X-Oriente

035: The Widows Sons

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Mon, 6 Jul 2009 21:58:00 GMT

It's here it's here! I've finally been off my bike long enough to finish the episode! It's riding season and I've been spending a lot of time on my incredibly fuel efficient (51MPG city) fast (100MPH +) and cool scooter. It got me interested in the biker lifestyle, specifically biker Masons, so I thought I'd visit some and discuss the biker lifestyle, Masonry and the intersection of the two. I spoke with W. Bro. Ted Hogan, president of the 3-5-7 Brotherhood Chapter of the Widows Sons International, a Masonic Motorcycle Association. And I learned a lot about what biker Masons are, and what they aren't. And at the end of the day I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of Masonic content they offer their members. If you are interested in joining the Widows Sons, you can find a chapter near you at widowssons.com. Ride Safe! Special thanks to Ted Hogan and the Brothers of 3-5-7 Brotherhood Chapter. You guys rock.

034: An Evening With Bro. Christopher Hodapp

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 23:37:00 GMT

Christopher Hodapp speaking at the Valley of Chicago's Scottish Rite Degree Day Feb 21, 2009.

033: Masonic AntiPatterns 2-Small Group Dynamics

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 03:44:00 GMT

In this episode we look at the dynamics of small teams (that is "Committees" in Masonic parlance) and how understanding the dynamics of the life-cycle of teams can help make your team or committee run much more smoothly. We've also got some music that simply blew me away with its ingenuity and talent. Kutiman is an Israeli Musician, Producer and DJ who has put together music from unrelated videos found on YouTube. You can find his work on his site www.thru-you.com. We're playing the first cut off his collection called "The Mother of All Funk Chords."

032: Report from Masonic Week

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 07:35:00 GMT

Another quick episode of some of the highlights of Masonic Week which took place in Alexandria, Virginia (Washington DC area)

031: Reflections on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 07:34:00 GMT

2 episodes in a week? Am I nuts? (Don't answer that!) Today's episode is a quick one...I was thinking about the legacy of our brother Dr. King, and my childhood, white guilt, putting a name to race, and Masonry and the inauguration tomorrow...and it was all swirling around in my head. So I decided to get it out onto an MP3 and share my thoughts with you and maybe spark some conversations between you and your brothers. Please share your thoughts and reflections too. And Happy MLKJ Day!

030: Masonic AntiPatterns 1--People

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 07:33:00 GMT

Problem personalities in the Lodge and how to work harmoniously with them.

029: Christmas Music Special 2008

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 07:31:00 GMT

2008 Christmas Music Special Happy Holidays everybody!

028: Believing In

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Mon, 3 Nov 2008 07:30:00 GMT

Belief in God is a foundation of the Craft. but what exactly is belief and why is it so important? In this episode we talk to some experts on the nature of belief.

027: West Virginia

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 06:25:00 GMT

An interview with "I.M. Hiram" on the mess in West Virginia. It has become so bad that even the New York Times is weighing in. So it is time we did.

026: An Evening With Brother "Iceman"

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 06:24:00 GMT

I spent an evening with M.W. Bro. Jerry Butler. I went to learn more about Prince Hall Masonry, about the differences between Prince Hall Masonry and the "European Brethren". I left learning more about what makes us the same, and the truly Universal nature of the Craft. Thanks to Bro Butler, Bro. Priester for granting me the time, Thanks to Arc Music Group for permission to play Bro. Butler's music in the show.

025: 3rd Annual Christmas Music Special

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 07:22:00 GMT

It is that time of the year again, brethren! Time for the 3rd Annual X-Oriente Christmas Music Special! The pickings this year were slimmer than in the past, but I still found with some pretty decent selections. Please enjoy these and have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! Music Selections "I'll be home for Christmas," by Twisted Sister "Merry Christmas Song" by Vanessa Van Spall "Looks Like Christmas." by Winzinreid, or the Hollywood Drunks "O Come All Ye Faithful," by Mary Ellen "Feels Like Christmas," by Rusty Bladen "Drinking Up Christmas," by The Dwarves "My Own Merry Christmas," by Geoff Smith

024: In the Interests of the Brethren

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 07:21:00 GMT

After an abortive Episode 023, here is a classic Rudyard Kipling story to help us get back to what's important. New theme music too.

022: Subduing Our Passions

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Mon, 3 Dec 2007 07:20:00 GMT

There is a lot of controversy brewing in the Masonic world online. Here's some tips on how to navigate the blogosphere with dignity and respect.

021: Speaking of Complete Idiots and the Media...

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Sat, 3 Nov 2007 06:18:00 GMT

Brent Morris speaks about what it was like to write a book "...for Complete Idiots" and talks about his experiences with the media. Presented Oct. 5, 2007 at the Illinois Lodge of Research in Springfield, Illinois.

020: How to Think Critically

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 06:17:00 GMT

Critical thinking tools and a challenge

019: The Importance of Thinking Critically

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 05:45:00 GMT

Critical thinking is one of those things that Freemasons were famous for. Now it is time for us again be the stewards of independent thinking.

018: The Enemy of Freemasonry

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 05:43:00 GMT

What is the enemy of Freemasonry?

017: Christian Mysticism and High Degrees

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Wed, 7 Feb 2007 06:42:00 GMT

Live (sort of) from Washington DC! This is an event sponsored by Benjamin B. French Lodge No. 15 in Washington DC. (Returned to the feed)

016: Web Apps for Masons

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Mon, 5 Feb 2007 06:39:00 GMT

One of the most important tasks of any lodge is to communicate effectively with their members. The web offers tons of great tools to help Masons do just that. Many of these tools are cheap or even free of charge (usually if you put up with some advertising). In this, the first of several episodes we'll do from time to time, we review some tools to help your Lodge keep a calendar, manage email lists and start a trestleboard-style blog.

015: Xmas Special 2006

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 06:38:00 GMT

I am pleased to bring you the Second Annual Christmas Music Special filled with the best holiday music the net has to offer. I hope 2006 has been good to you and I look forward to a 2007 filled with light and brotherhood. All the music heard today can be found at the Podsafe Music Network, except our Hanukkah song, which can be ordered on iTunes and found at the LeeVees own web site. Check out the new video for "How Do You Spell Channukkkah?" on YouTube, and buy the album. Even if you're not Jewish, it still tastes great. Kind of like a fresh bagel. Also the MP3 file is a little larger than normal...I ripped it in stereo so you can enjoy the music with slightly more quality.Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward All! See you in 2007!

014: RANT!

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 06:37:00 GMT

It's been a difficult couple of months for some parts of masonry and so this episode is a bit of a rant. But check out the end of the show for details on the Masonic Playlist Challenge!

013: Pssst! Gossip!

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Fri, 1 Sep 2006 05:35:00 GMT

Have you heard the latest Gossip? Do you really want to? Why? In this episode we explore gossip: why it is harmful and why it can threaten the harmony of the lodge. Gossip is bad for the gossiper, the gossipee, the person hearing it, the person passing it on, and the Fraternity as a whole. It goes against our values as Masons and our Obligations. So why do we do it?Special guest: Bro. (and Reverend) Timothy Bonney

012: It's About Time 3

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 05:29:00 GMT

Recently, a special task force from the Masonic Information Center (MIC), part of the Masonic Service Association published a paper called "It's About Time! Moving Masonry into the 21st Century" This paper is different and important. It's the first paper I've read in a long time that takes a truly critical look at the problems of our fraternity without a partisan position. It dovetails nicely with the goals here at X-Oriente, so we're going to take an in-depth look at the paper in its entirety. This is part 3 of a 3-part series. AND IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!

011: It's About Time! Part 2

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 00:32:00 GMT

010: It's About Time! Part 1

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Fri, 19 May 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Recently, a special task force from the Masonic Information Center (MIC), part of the Masonic Service Association published a paper called "It's About Time! Moving Masonry into the 21st Century" This paper is different and important. It's the first paper I've read in a long time that takes a truly critical look at the problems of our fraternity without a partisan position. It dovetails nicely with the goals here at X-Oriente, so we're going to take an in-depth look at the paper in its entirety. This will probably be a 3-part series. Aslo did you miss the Secrets of the Freemasons that aired this week on National Geographic Channel? Well you didn't miss much.

009: Movie Night part 2

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Sun, 23 Apr 2006 20:47:00 GMT

This past week Freemasonry figured prominently on Good Morning America. How did we do? We'll explore what GMA had to say and our answers to their questions. Also we'll conclude our interview with Bro. Michael Toth. He is the Writer/Director of The Freemasons: The Mystery Myth and Legend. In the next show we will take a look at a very important paper. Published by a special task force of the Masonic Information Center Steering Committee, this paper address the problem of public awareness and Freemasonry and what we must do to succeed. I believe this is a great opportunity for us to take a look at some very useful and important ideas. You can download a PDF of the paper at The Masonic Information Center page. Look on the right hand side for the download link. I recommend you read it before you listen to the next episode as we will be looking at this paper in depth. Think of it as your first X-Oriente homework assignment! ;-)Show Notes:00:00 Intro: help us spread the word!01:10 Good Morning, America! Masonic Skullduggery?03:30 Richard Fletcher's comments on GMA06:00 Brent Morris on why Freemasonry's numbers are declining07:50 My take on the GMA segment08:23 A homework assignment and shout out to Pythagoras Lodge No. 1464 in Athens, Greece (errata: I said in the show that Pythagoras was No.1461 not 1464. I regret the error. Sorry Pythagoras!)10:11 Geek out! The hardware and software I use to create X-Oriente14:19 Continuing the interview with Michael Toth16:30 The impact that film has had18:50 Technical aspects of making the film24:05 Challenges in making the film28:00 Freemasonry in the US. and in other countries33.12: Taking Masonry Seriously34:40 Portraying Masonic ritual in the film35:35 The documentary style41:00 Dreaming of a Masonic feature film44:15 How to get the film46:00 Wrap up46:55 Outro (enhanced)If you would like to order a copy of The Freemasons, The Mystery Myth and Truth you can get it on DVD (All regions NTSC) for $24.95 + $4 shipping at their web site. (Note: International shipping may be more...contact masondvd@freemasonsfilm.com for more info)Music:Theme music by Charlie Crowe"Honolulu Shuffle" by KaimokuMusic of the Spheres by Music of the Spheres, available at Magnatune.comOutro: Joy, by Charlie Crowe

008: Movie Night

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 05:19:00 GMT

There are plenty of History Channel documentaries out there that proport to tell the story of Freemasonry. In 1991 W. Bro. I. Michael Toth in cooperation with other brethren and the Grand Lodge of Illinois produced an hour-long film entitled "Unseen Journey." Shot on film (not video), the production featured the late John Robinson, author of "Born in Blood." Now that 1991 film has been recut by the director and given a new title, "The Freemasons: The Mystery Myth and Legend." This episode is Part I of an interview with Bro Toth.

007: Fundamentalism and Freemasonry Part 2

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Sun, 26 Mar 2006 18:38:00 GMT

In Part 2, We take a look at a Masonic Fundamentalist group that has split off from the mainstream of Freemasonry. Also, a recap of Masonic Week and the Mortar & Pestle Degree!

006: Fundamentalism and Freemasonry Part 1

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Thu, 9 Feb 2006 04:21:00 GMT

Fundamentalism is very bad for free, democratic societies, and it is bad for Freemasonry. In part 1 of this multi-part series, we'll explore the nature of fundamentalism, and its definition

005: The Perfect Storm

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Sat, 21 Jan 2006 06:14:00 GMT

Are we ready for the onslaught of movies and books about Freemasonry? Between National Treasure, National Treasure 2 and Dan Brown's next book, we're gonna see publicity for Masonry the likes we have not seen in a hundred years. It could be the best thing that ever happened to us, or a disaster. Are we ready for it?Show notes are at http://www.xoriente.comThe opinions expressed in this show are strictly those of X-Oriente and its editorial staff, and do not reflect those of any Lodge, Grand Lodge or appendant body.

004: Christmas Music Special 2005

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Fri, 23 Dec 2005 06:12:00 GMT

Our last hurrah to the musical portion of the show: a collection of Christmas songs for the Brothers and their loved ones.

003: Working For the Man

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Thu, 6 Oct 2005 05:09:00 GMT

Episode 3: Working For the Man This month's show is a Illinois Grand Lodge Special! but you don't have to live on a prairie, or even have an affinity for Lincoln to enjoy the show. We interview David W. Miller, Grandmaster of Illinois and ask him what we all want to know: what's it like to be the big Kahuna, le Grande Fromage, The Poobah? What's it like to be Grandmaster? Plus we introduce a new segment called Working Tools: cool tools on the web to make running your lodge a little easier. SHOW NOTES: 00:00:00 - 00:02:00 Intro 00:02:01 - 00:03:00 Getting help? 00:03:01 - 00:04:48 Shout out to Arcadia Lodge No. 249 In Ames, Iowa 00:04:49 - 00:13:54 Working Tools: Online tools to help manage your lodge; a review of BackPack and Ta Da 00:13:55 - 00:17:18 Music: Lullaby by Gidgets GaGa, available at Podcast NYC 00:17:19 - 00:48:18:00 Chapter 2: Interview with Grandmaster David W. Miller, Grand master of the M.W. Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois, A.F. & A.M. 00:48:19 - 00:53:45 Music: There She Goes by Brother Love, available at the Podsafe Music Network 00:53:46 - 01:16:37 Outro So usually there is a method behind my naming the show. This show titled "Working for the Man" was named becasue I thought that we all work in a sense for the Grand Master--he is our boss, right? ( generally speaking of course) After talking with Grandmaster Miller I have come to realize that it is he who works for us. The job of Grandmaster is tough. It is a lot of responsibility, a lot of miles to drive in a year and a lot of cranky guys to contend with. And not a lot of perks. Somehow a big gold collar and a fancy apron doesn't seem even close to the kinds of issues a GM must face every day to help keep us alive as a brotherhood . I always liked Dave Miller, but now I have a new and deeper respect for not only the man, but the office he holds. Fiat Lux! E The opinions expressed in this show are strictly those of X-Oriente and its editorial staff, and do not reflect those of any Lodge, Grand Lodge or appendant body. 10/6/05 12:00 AMSociety and Culture

002: The Answer To the Second Question

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Mon, 5 Sep 2005 04:00:00 GMT

Episode 2: The Answer To the Second Question Show Log 00:00 Hello! Welcome international listeners 00:26 Aloha to the Lodge Le Progres de l'Oceanie, F. & A.M 02:00 Chapter 1: Asking the First Question 04:29 A hard question to answer (interviews) 08:33 Understanding what Freemasonry offers: common experiences? 10:42 MUSIC: "The Girl Who Has Everything" by Motherboard, available at Podcast NYC 14:25 Chapter 2: Understanding Manhood in America 14:32 Interview with Robert G. Davis, author of Understanding Manhood in America: Freemasonry's Enduring Path to the Mature Masculine 16:53 Three male archetypes 19:19 The Self-Made Man and the cult of individualism 20:26 Davis on initiating men into manhood 22:57 Davis on what Freemasonry offers young men 24:37 Davis on bringing Masonry back from irrelevance 28:16 MUSIC: "In a Long Time" by 46 Bliss, available on the PodSafe Music Network 32:50 Chapter 3: The Second Question: It's About Getting Along 34:10 The difference between friends and brothers 36:28 The answer to the Second Question 39:10 Outro 40:13 CODA: Appeal for victims of Hurricane Katrina Special thanks to our guests: Bro. Joe; Bro. Nick , Bro. Howard, Bro. Alex, W. Bro. Robert G. Davis. Special thanks to Bro. Antonio Quevedo of Campinas, Brazil The opinions expressed in this show are strictly those of X-Oriente and its editorial staff, and do not reflect those of any Lodge, Grand Lodge or appendant body. UPDATE: HURRICANE KATRINA RELIEF: The Masonic Service Foundation of North America is coordinating a relief effort for brethren and their families that have been stricken by Hurricane Katrina. You can get details of the effort here, or you can make an online donation via the Philalethes Society web site. Brothers, please be generous. 9/5/05 12:00 AMSociety and Culture

001: Worthy and Well-Qualified

xoriente@gmail.com (Eric Diamond) — Fri, 5 Aug 2005 15:19:00 GMT

What makes a man worthy and well qualified to be a Freemason?The opinions expressed in this show are strictly those of X-Oriente and its editorial staff, and do not reflect those of any Lodge, Grand Lodge or appendant body.