New Video of Loch Ness monster!

Believe it or not - after a long hiatus, the Loch Ness Monster affectionately known as "Nessie" is back in the news. 55-year old Gordon Holmes says he's got the proof!

Here is a link to the story and video.

Most folks have regarding the "monster" as urban legend, while others have believed that the creature still exists and lurks in the Loch. Scientists have spent thousands of hours and plenty of money chasing the allusive creature.

The video is interesting in that a 45 foot long - something is captured lurking across the Loch. For the longest time, most scientists have declared that the monster is probably overgrown sturgeon that enter through the inlets, and nothing more.

It's quite possible that a dinosaur variety (perhaps a Plesiosaurs as Nessie is often depicted) could have existed some time ago, but based on most input by scientists that the Loch would be incapable of supplying enough food and nutrients for a creature that size to live. Still, 4000 logged sightings claim that old Nessie makes occasional appearances, and not all of them were drunk on Scotch. Nessie feeds our imagination and hope of some that there is more to this Earth than what we see around us. Here is a good Nessie site to peruse if you have the time. and another that takes a skeptical look at the creature.

Also see CNN's page on this story with footage. Well, if its another hoax to drum up tourism, they've got the world's media outlets selling their story.

Trinity Episcopal Church, Bristol joins CANA: Robinson not invited to Lambeth

It's one of the missions of this blog to bring you key updates on the state of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut and abroad, and the latest news on the upcoming schism between the Anglican Communion and the Episcopal Church. Here are a few points to pass on, one local, one national:

Here is a snippet from a Press Release on Trinity Church (sanctuary pictured right), Bristol, Connecticut, from the Mission of the Church of Nigeria:

Trinity Church in Bristol, Connecticut, A pre-Revolutionary War parish that was established in 1747, Trinity Church built its first church building on Federal Hill Green in then New Cambridge in 1754. Trinity Church is one of the “Connecticut Six”, a group of Anglican congregations within the state of Connecticut who have sought to maintain their historic connections with the wider Anglican Communion despite continuing legal challenges initiated by the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut. Today, Trinity Church is an active worshipping community of approximately 130 under the leadership of the Rev’d Donald Helmandollar.

Here is a link to a story in the New Haven Register regarding Trinity's leaving the ECUSA. And another here from the Courant.

We at The King's View applaud the Bristol Church, Rev'd Helmandollar, and all its members for taking this positive and challenging step forward. Everyone realizes that it's been a tough road "going it alone" and taking on Bishop Dean Smith and his pack of lawyers and cronies. Smith's tough armed approach with the Connecticut Six will never be forgotten. We are just happy that the folks at Trinity, Bristol have found a home in the Anglican Communion where they can worship peacefully and in harmony with the Communion.

Rev'd Helmandollar's quote in the Courant article is worth repeating to underline the reason that that the ECUSA is falling apart and churches around the country are bolting the madness in the ECUSA:

"The defining issue for us is the absolute revisionist view of Scripture within the Episcopal Church, the idea that man wrote the Bible, so man can change it, " Helmandollar said. "You'll hear such things from the Episcopal Church. We firmly believe we do not have the authority to do that. We firmly believe it is the word of God and it's not to be changed."

Also noted this week... this comes at a time when the Anglican Church is preparing for the 2008 Lambeth Conference, where last week it was reported that gay activist and open homosexual alleged-Bishop Gene Robinson will not be invited to the Conference. The Conference could set the final stage for the removal of the Episcopal Church from the Anglican Communion due to the Episcopal Church's embarrassing incorporation of a new revisionist Christian doctrine.

It's clear that based on reports out of London that the Primates are becoming increasing frustrated with the Archbishop of Canterbury over his patience with the American Church (ECUSA) and for the fact that he will be taking a three month break from the activity. It's my own view that the Archbishop Williams is probably biding time and hoping that the ECUSA comes to its senses on all of this; but this isn't likely to happen given the leadership in the ECUSA which is hell-bent on moving further left in its interpretation of Scripture.

I, for one, would like to see Archbishop Williams take a tougher stand with the ECUSA, and perhaps that will come in time. At this point, I don't want to mistake any misinterpretation of inaction or "careful approach" by the Archbishop as a sign that he is siding with the ECUSA or not up for the task. I'm sure this is a tough matter for him and he thinks about the fact that his legacy could be that of the Archbishop who helped boot the ECUSA out of the Anglican Communion. From a human standpoint, I'm sure that's got to be gut-wrenching, and painful.

But the Archbishop should keep in mind that its the leadership of the ECUSA that brought this acid rain down upon all of us. And the Primates and other conservative (and moderate) voices have had enough with the ECUSA's polity. And if it helps, think about the way that Bishop Andrew Smith has ruthlessly treated the Connecticut Six - ripping the churches out from under the parishioners, and how Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori has basically threatened a ninety year old man with excommunication hearings and such, and the many other nasty methods and attacks she has employed on dozens of parishes across the United States. Just what is Christian about Jeffert Schori's strong-armed tactics?

Red Sox continue to dominate! But there is work to do!

Ok, so its only May (almost June), but the Boston Red Sox are on fire. It's hard to fathom this early out from September that the Sox are absolutely guaranteed to win the division. It's almost asking for trouble to make such claims - even with the New York Yankees dying on the vine and 14.5 games out. But its noteworthy, that his has to be one of the first times I can remember the Sox being this far ahead of the entire AL East pack.

It's the way the Sox have managed to win that surprises me most. Most Sox fans would agree that in the past several seasons its been about Manny and Papi and their heroic homeruns that have given the Sox their go-go juice. But that's not the case this year at all.

While both of those guys are contributing (and Manny batting around a mediocre .268), its been the bats of Mike Lowell, Kevin Youkilis, and the rest of the cast and crew stringing together victories in almost a small ball fashion. It's bizarre to think that a team that has players (like Coco Crisp) who seems to try to bunt his way on base every time seems to keep rolling over the opposition. And Sox have done just that - most notably over the pitching staffs of Detroit, Anaheim, and Cleveland.

Sox pitching has been a surprise in both directions. Curt Schilling has fallen out of the "Ace" category by his inconsistent starts, yet "wacky" Julian Tavarez and Sox veteran Tim Wakefield have had better than expected outings. Dice-K (Daisuke Matsuzaka) and Josh Beckett (8-0) have been - as advertised: Lights out all season long.

And the biggest surprise, and the guy that's on track for my vote for MVP is Hideki Okajima. Wow, out of Heaven on a chariot comes Hideki. This guy is the real deal in the bullpen! Reliever or closer, it doesn't matter - he just shuts them down - 1-2-3!

But this wouldn't be a Red Sox column if I didn't whine and bith about something, so let me list my criticisms and concerns - in WEEI-fashion about the team here:

• Manny Ramirez has to become more productive in the line up. It seems each year his "late start" gets later and later. I don't know if this is a product of age, or if they've just scouted Manny to death and the AL has his number. I have noticed that he gets the no swing, high and inside strike often. He only has eight homeruns so far, and for Manny - that's dismal.
• Jonathan Papelbon seems to be struggling in his closer role, or at best has been inconsistent. Loading the bases on Monday is another example where he puts himself in a very tough spot by allowing baserunners in the 9th inning. Eventually (and it already has once) this will come back to bite him and the Sox will lose a few in the late hours.
• Willy Mo Pena needs to step up. He was supposed to be the next big thing and he's a young gun shooting water pistols. He's batting a lackluster .237, and his fielding ability is poor. We can excuse a guys fielding ability (we tend to overlook David Ortiz on this point) when he's contributing to run totals. But Willy Mo is in trouble, and from what I've seen he'd be lucky to be able to throw out someone at home if he were standing on the mound. At minimum, he needs to get the lead out and pick up the ball and get the damn thing back in the infield more quickly. Perhaps its not enough playing time, but whatever it is, he needs to fix it.
• J.D. Drew is another guy we expect more from, particulary when he was brought on to replace Sox-legend Trot Nixon at such a phenominal price. Drew is batting .232, and he's no Dwight Evans out there in right field. And it should be pointed out that he's battled back to .232 from the abyss. He seems like he's a solid player. Let's hope he picks it up or shouts of "Nancy Drew" will be echoing in Fenway.
• Coco Crisp. Ok, his fielding has been heroic out there - particularly diving to catch fly balls and so forth - some catches were game savers (he'd better since he clearly doesn't have a strong arm out there as evidenced by the extra bases taken by the opposition when he retrieves the ball on one hop). But instead of swinging the bat, we find him bunting out to third. I'm not sure what that is all about but its not helping his .234 average. I'm still waiting for Coco to help me forget about why we didn't need Johnny Damon.
• Dustin Pedroia is finding his groove. Three weeks ago, this entire column might have been about him and his inability to get on base. However, his defensive play is unbelievable. It will be interesting to watch his career though, can a guy who's 5'9", small, and lacks power make it in the big leagues? Time will tell.
• Jason Varitek. Tek is one of my favorite players and his homer last night shows that despite his .270 average comes through when needed. And moreover, he's the strategist behind much of the success from the mound. Tek is the heart and sole of this team, but I hope and pray that he stays healthy, and doesn't break down or get an injury. If Tek goes down, I would expect to see some backpeddling by the Sox to a certain extent. Mirabellis is good, but he's another guy up there in age, and its asking a lot of him to catch Wakefield and everyone else day after day.

But notwithstanding all my criticisms, our team continues to put up numbers in the "W" column. The 2007 Red Sox play as a team, with a sprinkle of offense here and good pitching there. There are no heroes as in previous seasons - every win is a team win. And I think the best is yet to come.

And my only gripe with the Red Sox organization doesn't involve any of the players, coaches, or trainers. It's actually the only thing that I would change about the Sox organization if I had my way. Last year the Red Sox didn't renew the contract of long time Red Sox play by play radio announcer - Jerry Trupiano who has been a staple and fan favorite sitting beside "the voice of the Red Sox" Joe Castiglione for many years. I miss his homerun calls "Waaay Baaaack" - even those that were caught in deep right field.

The Sox decided to replace Trup with two other guys meant to split the duty with Castiglione - Dave O'Brien and Glenn Geffner. Of the two, I prefer to hear O'Brien. O'Brien is informative and his voice doesn't aggitate the listener in the way that Glenn Geffner's does. He seems to have good chemistry with Joe, and the two compliment each other well. Moreover, O'Brien comes across as having respect for Castiglione over the airwaves, seeking Joe's thoughts and supplementing his comments.

Listening to Glenn Geffner is like listening to a little league baseball game on your local cable access channel. Geffner is downright hideous in his play by play routine, giddy, and full of useless statistics that annoy the listeners. He often provides statistical detail that leaves Joe Castiglione quiet and fans yearning for Jerry Remy. It's really becoming an issue as fans have really voiced their negative views of Geffner's style and hope he isn't renewed next year. Some fear that he is a friend of Theo Epstein's and he's probably not going anywhere. (I recommend checking out www.38cliches.com for some great commentary on this top.)

Please Theo. Forget your ties to old friend Geffner. He's killing the games, and forcing Joe to carry him through 9 innings. Please, set things right and send him to the Sea Dogs. Or better yet, West Hartford Little League just might create an opening for him so he can shine at the level where his talent lies.

Memorial Day Success in West Harford! Some thoughts on civilian losses in war, et al.

Hopefully, you attended the Memorial Day parade and ceremony on Monday. If you didn't, you missed something very special. The entire town - including all of the fabulous school bands, and groups marching down Farmington Avenue looked sharp and really made us all proud that we are residents of West Hartford. As I said in my previous post - Memorial Day is a day of remembrance, and a day to recognize the sacrifice that so many made in the name of freedom.

I recognize that many of the kids who marched, may not yet understand the nature of why we are celebrating and parading around town. But in time, they will grow up to comprehend it, and remember that they took part in honoring those who have gone before us and made the ultimate sacrifice. This is a good lesson that we teach our children; this is one holiday that should not be removed from the holiday schedule so that the school teacher's union members can get out a day earlier. (Pathetic idea to say the least). And no matter how hard they try, the schools just wouldn't do it justice - seeing, feeling, and listening to real veterans tell real stories is the real deal - let the kids walk amongst giants. Schools just wouldn't get it right.

My young daughter is only two years old, and she may not recollect all of the images she witnessed on Monday in her later years. But I did capture images of her at the parade on my modest Canon A520, and I will continue to bring her to Memorial Day parades and celebrations so that she may learn the value of what these men and women have done for us and for future generations.

The ceremony was also well conducted and solemn. I think it was very fitting to hear certain points regarding the sacrifice by civilians in war. One of the speakers made it a point to describe a tale of what the Atomic Bomb - launched by our Armed Forces on Hiroshima, Japan - did to the civilian population - relaying a story told by a visiting Japanese teacher regarding her family's escape from death and starvation by hiding under the bridge and consuming Saki to stay alive. Also, to be fair, the German War machine rained tens of thousands of bombs on London and her outlying areas - turning streets and homes to rubble, and killing thousands of innocent civilians. The same story can be told in many places, from Vietnam to Dresden, Germany.

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Few escape the horrors of war when the battle rages on their homeland. During 9-11, I lost a fraternity brother who had one child who's wife was months away from giving birth to their second child. He was a civilian casualty of Bin Laden's mad dream. He had phoned his wife to tell her he was on his way down the stair to safety - but he never made it. The horror of it is surreal. While I wasn't close to him as both started families in different parts of the world, we still had our time together at UConn. And so the speech on Monday hit home and the point was poignant.

The purpose of the day is to get us to remember. So while the parade featured military veterans, bands, balloons, and old jalopies, it held special meaning for some of us who spent the rest of the day reflecting on what it all means, and how complicated war can be - including this one in Iraq - which everyone is sick to death of. But the balance between was is right and what is necessary is often blurred.

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I have to say that the United States does engage in a lot of conflicts around the world - that much is true. But I also have to say that we do not start them, but often are called on to finish them. There is not easy answer to this, because if there were then it would be implemented and congress would be embroiled in arguments about health care and taxes and little else.

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But the policies should not take away from the human element. No one signs up to die, and no one enlists to become a name on a grave marker. I think this is often lost in the discussion; and intentionally dismissed by those on the left, like Cindy Sheehan and Hillary Clinton, who invoke a soldier's misfortune for political gain. For that reason, I strongly dislike these people, and when I read stories like these, I'm angered by the self-centered mindset of some holier-than- thou people like Sheehan.

I need to end on a positive note with this posting. Monday was a fabulous day for West Hartford, and our veterans, parents, children and -- even our politicians managed to act respectful - for the most part and honored the crowd with thought-provoking commentary that didn't go over the top.

Thank you Veterans. And thank you families of veterans lost. Thank you for what you've endured, and for your sacrifice. And to the families of those civilians who were lost due to war - we mourn with you and share in your sorrow.

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Most of us appreciate your loss, and we offer our respect and condolences on this Memorial Day in West Hartford.