Divertissement

New Year's Eve, 2012

2012-01-02T10:06:00.000-08:00

Our long tradition in our family is to spend the latter part of the evening in reflection and repentance. Then at the stroke of 00:00 we pray in gratitude and to offer ourselves for the year to come.

After our prayers we have a toast with the family, and then head right next door to our neighbors of 18 years to spend an hour or so together.

Here below are Hiroko and me (use to be with the kids too ... the hands of time) with our immediate neighbors. Don't be fooled by the rubber champagne bottles.

Luxembourg, Autumn, 2011

2011-11-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

I've just returned from 10 days in Luxembourg (10/21 - 10/31)

I lived under an intense schedule, including teaching two separate all day seminars to different groups. All other of the remaining days required us to attend at least two if not more appointments and obligations from morning to night. (These activities are reported elsewhere.)

By grace, we managed nevertheless to steal a bit of time in the majestic woods that sit near to the home of my host family Paul and Reinhild Frank.Some of these pictures (the more stunning of them) are from daughter Vicky Frank (seen in one of the images above), a fine photographer indeed

Montreal, October 2011

2011-10-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

I spent from October 7 until October 11, 2011 in Montreal.

The primary purpose from my visit was to teach a seminar on spiritual practice, entitled Balance in Spiritual Life, and to confer with colleagues about a project for mediation and reconciliation.

Additionally, I enjoyed many wonderful and exciting experiences

One morning I was taken on a stroll through the historic river front park in Lachine, originally a port for fur trade.

On that same morning we were guests of honor at the services in the Family and Gospel Church of Reverend Daryl Gray.

As I say, the main reason for my visit was to teach this youth seminar on Balance in Spiritual Life

One morning I had the thrill to visit the bird sanctuary aside the St. Lawrence Rapids. The second picture here below is a bird watcher. The park is full of people with camera set ups like this and more! The third picture is Franco Famularo, dear friend, and my primary host in Montreal. I stay with his family, and much of the many parts of my arrangements and organization are made by Franco.

The rapids are thrilling.

On Monday, (which is Thanksgiving Day in Canada but Columbus Day in the United States) we went to see the Montreal Alouettes (The "Als) play against the Toronto Argonauts (the "Argos") (names anyone?). The home team won 29 - 19, an exciting game, made all the more thrilling as Als quarterback Anthony Calvillo broke the all time pass yardage world record in the history of professional football (including all US quarterbacks)

The fateful pass came on the last play of the third quarter, and was marked by scoreboard tributes from quarterbacking greats Dan Marino, Moon, and Allen, who was on hand to see his mark of 72,381 yards eclipsed.

Unfortunately, I forgot my camera. These photos are from my phone.

At the end of this Monday, the Famularo's created a special "US Style" Thanksgiving feast for the Canadian young people who'd never had such an experience. The whole kit and kaboodle, cooking all day, everything from scratch, Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, and a host of delectable deserts. I am happy to report that Canadians are quick to learn to survive the rigors of such an ordeal :)

There is even more to the weekend, I will publish later, and publish elsewhere

2011-09-19T08:21:00.000-07:00

Friends conspired to force on me my first vacation of my life!

Two whole days :)

Macaza, northern Quebec (Lac Chaud)

Irene

2011-08-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

Nothing but Irene in the air for we New Yorkers.

Here's where I'm set to watch the rains

Visit to Las Vegas

2011-05-29T16:29:00.000-07:00

I recently had to attend an educational seminar in Las Vegas. My daughter Marissa joined me there, and we were able to spend a little time together

Recently published article

2011-04-23T06:18:00.001-07:00

Hello,

I just published this article, entitled,
"Nazis and German Catholics and Lutherans," here:
http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/305896
My apologies to any receiving this announcement more than once.
I am trying to get my address book in order.
Thank you for your understanding.

Best

Frank K

I recently published this article

Unsubscribe frankkaufmann.usa.family@blogger.com from this list.

Our mailing address is:

Filial Projects

42-09 47th Ave.

Suite 4K

Sunnyside, New York 11104

Add us to your address book

Final day in Luxembourg

2011-03-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

I fly home tomorrow

Today during Sunday Service, Alex Martija reported on Holy Days celebrated in Korea for 8 days starting February 3, Lunar New Year. After the service, Paul Frank and Alex ended up singing and dancing!

Later Michel and Marcelline de Marie hosted a good bye party for me in their home.

Here are some pictures of the Sunday Service, and the farewell party:

Visit to the orchard with Jacqueline

2011-03-10T12:06:00.000-08:00

Today we went to the fruit orchard of Jacqueline, daughter of Paul and Reinhild Frank

Visit with Luxembourg family

2011-03-10T06:18:00.000-08:00

Also on Wednesday, we could spend time with the Franzen family in their home for coffee and cake

Center for study at Kehlen, Luxembourg

2011-03-10T06:16:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, March 9, 2011, we traveled to Kehlen to christen and bless a new facility built by a Luxembourg family for education and spiritual retreats.

A trail in Bambish

2011-03-08T16:01:00.001-08:00

Near the home of Paul Frank (pictured in this series below with Loo his Australian Shepherd) is a stretch of woods called Bambish.

On the trail we took, there are little exercise stations all along the way for joggers to stop and do sit ups, rings, and so forth:

Prayers for a new family in Luxembourg

2011-03-08T15:57:00.000-08:00

On the way from from the my address to the members of the Luxembourg Association of the United Nations, I stopped at the home of Christoph and Cheong Shim Bernar to pray for their family and their household:

Family Seminar - Luxembourg, March 6, 2011

2011-03-07T05:25:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, March 6, 2011, blessed families of Luxembourg gathered for a day of fellowship and spiritual study

The topic this time was on applying Divine Principle teaching about growth to daily life

Here are a few images from our time together:

Montreal Youth Seminar

2011-02-19T05:42:00.000-08:00

On Friday, 18 February last night, I spoke to a youth group in Montreal on the application of spiritual principles to daily life.

Here are a few images from this enjoyable and engaging night

Sapporo - Biru Légendaire

2011-02-05T10:18:00.000-08:00

Compare this to the infantile, oft misogynistic ads for American beer (tune in tomorrow)

Friday night in Sunnyside: Don't get old kids!

2010-11-13T05:57:00.000-08:00

Took through my hood a stroll last night. Had a great time. Here are some exciting shots of my wild night out

Chess in New York

2010-11-10T10:50:00.000-08:00

Guess who won?

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Voting on November 2, 2010

2010-11-04T10:24:00.000-07:00

Walked to the polling station early in the morning

Passed this and that along the way

Pre Halloween - Happy Birthday

2010-10-31T07:27:00.001-07:00

On 10 - 31 Kevin and Karen hosted a birthay celebration for many folks, especially (at least for me) for Peter and Janine.

All in attendance were required to wear a costume, or wear black and orange

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

A nearby walk in the woods

2010-10-13T10:47:00.000-07:00

While in Luxembourg I stayed in the home of Paul and Reinhild Frank. Nearby to this home is a wooded park, where we took a stroll one afternoon while free.

Mamer, a 2000 year old city

2010-10-12T17:58:00.001-07:00

Mamer is a Roman city now in Luxembourg established in 70 AD!

I attended a meeting of local leaders and scholars devoted to the history and current well-being of this ancient city.

The most well preserved ruins of this ancient site are the Roman baths that were build on one of the only flat areas in the vicinity

The white haired gentleman in red is a former mayor and devoted historian of Mamer

Bad, or Kur Mondorf

2010-10-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

Mondorf is a small village with hot springs near Luxembourg city. In this village is a lovely spa and "cure."

Behind the spa complex is a beautiful park.

Here are some pictures of that park in Mondorf:

Park near downtown; the "city" of Luxembourg

2010-10-12T10:29:00.000-07:00

Even the city keeps a lot of beautiful nature safely preserved. Here is a park I had to stroll through while on a business errand:

Meadow on the Mosel

2010-10-12T10:25:00.001-07:00

Paul Frank's daughter Jacqueline owns a small orchard on the banks of the Mosel. Famous German wine country. Jacqueline's orchard has pears, peaches and grapes.

Luxembourg workshop

2010-10-12T10:18:00.000-07:00

On my final day in Luxembourg we held a day long workshop for Blessed Families

Brief respite

2010-10-11T07:53:00.000-07:00

I've been in an editing and book related marathon for the last 10 days while staying in Maryland. The grind notwithstanding, Larry (my work partner) and I did manage to get out for a stroll one evening.

Dinner at the Moffitt Family

2010-10-07T17:42:00.001-07:00

These are all the Moffits except the older boy David

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Water

2010-09-03T06:09:00.001-07:00

All the family's been on the water a bit.

Tanja bought Hiroko and I an evening on the Shearwater City Lights cruise for Father's Day.

I tried to take a few shots (with no light). Here they are:

Also, Frone just got back from Alaska where he did a little hunting, but mostly fishing. Here are a couple of shots of his Alaska trip:

Europe to teach, June 2010

2010-07-05T18:13:00.000-07:00

From June 25 until July 2, 2010 I spent time in Europe to teach two, two-day seminars.

The first venue was Bratislava, Slovakia. In the first set of pictures you'll see my host Julius throughout, including our adventure to treat his son (and me!) at the local ice-cream stand. In the restaurant picture is Igor, spiritual head of the community whom I taught.

I learned that the town at which I stayed Dunajska Luzna, experienced a period of time in which the Virgin appeared to, and performed healing for the believers. There is a church, with a neighboring grotto dedicated to this time, and to the Virgin.

Down the road from the church is a Dominican monastary for sisters. Sister Regina was my perfectly saintly and delightful hostess, welcoming us simply off the street. I greatly enjoyed my time with her and her sisters.

Several of the later pictures are of the community of families and young people who attended my lectures and seminar.

Finally, after Slovakia we took an 8 hour drive to Frankfurt. We stopped in Regensburg for lunch in a quaint gasthaus across the street from the shrine and church of St. Wolfgang. I ate the very non-remarkable tasting Pegasius fish for the first time, and then strolled across the street to pray in the church, and see the relics of the saint.

In Germany I taught in a small town called Schmitten. I was hoping to have a picture with the 80 or so young people who attended my two days of teaching, but instead I was asked to pose with each "team." These were a tremendous group of young people whom I respected and in whom I have much hope. Unfortunately from these "group pictures" I missed a good many of these young people.

Because of a schedule change I was blessed with an unexpected free day in Frankfurt. It was pleasant and relaxing. In the evening we strolled from Frankfurter Berg to the neighboring village of Eschersheim for a brief stop at an old, enchanted biergarten. I took a few pictures along the stroll.

Father's Day

2010-06-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

Lovely Father's Day for me Sunday.

Hiroko and the Children were kind, loving, and generous all throughout the day. I was touched and moved.

After a lovely breakfast in together we took a stroll around the neighborhood.

Here are a few flowers we saw:

Flag Day 2010 in Sunnyside, NY

2010-06-12T15:16:00.000-07:00

Over the years, lots of my friends visited me in my home town, Sunnyside, NY. The rest endure my tales and stories of "the 'hood." I hope plenty more will visit as time goes by, but in the mean time, have a look, Sunnyside in a nutshell.

Flag day. God bless America. Mom and apple pie. Here's what Flag Day looks like in Sunnyside.

(Included in the pictures is my pastor, Father Joseph Jerome. He offers the prayer.)

Flag Day 2010 Sunnyside, Queens from Frank Kaufmann on Vimeo.

Visit to Dublin

2010-06-10T12:06:00.000-07:00

On June 5, 2010 I received the Visionary for Peace Award from the Interfaith Roundtable of Ireland. A report about that award, the conference, and a link to my paper presentation can be found here.

But before the conference began, I was graciously received and welcomed with generous hospitality by Geoffrey Ross, brother of my long time friend Peter, together with Geoffrey's friend and colleague Brian.

Geoffrey fetched me from the airport, fed me lunch, and created for me a mini-tour of the fine sites of North Dublin. I saw the childhood home of the Ross family, and the old Guinness estate in Phoenix Park. I saw the residence of the president of Ireland, and the point from which Pope John Paul II offered mass to over a million faithful. There too I saw the residence of the ambassador from the United States to Dublin (a job I'd gladly accept in my next incarnation).

At last we had a short night out at the Angler's Rest in the Liffey Valley.

Here are a couple of pictures from my visit:

UTS Gradutation 2004

2010-05-24T06:40:00.000-07:00

On May 22, 2010, the Unification Theological Seminary held its 34th commencement ceremony, followed by the installation of a new, incoming president.

The pictures below include dear friends Tyndol and Irmgart Baynes, several students with whom I am close and with whom I have worked or tutored, Academic deans Andrew Wilson and Kathy Winnings, outgoing president Tyler Hendricks, incoming president Richard Panzer, and UTS board chairwoman In Jin Moon

Celebration, congratulations

2010-05-24T06:30:00.000-07:00

To congratulate Marissa for completing another semester well, for the great reviews on the sculpting final, and for the basic SCHOOL'S OUT feeling, we took her out to local Thai.

Marissa's sculpting

2010-05-24T06:27:00.000-07:00

Marissa's final project for her first ever sculpting class received raves and quite stole the day as all pieces and assignments were submitted. The assignment was simply to sculpt a conch shell. She came home with a dull, non-descript lump of clay. By finish, the shell had a woman's figure embedded. (one of the pictures below is the back of the shell.)

Dinner with Father Francis

2010-05-24T06:20:00.001-07:00

Some of us got together with Father Francis after quite a long time away. Dinner and fellowship

A visit with the Moffitts

2010-04-27T06:25:00.000-07:00

Larry Moffitt was my work partner and Siamese twin for the eight days it took to complete the manuscript A Peace Loving Global Citizen for a large print run.

The night we signed off, Larry and Taeko invited me home. Taeko cooked a wonderful meal. We relaxed over deep thoughts and old times.

Nicky the dog is in the pictures. But only Sunhwa (nicknamed Hwa, which means peace by the way) of the 5 Moffitt children was around to take pictures with us.

Joyful reunion

2010-04-27T05:45:00.000-07:00

Cathy is a dear, life-long friend from college days.

I was invited to speak in Boston after which I traveled by "the T" to meet Cathy and her family.

Malaya the elder of Cathy's daughters debuted in her school play, Hocus Pocus in the Palace that night. A great play, wonderfully performed by over 100 young students from Malaya's school.

Malaya played the beautiful Princess Tuesday (in green), one of seven princesses named after the days of the week. The Warlock struggling to prove his wickedness had to kidnap one Princess each day.

Here are some pictures of Malaya's play, and from my time visiting with Cathy, Malaya, and Emma.

Workshop in Wilz Luxembourg

2010-03-29T13:17:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of pictures from the family seminar in Wilz, Luxembourg

Visit to La Magdeleine

2010-03-25T02:35:00.000-07:00

La Madgeleine is a small, typically Luxembourgish village in the south of the country.

Here I visited and strolled with the mom, Tomoko San and girl, Nami of the Franzen family. In one picture I stand with them beneath "La Magdeleine."

The "rounded" building has a "thatched roof" made of straw.

The picture with the flags is the parliament building in the capital city of Luxembourg, the statue with the fellow and a little angel tugging on his garment stands attached to the parliament offices (I was there to meet the Minister of Family and Education), and the picture with the lion is the mayor's house (I was there to take a picture with a lion).

First Seminar in Luxembourg

2010-03-22T03:08:00.000-07:00

The weekend just past.

There was a meeting there for leaders from the country, and I was the presenter.

Here are a couple of pictures from that meeting

Belgium

2010-03-22T03:04:00.000-07:00

My way to Luxembourg required Brussels as the terminal point of my flight out of New York (Brussels - Luxembourg was achieved by a 3 hour train ride.)

By my good luck, a Brussels friend fetched me from the (lovely) Brussels airport, and showed me around town for a while. He appears in two of the pictures below.

Brussels is a beautiful capital.

Miami Journey

2010-03-09T08:22:00.000-08:00

I traveled to South Florida for a pressing, private meeting with an international figure residing in Key Largo.

I flew into Fort Lauderdale, taught in Miami, and spent two days in the Keys for my meetings.

I took pictures in Fort Lauderdale primarily for the purpose making my friends in New York jealous (just kidding ... kinda)

Here are a couple of scenes from Fort Lauderdale:

On Saturday I taught in Miami. Here are a couple of scenes from that teaching situation:

After my lectures I was driven to see the Miami sunset from Key Biscayne. I wasn't quite as successful finding suitable lighting to take more pictures to make my friends in New York jealous (but at least I tried)

From Sunday through Tuesday, I spent time in Islamorada, and Key Largo. Foolishly I forgot my cameral everywhere I went. (Probably to save me from getting killed by my friends when I get back to New York).

The purpose of the journey, the day long private meeting with the person who was the raison d'etre for my journey, by the grace of God, was excellent and hopeful.

Nets Lose to Pistons

2010-02-03T04:32:00.000-08:00

My sister Lois landed some lovely seats for a fun, close game last night at the Meadowlands

Hiroko's birthday, January 8, 2010

2010-01-15T06:15:00.001-08:00

January 1, 2010, New Year's "Eve," Frone's 18th Birthday

2010-01-04T16:36:00.000-08:00

Here are almost all of us. Tanja was elsewhere

The lady with the cake is our beloved neighbor of many years

Frank's Birthday 2009

2009-12-24T11:53:00.000-08:00

All the family invested a lot to create a wonderful birthday celebration for me yesterday.

An elaborate home cooked meal, then gifts and games. Frone (home only for the holidays) manned the camera.

I'm thankful for the loving care.

Here are some pictures:

Dinner with Father Francis

2009-12-15T07:51:00.000-08:00

Last night (Monday 14 December 09) a number of missionaries prepared a lovely dinner for Father Francis, and invited others of us as well. It was a very good night together. Spontaneously, Father Francis offered a moving testimony of the deep impact his longstanding relationship with these missionaries has had on him and his life.

Tanja's birthday

2009-12-12T14:41:00.000-08:00

Tanja just celebrated her 22nd birthday on December 7

A little news of late

2009-12-05T11:15:00.000-08:00

Marissa is finally taking her 1st art class. It's not especially to her liking because it is "just" design. But to me I guess it's like the drudgery of doing scales for promising musicians.

Also she recently got job at a very popular Japanese cafe on 5th Avenue in Manhattan

On Thanksgiving day we enjoyed a perfectly splendid visit with the family of Alan and Cynthia Inman together with their daughters Alena and Jocie. Sadly, for some reason, no pictures were taken of this treasured and blessed day. Alan picked my family up from in front of the Church of the Good Shepherd on 211th street in north Manhattan. Though beautiful, it is unfortunate that these are the only pictures I took on Thanksgiving day.

All Hallow's Eve

2009-11-01T10:13:00.000-08:00

On the 31st of October this year, I started my day attending the farewell memorial service for the great and beloved teacher, pastor and leader, Dr. Lonnie McCleod, together with Karen Smith.

Like the 100's gathered at the Church of the Living Hope on 138th Street and Edge avenue, I too love Lonnie, feel close to him, and greatly admire him.

The service was superb. Karen pointed out "Like Lonnie." The remark interested me. I bet the ceremonies at our passings in fact ARE like us.

Afterward Karen and I caught up over a shared sandwich on a park bench that seemed to be dropped from heaven just for this moment, for these feelings, for this pause. Here's the bench:

Later in the evening, the kids (I mean all "kids" of the family) had a little fun getting ready for Halloween. A couple of the pictures are from our next door neighbors too.

World Peace Blessing

2009-10-13T21:39:00.001-07:00

My family and I participated in a World Peace Blessing on Tuesday night, October 13 at 10 pm.

We took the 7 train to and from a church center in Queens

Frone is away at school, so he was linked to the same Blessing by satellite while participating in Colorado (his pictures are from when he was home with us on his birthday).

Here are a couple of pictures of our little adventure

Book progress

2009-09-26T23:16:00.000-07:00

Last week I spent some days in the lovely area of Bowie, Maryland, to work at the company that will print the book I'm working on for its October 1 debut in Washington D.C.

My time there was intense, lively, and exciting. The combination of extreme pace, and unforgiving demand for near perfect accuracy gives the world and work of a big printing company an undercurrent of drama and energy.

The creep of desperation and indispensable need for respect and deep cooperation creates a solidarity among collaborators that can forge emotional closeness in the group, even in a very short time to work together.

I am grateful for my time and experience on this part of the torrential, editorial waters into which I've been tossed.

Here are a couple of pictures:

A week for teaching in Camberg, Germany

2009-09-05T07:20:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed a wonderful few days in the beautiful area of Bad Camberg, Germany, 40 minutes northwest of Frankfurt am Main.

I taught about 80 or so young people from the world over, but mostly from Europe. My content included spiritual teaching, and practical life teaching (which are pretty much the same thing, aren't they?)

Here are some pictures of my time teaching there. Sorry, there's a bunch of me in it, but please enjoy the young folks and the little bit of nature. The students were from the US, Canada, Australia, and from all of Europe East and West.

Spain and Luxembourg

2009-08-11T07:28:00.000-07:00

I was in Sevilla, Spain from July 31, 2009 until August 3 after which I flew to Luxembourg, and there spent 7 days until flying back to New York on August 10.

In Spain I met with a number of people privately, spent a bit of time in public meetings, and attended the final match of the Peace Cup, hosted this year by Real Madrid. (Aston Villa (Birmingham) defeated Juventus Turin in penalty kicks after two overtime periods.)

I only took a couple of pictures there in Sevilla
(By the way, you can click on any slide show to go to the pictures yourselves, download them or whatever.)

On the 3rd of August I flew and bussed to Luxembourg where I spent a week, visiting families, and holding a number of private meetings for projects of various description.

Here are the pictures from my Luxembourg visit, but after that I isolate a couple of pictures so as to provide explanation:

From this picture forward (in the slide show) is the oldest church in Luxembourg (pre-dating the 7th century). It is in Petrus Park:

In this picture here below I am pointing to Germany (about 100 yards away)

Here I am in the back yard of Professor Bernard Zamaron. He walked me to the back gate of this property, pointed across the way (a few feet) and calmly said "That is France." I asked, "What's out your front yard? Belgium?"

Jewish Americans gave their lives alongside their Christian brothers on European soil in WWII.

A Week for Teaching in Wyoming

2009-08-01T06:36:00.000-07:00

On July 27 I flew to Jackson Hole, Wyoming courtesy of the Westchester-based International Leadership Training Program (ILTP). My original itinerary (via Denver) was re routed when the first outbound leg collapsed. I flew via O' Hare. The travel was simple and easy enough.

My ignorance of the geography aided the cause of my jaw drop thrill upon arriving to land in Jackson Hole. The Grant Tetons lining the flight path and rising up above our descent was breath-taking. This taken breath was never returned, even for a moment throughout the time of my stay.

The photo show below begins with the landing runway. Beside it rises up snow capped peaks. The training locale was in Idaho, over an hour away in the Targhee National Forest Preserve.

This is an area of unspeakable beauty. To me it said in every moment "vertical."

As delightful was my discovery of the group I came to teach. As with the terrain, my ignorance aided my delight and sense of wonder. I found myself addressing approximately 30 young people in a mix I'd never seen before that day. Students were young people in their 20's, pausing in the middle of a 2 - 3 year leadership training program for their Summer education summit. Their distinction lay not only in their humble and noble commitment to self-creation, and social improvement, but in their makeup.

These program members were from Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Nepal, Mainland China, Moldova, Japan, United States, Ivory Coast and more. I can only imagine, I learned more than I sought to teach.

Here are a few images from this most blessed week for me.

Pablo and Nancy Marry

2009-07-10T06:35:00.000-07:00

We have lived next door to our immediate neighbors for 17 years, Betty Martinez, her mom, and every now and again Betty's brother Pablo. Wonderful family, wonderful neighbors.

On Wednesday, July 8, 2009, Pablo married his new bride Nancy.

Betty hosted a small celebration in her home, and all my family spent the evening together with the new couple.

Here are some pictures

27th Anniversary

2009-07-06T19:58:00.000-07:00

On July 1, Hiroko and I celebrated our 27th Anniversary.

We ate on the Hudson River and then strolled back east toward Madison Square Garden. There we said a prayer at the door we entered on our wedding day.

Here are a couple of pictures from our evening out, and our stroll eastward.

A visit to Northport, Long Island

2009-06-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

Most of our gang trained out on a drizzly Saturday for a delightful visit with Father Francis, the Catholic chaplain at the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

We visited the harbor, the Church of St. Phillip of Neri, the Medical facility, and the rectory. We ate at Intermezzo Trattoria (which I greatly enjoyed and highly recommend).

Here is a little of our visit:

Pillar to Post

2009-06-22T07:42:00.000-07:00

As I beseech the heavens traversing the course of my own little Grapes of Wrath

Friends indeed are helping in always to be remembered ways.

Karen and Kerestel Smith, and Steve Kearney drove down one night to move my office furniture yet another time.

This truck load below was dragged up four flights of stairs.

Tahoe Boy

2009-06-22T07:18:00.000-07:00

Pat Hickey wrote an autobiography called Tahoe Boy.

He came to New York to help his publisher promote the book at Book Expo America 2009, in the Javits Center.

I spent a morning with Pat there.

Remarkable to see the industry at work. Here are some of what a visitor would see besides books (in efforts to get your attention).

Tanja Graduates Pace University

2009-05-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, May 20, 2009 Tanja walked through her graduation ceremony to receive her Bachelor of Science, cum laude degree in Psychology and Social Services from Pace University.

The ceremonies were held in Radio City Music Hall (where I worked summers as an usher when I was 14 years old).

Left to right:
My sister Lois, Tanja's younger sister Marissa, Tanja, and Hiroko (Frone our son is still away at school)

Ongoing in Slovakia

2009-03-13T11:34:00.000-07:00

I finished teaching my workshop for young people on Sunday, March 8. My next obligation was to make 2 scholarly presentations on morning and afternoon panels at the conference New Perspectives for the Development and Future of Europe and the World in Brno, Czech Republic (I report on that conference here <-- click). On one of the free days between the workshop and the conference I had the blessing to visit Devin, Slovakia (<-- click). You can see from these maps that only the Danube separates the former Communist Slovakia from free Austria. For all its beauty and history, there remains in Devin the presence of intense drama from the Cold War era where just like at every such border in the world at that time, people were killed by their fellow countrymen while trying to escape to freedom.

This river (where the Morava meets the Danube) flows with remarkable speed at this point (you must click the photo to see the movement of the river):

From river speed of the morava in devin

There are a good many sculptings on the river that depict this struggle. The most dramatic is the monument to those who gave their lives for Slovakian freedom in this era. Here are some images of that monument:

Here are all the pictures from Devin. You will see that it was originally a Roman fortress and walled city. (The silliness about the coffee cups was my infantile excitement over all these coffee products having the same name as me):

From there we drove to Bratislava and wandered around the city center.

Here are the pictures from Bratislava. The first building is the Peace Embassy of the Universal Peace Federation (presently under construction). Next is a school of engineering at the university, the national theater, and finally (and perhaps most important and most wracking for me) is the monument at the site of "one of the most beautiful synagogues in all Europe" leveled by the Communists to build a bridge.

Identity Workshop in Slovakia

2009-03-09T12:18:00.000-07:00

From March 5 - 8, 2009 I taught what was called an"Identity Workshop" for young people in their 20's, students and professionals, single and married,

About 60 people from 5 countries attended. Arrangements were well managed as an honest and forthright balance of costs and expenses needed to support the range of logistics required for a successful educational program, promotion, travel, housing, production, archiving, and publicity.

The workshop proper was comprised of 4 "blocks" of 3 hours each, designed to address matters of identity, spiritual growth, and daily life for the individual, family and community.

Part of the program included small group breakout sessions and reports.

This community of young people are remarkable in their incisive and complex reflection on the development of a socially conscious identity grounded in virtues and principle as the basis for self, family, and the construction of a just and prosperous society.

Here are a few pictures of the workshop:

Holiday and Birthdays

2009-02-07T14:39:00.000-08:00

As friends know, our entire family celebrates each of our birthdays between December 7 (Tanja) and January 17 (Marissa), and the rest of us in between. (Might as well throw in Christmas and New Year's in there as long as you're running around town going broke.)

Kids came home for the holidays.

Here are a handful of shots of some of our times together:

Christmas Day 2008

2008-12-27T05:17:00.000-08:00

On Christmas day our family enjoyed a study of Jesus' birth (from Matthew), prayers, and some simple gifts.

In the daytime we went to spend an abundant meal and fellowship with Georgette victor and some of her family and neighbors

Here are some pictures of Christmas day:

My Birthday 2008

2008-12-27T05:14:00.001-08:00

In the daytime, my assistant Kanae San, together with our work colleague Keiko San, prepared for me a tea ceremony.

In the evening my kids prepared a birthday dinner (Lasagna), Hiroko's cake, and some gifts afterward.

Here are some pictures from that day:

Isael, December 17 - 13, 2008

2008-12-27T05:05:00.000-08:00

I was in Israel on business at this end of the year. It turns out I experienced a great many profound and meaningful experiences, including a great many from the historical and spiritual figures of the area.

Here are some pictures from this visit:

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-28T04:57:00.000-08:00

This year Marissa returned home from her STF travels, Frank Alipini a visiting scholar from Benin joined us, and Hiroko (above all) and Tanja cooked and put together a magnificent meal for all of us.

Here are a couple of shots from our day together:

London

2008-11-25T20:04:00.000-08:00

These pictures and report in part show scenes from my professional activity and responsibilities. But they also touch upon time in which I was able to enjoy the beauty of London

The first three pictures in this slide show are from an orientation session with religious leaders as we prepared for the Ceremony for merging sacred waters, a part of the festival on the following day.

The next picture is with Julius Alexy with whom I collaborate for youth education in Europe. After that comes a picture of a steeple shot out of a bus en route to the convention center.

Three pictures are of a swan in the rivulet that flows beside London's Excel Center. Two pictures are with Maya and her mom (with whom I had the pleasure to meet and stay with throughout the festival).

The four most important pictures are from the sacred waters ceremony, and the final 4 are the young people celebrating during the music at the GPF.

For any interested, here is a video of the entire sacred waters ceremony, narrated by Mr. David Hannah:

Obama victory in Times Square

2008-11-05T18:55:00.000-08:00

I had a good night on election night.

Sat in over a bite to watch the early returns, while the race was still anyone's to win.

Got to Times Square in time to see California called and the 270 cracked. President elect Obama.

In the live video you'll hear two sets of screams. Fox called Cali first, but only some caught that. The larger ABC screen then called Cali a touch later and the louder roar happened.

People lingered, hugged and sang in Times Square until the wee hours.

These first images here are still slides:

These second images are the live video I caught as the 21 month campaign finally came to an end:

My Visit with Steve in Chicago

2008-11-05T17:16:00.000-08:00

On the weekend of October 31, following our work at the AAR, I had the lovely opportunity to visit Steve at his home.

As you can see from the 1st picture, Steve does not live in a very nice home. Nevertheless, he does have a lovely wife, and a darling little dog.

I had a wonderful and most relaxing time during my short stay. On the way home from our early morning nature walk, we stopped at a Walmart. To me it was like Disneyland!

Here are some pictures of our visit together:

An afternoon in Santa Fe

2008-10-28T13:15:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend of October 25 in New Mexico to lecture the American Leadership Conference material to Ambassadors for Peace. On Sunday afternoon, Mark and Corey Boitano took us up for a delightful stroll in Santa Fe.

Here are a few pictures

And here is a video I took in a little square:

Visit to Bad Camberg

2008-08-26T09:21:00.000-07:00

I am invited to teach at the 2008, Settlement Age Workshop that takes place in Bad Camberg, near Frankfurt, Germany.

I had been here long ago, and returning here now brought back a flood of memories. Here is a quick walk around, capturing a couple of images from my first impressions, and some pictures from my time lecturing there:

Marissa joins Service Task Force (STF)

2008-08-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

On August 26, Marissa completed her 3 week training and orientation, and was assigned to her mission area for her year of service.

Marissa decided to take a year off from college, and spend the year involved in service projects both in the United States and internationally.

Our family came up to see her off and say good bye. It was a pretty tearful and emotional time.

Here are a couple of shots from her send off:

Global Peace Festival, August 9, 2008

2008-08-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

My family and I attended the August 9, Global Peace Festival in Washington DC. I'm over-dressed because I was on the job working with part of the program on stage. Frone is off and about with friends somewhere. Missed a shot with him.

Here are a few shots of our brief time when most of us were all in one place:

Marissa's graduation

2008-06-28T17:23:00.000-07:00

Marissa graduated from the Academy of American Studies yesterday (June 27). It was a delightful ceremony. Very creative, energetic, dignified, well timed, populated with interesting speakers, presentations, and sprinkled with art and entertainment. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it moved and held my interest.

After the ceremony, we came out to the court and had some pictures together. The final couple are with two of Marissa's teachers (economics and history).

Yungchen Lhamo at Joe's Pub

2008-06-27T03:42:00.001-07:00

Hello Friends and old Friends,

Hope you are in good health and spirit.

On July 1st, I have a show at Joe's Pub

featuring

Will Calhoun and Jamshied Sharifi

Looking forward to seeing you.

Please visit web sites below for more information:

Details_____Tickets = $ 20

Yungchen Lhamo

yungchenlhamo@gmail.com

917 557 3645

Hiroko dances at the Sakura Matsuri

2008-05-14T08:38:00.001-07:00

May 3 - May 4, 2008

Sakura Matsuri, New York City's "Rite of Spring," marks its 27th year with over 60 events and performances celebrating Japanese culture and the blossoming of BBG's 220 cherry trees. Visitors to the weekend-long Cherry Blossom Festival can enjoy J-pop concerts, traditional Japanese music and dance, taiko drumming, martial arts, bonsai pruning workshops, Japanese Manga art, tea ceremonies, and workshops for all ages. New this year is the Sakura J-Lounge, featuring some of the country's hippest DJ's spinning Japanese pop sounds. Free with Garden admission.

Marissa went along to help, and ended up conscripted to lead the parade!

Here are few pictures of our time together to cheer Hiroko on:

The beautiful gate

2008-04-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

On the weekend of April 18 - 20, I traveled to San Francisco to attend the 5th National Witnessing Summit.

I had the good fortune to spend the day prior with the Hagen family.

By God's grace the day was glorious, and the meteorology blessed my efforts to take in the beauty of this eternal gateway.

Here are a few pictures of those couple of hours before the weekend's work.

Double Feature: A ballet in two acts

2008-02-05T13:46:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, January 31 my sister Lois generously offered me the wonderful opportunity to attend Susan Stroman's silent movie-inspired Double Feature.

Though somewhat of a lout when it comes to haute couture, I had the time of my life.

The performance consisted of two separate acts. The first act, titled The Blue Necklace, is a about a distressed mother who gives up her baby but always longs for her. In the end they are reunited in a Cinderella like scene in the midst of grand choreography in a society ball.

The second part, Makin' Whoopee, is a comedy (a David Belasco play and then a Buster Keaton film) Seven Chances about a man who needs to marry to collect his inheritance. By the end of the show the stage is riddled with ballerinas in bridal gowns (including a couple of male dancers stomping around, equally after the star's 7 million inheritance) great dancing, yet genuinely funny.

In all it was tremendous fun. And my sister survived dragging a lout to Lincoln Center.

Concert for One Korea

2008-02-05T13:35:00.000-08:00

On Saturday evening February 2, I had the great joy of hearing probably my favorite classical performer, Ms. Elizabeth Woo.

The occasion was a symphony performance to benefit Korean Unification at Merkin Hall of the Kaufman theatre.

Elizabeth played two masterful pieces supported by the Ureuk Symphony under the leadership of conductor Christopher Lee, Tchaikovsky's Pezzo Capriccioso, and Rimsky-Korsakov's Fantasy on Russian Theme for Violin and Orchestra.

Other soloists for the evening included Soprano Kyong-Jin Lim, and cellist Jacques Lee Wood.

Special gratitude to Elizabeth and all the Happy Tao family together with Sabonim, Khan Bada.

Hiroko's recent birthday

2008-01-12T02:07:00.000-08:00

Hiroko and the family enjoyed some time together on her birthday, first out at a local restaurant, and then home.

Frone's birthday, January 1, 2008

2008-01-01T09:30:00.000-08:00

Frone was born on Januray 1

Today Frone turns 16

We had our prayers and cakes as always

Here are a couple of pictures:

Christmas Eve with Happy Tao

2007-12-25T14:45:00.000-08:00

Padma and Matthew Strater welcomed the Happy Tao family to their home on Christmas Eve, and with the help of Philip and Hyo Jong, Ray/Jin Kwon, Hye Jong, and many others, created a warm, spiritually uplifting night of fellowship, learning, and celebration.

In one or two shots, Padma and I receive birthday greetings for her birthday on December 22, and mine on December 23.

Here are a few pictures. And don't forget, it is easy to download and keep pictures from any of the slide shows on this site. Click on the slide show to go automatically to the picture page where you can download pictures you'd like to keep).

God bless you all, Happy holidays

55th Birthday

2007-12-23T19:15:00.001-08:00

This birthday was a treat, My kids cooked a gourmet meal, and together with Hiroko made me a guest of honor in my own home. A special time.

Here are a couple of pictures:

President David S.C. Kim's 93rd Birthday, December 18, 2007

2007-12-19T14:03:00.000-08:00

On December 18, 2007 approximately 25 friends and family gathered to celebrate the 93rd birthday of Unification Theological Seminary, President Emeritus, David Sang Cheol Kim.

This day, December 18 is the Lunar calendar reckoning of President Kim's birthday. Interestingly it is also the anniversary of Father's (Reverend Moon's) 1971 arrival in America (at Washington National airport), as well as the founding in Seoul of PWPA, and the maiden presentation of the Encyclopedia publication World and I.

To tie us to, and reverence the commemoration of Father's first time in America, Seiko Lee led all gathered in a chorus of God Bless America

We began the celebration with Family Pledge and prayer, followed by a brief discourse and guidance from President Kim. Together with an abundant meal, sharing, festivities, fun and a cake, there was much in the way of respect and spiritual awakening and encouragement. Robert Brooks (with the quiet aid of Philip McCracken) served as master of ceremonies. Prepared testimonies were offered by Robert Brooks, Dorothy Hill, and John Lowen.

President Kim was on hand together with his wife and 3rd son Young. He led the group gathered in a number of spiritual ceremonies, brief times of teaching throughout the afternoon, a round of "fortunes" with all gathered, and a time to give each one present his own gift to us.

David Kim continues to invest vigorously and enthusiastically with clear vision in the present dispensation for God's Kingdom under the leadership of Father and Mother (Reverend and Mrs. Moon) and their family.

Here are a small few pictures from this enjoyable time:

Holiday at Sobul's

2007-12-16T15:53:00.000-08:00

Philip and Hyo Jong hosted Happy Tao friends at their home last night. I was a little weak on taking pictures this time, but Ray (Jin Kwon) got a hold of my camera, so there's a bigger dose of my own silliness to be seen this time.

A lovely night of food, drink, reflection and conversation, a call with Sabonim toward the end of the night, and of course the Karaoke machine did its usual tour of duty.

Here are a few pictures:

Tanja's birthday

2007-12-09T14:26:00.001-08:00

I had a delightful experience Friday night. Tanja, my eldest was born to my Japanese wife and I on December 7, Pearl Harbor day. On Friday the young lass turned 20.

We have religious ceremonies for birthdays very early in the morning, but then the kids always have a couple of parties in addition to that.

The special part for me about the gathering in our home honoring Tanja Friday night was the phenomenal diversity of those on hand. Three or 4 generations gathered from 8 or 10 countries in all, and managed somehow to rock together for a few hours.

Much fun and a blessing indeed.

As always pictures could be better. Still here are a couple of pictures just to get an idea of our time together:

My Day's around the Thanksgiving Holiday

2007-11-27T02:34:00.001-08:00

I was much blessed this week with a number of pleasing activities surrounding the Thanksgiving holidays.

On Tuesday night I stayed over with friends in New Jersey and went together with one to Mother's New Jersey speech. Mr. Oh drove me back to the city, where I attended Mother's New York speech.

On Thanksgiving morning, I attended Thanksgiving and the speech tour celebration at East Garden, and later that day traveled with my family to celebrate Thanksgiving with the Inman's and the Lee's, at the kind invitation of the Inmans.

Here are a few pictures from these several occasions:

Halloween night in Union Square

2007-11-01T08:05:00.000-07:00

The soldiers in the photographs below are real.
They are not in Halloween costumes.

The others, so far as I can tell are in Halloween costumes.

This is New York City though. One never really knows.

Celebrating the Congressional Medal

2007-10-22T04:41:00.000-07:00

My weekend of October 20 was blessed. Opportunities included time at a Tibet and friends of Tibet celebration, and visit a with the family members of Happy Tao the same evening.

Tibet at Union Square

On Saturday, October 20, the Tibetan community of New York gathered in Union Square to celebrate the Congressional Medal of Honor conferred upon His Holiness, the Dalai Lama by President GW Bush earlier in the week.

The MC and the speaker of the house, of the government of Tibet in exile explained to those gathered that the event was organized to allow a time of rejoicing and celebration for any New Yorkers who did not have the chance to make to to Washington D.C.

The weather was perfect, and the celebration full of joy.

I am devoted to the work of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and I am devoted to a bright and just future for the people of Tibet. In addition to this however, a big reason for going today was to hear Yungchen sing.

Here is a small slide show of my time at this wonderful event.

Here are 4 (simple home) videos from the celebration:

Lamas Chanting

Tibetan Dance

Tibetan Guitar Dance

Yunchen Lhamo singing

Master Khan Bada

In the evening, I traveled by train to spend an evening in the home of Yoga instructor, Padma Strater for an abundant dinner, time with friends, and to receive the spiritual teaching of Sabunim Master Khan Bada.

Here is Padma (playing around in her new hat), and Master Khan

The beauty of eternity and its traditions

2007-09-11T12:21:00.000-07:00

A precious soul and new friend recently lost her saintly mom. This friend is closely associated has been blessed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to communicate Tibetan spirituality through sacred song

Please familiarize yourself with Yungchen's art and music here.

I learned some of the Tibetan tradition of transition from life to life, and was blessed to offer prayers Sunday by Sunday for the 49 days that is traditionally prescribed for such times. Tibetan Lamas from throughout the region offered puja during these 49 days. On the final Sunday, I was joined by my daughter Marissa, and my work assistant Kanae San. Here is a small slide show of our visit:

Here also is a small video of the prayers:

Family trip to Newport, Rhode Island

2007-09-01T07:06:00.000-07:00

We 5 took off for a little over 24 hours and spent an overnight in Newport, Rhode Island (August 28 and 29). It is about a 3.5 hour drive from our home in Queens, in a way a perfect distance. We were clearly "away," but didn't have to torture ourselves to get there.

I was lucky that my internet hunt resulted in delightful accommodations. We stayed at a bed and breakfast known as The Wynstone (I recommend it, by the way). Click on this picture to learn more about it.

The town is perfectly charming and welcoming. For what little we did it seemed affordable. It is roaringly historcial, but also has plenty of lively activity. You can rent anything from bikes to those little sea-top motorcycles (whatever they're called). Plenty of sea food around. Lot's is in walking distance. We managed quaint dining in the marina on one side of town, all the way to laying out on a sandy beach on the other, and never touched our car from the moment we first set it to rest and unloaded our bags.

The family hung together at times and hung in pieces and parts at others, so it's good family town for all versions and phases of family. I guess I could go on, but hopefully this gives some idea. Here's a slide show of a little of the trip.

Rocks in the ocean, fish in the sea

2007-07-20T18:16:00.000-07:00

Last night I went with Steve Jares to see Hot Tuna in Peekskill, NY (thanks to the largess of the Brooks' who ditched to fly to Chicago for a Ratdog gig).

Nice night. Train hugs a lazy Hudson at day's end.

Peekskill is its own mystery.

Alice: But I don't want to go among mad people.
Cheshire Cat: Oh, you can't help that. Most everyone's mad here.

(Ask Steve about his cab driver.)

The Paramount is a fine cozy hall. Perfect to see a show

The opening act was Oteil Burbridge, who was stunning. Brilliant. Look this man up!

(Long time bass player for the Allman Brothers)

The Tuna gig was electric, which suited Steve and less than fully delighted me. Tuna acoustic is a big love of mine.

Three videos

2007-07-18T06:11:00.001-07:00

On the evening of July 17 several students and disciples of Happy Tao gathered at the home of HyeMyung and Hee Un to spend an evening with Master Khan. Here are three videos taken during that time. Unfortunately they are not of excellent quality, but still it is good to see and hear Master Khan explain some parts of Happy Tao.

With guitar, speaking

With guitar, speaking and then singing

Explaining happiness

Evening before departure

2007-07-17T23:59:00.000-07:00

Tonight on July 17, Happy Tao disciples and students gathered at the home of Hye Myung and Hee Un for an abundant meal and a time of teaching, sharing, and learning.

In the morning Master Khan Bada will leave for Korea.

Click the picture here to see a few images from our time together this evening.

Visit to the Sobul Now Wellness and Happy Tao Center

2007-07-17T05:35:00.000-07:00

On July 16, I went along with Phil Sobul and his wife Hyo Jong to bring some necessities to the new wellness and yoga center located in North Salem, NY, at the Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden. There they were joined by Master Khan Bada, and Happy Tao yoga instructor Padma Strater. Click this picture to see some scenes there.

Picture for Phil

2007-07-16T08:38:00.001-07:00