The passing of John Updike

I read with sadness this afternoon that John Updike passed away today. He was an iconic American writer who also happened to be the step-father of one of my fraternity brothers (in my pledge class).

I met Mr. Updike at the cocktail party at my fraternity after graduation exercises. I didn't recognize him, and if Jason had mentioned that his step-dad was John Updike, I missed it. What a surprise when in a conversation I asked him, having only introduced himself as Jason's step-father, what field he was in and he said "I am a writer". He then realized I didn't know who he was, and because Jason has his father's last name, he said, "I'm John Updike". WOW!!!

A nice obit is here

http://www.comcast.net/articles/entertainment/20090127/Obit.Updike/print/

May he rest in peace.

Meanwhile, on the global warming front....

As reported on the Drudgereport.com

GORE HEARING ON WARMING MAY BE PUT ON ICE

Mon Jan 26 2009 17:59:26 ET

Al Gore is scheduled before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday morning to once again testify on the 'urgent need' to combat global warming. But Mother Nature seems ready to freeze the proceedings.

A 'Winter Storm Watch' has been posted for the nation's capitol and there is a potential for significant snow... sleet... or ice accumulations. "I can't imagine the Democrats would want to showcase Mr. Gore and his new findings on global warming as a winter storm rages outside," a Republican lawmaker emailed the DRUDGE REPORT. "And if the ice really piles up, it will not be safe to travel."

A spokesman for Sen. John Kerry, who chairs the committee, was not immediately available to comment on contingency plans. Global warming advocates have suggested this year's wild winter spells are proof of climate change. Developing...

Note that it is now "climate change" - not just global warming.

I know around here the climate changes frequently...it is called 'seasons'.

Good to be back!

I like being away on vacation, but it is always good to be back.

On our drive back, we were greeted with the sad news that Sharon Schafer had passed away very unexpectedly Sunday morning. Her funeral at St. John's is thursday morning.

Where were we?
Check out some video here
www.youtube.com/kelfam48230

The 150th Anniversary Service

What a wonderful service it was. A great kick off to our 150's anniversary year's events

If you missed the service, here it is....
in nine parts

www.youtube.com/user/stjohnspriest