Arrests for Prayer

Hello, my fellow Americans . . . or are we still?

As I write this, I am receiving updates on my Facebook feed about people being arrested . . . for praying outside the White House.  You know, that big, white place where the President of the United States lives?

And I went onto news sources to see what was happening.

*chirp*chirp*chirp*

Crickets . . . people arrested for praying?  What?  Don't know anything about that . . .

But - it is happening:


A Religious Freedom Rally and Rosary Service are being held in response to President Obama's HHS Mandate which forces people of faith and conscience to violate their core beliefs and values.

The Rosary Service is expected to draw over 1,000 people, it will be held in Lafayette Park at noon on Sunday, September 30, and is being led by Father Frank Pavone, the National Director of Priests for Life.

Note: There was peaceful civil disobedience in front of the White House on Saturday, September 29, resulting in 22 arrests.

Today's first reading at Mass:

Would that all the people of the LORD were prophets!
Would that the LORD might bestow his spirit on them all! 

How is it civil disobedience to pray in front of the White House?!  The sidewalk is a public forum, presumably - presumably! - protected by the First Amendment!

Support Scouting

If you don't stop and buy popcorn from the Scouts outside WalMart in Halls, TN . . . the terrorists win. That's all I'm saying, y'all.

Bug Chasing

I thought I had heard it all.  But no, the illness of the mind always has something new to show me.

Today I learned about bug chasers.  These are gay men who are HIV negative . . . but wish to contract the HIV virus.  Why?  Some feel alienated and want to be part of a group that receives support and attention.  Some want it as a fetish, that having sex with an HIV positive male heightens homoeroticism.  And others feel it will draw them closer to their partner.

And . . . they call it the gift.

NSFW: the video is for mature adults only.  No porn but the discussion is hard to stomach.



I prayed for these men today.  How utterly sad.  Why would someone do that to themselves?

A great idea for a money maker for NFL teams!

While driving about the area with my cousin, Officer Jon, who is visiting, we got into a discussion about two unrelated subjects:  football and the afterlife.

And then it occurred to me . . . how cool would it be if teams built columbaria and/or crypts beneath the team stadium?  I mean, Our Lady Queen of Angels Cathedral in Los Angeles has a mausoleum beneath it - why not Met Life Stadium?  Lambeau Field?  Texas Stadium?

If they had crypts at major stadiums - for the NFL, the MLB, or college teams, I think the demand would be overwhelming.

DigiBook Review: Fatherless

While driving home earlier this month from New Jersey, I had the opportunity over many miles to listen to satellite radio.  One channel to which I listen frequently is The Catholic Channel and on one episode of the show, "The Catholics Next Door," host Greg Willits was discussing Catholic fiction or fiction with themes that fit within Catholic ideology.

One exchange with a caller prompted a discussion of the trilogy of books by Catholic author Brian Gail:  "Fatherless," "Motherless," and "Childless."  The exchange on the radio did not reveal much of the plot and I thought perhaps it would be the same sort of future apocalyptic novel such as I have read from Michael O'Brien with his "Father Elijah" books.  But the enthusiasm of Willits and his caller intrigued me enough to purchase the first of the trilogy for my Kindle.

I was not disappointed.  Enter the character of Fr. John Sweeney, a young priest whose vocation was fueled by the election of Pope John Paul II.  The setting is the 1980's, and around his story as a priest who thought he had his ministry in a neat package are the stories of three families and the moral crises that they are facing in dealing with pharmaceutical abortifacients, pornography, infidelity, alcoholism, financial needs, and even demonic oppression, all at a time when people might have liked John Paul II, but her followers were growing more and more indifferent to Mother Church, including her own priests.

Fr. John and these families must come to grips with "hard sayings," the term Jesus used in the Gospel of John, Chapter 6 - and the question is will these modern people be able to say, as did St. Peter, "To whom would we go?  You have the words of eternal life."  For Fr. John, he is more concerned about being liked than speaking the Truth, which initially leads him to poor pastoral practices . . . until the problems are no longer the kind that can be handles with just some kind words.  Possible spoiler alert:  Fr. John's sermon at the end of the book is AWESOME - and one I know I want to hear proclaimed by other priests.

It's a weighty tome - some 500+ pages - but Gail's writing is compelling and masterful.  I suffered through some tired mornings because I was up late reading this book and enjoying it thoroughly.

I did start to question, in my mind, whether the characters were believable in their faith.  I found myself suddenly realizing that perhaps I had grown cynical, finding it easier to believe that people are nonchalant about their faith rather than on fire for it.  And that led me to ask the question, why not . . . joy?  As some characters found in their Catholic faith a beauty and strength that kept burning in their hearts a deep joy, I found myself happy for them.

I thought about St. Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei, and the sort of spiritual fibrillation he underwent when he realized fully that he, merely a man, was able to face his Creator and call Him "Abba" - Daddy, as one of His children - and how that changes everything that one does in life, since everything is done "for the greater glory of God," regardless of how small or menial an action it is.  Why not joy . . . constantly? 

But, a warning - if you did as I did, which was to do some fact checking as to the issues with oral contraceptives, you will find that Gail did thorough research and what is called fiction is filled with facts.  Facts that will horrify you, or make you mad, as they did to me - and especially if you are a woman.  The "war on women?"  It's not in a political party - it is in the boardroom of major pharmaceutical companies.

I read one review that said about this book, "[I]f you are leading a ministry team at your parish that doesn't seem to have enough zeal, get them this book. If you know priests who are burned-out, get them this book. If you have family members who seem to be questioning, get them this book. If your kids are aged 15-35, get them this book. If you know anyone who is thinking about leaving the Church, get them this book. If you want to change someone's opinion about the Catholic Church, get them this book."  I have to agree with that, so much so that I sent a copy to each of two people who I think could benefit from reading this book.

I am currently reading the second of the series, "Motherless."  I had better slow down lest I finish the trilogy too soon and instead try to prolong the pleasure in consuming Gail's stories!

Come back, you coward!

Catholic Corner Crazies!!!

Among other things I do in life, I am a freelance reporter/photographer for the East Tennessee Catholic, the diocesan newspaper for Knoxville (with my running joke among my friends, "Hey, you shooting the Bishop again this week?" and all the accompanying Bob Marley jokes).

Anyway, in case you want to read about Knoxville Catholic High School's pep squad, here is my latest article, with peeeeeeekchurs!

Clinica de Santa Muerte

When I told the DigiHusband about this, he remarked, "They won't publicize the first death.  The bodies will have to stack before anyone even notices."



Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation extending an ongoing pilot program allowing nurse practitioners and other clinicians to perform non-surgical abortions, his office announced this afternoon.

Senate Bill 623, by Sen. Christine Kehoe, D-San Diego, was supported by Planned Parenthood and opposed by abortion rights opponents.

The bill extends until Jan. 1, 2014 a pilot program to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of allowing nurse practitioners, midwives and physician assistants to provide aspiration abortions.

Oh, and these same people can now prescribe birth control pills, too - no physicians needed.  And the bills effecting this were signed by Brown . . . at a Planned Parenthood office.

Well, just what is a "non-surgical" abortion?

The language of the bill calls for letting nurse practitioners, certified nurse-midwives, and physician assistants perform first trimester aspiration abortions, that is to say, they will be allowed to suction or vacuum the baby from the womb.

It has it's advantage over a traditional D&C - it is more safe (for the mother) and, most importantly, it is cheaper.  General anesthesia is not needed - usually, the cervix is numbed, but even that can be done away with.  It is an outpatient procedure.  And a manual suction pump may be used , to keep noise - and utility rates - down.

Of course this bill was sponsored by Planned Parenthood, but they should be careful what they wish for, because this now opens up competition to their killing fields.  Coming soon to a strip mall, swap meet, hell, maybe even in your living room or child's school gym, much like a Tupperware or Botox party - "Express Aspirations!"  Or, since so many are targeted at minority groups, "Clinica de Aspiradora" or something catchy, like "Second Chances" or "NoRegrets."  Why not?  I could see some smart business person developing a franchise and maybe as society grows numb to the idea, it can be performed in a CVS or Walgreens outpatient clinic, same place where you go and get the sports medical for your middle-school soccer player.

I said cheap, but the HHS mandates may actually increase overhead, since now people will want to use their health insurance rather than the old-fashioned cash under the table.  So perhaps some corners - like numbing that cervix - will be cut so as to keep the profit line healthy.  Especially in light of newcomers to the field.

Like the midwives.  According to the State of California, "[t]he practice of midwifery authorizes the licensee, under the supervision of a licensed physician and surgeon, in active practice, to attend cases of normal childbirth, in a home, birthing clinic, or hospital environment."  After three years of education and an examination.  Not bad - coming right out of high school, you could open your own service line, with its cheap overhead, perhaps even before you are old enough to legally buy a drink.  I wonder if this means, however, that if you want to be that midwife with a conscience that only plans to "attend cases of normal childbirth," you can skip over the lectures and clinicals for aspiration abortions and still get your certification.  I notice just one school is certified by the State of California for midwifery in the state:  The Nizhoni Institute of Midwifery in San Diego.

From Nizhoni's website - because midwives with multiple nose piercings and sleeves are cool.

So far the course schedule does not include aspiration abortions.  Give it time.  The demand will be there because with a 3-year investment, an enterprising gal or guy can open shop in, say, a bucolic setting like Lassen County and spend their days doing some easy-peasy $500 abortions as the only game in the area.  Or head to immigrant communities for the cash transactions.

Way to go, Brownie!

BTW, today starts the Catholic Church's fall campaign, Forty Days for Life.  I offered my daily swim today to God for the success of this campaign, using the time to pray for the pro-life warriors and the souls of those harmed by abortion.  Over the next 40 days, please join me.

Because He meant it when He said it . . .

Madonna Has Alzheimers . . .

Oh, she doesn't even.  She's just a whack job.

NSFW.



Wait, she led with two assassinations, and then transitioned to Obama.  What is she suggesting?

"For better or for worse, alright?  We have a Black Muslim in the White House."

Later in the show, Madonna took off her shirt and pulled down her pants to show she had “OBAMA” written in all capital letters across her lower back.

“When Obama is in the White House for a second term I'll take it all off,” she said to cheers and whistles from the audience. 

Okay, you can help fight blindness . . . by voting for Romney.  Because no one needs to see that.

Yeah . . .

Feelin' joyful today . . .

Must be because I am feeling . . . well, Catholic.

On Sunday mornings I usually spend some quiet time in reflection of the readings I will be hearing at Mass.  Today I had the privilege to proclaim the second reading (St. James, giving it to the people straight) and then sitting back to hear the fine Fr. Chris weave all the readings together in his Homily.

I took this away today - Lord, develop in me the eyes of mercy.  The warnings are against selfishness in today's readings but do not think of it simply as being egotistical and wanting it all for yourself.  Instead, how consumed are you with Self that you are blind to those around you?  The person who is obsessed with pleasing others is as narcissistic as the person who fancies themselves above all, since self-loathing and self-adoration are just two sides of the same coin.

So, I prayed for humility and prayed to be open to those who have a need - and to recognize the true need and respond to it, and not simply to be used by them in their selfishness.

Amen.

I love my faith.

Just another typical Sunday Mass . . .

Nothing unusual here . . . if you're Catholic.

(And for those having a WTF moment, read here)

Celebrate success!

DigiProduct Endorsement: Waterfi iPod Shuffle

Hey, party people, in case you are wondering, yes, they DO make MP3 players for swimmers.

Just got back from doing 2250 yards in the pool with my new Waterfi iPod Shuffle.  It was a bit of a challenge for me to figure out how to attach it and keep the cords attached so they don't trail behind you (wouldn't it be great if someone made ear buds that did not have a super long cord?), because I am half-Polish, after all, but once I did, I started off stroking.

I was worried about the ear buds coming out since I sometimes have problems with my swim cap riding up.  Not here - only once did one plug fall out, but they remained secure the rest of the time.  The device attached to the back of your goggles, which is nicely out of the way.  

The challenge?  I need to think about my playlist.  For the test run, I loaded it with some songs I like, and some just weren't good for pacing.  I need upbeat, faster songs for the swim, so I need to look through my vast library and really consider what will keep me pumped-and-paced.

All in all, it tested out well.  I hope it holds up to a daily dip in the pool (it is an Apple iPod Shuffle that has been waterproofed by Waterfi) and I might even start buying some audio books off of iTunes to "read" while swimming.

Talking about the new Bishop of Orange . . .

. . . with someone who knows him.


"What word describes him?"

"Orthodox . . . and serious. Not a smiling kind of guy, though good-humored."

"Will he clean house?"

"He'll be . . . prudent."

I got the sense that Bishop Kevin Vann will bide his time, figure out who among his priests require some spiritual direction . . . and be "surgical" in any needed correction.  This bodes well for some priests, whom I think do not need to be removed from ministry but need help, both spiritually and psychologically.

Bishop Vann is from Springfield, Illinois, and I was told he has that non-nonsense, straightforward Midwestern approach.  Good.  It's time for veneers and masks to fall in the Diocese of Orange and the truth to be known, no matter how painful it might be.

Hmmm . . . he's being installed in December.  I was planning a trip to So Cal then, maybe I can cover it for the diocesan newspaper here.

Happy Birthday to my old man, Dante

My sweet Schnauzer is 9-years-old today . . . and hates having to pose for a picture with a silly hat.  But the extra treat I gave him was much appreciated.

He was not happy yesterday afternoon when I left for Charlotte, sensing that I was not going to come back last night.  This morning, however, when I came home, I had difficulty walking to the front door because Dante likes to wedge himself between my legs as I am walking, to make sure I won't get away again.

I have a special bond with this doggie.  He is my rescue dog, and was a gift from my estranged adopted brother.

Happy birthday, sweet pup!

Mr. Spahr!

I am so happy to see this video.  This is the YMCA where I do my morning swim, and most days I am finishing up as Mr. Spahr comes in.  He is a delight!  Whenever I see his, I ask, "How are you doing, Mr. Spahr?" and he always answers, "Better than I look!"  In addition to swimming, he also stays busy doing maintenance at his church.

His birthday is on September 24th - I will bring him in a card and maybe take his picture.

Bp. Kevin Vann is new Bishop of Orange

Deo gratias, a new pastor has been named for my former diocese.

I hope to speak to some of my sources and find out more about him.

So, two Catholics go to a football game ....

The Crescat - in Panther teal - and The Digital Hairshirt - in Giant blue.

Go Irish! Knoxville Catholic HS makes the cut!

Today, September 20, 2012, the winners of the 2012-2013 Catholic High School Honor Roll competition were announced by The Cardinal Newman Society. Since 2004, the Honor Roll has recognized excellence in Catholic identity, academics and civic education at Catholic high schools across the United States.

The top 50 schools are recognized for overall excellence, and other schools receive honors for special recognition in particular categories. This year seven schools were recognized for excellence in Catholic identity, six schools for academics, five schools for civic education, and five schools for two of the three categories.

And Knoxville Catholic High School made the Top 50 honor roll.  In addition, Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga was selected, making TWO high schools in the Diocese of Knoxville!

GO IRISH!

Wow, not even Mater Dei or Servite, two popular Catholic high schools in Southern California, made the grade!

How did yours do?

California
Saint Augustine Academy, Ventura
Saint Michael’s Preparatory School, Silverado
Saint Monica Academy, Pasadena

Colorado
Bishop Machebeuf Catholic High School, Denver

Delaware
Padua Academy, Wilmington

Florida
Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy High School, Southwest Ranches
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, Miami
Rhodora J. Donahue Academy, Ave Maria

Georgia
Holy Spirit Preparatory School, Atlanta
Pinecrest Academy, Cummings

Indiana
Saint Joseph High School, South Bend
Saint Theodore Guerin High School, Noblesville

Kentucky
Holy Angels Academy, Louisville

Louisiana
John Paul the Great Academy, Lafayette

Massachusetts
Trivium School, Lancaster

Maryland
Mount de Sales Academy, Catonsville

Michigan
Detroit Catholic Central High School, Novi
Everest Collegiate High School, Clarkston
Father Gabriel Richard High School, Ann Arbor
Saint Francis High School, Traverse City
West Catholic High School, Grand Rapids

Minnesota
Chesterton Academy, Minneapolis
Providence Academy, Plymouth
Saint Agnes School, St. Paul

Missouri
Notre Dame Regional High School, Cape Girardeau

New York
All Hallows High School, Bronx
Cathedral Preparatory Seminary, Elmhurst
The Montfort Academy, Katonah

Pennsylvania
Aquinas Academy, Gibsonia
Bishop Carroll Catholic High School, Ebensburg
Geibel Catholic Middle-High School, Connellsville
Oakland Catholic High School, Pittsburgh
Quigley Catholic High School, Baden
Saint Joseph High School, Natrona Heights
Serra Catholic High School, McKeesport

South Carolina
St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Greenville

South Dakota
O’Gorman High School, Sioux Falls

Tennessee
Knoxville Catholic High School, Knoxville
Notre Dame High School, Chattanooga
Saint Cecilia Academy, Nashville

Texas
Bishop T. K. Gorman Regional Catholic School, Tyler
Faustina Academy, Irving
Sacred Heart Catholic High School, Muenster
Saint Ignatius College Preparatory School, Fort Worth
The Atonement Academy, San Antonio
The Highlands School, Irving

Virginia
Paul VI Catholic High School, Fairfax
Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School, Dumfries
Seton School, Manassas

Wisconsin
Xavier High School, Appleton

Mrs. Christ

This reminds me of a joke.

A know-it-all goes on a trip to Europe.  When she gets back, she is bragging about all the things she saw and the celebrities she met to her Mah-Johng club.  As her stories grow more incredulous, her group's eyebrows arch even more.

The know-it-all then exclaims, "And in Rome, I even met the Pope!"

"Really?  What as he like?"

She smiled, "Him, I like.  Her?  Meh . . ."

Courtesy of Catholic Memes

A historian of early Christianity at Harvard Divinity School has identified a scrap of papyrus that she says was written in Coptic in the fourth century and contains a phrase never seen in any piece of Scripture: “Jesus said to them, ‘My wife ...’ ”

The discovery of a scrap of papyrus has made the news and the Grey Lady is quick to exclaim the impact this will have on the Catholic Church.

Even with many questions unsettled, the discovery could reignite the debate over whether Jesus was married, whether Mary Magdalene was his wife and whether he had a female disciple. These debates date to the early centuries of Christianity, scholars say. But they are relevant today, when global Christianity is roiling over the place of women in ministry and the boundaries of marriage.

The discussion is particularly animated in the Roman Catholic Church, where despite calls for change, the Vatican has reiterated the teaching that the priesthood cannot be opened to women and married men because of the model set by Jesus.

It amazes me how wrong liberal media always is when discussing religion, and Christianity in particular.    You would think that someone at the New York Times would know the difference between a disciple and an apostle.

Yes, Jesus had women disciples - followers of His teaching who set out to follow His example int heir lives.  Men, too, even.  Married and single.

His apostles, however, were twelve men that He chose to become His teachers, His leaders.  To oversee His Church and continue into the future.  One of them He even set as the head, Peter, to become the first Pope.

Women and men are disciples.  However, due to Jesus' choice of apostles, ordination (priests and deacons) is open only to males.  

Oh.  And they were married, those apostles.

And immediately after they came out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.  Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they spoke to Jesus about her. And He came to her and raised her up, taking her by the hand, and the fever left her, and she waited on them.

                                                   -- Mark 1:29-31

So, for giggles, let's say this piece of papyrus, described as such . . .

When, where or how the fragment was discovered is unknown. The collector acquired it in a batch of papyri in 1997 from the previous owner, a German. It came with a handwritten note in German that names a professor of Egyptology in Berlin, now deceased, and cited him calling the fragment “the sole example” of a text in which Jesus claims a wife.

. . . is real and - whaddaya know! - Jesus had a wife.  Mrs. Jesus Christ.

What does that change?

It doesn't change men as priests.  It does not even change married men as priests which - while not allowed in the Latin Rite except for converted Anglican/Episcopal priests, but allowed in some of the Eastern Rites of the Catholic Church - is a rule promulgated long after Biblical times and one that if an institution wanted to effect among its ranks, so what?

But that is small potatoes.  Let's say Jesus had a wife.  Does it change the fact that He was fully Man and fully Divine?  Or that He died on the Cross for our sins?  Or that He rose on Easter Sunday in a triumph over death?

I don't think so.  It might make for a Hollywood script, but it does not change theology.

And . . . since the papyrus cuts off, what if the rest of it says, "Jesus said to them, 'My wife . . . that is the Church I founded on Earth, shall prevail against all evil?'"

Bedtime stories . . .

What?  My kids always liked them . . .

See more here.

I have always had a soft spot for dark humor . . . levity is a great tool to chase demons away.

Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way

The title of this post is the first line in the book Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.  It came to mind today after I received a response to an email I had sent to the husband of a friend.  This friend had inexplicably and suddenly decided we were no longer friends; in fact, I found this out through a third party to whom she made the statement that we were no longer friends.  Why?  I don't know.  All of a sudden, emails and phone calls were no longer returned.

I always liked Francesca Annis best as Anna Karenina.

And the husband's reply to me had no explanation and actually increased my concern that something was wrong.  Which surprised me, since I had always thought they had a home life marked with stability and a Catholic foundation.  But . . . my experiences in family law have taught me, never be surprised, because a lot remains hidden in a family over time.  And they truly are unhappy in their own way.

In the past few days, I have been struck by how happy my life is.  Oh, there are its downs and there is a lasting heartache at losing a brother earlier this year.  But within the past few motnhs, I keep having instances when I suddenly realize, "Dang, what a wonderful moment I am having right now!  Hey, God - thanks!" And usually the words to the song Tennessee by the group Arrested Development comes to mind:  for some strange reason it had to be/He guided me to Tennessee.

The Lord works in mysterious ways.

Is it something in the water back there in California?  I am busy now with doing law work for an attorney with whom I worked for many years, and at dinner tonight I remarked to the DigiHusband, "You know, it's easier dealing with the looniness of family law when instead of fighting freeway traffic to get home, I just walk down the stairs from my home office."  I think we have all been through a tough time, with this economy; I think life in Southern California, though, has affected people even more detrimentally.  Its own economy is horrific, it is congested, it is fast-paced, and at the end of the day a person doesn't even have the time to spend a quiet moment, or thinks that quality time with the kid means a $500+ trip to Disneyland for a family of four.

Not everyone.  I have some friends who are struggling with bills and schedules, but their relationships are rock solid and there is one thing I notice that they are doing - they're letting go.  Not to say that they are giving up, just realizing that some things are more important than keeping up appearances and trusting that their faith will see them through.  Hard, yes - but it can be done.

I am feeling a lot of compassion for my friend now.  I have reached out, but something tells me that she is in such a dark place, there will be no reaching back.  Well, I cannot do more than that, except to be compassionate and follow the lead of Motel 6 by keeping a light on for her if she wants some shelter.

And remember to give thanksgiving for what is happening in my life.

And to say to all - better times are coming, you know what to do to make that happen.

International Talk Like a Pirate Day

Arrrr, it be that time of year again.

The one-legged pirate met a like lass in the bar last night.  Her name be Peg.

And then a pirate walked into a bar with a steering wheel half-way down the front of his pants.  The bartender said, "Do you know you've got a steering wheel in the your pants?"  "Aye," said the pirate, "and it's driving me nuts!"


What's a pirate's favorite booty?  Whichever sailor floats his boat . . .

Then there was the pirate with two legs and two eyes . . . rookie!

How long is a pirate's plank?  Depends on how friendly the person asking is.

What do Jewish pirates say?  Ahoy vey!

A little boy dresses up as a pirate for halloween. He has a bit of a speech impediment. The first house he goes to he says, "I'm a birate. This is my barrot. Can I have some bandy?" The woman looks at him and says, "My my aren't you cute. But where are your buccaneers?" The boy looks are her angrily and says "On the side of my buckin head, you buckin' dumbass."

That pirate was a welterweight boxing champion because he had a killer left hook.

As I child I was made to walk the plank.  Because we couldn't afford a dog.
                                          -- Emo Phillips

And always remember - to err is human, but to ARRRR is pirate!

When I'm Gone

Recently, I have been thinking about how many good things are happening to me.  I gotta write about that later, but last night I started a new course at UT Extension's photography program, a course in dSLR videography.

It is being taught by the incomparable Bryan Allen.  He showed us some stuff he shot using a dSLR camera with HD video capabilities, including this absolutely beautiful music video for Joey + Rory.


Some background notes - BA purposely did not have Rory perform in this, instead being the main character.  And the cemetery where he is sitting at the 1:35 mark is an actual cemetery on their farm, where Joey and Rory hope to be buried together.  About a day of shooting with two days of editing.

Grab a hanky, but don't miss the craftsmanship of this video.  Shot on a Canon dSLR, y'all - that is utterly cool.

Yeah, I lost it at the 2:11 mark . . .

Quick! We need a distraction!

What's the big deal?

Mitt Romney is sticking by his comments captured in a video at a fundraiser earlier this year in which he told donors that President Obama's base supporters are "reliant on government," don't pay taxes and "believe they are victims."

Sure, okay.  After all, didn't the DNC open with the message "we all belong to the government?"

Obamas got a slew of special groups:  "Hispanics for Obama," "African Americans for Obama," "LGBT Americans for Obama,"  hell, even "Sportsmen for Obama."  Point is, I am willing to bet that folks who feel they need to shove themselves in a little clique like that probably do not have a big picture mentality and are out to get what they can for their own "special" group.

I just don't see the controversy.  Oh, and this statement by Romney is from March.  Why make it public now?  Because our leader is asleep at the wheel and Christopher Stevens is dead because of that?

BTW, there are reports that Stevens was gay and suggestions that the State Department should be castigated for sending a gay man to a fundamentalist Islamic country.  Naw, I don;t buy that.  I knew people who worked in the embassies and consulates overseas - they knew the danger, they wanted to be there.  Stevens, from all accounts, was a brave man who did his job.  God rest hissoul.

Gomez got guts

[Fr. Joseph] Palacios has bragged about wearing a roman collar in public when he advocates for same-sex marriage because “the media loves it.” A brief Google search brings up plenty of examples of his intentional misdirection and deception of Catholics when it comes to issues of marriage, sexuality and Church teaching.


In a statement issued to the Register, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles elaborated on the status of Father Palacios.

“He is on inactive leave without faculties. He should not be wearing a Roman collar, should not be celebrating Mass, nor may he present himself as a priest in public,” explained Tod Tamberg, director of media relations for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Hue and cry as to censorship and persecution should be forthcoming.  But bully for Archbishiop Gomez of Los Angeles.  See, that is what bishops are supposed to do when a coyote comes among the flock and threatens their holiness.

The Catholic Church is all about choice - but that choice is between your will and God's.  You don't have to ascribe to its teachings, but if you make the choice to accept the Sacrament of Holy Orders, well, you damn well ought to.  And if your zeitgeist and lifestyle has become incompatible, another choice arises - seek reconciliation or seek laicization (the process by which a priest becomes laity again).

But don't disguise your agenda with the veneer of one of the Church's most solid teachings.

Palacios described the purpose of his outreach at Princeton University in February 2011, where he called the Church’s faithful the key target for effecting cultural shift in favor of homosexuality.

“The denominations are already lined up. The only group that isn’t lined up is the Catholics,” said Palacios, who was wearing a Roman collar. In Maine and California, where efforts at marriage redefinition failed, he said, “it was 3-5% of Catholics that could have been moved. If there had been a campaign to shift the Catholic movable middle, we would have won.”

He also noted that efforts would be made to recast marriage for homosexuals as a “pro-life” issue to reach young Catholics under the Jesuit value of cura personalis: “If we want to win Catholics over, … pro-life means pro-gay, meaning pro your child, pro your family.”

Meanwhile, the Bishop of San Bernardino sells out for an undisclosed amount of money.

Hollywood producer Jerry Weintraub and director Steven Soderberg are making an HBO movie based upon the 1988 tell-all book, Behind the Candelabra, the story of flamboyant entertainer, Lee Liberace, as told by Scott Thorson who claims to have been Liberace’s young gay lover.

Thorson’s 242-page book sells for almost $200 on Amazon.com. The book is promoted as a “sorry, seamy tale.” According to Amazon.com, “the book is uncomfortably candid with revelations about ‘Lee’ (Liberace) who was driven to experience sexual variety with younger males.”

Thorson writes, “While at the Cloisters (the name for Liberace’s Palm Springs, California house), Lee (Liberace) occasionally invited gay priests to say a private mass.” 

The diocese, headed by Bishop Gerald Barnes, and under the legal advice of attorney, Wilfred Lemann, reportedly approved and facilitated a deal with Weintraub or HBO to allow Our Lady of Solitude to be used as a movie set for filming the gay-themed movie about Liberace.

I am so glad to be out of Southern California.  I think the Devil has a stronghold that only the appointment of new Bishops with solid, orthodox faith can cure.

Wow - any coincidence that Bishop Tod Brown of the neighboring Diocese of Orange holds his annual retreat for his priests in La Quinta, out by Palm Springs?

I hope I can help build the Kingdom of God . . .

. . . by covering the altar dedication, and First Holy Communion and Confirmation, at Mission Blessed John Paul II (Mision Beato Juan Pablo II) in Rutledge, TN.  God willing, some day it will be its own parish.

Perhaps somewhat overlooked is the Hispanic population of farm workers that are found in rural areas of the South.  God bless the Glenmary Home Missioners, who are working to establish the Church in those areas.  Rutledge is located in Grainger County, famed for its tomato crop.  These folks took a store front in a desolate strip mall and built it into a beautiful chapel.  Bishop Richard Stika came up to dedicate its altar, and to confirm and give first Holy Communion to 26 adults and children over 11 years old.  I will be submitting these pictures with a story to East Tennessee Catholic. 

Plus, I also get to have this exchange:

Bishop:  You again, Stephanie?

Me:  Hey, blame Bill Brewer [the editor], he sent me here.

Bishop: You writing now for the East Tennessee Catholic?

Me:  Well, I gotta lessen my time in Purgatory some way.

Bishop:  Mine is having to get my picture taken 10,000 times.

Me:  Really?  Mine is having to try to find your good side 10,000 times.

Bishop:  Touche . . .

You can see more pictures here.

(BTW, I have already had a story published in the diocesan newspaper.  It's a new venture for me - exciting!)

Dinofunneh

Okay, that there's funny, I don't care who you are.

22 pictures tell far more about love than "Twilight," Titanic" . . . and "UP!" . . . combined

Grab a Kleenex, I'm warning ya . . .

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

                                  -- 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7

Occupy Your Living Room!

Obama wants your sleeper sofa.


Some great folks we know are looking for a friendly place to stay.

A group of the most dedicated organizers and volunteers will be coming to Northern Virginia for the remaining weeks of the campaign. They heard we’re looking to run a fierce ground game for President Obama this fall — and they want to be a part of it.

But here’s the thing: They need somewhere to stay. And I’m hoping you can lend them a hand with that.

The folks who are coming won’t ask for much. Many of them will gladly sleep on a comfy couch or an air mattress, or in a small spare room you might have.

No way - if the jerk is willing to put his feet where they don't belong in the Oval Office, my coffee table's gonna get scratched, I tell you what . . .

You mark my words, when this idiot loses in November, expect emails to the followers asking who's got a pickup to help him move in January.

No Peace in the Mid East

Protesters reportedly broke into the German Embassy in Sudan -- pulling down its emblem and raising the Islamic flag -- and demonstrators in Lebanon burned Kentucky Fried Chicken and Arby's restaurants while chanting against the pope's visit to Lebanon.

At least one protester was killed and 25 were injured in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli after clashes between police and protesters over an anti-Islam film, security officials said.

In Egypt, protesters in Ciaro's Tahrir Square could be seen carrying a 4-foot-tall poster of Usama bin Laden, and graffiti reportedly found on the U.S. Embassy there read: "Take care America. We have 1.5 billion bin Ladens."

This is a dire situation.  The news is now that the attack on the ambassador in Libya was a planned event, scheduled to coincide with the 9/11 holiday, and not simply the spontaneous outburst of anger at a cheesy film.  Worse, it was known some 48 hours in advance, and the State Department did nothing - no warnings, and the American ambassador to Egypt gave orders to the Marine Security Guard detachment there to forego live ammunition, with the expectation that nationals from the new Muslim Brotherhood would guard the embassy.

Fools - bloody, bloody fools.  There is no reasoning with a mob like this.  And the mob is emboldened by what it views as the impotence of the United States.

It's the Carter years again.

Let's hope the Reagan years follow again this November.

Happy birthday to the DigiSon!

12 years ago today, God blessed the Husband and I with our son, Patrick.  He's becoming a fine young man, but I have to confess to a bit of sadness as his youth goes by.

Pssst . . . don;t tell him, but we got him what he has been asking for, his own laptop.

September 14, 2000
St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, CA
8 lbs, 5 oz. - 20"

Gobble, gobble, MF!

Did you know that the proper term when faced with multiple turkeys is to say a gang of turkeys.

And Woodlawn Cemetery is their territory.

And if you don't know where Woodlawn Cemetery is, it is in the Bronx.  

Last week while I was in New York City, I showed my friends, the Dude and Coonass, where I grew up in the Bronx, NY.  That would be on Perry Avenue, which if you take it across Gun Hill Road, brings you to Woodlawn Cemetery.  So I took them inside.  Woodlawn Cemetery has got a lot of notables there - we waved hello at Barbara Hutton when we passed the Woolworth Mausoleum, and paid out respects to the likes of Duk Ellington, Miles Davis, and Celia (Azucar!) Cruz.  Even Hizzoner Fiorella LaGuardia and Herman Melville.

But we had a surreal moment when we rounded a corner to find . . . turkeys.  Wild tom turkeys - a gang of them - gob-gobbling their way among the headstones.  In the heart of the urban jungle that is the Bronx.

The cemetery guard at the gate told us that they manage somehow to cross busy city streets from nearby Van Cortlandt Park and find an oasis of quiet and safety among the graves.  

Gangland.  It's a rough place, the Bronx.  I'm just glad they didn't decide to jump us.  Who's the butterball now, bitch?

Friends

The Dude and I - in the bathroom on Ellis Island last week.

Boy, we had fun in New York!

Oh geez, you know . . . that flower guy . . .

Today in the calendar for the Catholic Church, we celebrate the feast of St. John Chrysostom.  The DigiMother, God rest her soul, despite years of attending St. John Chrysostom Church in New York, always called him "St. John Chrysanthemum," and even then she usually mangled the last word, getting frustrated, and saying something like, "That saint named after the flower . . ."

Did I mention she was Polish?

If you check out the Office of Readings for today's Liturgy of the Hours (and you priests and deacons, you have done so, right?  Don't make me come slap you guys . . .), St. John had this to say:

The waters have risen and severe storms are upon us, but we do not fear drowning, for we stand firmly upon a rock. Let the sea rage, it cannot break the rock. Let the waves rise, they cannot sink the boat of Jesus. What are we to fear? Death? Life to me means Christ, and death is gain. Exile? ‘The earth and its fullness belong to the Lord. The confiscation of goods? We brought nothing into this world, and we shall surely take nothing from it. I have only contempt for the world’s threats, I find its blessings laughable. I have no fear of poverty, no desire for wealth. I am not afraid of death nor do I long to live, except for your good. I concentrate therefore on the present situation, and I urge you, my friends, to have confidence.

Do you not hear the Lord saying: Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst? Will he be absent, then, when so many people united in love are gathered together? I have his promise; I am surely not going to rely on my own strength! I have what he has written; that is my staff, my security, my peaceful harbour. Let the world be in upheaval. I hold to his promise and read his message; that is my protecting wall and garrison. What message? Know that I am with you always, until the end of the world!

If Christ is with me, whom shall I fear? Though the waves and the sea and the anger of princes are roused against me, they are less to me than a spider’s web. Indeed, unless you, my brothers, had detained me, I would have left this very day. For I always say “Lord, your will be done”; not what this fellow or that would have me do, but what you want me to do. That is my strong tower, my immovable rock, my staff that never gives way. If God wants something, let it be done! If he wants me to stay here, I am grateful. But wherever he wants me to be, I am no less grateful.

Yet where I am, there you are too, and where you are, I am. For we are a single body, and the body cannot be separated from the head nor the head from the body. Distance separates us, but love unites us, and death itself cannot divide us. For though my body die, my soul will live and be mindful of my people.

You are my fellow citizens, my fathers, my brothers, my sons, my limbs, my body. You are my light, sweeter to me than the visible light. For what can the rays of the sun bestow on me that is comparable to your love? The sun’s light is useful in my earthly life, but your love is fashioning a crown for me in the life to come.

Good stuff from the Flower Guy . . .

I can hear him in Heaven now:  Come on, Dorothy, one more time, this time you'll get it . . . ChrySOStom . . . ChrySOStom . . ."

Muslim Barbarism in Libya

If you have any apology or justification for this:

The body of US Ambassador to Syria, Christopher Stevens, after being killed by radical Muslims. Two US Marine Security Guards were also killed.

Because of this:

Then I detest you and may God have mercy on your miserable souls.

The attack on the consulate in Benghazi came shortly after protesters in Cairo, Egypt, scaled the walls of the U.S. embassy and tore down the American flag in an angry demonstration against a movie about the life of the Prophet Muhammad, depicting the founder of Islam as a fraud and a womanizer.

And if you are offended to the point of violence by this movie, let me say this:  how pitiful and impotent is your Allah and his so-called prophet, Mohammed, that you need to resort to such behavior.

And if you consider yourself a moderate Muslim, let me hear your condemnation and outrage, especially you Americans of this faith.

And when will our government stop sending these animals foreign aid?!


"Make no mistake. Justice will be done," Obama said, speaking from the Rose Garden alongside Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. 

Ha!  "Make no mistake" - how many times have we heard that catchphrase by Obama - "it is a tale, told by an idiot, full of sound and fury . . . signifying nothing."  No, justice will not be done by you, Obama - this is the result of your support for the "Arab Spring."

Stop with the excuses . . .

. . . and check your ego.

Lu Dong from China took gold in the women's 100m backstroke at the Paralympics Games in London.  Backstroke - with no arms.  Watch this (race begins at 4:15):


That was . . . friggin' awesome!

So, stop with excuses and if you really want to get in shape - physically, mentally, or spiritually - start with one small step and keep going.

And check your ego.  Last night I went to a swim clinic at the Y only to find the class, while open to all, was all . . . kids.  But I listened to the coach and realized that (a) I could improve my form in freestyle and (b) finally learn how to do a proper breast stroke, and - even cooler - (c) learn the butterfly.  Besides, the kids probably could use a motherly/grandmotherly type with them and I certainly can use a coach screaming at me to keep kicking during sets.

Besides, I got this:

Me (getting into pool):  Excuse me, could you let an old lady get in the water.

9-Year-Old:  You're not old!

Me:  I am indeed.

9-Year-Old:  How old are you?

Me:  51.

9-Year-Old:  Wow.  You look like you're in your early 40's.

Me:  Where is your mother, child?  I want to tell her you have a future in the diplomatic corps . . .

Water Football

Legendary wide receiver Randy Moss had been retired for a year when the urge to take his talents back to the gridiron got the better of him. The 35-year-old is making his glorious return to the field this season, and he’s taken up swimming to get an edge on the competition.

Mr. Moss isn’t the only one who’s caught the swimming bug, either. Moss, who signed with the San Francisco 49ers, has inspired his whole team to get in on the action. Young players like Chris Owusu that up to Moss for advice are taking a tip from the veteran and learning the muscle building and endurance benefits of swimming first hand. Moss is even known to organize competitions amongst his teammates, packing the once-empty 49ers pool with over 30 players at a time.

I love football.  I love swimming.  Hell, if they can get them ponies into the pool for water polo, I think there could be a first down in the deep end, I tell you what . . .

PB & J is the new KKK

Verenice Gutierrez picks up on the subtle language of racism every day.

Take the peanut butter sandwich, a seemingly innocent example a teacher used in a lesson last school year.

“What about Somali or Hispanic students, who might not eat sandwiches?” says Gutierrez, principal at Harvey Scott K-8 School, a diverse school of 500 students in Northeast Portland’s Cully neighborhood.

“Another way would be to say: ‘Americans eat peanut butter and jelly, do you have anything like that?’ Let them tell you. Maybe they eat torta. Or pita.”

Wait, a PB&J sammich is racist?!  I am curious to know what the lesson was, were the teacher used the sandwich as an example.  If it was, say, a math lesson - Johnnie has six hungry friends over at his house but only two slices of bread for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, how can he divide the sandwich so that everyone gets a taste? - then why would you stop the lesson to inquire as to the dietary habits of others?

Verenice Gutierrez

Or, perhaps the Somali or Hispanic student can learn from the lesson about peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  Why is always "bad" - here, to be called racist - for a student in a minority culture to learn about what is considered the "American" culture?

Through intensive staff trainings, frequent staff meetings, classroom observations and other initiatives, the premise is that if educators can understand their own “white privilege,” then they can change their teaching practices to boost minority students’ performance.

And what is "white privilege?"


Chuck Barber, who also offers boys’ drum corps at Vernon and Faubion schools in Northeast Portland, approached Gutierrez last year to start up a lunch-time drum class for black and Latino boys once a week. This year, it’ll expand to two classes a week, to accommodate new boys as well as those with experience.

At least one parent has a problem with the the class, saying it amounts to “blatant discrimination and equity of women, Asians, whites and Native Americans.”

“This ‘club’ was approved by the administration, and any girls who complained were brushed off and it was not addressed,” the parent wrote anonymously.

Gutierrez denies that any students were turned away from the drum corps, and vehemently rejects any suggestion that it is discrimination to offer a club catering to minority boys.

“When white people do it, it is not a problem, but if it’s for kids of color, then it’s a problem?” says Gutierrez, 40, an El Paso, Texas, native whose parents were Mexican immigrants. “Break it down for me. That’s your white privilege, and your whiteness.”

What a bigot.

So, how are the test scores there, Verenice?  Because I think you might be missing something if you are focusing your concern on the mention of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Last Sermon of Fr. Mychal Judge

Delivered to firefighters on September 10, 2001, at FDNY Engine 73, Ladder 42, in the Bronx, NY.


Good morning, everyone.

May the grace of God the Father, peace of God the Son, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

We come to this house this morning to celebrate renewal, rejuvination, new life.  We come to thank God for the blessings over all the years - the good work that's been done here and especially the last few days.  We can never thank God enough for the reality of the lives we have.  So, standing in His presence this morning, and truly this is a chapel, let us pause for a moment, perhaps close our eyes, and thank God for some special blessings in our individual lives.

Let us pray.

Thank you Lord for life.  Thank you for love.  Thank you for goodness.  Thank you for work.  Thank you for family.  Thank you for friends.  Thank you for every gift because we know that every gift comes from you, and without you, we have and are nothing.  So, as we celebrate this day in thanksgiving to you, keep our hearts and minds open. Let us enjoy each other's company, and most of all, let us be conscious of Your presence in our lives and in a special way in the lives of all those who have gone before us.  And Father we make our prayer, as always, in Jesus' name who lives with You forever and ever.

That's the way it is.  Good days.  And bad days.  Up days.  Down days.  Sad days.  Happy days.  But never a boring day on this job.  You do what God has called you to do.  You show up.  You put one foot in front of another.  You get on the rig and you go out and you do the job - which is a mystery.  And a surprise.  You have no idea when you get on that rig.  No matter how big the call.  No matter how small.  You have no idea what God is calling you to.  But he needs you.  He needs me.  He needs all of us.  

The retirees - He needs your prayers.  He needs your stopping by occasionally to give strength and support and to tell the stories of the old days.  We need the house and to those of you that are working now, keep going.  Keep supporting each other.  Be kind to each other.  Love each other.  Work together and do what you did the other night and the weeks and the months and the years before and from this house, God's blessings go forth in this community.  It's fantastic!

What great people.  We love the job.  We all do.  What a blessing that is.  A difficult, difficult job and God calls you to it.  And then He gives you a love for it so that a difficult job will be well done.  Isn't He a wonderful God?  Isn't He good to you?  To each one of you?  And to me!  Turn to Him each day.  Put your faith and your trust and your hope and your life in His hands, and He'll take care of you and you'll have a good life.

And this house will be a great, great blessing to this neighborhood and to this city.

Amen.

If you do not know who is Fr. Mychal Judge, his is the first death certificate issued for the victims at the World Trade Center on 9-11.  He was there, administering Last Rites to a firefighter, when Hell broke loose.

This is the first time I have ever read his last homily.

Remember . . .

Last week I was in New York and visited the new 9-11 Memorial.  Ground Zero is a beehive of activity as the Freedom Tower rises - some 3,000 hard hats labor each day to make it bigger and taller.

The memorial - well, I still don't like the design, with its abyss-like square into which the water drains.  I wish it was more uplifting.  But - I am happy it is there.  I spoke with a volunteer who said that not too long ago, he was working the entrance to the memorial and was approached by a man in his 30's, who pointed to where people were going in and asked, "What's this?  What's this all about?"  The volunteer was incredulous.

"It's the 9-11 Memorial."

"Yeah, and what's that?"

Disgusted, the volunteer just looked at him and said, "Google it."

Some people think, "It's been 11 years - get over it!"  No.  September 11, 2001 should remain a day to reflect, mourn, and celebrate.  Even in horror, there were flashes of humanity that illustrate the beauty of God's creation in man.  I will never forget the image of people jumping . . . and holding hands while they did so.  Even in their abject terror, people could still comfort one another.

If you visit, put down your camera and talk to the volunteers there.  I spoke with one, and as it turns out, his aunt lived in my neighborhood in the Bronx.  Small world.  He was there because his brother was a firefighter in Pennsylvania.  When 9-11 happened, his brother jumped in his car with his gear to help with the rescue/recovery effort.  He made it all the way to New York City . . . and suffered a fatal heart attack before he could help.  So this volunteer comes to do the job his brother did not get the chance to do.

Don't forget to thank them and the cops there, too.

Look at the picture above.  I am happy to see the unborn are remembered.  

Fr. Judge remains my hero today.  A Catholic priest who had his own personal demons, but true to his vocation and possessing inordinate courage, he died in the towers with the firefighters he served as their chaplain.  I will pray for him today, and ask that he pray for us for God to give us that spiritual courage he had.

It is good to see the workers building the new World Trade Center.  It is activity, it is life.

See that pair of gloves?  They belonged to one of the rescue/recovery workers.  A woman, a complete stranger came up and wrote "thank you" on his glove.  Any time he felt fatigue and despair taking over, he looked at his glove and was renewed.

It was hot and muggy when I went, and stepping out from an air-conditioned building, my lens was fogged up when I took the picture above.  But I like it - it could be the soul of one of the everyday workers on that day, unknowingly stepping into eternity as he arrived for work.

Never forget.