Ale for the Soul

Late this morning, I set foot in Tobacco Lane on the Square for one last time.  Yes, one of Fort Worth's iconic businesses is closing its doors for good sometime late this afternoon.  Around 11:30 a.m. I darkened the door of the establishment, and then proceeded to spend the next three hours smoking and enjoying great fellowship with other patrons in the round table.  After two smokes and some hearty conversation, I made my goodbyes.  Six years of my life, pretty much the entire time I've lived in Fort Worth, has come to an end.  Vaguely do I recall my first acquaintance with the shop, but it quickly became an oasis, an anchor, through the turbulence of adjusting to a new place of residence.  Over the years, it has become so much a part of my life, I will have to readjust many of life's routines.  For me, this was the Cheers of Fort Worth...a place I could truly come and find a welcoming handshake and lively discussion.  In the last episode of Cheers, Sam Malone adjusted th

A seemingly minor difference in the wording of this simple text had a profound impact on European history. The Nicene Creed, or Symbol of Faith, was written by the First Ecumenical Council at Nicaea in 325 C.E., with additions (the 3rd paragraph and following) by the first Council of Constantinople (381). There is an unresolved controversy over the words 'and the Son' (in Latin  filioque ). This language was added in 587 by the local council of Toledo, Spain, in an attempt to combat the Arian heresy. Pope Leo III (795-816) forbade the use of the  filioque  version and had it engraved without 'and the Son' on the walls of St. Peter's Basillica. After a failed attempt to unite by marriage Charlemagne's Frankish holdings with that of the Byzantine Empress, Charlemagne challenged Byzantinium's claim of universal jurisdiction as the successor to Rome by claiming in 792 that among other things, that the Byzantines had omitted the  filioque  from the original text.

Because I am a cemetery junkie, I especially wanted to highlight this obscure holiday.  The last cemetery I visited was Pioneers Rest, located slightly east of downtown Fort Worth.  A few of the instrumental founders of Fort Worth and Tarrant County are buried there, people such as General Tarrant and Major Arnold.  In addition to their gravesites, there are other memorials to these people strewn across the city.  Cemeteries are fascinating and contain a lot of significant history.  Wherever I travel, I always make it a point to visit the local burial grounds.  For example, I visited two of the three cemeteries in and around Leakey and Rio Frio, Texas.  One was dedicated to the Hispanic-American culture in the area.  I really enjoy reading the dates and inscriptions on the headstones.  Many date back to the early 1800s and tell a short story of the person interred.  For me, the most interesting ones include those specifying military service.  So far, I've found quite a few from

House of Commons The position of the B. E.F had now become critical As a result of a most skillfully conducted retreat and German errors, the bulk of the British Forces reached the Dunkirk bridgehead. The peril facing the British nation was now suddenly and universally perceived. On May 26, "Operation Dynamo "--the evacuation from Dunkirk began. The seas remained absolutely calm. The Royal Air Force--bitterly maligned at the time by the Army--fought vehemently to deny the enemy the total air supremacy which would have wrecked the operation. At the outset, it was hoped that 45,000 men might be evacuated; in the event, over 338,000 Allied troops reached England, including 26,000 French soldiers. On June 4, Churchill reported to the House of Commons, seeking to check the mood of national euphoria and relief at the unexpected deliverance, and to make a clear appeal to the United States. From the moment that the French defenses at Sedan and on the Meuse were broken at the end of

Yep, you got it...today is National Beer Day.  Don't worry, I haven't violated my ten years of sobriety and abstinence from alcohol; however, I do still love to talk about beer.  Mainly what I miss are all the good times I had with friends over a cold pint of brew.  This includes all the people I met, friends I made, and the adventures we experienced while imbibing a little liquid courage.  It's amazing what a person will do when a few inhibitions are removed and judgement is slightly impaired.  Just ask me!  Yes, I romance the good ol' times, all the while trying to desperately forget the bad times.  I have a few of those stories to share as well.  My all-time favorite beer was Killian's Irish Lager, or, as I lovingly call it, Killian's Red.  This was the only non-Germanic beer I fervently drank.  A few of my other favorite beers include: St. Pauli Girl Dark, Heineken Dark, Paulaner Hefeweizen, Samuel Adams, and so many more I don't have space to mention.  

October is National Archives Month.  First, allow me to define a few terms in order to make our subject matter clear.  The word archives has a dual meaning: initially it is a place where public records or other historical documents are kept; and, in reference to documents or records relating to the activities, business dealings, etc. of a person, family, corporation, association, community, or nation.  Even after defining the word archives , a few people may still ask, "What exactly am I saving?"  This is a great question, and only you can answer that.  Old family documents, newspapers from yester-year, school homework and projects, along with anything else of the sort, are rich in information and can give insight in to the life of the individual in question.  These documents are especially helpful when performing a family genealogy.  Hopefully when saving these valuable treasures, one doesn't simply throw them in a box or filing cabinet.  Many years ago, I found box upo

About a week or so ago, I learned Bass Pro Shop purchased their rival, Cabela's, for several billion dollars.  This broke my heart as I have never been fond of Bass Pro Shop.  Granted, this sadness was without basis as I honestly didn't know much about Bass Pro Shop.  More than anything, my despair was out of loyalty and love for Cabela's.  Before the changeover took place, I headed to the local Cabela's in north Tarrant County.  Immediately upon entering, I chatted with an employee concerning the buyout.  Much of my displeasure was assuaged by his explaining what would actually happen to the outdoor retail giant.  It is my understanding that Bass Pro Shop will maintain Cabela's as its own separate entity, while still operating within the auspices of the new parent company.  This I can deal with.  What I couldn't deal with was the busting of a brand for which there is a huge cult following.  In my zeal for camping and the outdoors, I try to purchase as much e

Last week a friend informed me October is Pastor Appreciation Month.  Since the end of the month is right around the corner, I figured time was of the essence in getting this posted.  Sensing a call to become a pastor is unique and not for everyone.  Becoming a pastor may require many years of seminary training; however, the most important aspect of leading in a church is one's own relationship with God and His Son Jesus the Messiah.  In order to effectively lead God's flock, the church, a deep and intimate relationship with the Living Water and our Daily Bread is vital.  Throughout my lifetime, I have met and known countless pastors and other church staff.  Each one has left his indelible mark, of course for the better, on my life.  One such pastor I know is currently attending seminary and is planning to graduate next Spring.  Each week we meet on Thursday for a time of fellowship.  These times are the highlight of my week as the friendship grows stronger.  Another pastor I w

Today ends the second week of the schedule change at work.  The result?  It was brutal!  As I begin to grow accustom to the new work load and routine, I have it set the way I want it, but I paid a hefty physical price.  By Thursday afternoon to evening, I hurt as my thighs and lower back were sore and aching.  Wow, the signs of getting older and not being able to bounce back as in the days of my youth.  Eventually the set up will only get easier, or at least I hope.  Overall I believe it will, and I will grow to enjoy it much more than I already do.  Exclusively scanning all the Kroger's stores is exactly what I was looking for in TNG, which means I am very content with the job status and schedule change.  Once the cigar shop closes and I am down to only one job to contend with, the demands of working for TNG will certainly become easier.  Until then, I must diligently hang on.  I am so glad it is Friday with the weekend off from the primary job.  Three whole days to re-coup and re

א Aleph 1  Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,      who walk  according to the law of the  Lord . 2  Blessed  are those who keep his statutes      and seek him  with all their heart— 3  they do no wrong      but follow his ways. 4  You have laid down precepts      that are to be fully obeyed. 5  Oh, that my ways were steadfast      in obeying your decrees! 6  Then I would not be put to shame      when I consider all your commands. 7  I will praise you with an upright heart      as I learn your righteous laws. 8  I will obey your decrees;      do not utterly forsake me. ב Beth 9  How can a young person stay on the path of purity?      By living according to your word. 10  I seek you with all my heart;      do not let me stray from your commands. 11  I have hidden your word in my heart      that I might not sin  against you. 12  Praise be  to you,  Lord ;      teach me  your decrees. 13  With my lips I recount      all the laws that come from your mouth. 14  I rejoice i