I'm feeling the pressures of work with many deadlines and nail-biting engineering analysis to sift through.
This has affected my blogging time, but I hope to continue soon.
I'd like to ask for your prayers... I'm under a tremendous amount of stress presently.
... offering it up for the glory of God.
WCC +<><
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
Pushing Abortion Globally...
The U.S. House is pushing the Abortion agenda on a global basis now. The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly approved legislation on June 21 that would provide certain types of U.S. government assistance to private organizations that promote abortion as a method of family planning in foreign countries.
The legislation, authored by Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY), was approved as part of the State-Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2764). Pro-life Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Bart Stupak (D-Mi.) offered an amendment but it failed by 13 votes.
President George Bush has threatened to veto the bill unless the pro-abortion provision is removed.
Under the Lowey provision, the U.S. Agency for International Development would be required to provide contraceptive supplies to any overseas private organization even if that organization promotes abortion as a method of family planning.
The provision would gut a vital pro-life policy, called the Mexico City Policy, which was created under President Ronald Reagan was re-instated by Bush by executive order after having been suspended by President Clinton. This policy specifies that federal funds for family planning are not available to non-governmental organizations that perform and promote abortion as a method of family planning in other countries. MORE
I don't know how many more veto's will hold off this agenda of Death. Whom ever gains the office of the Presidency next year will have the crucial say.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Anti-Catholicism is Okay
With the advent of Don Immus (whom I don't listen to) or a number of mis-speaking bigot comedians, entertainers, Politicians, who we see apologizing on TV or on the radio for remarks that seem to offend someone; or even the hint of an offense to the Muslim people, we have the "it's okay to bash the Catholics" side of things.
Robin Williams' resent comedian stick on Jay Leno is just one recent demonstration of anti-Catholic bigotry that no one seems to think is wrong. You can see the recent rant at NewsBusters
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Left to Tell
(photo: CBSNEWS)
Carl Olsen of Insight Scoop as a post on this subject. There will be a re-airing of a Decembe 3, 2006 edition about Immaculee Ilibagiza.
For those who are not familiar with who she is, she is a survivor of the 1994 massacre in Rwanda. You can find her book 'Left to Tell' at you nearest book store.
The re-airing will be on Sunday, Jun 24th on CBS's "60 Minutes". I'm scheduling my DVR.
Carl has all the bio, info links on his sight, but here's one he points to.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Cardinal battles the Austrialian Parliment
The Australian Parliament is trying to place some secular pressure on Cardinal Pell for his remarks on Stem Cell Research and those that vote to further it's cause. He has reminded those Catholics in the Parliament about their Catholic Identity.
The Parliament has taken those remarks as intimidation.
During a radio interview on June 17, Cardinal Pell added that he "never threatened anybody with a public excommunication." He continued to say that politicians who support cloning should recognize the moral consequences of their actions. And he declined to offer a direct answer to the question of whether he would refuse Communion to a politician who voted for the pending legislation.
Archbishop Barry Hickey of Perth, who had also been accused of threatening lawmakers by his public statements on the cloning proposal, took a different posture in his latest comments. In a letter to the Catholic newspaper The Record, he observed that his published statements might have inadvertently put pressure on Catholic politicians who were already planning to cast their votes in accordance with Church teaching. "They may feel compromised and be accused of voting at the bidding of the Church. If this is so, I owe them an apology because I have always admired their courage," Archbishop Hickey said.
Blessed are those that are persecuted for mysake
The Kingdom of heaven this theirs.
What an example to follow. I pray there will be more Catholics willing to stand up for the unborn as Cardinal Pell.... at least with their vote.
The Parliament has taken those remarks as intimidation.
During a radio interview on June 17, Cardinal Pell added that he "never threatened anybody with a public excommunication." He continued to say that politicians who support cloning should recognize the moral consequences of their actions. And he declined to offer a direct answer to the question of whether he would refuse Communion to a politician who voted for the pending legislation.
Archbishop Barry Hickey of Perth, who had also been accused of threatening lawmakers by his public statements on the cloning proposal, took a different posture in his latest comments. In a letter to the Catholic newspaper The Record, he observed that his published statements might have inadvertently put pressure on Catholic politicians who were already planning to cast their votes in accordance with Church teaching. "They may feel compromised and be accused of voting at the bidding of the Church. If this is so, I owe them an apology because I have always admired their courage," Archbishop Hickey said.
Blessed are those that are persecuted for mysake
The Kingdom of heaven this theirs.
What an example to follow. I pray there will be more Catholics willing to stand up for the unborn as Cardinal Pell.... at least with their vote.
Stem Cell Veto
Bush will veto the Stem Cell bill on his desk, while Hilary decries that it's against the" needs of our families" that the President will use his veto power for the third time.
"This is just one example of how the president puts ideology before science, politics before the needs of our families, just one more example of how out of touch with reality he and his party have become," Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., told the Take Back America conference of liberal activists Wednesday.
This seem to be a deliberate path that those who lead our congress want to make some headway on. The lives of the innocent hanging on a veto. And Hillary has the guile to say this is what our families need.
That Presidential vote next year will be a crucial one...
"This is just one example of how the president puts ideology before science, politics before the needs of our families, just one more example of how out of touch with reality he and his party have become," Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., told the Take Back America conference of liberal activists Wednesday.
This seem to be a deliberate path that those who lead our congress want to make some headway on. The lives of the innocent hanging on a veto. And Hillary has the guile to say this is what our families need.
That Presidential vote next year will be a crucial one...
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
What happened to Boston?
I'm at a loss for words after reading this story yesterday...
In Boston, a devastating loss for marriage and the Church
Boston, Jun. 14, 2007 (CWNews.com) - The fight is over here in Massachusetts. We lost. Again.
Meeting in a constitutional convention on June 14, the state legislature defeated a proposed constitutional amendment that would have defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman. That amendment-- the only realistic hope for reversing a decision by the state's highest court-- is now dead. Same-sex marriage is here to stay. MORE
When I think of Boston I think of it's Catholic Universities, it's large Catholic population. So What happened?
In Boston, a devastating loss for marriage and the Church
Boston, Jun. 14, 2007 (CWNews.com) - The fight is over here in Massachusetts. We lost. Again.
Meeting in a constitutional convention on June 14, the state legislature defeated a proposed constitutional amendment that would have defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman. That amendment-- the only realistic hope for reversing a decision by the state's highest court-- is now dead. Same-sex marriage is here to stay. MORE
When I think of Boston I think of it's Catholic Universities, it's large Catholic population. So What happened?
Amnesty International is Pro-Abortion?
I didn't know this. I thought this organization fought for human rights.
This story from the National Catholic Register: No Amnesty For the Unborn
LONDON — Abortion has driven a wedge between the Catholic Church and an organization that began as an ally.
Amnesty International (AI) was founded in 1961 by Peter Benenson, a British convert to Catholicism. But today, as a result of Amnesty International’s recent decision to promote abortion rights, Church leaders say that Catholics should withdraw all financial support from the London-based human-rights organization.
“I believe that, if in fact Amnesty International persists in this course of action, individuals and Catholic organizations must withdraw their support, because, in deciding to promote abortion rights, AI has betrayed its mission,” Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, said in an e-mail interview.
The abortion policy has already cost Amnesty International the support of one long-time Catholic backer: Jesuit Father Daniel Berrigan.
Said Father Berrigan, “One cannot support an organization financially or even individually that is contravening something very serious in our ethic.” More
This story from the National Catholic Register: No Amnesty For the Unborn
LONDON — Abortion has driven a wedge between the Catholic Church and an organization that began as an ally.
Amnesty International (AI) was founded in 1961 by Peter Benenson, a British convert to Catholicism. But today, as a result of Amnesty International’s recent decision to promote abortion rights, Church leaders say that Catholics should withdraw all financial support from the London-based human-rights organization.
“I believe that, if in fact Amnesty International persists in this course of action, individuals and Catholic organizations must withdraw their support, because, in deciding to promote abortion rights, AI has betrayed its mission,” Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, said in an e-mail interview.
The abortion policy has already cost Amnesty International the support of one long-time Catholic backer: Jesuit Father Daniel Berrigan.
Said Father Berrigan, “One cannot support an organization financially or even individually that is contravening something very serious in our ethic.” More
"Do not be afraid to Imitate Francis..."
Wish the MSM news sites would print this instead of that 10 commandment story...
Our youth would benefit more from this story...
Assisi, Jun 18, 2007 / 08:56 am (CNA).- Departing from the cathedral in Assisi, Benedict XVI traveled by car to meet the youth at the basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. Along the route he blessed disabled people from Assisi's Seraphic Institute.
The Holy Father greeted the young people awaiting him in the square of the basilica with a message of encouragement and challenge.
Benedict’s challenge to imitate the life of Saint Francis began with a small biography of the saint.
"It was here," said the Pope, that Francis "established the 'headquarters' of his order, where the friars could come together, as if in a maternal bosom, regenerating themselves before starting out again full of apostolic energy.”
The Holy Father greeted the young people awaiting him in the square of the basilica with a message of encouragement and challenge.
Benedict’s challenge to imitate the life of Saint Francis began with a small biography of the saint.
"It was here," said the Pope, that Francis "established the 'headquarters' of his order, where the friars could come together, as if in a maternal bosom, regenerating themselves before starting out again full of apostolic energy.”
Francis' conversion at the age of 25 "came about when he at the peak of his vitality, his experiences, his dreams," said Benedict XVI. He also dwelt on Francis' character before his conversion, describing him as a "carefree and generous," person "who wandered the city of Assisi day and night with his friends."
"How can it be denied," the Pope went on, "that may people are tempted to follow the life of the young Francis before his conversion? That lifestyle hides the desire for happiness that dwells in every human heart." Yet the saint did not find "true joy" there, because "the truth is that finite things can give glimmers of joy but only the infinite can fill the heart."
10 Commandments for Motorist
For some reason the Press seems fascinated by this story. I've read it at more that one MSM news site.
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Thou shall not drive under the influence of alcohol. Thou shall respect speed limits. Thou shall not consider a car an object of personal glorification or use it as a place of sin.
The Vatican took a break from strictly theological matters on Tuesday to issue its own rules of the road, a compendium of do's and don'ts on the moral aspects of driving and motoring.
A 36-page document called "Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road" contains 10 Commandments covering everything from road rage, respecting pedestrians, keeping a car in good shape and avoiding rude gestures while behind the wheel.
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Thou shall not drive under the influence of alcohol. Thou shall respect speed limits. Thou shall not consider a car an object of personal glorification or use it as a place of sin.
The Vatican took a break from strictly theological matters on Tuesday to issue its own rules of the road, a compendium of do's and don'ts on the moral aspects of driving and motoring.
A 36-page document called "Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road" contains 10 Commandments covering everything from road rage, respecting pedestrians, keeping a car in good shape and avoiding rude gestures while behind the wheel.
Island of Dr. Moreau...
This reminds me of an H.G. Wells book I read as a lad.
The Island of Dr. Moreau
A scary story as a kid.... even more scary as an adult.
This Story from Catholic World News:
A British medical body has thrown its support behind legislation that would allow the creation of "hybrid" embryos combining human and animal tissue.
In a report released on Sunday, June 17, the Academy of Medical Sciences endorsed the government's proposed Human Tissue and Embryos Bill, which provides for hybrid cloning.
The medical advisory group also endorsed the legislation's stipulations that the embryos created by the cloning technique must not be implanted in a woman's womb or allowed to live beyond than 14 days.
If those conditions are met, said Martin Bobrow, who chaired the Academy's panel investigating the question, "There are no substantive ethical or moral reasons not to proceed with research on human embryos containing animal material." (CWN)
... no regard for Human life.
The Island of Dr. Moreau
A scary story as a kid.... even more scary as an adult.
This Story from Catholic World News:
A British medical body has thrown its support behind legislation that would allow the creation of "hybrid" embryos combining human and animal tissue.
In a report released on Sunday, June 17, the Academy of Medical Sciences endorsed the government's proposed Human Tissue and Embryos Bill, which provides for hybrid cloning.
The medical advisory group also endorsed the legislation's stipulations that the embryos created by the cloning technique must not be implanted in a woman's womb or allowed to live beyond than 14 days.
If those conditions are met, said Martin Bobrow, who chaired the Academy's panel investigating the question, "There are no substantive ethical or moral reasons not to proceed with research on human embryos containing animal material." (CWN)
... no regard for Human life.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
IRS Probe or Rhode Island Bishop for Giulini Comment
Since when does wearing the collar of a Catholic Priest/Bishop prohibit him from having a political opinion?
Providence Bishop Thomas Tobin blasted Giuliani in the May edition of the Rhode Island Catholic, criticizing the Republican candidate for saying he personally opposes abortion but wouldn't support an outright ban if elected president.
In the column, Tobin called the former New York City mayor's position pathetic, confusing and hypocritical. He even drew a parallel to Pontius Pilate.
The good Bishop didn't say this in a homily during Mass. And he didn't say "Don't vote for this individual". He merely pointed out the inconsistencies of Rudy Giuliani's stand on abortion compared to true Catholic teachings. Being a Bishop in the Catholic Church does qualify him as knowledgeable in the teachings of the church and that is his job. To teach and instruct the flock in the churches teachings.
You can read his full article HERE
Those comments broke federal laws banning tax-exempt religious groups such as the Diocese of Providence from endorsing or opposing political candidates, said Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which filed the complaint.
"The bishop is not a political boss, and he shouldn't be telling his flock with church resources which candidate to oppose," Lynn said. "This letter is a completely over-the-top example of a politicization of the pulpit of the bishop." Tobin's spokesman said the complaint lacks merit.
"The bishop is not a political boss, and he shouldn't be telling his flock with church resources which candidate to oppose," Lynn said. "This letter is a completely over-the-top example of a politicization of the pulpit of the bishop." Tobin's spokesman said the complaint lacks merit.
Americans United for Separation of Church and State? A political watchdog group?
Oh... I get it.
One of those "1st amendment for everyone except", kind of organizations.
So what about when we see other candidates, who shall be nameless but we see HER giving speeches in front of congregations.... I mean... groups of individuals with choir outfits on?
I'm sure we'll be reading more on this in the news.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
What do you mean 'God is not Great'?
One of my favorite past times is to wonder the floor of nearest Barns and Noble bookstore, settle into a very worn over stuffed chair, may be even sip on a Frappuccino (hold the whipped cream)and read a chapter or two from the stack of books I gathered from the store of the latest releases.
One book that I haven't been able to peruse through yet is one by Christopher Hitchens entitled " God is not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything".
It's one of those books that catches your eye but the title just kind of makes you cringe with disgust, anger, dis-belief. You want to pick it up but you don't want to authorize it's legitimacy by acknowledging it's existence.
But I like to hear all the arguments and I'll probably pick it up and thumb through a few chapters on my next visit to the bookstore.
Fortunately, Mark D. Roberts has read it and is in the process of dissecting it on his blog. It's very well analysed by Mark and he's actually debated Mr. Hitchens on the radio on the Hugh Hewitt Show. You can hear the debate HERE in 3 parts.
In case you haven't guessed Mr Hitchens is no fan of the Christian Faith or any faith for that matter.
There seems to be growing number of books with an Atheist bent to it or a "bad Christianity" message. 'Misquoting Jesus' is another that comes to mind.
Anyway, I sure do learn a lot from scholars like Mark and I hope you get a change to read some of his analysis.
Prius vs. Hummer....the myth?
All those Prius drivers out there might find this to be an eye opening article. I'm not against the Toyota Prius itself (it's a pretty good car for long commuters), but if you're buying it because it's envirornmentally safe, you might want to reconsider that thought after you read this...
Over the past year, there has been an explosion of stories raising questions about the real environmental cost of hybrids.
Here are two sides to the story:
The Toyota Prius has become the flagship car for those in our society so environmentally conscious that they are willing to spend a premium to show the world how much they care. Unfortunately for them, their ultimate ‘green car’ is the source of some of the worst pollution in North America; it takes more combined energy per Prius to produce than a Hummer.
Before we delve into the seedy underworld of hybrids, you must first understand how a hybrid works. For this, we will use the most popular hybrid on the market, the Toyota Prius.
MORE...
the other side...
One of the most misleading ones, which has been spread by countless blogs over the past several weeks, and cited without verification by several sources that appear reputable, looks to have originated in a story last November in England's Daily Mail, a right-leaning, British tabloid paper, which bore the gleefully spiteful title 'Toyota factory turns landscape to arid wilderness.' An editorial, published last month in a newspaper for a small state university on the East Coast, helped bring this misleading report a new life.
But it isn't a Toyota factory at all. The automaker has, in fact, only been purchasing significant amounts of nickel from the Sudbury , Ontario , Inco mine for its batteries in recent years, while the environmental disaster the headline is referring to largely occurred more than thirty years ago.
And that ore is at the core of a semi-urban legend that leads to dumb headlines like "HUMMER Greener than Prius," and others we've seen recently.
Here's where to find the "Dust to Dust" report from CNW
You decide...
Fr. Pavone, Senator Brownback & Rudy Giuliani
An interesting post at 'Catholics in the Public Square' (thanks for the tip, Carl Olsen) on Voting on the Abortion issue as Catholics.
Mr. Brownback's name has descended down my list of "most likely candidates I'm considering voting for". His answers during the debates left me with a "...is that it? .....is that all you have to say?" taste in my mouth.
Anyway the post is a good read. I hope you find it interesting and informative.
A topic that seems to be on many a Catholic mind this week is the potential emergence of Rudy Giuliani as the GOP presidential candidate in 2008. A self-proclaimed "pro-choice, pro-gay rights" Catholic, conservative voters are finding themselves faced with the moral equivalent to Senator Kerry (also a self-proclaimed "pro-choice" Catholic) on their side of the political isle.
More..
Mr. Brownback's name has descended down my list of "most likely candidates I'm considering voting for". His answers during the debates left me with a "...is that it? .....is that all you have to say?" taste in my mouth.
Anyway the post is a good read. I hope you find it interesting and informative.
A topic that seems to be on many a Catholic mind this week is the potential emergence of Rudy Giuliani as the GOP presidential candidate in 2008. A self-proclaimed "pro-choice, pro-gay rights" Catholic, conservative voters are finding themselves faced with the moral equivalent to Senator Kerry (also a self-proclaimed "pro-choice" Catholic) on their side of the political isle.
More..
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
B16 Speaks with Bush
President Bush resently spoke with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican.
So what did they talk about?
Bush and Benedict: First Meeting
The Pope's chief concern? The survival of the Christian communities of the Middle East
So what did they talk about?
Bush and Benedict: First Meeting
The Pope's chief concern? The survival of the Christian communities of the Middle East
Monday, June 11, 2007
A Blair Convertion?
(photo: Daily Mail)
There is talk that Tony Blair will announce his conversion to Catholicism when meeting with the Pope at the Vatican.
And he will announce his intent to become a Catholic Deacon! Well, considering the source "The Daily Mail", not one of my favorite sites (the site advertisement is too risque for me) to visit for news, I rather doubt this would happen.
Anyway, I have read this report on other sources, the part of Mr. Blair becoming Catholic that is. I thought his wife is Catholic, however I remember him talking about his pro-choice stance.
So I guess will just have to wait and see.
Ethical Stem Cell Research...
...This might be an ethical alternative to embryonic stem cell research.
According to the scientific journals Nature and Cell Stem Cell, researchers have succeeded in reprogramming ordinary cells from the tips of mouse tails so they are virtually indistinguishable from embryonic stem cells.
Three research groups said they accomplished their feat in mature cells by turning on four genes that are always active in days-old embryos. Some of the rejuvenated cells were able to mature into new mice, demonstrating the cells' ability to create every type of tissue in the body.
Researchers are optimistic that the discovery can be applied to human cells, which would offer an ethical way to create a limitless supply of cell lines tailor-made for patients
Wow. Hope this works out.
According to the scientific journals Nature and Cell Stem Cell, researchers have succeeded in reprogramming ordinary cells from the tips of mouse tails so they are virtually indistinguishable from embryonic stem cells.
Three research groups said they accomplished their feat in mature cells by turning on four genes that are always active in days-old embryos. Some of the rejuvenated cells were able to mature into new mice, demonstrating the cells' ability to create every type of tissue in the body.
Researchers are optimistic that the discovery can be applied to human cells, which would offer an ethical way to create a limitless supply of cell lines tailor-made for patients
Wow. Hope this works out.
VETO!
Looks like our 'Baby Friendly' House of Representatives is at it again with the passage of a bill on June 7, which would allow federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.
On the day before the vote, Cardinal Justin Rigali issued yet another message, urging lawmakers to reject the legislation. Cardinal Rigali, archbishop of Philadelphia, is chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities.
In his June 6 letter to House members, Cardinal Rigali referred to two bills — S.5, on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, and H.R. 2560, also referred to as the DeGette bill, which would allow human cloning.
The cardinal warned that embryonic stem cell research would require lawmakers and others to embrace “more and more egregious violations of moral norms in the effort to bring its ‘promise’ to fruition.” The cardinal was referring to the DeGette bill.The DeGette bill, he said, “allows unlimited cloning of human embryos for research – and then makes it a crime to transfer the embryo to a womb to allow the new human being to survive.
“What it actually prohibits is the act of becoming pregnant – a kind of law seen chiefly until now in the People’s Republic of China, where women can be punished for carrying an unauthorized child,” he wrote. “For the first time in U.S. law, Congress would define a class of new developing human beings that it is a crime not to destroy,” he stated.
Thank God a Presidential Veto will stop this dead in it's tracks...
On the day before the vote, Cardinal Justin Rigali issued yet another message, urging lawmakers to reject the legislation. Cardinal Rigali, archbishop of Philadelphia, is chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities.
In his June 6 letter to House members, Cardinal Rigali referred to two bills — S.5, on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, and H.R. 2560, also referred to as the DeGette bill, which would allow human cloning.
The cardinal warned that embryonic stem cell research would require lawmakers and others to embrace “more and more egregious violations of moral norms in the effort to bring its ‘promise’ to fruition.” The cardinal was referring to the DeGette bill.The DeGette bill, he said, “allows unlimited cloning of human embryos for research – and then makes it a crime to transfer the embryo to a womb to allow the new human being to survive.
“What it actually prohibits is the act of becoming pregnant – a kind of law seen chiefly until now in the People’s Republic of China, where women can be punished for carrying an unauthorized child,” he wrote. “For the first time in U.S. law, Congress would define a class of new developing human beings that it is a crime not to destroy,” he stated.
Thank God a Presidential Veto will stop this dead in it's tracks...
Friday, June 08, 2007
...More things to do...
Have you ever heard of a Chalk Art Festival?
If you haven't seen one, you can check out some of the kind of art you may see at one..HERE
I mention this because over in Pasadena, California there is such a show coming to town.
If you're in the area around Father's Day, here the website for more information
Enjoy your weekend
WCC +<><
An L.A Weekend....
Things to do this weekend in Southern California...
I saw this advertised in the L.A. Times and I thought about going. It's called "Into the Abyss"
Here's the description from the article:
As dusk settles on Huntington Beach tonight, 25 8-foot cubes dotting the sand near the pier will light up to reveal some of the best action photography in the world.
The traveling art exhibit has drawn thousands of spectators on the first two nights of the free Red Bull Illume exhibition to see 50 backlit photographs mounted on the cubes.
"It's kind of Stonehenge-esque," professional kayaker Steve Fisher said of the circular arrangement of steel-and-glass cubes. "They've taken our activities and added a real artistic twist."Fisher, from Durban, South Africa, was in Huntington Beach to see a photo his girlfriend, Desré Pickers, shot of him from a helicopter while he kayaked in Zambia.
In the photo, titled "Into the Abyss," Fisher and two other kayakers stand on a rock outcropping peering over the edge of Victoria Falls.
Okay, so they do art a little different here in So. Cal. .... but if you can imagine a little stroll down at Huntington Beach at dusk and viewing an art show on the sands with the waves in the background. Temps during the day should be in the 80's inland and maybe in the high 70's by the beach. There's some good restaurants around the Pier area and plenty of fastfood, ice cream type foods there.
Here's the website for more info..
Also some awesome video of what you can expect HERE
This sounds cool. And it's free!
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Duck Power....
(Photo: SI)
Yep, you hear the sports newscaster correctly.
The Mighty Ducks (of Anaheim, California) are the Stanley Cup Champions of '07. The first California team to take the Stanley Cup...final game score: 6-2.
I will have to admit though, The Honda Center (ex-The Pond) is about 20 minutes down the freeway from me.....and I haven't seen a game there yet. I'll have to change that next season.
(Photo courtesy: Google Earth)In fact it's right across from Edison Field home of Angels baseball. I will be attending a night game there shortly. Disneyland is at the top of the picture....
Kelsey Smith - RIP
I too have young adult age daughters whom I constantly worry about when they are out and about.
My prayer go out to Kelsey's family and friends. I will pray and fast tomorrow for Kelsey.
I pray that she may rest peacefully in Our Heavenly Father's arms....
WCC+<><
Be careful what you wish for.....
(photo courtesy CNA)
This from catholic lawmakers in Australia...
... Lawmakers are being allowed a conscience vote on a bill to bring the country's most populous state into line with the federal government, which overturned a ban on the so-called therapeutic cloning last year.
The new law would allow excess human embryos from in-vitro fertilization treatment to be used to create stem cells for research.
Both state premier Morris Iemma and his deputy, John Watkins, are Catholics who have said they intend to vote for the bill.
"I've already thought seriously about this legislation, and it passes all the ethical and moral issues that I need passed, and gives people hope," said Watkins, who admitted he is upset about the cardinal’s recent statements.
The Anglican Church is also asking lawmakers to vote against the bill.
More...
Be Careful what you wish for Tony.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Food for thought on Abortion & the Candidates
Rudy and a Bolt of Lightening...
The Republicans had another one of their debates last night and a very curious event happened while Rudy Giuliani responded to a question on Abortion.
Lightening struck the outside antenna of the building they were in and zapped the electronics so that Rudy's response was interrupted by static. His answer could not be heard.
He seemed to connect the interrupted abortion answer with the lightening strike and after commented '...this is a scary moment' or something like that.
I think it's rather funny myself, however on a serious note, Rudy's stance on abortion is no laughing matter.
The Bishop of Rhode Island had a few thoughts on this matter.
Providence, Jun 5, 2007 / 09:48 am (CNA).- Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence, Rhode Island received an invitation in the mail recently from none other than Rudy Giuliani. The politician was inviting the bishop come to a fundraising dinner for his presidential campaign, but Bishop Tobin did more than just politely decline.
Instead of sending a non-descript RSVP to inform Giuliani that he would not attend, the prelate wrote him a scathing letter to turn down his offer.
I'm not impressed with any of the candidates so far... and I will not vote for anyone who is for abortion.
Scary moment for the Pope..
It appears that an individual tried to hop on board the Pope Mobile as it made it way thru the crowds at the Vatican today.
B16 was not hurt a it looks like he was even unaware of the incident, from what news reports say. I don't' know what his motive were, however it looks like everything turned out for the better. It will be interesting to find out more when they question this guy.
I notice from photos of recent addresses by B16 that he rides in an open Pope Mobile as opposed to the closed bullet proof mobile that JPII rode in. I wonder if we will begin to see a change to this vehicle in the near future.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Fr. Regheed Ganni -- RIP
Fr. Ganni and three other deacons were murdered in Mosul, Iraq June 3 after they had finished saying Mass.
This is a great man who's work in Iraq will have a deep impact for many years to come. The Christians as well as non-Christians of Mosul have a wonderful example of Christ's love in the example of Fr. Ganni.
This by Fr. Kearns of National Catholic Register 'A Victory i Iraq'
(photo source: www.ankawa.com)
In deciding what to write for Corpus Christi Sunday, I concluded that nothing could improve on these words of Father Ragheed Ganni.
In deciding what to write for Corpus Christi Sunday, I concluded that nothing could improve on these words of Father Ragheed Ganni.
“Mosul (Iraq) Christians are not theologians; some are even illiterate. And yet inside of us for many generations one truth has become embedded: Without the Sunday Eucharist we cannot live.
“This is true today when evil has reached the point of destroying churches and killing Christians, something unheard of in Iraq till now. On June 2004 of last year, a group of young women was cleaning the church to get it ready for Sunday service.
“My sister Raghad, who is 19, was among them. As she was carrying a pail of water to wash the floor, two men drove up and threw a grenade that blew up just a few yards away from her.
“She was wounded but miraculously survived. And on that Sunday we still celebrated the Eucharist. My shaken parents were also there. For me and my community, my sister’s wounds were a source of strength so that we, too, may bear our cross.
“Last August in St. Paul Church, a car bomb exploded after the 6 p.m. Mass. The blast killed two Christians and wounded many others. But that, too, was another miracle — the car was full of bombs but only one exploded. Had they all gone off together the dead would have been in the hundreds since 400 faithful had come on that day.
“People could not believe what had happened. The terrorists might think they can kill our bodies or our spirit by frightening us, but, on Sundays, churches are always full. They may try to take our life, but the Eucharist gives it back. …
“There are days when I feel frail and full of fear. But when, holding the Eucharist, I say ‘Behold the Lamb of God, behold, who takes away the sin of the world,’ I feel his strength in me. When I hold the Host in my hands, it is really he who is holding me and all of us, challenging the terrorists and keeping us united in his boundless love.”
Father Ragheed Ganni was shot dead in Mosul on June 3.
Fr. Ganni... RIP.
Gov. Terminator
Our fearless leader in our States Capital is at it again. Pointing out his catholicism while pontificating on his latest cause and money 'black hole' for Stem Cell research.
“I am a Catholic and a very dedicated Catholic, but that does not interfere with my decision-making because I know that stem-cell research, the way we are doing it in California ... is the right way to go and will save, very quickly down the line, lives and cure a lot of these illnesses,” said Schwarzenegger, referring to embryonic stem cell research. (CNA)
After signing a $30-million research agreement with Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, Schwarzenegger told the Star his support for stem-cell research was based on his father-in-law’s struggle with Alzheimer's.
He referred to his father-in-law, Sargent Shriver, as having had “one of the most brilliant minds in the world.” Shriver worked under the Kennedy and Johnson administrations, and began the Peace Corps.
The newspaper said McGuinty, who is also Catholic, shared Schwarzenegger’s views on faith and politics.
“I would argue... there's one moral imperative that transcends all faiths, all culture and all traditions, it would be this fundamental desire to relieve pain and suffering and death where we find it,” McGuinty told the Star.
What about the pain and suffering of the unborn baby?
That 30 million is just a drop in the bucket to the 10 billion the Gov. is spending in our good State toward embryonic stem cell research. 'It's good for business...' he once said.
Sometimes I get so frustrated hearing fellow catholics justify their actions which go against the teachings of the Church.
“I am a Catholic and a very dedicated Catholic, but that does not interfere with my decision-making because I know that stem-cell research, the way we are doing it in California ... is the right way to go and will save, very quickly down the line, lives and cure a lot of these illnesses,” said Schwarzenegger, referring to embryonic stem cell research. (CNA)
After signing a $30-million research agreement with Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, Schwarzenegger told the Star his support for stem-cell research was based on his father-in-law’s struggle with Alzheimer's.
He referred to his father-in-law, Sargent Shriver, as having had “one of the most brilliant minds in the world.” Shriver worked under the Kennedy and Johnson administrations, and began the Peace Corps.
The newspaper said McGuinty, who is also Catholic, shared Schwarzenegger’s views on faith and politics.
“I would argue... there's one moral imperative that transcends all faiths, all culture and all traditions, it would be this fundamental desire to relieve pain and suffering and death where we find it,” McGuinty told the Star.
What about the pain and suffering of the unborn baby?
That 30 million is just a drop in the bucket to the 10 billion the Gov. is spending in our good State toward embryonic stem cell research. 'It's good for business...' he once said.
Sometimes I get so frustrated hearing fellow catholics justify their actions which go against the teachings of the Church.
Answering the Call...
This article on Dr. Francis Beckwith's interview with Ignatius Press.
'Answering the Call To Full Communion'
This has the majority of links addressing this coming home. Dr. Beckwith has some great insights...
'Answering the Call To Full Communion'
This has the majority of links addressing this coming home. Dr. Beckwith has some great insights...
Monday, June 04, 2007
Another Convert to the Faith...
Most have heard the buzz on the Internet about Francis Beckwith, Philosopher, Professor and ex- President of the Evangelical Theological Society, coming home to Catholicism.
However, there is more joy to announce. I found this on Steve Ray's blog about Matt Enloe, leaving the Baptist Tradition to become a Catholic.
What I like about reading their conversion stories is 'Why', which is what everyone wants to know, but I also look at 'What" from their protestant background's they can teach us Catholics.
Reading through the number of blog entries from Francis Beckwith was some insight as to what us cradle Catholics (...as I categorize myself) seem to miss or rather take for granted. It's like talking with a new U.S. citizen from a foreign country. They seem to point out some of the freedoms that born U.S. citizens seem to take for granted.
As an example, I spoke with a work colleague of mine that came from Russia. She said the first time she entered a supermarket to shop, she cried. She had never seen a store with so much food. With all the shelves full.
Mr. Beckwith points out his love of scripture as an example. If some of you are like me, I love scripture but many times I struggle with "where is that specifically in the Bible". I may know the passage but the exact book and verse I don't have memorized.
However, there is more joy to announce. I found this on Steve Ray's blog about Matt Enloe, leaving the Baptist Tradition to become a Catholic.
What I like about reading their conversion stories is 'Why', which is what everyone wants to know, but I also look at 'What" from their protestant background's they can teach us Catholics.
Reading through the number of blog entries from Francis Beckwith was some insight as to what us cradle Catholics (...as I categorize myself) seem to miss or rather take for granted. It's like talking with a new U.S. citizen from a foreign country. They seem to point out some of the freedoms that born U.S. citizens seem to take for granted.
As an example, I spoke with a work colleague of mine that came from Russia. She said the first time she entered a supermarket to shop, she cried. She had never seen a store with so much food. With all the shelves full.
Mr. Beckwith points out his love of scripture as an example. If some of you are like me, I love scripture but many times I struggle with "where is that specifically in the Bible". I may know the passage but the exact book and verse I don't have memorized.
Virtual Rosary
VIRTUAL ROSARYThis is a cool little 'FREE' program for those that need a tutorial on how to say the Rosary
It has all the Mysteries including the Luminous
Some of the features include:
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Trinity Sunday
Carl Oslen at Insight Scoop has a terrific post on one of the best explanations on the Trinity I've ever read.
Sheed on the Trinity
A must read...
Sheed on the Trinity
A must read...
Missing Madeline
The fact that Madeline is still missing is just breaking my heart.
Late last week Madeline's parents visited Pope Benedict, requesting his intercessions for their missing daughter.
Parents of missing Madeline to receive support from Pope
My prayers are with Madeline as well as her family.
I pray they find her soon.
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