tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111397852024-02-03T08:26:08.815-08:00My World of Religion, Politics, Entertainment and Social Issues
This blog is designed to reflect my multi-faceted interests.
Ray Grosswirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12416950255809237327noreply@blogger.comBlogger244125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11139785.post-1211348325832793562023-04-17T21:33:00.000-07:002023-04-17T21:33:12.078-07:00Remembering David Fetler<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">David Fetler passed away yesterday afternoon at the age of 96. He was a prominent figure in the classical music world both locally and nationally. He, his siblings, and his parents were predecessors of the famous Von Trapp Family Singers. The Fetler Family Band began performing concerts in their native Latvia and later throughout Europe. The photos I am providing of the Fetlers are from 1934, where you can see David on the conducting podium at age 7 (one photo has been </span><span style="animation-name: none !important; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a style="animation-name: none !important; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;" tabindex="-1"></a></span><span style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">colorized).</span></span></p><div style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><div class="" dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><div class="x1iorvi4 x1pi30zi x1swvt13 x1l90r2v" data-ad-comet-preview="message" data-ad-preview="message" id=":rfq:" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; padding: 4px 16px 16px; transition-property: none !important;"><div class="x78zum5 xdt5ytf xz62fqu x16ldp7u" style="animation-name: none !important; display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: -5px; margin-top: -5px; transition-property: none !important;"><div class="xu06os2 x1ok221b" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; transition-property: none !important;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs x10flsy6 x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x x4zkp8e x41vudc x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; word-break: break-word;"><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Locally, David Fetler was a legend. He spent many decades as a conductor and teacher. His teaching years were at the Eastman School of Music. He was most prominently known locally as long-time music director at St. Paul's Episcopal Church and as music director of the Rochester Chamber Orchestra for over fifty years. (I was privileged to serve as the orchestra's board president and treasurer during its final stretch.) In addition, David was music director of the Greece Symphony Orchestra for many years. For many performances by both the RCO and GSO, David collaborated with the Bach Children's Chorus, directed by Karla Krogstad. They added a special touch to the annual Messiah performance with the RCO.</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dr. Fetler had a unique knack for discovering new talent, and many musicians nationally and internationally can trace their first big break to him. David liked to roam the halls while Eastman students practiced their instruments. If he heard a student showing promise, he would occasionally ask him or her to perform as a soloist with the Rochester Chamber Orchestra. He also had a keen ear for promising talent around the country. On several occasions, he would listen to recordings of potential soloists and then ask me to look up corresponding performances by these soloists on-line and ask for my input. He would then contact them about playing with the RCO.</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When David Fetler and I appeared on WXXI for an interview in 2014, it was for the occasion of the Rochester Chamber Orchestra's 50th anniversary. I had done some research beforehand and discovered that David had reached the milestone of being the longest serving music director of an orchestra. The previous conductor with such distinction was the late Arthur Fiedler, who had led the Boston Pops for 49 years.</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-size: medium;">R.I.P. David Fetler. Your musical legacy will be remembered for many decades to come.</span></div></div></span></div></div></div></div><div class="x1n2onr6" id=":rfr:" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><div class="x1n2onr6" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><div style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><div class="x1n2onr6" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><div class="x1n2onr6" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; padding-top: 590.112px; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><div class="x6ikm8r x10wlt62 x10l6tqk" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; inset: calc(0% + 0px) calc(50% + 1.01px) calc(50% + 1.01px) calc(0% + 0px); 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border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: inherit; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-height: 1.3333em; outline: none; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: inherit; touch-action: manipulation; transition-property: none !important; user-select: none; z-index: 1;" tabindex="0"><div><span style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span class="x1e558r4" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; padding-left: 4px; transition-property: none !important;"><br /></span></span></div></div></span></div></div><div class="x9f619 x1n2onr6 x1ja2u2z x78zum5 x2lah0s x1qughib x1qjc9v5 xozqiw3 x1q0g3np xykv574 xbmpl8g x4cne27 xifccgj" style="align-items: stretch; animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #65676b; display: flex; flex-flow: row nowrap; flex-shrink: 0; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; justify-content: space-between; margin: -6px; position: relative; transition-property: none !important; z-index: 0;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Ray Grosswirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12416950255809237327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11139785.post-36150006748996101782023-01-22T07:05:00.002-08:002023-01-22T07:07:55.593-08:00R.I.P BISHOP MATTHEW CLARK<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">R.I.P. Bishop Matthew Clark. I paid tribute to him on Facebook a couple days ago, because I knew his death was imminent. I will simply add that in addition to having been a mentor and friend, I will always think of him as having been a humble servant.</span></span></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">In both politics and religion, there are leaders who either draw attention to themselves via a quest for power, or leaders whose primary interest is being of service to those they serve. Bishop Clark was never drawn to the authority aspect of being a church leader. Instead, he represented a pastoral mode, whereby he provided encouragement to all he represented. In brief, Matthew Clark was a very kind man, and that is a good legacy to leave behind. Jesus warned against the excesses of power, and instead tried to model pastoral leadership to his disciples: healing the sick, welcoming the disenfranchised, and placing the value of serving others over being served. Bishop Clark was faithful to the pastoral model.<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> </span><br /></span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of the joys of my life was that of knowing Matthew Clark. He will be missed by multitudes in the Diocese of Rochester and beyond. I will close by saying, "well done, faithful servant."</span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDLCsvtATT-Vsh3q7qNAO1LqfRGNdVR8CqLv63CISLCPL_w9QejHjH-h7PNQ31WT9UVyk9dKPHN5WNX5dQZetrzkRvo9XGgzooXIJiB4EULdHPjTgUGHIm10eu26gEYr0wDxEwHHl5NV1SF7tXgQGbD5cXonVLcD2sO_pjgmWOZvf9Bw6C-I/s1280/Clark1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDLCsvtATT-Vsh3q7qNAO1LqfRGNdVR8CqLv63CISLCPL_w9QejHjH-h7PNQ31WT9UVyk9dKPHN5WNX5dQZetrzkRvo9XGgzooXIJiB4EULdHPjTgUGHIm10eu26gEYr0wDxEwHHl5NV1SF7tXgQGbD5cXonVLcD2sO_pjgmWOZvf9Bw6C-I/s320/Clark1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOkvbAPGJA07dzQr5Ubs88zG5-GstY5oS3bT9JKpBIJG3rPZK-Y6OrJPszaUrajT_WxrmSbqK5oj_4r-Z7R1caf30uc6DZntSZ_pmCZkRxz1P4NpUfdqnmC5zYi9b2KOAu0-tkM7fjuo0hHSG09sSpjF1Kldju5bJQpcTTuXyFl-5F_b02C0/s768/Clark2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="549" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOkvbAPGJA07dzQr5Ubs88zG5-GstY5oS3bT9JKpBIJG3rPZK-Y6OrJPszaUrajT_WxrmSbqK5oj_4r-Z7R1caf30uc6DZntSZ_pmCZkRxz1P4NpUfdqnmC5zYi9b2KOAu0-tkM7fjuo0hHSG09sSpjF1Kldju5bJQpcTTuXyFl-5F_b02C0/s320/Clark2.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div>Ray Grosswirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12416950255809237327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11139785.post-72757389839413388202022-12-30T09:41:00.003-08:002022-12-30T09:41:37.604-08:00MY NEW YEAR RESOLUTION FOR 2023<p><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">My New Year resolution for 2023 is to keep my promise of bowing out of political commentaries. These have taken up a lot of my time during the past few years, and life is short. I predict the immediate political future of our country will be dreary and bordering on a fine line between fascism and democracy. My hope is that younger generations will run for public office for the right reasons, and not for the purpose of fulfilling inflated egos.</span></span></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-size: large;">My political predictions for <span style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><a style="animation-name: none !important; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>the next two years are as follows:</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Donald Trump will fade from the political landscape. We probably won't see him land in jail. However, he will be carrying too much baggage to become the GOP's presidential nominee in 2024.</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-size: large;">2.) I predict Ron DeSantis will be the GOP's presidential nominee in 2024 if he decides to enter the race. On the Democratic side, I expect that despite his age, Joe Biden will run for reelection, even though I would like to see a younger candidate, especially if Ron DeSantis should be the GOP candidate. (DeSantis will be 46 in 2024, and Biden will be 82.)</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-size: large;">3.) With a Republican majority in the House, beginning in January, I don't expect much in the way of actual work getting done on behalf of the American people during the next two years. I expect Kevin McCarthy will make concessions with far-right GOP members in order to become Speaker. This means we can expect revenge tactics targeting Democrats, which potentially means hearings, impeachments, and ugly behavior. We will see very little work on legislation.</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-size: large;">4.) International affairs will continue to be troubling. We must continue to hope that nuclear exchanges never occur, despite the increase in totalitarianism across the globe.</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-size: large;">As I fade from political commentaries on social media, I look forward to maintaining a focus on my primary area of interest, which is the performing arts. At the same time, I will continue to pray for a political environment in the U.S. and elsewhere that is more civil than what we are now experiencing.</span></div></div>Ray Grosswirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12416950255809237327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11139785.post-18599207499626394282022-12-30T09:37:00.004-08:002022-12-30T09:38:06.019-08:00A MUSICAL ANALYSIS OF THE MOVIE, TAR<p> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">I recently wrote a lengthy review of the movie, TAR. My focus was primarily on the performances, the narrative of the story, and my expectation that there will be Oscar nominations for best film and best actress (Cate Blanchett). Since I have studied the art of conducting in the past, in addition to the fact that I continue to follow the careers of conductors I admire (wanted to be one once-upon-time), a musician friend asked me what I thought of Cate Blanchett's character </span><span style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a style="animation-name: none; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;" tabindex="-1"></a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">and how I felt about the manner in which classical music is treated in this film. So, I will address these issues now.</span></span></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It is important to state that Lydia Tar is a fictitious conductor. Cate Blanchett carries the role very well, and I guarantee she will send chills up and down the spines of viewers. That said, from a musical standpoint, I felt that the movie did an injustice to conductors in general, especially women conductors. The best conductors know how to collaborate well with orchestra musicians. It is this type of collaboration that produces respect and trust between conductors and orchestras. A dictator on the podium, such as Lydia Tar, will only instill fear and disrespect.</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Two female conductors I highly respect and admire are Marin Alsop and JoAnn Falletta. I have no doubt they were horrified if they watched the film, TAR. The primary symphony used in the movie is Gustav Mahler's #5, a challenging work by all accounts. We see Cate Blanchett's portrayal of Lydia Tar as a tyrant, with temper tantrums reminiscent of those displayed by the late Arturo Toscanini. Her berating of conducting students in a master class was beyond the pale. Her method of choosing a cellist for Elgar's Cello Concerto (made famous by the late Jacqueline Dupree) was also contrived and would be inexcusable in a real-life setting.</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There is much more I could say about TAR. If you simply watch it for its intent, which is a study of musical power gone wrong, you might agree with me that Cate Blanchett is deserving of an Oscar nomination. It is simply important to keep in mind that a conductor such as Lydia Tar would be immediately dismissed by an orchestra's board of directors. My deep admiration continues for Marin Also and JoAnn Falletta for being perfect role models for women who aspire toward careers on the conducting podium.</span></div></div>Ray Grosswirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12416950255809237327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11139785.post-34930404811792651372022-11-08T06:15:00.001-08:002022-11-08T06:15:47.803-08:00Perhaps My Final Political Commentary<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">I won't be making any political comments after election results are finalized. My hope is that younger generations will build a better future for themselves, beginning with preparations for 2024. This does not mean becoming Trumpers and tearing down all the democratic values our country stood for before he entered the political stage. It rather means ensuring that our country returns to its reputation as a beacon of hope for those who worry that our good standing in the </span><span style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a style="animation-name: none; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;" tabindex="-1"></a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">world is slipping away.</span></span></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am somewhat comforted by the fact that the far-right represents only perhaps one-third of the GOP. Hopefully, the other two-thirds won't engage themselves in supporting revenge tactics being planned the far-right, such as impeaching Democrats, investigating the current Congressional January 6 Committee, and overturning election results they don't like.</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am finding that I want to enjoy whatever time I have left in this world. The political climate has become too toxic for me to continue offering rational views in the face of political darkness. I therefore look forward to returning to topics on social media that bring me joy, especially the performing arts. I leave the political commentary in the hands of younger generations who will hopefully choose good values and common sense over tyranny.</span></div></div>Ray Grosswirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12416950255809237327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11139785.post-15321566607246188342022-07-04T06:53:00.004-07:002022-07-04T06:54:37.523-07:00A Reflection on Independence Day, 2022<p><span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">As we celebrate Independence Day, it is not unreasonable to question whether or not our independence is being eroded. Would our founding fathers be pleased with our republic today? Most likely NOT.</span></span></p><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I watched some Sunday talk shows yesterday, because of what is occurring politically, economically, and socially in the United States, in addition to world affairs we are currently engaged in. Much of yesterday's panel discussions eventually turned to the 2024 presidential election, because that could prove to be a consequential year for the future of our country.</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Liz Cheney was interviewed on ABC yesterday morning. I continue to admire her courage for exposing Donald Trump for who is really is, and she rightly believes he should never be allowed to run for public office again. In fact, she hasn't ruled out running in the Republican presidential primary in 2024, even though radical wings of the GOP are attempting to punish her for her role in the January 6 investigative committee.</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On the Democratic side of the aisle, as discussed on NBC's Meet The Press yesterday, there is hope within party ranks that Joe Biden will announce ahead of this year's midterm elections that he is not running in 2024. He is being blamed by most in our country for the current state of the economy, even though presidents have very little to do with prices at the gas pump or at grocery stores.</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As I have stated previously, if Democrats hope to be successful in the midterms and in 2024, they must put forth an energetic presidential candidate with solid ideas for fixing what currently ails our divided country. If Joe Biden does make an announcement prior to the midterms that he is not running for reelection in 2024, it will give prospective primary candidates plenty of time to assemble their platforms and raise funds for their campaigns. I am convinced Biden would not win in 2024, even if there were to be a rematch with himself and Donald Trump. Hopefully, the mainstream GOP will come up with someone other than Trump, whether he decides to run again or not. (It is interesting that recent polling in New Hampshire placed Ron DeSantis ahead of Trump.)</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In conclusion, today's celebration of our independence is competing with disturbing developments in our country. What happens this November and in 2024 will have a huge impact on whether or not we will survive as the republic envisioned by our founding fathers.</span></div></div>Ray Grosswirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12416950255809237327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11139785.post-4473077315278754222022-06-27T08:55:00.002-07:002022-06-27T08:55:24.727-07:00A Reflection On The Supreme Court's Decision<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">As I reflected on last Friday's Supreme Court decision, I thought about the year I was one of the website moderators for a national organization called 'Catholics for Kerry.' At the time, John Kerry, a Catholic, was running for the presidency. His critics often referred to him as being "pro-abortion." I repeatedly stated at the time there is a distinct difference between pro-abortion and pro-choice. (Kerry was pro-choice, as am I.) I don't personally know anyone who can properly be referred to as pro-abortion. The whole matter is rather about allowing a woman to have a choice, and I am 100% for that.</span></span></p><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I don't know where the Supreme Court is headed next. Clarence Thomas suggested the court could tackle such issues as contraception and same-sex marriage. Hopefully, the justices will leave these matters alone. Enough damage was done last Friday, which now permits individual states to administer draconian laws that in some cases won't even allow abortions in cases of rape or incest.</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In the eyes of the Roman Catholic Church, I can most likely be labeled a sinner, because I am pro-choice, I support the use of birth control, and I was ordained a married priest in 2006 by a married archbishop. In addition, amongst the more than 100 marriages for which I was the officiant, there were a few same-sex couples.</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I continue to hope our country becomes more inclusive, and this includes religious institutions. Sadly, the U.S. is currently being looked upon as a divided nation. As Abraham Lincoln correctly stated, "a house divided cannot stand."</span></div></div>Ray Grosswirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12416950255809237327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11139785.post-39208405611798283002022-03-22T08:50:00.002-07:002022-03-22T08:52:11.001-07:00A Current Dilemma Concerning The Performing Arts<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">Performing arts organizations are facing tough decisions when it comes to Russian conductors, soloists, composers, etc. I personally don't feel their performances should be canceled in the U.S., unless they are openly supporting Vladimir Putin's actions in Ukraine. I have noticed that a few symphony orchestras have canceled or postponed the appearances of Russian guest conductors. The latest such decision was made by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.</span></span></p><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">My sense is that if Russian performers were allowed to speak openly, most would condemn Putin's actions. They are often placed in difficult situations when they travel, especially when they leave family members behind. When I was an Eastman student in the 1960's, famous composer and conductor Khachaturian came to the school for a week to work with students. He was accompanied by Soviet security, which prevented him from either defecting or speaking politically. When Dmitri Shostakovich composed, he was under extreme pressure concerning the type of music he could write, but managed to articulate freedom of expression whenever possible. Peter Tchaikovsky's lifestyle could have ended up with his exile in Siberia. However, Russian bureaucrats turned a blind eye, knowing how popular his music was around the world.</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is not the first time that the performing arts has found itself in difficult circumstances. I was thinking back to the life of my favorite composer, Gustav Mahler. For many years, his music was banned in Germany and Austria, for the simple reason he had Jewish origins. He converted to Catholicism, thinking it might ease his situation. However, Germany and Austria did not relent. He eventually came to the U.S., where he became the music director of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra for several years and his compositions experienced a resurrection under the influence of Leonard Bernstein.</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">I continue to pray for the good people of Ukraine, and for Russians who would prefer not to be under the autocratic rule of Vladimir Putin. In the meantime, I hope the healing quality of music is allowed to thrive. Difficult decisions will continue to be made by performing arts organizations. However, I believe art must always transcend politics.</span></div></div>Ray Grosswirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12416950255809237327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11139785.post-68576130505819405122021-12-29T20:36:00.001-08:002021-12-29T20:36:56.572-08:00Discouraging Political Outlook For 2022<div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-size: large;">Unlike the past couple years, I don't expect to comment on much politically in 2022. Sadly, the political environment around the country is expected to be sharply divided and perhaps violent in some areas. I would simply urge both Democrats and Republicans to vote for candidates with good character and with the intent of serving the best interests of their constituents, rather than the type of self-serving behavior we witnessed with Donald Trump and elected officials who supported his big election lie.</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am hoping Congress will pass a voting rights bill that would potentially override some of the draconian laws that were passed in a few red states. Currently, Republicans have an edge in the 2022 House and Senate races, due to redistricting in red states, and highly restrictive voting laws that will make it difficult for voters in those states who voted for Joe Biden in 2020. Fair and safe elections must be normative in all states. This is why a voting rights bill is needed at the federal level.</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-size: large;">I worry about the future of our democracy, as GOP leaders continue to bend to the will of Donald Trump. I hope voters not wanting an autocracy in the U.S. will show up in force next November, even if red states shut down polling places they are accustomed to. It is a matter of doing whatever it takes to preserve our democracy, and this is why I pin my hopes on a federal voting rights bill.</span></div></div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Ray Grosswirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12416950255809237327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11139785.post-54615610111977815812021-09-07T07:56:00.002-07:002021-09-07T19:49:39.876-07:00Retiring From Ministry<p><span face="Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">Over the years, I have worn many hats: classical music, broadcasting, banking, government, politics, serving on non-profit boards, ministry, etc. I have made a decision to retire from ministry this year. It has been a privilege to be an officiant at multiple weddings, funerals and baptisms over the past 15 years. I now look forward to a quiet life, with the exception of my presence on social media.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-yrJbZmyRhFjLbg13I90HXPSKa8meEqsz6ENQdu9M7b1xLY9-5_08ScTJLmVA3fVDlW9I0KXGicPu9haqVb9f5GqiJpnzSvxwbk4suZUEnXMWTY1MsgL-n2GYjD8IhCVNb_rWw/s2048/WeddingMinistry1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-yrJbZmyRhFjLbg13I90HXPSKa8meEqsz6ENQdu9M7b1xLY9-5_08ScTJLmVA3fVDlW9I0KXGicPu9haqVb9f5GqiJpnzSvxwbk4suZUEnXMWTY1MsgL-n2GYjD8IhCVNb_rWw/s320/WeddingMinistry1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDqMcJNpFZwenC2qjAr7O0t5kVsqvR-2u5NxSd3-CPrQJwvE7nfsZfWZcNBxL2tpXHRgSzDKB8MIs98HO_W5LdtIePrOHdJfeHwITe2x91BCHRYe9Yv8t37dwkKBiOMF6Ilz27A/s992/WeddingMinistry2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="992" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDqMcJNpFZwenC2qjAr7O0t5kVsqvR-2u5NxSd3-CPrQJwvE7nfsZfWZcNBxL2tpXHRgSzDKB8MIs98HO_W5LdtIePrOHdJfeHwITe2x91BCHRYe9Yv8t37dwkKBiOMF6Ilz27A/s320/WeddingMinistry2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8OBpPmD89nds0vBX42CMMOCnGCNacAPHVtFkfAT2fAFJMsoOWT2anZ8q1yIgMoK0RnD_-6V2UGh1j3RoO618GxxBULuvxqeWwuZeGJnmqIRcHPMVtl7oKA4_fFbvDLlmNMqL2w/s960/WeddingMinistry3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="960" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8OBpPmD89nds0vBX42CMMOCnGCNacAPHVtFkfAT2fAFJMsoOWT2anZ8q1yIgMoK0RnD_-6V2UGh1j3RoO618GxxBULuvxqeWwuZeGJnmqIRcHPMVtl7oKA4_fFbvDLlmNMqL2w/s320/WeddingMinistry3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUVwxNGnxQgMOe2fCpdru0uWna2Uz7C6tli2SZ7pqzlRsEEGYuhYz5BrsQWeKTfxZ_SrYbyOlFAyoV-92Hx-7WaUIxzRs7e9tQJ2z6pZ72Y67RnV4XNA_xm3dEHLnwkTpufSpUg/s450/WeddingMinistry4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="276" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUVwxNGnxQgMOe2fCpdru0uWna2Uz7C6tli2SZ7pqzlRsEEGYuhYz5BrsQWeKTfxZ_SrYbyOlFAyoV-92Hx-7WaUIxzRs7e9tQJ2z6pZ72Y67RnV4XNA_xm3dEHLnwkTpufSpUg/s320/WeddingMinistry4.jpg" width="196" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRNivn0Yn3G9EgH5JDOSvO5sbL87E5rZSZFruZPskCMb7uk32gSlqEkTSETSPVIqfggbNsFFtbk1HUZaFkIZju6HTpvnGx1fzthnZQyOyUfgWZxi1omjn2U0Kr3GBzBdXrYNO9A/s960/WeddingMinistry5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRNivn0Yn3G9EgH5JDOSvO5sbL87E5rZSZFruZPskCMb7uk32gSlqEkTSETSPVIqfggbNsFFtbk1HUZaFkIZju6HTpvnGx1fzthnZQyOyUfgWZxi1omjn2U0Kr3GBzBdXrYNO9A/s320/WeddingMinistry5.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9K8zpDMR4FEJZMLT0OoWRGWiF8V7-vPg5lg1ypzYSrEmPz3dzLmaWj7_ef3AJEzIO27YVDW9HmB0Eyud3j5ZoilNxSxputWon_K0KJ84xcY2W1dWoRRan5hcltt6NEepbgh4npA/s2048/WeddingMinistry6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9K8zpDMR4FEJZMLT0OoWRGWiF8V7-vPg5lg1ypzYSrEmPz3dzLmaWj7_ef3AJEzIO27YVDW9HmB0Eyud3j5ZoilNxSxputWon_K0KJ84xcY2W1dWoRRan5hcltt6NEepbgh4npA/s320/WeddingMinistry6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span face="Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p>Ray Grosswirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12416950255809237327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11139785.post-71288660895298346702021-06-24T15:08:00.006-07:002021-06-24T15:09:27.011-07:00Common Sense Gun Laws Needed<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Gun violence has become an out-of-control epidemic. Defunding police departments is not the way to go. Police are currently stretched to the limit. Each shooting requires a rapid response, and lengthy investigations are needed when suspects are not immediately identified.</span></span></p><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I propose a six-step plan toward ending escalating violence that threatens every community across America: 1.) Increase the number of counselors in our nation's schools. (Addressing violent tendencies early is important.); 2.) Increase the size of community service bureaus within police departments to meet with individuals/families and address neighborhood safety concerns; 3.) Implement a nationwide ban of assault rifles, including stiff fines and jail sentences for violations of the ban; 4.) Increase the level of investigations done by the FBI and the Bureau of Tobacco and Firearms to stop the flow of illegal gun trafficking. (Trafficking illegal guns across state lines is a federal offense.) 5.) Continue to monitor the level of lead paint in older homes. (There is a proven correlation between the presence of lead in the brain and violent tendencies.); 6.) Write letters to members of the House and Senate, urging common-sense gun laws that don't infringe upon the 2nd Amendment. (It is doubtful GOP members of the House or Senate will consider any gun laws, but giving up on legislation is not an option when lives are at risk.).</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sadly, gun violence has always been present in the U.S. However, the present numbers are unprecedented. It is almost impossible for the U.S. to be a positive influence in the world when there is so much violence on our streets. We must do better as a society.</span></div></div>Ray Grosswirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12416950255809237327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11139785.post-24108242151474707452021-06-21T21:33:00.002-07:002021-06-21T21:33:34.046-07:00Received Ancestry DNA Results<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I received my Ancestry DNA results today. I am 50% European Jewish, 32% Irish Catholic, 7% Norwegian, 5% English, 4% Scottish, and 2% Swedish. I have over 1,000 cousins worldwide to explore. I already knew which part of Europe my paternal ancestors lived. However, I never knew until now which part of Ireland most of my maternal ancestors resided (Munster Province, Ireland, which included the counties of Clare, Limerick & Tipperary).</span></span></p><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I wrote an extensive family history for my relatives a few years ago. I will now have other avenues to explore.</span></div></div>Ray Grosswirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12416950255809237327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11139785.post-25095472367186289222021-06-19T15:04:00.003-07:002021-06-19T15:08:02.045-07:00What I Would Do If I Could Travel Back In Time<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have always been intrigued with the idea of time-travel, which Albert Einstein thought was possible. If I could travel back fifty-four years, I would hit a restart button and correct mistakes I made in my late teens and twenties. Here are the changes I would make if it were possible:</span></span></p><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If I could return to the fall of 1967, I would work harder on my studies at the Eastman School of Music. My ambition was to become a symphony orchestra conductor. However, I made the mistake of hanging out at bars designed for college crowds when I should have been practicing my instruments. As I look back, I remain appreciative that two of my professors at Eastman saw my conducting potential, namely Milford Fargo and Donald Hunsberger. (Dr. Hunsberger enrolled me in a graduate conducting course, even though I was an undergraduate.) So, my advice to my younger self would be, "stay out of bars and study hard, or your musical career will vanish."</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As I moved onto my twenties, minus a musical career, I wasn't sure where I would venture next. I started exploring alternative paths, but was thwarted by an ill-fated relationship when I was 28. This particular person was convinced I would never amount to anything, and demeaned me at every opportunity. So, if I could travel back, I would avoid that relationship and the pitfalls the eventual breakup caused.</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fortunately, I was able to eventually enjoy success in such areas as broadcasting, banking, government, and ministry, as well as receiving a B.A. in Humanities and two graduate degrees in theology and ministry. My musical ambitions never came to fruition. However, having served on performing arts boards, and having been board president for the Rochester Chamber Orchestra, I at least returned to music at the administrative end.</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The lesson I can pass on from all of this, now that I am in my seventies, is to follow your passions minus distractions whenever possible. It is also advisable to have a Plan B, in case Plan A doesn't work out. By the way, I am still intrigued with time travel. It would be an interesting ride.</span></div></div>Ray Grosswirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12416950255809237327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11139785.post-27057586417427430072020-01-01T10:03:00.002-08:002020-01-01T10:03:57.112-08:00HAPPY NEW YEAR!I was reminded today that it has been close to five years since I have posted any writings to this blog. My New Year resolution for 2020 is to get back to writing. In the meantime, I continue to post regular comments on my Facebook page.<br />
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Happy New Year to All!Ray Grosswirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12416950255809237327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11139785.post-87792834232976430072015-12-18T11:19:00.000-08:002015-12-18T11:19:47.064-08:00The Challenge of Remaining Vibrant in the Arts CommunityDear Blog Visitors:<br />
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Since word got out that my 2-year term as president of the Rochester Chamber Orchestra came to an end, I have been gratified and honored by offers I have received from various arts organizations to join their boards. As much as I appreciate these offers, I am looking forward to some fun and relaxation, at least for a few months.</div>
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I am very pleased that the Rochester Chamber Orchestra will continue under a new board. It has been part of the Rochester community for 52 years, a<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">nd despite the challenges arts organizations face today, this is a first-class professional orchestra deserving of a new life.</span></div>
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These are indeed challenging times for arts organizations, not only in the Rochester community, but throughout the country as well. With government subsidies and private grants shrinking, new ways must be found to sustain various non-profit organizations that provide audiences with classical music, dance, opera, staged plays, contemporary genres, etc.</div>
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I can attest to the fact that it is difficult for an individual arts organization to survive in today's economy. The past two years have amounted to a full-time job without pay, as I attempted to keep one organization alive. It may become necessary in the not-to-distant future for all local arts entities to seek a strategy such as merging under a large umbrella organization, whereby resources can be pooled accordingly.</div>
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Classical music remains as an important part of my fabric. I cherish memories of playing instruments and singing in high school, my two years at the Eastman School of Music, playing as principal trumpet with the Brighton Symphony Orchestra, singing with the Greece Choral Society, etc., and my latest two-year venture as president and treasurer of the Rochester Chamber Orchestra. My hope is that the arts will continue to thrive in the Rochester community and beyond, despite the challenges.</div>
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Ray Grosswirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12416950255809237327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11139785.post-51387913914367867842014-12-25T06:15:00.002-08:002014-12-25T06:15:59.257-08:00The Perfect Time for Vatican III<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.3999996185303px; line-height: 15.4559993743896px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
On this Christmas Day, I am delighted that Pope Francis has chosen the occasion to focus on the need for change in the Roman Catholic Church's hierarchy. He is also rightly focusing on what has gone wrong in recent decades and he has drawn attention to the fact that what we are witnessing within the ranks of the church hierarchy is much different than the ministries Jesus tried to model for us.</div>
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I spent twenty years of my life working with Catholic reformers, trying to bring change to a church embroiled in several scandals during the papacies of John Paul II and Benedict XVI. One of my biggest hopes for 2015 is that Pope Francis will convene Vatican III. It has been 52 years since the Vatican II council, and much has changed since then. When Pope John XXIII announced to the world that he was convening Vatican II, he stated: "It is time to open the windows to let some fresh air in." It has been rightly argued that succeeding popes squashed what could have been several decades of reform. Pope Francis recognizes this. At age 78, it would be the perfect time for him to convene a council, ensuring that all voices are heard.</div>
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I am no longer active in the reform movement. (It required a lot of travel and expense.) However, I continue to hope that new voices will be a stimulus for change. I am also delighted that Pope Francis has successfully related the message that Roman Catholicism can no longer operate in a vacuum and the church cannot truly call itself inclusive until all have a place at the table.</div>
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Merry Christmas to all.</div>
Ray Grosswirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12416950255809237327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11139785.post-17384986451078799392014-07-09T07:02:00.002-07:002014-07-09T10:12:00.802-07:00Reflecting on my 65th Birthday<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.39px; line-height: 20px;">Dear Blog Visitors:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.39px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">I have reached a milestone today, in that I am now 65-years-old.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.39px; line-height: 20px;">I actually enjoyed using my Medicare Advantage card for the first time today. I used to dread turning 65. However, Medicare Advantage is just one of the benefits of being an official senior. I am also grateful for my government pension after 23 years in City Hall, and a small pension</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.39px; line-height: 20px;"> from my ten years at a bank. After Brenda retires, we are looking forward to having some fun in our golden years.<br /><br />I find that when I analyze my 65 years, there were many highs and lows. I regret not having taken my creative skills to the highest level. For example, I spent more time partying than practicing while a student at the Eastman School of Music. I also probably foolishly turned down a job offer at Paramount Movie Studios that could have perhaps led to an acting career. However, there were some fun years, such as my three years as 'The Wizard of Pun' at a local radio station, many years of free-lance writing, running for public office in 1983, being ordained as a married priest in 2006, and presently serving as president of the Rochester Chamber Orchestra.<br /><br />Obviously, if I could travel back in a time machine, there are a few things I would do differently. For example, there were a few times I entered into dating relationships when my self-esteem was rather low, whereby I relied upon the relationships for a false sense of security. Fortunately, I met my wife, Brenda, at a time when I had a steady job, and I felt fairly secure about myself. So, we have been happily married for the past twenty years.<br /><br />The worst years of my life? 1968, 1978, 1987, 1992. The best years of my life? Most of them. The best lesson I have learned throughout life is that not everything happens the way you would like. So, you do the best you can and simply try to be the best person you can be.</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.39px; line-height: 20px;">Peace to all,</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.39px; line-height: 20px;">Ray</span>Ray Grosswirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12416950255809237327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11139785.post-64460964515709673632014-06-17T09:28:00.002-07:002014-06-18T06:17:07.104-07:00Revisiting 1936 Accident<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear Blog Visitors:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a follow-up to Father's Day, I did something yesterday
that I contemplated for many years. I visited the resting place of Charles
Nawrocki (1917-1936) who died following a one-car crash on April 12, 1936
(Easter Sunday). My father was driving, but the accident was not his fault, as
confirmed by police and newspaper accounts.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I thought about
the accident, I would not be here today if there hadn't been a dramatic turn in
my father's condition. He was initially reported in very critical condition and
not expected to survive. However, he did manage to pull through. When he
returned home following the accident, he had to remain flat on a gurney for six
months to heal his broken back. HIs siblings took turns rotating the gurney
every six hours. He remained in back pain for most of his life, despite
multiple medical interventions, and he often related feeling badly about the
death of his friend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I went through
police and newspaper accounts, I discovered that my father and four friends had
traveled to Buffalo to receive awards for their many years of selling
newspapers (Rochester's Democrat and Chronicle). It was on the way back home,
in Batavia, that the accident occurred. According to reports, a bus operated by
the Western New York Motor Lines had just passed my father's car, and
apparently pulled in front of the car too soon, forcing my father off the road.
In addition to the death of Charles Nawrocki, others in the car received severe
injuries, including my father, Chester McGhan, Michael Lakota, and Milton
Weinstein.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The bus company was
subsequently sued, but the jury was unable to reach a decision. (Forensic
evidence was obviously not as sophisticated in 1936 as it is today.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 12.288000106811523px;">I</span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 12.288000106811523px;">t was interesting to see how much information was provided in newspapers in 1936, including typographical errors (spellings, punctuation, etc.). Concerning the information in this story, newspapers reported that George Skivington was the attorney for the plaintiff (my father) and Clayton Smith was the attorney for the bus company. Newspapers also reported that the names of jury members were Catherine Mayled, Mary Radona, Albert Reinholtz, Clayton Scoins, Henry Benthin, Mrs. George Bradway, Mrs. Walter Gartley, Burton Reddy, Garnet Hoe, Charles Seekins, Laura Lang, and Barbara Mayhew.</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I like to think my
father would have appreciated my taking the time to locate the gravesite of
Charles Nawrocki.</span></div>
<br />Ray Grosswirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12416950255809237327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11139785.post-30979861972938187512014-06-04T08:38:00.000-07:002014-06-04T08:38:33.193-07:00The Former Abuse of Irish Nuns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dear Blog Visitors:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Washington Post's revelation of the full extent of what
occurred in Catholic work houses in Ireland run by nuns was shocking to say the
least. What was portrayed in motion pictures PHILOMENA and THE MAGDALENE
SISTERS was just the tip of the iceberg. As described in yesterday's Washington
Post article, a mass grave was found at the former site of an Irish work house,
with the bones of 800 discarded babies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For many years, the
public was led to believe that babies born out of wedlock were given up for
adoption by nuns who ran various work houses in Ireland. Indeed, some babies
were adopted. However, we now know the full extent of the story, whereby babies
and young children were starved, tortured, allowed to suffer horrible diseases
without treatment, and the list goes on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ever since I was
ordained a married priest by a married archbishop in 2006, I have officiated at
many weddings. In quite a few situations, brides have been unwed mothers.
Whenever two people pledge their love to each other, it is a cause for
celebration. In my independence from the institutional Roman Catholic Church, I
make no judgments. I am happy to officiate at weddings for couples in all
circumstances, whether they be heterosexual or gay, and if an unwed mother
solicits my services, I am more than happy to be an officiant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Roman Catholic
Church must reform itself at many levels. There is some hope with Pope Francis.
However, he must do much more to bring forth the equality women in the church
seek.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peace to all,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ray</span></div>
Ray Grosswirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12416950255809237327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11139785.post-35499074843575427072014-04-17T07:55:00.003-07:002014-04-17T07:55:38.087-07:00Movies Depicting the Life of Jesus<br /><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I am often asked what movies I would recommend during the Easter season that give us a fairly accurate account of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.<br /><br /> Making a motion picture about Jesus has always proven to be a daunting task when one considers that we actually know very little about what occurred during most of his life. In Mark, the first Gospel, the focus is on the public ministry of J<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">esus, which lasted around three years, followed by his death and resurrection. The next two Gospels (Matthew and Luke) added a birth narrative, and John (fourth Gospel) expanded on the public ministry of Jesus, in addition to giving us theological explanations as to the meaning of events in the life of Jesus.<br /><br /> Concerning the movies that have been made over the years, I liked some better than others. I would highly recommend KING OF KINGS, JESUS OF NAZARETH (TV miniseries), and SON OF GOD (edited from TV series, THE BIBLE). I would not recommend THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST (Mel Gibson's film), and I found some flaws in THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD (John Wayne as the Centurion was somewhat problematic).<br /><br /> Outside of films that portray the life, death and resurrection of Jesus as the primary focus, I would also highly recommend BEN HUR. It tells the story of Judah Ben-Hur in such a way that the insertion of Jesus provides a powerful influence on events that occur in the film.<br /><br /> The biggest challenge to producers who have attempted to tell the story of Jesus on film is the missing twenty years of his life in the Gospel accounts. Theologians continue to try to find the missing pieces. We do know he grew up in a Jewish environment, which takes into account his circumcision as an infant and his Bar Mitzvah at age 13. However, he disappears from sight at age 13 and doesn't reappear until his early 30's, which is where his public ministry, death and resurrection are reported in four varying accounts in the Gospels. I felt that JESUS OF NAZARETH did a respectable job in an attempt to speculate on what occurred during his entire life (drew upon geographic and historical sources).<br /><br /> It is interesting to note that the husband and wife producers of SON OF GOD, Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, are receiving an award this month from the Anti-Defamation League for their work in bringing people of various religious beliefs together in constructive dialogue. They are also being honored for their work on THE BIBLE (TV miniseries) and their movie currently in theaters, SON OF GOD, which gives a balanced account of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus in such a way that is respectful of the Jewish life he was raised in.<br /><br /> This was a long answer to the question of what movies I recommend. However, when dealing with such a complex subject, there is no easy response.</span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">Peace to all,</span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">Ray</span></span></div>
Ray Grosswirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12416950255809237327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11139785.post-30530997950816807922014-04-15T06:51:00.000-07:002014-04-17T07:53:40.793-07:00The Intersection of Passover and Easter<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br /></span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">As Passover and Easter intersect this week, we are also reminded of the sad reality that anti-Semitism still exists to some degree in America and throughout the world.<br /><br /> Having two theological graduate degrees, I pride myself on the fact that I studied Jewish and Christian texts thoroughly. Sadly, the incorrect interpretation of the four Gospels has often fueled anti-Semitism throughout the centur<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">ies.<br /><br /> The Gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke and John were never intended to be interpreted as historical documents. Each Gospel was written for a particular audience, with conversion as a primary motive. Mark was written primarily for Jews living in Rome. Matthew was primarily written for Jews living in the area of Palestine. Luke was written in an attempt to reach beyond the borders of religious and pagan communities. John can best be described as a theological reflection on events reported in the prior three Gospels. I raise the issue of audience intent for the purpose of bringing clarity to the topic of the crucifixion of Jesus.<br /><br /> In one of my graduate courses, we spent nearly the entire semester focusing on the process and history of crucifixion. What is most important is the fact that Jews did not use crucifixion and would not participate in a conspiracy with Romans to sentence one of their own to this cruel punishment. Passages taken out of context in the Gospels of Matthew and John have fueled many centuries of anti-Semitism. I stand by recent scholarship that takes the position that it was Pontius Pilate who sentenced Jesus to crucifixion. It would be unthinkable for Jewish crowds to shout in unison, "Crucify Him!" as depicted in Gospel accounts.<br /><br /> I am delighted to live in Rochester, New York, where we have a Jewish-Christian dialogue group started by the late Father Joseph Brennan, who was a good friend. The late Rabbi Judea Miller was also a founder and participant. As we celebrate both Passover and Easter this week, I pray it will be an opportunity for further understanding and compassion.</span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">Peace to all,</span></span></div>
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Ray Grosswirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12416950255809237327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11139785.post-86485473162657877622014-01-17T07:07:00.000-08:002014-01-17T07:08:03.661-08:00Concerning The Academy Award Nominations<br />
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Dear Blog Visitors:<br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I find that I am still a little dismayed at some of the nominations for this year's Academy Awards. Some extremely good performances got overlooked, especially those by Tom Hanks, Robert Redford, Emma Thompson, Forest Whitaker, Chadwick Boseman and Harrison Ford.<br /><br /> In terms of films that are nominated for best picture, I personally did not like THE WOLF OF WALL STREET or AMERICAN HUSTLE. One was <span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">over-the-top, in terms of 600 uses of the 'f' word, obsessive drug use, and sexual orgies; the other story had a muddled plot that did not capture my interest.<br /><br /> Over the years, I have favored films with a good narrative and top-notch acting, and we have seen some good ones. I personally was drawn to THE BUTLER, which traced several decades of a butler's experiences in the White House, inclusive of the history of the civil rights movement. I also felt that 42: THE JACKIE ROBINSON STORY was spectacular, with terrific acting by Chadwick Boseman, who played Robinson, and Harrison Ford, who played Branch Rickey (owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers. This was one of the best performances of Harrison Ford's career, and he was more than worthy of a nomination for best supporting actor, which he did not receive.<br /><br /> Of the movies that are nominated for best picture, my personal choice is 12 YEARS A SLAVE. I am hoping that neither THE WOLF OF WALL STREET nor AMERICAN HUSTLE get the top award.<br /><br /> My message to the Motion Picture Academy? Don't simply focus on films that come out the last two months of the year. Explore a wider range, beginning with films that appear in January and throughout the entire year.</span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">Peace to all,</span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">Ray</span></span></div>
Ray Grosswirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12416950255809237327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11139785.post-60309759933165370492013-12-24T06:38:00.000-08:002013-12-24T06:41:08.692-08:00Rochester's Transformations in 2014<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_52b998bd5ae930549618804">
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2014 will be a major year for transformations in Rochester. At the secular level, we will have a new mayor and administrators in City Hall. At the religious level, we will have a new Roman Catholic Bishop.<br />
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Concerning City Hall, I spent 23 years there, retiring in 2011 as supervisor of the City's accounts payable operations. I got to see much, in terms of day-to-day operations. My initial hope was that incoming mayor Lovely Warren would retain at least some of the talente<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">d department heads that were put into place by her immediate predecessors. While some positions were retained, there were multiple replacements as well. In retrospect, Lovely Warren had a good transition team, and I am impressed with choices she made. At the same time, I hope those not retained will be able to find employment soon, since they are extremely talented individuals.<br /><br /> I was happy to see that Charles Benincasa is being elevated from his position as City Treasurer to Finance Director. I worked closely with Charlie, and he will do a fantastic job in his new position. I am also pleased that Tassie Demps will keep her job as director of Human Resources. I worked closely with her when she and I were in the Purchasing Bureau, and her move to Human Resources a few years ago proved to be wise and beneficial to City employees.<br /><br /> Since I have worn two hats in recent years (my role in City Hall and my role as a married priest), I feel I must make a comment about the upcoming installation of Salvatore Matano as Rochester's new bishop. I wish him well, and I hope he will take a cue from Pope Francis, and work toward more inclusivity. I am not sure Matano's installation is the right way to begin in that direction, since the only persons invited are priests and deacons, which essentially excludes the women religious (nuns) and laity.<br /><br /> I will approach 2014 with an open mind and hope for the best of all possibilities.</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Peace to all,</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Ray</span></div>
Ray Grosswirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12416950255809237327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11139785.post-59873233623002514792013-12-11T07:07:00.001-08:002013-12-11T07:07:33.762-08:00Pope Francis Named Person of the Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I was ordained a married priest by a married archbishop in 2006, it was in recognition of the fact that I had the same graduate theological degrees as my celibate counterparts, and that sex and gender restrictions sadly prevented many qualified individuals from entering a vocation they were called to.<br />
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I was very pleased to learn that Pope Francis has been named Time Magazine's person of the year. He has the potential to make the Roman Catholic Church a more welcoming a<span class="text_exposed_show">nd inclusive institution than what was experienced under his immediate predecessors.<br /><br /> It is my hope that in light of the shortage of celibate priests, Pope Francis will authorize the inclusion of women and married men at the altar. Since the imposition of mandatory celibacy in 1139, there have been many scandals in the church, inclusive of the sexual abuse crisis that peaked in 2002.<br /><br /> Women and married priests who have found the means to become ordained have found ways to minister independently of the institutional church. In my case, I continue to preside at weddings. Pope Francis has the means to bring these highly qualified persons into the wider Roman Catholic community with the simple stroke of a pen. Let us hope this happens.</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Peace to all,</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Ray</span></div>
Ray Grosswirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12416950255809237327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11139785.post-44385762155705141102013-11-20T07:34:00.001-08:002013-11-20T07:34:50.664-08:00My Election as President of the Rochester Chamber Orchestra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear Blog Visitors:<br />
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I was deeply honored and humbled to be elected as the new president of the Rochester Chamber Orchestra. I am also very pleased that outgoing president and friend, Tom Paul, will be remaining on the board and continuing his longtime role as artistic administrator/advisor for the orchestra.<br />
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For me, my new role is a return to my musical roots. It was my original career ambition to become a symphony orchestra conductor. Having studied trumpet, violin, piano and voice, conducting seemed to be a logical next step. However, during my sophomore year at the Eastman School of Music, I decided that music was not going to be my career path. Since those days, I ventured into other areas, inclusive broadcasting, banking and 23 years in Rochester's City Hall. I have also earned varied degrees, such as a Bachelor of Arts from Empire State College and a Master of Arts in Theology and Master of Divinity from St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry, culminating in my being ordained a married priest in 2006.<br />
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The past few months have been a period of musical renewal for me. I have renewed friendships within the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra's framework, inclusive of musicians and administrators. In addition, my being a board member of the Rochester Chamber Orchestra has allowed me to participate in a field I truly love.<br />
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If you would like to keep posted on concerts being performed by the RCO, please visit the orchestra's website regularly at <a href="http://www.rcho.org/">www.rcho.org</a>. The orchestra also has a Facebook page.<br />
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Peace to all, <br />
RayRay Grosswirthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12416950255809237327noreply@blogger.com0