Oh heck one more.

33 degree mason is a big deal because you can't apply for this distinction. It needs to be bestowed on you by your fellow brothers as an honorary degree.

Basically in a nutshell.

To be a Master Mason takes 3 degrees. Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason. Nothing more.

Then there are two branches

York Rite and Scottish Rite. He followed the Scottish Rite which has 33 degrees. Both have different history and lessons which tell tales of the ages.

Think of ancient masonry like this.

In ancient times building temples and castles required labor and skill. These skills were valuable and were thus kept secret to preserve the craft. Thus the secrecy of Masonry. Then you had the brotherhood of the workmen who worked in dangerous conditions. Masons take care of each-other even in modern day. Back then it was essential that there was trust and support for your family. Think of it as an ancient labor union which is now a brotherhood.

My Grandfather was a Mason and I remember him dearly. My lodge is one of the prominent buildings in our town built before the town in 1887. The organization has been good for me in many ways. One thing about our degrees is you learn them Mouth to Ear. We have a cypher but unless you know the work you can't read a word. I've had to memorize several lectures in Old English which are about 30-45 minutes long. Giving these lectures is good for the brain and speaking in general.

Honestly.............

What difference will this choice for VP make?

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People pay for what they do, and still more for what they have allowed themselves to become. And they pay for it very simply; by the lives they lead.
James A. Baldwin

Joe Biden the egomaniac.

IMO, that was the best move he could make. Out of all the Dems running, Biden is the one I would have wanted for President.

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What difference did Dick Cheney make?

I am so happy for this. Let me ask you this, what kind of "change" is this? He asked one of Washington's longest serving senators to be his running mate.

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Michael

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lucky you, you get to keep hillary as your senator... I'ld still like to know what she's done for the state of ny.

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Get busy living, or get busy dying - Ellis Boyd Red Redding

Nothing. Yes, lucky me.

Tweedle dee and tweedle dumb...

Gotta love this new ad put out by the McCain camp:

http://writenow.wordpress.com/2008/0...or-presidency/

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Thanks Benny! http://www0.gsb.columbia.edu/everybreath/