Downtown

I'm on a YouTube kick this morning. Petula Clark's song, "Downtown" was one of my favorites when it came out in the 60's. So indicative of the times. "Downtown" really was where everyone went. The malls really didn't exist outside of urban centers. Anyway, I liked the song.

I just discovered that Petula Clark recorded it in German, too, apparently.

Downtown

I'm on a YouTube kick this morning. Petula Clark's song, "Downtown" was one of my favorites when it came out in the 60's. So indicative of the times. "Downtown" really was where everyone went. The malls really didn't exist outside of urban centers. Anyway, I liked the song.

I just discovered that Petula Clark recorded it in German, too, apparently.

Edgar Allen Poe--The Raven

...as read by Christopher Walken. Happy Eve of All Hallows!

Edgar Allen Poe--The Raven

...as read by Christopher Walken. Happy Eve of All Hallows!

Fred Astaire Friday

Here's something a bit different for Fred Astaire Friday. This vid features Fred Astaire & Jack Buchanan from The Band Wagon.

As an added extra, this version has FRENCH subtitles! Enjoy!

Fred Astaire Friday

Here's something a bit different for Fred Astaire Friday. This vid features Fred Astaire & Jack Buchanan from The Band Wagon.

As an added extra, this version has FRENCH subtitles! Enjoy!

What is at stake in this election?

Fr. Phillip Neri Powell, O.P., P.h.D., has written a very succinct post about why he is not voting for Barack Obama.

This man believes that it is morally acceptable to kill children. He believes that it is morally permissible to attempt to kill a child in the womb, fail, and then leave the child to die once delivered alive. This man believes that all Americans should participate in his evil by being forced to pay for the genocide of abortion with federal tax dollars. That the overwhelming majority of children murdered in the womb are black seems not to concern him at all. He has promised to eliminate all democratically enacted laws against the murder of children by signed the so-called "Freedom of Choice Act" if elected.

This is it, people. This is why we can not elect this man as president of the United States. Yes, it is time we elect an African American as president. Yes, it is time we stopped turning away the poor at the door of hospitals and doctor's offices. But, killing our children, both before, and now, after birth, in order to leave more money and more stuff for ourselves is the height of selfishness and a grossly twisted way to "prosperity".

Rationalizing it by saying that these pre-born infants are not people, or not as important politically as those who are living (read: "productive members of society"--we are all one illness or accident away from slipping out of *that* category) is no better than anti-abolitionist slave owners or pro-Eugenics Nazis.

Our society is on the brink of electing the most radical anti-life politician ever to run for president of a major party in the United States. Our media is ignoring important aspects of his publicly stated value system. Many of us are being swept along by the overwhelming propaganda that the mainstream media is no longer even trying to hide.

When Catholic Hospitals no longer exist because its doctors are forced to do abortions, we can not say that we did not know.

When Catholic adoption agencies no longer exist because they are forced to go against their stated values or close their doors, we can not say that we did not know.

When our ministers, priests and rabbis go to jail for "hate speech" when speaking out against the actions of the government, we can not say that we did not know.

We are going to vote in the next administration on November 4, 2008, just as the German people voted in Adolph Hitler on March 13, 1932. In 1945, after more than a decade of systematic extinction of entire groups of people (who were deemed by the government as not being "fit" to continue existing) people all over the world asked the German people, "How could you do this? How could you let this happen?" Most said, "We did not know."

They were not believed.

They will not believe us either.

What is at stake in this election?

Fr. Phillip Neri Powell, O.P., P.h.D., has written a very succinct post about why he is not voting for Barack Obama.

This man believes that it is morally acceptable to kill children. He believes that it is morally permissible to attempt to kill a child in the womb, fail, and then leave the child to die once delivered alive. This man believes that all Americans should participate in his evil by being forced to pay for the genocide of abortion with federal tax dollars. That the overwhelming majority of children murdered in the womb are black seems not to concern him at all. He has promised to eliminate all democratically enacted laws against the murder of children by signed the so-called "Freedom of Choice Act" if elected.

This is it, people. This is why we can not elect this man as president of the United States. Yes, it is time we elect an African American as president. Yes, it is time we stopped turning away the poor at the door of hospitals and doctor's offices. But, killing our children, both before, and now, after birth, in order to leave more money and more stuff for ourselves is the height of selfishness and a grossly twisted way to "prosperity".

Rationalizing it by saying that these pre-born infants are not people, or not as important politically as those who are living (read: "productive members of society"--we are all one illness or accident away from slipping out of *that* category) is no better than anti-abolitionist slave owners or pro-Eugenics Nazis.

Our society is on the brink of electing the most radical anti-life politician ever to run for president of a major party in the United States. Our media is ignoring important aspects of his publicly stated value system. Many of us are being swept along by the overwhelming propaganda that the mainstream media is no longer even trying to hide.

When Catholic Hospitals no longer exist because its doctors are forced to do abortions, we can not say that we did not know.

When Catholic adoption agencies no longer exist because they are forced to go against their stated values or close their doors, we can not say that we did not know.

When our ministers, priests and rabbis go to jail for "hate speech" when speaking out against the actions of the government, we can not say that we did not know.

We are going to vote in the next administration on November 4, 2008, just as the German people voted in Adolph Hitler on March 13, 1932. In 1945, after more than a decade of systematic extinction of entire groups of people (who were deemed by the government as not being "fit" to continue existing) people all over the world asked the German people, "How could you do this? How could you let this happen?" Most said, "We did not know."

They were not believed.

They will not believe us either.

The Most Under Appreciated Instruments

Two musical instruments, that, in my opinion, are very undervalued, are the euphonium and the clarinet. The euphonium, a tenor tuba, has a mellow sound, and is quite a bit easier to get a nice sound out of than, say, a french horn. Every year around Christmas, the Tubists Universal Brotherhood Association (now known as International Tuba-Euphonium Association) has gatherings around the country, called Tuba Christmas, where tubists of all types, ages and abilities get together, and, after a short rehearsal, play a holiday concert for the public. The first and last time I attended one was with my husband, a euphonium player, 21 years ago in the Baltimore Inner Harbor. If you want to get yourself in a holiday mood this year, consider attending Tuba Christmas. This clip is not from me, but from theBaltimorehon and is part of Tuba Christmas in the Inner Harbor 2006.

The other instrument that is often ignored despite its ubiquitousness in school bands, is the clarinet. Played correctly, the clarinet can have a beautifully mellow tone that lends itself quite nicely to jazz. I admit to being perplexed when my son's high school music director would not allow clarinets in the jazz band. Benny Goodman, anyone?!

The Most Under Appreciated Instruments

Two musical instruments, that, in my opinion, are very undervalued, are the euphonium and the clarinet. The euphonium, a tenor tuba, has a mellow sound, and is quite a bit easier to get a nice sound out of than, say, a french horn. Every year around Christmas, the Tubists Universal Brotherhood Association (now known as International Tuba-Euphonium Association) has gatherings around the country, called Tuba Christmas, where tubists of all types, ages and abilities get together, and, after a short rehearsal, play a holiday concert for the public. The first and last time I attended one was with my husband, a euphonium player, 21 years ago in the Baltimore Inner Harbor. If you want to get yourself in a holiday mood this year, consider attending Tuba Christmas. This clip is not from me, but from theBaltimorehon and is part of Tuba Christmas in the Inner Harbor 2006.

The other instrument that is often ignored despite its ubiquitousness in school bands, is the clarinet. Played correctly, the clarinet can have a beautifully mellow tone that lends itself quite nicely to jazz. I admit to being perplexed when my son's high school music director would not allow clarinets in the jazz band. Benny Goodman, anyone?!

My, how the Democratic Party has changed!

"Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."
~John F. Kennedy, Inauguration Speech, January 20, 1961
(Emphasis mine)


"The Constitution reflected the fundamental flaw of this country that continues to this day.”
~Barack Obama, Interview, 2001
(Emphasis mine)

"The Warren Court didn’t break free from the essential constraints that were placed by the founding fathers in the Constitution. The Constitution doesn’t say what the Federal Government must do on your behalf."
~Barack Obama, Interview, 2001
(Emphasis mine)

My, how the Democratic Party has changed!

"Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."
~John F. Kennedy, Inauguration Speech, January 20, 1961
(Emphasis mine)


"The Constitution reflected the fundamental flaw of this country that continues to this day.”
~Barack Obama, Interview, 2001
(Emphasis mine)

"The Warren Court didn’t break free from the essential constraints that were placed by the founding fathers in the Constitution. The Constitution doesn’t say what the Federal Government must do on your behalf."
~Barack Obama, Interview, 2001
(Emphasis mine)

Hope for Christian Europe

I heard this interesting bit of news on ETWN radio tonight. Ulf Ekman, a Swedish Pentecostal pastor, said in an interview with Charisma magazine,

“With secularism and Islam taking over in Europe, revival slogans won’t suffice. The need of the hour is a powerful, effective unity including the historical churches.”

Ekman himself avoids debating doctrine with Catholics and insists he is not on the road to conversion to Catholicism. Instead, he is calling for charismatics and Pentecostals to "rethink their theology".

“If anybody can proclaim himself a leader," Ekman says, "the result is confusion. We need to develop a consciousness of history. The early church was not [a bunch of] happy charismatics. There was much more order and structure than we have been taught.”

Catholic Symbolism in Official Europe

In other European news, I also heard a striking thing on EWTN tonight about the flag of the European Union. I was flabergasted to learn that the designer of the flag, Arsène Heitz, designed the flag with its 12 stars on a blue field, after the crown of 12 stars and color blue worn by the Virgin Mary.

These two bits of news coming out of Europe, give me hope, not only for those countries, but for my own as well.

Hope for Christian Europe

I heard this interesting bit of news on ETWN radio tonight. Ulf Ekman, a Swedish Pentecostal pastor, said in an interview with Charisma magazine,

“With secularism and Islam taking over in Europe, revival slogans won’t suffice. The need of the hour is a powerful, effective unity including the historical churches.”

Ekman himself avoids debating doctrine with Catholics and insists he is not on the road to conversion to Catholicism. Instead, he is calling for charismatics and Pentecostals to "rethink their theology".

“If anybody can proclaim himself a leader," Ekman says, "the result is confusion. We need to develop a consciousness of history. The early church was not [a bunch of] happy charismatics. There was much more order and structure than we have been taught.”

Catholic Symbolism in Official Europe

In other European news, I also heard a striking thing on EWTN tonight about the flag of the European Union. I was flabergasted to learn that the designer of the flag, Arsène Heitz, designed the flag with its 12 stars on a blue field, after the crown of 12 stars and color blue worn by the Virgin Mary.

These two bits of news coming out of Europe, give me hope, not only for those countries, but for my own as well.

Archdiocesan Mass for/with Persons with Disabilities

As someone interested in the inherent dignity of persons with disabilities, I was happy to see the post below on Fr. Joe's blog.

Archdiocesan Mass for/with Persons with Disabilities

Archbishop Donald Wuerl will celebrate a Mass with and for persons who have disabilities on Sunday, November 30, 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary of the Mills Church, 114 St. Mary’s Place, Laurel, MD 20707. The liturgy will honor the 30th anniversary of the Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on Persons with Disabilities, which created a blueprint for a welcoming and inclusive Church. A reception and awards ceremony will follow. For more information, contact the Archdiocesan Office of Ministry for Persons with Disabilities at 301-853-4560. Sign language interpreted. St. Mary of the Mills is a fully accessible parish.

Hat tip to Father Joe.

Archdiocesan Mass for/with Persons with Disabilities

As someone interested in the inherent dignity of persons with disabilities, I was happy to see the post below on Fr. Joe's blog.

Archdiocesan Mass for/with Persons with Disabilities

Archbishop Donald Wuerl will celebrate a Mass with and for persons who have disabilities on Sunday, November 30, 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary of the Mills Church, 114 St. Mary’s Place, Laurel, MD 20707. The liturgy will honor the 30th anniversary of the Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on Persons with Disabilities, which created a blueprint for a welcoming and inclusive Church. A reception and awards ceremony will follow. For more information, contact the Archdiocesan Office of Ministry for Persons with Disabilities at 301-853-4560. Sign language interpreted. St. Mary of the Mills is a fully accessible parish.

Hat tip to Father Joe.

Novenas for the Presidential Elections

Today is nine days before the presidential election in the United States. Father John Corapi is asking us to pray a Rosary each of the nine days, for the election.

The Unites States Conference of Catholic Bishops has also asked us to say a Novena beginning today. It is called the Novena for Faithful Citizenship and is on the Bishops' website.

Please consider doing something in the way of prayer or sacrifice for the elections in the United States.

Novenas for the Presidential Elections

Today is nine days before the presidential election in the United States. Father John Corapi is asking us to pray a Rosary each of the nine days, for the election.

The Unites States Conference of Catholic Bishops has also asked us to say a Novena beginning today. It is called the Novena for Faithful Citizenship and is on the Bishops' website.

Please consider doing something in the way of prayer or sacrifice for the elections in the United States.

My New Bible

I bought myself a bible the other day. I felt like I needed a more updated translation. This one is the Catholic Women's New American Bible. The NAB is the translation used at Mass. The Catholic Women's Bible has extras such as biographies of inspirational women, faith in action, and the 3 year cycle of readings for the Catholic Church.

It has been too long since I've gotten into Scripture. Currently I'm reading Jeremia through a Catholic Bible Study group on Yahoo.

My New Bible

I bought myself a bible the other day. I felt like I needed a more updated translation. This one is the Catholic Women's New American Bible. The NAB is the translation used at Mass. The Catholic Women's Bible has extras such as biographies of inspirational women, faith in action, and the 3 year cycle of readings for the Catholic Church.

It has been too long since I've gotten into Scripture. Currently I'm reading Jeremia through a Catholic Bible Study group on Yahoo.

Fred Astaire Friday

Today's Fred Astaire Friday is from "Yolanda and the Thief". Fred dances with Lucille Bremer to the music of Harry Warren. The visual quality of this clip is not the best, but its fun to watch anyway. I love the floor in this room!

Fred Astaire Friday

Today's Fred Astaire Friday is from "Yolanda and the Thief". Fred dances with Lucille Bremer to the music of Harry Warren. The visual quality of this clip is not the best, but its fun to watch anyway. I love the floor in this room!

Election Day Rosary Novena

Fr. John Corapi is calling on everyone to make an Election Day Rosary Novena to Our Lady of Victory. He is asking us to pray the Rosary EVERY DAY between October 27 and election day on November 4th. The closer this election becomes, the more I agree with him that there is a "battle between the forces of good and evil, light and darkness, truth and lies, life and death" going on in our country today.

Election Day Rosary Novena

Fr. John Corapi is calling on everyone to make an Election Day Rosary Novena to Our Lady of Victory. He is asking us to pray the Rosary EVERY DAY between October 27 and election day on November 4th. The closer this election becomes, the more I agree with him that there is a "battle between the forces of good and evil, light and darkness, truth and lies, life and death" going on in our country today.

The 5-a-Day Plan to Stay Sane

There are five simple things you can do each day to stay sane, according to Foresight, a U.K. Government think tank. Its Mental Capital and Wellbeing report says that doing the following 5 things each day will go a long way towards maintaining mental health.

1. Connect with others
2. Be Physically Active
3. Be Mentally Curious
4. Learn Something New
5. Give to Others

I think, in these days of busyness and isolation, these five basic lifestyle enhancers can be easy to overlook.

Hat tip to MK.

The 5-a-Day Plan to Stay Sane

There are five simple things you can do each day to stay sane, according to Foresight, a U.K. Government think tank. Its Mental Capital and Wellbeing report says that doing the following 5 things each day will go a long way towards maintaining mental health.

1. Connect with others
2. Be Physically Active
3. Be Mentally Curious
4. Learn Something New
5. Give to Others

I think, in these days of busyness and isolation, these five basic lifestyle enhancers can be easy to overlook.

Hat tip to MK.

Got Rhythm? Need Rhythm?

This just in:

Apparently the Bee Gee's 1977 hit, Stayin' Alive has the perfect rhythm, 103 beats per minute, to keep the proper pace while performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR.

The aptly named song is preferred by some over the other 70's hit that is also has the perfect beat: Queen's, Another One Bites the Dust.

Here are fan vids for the tv show House, using both songs.

Got Rhythm? Need Rhythm?

This just in:

Apparently the Bee Gee's 1977 hit, Stayin' Alive has the perfect rhythm, 103 beats per minute, to keep the proper pace while performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR.

The aptly named song is preferred by some over the other 70's hit that is also has the perfect beat: Queen's, Another One Bites the Dust.

Here are fan vids for the tv show House, using both songs.

My Saint for 2009

I am so happy!! My Saint of the Year for 2009 is Saint Rose of Lima, one of my favorite saints! For the rest of the year 2008, I will have her picture along with my saint for 2008, St. Julie Billiart, on my sidebar.

St. Rose was born in Lima, Peru on April 20, 1586. She refused to marry, preferring instead to enter a convent. When her parents would not agree to that, she stayed with them, living a life of penance and solitude as a third order of St. Dominic. She worked in the garden and sewed to help her parents earn the money they needed to survive.

Near the end of her short life, she began to care for the homeless, elderly and sick in a room she set up in her house. This was the start of social services in Peru.

Marilena of A Traditional Catholic, is giving out saints for the year, for anyone who wants one.

My Saint for 2009

I am so happy!! My Saint of the Year for 2009 is Saint Rose of Lima, one of my favorite saints! For the rest of the year 2008, I will have her picture along with my saint for 2008, St. Julie Billiart, on my sidebar.

St. Rose was born in Lima, Peru on April 20, 1586. She refused to marry, preferring instead to enter a convent. When her parents would not agree to that, she stayed with them, living a life of penance and solitude as a third order of St. Dominic. She worked in the garden and sewed to help her parents earn the money they needed to survive.

Near the end of her short life, she began to care for the homeless, elderly and sick in a room she set up in her house. This was the start of social services in Peru.

Marilena of A Traditional Catholic, is giving out saints for the year, for anyone who wants one.

Fred Astaire Friday

Today's Fred Astaire Friday features Fred Astaire and Betty Hutton in Let's Dance. The film quality is not the best, but the dancing is superb!

Fred Astaire Friday

Today's Fred Astaire Friday features Fred Astaire and Betty Hutton in Let's Dance. The film quality is not the best, but the dancing is superb!

Habemus Papam

"We have a pope. " Thirty years ago today, Karol Wojtyla was elected to the See of Peter. In this YouTube video, Cardinal Felici announces "Habemus Papam--We have a pope." Here is the text of what he says and the English translation:

Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum:
Habemus Papam!
Eminentissimum ac reverendissimum Dominum,
Dominum Karlum,
Sanctæ Romanæ Ecclesiæ Cardinalem Wojtyla,
Qui sibi nomen imposuit [Johannus Paulus II].

In English, it reads:

I announce to you a great joy:
We have a Pope!
The most eminent and most reverend Lord,
Lord Karol,
Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church [Wojtyla],
Who takes to himself the name of John Paul II.

Unlike the election of Cardinal Ratzinger as Pope Benedict, after Pope John Paul II's first name (Karlum--Karl) was announced, the crowd was silent--most of them didn't know who he was. They didn't expect the Cardinal from Poland to be elected the first non-Italian pope since 1523.

I remember hearing the announcement over the PA system in my high school as we were getting ready to leave for the day. Most of us didn't know who he was either. So much in the world changed during his papacy. I don't think most of us had any inkling of the magnitude at the time.

God has blessed us in Pope John Paul II and in Pope Benedict.

Habemus Papam

"We have a pope. " Thirty years ago today, Karol Wojtyla was elected to the See of Peter. In this YouTube video, Cardinal Felici announces "Habemus Papam--We have a pope." Here is the text of what he says and the English translation:

Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum:
Habemus Papam!
Eminentissimum ac reverendissimum Dominum,
Dominum Karlum,
Sanctæ Romanæ Ecclesiæ Cardinalem Wojtyla,
Qui sibi nomen imposuit [Johannus Paulus II].

In English, it reads:

I announce to you a great joy:
We have a Pope!
The most eminent and most reverend Lord,
Lord Karol,
Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church [Wojtyla],
Who takes to himself the name of John Paul II.

Unlike the election of Cardinal Ratzinger as Pope Benedict, after Pope John Paul II's first name (Karlum--Karl) was announced, the crowd was silent--most of them didn't know who he was. They didn't expect the Cardinal from Poland to be elected the first non-Italian pope since 1523.

I remember hearing the announcement over the PA system in my high school as we were getting ready to leave for the day. Most of us didn't know who he was either. So much in the world changed during his papacy. I don't think most of us had any inkling of the magnitude at the time.

God has blessed us in Pope John Paul II and in Pope Benedict.

Virtue of the Month

I've just added a new feature to my sidebar: The Virtue of the Month. Apparently, there is a tradition of studying, practicing and praying for a different virtue for each month. I already post the monthly devotion on the sidebar (for October it is Our Lady of the Rosary). This can help us focus our prayer for each month.

The Virtue of the Month is a way for us to practice what we pray for. By studying a different virtue each month, we can add that intention to our prayers, asking God to grant us the grace to practice that virtue. I'm going to try to link whatever picture I chose for each virtue, to some sort of helpful website. This month, it is linked to a Carmelite website on Our Lady of Confidence.

October--Confidence in God

October's virtue is confidence, or trust in God. Our Lady had the ultimate trust in God. When the Angel Gabriel announced that she was to become pregnant with her savior, Mary initially questioned how that was to happen. After the Gabriel explained it, Mary said, "Be it done unto me according to thy word." That's trust. Not completely unquestioning, necessarily, but quick to trust in her Lord.

Let's ask God this month for the grace to trust in Him and His will.

Our Lady of Confidence, pray for us!

Edited to add: I will also try to remember to link my Monthly Devotion picture to a pertinent website. The picture of Our Lady of the Rosary is now linked to the Rosary Army site.

Virtue of the Month

I've just added a new feature to my sidebar: The Virtue of the Month. Apparently, there is a tradition of studying, practicing and praying for a different virtue for each month. I already post the monthly devotion on the sidebar (for October it is Our Lady of the Rosary). This can help us focus our prayer for each month.

The Virtue of the Month is a way for us to practice what we pray for. By studying a different virtue each month, we can add that intention to our prayers, asking God to grant us the grace to practice that virtue. I'm going to try to link whatever picture I chose for each virtue, to some sort of helpful website. This month, it is linked to a Carmelite website on Our Lady of Confidence.

October--Confidence in God

October's virtue is confidence, or trust in God. Our Lady had the ultimate trust in God. When the Angel Gabriel announced that she was to become pregnant with her savior, Mary initially questioned how that was to happen. After the Gabriel explained it, Mary said, "Be it done unto me according to thy word." That's trust. Not completely unquestioning, necessarily, but quick to trust in her Lord.

Let's ask God this month for the grace to trust in Him and His will.

Our Lady of Confidence, pray for us!

Edited to add: I will also try to remember to link my Monthly Devotion picture to a pertinent website. The picture of Our Lady of the Rosary is now linked to the Rosary Army site.

To All My Readers:

To All My Readers:

CreepyBaby

This is "CreepyBaby."

VW (yes, *that* VW) has a software program that will combine 2 likenesses into a third "baby" likeness. I put in pics of dh and I this is what we came up with. I call it "CreepyBaby." In some ways it is quite accurate. It captures the intense expression of our own ds as a child quite well. How did it know? Our "parent" pics were the usual smile-for-the-camera types.

As I said, creepy.

CreepyBaby

This is "CreepyBaby."

VW (yes, *that* VW) has a software program that will combine 2 likenesses into a third "baby" likeness. I put in pics of dh and I this is what we came up with. I call it "CreepyBaby." In some ways it is quite accurate. It captures the intense expression of our own ds as a child quite well. How did it know? Our "parent" pics were the usual smile-for-the-camera types.

As I said, creepy.

Lincoln's Melancholy

Lincoln's Melancholy: How Depression Challenged a President and Fueled His Greatness by Joshua Wolf Shenk

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an excellent book dealing with Lincoln's lifelong battle with depression. It describes the different types of depression Lincoln suffered at different stages of his life as well as the ways Lincoln dealt with his depression and how it affected his worldview. It also talks about the way depression was viewed in the 19th century and how Lincoln's peers saw him.

Joshua Wolf Shenk, the author, is a depression sufferer himself and writes with realistic insight and thorough research.

I highly recommend this book for its surprising historical and mental health insights.


View all my reviews.

Lincoln's Melancholy

Lincoln's Melancholy: How Depression Challenged a President and Fueled His Greatness by Joshua Wolf Shenk

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an excellent book dealing with Lincoln's lifelong battle with depression. It describes the different types of depression Lincoln suffered at different stages of his life as well as the ways Lincoln dealt with his depression and how it affected his worldview. It also talks about the way depression was viewed in the 19th century and how Lincoln's peers saw him.

Joshua Wolf Shenk, the author, is a depression sufferer himself and writes with realistic insight and thorough research.

I highly recommend this book for its surprising historical and mental health insights.


View all my reviews.

Fred Astaire Friday

Ok, guys! I found a really neat vid for Fred Astaire Friday. This is from the film "Daddy Long Legs". The setting for this number is supposed to be a college dance (yeah I'm sure *that* was a long time ago, lol!) Anyway, Fred was playing a Texas millionare and he was 55 at the time of filming. (I guess there's still hope for me!)

Fred Astaire Friday

Ok, guys! I found a really neat vid for Fred Astaire Friday. This is from the film "Daddy Long Legs". The setting for this number is supposed to be a college dance (yeah I'm sure *that* was a long time ago, lol!) Anyway, Fred was playing a Texas millionare and he was 55 at the time of filming. (I guess there's still hope for me!)

The Bailout Bill and Martial Law

I usually avoid conspiracy theories like the plague. I do not purport to be an expert on anything. But, I've run into this theory a couple of times on the web, most recently on The Western Confucian. A couple of things have recently diverged to make some worry about the future direction our country could be taking.

First, the U.S. Army, as of October 1, has deployed 3-4,000 troops on U.S. soil whose mission is crowd control using both lethal and non-lethal methods.

Second, up until recently, it was illegal for U.S. troops to patrol on U.S. soil. On October 17, 2006, George Bush signed the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act allowing the president to employ U.S. troops to restore order in any state in the United States. Although repealed in 2008, President Bush attached a signing statement saying that the Executive branch did not feel bound by those changes.

Third, during the recent debate about the federal bank bailout bill, congressman Brad Sherman said that members of the house were threatened with martial law if they didn't sign the bailout bill. Alternet.org points out that the Army's First Brigade, now deployed and practicing its crowd control techniques on U.S. soil, potentially puts some real teeth into this threat.

Below is a video of Congressman Sherman's statement.

The Bailout Bill and Martial Law

I usually avoid conspiracy theories like the plague. I do not purport to be an expert on anything. But, I've run into this theory a couple of times on the web, most recently on The Western Confucian. A couple of things have recently diverged to make some worry about the future direction our country could be taking.

First, the U.S. Army, as of October 1, has deployed 3-4,000 troops on U.S. soil whose mission is crowd control using both lethal and non-lethal methods.

Second, up until recently, it was illegal for U.S. troops to patrol on U.S. soil. On October 17, 2006, George Bush signed the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act allowing the president to employ U.S. troops to restore order in any state in the United States. Although repealed in 2008, President Bush attached a signing statement saying that the Executive branch did not feel bound by those changes.

Third, during the recent debate about the federal bank bailout bill, congressman Brad Sherman said that members of the house were threatened with martial law if they didn't sign the bailout bill. Alternet.org points out that the Army's First Brigade, now deployed and practicing its crowd control techniques on U.S. soil, potentially puts some real teeth into this threat.

Below is a video of Congressman Sherman's statement.

Money Will Vanish

This is from the Holy Father's Address at the Synod on the Word of God. He reflects brilliantly on the present human condition and how God is the only solution. Something to meditate on in the closing weeks before the elections in the U.S. and Canada.

At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord speaks to us about the two possible foundations for building the house of one’s life: sand and rock. He who builds on sand only builds on visible and tangible things, on success, on career, on money. Apparently these are the true realities.

But all this one day will vanish. We can see this now with the fall of two large banks: this money disappears, it is nothing. And thus all things, which seem to be the true realities we can count on, are only realities of a secondary order. He who builds his life on these realities, on matter, on success, on appearances, builds upon sand. Only the Word of God is the foundation of all reality, it is as stable as the heavens and more than the heavens, it is reality.

Therefore, we must change our concept of realism. The realist is he who recognizes the Word of God, in this apparently weak reality, as the foundation of all things. (A) realist is he who builds his life on this foundation, which is permanent.

Can't say it better than the pope!

Money Will Vanish

This is from the Holy Father's Address at the Synod on the Word of God. He reflects brilliantly on the present human condition and how God is the only solution. Something to meditate on in the closing weeks before the elections in the U.S. and Canada.

At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord speaks to us about the two possible foundations for building the house of one’s life: sand and rock. He who builds on sand only builds on visible and tangible things, on success, on career, on money. Apparently these are the true realities.

But all this one day will vanish. We can see this now with the fall of two large banks: this money disappears, it is nothing. And thus all things, which seem to be the true realities we can count on, are only realities of a secondary order. He who builds his life on these realities, on matter, on success, on appearances, builds upon sand. Only the Word of God is the foundation of all reality, it is as stable as the heavens and more than the heavens, it is reality.

Therefore, we must change our concept of realism. The realist is he who recognizes the Word of God, in this apparently weak reality, as the foundation of all things. (A) realist is he who builds his life on this foundation, which is permanent.

Can't say it better than the pope!

Our Lady of the Rosary

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.

The "telling of the beads" has been popular among Catholics for centuries. The 150 Hail Marys reflect the 150 Psalms, used in monastic prayer.

The Rosary wraps you in the life of Christ through the woman he chose to be his mother.

It is comforting.

It is powerful.

The Rosary is an accessible prayer

when you have no bible,

when you have no energy,

when you have no words.

The Rosary can be said while lying down, sitting, kneeling, walking or even driving. It can even be said without a Rosary.

There are rosary bracelets, rosary rings, and rosary CDs. We need never be without the Rosary, a reminder that God is always ready to hear our prayers.

Our Lady of the Rosary

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.

The "telling of the beads" has been popular among Catholics for centuries. The 150 Hail Marys reflect the 150 Psalms, used in monastic prayer.

The Rosary wraps you in the life of Christ through the woman he chose to be his mother.

It is comforting.

It is powerful.

The Rosary is an accessible prayer

when you have no bible,

when you have no energy,

when you have no words.

The Rosary can be said while lying down, sitting, kneeling, walking or even driving. It can even be said without a Rosary.

There are rosary bracelets, rosary rings, and rosary CDs. We need never be without the Rosary, a reminder that God is always ready to hear our prayers.

Presidential Tape Recordings Available Online

The University of Virginia's Miller Center of Public Affairs has a number of tapes and transcripts of presidential meetings and press conferences from Franklin Roosevelt to Richard Nixon available on their website for the general public to listen to online.

This is fascinating and important history right at your fingertips!

I wonder when (or perhaps, if) our more modern presidents' tapes will be released.

Presidential Tape Recordings Available Online

The University of Virginia's Miller Center of Public Affairs has a number of tapes and transcripts of presidential meetings and press conferences from Franklin Roosevelt to Richard Nixon available on their website for the general public to listen to online.

This is fascinating and important history right at your fingertips!

I wonder when (or perhaps, if) our more modern presidents' tapes will be released.

An Amazing Blog

I wanted to highlight a blog I came across while using the "Stumble" feature on my toolbar.

Mary Lockhart lives in Oaklahoma with her husband of 48 years. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease at the age of 55 and with the help of Aricept, an Alzheimer's drug, is able to once again use the computer and write a blog.

As a daughter, niece and daughter-in-law of Alzheimer's/Dementia sufferers, I am heartened by Mary's ability and willingness to share her day to day life with the wider world.

An Amazing Blog

I wanted to highlight a blog I came across while using the "Stumble" feature on my toolbar.

Mary Lockhart lives in Oaklahoma with her husband of 48 years. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease at the age of 55 and with the help of Aricept, an Alzheimer's drug, is able to once again use the computer and write a blog.

As a daughter, niece and daughter-in-law of Alzheimer's/Dementia sufferers, I am heartened by Mary's ability and willingness to share her day to day life with the wider world.

National Depression Screening Day--Oct. 10

October 10th is National Depression Screening Day. Screening for Mental Health, the organization who sponsers the event, has information on its website for health care providers, employers, government agencies and the public about depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and other mental health challenges affecting children, adolescents, college students, and those in the military, to name a few specific groups.

Click here to find a free depression screening near you, or take the free online evaluation from Screening for Mental Health.

National Depression Screening Day--Oct. 10

October 10th is National Depression Screening Day. Screening for Mental Health, the organization who sponsers the event, has information on its website for health care providers, employers, government agencies and the public about depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and other mental health challenges affecting children, adolescents, college students, and those in the military, to name a few specific groups.

Click here to find a free depression screening near you, or take the free online evaluation from Screening for Mental Health.

St. Francis

Tomorrow is the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, first environmentalist. He lived simply and back to the earth, embraced poverty and lepers. He was a true reformer in his age, and probably would be in ours too. Yet he stayed with God and the Church.

St. Francis, we need you!!

St. Francis

Tomorrow is the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, first environmentalist. He lived simply and back to the earth, embraced poverty and lepers. He was a true reformer in his age, and probably would be in ours too. Yet he stayed with God and the Church.

St. Francis, we need you!!

Still in the Mood!

This has just a bit of Fred Astaire in it, but I wanted to post another "In the Mood" medley of dances for Fred Astaire Friday. This fan video features Judy Garland, who, apparently danced every bit as well as she sang. And, in my opinion, she had one of the very best voices in the business.

Still in the Mood!

This has just a bit of Fred Astaire in it, but I wanted to post another "In the Mood" medley of dances for Fred Astaire Friday. This fan video features Judy Garland, who, apparently danced every bit as well as she sang. And, in my opinion, she had one of the very best voices in the business.

Feast of the Guardian Angels

Today is the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels. Each of us is assigned our own angel by God not only to protect us, but to guide us as well. Our angels rejoice when we follow God's will and weep when we fail. Our angels hover around the altar at Mass and worship God present in the Blessed Sacrament.

Prayer to my guardian angel

Angel of God, My Guardian Dear to whom God's love commits me here. Ever this day be at my side to light and guard and rule and guide.

~Amen

Feast of the Guardian Angels

Today is the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels. Each of us is assigned our own angel by God not only to protect us, but to guide us as well. Our angels rejoice when we follow God's will and weep when we fail. Our angels hover around the altar at Mass and worship God present in the Blessed Sacrament.

Prayer to my guardian angel

Angel of God, My Guardian Dear to whom God's love commits me here. Ever this day be at my side to light and guard and rule and guide.

~Amen

St. Therese the Little Flower

Today is the feast of St. Therese of Lisieux. Normally pictured in the black habit and brown cloak of the Carmelites with a cross and roses, Therese was the originator of "The Little Way"--offering up all her daily trials and annoyances to God. She was not a visionary. She was not a mystic, nor was she a missionary (although she longed to be one.) She was a little girl from France who loved the Lord.

In spite of being seen as a syrupy-sweet, old fashioned saint, Therese, in some ways, was very modern. Living after the advent of photography, we have pictures of her from her childhood through her years in the convent.

She also struggled, as a child, with being spoiled. She was the youngest of 5 daughters and indulged by her parents and siblings. Her mother died of breast cancer when Therese was only 4 and she was showered with love from her 4 sisters and from her father.

She writes of a conversion experience at the age of 14. After excitedly running in after Christmas Midnight Mass to see what gifts had been left in her shoe (a local custom) she overheard her father tell her sister, "Thank goodness that's the last time we shall have this kind of thing!" Her sister was sure that tears and hysterics would follow. Instead, Therese experienced, in that moment, a conversion. Jesus entered her heart and she swallowed her pride and her tears and gratefully thanked her father for her gifts as if she had never heard him complain.

She entered the Carmelite convent after her sisters Pauline and Marie, at the tender age of 15. Her conversion had given her the strength to ask repeatedly for special permission to join--even from the Pope!

Saint Therese is a saint of the everyday. She is a saint who endured everyday trials for the love of Jesus. She endured false accusations in the convent, which she bore without complaint. She endured dry periods in prayer, when she quipped, "Jesus isn't doing much to keep the conversation going."

She is someone who went through many of the trials that we go through every day, yet clung to Jesus through it all.

St. Therese the Little Flower

Today is the feast of St. Therese of Lisieux. Normally pictured in the black habit and brown cloak of the Carmelites with a cross and roses, Therese was the originator of "The Little Way"--offering up all her daily trials and annoyances to God. She was not a visionary. She was not a mystic, nor was she a missionary (although she longed to be one.) She was a little girl from France who loved the Lord.

In spite of being seen as a syrupy-sweet, old fashioned saint, Therese, in some ways, was very modern. Living after the advent of photography, we have pictures of her from her childhood through her years in the convent.

She also struggled, as a child, with being spoiled. She was the youngest of 5 daughters and indulged by her parents and siblings. Her mother died of breast cancer when Therese was only 4 and she was showered with love from her 4 sisters and from her father.

She writes of a conversion experience at the age of 14. After excitedly running in after Christmas Midnight Mass to see what gifts had been left in her shoe (a local custom) she overheard her father tell her sister, "Thank goodness that's the last time we shall have this kind of thing!" Her sister was sure that tears and hysterics would follow. Instead, Therese experienced, in that moment, a conversion. Jesus entered her heart and she swallowed her pride and her tears and gratefully thanked her father for her gifts as if she had never heard him complain.

She entered the Carmelite convent after her sisters Pauline and Marie, at the tender age of 15. Her conversion had given her the strength to ask repeatedly for special permission to join--even from the Pope!

Saint Therese is a saint of the everyday. She is a saint who endured everyday trials for the love of Jesus. She endured false accusations in the convent, which she bore without complaint. She endured dry periods in prayer, when she quipped, "Jesus isn't doing much to keep the conversation going."

She is someone who went through many of the trials that we go through every day, yet clung to Jesus through it all.