Monday, February 28, 2011

The Union Protest - Violence and the Hypocrisy

Looking at some of the latest news clips on the net as well as cable news, it seems that the violence level has taken a negative step up.

I don't understand why with all the claims of those that have a progressive agenda, that violence and 'name calling' and negative posters (eg. ...so and so is like Hitler) has no place in a protest or debates and discussion all of a sudden (maybe not so all of a sudden) now are on the leading edge of the negativeness.
The Hypocrisy

Here's some examples:




Sunday, February 27, 2011

ABC New TV Show "Good Christian B**ches"...Anti Christian

What is ABC thinking?

Do the executives at ABC think that this will go on without offending Christians?

Shameful ABC. Now I know why I don't watch regular local TV channel shows anymore. Nothing worth watching.

Hollywood Reporter says:
Jennifer Aspen has been cast in ABC’s "Good Christian Bitches" pilot.

The dramedy, from Sex and the City executive producer Darren Star and based on Kim Gatlin’s book, follows a woman who moves back to her Dallas neighborhood after a divorce only to become the center of salacious gossip from the community’s church-going wives.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

President Obama,the Enemy of the Cahtolic Church? - Fr. Z Responds

The Catholic Herald (UK) has an opinion article entitled 'Why Barack Obama has to be seen as the Enemy of the Catholic Church'.

While I personally agree with most of the points of view in this article, I prefer to word my opinion as 'Barack Obama's polices and many of his views are Anti-Catholic'. I tend to leave the judgment of Barack Obama to God. Only He knows Obama's heart.

Here, Fr Z gives his response to the article.

From William Oddie of the UK’s best Catholic weekly, the Catholic Herald comes this strong opinion piece about the President of the United States.   I generally dismiss transatlantic views of any POTUS.  This commentary, however, caught my attention because it concerns the President and the Catholic Church.  He also quotes at length from Archbp. Nienstedt of St. Paul and Minneapolis, my native place.

The Monks of Tibhirine

The wife brought this story to my attention; The Monks of Tibhirine

The movie for the 2003 story is scheduled to be released in a couple of weeks in the States. A definite must see movie. I'm actually looking forward to getting the book.

Here's a quick synopsis:

Few Americans heard about it, but the story gripped Europe (and especially France) during the summer of 1996: The mysterious kidnapping and murder of seven Trappist monks living in the Algerian village of Tibhirine at their monastery of Notre-Dame de l'Atlas. John W. Kiser III tells their story, or at least what parts of it can be known; much of what happened to them remains unclear, including the motives of their captors. Parts of The Monks of Tibhirine are grim, but this is an unavoidable fact of the case. The monks' bodies, for instance, never have been found--except for their heads. Kiser describes the scene: "The monks' desiccated faces, hollow eye sockets, and exposed teeth made them look like mummies." (Apparently they had been buried, then disinterred.) Readers looking for a nonfiction thriller won't find it on these pages, however. Much of the book is a history of monks living in Algeria, and much of the rest chronicles the good relationships the seven doomed monks shared with their Muslim neighbors. Their devotion to both their faith and their neighbors is inspiring; the way they died is abhorrent. --John Miller --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Megan Kelly Exposes the True Character of the Milwaukee Teachers Union President

This made me sick watching it. As a parent to know the control these Union Bosses have. The ability to look right into the camera and be so evasive, with a straight face portray their efforts as some sort of salvation. Never mind the shambles the school systems is, the low test scores. Never mind the fake doctors notes. One wonders how the teachers can tell their students "Don't cheat in school" yet have doctors lie for them. Maybe having fake doctor notes for kids skipping school is okay as well.

Yes this is in Wisconsin yet it's echoed across the other States of the Republic.

Wisconsin Union President (Video)
...
To get to the bottom of the matter, Kelly spoke with Mike Langyel, the president of the Milwaukee Wisconsin Teachers Union. She began the interview by asking Langyel whether he condoned union members lying about their health issues so that they could take days off without losing their jobs, to which he responded, multiple times, by talking instead about Wisconsin governor Scott Walker.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

George Washington's Birthday

New website dedicated to our first president.
Check it out...

New Translation

The New Translation has a number of changes that I'm still learning about.

Here's one of the changes.


Gloria in Excelsis Deo
Perhaps the part of the Mass Ordinary that will undergo the most change in the new translation is the Gloria.  However, because the Gloria is not said on Sundays during Advent, we will not hear the new version until December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.  Fortunately for us, this is also one of the richest texts of the Mass both in the translation from the Latin but also in its historical and Scriptural roots.  Therefore, there is much to discuss.

Who Says 50 is Too Old

A cool story...and the 220 mph roadster, called the BMW Cocoon isn't that bad also.

 BMW plant where all workers are over 50
I was drinking in the notion that, according to the Global Status Report on Health and Alcohol, Germany is the 22nd most inebriated country in world (the U.S. came in a pathetically puritan 57th), when I discovered some fine and sober German ingenuity.
BMW, the folks who make cars for the highly self-aware, has just opened a factory where, aside from Watson's distant uncles, all the employees are aged over 50.

Monday, February 21, 2011

CatholicVote Posts on Wisconsin Standoff

This post from American Papist on Wisconsin Standoff



In Wisconsin, a preview of moral battles to come, and why we need all hands on deck

American by Thomas Peters
3 days ago
RSS
I don’t want this post to get us distracted from the important debates and votes happening in DC today, which aim to defund Planned Parenthood and walk back a host of other threats to the unborn and our national fiscal solvency.
 So if you promise to continue keeping the positive pressure on our elected officials here in DC, I will feel free to take a few moments to talk about the important developments happening in Wisconsin. I believe it’s important we understand what is going on from the outset.

Also from American Thinker


The evolving legislative crisis in Wisconsin has illuminated the political symbiosis of the Democrat Party and Big Labor.  Not just the public sector unions, but all unions acting in concert to dominate the political fortunes of Democrats. 


Richard Trumka, the head of the AFL-CIO, graced Madison, Wisconsin with his presence.  Trumka, who rose from being a miner and active member in the UMW union in Pennsylvania to becoming head of the largest labor organization in the country in 1995, has a history of being confrontational. In front of a crowd of some 25,000 union supporters, he supplied a remarkably accurate dramatization of Vladimir Lenin railing against the "fat cats" and "corporations."  Trumka apparently views them as the sole motivating force behind the attempt of Governor Walker and the Republican majorities in the state's Assembly and Senate to balance their state's budget.

Another from American Spectator


The War in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's State Senate Democrats fled the state on Thursday rather than going to work where their presence would have allowed a vote on state budget cuts and controversial rollbacks of public sector union collective bargaining rights in the state that has had them longer than any other. It's not the budget vote precisely that they're avoiding but rather a provision that would essentially strip teachers unions of collective bargaining rights, something no public sector employee should have anyway.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Catholic iPhone Apps

I was kind of curious as to what kind of Catholic Apps are out there. I don't own an iPhone or an Android, (I'd love to get an iPad) phone. My life is rather simple and well I'm trying to keep my budget in check. I hear that the 'data package' to get access to some of this content is expensive.

...that is the apps are inexpensive but access to the internet via your device can run up your regular phone bill $30.00 plus.

Anyway, it's a temptation I'm trying to keep in check. Tech stuff  and books are my weaknesses.


I do believe that some of these apps can be beneficial and like I said earlier I wanted to find out whats out there.

So here's just one source I've found. I'll post on some of my other findings in the future.

Let me know what you think...If anyone has any suggestions please leave me a comment with a link
thanks

Catholic iPhone.com

Parents and Teachers of Wisconsin

Fake Doctors notes, transporting students to the protest rallies that the students themselves don't know understand.

Teachers not helping themselves with crudely offensive signs and fake doctors' notes

Some Wisconsin parents must be frantically trying to figure out what their options are after seeing the nasty underbelly of their state's "educational system" this week. It's going to be hard for some of them to hand their children over when the teachers decide to get back to work. I couldn't do it. 

Fr Barron Comments on the Confession iPhone App

When was the last time you went to confession? Do you go with any frequency?
I make it a point to go about once a month and I truly feel it's a wonderful sacrament.

I read about this new iPhone App and the confusion the media imposed in the public.
Father Barron has a good video on the topic.

New Book: Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist

This looks like a great book by Brant Pitre 'Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist'
Brant Pitre blogs at Sacred Page

Movie: Of Gods and Men

This looks like a good movie. I know it came out at the end of last year in Europe. I don't remember it in theaters locally.

But I'd like to watch it.


Planned Parenthood Defunded

In my belief this is great news. Planned Parenthood should not get another dollar from me.

House votes to defund Planned Parenthood.
The vote was 240-185 with 11 Democrats voting for the amendment, and seven Republicans voting against. One member voted present. A group of Republicans on the floor applauded when the vote hit 218.

Along with this historic vote comes some discussion on the actions of Live Action that some say paved the way to this vote.


Live Actions and Telling Falsehoods
Live Action recently released a video that included two of its members posing as a pimp and prostitute during a visit to a local Planned Parenthood clinic. Very much like in a police sting operation, Live Action taped the encounters without the permission of its target. In the video, Live Action’s “pimp” and “prostitute” make several inquiries that provide opportunities for the PP worker to commit or not report several crimes. 

Why Live Action Did Right and Why We Should All Know That
When I talk about abortion, I often surprise most of my audience, even some prolifers, by saying that not only is abortion always evil but that it is not a “complex issue,” that deep down we all know that it is evil; that Mother Teresa is very clearly right when she says “If abortion isn’t wrong, nothing is wrong.” 

Sayed Musa...Update

This could be good news..



Keep the prayers coming.

Friday, February 18, 2011

More Wisconin News

Creative Minority Report has a link to a blog with lot's of links to this story. Understanding the issue and it's repercussions is a must .

Union madness in Wisconsin
As four game wardens awkwardly stood guard, protesters, scores deep, crushed into a corridor leading to the governor’s office here on Wednesday, their screams echoing through the Capitol: “Come out, come out, wherever you are!”

Behind closed doors, Scott Walker, the Republican who has been governor for about six weeks, calmly described his intent to forge ahead with the plans that had set off the uprising: He wants to require public workers to pay more for their health insurance and pensions, effectively cutting the take-home pay of many by around 7 percent...


But the mobs, er, I mean public servants feel entitled and don't mind using intimidation to hold on to their goodies 

ICUC/PICO Community Organizing

Recently a good friend pointed out a Sunday  Bulletin entry that I hadn't noticed.

The notice announced the participation of the Church Youth Group with the ICU/PICO organization. A few days into the week and I was receiving concerned email from from fellow parishioners saying that his organization was not a good one.

I'm not familiar with the Inland Congregation of United for Change but I'm told that this is an Alinskyian style organization.

So... I need your help finding out anything about this group.

I've opened a 'Thread" at Catholic Answers forum. Please post any information here in the comments section or at the Catholic Answer link: ICUC/PICO Organization

Somethng 'Stinks' in Wisconsin...and it ain't Cheese

The Union 'Give Me' crew is at it strong today in Wisconsin. It's an ugly situation there and I only feel that it's going to spread.

From what I understand, it's a situation where the unions are going to have to pay a little of their own money into their own Pensions and health care instead of the rest of the State flipping the bill for the whole thing. Wisconsin is 3 Billion in debit and that's not the hole we have here in California...and that's why I think this thing is a tender box that's going to spread.

Once on the dole it's hard to kick the habit. Getting something for free at someone else expense seems to be the 'in thing' to do now a days.

These politicians in this video should be a shamed of themselves.  

Not good...



thanks Mediaite

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Prayer: Hail Mary

Taylor Marshall of Canterbury Tales Blog has a great post on how the Hail Mary prayer came to be.
Thanks Taylor, knew the first have of the origin... not the second half.

Hail Mary:
The Hail Mary prayer derives from two verses in Saint Luke's Gospel: "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee" (Luke 1 28: Χαῖρε, κεχαριτωμένη, ὁ Κύριος μετὰ σοῦ), and "Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb" (Luke 1:42: Εὐλογημένη σὺ ἐν γυναιξὶν καὶ εὐλογημένος ὁ καρπὸς τῆς κοιλίας σου).

A Faith So Deep... Said Musa

This post brakes my heart, and partly ashamed of some of the things I complain about regarding defending my faith.

Read the post and offer up prayers for Said Musa

I Am In Awe of Such Faith
In Afghanistan Christian and father of six, is imprisoned and scheduled to die. His crime? He believes Christ is his Savior. And he is scheduled to die because of it. No defense lawyer will take his case for fear of retribution. And he has been told that if he renounces Christ things would go easier. But he doesn’t. He won’t.

Weapons of Mass Effect...In San Diego?

Found this video on Creative Minority Report who found it at Flopping Aces. This is a disturbing revelation that one doesn't think about too much during the our daily lives....but we should.


Does this Scare You?
Check out this video from Flopping Aces. It seems to me that this guy was speaking truth and then his superior off camera put the brakes on in a hurry.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Catholic Pelosi ... Champion of the Abortion Supporter

Another sad instance of Pelosi supporting the abortion evil. Very sad indeed for one who claim to be a good Catholic. Seems that she is gathering the forces to do battle against Republican attempts to reverse the abortion course the Obama administration has set the nation on.

She is hitting the blogosphere to rally her pro-choice allies, even some Catholics fooled into thinking that this administration is on the side of the unborn.

Thomas Peters has the post.

Pelosi calls for scorched-earth war against Bishops, Catholics, GOP, Pro-Life

In a strategy call with pro-abort bloggers yesterday, she rallied her troops to oppose pro-life bills that have been introduced in the House of Representatives:

Thursday, February 10, 2011

New JPII Website

Zenit new agency has a post on the Rome Diocese launching of a JPII website dedicated to the May 1 Beatification event.

Rome Diocese Launches John Paul II Web Page

Named Ioannes Paulus P.P. II, the site will gather information on the beatification of the Pope, and make it available in six languages: English, Spanish, French, Polish, Italian and Romanian.
 

B16 and the Catholic Blogosphere - Tone It Down

A good friend of mine forwarded me an article this morning. The subject being a claimed direction of Pope Benedict to conservative Catholic bloggers to 'tone it down' .

Did he really say that, I don't know I haven't the actual speech yet. One thing I did notice was that the article was written by an ex-Communications Director of Catholic Alliance for the Common Good, a very liberal organization. Liberal as in woman priest, gay marriage etc...

Also the AP is the one reporting this, hardly an objective observer of thing Catholic.

Anyway, here's the article. There will be more this later on the blogosphere.


Vatican to Conservative Bloggers: Tone it Down, Please!

Benedict didn't name names, but the head of the Vatican's social communications office, Archbishop Claudio Celli, said it was certainly correct to direct the pope's exhortation to some conservative Catholic blogs, YouTube channels and sites which, with some vehemence, criticize bishops, public officials and policies they consider not Catholic enough."The risk is there, there's no doubt," Celli said in response to a question.

Original AP article:

Pope to Catholics online: It's not just about hits

Pope Benedict XVI told Catholic bloggers and Facebook and YouTube users Monday to be respectful of others when spreading the Gospel online and not to see their ultimate goal as getting as many online hits as possible.

Echoing concerns in the U.S. about the need to root out online vitriol, Benedict called for the faithful to adopt a "Christian style presence" online that is responsible, honest and discreet.

New Layout - WestCoastCatholic

As you can tell I'm experimenting with the look of the website. Thought it was time for a change.
I'm not really satisfied yet with it. I'm not sure if I want a background picture or just a banner picture.

Don't know, it's a work in progress. I dont' want it too gaudy, but it needed a little punch.

Please feel free to give any suggestions.

Wednesday, February 09, 2011

Mr. Cutie at it again....Oh boy

Carl Olsen has a good post addressing Mr. Cutie's latest comments on Catholic Extremist and Muslim Radicals as he posts on the Huffingtonpost blog
Ahh, okay.

Alberto Cutie compares "Roman Catholic extremists" to "Muslim radicals"

 ...and Jimmy Akin follows up with addressing "secret document" of the Vatican as Mr. Cutie puts it.

Pope Questions Celibacy?

Featured Website: The Pulp.It

Great Catholic website I found the other day. It has lot's of links to other Catholic news sites and personal blogs.
And lots and lots of good articles.

Check it out. Updated twice a day.


The Pulp.It - A Digest of the Best Punditry in the Blogosphere

Saturday, February 05, 2011

Unemployment: 9.0% or 9.9%?

So what is the truth?
We all want the economy to turn around. Many have been out of work for quite a time including some family members of mine.

So having the unemployment rate go down would be a wonderful thing.

However if we are just being told that the numbers are going down when they are really not, well that would be absolutely outrageous.

Why would I think that, well there are many other instances of being told one thing and reality being another.


Gallup Daily: U.S. Employment

 Gallup's U.S. employment measures report the percentage of U.S. adults in the workforce, ages 18 and older, who are underemployed and unemployed, without seasonal adjustment. "Underemployed" respondents are employed part time, but want to work full time, or they are unemployed. "Unemployed" respondents are those within the underemployed group who are not employed, even for one hour a week, but are available and looking for work. Results for each 30-day rolling average are based on telephone interviews with approximately 30,000 adults. Because results are not seasonally adjusted, they are not directly comparable to numbers reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which are based on workers 16 and older. Margin of error is ± 0.7 percentage points.

The Bride of Christ battles the Old Gray Lady

The Secular media is always in battle with the Holy Catholic Church, the Bride of Christ. However the New York Times seems to take it under her belt to take advantage of every opportunity to slant the news against the Church.

Case in point...

I have often written that the reason some folks persist in calling themselves Catholic is to be ready when reporters from the New York Times come to call. Sometimes I think that the Old Gray Lady might someday be the catalyst for many conversions to the faith, should serious thinkers ever meditate on just why the Church is so often in her crosshairs.