“Hawaii's saint fulfilled humanity's ideals - Honolulu Advertiser” plus 4 more |
- Hawaii's saint fulfilled humanity's ideals - Honolulu Advertiser
- Hawaii rail transit faces tight schedule - Honolulu Advertiser
- Lansing, E.L., MSU to unveil partnership - State News
- Monaco & The Vatican: Monaco's Grace Kelly Exhibit to Rome--A Review ... - Catholic Online
- A Movie Goes to the Lairs of Culture’s Militants - New York Times
| Hawaii's saint fulfilled humanity's ideals - Honolulu Advertiser Posted: 11 Oct 2009 06:40 PM PDT The role of a saint in the Roman Catholic Church is to serve as a model to emulate, an inspiration and example for others. But the Islands' fervent embrace of Damien de Veuster, "the leper priest of Molokai" now known as St. Damien, speaks to his extraordinary intimacy with ordinary life. While the grandeur of the canonization rites conferring that sainthood doubtlessly enthralled the large contingent of Isle residents in attendance, it was Damien's humble service to the most needy that made him a child of this land, someone immersed in Hawaii's real problems and lovingly entwined with its people. And this is the true power of Damien's exemplary work: The most ordinary among us can, in our own small way, follow his example by helping the needy all around us. It's hard to imagine attaining the same level of selflessness, of course. Even Mahatma Gandhi counted Damien as an inspiration. But upon the start of his life's work, the simple priest himself felt friendless and utterly alone in his mission. Kalaupapa was a remote peninsular colony for those diagnosed with Hansen's disease, which was many decades from a cure. It was a hellish dumping grounds when Damien landed in 1873. The patients left there could hardly be called patients at all, since authorities had abandoned them to die. That inhumane treatment reverberated in the inhumane way they treated each other. Damien's response? He met them with love, became not only their priest but their teacher, champion and helper. No task was too menial if it meant his people could find a little happiness and comfort. And in the end, when he was diagnosed with Hansen's disease, he bridged the final gap. That Sunday he began his sermon not with his customary "my brothers and sisters" but addressed the flock as "my fellow lepers." It was the ultimate devotional sacrifice that can be celebrated by all people, regardless of faith. There is surely great pride in the hearts of Belgians for their native son, but ample reason for people of Hawaii to honor Damien de Veuster as one of our own. Consider the values held in high regard in the host culture of the Islands among them love and generosity, both the earthly and spiritual kind. Damien, the only saint who spoke Hawaiian, understood these ideals well. And there have been few people who fulfilled these ideals, throughout the history of Hawaii, as fully as St. Damien of Molokai. This content has passed through fivefilters.org. | |
| Hawaii rail transit faces tight schedule - Honolulu Advertiser Posted: 11 Oct 2009 06:40 PM PDT It's crunch time for the Honolulu commuter rail project. In just over two months, the city plans to begin construction on its new $5.5 billion elevated train system. Breaking ground in December will represent the culmination of decades of on-and-off planning for the massive public works project, while providing a major political victory to the train's biggest champion, Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann. But to get there the city has to avoid being derailed by a prolonged environmental impact review, legal challenges or financing problems. The next few months are key in determining whether the project stays on schedule to launch the first phase of service between West Loch and Waipahu in late 2013, and the full service between East Kapolei and Ala Moana Center in 2018. Delays costlyThe city has said that every month the project is delayed costs taxpayers $10 million in added inflation and interest. Not breaking ground in December could also sap momentum from the project and lead to further attempts by state lawmakers to raid transit tax revenues to balance the state's budget, city officials have said. The first indictor of whether the city can stick to its schedule is whether the Federal Transit Administration approves the project's environmental impact statement. That milestone was expected to be reached in August, then September. Now the FTA approval is expected to occur this month, said city transportation Director Wayne Yoshioka. The delays shouldn't affect plans to start construction in December, he said. "We've always said toward the fall and we thought maybe toward the end of September, but probably now we're looking at mid-October somewhere," Yoshioka said. "If we get something out by the end of October, I think it allows time for the review period, and if we can get a (record of decision) by the end of November, that still gives us time to break ground" in December, he said. That revised timetable assumes the 20-mile train project will quickly clear any environmental legal hurdles that may arise from the report. The project also must clear a number of procedural hurdles, including a special City Council hearing and more federal approvals to begin construction. If the project receives needed federal approvals, it would indicate that the Federal Transit Administration has no major qualms about the project's environmental impacts. However, the project could face a lawsuit from environmental/cultural groups, private landowners or other special interests. "I would be shocked if there were not a legal challenge to the (environmental impact statement); there are so many problems with it," said Henry Curtis, executive director of Life of the Land, an environmental and community action group. Environmental concerns ultimately scuttled the inter-island Hawaii Superferry service. That project initially sidestepped the required environmental impact study and was halted by the courts. The city has done an environmental impact study for the train. However, several groups ranging from the Environmental Protection Agency, Kamehameha Schools and the American Institute of Architects have expressed concerns that it was inadequate. Part of the concern is whether the city adequately explored options such as an at-grade train system, or managed, elevated highway lanes. A lawsuit could delay the transit project, Curtis said. "If the city thinks that they're going to break ground in December, that's weird," he said. funds temptingAnother issue is the funding. The state has been collecting a tax surcharge to pay for the rail project, but a budget crisis is tempting state lawmakers to consider using that revenue to pay for more pressing services. Earlier this year the Senate considered, but rejected, a bill that would have borrowed $150 million from Honolulu's rail-transit tax. The bill would have given the city the option to extend the tax surcharge for another two years through 2024. As an incentive for city cooperation, the state would also have repaid the city with $250 million in bonds. Lawmakers may renew efforts to divert or borrow train taxes next spring, depending on how dire the state's finances become. Momentum for such a move could grow, if the project bogs down. "I'm not sure what the sense of the Legislature will be at the time depending on how severe the shortfall grows between now and then and where we're at," said Senate Ways and Means chairwoman Donna Mercado Kim, D-14th (Halawa, Moanalua, Kamehameha Heights). The issue is "whether or not it will in fact derail rail." Other milestones the city must meet to begin construction include: • Receiving federal permission to begin the preliminary engineering phase of the project. During preliminary engineering, the city will finalize management plans, refine the route's alignment and project costs, and further identify benefits and impacts. • The city also will need to award the biggest transit-related contract so far a $550 million to $600 million deal to design and build an elevated six-mile guideway from East Kapolei to Leeward Community College. That estimated amount excludes an unspecified amount to cover contingency costs. • The city also will need a "letter of no prejudice" from the Federal Transit Administration. That gives the city permission to spend city money on the project without jeopardizing the possible future influx of federal funds. The city needs $1.55 billion in federal funds to pay for the project. However, the city doesn't expect to find out whether it will get that money until early 2011. Bond financingCity administration officials also will eventually need City Council authorization to issue up to $1 billon in bonds needed to complete the project. Yoshioka said the city can begin construction without bond financing. The city has about $154 million in transit tax collections, according to an August version of the city's financial plan. "We have enough cash on hand to start right now without bonding," Yoshioka said. City Council member Charles Djou said the deadline to begin construction in December carries risks. That's because there are still unresolved issues relating to the train's route and finances. Federal officials have asked the city to shift the route of the planned train away from the Prince Kuhio Federal Building because of security concerns. Major landowner Kamehameha Schools also has asked the city to consider building the train at ground-level along an alternative Downtown route. Ho'opili uncertainIn addition, the train's current route through East Kapolei was designed to accommodate the proposed 11,750-home Ho'opili community. However, the future of that project, which would be built on prime agricultural lands, remains uncertain following a setback in August before the state Land Use Commission and increasing community opposition. Apart from route issues, the city's latest financial plan for the East Kapolei-to-Ala Moana commuter rail line anticipates a $360 million shortfall in tax collections. The city expects to rely on increased federal funds including diverting federal money intended for TheBus to help make up for the lower-than-anticipated tax revenue and higher costs, according to the financial plan. "There's just so many questions still floating out there that I think prudence would dictate that we take a deep breath and make sure we're doing this properly, instead of just rushing headlong forward into doing a project that may not be properly vetted," Djou said. "This is not a credible, cautious, prudent, dot your i's cross your t's style of doing business." City Council Chairman Todd Apo said the council will hold a special public hearing on rail soon that will provide an opportunity to discuss questions about rail finances and alternatives. However, that hearing isn't expected to lead to any council action that could delay the project. "We are now moving forward on this project, but we need to ensure this project is moving forward correctly," Apo said. That means "not looking back on all the decisions that have already been made," Apo said. A delay in the start of construction wouldn't necessarily be a setback, Apo said. "In the short term, I don't think there's any problem as long as we are progressing coming out with the (final environmental impact state- ment) and having the public hearing on it," Apo said. "If those things stay on schedule, then even if there isn't an actual groundbreaking in December, I think everybody will recognize the project is moving along. "Now if something runs completely sideways, then yes, I think you run into that risk," Apo added. But, "I don't see that happening, at least right now." Reach Sean Hao at shao@honoluluadvertiser.com. • • •  • • • 
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| Lansing, E.L., MSU to unveil partnership - State News Posted: 11 Oct 2009 06:33 PM PDT By Kate Jacobson (Last updated: 1 hour ago) The cities of East Lansing and Lansing, along with MSU, will unveil a cultural economic development plan at 7 p.m. today at the Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road. The plan was formulated by various representatives and leaders brought together to explore economic opportunities through culture and art. Speakers include leaders from both Lansing and East Lansing, as well as faculty at MSU. Originally Published: 1 hour agoThis content has passed through fivefilters.org. | |
| Monaco & The Vatican: Monaco's Grace Kelly Exhibit to Rome--A Review ... - Catholic Online Posted: 11 Oct 2009 06:26 PM PDT | BOSTON, MA (October 11, 2009) - The Government of Monaco has announced that the next stop for the exposition entitled "The Grace Kelly Years, Princess of Monaco" will be Rome,Italy between October 16th 2009 and February 28th 2010. This outstanding exposition featuring Monaco's iconic Princess will take up quarters in the Palazzo Ruspoli from October 16th 2009 to February 28th 2010. This prestigious venue in the heart of the Eternal City operates under the auspices of the Memmo Foundation. The exposition will occupy several floors, giving visitors ample opportunity to relive the years during which an exceptional woman reached myth status while living out her extraordinary destiny, that of a Hollywood actress become Princess of Monaco. The official inauguration of the exposition will be held on October 15th at 6 P.M., in the presence of HSH Prince Albert II. A press conference followed by a visit to the exposition is scheduled on October 14th at noon. To celebrate the arrival of this special exhibition from the Catholic sovereign state of the Principality of Monaco to the Eternal City which is host to the State of Vatican City, the world headquartes of the Roman Catholic ecclesial nation-state of the Universal Church of Rome,a diplomatic history of Monegasque-Holy See relations has been written to highlight the historical friendship between the Roman Catholic Church and the Holy See, and the Principality of Monaco, which has the Catholic religion as the official religion of state. Some versions of this article include photos of Prince Rainier III, Princess Grace and Prince Albert II in their respective visits to the Roman Pontiffs from Pope Pius XII to Pope Benedict XVI.
*Unless otherwise noted the Monegasque history cited in this article has been taken from The History of the Principality of Monaco As Seen Through Its Postage Stamps, H. Chiavassa, Monaco Postage Stamp Issuing Office 1964. Above photo of Prince Rainier III & Pope John Paul II IN 1997 Courtesy of the following internet site: http://wikicompany.org/wiki/images/thumb/Prince_rainier_pope.jpg/120px-Prince_rainier_pope.jpg The Roman Catholic constitutional and hereditary monarchy of the Principality of Monaco, and the papal constitutional monarchy of the Roman Catholic ecclesiastical nation-state of the Universal Church of Rome (U.C.R.), governed by the entity known as the Apostolic (or Holy) See, and headquartered in the State of Vatican City in Rome, Italy, although distinctly separate sovereign states, share a very uniquely historical ecclesio-cultural symbiosis that has become a rare gem in the highly secular socio-cultural geo-political era of 21st century Europe.
Thus, in effort to affirm the independence and sovereignty of the Principality granted it by the Treaty of 1861, Prince Charles III of Monaco strategized a diversity of means to effect the sovereign independence of the Principality. In addition to the minting of Monegasque coins, the issuance of the first Monegasque stamps and the dispatch of accredited diplomatic agents of Monaco to other countries, especially the Catholic countries of the France, Italy and the ...
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| A Movie Goes to the Lairs of Culture’s Militants - New York Times Posted: 11 Oct 2009 06:47 PM PDT Movies often mingle art and commerce, but usually not over wine in a gallery. Samuel Goldwyn Films is relying on galleries, museums, art schools and other cultural gathering points to spread the word about a comedy that pokes fun at the denizens of such places under the singularly difficult title, "(Untitled)." As in, say, "Jasper Johns — Untitled." Goldwyn, an independent distributor of long standing, has been a master at mining deep niche markets with films that appeal to devotees of one thing or another. A few years ago, the company helped make a hit out of "What the Bleep Do We Know!?" by easing the New Age semi-documentary into heartland hotbeds of alternative thought after its makers got the film started with showings in Sedona, Ariz., and elsewhere. "(Untitled)," which is directed by Jonathan Parker, with Adam Goldberg in a lead role, is about a composer of not entirely listenable new music ("Harmony was a capitalist plot to sell pianos!") who is romantically involved with a gallery owner. For Goldwyn, the trick lies in selling to a pair of high-brow audiences — that for fine art, and that for new music — that are heavily embedded in a pair of cities, New York and Los Angeles, where conventional movie advertising is prohibitively expensive for small movies. "The idea is to reach out to an art and music scene that isn't traditionally drawn to film," said Michael Silberman, who is in charge of distribution for Goldwyn. Of the movie's barbed look at that scene, he added: "Specialized film has gotten to be on the safe side. This is a little more adventuresome." So far, the art world has been accommodating. The movie is scheduled for a premiere next Monday at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, followed by a reception at a suitably stark white space, the nearby Edward Cella Art+Architecture gallery. In New York, a screening is scheduled at the Museum of Modern next Sunday. In the music world, reaching aficionados has meant, among other things, distributing samplers of a soundtrack by Pulitzer Prize-winning David Lang. If things go according to plan, Goldwyn will have some sophisticated customers lined up when the movie opens in New York and Los Angeles on Oct. 23. MICHAEL CIEPLY This content has passed through fivefilters.org. |
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