I mention for those animal lovers among your readers, meercats are mongooses not "some kind of very active 'rat like creatures'" I was also accused a being too friendly with animals: “I’m glad you enjoy nature so much there, you sound like Noah”.

11. Walking down the main street of this exclusively University town you see lots of large mansion like buildings with Capital Greek Letters on the feature Wall! (Apparently the letters are also worn on clothing). This introduces me to another cultural phenomenon! “Fraternities and Sororities” or simply ‘Frats”! The University of Illinois has the largest numbers of these “Clubby type student societies”. If you ask people they don’t give them much importance. Just places where 15-25 students live together, in small residences. The residences are “private” etc. Most of them are not co-ed! Most have lots of parties. They usually have “tradition”, a constitution and bonds or links with other “Frats” of the same name at other universities! From the Sources: (when I say Sources I usually mean Wikipedia or some other Internet source, usually Wikipedi though). Incidentally , most University staff talk scornfully about Wikipedia! “The terms "fraternity" and "sorority" (from the Latin words frater and soror, meaning "brother" and "sister" respectively) may be used to describe many social and charitable organizations, (…) in the United States and Canada, however, fraternities and sororities are most commonly known as social organizations for higher education students” “With few exceptions the names of North American fraternities and sororities consist of two to four Greek letters, many times abbreviating a Greek motto. For this reason, fraternities and sororities are known collectively as a Greek System or Greek Society and its members as Greeks”. In general they exist at most Universities and part of University Culture but mean very little! Some interest and controversy is caused by “recruitment” and ”initiation” procedures! It seems unusual to me that fairly large groups of students manage to look after themselves!

12. Another “cultural issue” is the one of “Biscuits Versus Cookies”! By some historical accident people in the US refer to “Cookies” when they really mean biscuits. Biscuit after all is a well-defined word coming from French meaning “twice cooked”. As a kind of compromise they refer to “scones” as biscuits. The most confusing thing is that they laugh at me when “I accidentally” refer to biscuits as biscuits instead of cookies! When I see a plate of “biscuits” I say “Great! Biscuits! But I then hear a chorus of “COOKIES!” I have still not got used to it!

13. Still another issue is guns! “American Culture is a gun culture”. Everyone would accept that claim! Many would also argue “More Guns, Less Crime”! Or putting it more practically I don’t even bother to lock the door at night! We have two shot guns etc! It seems to be based on the principle that “Man has a right to defend himself!” At this stage I do not know what to think! People defend “passionately the right to “bear arms”. They quote the second amendment!

It says: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed (1791)”. In the USA, as you might have heard there is a Bill Rights. There have been voices in Australia who have lobbied to have something similar! In the US the first 10 amendments are called the Bill of Rights!

14. You might have heard Chris and Micki Blunt. They appeared on a DVD called “Passionately loving the world”, around the time of the “Da Vinci Code” Controversy. They looked like a good and interesting couple in the DVD! I have met Chris here in Lincoln Green. He took us all out to his little farm! It made me a little “nostalgic”. Geese, ducks, chooks, a few sheep, goats, and the general untidiness of the area around farm buildings does that to you! On the DVD it said: “Chris and Micki Blunt put their kids first. And when they discovered that their two oldest children had a rare condition called Celiac Disease and required an entirely organic diet, they promptly left urban Los Angeles for a five-acre poultry farm in the plains of central Illinois. Today they live happily on the farm with their three children, two dogs, and countless ducks, chickens, and turkeys. Chris met Opus Dei in college and has found the spirituality of St. Josemaria to be a great help in his life” The family is actually much more interesting and pleasant in real life than in the DVD!

15. I have heard today that I will probably be in Chicago for at least another year! Not Texas or California or Boston or New York or Washington! Will give more news next time! Might even have to give you a new address!

Regards to all

1 Comments:

At May 2, 2011 at 8:30 PM , Blogger AndreaM said...

Hi Fr. Grant!

I was one of your ladies this weekend, and I found you here by "google". I have only begun to read this, and am so delighted to have found it. I admit I miss you, and have shared many of your insights, given by God!

I am the new cooperator with 3 little girls with the eating and drinking problem (Andrea) but that probably describes a lot of us ladies! :D

I have a blog myself "homethroughrome.blogspot.com" that is severely neglected - but it has some cool items (check out "Bible in a Minute" if you like...) Facebook is my recent fling with computer media - I find I can stir up a bit of trouble there, and it's how St. Josemaria found me and led me on to Opus Dei...

Anyway thank you for pouring yourself out for us this weekend! It will be very fruitful in my life. God bless you!

 

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