Friday, December 31, 2010

Last Day of 2010

December 31, 2010, and I will be bringing in the new year sick and down with a bad cold. I haven't been sick all year and it looks like I wouldn't be able to pitch a no-hitter, as far as not being sick all year. I may not be able to stay awake until Midnight, so I wanted to thank all my blog visitors for allowing me to share my thoughts on these pages.

But I still have much to be grateful for. God has been good. So I want to wish everyone a very happy New Year. Don't forget to give thanks to God for all that you have. Though everything may not have gone the way I would have like them to go, I give thanks knowing it all happened according to His plans.

Let's bray for our Nation and our fellow citizens for our troops and soldiers and our leaders.

God Bless All

WestCoastCatholic

Thursday, December 30, 2010

More Christmas Speech Analysis

a few more links that analyze the Christmas speech  by B16

The very future of the world is at stake... - CatholicVote



This program is from RealCatholicTV.com

Barron on Benedict XVI Christmas Speech

Creative Minority Report has the link to Fr. Barron's analysis (video). That's where I found the story.

Pope Benedict XVI speech:


Sala Regia
Monday, 20 December 2010
 
Dear Cardinals,
Brother Bishops and Priests,
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
It gives me great pleasure to be here with you, dear Members of the College of Cardinals and Representatives of the Roman Curia and the Governatorato, for this traditional gathering. I extend a cordial greeting to each one of you, beginning with Cardinal Angelo Sodano, whom I thank for his sentiments of devotion and communion and for the warm good wishes that he expressed to me on behalf of all of you. Prope est jam Dominus, venite, adoremus! As one family let us contemplate the mystery of Emmanuel, God-with-us, as the Cardinal Dean has said. I gladly reciprocate his good wishes and I would like to thank all of you most sincerely, including the Papal Representatives all over the world, for the able and generous contribution that each of you makes to the Vicar of Christ and to the Church.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

News From the Rome - Website

New Website to har the latest from Rome..
Link: www.romereports.com


Conservatism a Brain Disorder....

Hey I knew I was crazy...but I guess this proves it.
But I guess I'm in good company... like the founding Fathers of the good'ol USA.

A group of British researchers believe they have found why people are conservative: it’s a brain disorder of sorts.
Scientists at the University of London say that conservatives have an enlarged “fear” area in their brains, and smaller areas associated with courage and optimism. The London Telegraph reports.

It Never Rains in California - Yah Right...

Yesterday was a gorgeous day here in So. Cal.
Today is a rainy day in more than one way. As Albert Hammond so rightly claimed, "Out of work, I'm out of may head, I'm out of self respect, I'm out of bread. I'm under loved, I'm under feed..."

So are the woos of  of many a Californian, thanks to the continued deficient California government and the progressive legislator.

But I love California. I was born here and there's no other place for me. It's here I'll make my stand and live my faith.

Sing on Albert...no one said it would be easy.

Are You a Present Day Thomas Becket?

The legacy of Thomas Becket lives on today. Most of us will never be tested like Becket, but we sure do need more of this Martyr.

Murder or Mediocrity in the Cathedral: Thomas à Becket's Medieval Lesson for Today

On December 29, 1170, four knights, servants of England's King Henry II, stormed into Canterbury Cathedral and cut down Thomas à Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury.  The knights explained their action as a response to the king, who had reportedly inquired, "Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?"  Understanding their duty as lying first to king and then to God, the four knights saddled up and headed from London to Canterbury.


Fr. Barron has a great piece on St. Becket.

The Church celebrates the feast of St. Thomas Becket today. Below, Rozann Carter expounds upon the life of this 12th century saint, reflecting upon the idea that the abundant grace available in the fateful moment of martyrdom is accepted by a willful decision of the martyr, one that is often made long before the crown of martyrdom is bestowed

Are You Misinformed?

Hmmmmm...I thought this original report that Fox Viewers were the most misinformed people on the face of the earth was ridicules, but now here's a good explanation why.

Bishop Thomas Olmsted - The Real Story

I've seen a few news reports that portray the Bishop in a very different light.
The real truth is all I ask.


Bishop Thomas Olmsted, of the Phoenix, Arizona Diocese took the extraordinary step last week of removing Saint Joseph Hospital’s Catholic status.


The measure comes after last May’s confrontation between Sister Margaret McBride, the hospital’s administrator who gave permission for an 11-week pregnant woman with a severe case of pulmonary hypertension to have an abortion, and Bishop Olmsted who notified her in private that her actions were formal cooperation in the child’s death, and therefore incurred a laetae sententiae (automatic) excommunication.

Much confusion swirls around this case, and needs to be cleared in the interest of defending the good name of a good bishop

Monday, December 27, 2010

Frontline Faith MP3 - Our Troops

This looks like a good idea. Don't know how orthodox the message is but I think it wonderful that the attention of the spirituality of our soldiers in the field needs to be addressed. Chaplains are not always available.

American Papist has the story:

Frontline Faith, bringing consolation to our soldiers overseas

More information about Frontline Faith, Military Ministry and Adopt-a-Chaplain can be found in the accompanying article (fair warning – I have not had a chance to examine the work of these initiatives): Video

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Faith of Kennedy verses Palin

American Spectator has a good article; the difference between  living your faith and claiming to have faith.


By Patrick O'Hannigan

Townsend asserts that she gave America by Heart a careful reading, from which she came away sure that Palin supports an unconstitutional religious test for public office. Inconveniently, we have to take Townsend's word for that, because Palin actually says no such thing: the closest she gets is to express disappointment at John F. Kennedy's failure to reconcile his "private faith and public role," and his unwillingness to tell fellow countrymen "how his faith had enriched him." Palin did not use Hilaire Belloc as a counter-example, but he would have been a better choice than Mitt Romney, whom she did mention. In 1906, when Belloc ran for a seat in the British Parliament as a representative of the Liberal party, his stem-winding stump speech included a ringing affirmation of faith: "Gentlemen, I am a Roman Catholic. As far as possible, I go to Mass every day. This [taking a rosary out of his pocket] is a rosary. As far as possible, I kneel down and tell these beads every day. If you reject me on account of my religion, I shall thank God that he has spared me the indignity of being made your representative."

The Rite by Matt Baglio

Matt Baglio has a book written back in 2009 that is now being made into a movie. It comes out January 28, 2011.

The movie is loosely  based on the book... a Hollywood thriller but it stars Anthony Hopkins. The movie looks interesting, as far as Hollywood goes, but I'm more interested in the book which concentrates more on the journey of a San Francisco priest who ventures to the Vatican to attend exorcist classes.

Not enough focus lately on the devil and his minions.
The message today....no sin, no devil, no miracles, no church.

Below is an article on author and a short movie trailer, also a link to Matt Baglio website.


An exorcism course at a Vatican-affiliated university in Rome? It was an unusual topic. As an American journalist living in the Eternal City, he thought it might make for an interesting article; as a non-practicing Catholic at the time, he approached it with some skepticism.

Taught by exorcists and experts in theology, satanic cults, criminology and psychology, the course he took challenged many of his assumptions. But what really intrigued him was the openness and honesty of a fellow student, Father Gary Thomas, a priest from the Diocese of San Jose, Calif., whose bishop, Patrick McGrath, had asked him to undergo training as an exorcist. 

Website Link: Matt Baglio



Sunday, December 12, 2010

President's Spiritual Advisor

This is President's Spiritual adviser, can you  believe it. I thought he learned his lesson with Rev Wright.

Fr. Barron: Leaving the Catholic Church

Fr. Barron hits it right on the nail. Lots of friends and work colleagues, fellow Catholics are leaving the church, claiming they have found another way of gaining the graces from another just as good a source.

...only fooling themselves, 'She's still our Mother.'



Monday, December 06, 2010

Fr. Baron on B16's New Book

Saw this first on Creative Minority Report. Visit their site, lots of good articles
Fr. Barron on B16 new book.


127 Hours Movie

Saw this movie last weekend...amazing survivor story.

Terrorist Julian Assange

This guy is a Terrorist, no doubt about it. I don't care what is said about the right to know ... no one has the right to release Classified document, whether those documents are national secrets or something like personal medical record.

Assange's final "poison pill' stunt just proves this guy need to be stopped.

Julian Assange's Poison Pill
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has circulated across the internet an encrypted “poison pill” cache of uncensored documents suspected to include files on BP and Guantanamo Bay.
One of the files identified this weekend by The (London) Sunday Times — called the “insurance” file -- has been downloaded from the WikiLeaks website by tens of thousands of supporters, from America to Australia.
Assange warns that any government that tries to curtail his activities risks triggering a new deluge of state and commercial secrets.

Remote Controlled Plane Video of NY Land Marks

Okay, Part of me thinks this is really cool and another part of me thinks this is really scary. I'm not sure what terrorist will think about this.

Anyway.. check it out

How an RC airplane Buzzed the Statue of Liberty, without arrest
The video is absolutely stunning: a remote-controlled plane flies over and around the Brooklyn Bridge, buzzes the Statue of Liberty, and explores New York from a point of view even "real" airplanes rarely see. While the police were curious about what was happening, no arrests were made, and the creators of the video praise the police and the TSA for their professionalism.

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Articles of Interest

I've been reading some interesting articles the past few days and haven't had time to blog on them. However I'll post them anyway and hope you find them as interesting as me.

Thanksgiving and American Exceptionalism - American Spectator


The Cancun Climate Capers - American Thinker

What the Pope Said about Condoms - Jimmy Akins


The Vatican and the New Media - Fr. Barron (Audio)

Why I want to Be "Left Behind" - Sacred Page

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Christmas Is Aproaching... And Atheist Respond

A public showing of Atheist disapproval of the up coming Christmas season....
Seems like a rally cry for those that share their erroneous views.

The Blaze has the story and video


A group called the American Atheists has paid for a huge billboard on Route 495 outside the Lincoln Tunnel in North Bergen, N.J., that is raising some eyebrows.

The billboard shows a silhouette of the Three Wise Men approaching the Nativity, with the words: “You KNOW it’s a Myth / This Season, Celebrate REASON!”

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!
God's Blessings to all

WestCoastCatholic

Sunday, November 21, 2010

B16 New Book 'Light of the World'and Condoms

The media is a buzz over comments Pope Benedict made in his book (an interview).

Now the media and those who favor the wide spread use of condoms are putting their spin on what the Holy Father said. They even are joking that "...I guess the Vatican will be putting out a.'Position Paper' to explain (correct) what the Pope said. I heard that one on Fox News of all places.

So what are we to think as Catholics? American Papist points to Dr. Janet Smith for an explanation to these leaked excerpts.

Leaked excerpts from not yet released books seems to be the going thing today (Palin is going through the same thing). A way to put a spin on books and writings before anyone can judge for themselves , maybe even introducing a bias instead of allowing an honest read.

Summary: No the Holy Father isn't changing the teachings of the Catholic Church.

This week, Light of the World, a book-length interview given by Pope Benedict XVI to journalist Peter Seewald, will be released worldwide. Several of the Holy Father's statements have already started making news, particularly his comments regarding condom usage in the prevention of the spread of HIV.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Debate: Peter Kreeft & Robert Spencer - Good Muslim/Bad Muslim

Patrick Madrid presents this Debate.

Kick off your shoes and enjoy the discussion.
Several weeks ago, I heard that this debate was coming up, but I was unable to attend. Two people I know personally and respect, Dr. Peter Kreeft and Robert Spencer, debated the question of Islam. For those of you who know Dr. Kreeft's work, you know he is eminently reasonable, always irenic, and a deep thinker. In fact, as I have gone on record saying many times over the years, I regard Peter Kreeft as our generation's C.S. Lewis.


Robert Spencer, who, like Peter, is a fellow Catholic, has in recent years produced a serious body of in-depth critical scholarship on Islam. His website, jihadwatch.org, is very influential and both widely admired and widely reviled (mainly, though not exclusively, by Muslims). These two men have very different views of Islam and of Muslims, and this debate promises to be an excellent opportunity for both positions to be carefully examined, compared, and contrasted. That's the hallmark of any good debate, in my opinion. I say "promises to be" because I haven't watched this video of the debate yet, though I am just about to do so.

Sneak Preview: Cathholicism Project

Way to go Fr. Barron!
Sneak preview of his 'Catholicism' project.


Same Old Obnoxious Barbara Boxer

I still can't believe my fellow Californians voted her back in to office after 25 years of catastrophic reign.as Senator.

And it looks like she's back to her "...call me Senator...I've earned it" ways.

Sen. Boxer: U.S. Just like Iran and N. Korea (Creative Minority Report)

Pope B16 and ObamaCare

Does the Pope endorse the Obama Heath Care Law?

Some would like to twist his recent message on health care, however let's see what he really said. Thanks American Papist for the article.

Liberal Catholics are salivating over Pope Benedict’s message to the 25th international conference of the Pontifical Council for Health Care ministry, using his words to imply Vatican (and church teaching) endorsement of the recent health care legislation passed by the Democrats and President Obama.

Prayers For F22 Pilot

Evidence that the pilot of the F22 that crashed in Alaska did not survive. He was married with 2 children.

Prayers for the pilot and his family as we approach Thanksgiving.

Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Act of Contrition
Rosary for his family


Evidence found at the remote, rugged Alaska site where an F-22 Raptor crashed indicates the pilot died, an Air Force official said Friday evening.
Part of the fighter jet's ejection seat was found at the site, which means Capt. Jeffrey Haney of Clarklake, Mich., was not ejected and could not have survived the Tuesday night crash, Col. Jack McMullen said.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/11/19/air-force-evidence-points-f-pilots-death/#ixzz15qksxryV
 

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Restrepo Medal of Honor Recipient

If you haven't seen the movie, go out and rent it. The book 'War' tells the story of the brave soldiers actions.
Pray for our troops.

Wall Street Journal has the story of Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta

Beatles Come to iTunes

Well, it's about time...time to load up my iPod.
LOS ANGELES - Nearly 50 years after the Beatles took television by storm, the Fab Four’s songs became available on iTunes yesterday, setting the stage for a possible new outbreak of Beatlemania - this one online.

Archbishop Timothy Dolan - President of USCCB

Well, this is a very pleasant surprise considering who was the anticipated winner of this extremely important position.

Thank you God.

The vote makes Archbishop Dolan the most visible face of the church in the United States. It also suggested that the bishops were seeking a powerful and reliably orthodox voice to reassert the church’s teaching in the court of public opinion and to disarm critics who insist that the bishops have lost their moral authority as a result of their role in the sexual abuse scandals. 

In a stunning (and welcome) upset, the assembled bishops of the United States elected Archbishop Timothy Dolan to be the President of the USCCB for the next three years. Here is how the ballots played out…

Friday, November 12, 2010

European Missile Shield

Now await a minute, we already had a European missile shield ready to go in (Poland).

...and Obama canceled it!

Now NATO thinks they have to bribe the Russians by giving them Satellite imagery from American Satellites?

Insane.

NATO to Offer Russia Access to US Sat Imagery
AFP - NATO will offer Russia access to some US military satellite data in exchange for its participation in a missile shield project for continental Europe, a Moscow newspaper reported Friday.

Monday, November 08, 2010

The Reformation

Interesting article from The Sacred Page Blog.

There's a provocative piece up by Bryan Cross on the blog "Called to Communion". The opening grabbed my attention.

“So we stand here and with open mouth stare heavenward and invent still other keys. Yet Christ says very clearly in Matthew 16:19 that He will give the keys to Peter. He does not say He has two kinds of keys, but He gives to Peter the keys He Himself has, and no others. It is as if He were saying: why are you staring heavenward in search of the keys? Do you not understand I gave them to Peter? They are indeed the keys of Heaven, but they are not found in Heaven. I left them on earth. Don’t look for them in Heaven or anywhere else except in Peter’s mouth where I have placed them. Peter’s mouth is My mouth, and his tongue is My key case. His office is My office, his binding and loosing are My binding and loosing.” – Martin Luther  

B16 in Spain

B16 needs our Prayer as he travels in Spain.

Don't know what the heck is going on in the once bastion of the Catholic faith. .... but hey what's happening here?

Anyway, here's an article on the Holy Fathers visit.


BARCELONA, Spain – About 200 people have staged a gay "kiss-in" as Pope Benedict XVI drove by to protest his visit to Spain and his policies on homosexuality, condom use and other issues.

About half the protesters kissed and the other half jeered as Benedict passed by Barcelona's cathedral in his white popemobile on his way to celebrate Mass on Sunday morning.

Hereafter the Movie

The trailer to this movie has me rather curious. While I don't believe in the seance in the sense of conjuring up the spirits from the dead, as a Catholic Christian I fully believe in the Communion of Saints, for God is not a God of the dead but of the living.

But I am curious about how Clint Eastwood would portray the Afterlife in his new movie. I've seen the movie trailer and I haven't seen the full movie. Haven't decided to yet.

I did find Fr. Barron's perspective very useful, as a prelude to seeing the movie. And I hope you find it equally as helpful




Saturday, November 06, 2010

Pope Benedict in the news

A couple of articles on the Holy Father.

Pontiff Tells Europe: God Is Not the Enemy 

Benedict XVI is encouraging Europe to let go of the idea that God is an enemy to its freedom, and to open itself to him without fear.

Thousands of Catholic pilgrims and hundreds of anti-Catholic activists are gathering in Spain in anticipation of the weekend visit by Pope Benedict XVI.
Protesters will be outnumbered by loyal Catholics as the Pope visits Santiago de Compostela and Barcelona, but the demonstrations will undoubtedly attract more attention from the secular media. Homosexual activists have announced a “kiss-in” demonstration in Barcelona at the time of the Pope’s appearance there. 


Post Elections: California IS San Francisco

This article from a San Francisco Catholic perspective.

After reading this, I only feel like my thought on the California Catholic vote and it's shameful results have been confirmed.

Post-election, threat seen to Catholic social justice agenda

The sharp right turn that Americans took at the polls on Tuesday created a Congress that will likely have good news-bad news results for Catholic concerns, analysts believe.
Oh really, why use the language 'sharp right turn'?

First the bad news: The loss of moderate, pro-life Democrats may well apply the brakes on a social justice agenda that two years ago seemed to have traction.
 Are you serious? These past two years saw the re-establishment of embryonic stem cell research, a Health Care bill that pays of abortions. The reduction of health care coverage for our senior citizens.Gay marriage in-roads, higher taxes, higher un-employment, debt up the ying-yang putting doubt in our children's future...on and on.

“I worry that what we’re seeing is a further polarizing of the two political parties in ways that don’t play out well for actually passing legislation that advances Catholic policy concerns,” said Stephen Schneck, director of the Institute for Policy Research & Catholic Studies at The Catholic University of America. “I hope I’m wrong.”
Sorry Mr. Expert from the Catholic University of America. Are you saying that the past two year have been an ideal environment of love and co-operation between the two parties. The Democrats have  been so unifying? Are you kidding me? 

Otherwise, California remained a solid blue state, as voters elected Attorney General Jerry Brown, who declined to defend “pro-marriage” Proposition 8, as governor; San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who had championed same-sex marriage, as lieutenant governor, and returned Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-California, for a fourth term.
Tell me about it. Where was the Catholic Vote?

Bishop Stephen Blaire of the Diocese of Stockton had asked Catholics to reflect “on the common good” when considering Proposition 23, which would have suspended implementation of the state’s air pollution law. Bishop Blaire said in a statement to Catholic San Francisco on Friday, “The defeat of Proposition 23 indicates a concern of the people to protect the environment for the health and well being of people, especially our children. Regardless of how one voted, the moral imperative remains for us to care for God’s creation as good stewards.”
And what about the businesses that will have to come up with the cost of these rediculus 'Green Laws'? They will in turn either move their businesses out of California or reduce their labor force to offset their Green Costs. What will the un-employed people of your parish live on then? Who will feed their children?

 Yes, now I know why California is in the state it's in. With Gavin, Brown, Boxer and Pelosi, California IS San Franciso

Read the whole article here: Catholic San Fransisc

Post California Election Thoughts

Well, it's been a few days since the midterm elections and while the rest of the nation is on a high, I'm afraid I can't fully celebrate with the rest of the country. Yes, I'm happy with the over all out come but...

"A tidal wave (tsunami) of change", Not so in California
"The Catholic Vote comes through", Not so in California
"The people have sent a message to Obama..." Not so in California

I'm afraid to admit, the reason for the California loss (in my opinion) is that we just have too many voters here with their hands out. With a higher unemployment rate than the nation, with a higher volume of, yes illegal aliens.There are many eligible voting Hispanics, citizens that are sympathetic to the immigrants to the extent that any real or unreal prejudice to this part of our community will bring about a negative voting reaction to any candidate.I am Hispanic myself and don't say this to offend, it's just a reality. There are also too many Prius with Obama stickers, I'm afraid it just won't be change anytime soon.

Our California Catholic vote didn't solidify either. That's the most frustrating  part of the election for me. How can you vote back in Barbara Boxer and the Pelosi agenda (abortion on demand, paid for by the present Health Care law) and be fully aware of where the Catholic Church stands on this intrinsic evil is just beyond me.

You've often heard the phrase " Give a man a fish and he'll only ask you for another later.Teach a man to fish and he'll feed himself and show others to do the same." ...or something like that.

Once on the dole, it won't be easy to get back on your own. California is so deep BLUE it's almost Black.
That doesn't mean I've given up. Just means I need to pray more, work more within my community, teach my family to live their faith. Encourage them to be the light in the world they need to be.
 
I still love L.A.

Waking up the New Catholic Vote - CatholicVote.org
Pushed, in part, by concern about the health care bill, Catholic voters across the nation returned to the GOP in numbers resembling the presidential victory of George W. Bush in 2004.



(Except in California...)


This program is from RealCatholicTV.com

Color Nook...Hmmmm, Maybe?

I'm still deciding on getting a reading device.The iPad which has the features that I like, but is very costly and the low cost Kindle and Nook are missing many of the features.

The iPad has all the reading features that I want and with the back lighting, it's ideal anywhere. I like the Wi-Fi browsing and the movies I can watch on them. Apps galore also enhance it's appeal. The price is a major downer for me. I just can't justify purchasing one if I have to walk out of the store over $800.00 lighter in my wallet. Especially in these hard times.

The Kindle and Nook where in a justifiable price range but a drawback I couldn't get over was that you can't read in the dark. You can buy a separate lamp but my experience with book lamps is that they never light up the area you want and are very weak. That on top of no movies, black and white web browsing just didn't cut it.

So I put the thought on the shelf ... until

The new COLOR Nook!
Hey not much more in price from the black and white version (249.00 Color, 149.00 BW). It runs on the Android 1.0 and next year a free update to the Android 2.0 will let you play on line movies. Cool!
Just might put me in the buying mode. A nice Christmas present for the wife who likes to read about as much as I do and loves to watch movies.

Check it out.
Barnes and Noble has released a potential giant killer. It’s a new color version of their Nook e-book reader, but it has features which put Amazon.com’s Kindle to shame, and even has some features not available on Apple’s iPad. It’s an outstanding bargain at only $249.

Friday, November 05, 2010

Post Election: And the Madness Continues

It's like talking to a wall.....

34 War Ships to Accompany Obama - The Blaze
The ships aren’t the only measures being taken. NDTV lists what, and who, else will be making the trip:
  • Air Force and Marine One
  • Two jets, armed with advanced communication and security systems
  • Over 40 cars which will be part of the president’s convoy
  • 13 heavy-lift aircraft with high-tech equipment,
  • Three helicopters
  • 3,000 total people including Secret Service agents, U.S. government officials, and journalists
  • 500 US security personnel
  • 800 rooms have been booked for those people
  • An interception and obstruction device
  • Sniffer dogs
  • “Rescue gadgets” 
Coconuts Removed from Trees for Obama Visit - Telegraph

India is preparing for Barack Obama's first visit to the country by removing coconuts from palm trees in Mumbai to protect the US president


Bomb Proof Tunnel for Pres O - DNA
Since it is difficult to monitor such a congested area, they came up with a quick solution which left the Indians accompanying them amazed: A bomb-proof over-ground tunnel — to be installed by US military engineers in just an hour

Monday, November 01, 2010

Monday Before the Election

I prepared my sample ballot so I'm good to go.

Here we go...

Californians please get out and vote. Say a prayer for our State.

Proposition 23, the California ballot initiative, would suspend AB 32, the cap and trade regulations for reducing carbon dioxide emission to 1990 levels until unemployment in California drops to 5.5% or below for four consecutive quarters. So how much CO2 will be eliminated and will it make a difference?

Last Minute Push in California's Top Race
The latest field poll shows Brown with a 10-point lead while the most recent Rasmussen numbers suggest the gap is much more narrow, only about four points, favoring Brown. When I sat down with Meg Whitman this week and asked for her reaction on the polls, she told me they're just one marker along the way. The former chief executive officer of the online auction site Ebay says you have to trust your gut and her gut tells her the people of California will rally on Election Day and vote in her favor.

 

Catholic Vote

Like I said before I'll believe it when I see it. ... But I'm still praying for it. Not necessary turning to GOP but more voting an educated conscience.

The latest field poll shows Brown with a 10-point lead while the most recent Rasmussen numbers suggest the gap is much more narrow, only about four points, favoring Brown. When I sat down with Meg Whitman this week and asked for her reaction on the polls, she told me they're just one marker along the way. The former chief executive officer of the online auction site Ebay says you have to trust your gut and her gut tells her the people of California will rally on Election Day and vote in her favor.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Life and the Social Issues

They're all social issues...Healthcare, taxes, war, abortion, jobs, are the all the same?


This program is from RealCatholicTV.com

Catholic Swing Vote?

I don't know, I'm hoping my fellow Catholics get their act together. I mean, President Obama rode the wave of about 54% of the Catholic vote into office.

Shameful

So lets hope the numbers change and we can actually count on the Catholic vote to be just that, a Catholic vote.
Following up on Josh’s post, the picture that is worth a thousand words. It shows that Dems were +10 in 2008 and the GOP may now be +24 among Catholics:

Friday, October 29, 2010

Jesus Halloween Costumes?

I don't know about this. Not a costume I would wear.
Rubs me as a little disrespectful.

Since when is Jesus Christ scary?  Or funny?
 
Well, the good folks at "Spirit" think so. Spirit is one of the big national distributors of Halloween costumes and paraphernalia.  Perhaps you've visited one of Spirit's superstores recently.  Pre-Halloween, Spirit Superstores pop up like mushrooms, taking temporary space in large, vacant retail outlets. 

Spirit offers Jesus costumes to the adult trade.  Some versions of the Jesus costume come with a crown of thorns.  Every version of the Jesus costume has been sold out online.  Perhaps you can scrounge one at your nearest Spirit Superstore.

Wake-Up California

I am a life long Californian, Southern California to be exact.

"I love L.A". to quote a famous Randy Newman song. I know it's been said many times before, but I love the diversity of culture. I love the Philippine breakfast after Sunday Mass, maybe a Mexican dinner or some ribs on the barbecue later for dinner.

I love the weather, yea our seasons here in the south land are not the beautiful red's and yellows, and it's not unusual  for us to grilling our meals for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Hey I love it.

We've had to live through some hard times, earthquakes, riots and now more prominent in our present times, high, very high unemployment, businesses exiting the state.

Other things that make me sad about our State like legalizing Pot smoking, abortions rates shamefully high, poor school scores.

I still love L.A. and there is no place I'd rather live.

But, we are now at a cross road. We are now at a moment in time with the elections on Tuesday, when what we do and how we vote will have a profound affect on our lives today and our children's lives for years to come.

Specifics:
I will not tell you how to vote but I will tell you how I will vote. First I am not a Republican or a Democrat... or any other Party loyalist for that matter.

If I have to identified with anything I would say I am Catholic period. I use that foundation to live my daily life, at work, home, in my community and IN THE VOTING BOOTH.

Therefore, my vote for California Senate will go to Carly Fiorina. Anyone who can sit back and look at our wonderful state and say that Barbara Boxer who's been in office 25 years has made our state better is 1) not being truthful, or 2) is just voting party line, or 3) is totally blind to politics and is getting their information from the local news channels and the MSM. We can not afford to have Barbara Boxer in the Senate one day longer.

For State Governor my vote will be for Meg Whitman. Why Jerry Brown is even being considered is beyond me. His previous positions as Governor, State Attorney General, Mayor, School Board of Trustee show his true colors and for me can be summed up in the phrase "Career Politician". His dirty politics (Meg's nanny story, 'whore' statements) is not reason to vote him in.

To put Boxer and Brown in office would sink California. With a fully Democrat controlled legislature the choke hold would be fatal.

There is plenty of commentary out there to explain the details and I will be posting them from now until Tuesday.

Fellow Californians lets all pray together for our State.

PLEASE VOTE!

It's November 3, 2010. You think you are waking up to a sunny California morning only to realize it's a dark, dark day. Jerry Brown is governor, Gavin Newsom is lieutenant governor, Kamala Harris is attorney general, and the rest of the Democrat ticket has prevailed. California is going to be controlled by San Francisco politics.