I am so NOT a sports person. I'm just not. I was always the last picked for gym. They probably would have paid to have me traded to another team if they could.
But, I do enjoy the Olympics and am looking forward to watching the Winter Games during recovery from surgery. I'm also finding that I really enjoy "Extreme" Sports. (Watching them that is!) I watched a snow boarding race today and really got into it. Those guys (and ladies) really fly down that course. They all race together, which, I think, makes for a more exciting time.
I've discovered that the commercials aired during these sportscasts are much more creative and innovative than the cr*p they air during so-called "prime time". I can actually stand to keep the sound up and watch them.
Somehow, those extreme sports give me faith in the younger generation. They really take the term "go for it" to a whole new level.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Sports
I am so NOT a sports person. I'm just not. I was always the last picked for gym. They probably would have paid to have me traded to another team if they could.
But, I do enjoy the Olympics and am looking forward to watching the Winter Games during recovery from surgery. I'm also finding that I really enjoy "Extreme" Sports. (Watching them that is!) I watched a snow boarding race today and really got into it. Those guys (and ladies) really fly down that course. They all race together, which, I think, makes for a more exciting time.
I've discovered that the commercials aired during these sportscasts are much more creative and innovative than the cr*p they air during so-called "prime time". I can actually stand to keep the sound up and watch them.
Somehow, those extreme sports give me faith in the younger generation. They really take the term "go for it" to a whole new level.
But, I do enjoy the Olympics and am looking forward to watching the Winter Games during recovery from surgery. I'm also finding that I really enjoy "Extreme" Sports. (Watching them that is!) I watched a snow boarding race today and really got into it. Those guys (and ladies) really fly down that course. They all race together, which, I think, makes for a more exciting time.
I've discovered that the commercials aired during these sportscasts are much more creative and innovative than the cr*p they air during so-called "prime time". I can actually stand to keep the sound up and watch them.
Somehow, those extreme sports give me faith in the younger generation. They really take the term "go for it" to a whole new level.
Friday, January 27, 2006
The Pope coming to Baltimore!
Whispers in the Loggia reports that Pope Benedict is planning on visiting Baltimore as part of a U.S. trip next year. Exciting news!
The Pope coming to Baltimore!
Whispers in the Loggia reports that Pope Benedict is planning on visiting Baltimore as part of a U.S. trip next year. Exciting news!
Of Housecats and Comforters
I bought a new comforter for my bed today. That way I have a "new" bed to come home to after surgery. I bought it at the dollar store. No, it wasn't a dollar. It was one of those "fake" dollar stores that have "Dollar" in the name, but charge whatever they want. Why do they do this? Simple. To quote my late Grandmother, "People don't know what to charge for things anymore."
Anyway, I bought it in a nice dark color because we do have animals in the house. We *will*, however, be minus one housecat if either of them decide they want to claw up my new comforter.
Of Housecats and Comforters
I bought a new comforter for my bed today. That way I have a "new" bed to come home to after surgery. I bought it at the dollar store. No, it wasn't a dollar. It was one of those "fake" dollar stores that have "Dollar" in the name, but charge whatever they want. Why do they do this? Simple. To quote my late Grandmother, "People don't know what to charge for things anymore."
Anyway, I bought it in a nice dark color because we do have animals in the house. We *will*, however, be minus one housecat if either of them decide they want to claw up my new comforter.
What's wrong with Vatican II?
Some people who know me may occasionally wonder what I have against Vatican II. It's not Vatican II that I perceive as the problem. It is some peoples' interpretation of it. Or more likely, their *using* Vatican II as a means to mold the Church and her teachings as they see fit.
Pope Benedict, as Cardinal Ratzinger, said this of Vatican II:
Those who have treated the council as a "sort of superdogma which takes away the importance" of all that went before it are wrong. As Ratzinger said, this council defined no new dogma. To go against Church teaching in the name of the so-called "Spirit of Vatican II" is just a means of political double speak designed to superimpose one's own agenda onto the Church.
The crux of the problem is stated sucinctly by Brian Mershon who quotes Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz of the Diocese of Lincoln, Neb. in an interview. [Thanks to Recta Ratio for the link.]
This "para-council" has done so much damage to so many people's faith and continues to do so. If left to themselves, they would gladly wipe away 2000 years of Church tradition to serve their own tastes and practices. They seem blind to the fact that this has already been done by others.
Henry VIII comes to mind...
Pope Benedict, as Cardinal Ratzinger, said this of Vatican II:
"The Second Vatican Council has not been treated as a part of the entire living Tradition of the Church, but as an end of Tradition, a new start from zero. The truth is that this particular council defined no dogma at all, and deliberately chose to remain on a modest level, as a merely pastoral council; and yet many treat it as though it had made itself into a sort of superdogma which takes away the importance of all the rest."
Those who have treated the council as a "sort of superdogma which takes away the importance" of all that went before it are wrong. As Ratzinger said, this council defined no new dogma. To go against Church teaching in the name of the so-called "Spirit of Vatican II" is just a means of political double speak designed to superimpose one's own agenda onto the Church.
The crux of the problem is stated sucinctly by Brian Mershon who quotes Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz of the Diocese of Lincoln, Neb. in an interview. [Thanks to Recta Ratio for the link.]
"The majority of the Second Vatican Council fathers and the Popes never saw the council as discontinuous and as a rupture with the past. What happened, however, is there was a para-council of periti, of experts, who all dominated through the whole matrix of media representation of what was going on at the council. Because of that, there were horrible distortions in the popular imagination, including the clerical imagination, including the priests."
This "para-council" has done so much damage to so many people's faith and continues to do so. If left to themselves, they would gladly wipe away 2000 years of Church tradition to serve their own tastes and practices. They seem blind to the fact that this has already been done by others.
Henry VIII comes to mind...
What's wrong with Vatican II?
Some people who know me may occasionally wonder what I have against Vatican II. It's not Vatican II that I perceive as the problem. It is some peoples' interpretation of it. Or more likely, their *using* Vatican II as a means to mold the Church and her teachings as they see fit.
Pope Benedict, as Cardinal Ratzinger, said this of Vatican II:
Those who have treated the council as a "sort of superdogma which takes away the importance" of all that went before it are wrong. As Ratzinger said, this council defined no new dogma. To go against Church teaching in the name of the so-called "Spirit of Vatican II" is just a means of political double speak designed to superimpose one's own agenda onto the Church.
The crux of the problem is stated sucinctly by Brian Mershon who quotes Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz of the Diocese of Lincoln, Neb. in an interview. [Thanks to Recta Ratio for the link.]
This "para-council" has done so much damage to so many people's faith and continues to do so. If left to themselves, they would gladly wipe away 2000 years of Church tradition to serve their own tastes and practices. They seem blind to the fact that this has already been done by others.
Henry VIII comes to mind...
Pope Benedict, as Cardinal Ratzinger, said this of Vatican II:
"The Second Vatican Council has not been treated as a part of the entire living Tradition of the Church, but as an end of Tradition, a new start from zero. The truth is that this particular council defined no dogma at all, and deliberately chose to remain on a modest level, as a merely pastoral council; and yet many treat it as though it had made itself into a sort of superdogma which takes away the importance of all the rest."
Those who have treated the council as a "sort of superdogma which takes away the importance" of all that went before it are wrong. As Ratzinger said, this council defined no new dogma. To go against Church teaching in the name of the so-called "Spirit of Vatican II" is just a means of political double speak designed to superimpose one's own agenda onto the Church.
The crux of the problem is stated sucinctly by Brian Mershon who quotes Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz of the Diocese of Lincoln, Neb. in an interview. [Thanks to Recta Ratio for the link.]
"The majority of the Second Vatican Council fathers and the Popes never saw the council as discontinuous and as a rupture with the past. What happened, however, is there was a para-council of periti, of experts, who all dominated through the whole matrix of media representation of what was going on at the council. Because of that, there were horrible distortions in the popular imagination, including the clerical imagination, including the priests."
This "para-council" has done so much damage to so many people's faith and continues to do so. If left to themselves, they would gladly wipe away 2000 years of Church tradition to serve their own tastes and practices. They seem blind to the fact that this has already been done by others.
Henry VIII comes to mind...
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Three Cheers for Notre Dame!
Heartening news from Notre Dame: Catholic News Agency reports that the new president, Rev. John I. Jenkins said in a speech before faculty members that he wants to scale back University and department sponsorship of events on campus that have elements that go against Church teaching and thus could be construed as being officially supported by Notre Dame.
"A reasonable observer would assume that the university is sponsoring an event that, in fact, is clearly and egregiously at odds with its values as a Catholic university," he said.
This is a continued breath of fresh air at Notre Dame. Recent generations of students there have increasingly moved toward theological orthodoxy and will propel the college to future greatness.
The Catholic News Agency article also said that Rev. Jenkins is interested in hearing from alumni on the subject.
Three Cheers for Notre Dame!
Heartening news from Notre Dame: Catholic News Agency reports that the new president, Rev. John I. Jenkins said in a speech before faculty members that he wants to scale back University and department sponsorship of events on campus that have elements that go against Church teaching and thus could be construed as being officially supported by Notre Dame.
"A reasonable observer would assume that the university is sponsoring an event that, in fact, is clearly and egregiously at odds with its values as a Catholic university," he said.
This is a continued breath of fresh air at Notre Dame. Recent generations of students there have increasingly moved toward theological orthodoxy and will propel the college to future greatness.
The Catholic News Agency article also said that Rev. Jenkins is interested in hearing from alumni on the subject.
Rap Music on NPR
It has become obvious to me that NPR (National Public Radio from the U.S.) is aiming toward an increasingly younger demographic. It seems to me that every time I tune in, they are highlighting some other rap "artist". They have even begun talking about the "history" of rap.
The irony is, that most often, the stations that carry NPR either are or were classical radio stations (some have changed to an all news/talk format). I don't know how successful this push toward youth is going to be, but I'll admit, most often, it causes me to change the channel.
I guess I get into rap music about as much as I get into opera. Hmmm...that doesn't bode well for those particular stations either...
The irony is, that most often, the stations that carry NPR either are or were classical radio stations (some have changed to an all news/talk format). I don't know how successful this push toward youth is going to be, but I'll admit, most often, it causes me to change the channel.
I guess I get into rap music about as much as I get into opera. Hmmm...that doesn't bode well for those particular stations either...
Rap Music on NPR
It has become obvious to me that NPR (National Public Radio from the U.S.) is aiming toward an increasingly younger demographic. It seems to me that every time I tune in, they are highlighting some other rap "artist". They have even begun talking about the "history" of rap.
The irony is, that most often, the stations that carry NPR either are or were classical radio stations (some have changed to an all news/talk format). I don't know how successful this push toward youth is going to be, but I'll admit, most often, it causes me to change the channel.
I guess I get into rap music about as much as I get into opera. Hmmm...that doesn't bode well for those particular stations either...
The irony is, that most often, the stations that carry NPR either are or were classical radio stations (some have changed to an all news/talk format). I don't know how successful this push toward youth is going to be, but I'll admit, most often, it causes me to change the channel.
I guess I get into rap music about as much as I get into opera. Hmmm...that doesn't bode well for those particular stations either...
Monday, January 23, 2006
2006 March for Life
Pray for those who, at this moment, are in Washington DC, and other cities around the U.S., marching for life.
Life issues include not only abortion, but issues such as disability rights and euthanasia. A person's age, health or disability status is no reason to kill them.
Check out Not Dead Yet disability rights group.
Adoption is a very important pro-life issue as well. Many, many couples are aching to adopt a child.
Adoption Changes lives for the better!
2006 March for Life
Pray for those who, at this moment, are in Washington DC, and other cities around the U.S., marching for life.
Life issues include not only abortion, but issues such as disability rights and euthanasia. A person's age, health or disability status is no reason to kill them.
Check out Not Dead Yet disability rights group.
Adoption is a very important pro-life issue as well. Many, many couples are aching to adopt a child.
Adoption Changes lives for the better!
Friday, January 20, 2006
Lexicon of Bawlamarese
My perusals on the internet have taken me to a wonderful site that is devoted to the Baltimore dialect of English, known as "Baltimorese" or phonetically, as "Bawlamarese".
Here is their phonetic rendition of the National Anthem:
De Stor Spangelt Banner
As Translated by Dan Marecki
Ao say can yew see ba de don's early late,
What sao praddly we held at de twahlate's lass gleemin,
Hews broad strapes en brate stors, frew de pearlus fate,
Ore de ramparts we watched were sao gawwandly streamin?
En de roggets' red glare, de bums burstin in air,
Gabe proof frew de nate dat air flag was still dere.
AO say does dat stor spangelt ban-an-ner-er ye-ed way-abe,
Ore de la-ann ub de free en da haome ub de brabe.
PLAY BAW
Lexicon of Bawlamarese
My perusals on the internet have taken me to a wonderful site that is devoted to the Baltimore dialect of English, known as "Baltimorese" or phonetically, as "Bawlamarese".
Here is their phonetic rendition of the National Anthem:
De Stor Spangelt Banner
As Translated by Dan Marecki
Ao say can yew see ba de don's early late,
What sao praddly we held at de twahlate's lass gleemin,
Hews broad strapes en brate stors, frew de pearlus fate,
Ore de ramparts we watched were sao gawwandly streamin?
En de roggets' red glare, de bums burstin in air,
Gabe proof frew de nate dat air flag was still dere.
AO say does dat stor spangelt ban-an-ner-er ye-ed way-abe,
Ore de la-ann ub de free en da haome ub de brabe.
PLAY BAW
Liturgical claptrap
I thought I'd post my periodic rant about modern Church ceremony, or lack thereof. I came across a quote from Pope Benedict XVI when he was Cardinal Ratsinger. His frustration with,
is shared by many people, or at least by me. Before my visit to France, I assumed that this stripped down, modernist "Mass" (Oh, sorry, we don't call it "mass" anymore do we...) was a particularly American phenomenon. I'm sorry to say that it is not so, as I witnessed this in an otherwise wonderful convent in France as well.
The EWTN article also stated that,
How true this is, and how sad this is! I say this as a fan of the Beatles and a bit of a closet hippy with a 1970 VW bug in her garage. But to be forced into a kind of minimalist spirituality by revolutionary "liturgists" in parishes is akin to spiritual neglect.
It is ironic that I learned more about Catholic worship tradition taking art and music classes in a public college and during my stint as a "high" Episcopalian than during my time in the post Vatican II Church. The Catholic Church includes a rich deposit of faith and tradition that can transport us into an experience of Heaven if only we remember to draw on it and use the gifts given to us throughout history by God.
"claptrap and pastoral infantilism" — "the degradation of liturgy to the level of a parish tea party and the intelligibility of the popular newspaper" (Quote from EWTN Library)
is shared by many people, or at least by me. Before my visit to France, I assumed that this stripped down, modernist "Mass" (Oh, sorry, we don't call it "mass" anymore do we...) was a particularly American phenomenon. I'm sorry to say that it is not so, as I witnessed this in an otherwise wonderful convent in France as well.
The EWTN article also stated that,
"modes of liturgical dress, forms of prayer, different devotions, hymns that had been a part of the Church's cultural treasury for centuries, were not just dumped, but actively suppressed. To be a practicing Catholic in many parishes, one had to buy into the pop culture of the 1960s and 1970s."
How true this is, and how sad this is! I say this as a fan of the Beatles and a bit of a closet hippy with a 1970 VW bug in her garage. But to be forced into a kind of minimalist spirituality by revolutionary "liturgists" in parishes is akin to spiritual neglect.
It is ironic that I learned more about Catholic worship tradition taking art and music classes in a public college and during my stint as a "high" Episcopalian than during my time in the post Vatican II Church. The Catholic Church includes a rich deposit of faith and tradition that can transport us into an experience of Heaven if only we remember to draw on it and use the gifts given to us throughout history by God.
Liturgical claptrap
I thought I'd post my periodic rant about modern Church ceremony, or lack thereof. I came across a quote from Pope Benedict XVI when he was Cardinal Ratsinger. His frustration with,
is shared by many people, or at least by me. Before my visit to France, I assumed that this stripped down, modernist "Mass" (Oh, sorry, we don't call it "mass" anymore do we...) was a particularly American phenomenon. I'm sorry to say that it is not so, as I witnessed this in an otherwise wonderful convent in France as well.
The EWTN article also stated that,
How true this is, and how sad this is! I say this as a fan of the Beatles and a bit of a closet hippy with a 1970 VW bug in her garage. But to be forced into a kind of minimalist spirituality by revolutionary "liturgists" in parishes is akin to spiritual neglect.
It is ironic that I learned more about Catholic worship tradition taking art and music classes in a public college and during my stint as a "high" Episcopalian than during my time in the post Vatican II Church. The Catholic Church includes a rich deposit of faith and tradition that can transport us into an experience of Heaven if only we remember to draw on it and use the gifts given to us throughout history by God.
"claptrap and pastoral infantilism" — "the degradation of liturgy to the level of a parish tea party and the intelligibility of the popular newspaper" (Quote from EWTN Library)
is shared by many people, or at least by me. Before my visit to France, I assumed that this stripped down, modernist "Mass" (Oh, sorry, we don't call it "mass" anymore do we...) was a particularly American phenomenon. I'm sorry to say that it is not so, as I witnessed this in an otherwise wonderful convent in France as well.
The EWTN article also stated that,
"modes of liturgical dress, forms of prayer, different devotions, hymns that had been a part of the Church's cultural treasury for centuries, were not just dumped, but actively suppressed. To be a practicing Catholic in many parishes, one had to buy into the pop culture of the 1960s and 1970s."
How true this is, and how sad this is! I say this as a fan of the Beatles and a bit of a closet hippy with a 1970 VW bug in her garage. But to be forced into a kind of minimalist spirituality by revolutionary "liturgists" in parishes is akin to spiritual neglect.
It is ironic that I learned more about Catholic worship tradition taking art and music classes in a public college and during my stint as a "high" Episcopalian than during my time in the post Vatican II Church. The Catholic Church includes a rich deposit of faith and tradition that can transport us into an experience of Heaven if only we remember to draw on it and use the gifts given to us throughout history by God.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Thanks to A Catholic Life Blog for pointing out that today begins a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The BBC tells us that this traditionally lasts from the feast of St. Peter to the feast of St. Paul (January 18-January 25).
The week was started by an Episcopalian clergyman Paul Wattson who later became a Catholic. It has been a joint project between Roman Catholic church and the World Council of Churches since 1966.
Before he died, Christ prayed, "That they all may be one." Lets join Him in that prayer. I would like, especially, to pray for the Orthodox and Anglican churches and their members, who have so much to teach and remind us about beauty in our worship.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Thanks to A Catholic Life Blog for pointing out that today begins a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The BBC tells us that this traditionally lasts from the feast of St. Peter to the feast of St. Paul (January 18-January 25).
The week was started by an Episcopalian clergyman Paul Wattson who later became a Catholic. It has been a joint project between Roman Catholic church and the World Council of Churches since 1966.
Before he died, Christ prayed, "That they all may be one." Lets join Him in that prayer. I would like, especially, to pray for the Orthodox and Anglican churches and their members, who have so much to teach and remind us about beauty in our worship.
Quad Mem
Four Jobs I've had in my life
1. York Steak House
2. Hardees
3. Real Time Captionist
4. Captionist Trainer
Four Movies I could watch over and over
1. Wizard of Oz
2. A Christmas Carol
3. Passion of the Christ
4. A Charlie Brown Christmas
Four Places I have lived
1. Catonsville, MD
2. St. Mary's City, MD
3. Baltimore, MD
4. Pittsburg, PA
Four T.V. Shows I love to watch
1. Keeping Up Appearances
2. Robot Wars
3. As Time Goes By
4. Chef!
Four Places I have been on vacation
1. Ocean City, MD
2. Disney World, FL
3. Niagara Falls, NY and Canada
4. Lancaster, PA
Four Websites I visit daily (well, almost daily)
1. Mycatholic.com
2. Delphiforums
3. Recta Ratio
4. The Curt Jester
Four Favorite Foods
1. Pasta
2. Anything with tomato sauce
3. Chocolate
4. Herbal teas
Four Places I would rather be right now
1. I really would like to "be" totally wherever I am.
1. York Steak House
2. Hardees
3. Real Time Captionist
4. Captionist Trainer
Four Movies I could watch over and over
1. Wizard of Oz
2. A Christmas Carol
3. Passion of the Christ
4. A Charlie Brown Christmas
Four Places I have lived
1. Catonsville, MD
2. St. Mary's City, MD
3. Baltimore, MD
4. Pittsburg, PA
Four T.V. Shows I love to watch
1. Keeping Up Appearances
2. Robot Wars
3. As Time Goes By
4. Chef!
Four Places I have been on vacation
1. Ocean City, MD
2. Disney World, FL
3. Niagara Falls, NY and Canada
4. Lancaster, PA
Four Websites I visit daily (well, almost daily)
1. Mycatholic.com
2. Delphiforums
3. Recta Ratio
4. The Curt Jester
Four Favorite Foods
1. Pasta
2. Anything with tomato sauce
3. Chocolate
4. Herbal teas
Four Places I would rather be right now
1. I really would like to "be" totally wherever I am.
Quad Mem
Four Jobs I've had in my life
1. York Steak House
2. Hardees
3. Real Time Captionist
4. Captionist Trainer
Four Movies I could watch over and over
1. Wizard of Oz
2. A Christmas Carol
3. Passion of the Christ
4. A Charlie Brown Christmas
Four Places I have lived
1. Catonsville, MD
2. St. Mary's City, MD
3. Baltimore, MD
4. Pittsburg, PA
Four T.V. Shows I love to watch
1. Keeping Up Appearances
2. Robot Wars
3. As Time Goes By
4. Chef!
Four Places I have been on vacation
1. Ocean City, MD
2. Disney World, FL
3. Niagara Falls, NY and Canada
4. Lancaster, PA
Four Websites I visit daily (well, almost daily)
1. Mycatholic.com
2. Delphiforums
3. Recta Ratio
4. The Curt Jester
Four Favorite Foods
1. Pasta
2. Anything with tomato sauce
3. Chocolate
4. Herbal teas
Four Places I would rather be right now
1. I really would like to "be" totally wherever I am.
1. York Steak House
2. Hardees
3. Real Time Captionist
4. Captionist Trainer
Four Movies I could watch over and over
1. Wizard of Oz
2. A Christmas Carol
3. Passion of the Christ
4. A Charlie Brown Christmas
Four Places I have lived
1. Catonsville, MD
2. St. Mary's City, MD
3. Baltimore, MD
4. Pittsburg, PA
Four T.V. Shows I love to watch
1. Keeping Up Appearances
2. Robot Wars
3. As Time Goes By
4. Chef!
Four Places I have been on vacation
1. Ocean City, MD
2. Disney World, FL
3. Niagara Falls, NY and Canada
4. Lancaster, PA
Four Websites I visit daily (well, almost daily)
1. Mycatholic.com
2. Delphiforums
3. Recta Ratio
4. The Curt Jester
Four Favorite Foods
1. Pasta
2. Anything with tomato sauce
3. Chocolate
4. Herbal teas
Four Places I would rather be right now
1. I really would like to "be" totally wherever I am.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Prayers requested
I wanted to ask your prayers for my upcoming surgery. On Feb. 8, in the morning, I'm having spinal fusion surgery on C5-6 and C6-7 vertebrae for arthritis and a bone spur.
Saint Luke, Physician, pray for us!
Jesus, Divine Physician, heal us!
Prayers requested
I wanted to ask your prayers for my upcoming surgery. On Feb. 8, in the morning, I'm having spinal fusion surgery on C5-6 and C6-7 vertebrae for arthritis and a bone spur.
Saint Luke, Physician, pray for us!
Jesus, Divine Physician, heal us!
Fuel costs
Gas prices are inching up again. This time, they are as high here in southern PA as they are in Southern Maryland. We have decided that the writing is on the wall, so to speak, and its time to get a hybrid. Within half a year, all three family members will be driving insane distances to work or school, and, we figured the main breadwinner, at the very least, ought to have a car that we can afford to fill up and actually *drive* somewhere!
What changes have you made, or do you see yourself making regarding fuel costs? Have you noticed higher heating bills? Have you *not* noticed the higher cost, but found yourself tightening your belt (or expanding your income) recently?
Personally, having lived through the 1970's gas crisis (no matter whether one believes it was "legitimate" or not) convinced me that gas mileage is quite important. I'll admit to being surprised at the continued popularity of SUV's and the like. To each his own, of course, but I will feel better having at least one car that doesn't need filling every other day!
What changes have you made, or do you see yourself making regarding fuel costs? Have you noticed higher heating bills? Have you *not* noticed the higher cost, but found yourself tightening your belt (or expanding your income) recently?
Personally, having lived through the 1970's gas crisis (no matter whether one believes it was "legitimate" or not) convinced me that gas mileage is quite important. I'll admit to being surprised at the continued popularity of SUV's and the like. To each his own, of course, but I will feel better having at least one car that doesn't need filling every other day!
Fuel costs
Gas prices are inching up again. This time, they are as high here in southern PA as they are in Southern Maryland. We have decided that the writing is on the wall, so to speak, and its time to get a hybrid. Within half a year, all three family members will be driving insane distances to work or school, and, we figured the main breadwinner, at the very least, ought to have a car that we can afford to fill up and actually *drive* somewhere!
What changes have you made, or do you see yourself making regarding fuel costs? Have you noticed higher heating bills? Have you *not* noticed the higher cost, but found yourself tightening your belt (or expanding your income) recently?
Personally, having lived through the 1970's gas crisis (no matter whether one believes it was "legitimate" or not) convinced me that gas mileage is quite important. I'll admit to being surprised at the continued popularity of SUV's and the like. To each his own, of course, but I will feel better having at least one car that doesn't need filling every other day!
What changes have you made, or do you see yourself making regarding fuel costs? Have you noticed higher heating bills? Have you *not* noticed the higher cost, but found yourself tightening your belt (or expanding your income) recently?
Personally, having lived through the 1970's gas crisis (no matter whether one believes it was "legitimate" or not) convinced me that gas mileage is quite important. I'll admit to being surprised at the continued popularity of SUV's and the like. To each his own, of course, but I will feel better having at least one car that doesn't need filling every other day!
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Tea
Tea is the most popular drink world wide, after water. Tea is said to have begun in China over 5,000 years ago when emperor Shen Nung ordered that all drinking water be boiled as a health precaution. Tea was discovered when some dry leaves from a nearby bush fell into the boiling water. The rest, as they say, is history.
From China, tea drinking spread to Japan by way of Zen Buddhist missionaries. The Japanese raised tea drinking and all things related to it to an art form. Tea houses, tea hostesses (Geishas) and tea tournaments all grew up around the detailed Japanese Tea Ceremony.
The Portuguese Jesuit, Father Jasper de Cruz, in 1560 was the first European to write about tea. Tea arrived in England surprisingly late. The Stash tea company web site says, "The first samples of tea reached England between 1652 and 1654. Tea quickly proved popular enough to replace ale as the national drink of England."
In spite of the Boston Tea Party, (where, incidentally, tea *bricks* and not loose tea was thrown into the Boston harbor), Americans continue to drink tea. In fact, Americans invented both iced tea and tea bags.
Today, tea is popular in many forms. "Regular" (Black, green and white) tea is said to have many health benefits. Herbal and fruit teas are a refreshing, non-caffeinated alternative and have their own healing properties.
How do you drink your tea?
Tea
Tea is the most popular drink world wide, after water. Tea is said to have begun in China over 5,000 years ago when emperor Shen Nung ordered that all drinking water be boiled as a health precaution. Tea was discovered when some dry leaves from a nearby bush fell into the boiling water. The rest, as they say, is history.
From China, tea drinking spread to Japan by way of Zen Buddhist missionaries. The Japanese raised tea drinking and all things related to it to an art form. Tea houses, tea hostesses (Geishas) and tea tournaments all grew up around the detailed Japanese Tea Ceremony.
The Portuguese Jesuit, Father Jasper de Cruz, in 1560 was the first European to write about tea. Tea arrived in England surprisingly late. The Stash tea company web site says, "The first samples of tea reached England between 1652 and 1654. Tea quickly proved popular enough to replace ale as the national drink of England."
In spite of the Boston Tea Party, (where, incidentally, tea *bricks* and not loose tea was thrown into the Boston harbor), Americans continue to drink tea. In fact, Americans invented both iced tea and tea bags.
Today, tea is popular in many forms. "Regular" (Black, green and white) tea is said to have many health benefits. Herbal and fruit teas are a refreshing, non-caffeinated alternative and have their own healing properties.
How do you drink your tea?
Prolife Teen wins in Court
Catholic News Agency reports that "A federal judge has ruled that a high school principal cannot prohibit a student from wearing his pro-life shirt in (his public high) school."
The school, Fillmore Central High School in Filmore, NY, had ordered a student to refrain from wearing his prolife t-shirt to school. The t-shirt said, “Abortion is Homicide. You will not silence my message. You will not mock my God. You will stop killing my generation. Rock for Life” and distributed by the American Life League’s Rock for Life group.
As is all too common in our society, the school allowed other students to wear t-shirts that were violent or had sexual content, but disallowed the student in question to wear his t-shirt with the prolife message.
The shirt is sold by the American Life League.
Prolife Teen wins in Court
Catholic News Agency reports that "A federal judge has ruled that a high school principal cannot prohibit a student from wearing his pro-life shirt in (his public high) school."
The school, Fillmore Central High School in Filmore, NY, had ordered a student to refrain from wearing his prolife t-shirt to school. The t-shirt said, “Abortion is Homicide. You will not silence my message. You will not mock my God. You will stop killing my generation. Rock for Life” and distributed by the American Life League’s Rock for Life group.
As is all too common in our society, the school allowed other students to wear t-shirts that were violent or had sexual content, but disallowed the student in question to wear his t-shirt with the prolife message.
The shirt is sold by the American Life League.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Hope springs eternal
I've discovered a very useful site in my continued quest to eat in a more healthy way. It is www.fitday.com. It is a FREE website that lets you plug in and track your various eating related goals, such as, calories, protein, carbs, various vitamins, exercise and even water intake. It has a section that talks about the healthy levels for each, but it may require extra research to make sure you are putting in realistic and healthy numbers. It even has a section for entering in foods and their nutritional values that are not already on their list. It is a great, free way to encourage healthy eating goal setting. You can click on "reports" to see how close you are each day, week or month, to meeting your goals. Ever wonder if you get enough protein, or too many carbs? Once you plug in realistic numbers, this is the site for you!
Hope springs eternal
I've discovered a very useful site in my continued quest to eat in a more healthy way. It is www.fitday.com. It is a FREE website that lets you plug in and track your various eating related goals, such as, calories, protein, carbs, various vitamins, exercise and even water intake. It has a section that talks about the healthy levels for each, but it may require extra research to make sure you are putting in realistic and healthy numbers. It even has a section for entering in foods and their nutritional values that are not already on their list. It is a great, free way to encourage healthy eating goal setting. You can click on "reports" to see how close you are each day, week or month, to meeting your goals. Ever wonder if you get enough protein, or too many carbs? Once you plug in realistic numbers, this is the site for you!
Sunday, January 8, 2006
Saturday, January 7, 2006
You know you're Catholic when...
...you are sitting in a coffee shop reading their "flavors" and you read
as Father Vanilla!
Yes, this happened to me today!
Fr. Vanilla
as Father Vanilla!
Yes, this happened to me today!
You know you're Catholic when...
...you are sitting in a coffee shop reading their "flavors" and you read
as Father Vanilla!
Yes, this happened to me today!
Fr. Vanilla
as Father Vanilla!
Yes, this happened to me today!
Do not be discouraged
Do you ever get discouraged over the state of the Church today? I know you are not alone. The Church, like all churches, is made up of sinners, even among its leadership, as any of us living during this time can attest.
Pope Benedict recently addressed this in his Epiphany homily (in Rome, where they *didn't* move Epiphany away from its traditional date of January 6)
"The Church is holy, but formed of men and women with their limitations and their errors." It is Christ alone who gives us the Holy Spirit, who can transform our misery and constantly renew us."
As Jesus said in Mark 2:17 "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners." And again, in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you: my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled: nor let it be afraid."
Offer up your worries to God, one at a time. Give it to God and let Him carry your burdens. He knows better than we do the purpose they serve and how to get through them.
Do not be discouraged
Do you ever get discouraged over the state of the Church today? I know you are not alone. The Church, like all churches, is made up of sinners, even among its leadership, as any of us living during this time can attest.
Pope Benedict recently addressed this in his Epiphany homily (in Rome, where they *didn't* move Epiphany away from its traditional date of January 6)
"The Church is holy, but formed of men and women with their limitations and their errors." It is Christ alone who gives us the Holy Spirit, who can transform our misery and constantly renew us."
As Jesus said in Mark 2:17 "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners." And again, in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you: my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled: nor let it be afraid."
Offer up your worries to God, one at a time. Give it to God and let Him carry your burdens. He knows better than we do the purpose they serve and how to get through them.
Thursday, January 5, 2006
Your saint for the year
I wanted to relay a tradition I've been reading about that involves choosing a saint (or having a saint "choose" you) to make the journey with you throughout the year. You can do this by drawing a saint's name from a basket or a jar. Another way to do this is to go to an online list of saints, scroll down (with your eyes closed) and when you feel it is right, stop. The saint you stopped on is your saint for the coming year.
Mine is Saint Peter Julian Eymard. He was born in France in 1811 and was dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament. He founded the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, "a congregation of priests whose principal duty should be to honour the Blessed Sacrament" and the Sister Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, "a congregation of cloistered women who carry on perpetual adoration in their convents." (quotes from Catholic Encyclopedia.)
Keep your soul at peace, in order to be able to be attentive and very faithful to the inner movement of the Holy Spirit.
~~St. Pierre-Julien Eymard
Your saint for the year
I wanted to relay a tradition I've been reading about that involves choosing a saint (or having a saint "choose" you) to make the journey with you throughout the year. You can do this by drawing a saint's name from a basket or a jar. Another way to do this is to go to an online list of saints, scroll down (with your eyes closed) and when you feel it is right, stop. The saint you stopped on is your saint for the coming year.
Mine is Saint Peter Julian Eymard. He was born in France in 1811 and was dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament. He founded the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, "a congregation of priests whose principal duty should be to honour the Blessed Sacrament" and the Sister Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, "a congregation of cloistered women who carry on perpetual adoration in their convents." (quotes from Catholic Encyclopedia.)
Keep your soul at peace, in order to be able to be attentive and very faithful to the inner movement of the Holy Spirit.
~~St. Pierre-Julien Eymard
Tuesday, January 3, 2006
Stamp rate increase
Those of you who live in the U.S., remember that starting January 8, 2006, the rate for a first class letter goes up from 37 to 39 cents.
Stamp rate increase
Those of you who live in the U.S., remember that starting January 8, 2006, the rate for a first class letter goes up from 37 to 39 cents.
Buy Healthy Food Day
I've decided that today is "Buy Healthy Food" Day. After a holiday season of eating good-tasting-but-bad-for-you food, I went out today and replentished my stash of fruits and veggies.
Ah, the motivation of a new year!
Buy Healthy Food Day
I've decided that today is "Buy Healthy Food" Day. After a holiday season of eating good-tasting-but-bad-for-you food, I went out today and replentished my stash of fruits and veggies.
Ah, the motivation of a new year!
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