The Old Faithful Award

Today I have designed my first blog award--The Old Faithful Award.

I am giving this award to the person who is, by far, my most faithful reader and commenter--Lifeisgreat!! She is a great friend and reads and comments on almost everything I post. I am very blessed to have her in my life.

Stop by her blogs , What I Learned Today and Inspired Words and post a comment.

Oh, by the way, Lifeisgreat, you can copy this graphic and post it on your blog if you want.

Congratulations!

The Old Faithful Award

Today I have designed my first blog award--The Old Faithful Award.

I am giving this award to the person who is, by far, my most faithful reader and commenter--Lifeisgreat!! She is a great friend and reads and comments on almost everything I post. I am very blessed to have her in my life.

Stop by her blogs , What I Learned Today and Inspired Words and post a comment.

Oh, by the way, Lifeisgreat, you can copy this graphic and post it on your blog if you want.

Congratulations!

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Here are today's Sunday Snippets--a concept originated by RAnn at This That and the Other Thing.

My most Catholic post this week has been the post about today's readings, Healing in Midlife. Scripture is an endless source of inspiration no matter how old one becomes or how many times one has heard these readings read at Mass.

Other posts this week include my exploration of Steampunk, a fascinating design concept based on Victorian technology, a book review, on Haven Kimmel's The Solice of Leaving Early, my Quick Takes Friday on Thursday this week, and today's post lamenting the rise of the uninformed public and death of real news on television, something that Edward R. Murrow prophetically spoke about in 1958.

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Here are today's Sunday Snippets--a concept originated by RAnn at This That and the Other Thing.

My most Catholic post this week has been the post about today's readings, Healing in Midlife. Scripture is an endless source of inspiration no matter how old one becomes or how many times one has heard these readings read at Mass.

Other posts this week include my exploration of Steampunk, a fascinating design concept based on Victorian technology, a book review, on Haven Kimmel's The Solice of Leaving Early, my Quick Takes Friday on Thursday this week, and today's post lamenting the rise of the uninformed public and death of real news on television, something that Edward R. Murrow prophetically spoke about in 1958.

An Uninformed Public and the Death of News

I don't have television, and, yes, sometimes I miss it. But over the weekend, I was at my sister's and got to witness first hand, the obsessive chasing after celebrity that now passes for news in this country. At the death of Michael Jackson, himself a literal victim of this country's unhealthy self-obsession through voyeurism, all other news virtually disappeared.

Suddenly, the protests against the regime in Iran mean nothing. Suddenly, the bills that are currently being debated in our congress do not exist. This, ladies and gentlemen, is how our elected officials are able to pass legislation under our very noses--our media are too busy covering the death of one entertainer to the exclusion of all other news! You would think that World War III had broken out to look at the level of coverage that Michael Jackson's death has warranted.

Thirty years ago, the assassination of a U.S. president warranted such news coverage. Now, the untimely death of a celebrity means all other news is pushed aside.

Our so-called "news organizations" are nothing but purveyors of advertisements to a gullible public. Money and power are all that motivate the media now. We are being spoon fed addictive drivel in lieu of actual news.

We should not be surprised when changes occur "behind the scenes" in our country and our government when we are distracted by the very media who are supposed to be keeping watch.

An Uninformed Public and the Death of News

I don't have television, and, yes, sometimes I miss it. But over the weekend, I was at my sister's and got to witness first hand, the obsessive chasing after celebrity that now passes for news in this country. At the death of Michael Jackson, himself a literal victim of this country's unhealthy self-obsession through voyeurism, all other news virtually disappeared.

Suddenly, the protests against the regime in Iran mean nothing. Suddenly, the bills that are currently being debated in our congress do not exist. This, ladies and gentlemen, is how our elected officials are able to pass legislation under our very noses--our media are too busy covering the death of one entertainer to the exclusion of all other news! You would think that World War III had broken out to look at the level of coverage that Michael Jackson's death has warranted.

Thirty years ago, the assassination of a U.S. president warranted such news coverage. Now, the untimely death of a celebrity means all other news is pushed aside.

Our so-called "news organizations" are nothing but purveyors of advertisements to a gullible public. Money and power are all that motivate the media now. We are being spoon fed addictive drivel in lieu of actual news.

We should not be surprised when changes occur "behind the scenes" in our country and our government when we are distracted by the very media who are supposed to be keeping watch.

Healing in Midlife

Today's Mass readings are about healing. Wisdom 1:13-15,2:23-24 tells us that God takes no pleasure in the extinction of the living and that death was brought into the world by the devil's envy. The first reading from Wisdom also reminds us that the world’s created things have health in them. God created the world, and it was good. Our world is something to be rejoiced in and enjoyed.

The second reading today reminds us of the importance of balance. Saint Paul tells the Corinthians, (2 Corinthians 8:7,9,13-15)

(it) does not mean that to give relief to others you ought to make things difficult for yourselves: it is a question of balancing what happens to be your surplus now against their present need, and one day they may have something to spare that will supply your own need.

This is surprising to some who believe that God calls us to give until our giving renders us unable to give at all. But, clearly, the Lord calls us to rejoice in the life He has given us.

God does not want us to be empty and broken, but to be whole and filled with His love. In today's Gospel, (Mark 5:21-43) Jesus heals the woman with the hemorrhage and raises the synagogue official's daughter from the dead.

Jesus calls us to new life in Him. This is especially pertinent to those of us in midlife. It is a time of life when we are being pressed on every side, and like Christ, can sometimes feel the life ebbing out of us. But God reminds us, through Saint Paul, not to give to the point where functioning becomes difficult for ourselves, but instead, to maintain a sense of balance, and turn to Him for healing, through the church, and through the world's created things that have been given to us on this earth.

Like the woman with the hemorrhage (very likely a woman in midlife) we need to reach out to Christ, even in the midst of a crowded mind and a crowded life, and trust that He will know that we, as individuals, are there and have touched Him. And like the official's daughter, He will raise us to new life.

Note: The image above is from the catacombs and is one of the oldest images of Jesus. It depicts the story from today's Gospel of the woman with the hemorrhage being cured by Christ.

Healing in Midlife

Today's Mass readings are about healing. Wisdom 1:13-15,2:23-24 tells us that God takes no pleasure in the extinction of the living and that death was brought into the world by the devil's envy. The first reading from Wisdom also reminds us that the world’s created things have health in them. God created the world, and it was good. Our world is something to be rejoiced in and enjoyed.

The second reading today reminds us of the importance of balance. Saint Paul tells the Corinthians, (2 Corinthians 8:7,9,13-15)

(it) does not mean that to give relief to others you ought to make things difficult for yourselves: it is a question of balancing what happens to be your surplus now against their present need, and one day they may have something to spare that will supply your own need.

This is surprising to some who believe that God calls us to give until our giving renders us unable to give at all. But, clearly, the Lord calls us to rejoice in the life He has given us.

God does not want us to be empty and broken, but to be whole and filled with His love. In today's Gospel, (Mark 5:21-43) Jesus heals the woman with the hemorrhage and raises the synagogue official's daughter from the dead.

Jesus calls us to new life in Him. This is especially pertinent to those of us in midlife. It is a time of life when we are being pressed on every side, and like Christ, can sometimes feel the life ebbing out of us. But God reminds us, through Saint Paul, not to give to the point where functioning becomes difficult for ourselves, but instead, to maintain a sense of balance, and turn to Him for healing, through the church, and through the world's created things that have been given to us on this earth.

Like the woman with the hemorrhage (very likely a woman in midlife) we need to reach out to Christ, even in the midst of a crowded mind and a crowded life, and trust that He will know that we, as individuals, are there and have touched Him. And like the official's daughter, He will raise us to new life.

Note: The image above is from the catacombs and is one of the oldest images of Jesus. It depicts the story from today's Gospel of the woman with the hemorrhage being cured by Christ.

Book Review

The Solace of Leaving Early by Haven Kimmel

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
A summary of this book would not begin to approach what it is like to read it. The plot line has some pretty serious elements in it that are never the central focus, but instead, a peripheral washing of color and pattern in the characters' lives. The plot twists are at once, expected, and surprising, and, nothing in the book is put there by accident.

The central theme seems to be one of unexpected redemption that is not fairy tale perfection, but a piecing together of the disparate elements in people's lives and doing the best with what one has been given.






View all my reviews.

Book Review

The Solace of Leaving Early by Haven Kimmel

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
A summary of this book would not begin to approach what it is like to read it. The plot line has some pretty serious elements in it that are never the central focus, but instead, a peripheral washing of color and pattern in the characters' lives. The plot twists are at once, expected, and surprising, and, nothing in the book is put there by accident.

The central theme seems to be one of unexpected redemption that is not fairy tale perfection, but a piecing together of the disparate elements in people's lives and doing the best with what one has been given.






View all my reviews.

Quick Takes on Thursday

Here are my 7 Quick Takes for tomorrow.

1. I'm spending the night @ my sister's. We're going to hang out, eat out, and watch television.

2. On Friday, we're taking our mom to her new dentist for some pretty extensive dental work. We hope he can do most of what he needs to do and not have to send her to an oral surgeon.

3. I added a new link category to my sidebar: Midlife Links. In it are three links by Amy L. Harden, Cyber Hot Flash, A Woman of Elegance, and Mindset for Life, and one by Les Brown, Midlife Mastery.

4. On Sunday we celebrate my godson's birthday. He is one of those exceptional babies--happy, calm and wonderful.

5. I'm hoping that my niece's LSAT scores come in today. I know they will show the world how smart she is and what an asset she would be to any law school! :D

6. Last weekend, I went to the PA Lavender Festival and bought a table cloth and some napkins. I decided to use the napkins as a dining room window treatment so I can see them every day.

7. I washed my (former) dining room curtain and put it in the living room. (Sorry, I couldn't get a good pic of that because of the way the light comes in from the sun room. )

Quick Takes on Thursday

Here are my 7 Quick Takes for tomorrow.

1. I'm spending the night @ my sister's. We're going to hang out, eat out, and watch television.

2. On Friday, we're taking our mom to her new dentist for some pretty extensive dental work. We hope he can do most of what he needs to do and not have to send her to an oral surgeon.

3. I added a new link category to my sidebar: Midlife Links. In it are three links by Amy L. Harden, Cyber Hot Flash, A Woman of Elegance, and Mindset for Life, and one by Les Brown, Midlife Mastery.

4. On Sunday we celebrate my godson's birthday. He is one of those exceptional babies--happy, calm and wonderful.

5. I'm hoping that my niece's LSAT scores come in today. I know they will show the world how smart she is and what an asset she would be to any law school! :D

6. Last weekend, I went to the PA Lavender Festival and bought a table cloth and some napkins. I decided to use the napkins as a dining room window treatment so I can see them every day.

7. I washed my (former) dining room curtain and put it in the living room. (Sorry, I couldn't get a good pic of that because of the way the light comes in from the sun room. )

Trying to be "Hep"

Fred Astaire in "(I Ain't Hep to That Step But I'll) Dig It". Trying to be cool (or "hep") in 1940.

Trying to be "Hep"

Fred Astaire in "(I Ain't Hep to That Step But I'll) Dig It". Trying to be cool (or "hep") in 1940.

RIP Ed McMahon

Tonight Show side kick, Ed McMahon has died at the age of 86 in Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. He popularized the phrase, "Heeeeeeere's Johnny" and "Hi Yo!" on his 30 years on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

He said in an interview with Archive of American Television, that the first 10 years of the Johnny Carson Tonight Show have regrettably been destroyed by a myopic television executive.

In the same interview, McMahon said that the Tonight Show Theme, "Johnny's Theme" was written by Paul Anka for the very first show.

McMahon talked about the classiness of Johnny Carson and how things have changed for television.

I'm not a big fan of what you can say on television anymore. I'm of the old school. You don't say bad words when you are broadcasting. I don't say them in real life so I won't make a mistake. I trained myself that way.

Mr. McMahon was a fighter pilot during World War II. He was returned to active duty during the Korean war and retired from the marines as a colonel in 1966.

May he rest in peace.

RIP Ed McMahon

Tonight Show side kick, Ed McMahon has died at the age of 86 in Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. He popularized the phrase, "Heeeeeeere's Johnny" and "Hi Yo!" on his 30 years on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

He said in an interview with Archive of American Television, that the first 10 years of the Johnny Carson Tonight Show have regrettably been destroyed by a myopic television executive.

In the same interview, McMahon said that the Tonight Show Theme, "Johnny's Theme" was written by Paul Anka for the very first show.

McMahon talked about the classiness of Johnny Carson and how things have changed for television.

I'm not a big fan of what you can say on television anymore. I'm of the old school. You don't say bad words when you are broadcasting. I don't say them in real life so I won't make a mistake. I trained myself that way.

Mr. McMahon was a fighter pilot during World War II. He was returned to active duty during the Korean war and retired from the marines as a colonel in 1966.

May he rest in peace.

Steampunk

I have become enamored of steampunk. According to Wikipedia, Steampunk is a sub-genre of fantasy and speculative fiction that came into prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s which explains why I'm just hearing about this now.

Steampunk is a fantasy genre (books and computer games) where steam engine era design is mixed with modern technology. The result is something like this picture--a pc that might have been invented during the Victorian age. This would fit in perfectly with the local Gettysburg culture. I could see a reenactor using one of these in the outdoor cafe on Steinwehr. (Hey, it would look more authentic than the cell phones I've seen them use!)

Anyway, I'm intrigued by the design of these things. In The Steampunk Home, Sara searches for stempunk inspired items for use around her home that combine the scientific romanticism of the Victorians with our real present and imagined future.

I could definitely see steampunk appealing to someone like my husband who is very "how things work" oriented. I can't help but wonder if a more Victorian designed technology would take away some of the reticence some of us have in approaching something with a completely new functionality. It would allow us to appreciate the historicity and antiquity of things in our environment without sacrificing the technology we have become so dependent on. It is also a great way to refashion antiques into modern, usable things.

Drop by The Steam Punk Home for a world you never knew existed!

Steampunk

I have become enamored of steampunk. According to Wikipedia, Steampunk is a sub-genre of fantasy and speculative fiction that came into prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s which explains why I'm just hearing about this now.

Steampunk is a fantasy genre (books and computer games) where steam engine era design is mixed with modern technology. The result is something like this picture--a pc that might have been invented during the Victorian age. This would fit in perfectly with the local Gettysburg culture. I could see a reenactor using one of these in the outdoor cafe on Steinwehr. (Hey, it would look more authentic than the cell phones I've seen them use!)

Anyway, I'm intrigued by the design of these things. In The Steampunk Home, Sara searches for stempunk inspired items for use around her home that combine the scientific romanticism of the Victorians with our real present and imagined future.

I could definitely see steampunk appealing to someone like my husband who is very "how things work" oriented. I can't help but wonder if a more Victorian designed technology would take away some of the reticence some of us have in approaching something with a completely new functionality. It would allow us to appreciate the historicity and antiquity of things in our environment without sacrificing the technology we have become so dependent on. It is also a great way to refashion antiques into modern, usable things.

Drop by The Steam Punk Home for a world you never knew existed!

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is a Catholic blog carnival where the blogger posts highlights from the week, links back to the host, (RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing) and posts a link in her combox.

This week, I talked about a new favorite monument here in Gettysburg, the 11th Pennsylvania monument, which features Sallie, the brindle bull terrier.

I also talked about the purpose and future of blogging given the new (shorter) communication technology of Twitter and Texting.

I bemoaned the eroding of freedom of the press in a piece about ABC's exclusive teaming up with the White House on health care.

I celebrated All Saints Convent's conversion to Catholicism.

I reviewed It Happened In Italy, a book about the humane treatment of the Jews by the Italians during World War II.

On Friday, I began something new: 7 Quick Takes Friday from the Conversion Diary. It is a great opportunity to share things that are too short for a single post, yet too long for such things as Twitter, or a status update on Facebook.

Have a wonderful week, and enjoy your Sunday!

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is a Catholic blog carnival where the blogger posts highlights from the week, links back to the host, (RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing) and posts a link in her combox.

This week, I talked about a new favorite monument here in Gettysburg, the 11th Pennsylvania monument, which features Sallie, the brindle bull terrier.

I also talked about the purpose and future of blogging given the new (shorter) communication technology of Twitter and Texting.

I bemoaned the eroding of freedom of the press in a piece about ABC's exclusive teaming up with the White House on health care.

I celebrated All Saints Convent's conversion to Catholicism.

I reviewed It Happened In Italy, a book about the humane treatment of the Jews by the Italians during World War II.

On Friday, I began something new: 7 Quick Takes Friday from the Conversion Diary. It is a great opportunity to share things that are too short for a single post, yet too long for such things as Twitter, or a status update on Facebook.

Have a wonderful week, and enjoy your Sunday!

7 Quick Takes Friday

Seven Quick Takes Friday is hosted by Jennifer at the Conversion Diary. It consists of 7 quick things that don't necessarily merit their own post.

1. Tomorrow, I'm going to go to the Lavender Festival in Fairfield, PA. They have workshops, pick your own lavender, lavender iced tea and various venders to buy things from.

2. At the 2006 Lavender Festival, I purchased a bouquet of lavender that I used at the blessing of my marriage to dh that July.

3. Sunday, my family is going to try to catch some brass music. I'm getting mixed messages at different websites as to times and locations, but we hope to catch a concert on Father's Day. DH was a brass player in the Army National Guard.

4. We are also going to be treated to a steak dinner by ds on Father's Day. Poor dh doesn't get steak very often.

5. My dog is going to be on a calendar! For a donation, Sweetie is going to be featured as one of the smaller pictures highlighted each month on the Adams County SPCA calendar. I guess I know what everyone on my Christmas list is getting this year!

6. I cancelled my mom's phone service yesterday. She is happily phone-free in the nursing home and the home phone is no longer needed. It was bitter sweet. She's had that phone number since 1976. The avacado green phone is still hanging on the wall in the house.

7. Per number 6, there have been many, many changes in my life recently and many more to come. I think my light blogging has come from a "pulling in" as a measure of self protection. Middle age is a bit like adolescence. "Change" is the operative word. It is a scary yet exciting time.

7 Quick Takes Friday

Seven Quick Takes Friday is hosted by Jennifer at the Conversion Diary. It consists of 7 quick things that don't necessarily merit their own post.

1. Tomorrow, I'm going to go to the Lavender Festival in Fairfield, PA. They have workshops, pick your own lavender, lavender iced tea and various venders to buy things from.

2. At the 2006 Lavender Festival, I purchased a bouquet of lavender that I used at the blessing of my marriage to dh that July.

3. Sunday, my family is going to try to catch some brass music. I'm getting mixed messages at different websites as to times and locations, but we hope to catch a concert on Father's Day. DH was a brass player in the Army National Guard.

4. We are also going to be treated to a steak dinner by ds on Father's Day. Poor dh doesn't get steak very often.

5. My dog is going to be on a calendar! For a donation, Sweetie is going to be featured as one of the smaller pictures highlighted each month on the Adams County SPCA calendar. I guess I know what everyone on my Christmas list is getting this year!

6. I cancelled my mom's phone service yesterday. She is happily phone-free in the nursing home and the home phone is no longer needed. It was bitter sweet. She's had that phone number since 1976. The avacado green phone is still hanging on the wall in the house.

7. Per number 6, there have been many, many changes in my life recently and many more to come. I think my light blogging has come from a "pulling in" as a measure of self protection. Middle age is a bit like adolescence. "Change" is the operative word. It is a scary yet exciting time.

It Happened in Italy

It Happened in Italy: Untold Stories of How the People of Italy Defied the Horrors of the Holocaust by Elizabeth Bettina

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
It Happened in Italy by Elizabeth Bettina tells the important story of the kind and dignified treatment of the Jews living in Italy during World War II by the Italians. It is a story that needs to be told and archived for history's sake and sheds a glimmer of hope in an era of heinous world wide crime against humanity. The humane treatment of the Jews by the Italians during this time says a lot about Italian culture and values and those of the Church. The stark contrast with Germany and other countries where most of the citizens cooperated with the Nazi regime only serves to heighten our awareness of what most Jews during World War II went through.

Given the emotional nature of the Holocaust story, however, I was surprised that the writing did not make me feel as if I were there. It was more like I was reading an email. For whatever reason, the author was not able to delve deeply into individual emotions of her characters in any great detail.

Also, as the author admits, many of the people's stories are very similar, which tends to cause the individual survivors to blend together in the book. It may have helped if the book's appendixes were moved to the beginning to give the reader an idea of the structure of the story before it is read.

While I am very glad that this story has been so well researched, it could have been better told.


View all my reviews.

It Happened in Italy

It Happened in Italy: Untold Stories of How the People of Italy Defied the Horrors of the Holocaust by Elizabeth Bettina

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
It Happened in Italy by Elizabeth Bettina tells the important story of the kind and dignified treatment of the Jews living in Italy during World War II by the Italians. It is a story that needs to be told and archived for history's sake and sheds a glimmer of hope in an era of heinous world wide crime against humanity. The humane treatment of the Jews by the Italians during this time says a lot about Italian culture and values and those of the Church. The stark contrast with Germany and other countries where most of the citizens cooperated with the Nazi regime only serves to heighten our awareness of what most Jews during World War II went through.

Given the emotional nature of the Holocaust story, however, I was surprised that the writing did not make me feel as if I were there. It was more like I was reading an email. For whatever reason, the author was not able to delve deeply into individual emotions of her characters in any great detail.

Also, as the author admits, many of the people's stories are very similar, which tends to cause the individual survivors to blend together in the book. It may have helped if the book's appendixes were moved to the beginning to give the reader an idea of the structure of the story before it is read.

While I am very glad that this story has been so well researched, it could have been better told.


View all my reviews.

Fred and the Beatles

Fred and the Beatles

All Saints Sisters of the Poor

I have long been fond of this convent situated at the end of a shaded road, past a state park, in Catonsville, MD. I went there on a day retreat many years ago and used to avail myself of the beautiful hand made cards they sell in their Scriptorium.

To the left is one of my favorite cards made by the sisters. I used to have it tucked behind my wall phone when I lived in Maryland. Its sentiments were a perfect reminder, sitting there, in the days before cell phones, prodding me to be patient and kind no matter who might be at the other end.

I just read today, that this convent of traditional Anglican sisters is entering the Catholic church. Needless to say I am rejoicing at this news.

Reading this has reminded me that I definitely want to return there the next time I am in the area.

I have always felt a great deal of peace there, tucked away next to Patapsco State park. I sincerely wish the sisters continued blessings in their ministry of hospitality and retreat from the world. It is more needed now than ever.

All Saints Sisters of the Poor

I have long been fond of this convent situated at the end of a shaded road, past a state park, in Catonsville, MD. I went there on a day retreat many years ago and used to avail myself of the beautiful hand made cards they sell in their Scriptorium.

To the left is one of my favorite cards made by the sisters. I used to have it tucked behind my wall phone when I lived in Maryland. Its sentiments were a perfect reminder, sitting there, in the days before cell phones, prodding me to be patient and kind no matter who might be at the other end.

I just read today, that this convent of traditional Anglican sisters is entering the Catholic church. Needless to say I am rejoicing at this news.

Reading this has reminded me that I definitely want to return there the next time I am in the area.

I have always felt a great deal of peace there, tucked away next to Patapsco State park. I sincerely wish the sisters continued blessings in their ministry of hospitality and retreat from the world. It is more needed now than ever.

New Links

I have created a new link category on the sidebar: Catholic Psychology and Recovery. Right now it has Sober Catholic, Paul's website, along with Sober for Christ, Catholic Psychology and Christian Friends in Recovery.

I think recovery, in the broad sense, is something that we are all called to do--to recover from our tendency to give in to our human nature with no thought for the higher things to which we are called. Addiction of all kinds is so very common in today's society replete as it is, with distractions.

Catholicism is well suited to the sometimes difficult changes that need to occur in life's journey.

Check them out!

New Links

I have created a new link category on the sidebar: Catholic Psychology and Recovery. Right now it has Sober Catholic, Paul's website, along with Sober for Christ, Catholic Psychology and Christian Friends in Recovery.

I think recovery, in the broad sense, is something that we are all called to do--to recover from our tendency to give in to our human nature with no thought for the higher things to which we are called. Addiction of all kinds is so very common in today's society replete as it is, with distractions.

Catholicism is well suited to the sometimes difficult changes that need to occur in life's journey.

Check them out!

Politics Makes For Strange Bedfellows

Drudge is reporting today that

on the night of June 24, the media and government will become one, when ABC turns its programming over to President Obama and White House officials to push government run health care -- a move that has ignited an ethical firestorm!

ABC news is teaming up with the Obama White House to do a special on health care in America. On June 24, Charlie Gibson will do the World News from the Blue Room of the White House.

In a letter to the head of ABC news, Ken McKay, Republican National Committee Chief of Staff states that, "according to an ABC News report, Good Morning America, World News, Nightline and ABC's web news 'will all feature special programming on the president's health care agenda.'" There will also be a prime time special "town hall meeting" that day, where ABC will choose members of the audience who will question the president.

This certainly does nothing to uphold the appearance of unbiased news reporting.

Just imagine if Walter Cronkite had broadcast the news from the White House trying to explain in news programs broadcast throughout the day, Johnson's rationale for raising troop strength, or Nixon's proclamation of innocence in the Watergate cover up.

In a free and democratic society, government and media should be separate entities. The media's job is to report on the government, not to join it.

Politics Makes For Strange Bedfellows

Drudge is reporting today that

on the night of June 24, the media and government will become one, when ABC turns its programming over to President Obama and White House officials to push government run health care -- a move that has ignited an ethical firestorm!

ABC news is teaming up with the Obama White House to do a special on health care in America. On June 24, Charlie Gibson will do the World News from the Blue Room of the White House.

In a letter to the head of ABC news, Ken McKay, Republican National Committee Chief of Staff states that, "according to an ABC News report, Good Morning America, World News, Nightline and ABC's web news 'will all feature special programming on the president's health care agenda.'" There will also be a prime time special "town hall meeting" that day, where ABC will choose members of the audience who will question the president.

This certainly does nothing to uphold the appearance of unbiased news reporting.

Just imagine if Walter Cronkite had broadcast the news from the White House trying to explain in news programs broadcast throughout the day, Johnson's rationale for raising troop strength, or Nixon's proclamation of innocence in the Watergate cover up.

In a free and democratic society, government and media should be separate entities. The media's job is to report on the government, not to join it.

On Blogging, Texting and Tweeting

I've been thinking of the future of blogging in light of recent technological developments such as Facebook, texting and Twitter.

I have confessed to relying on YouTube to fill in blog posts here on the days when I am otherwise uninspired. Occasionally a video will make me think of a friend or relative on my Facebook page and I'll post it there.

I don't "tweet" (or is it "twitter"?) but the Facebook status updates serve the same purpose--to say something short, sweet, and witty to amuse my friends. I have sometimes condensed a post from here and put it on my Facebook as a status update, knowing that most of the people who see my page there do not read my blog.

So, I began to wonder what the future of blogging will be in light of this new technology. Have we run out of time to write and read blogs? Do we feel uncomfortable reading our loved ones' opinions on things religious, social or political?

Personally, I think blogging by default will be useful for going deeper into a topic and enjoying the written word in a way that can't be done in a shorter format. Although, as a haiku author, I do appreciate the beauty in brevity.

Another thing blogs can do is focus on a specific topic to the exclusion of the minutia of the author's daily life. Sometimes its not all about me (although the internet in general does tend to feed *that* temptation quite well.) The flip side of blogging is the ability to think out loud and journal on a subject of a more personal nature long enough to reach some sort of conclusion or closure.

And, of course, there is the sharing aspect of blogging. Short updates on fact that I hate mosquitoes (my latest Facebook update) don't really tell you much of anything about me and don't really express much of an opinion on anything.

Another thing I like about blogging is I am not forcing my opinion on anyone. Anyone is free to read and comment, or not. When I have my periodic urge to share with the world, I can do so and at the same time leave the world free agents to choose their level of interaction with me.

It is fascinating to watch the modern world of technological communication develop and unfold. Who knows what the future will bring?

On Blogging, Texting and Tweeting

I've been thinking of the future of blogging in light of recent technological developments such as Facebook, texting and Twitter.

I have confessed to relying on YouTube to fill in blog posts here on the days when I am otherwise uninspired. Occasionally a video will make me think of a friend or relative on my Facebook page and I'll post it there.

I don't "tweet" (or is it "twitter"?) but the Facebook status updates serve the same purpose--to say something short, sweet, and witty to amuse my friends. I have sometimes condensed a post from here and put it on my Facebook as a status update, knowing that most of the people who see my page there do not read my blog.

So, I began to wonder what the future of blogging will be in light of this new technology. Have we run out of time to write and read blogs? Do we feel uncomfortable reading our loved ones' opinions on things religious, social or political?

Personally, I think blogging by default will be useful for going deeper into a topic and enjoying the written word in a way that can't be done in a shorter format. Although, as a haiku author, I do appreciate the beauty in brevity.

Another thing blogs can do is focus on a specific topic to the exclusion of the minutia of the author's daily life. Sometimes its not all about me (although the internet in general does tend to feed *that* temptation quite well.) The flip side of blogging is the ability to think out loud and journal on a subject of a more personal nature long enough to reach some sort of conclusion or closure.

And, of course, there is the sharing aspect of blogging. Short updates on fact that I hate mosquitoes (my latest Facebook update) don't really tell you much of anything about me and don't really express much of an opinion on anything.

Another thing I like about blogging is I am not forcing my opinion on anyone. Anyone is free to read and comment, or not. When I have my periodic urge to share with the world, I can do so and at the same time leave the world free agents to choose their level of interaction with me.

It is fascinating to watch the modern world of technological communication develop and unfold. Who knows what the future will bring?

New Favorite Monument

I have a new favorite monument here in Gettysburg. This monument is for the 11th Pennsylvania infantry. My husband and I searched for and found this monument tonight during our evening VW bug ride. I first heard of its existence during a meeting of our local poetry society and knew I had to see it for myself.

The monument memorializes Sallie, a brindle bull terrier, who joined the 11th Pennsylvania regiment as a puppy and was its mascot. During the Battle of Gettysburg, Sallie became separated from the men and was later discovered to have stayed behind with the soldiers who had died on the first day of the battle.

The men nursed her back to health and she served with them for two more years, before being killed at Hatcher's Run, PA. She was buried amidst "murderous fire" and memorialized when the 11th Pennsylvania erected a monument in Gettysburg.

Today Sallie is still remembered by those who visit her monument and leave dog biscuits at the foot of her statue.

New Favorite Monument

I have a new favorite monument here in Gettysburg. This monument is for the 11th Pennsylvania infantry. My husband and I searched for and found this monument tonight during our evening VW bug ride. I first heard of its existence during a meeting of our local poetry society and knew I had to see it for myself.

The monument memorializes Sallie, a brindle bull terrier, who joined the 11th Pennsylvania regiment as a puppy and was its mascot. During the Battle of Gettysburg, Sallie became separated from the men and was later discovered to have stayed behind with the soldiers who had died on the first day of the battle.

The men nursed her back to health and she served with them for two more years, before being killed at Hatcher's Run, PA. She was buried amidst "murderous fire" and memorialized when the 11th Pennsylvania erected a monument in Gettysburg.

Today Sallie is still remembered by those who visit her monument and leave dog biscuits at the foot of her statue.

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Here is this week's Sunday Snippets from the Well.

Last Sunday I shared with you all some links I found through the previous Sunday Snippets.

On the political side, we talked about the editor of Newsweek saying that President Obama is "sort of like God" and about David Letterman's tasteless joke about Sarah Palin and her daughter.

On Thursday I posted a Thomas Merton quote and talked about finding the true self through silence and today there is a post about the important feast day, Corpus Christi--the Body and Blood of Christ.

Thank you to This, That and the Other Thing for hosting Sunday Snippets.

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Here is this week's Sunday Snippets from the Well.

Last Sunday I shared with you all some links I found through the previous Sunday Snippets.

On the political side, we talked about the editor of Newsweek saying that President Obama is "sort of like God" and about David Letterman's tasteless joke about Sarah Palin and her daughter.

On Thursday I posted a Thomas Merton quote and talked about finding the true self through silence and today there is a post about the important feast day, Corpus Christi--the Body and Blood of Christ.

Thank you to This, That and the Other Thing for hosting Sunday Snippets.

Corpus Christi

Today is the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ--Corpus Christi. The feast was originally established in 1246 by Bishop Robert de Thorte of Liege at the suggestion of St. Juliana, who received an inspiration from Christ to promote the feast as a way to strengthen the people's faith that had begun to grow weak. In 1264, Pope Urban extended the feast to the entire Church.

Corpus Christi processions are an important part of the feast day. The Eucharist is reserved in a monstrance and processed under a canopy, outside, often around the block. This public display of our faith in the Real Presence is especially important today when people's faith grows cold and our rights to practice our religion are being challenged.

These public expressions of Catholicism, once taken for granted, had fallen by the wayside in the confusion following Vatican II. The result was generations being "raised Catholic" with no sense of the faith or of Catholic culture or the place of the Church in their lives.

Thankfully, we are learning to retrieve the "Baby" we had previously thrown out with the bathwater in the 1960's, and are once again proud to be Catholic and thankful for our ability to publicly practice our faith.

Corpus Christi

Today is the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ--Corpus Christi. The feast was originally established in 1246 by Bishop Robert de Thorte of Liege at the suggestion of St. Juliana, who received an inspiration from Christ to promote the feast as a way to strengthen the people's faith that had begun to grow weak. In 1264, Pope Urban extended the feast to the entire Church.

Corpus Christi processions are an important part of the feast day. The Eucharist is reserved in a monstrance and processed under a canopy, outside, often around the block. This public display of our faith in the Real Presence is especially important today when people's faith grows cold and our rights to practice our religion are being challenged.

These public expressions of Catholicism, once taken for granted, had fallen by the wayside in the confusion following Vatican II. The result was generations being "raised Catholic" with no sense of the faith or of Catholic culture or the place of the Church in their lives.

Thankfully, we are learning to retrieve the "Baby" we had previously thrown out with the bathwater in the 1960's, and are once again proud to be Catholic and thankful for our ability to publicly practice our faith.

Letterman Over the Line

Whatever you might think of Sarah Palin's politics or personality, David Letterman crossed the line when he joked the other night that "her daughter (during a baseball game they attended) was 'knocked up' by Alex Rodriguez." When there was enough outcry, Letterman's excuse became that he wasn't talking about her 14 year old daughter Willow (who was with Palin that night at the game) but her over-the-age-of-majority daughter Bristol (who was not there that night).

Palin rightly points out that the press have honored Barack Obama's request for family privacy while indulging (in Letterman's case) in outdated, misogynistic humor about a minor girl whose mother happens to be a Republican governor.

Needless to say, I disagree with the poster at YouTube who says that Palin distorts Letterman's jokes. I think she nails it.

Letterman Over the Line

Whatever you might think of Sarah Palin's politics or personality, David Letterman crossed the line when he joked the other night that "her daughter (during a baseball game they attended) was 'knocked up' by Alex Rodriguez." When there was enough outcry, Letterman's excuse became that he wasn't talking about her 14 year old daughter Willow (who was with Palin that night at the game) but her over-the-age-of-majority daughter Bristol (who was not there that night).

Palin rightly points out that the press have honored Barack Obama's request for family privacy while indulging (in Letterman's case) in outdated, misogynistic humor about a minor girl whose mother happens to be a Republican governor.

Needless to say, I disagree with the poster at YouTube who says that Palin distorts Letterman's jokes. I think she nails it.

Fascinating Fred

Fred Astaire and his sister, Adele, perform Fascinating Rhythm, accompanied on the piano by George Gershwin himself! Amazing music history here!

Fascinating Fred

Fred Astaire and his sister, Adele, perform Fascinating Rhythm, accompanied on the piano by George Gershwin himself! Amazing music history here!

The Whole Self

When we are quiet, not just for a few minutes but for an hour or several hours, we may become uneasily aware of the presence within us, of a disturbing stranger, the Self that is both "I" and someone else. The Self that is not entirely welcome in his own house because he is so different from the every day character that we have constructed.
~Thomas Merton

I came across this quote by Thomas Merton last night and thought it was apt. In the unquiet of the modern world, we rarely see our whole selves. We have a public self that we put forth to the world, especially the cyber world, and many times, we believe that image is the whole of our self.

But in the quiet moments, we realize there is more. We are not all we portray ourselves to be. Or, rather, we are more than what we portray ourselves to be. We are complex human beings, born of complex lives--not only our own, but our forebearers' as well.

In the quiet moments, we realize that, as St. Paul said, that, what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. (Romans 7:14)

The older we get, I think, the more we begin to see this "self that is both 'I' and someone else." Couple that with the realization that life in this world is finite, and you have the core issue of humanity.

The Whole Self

When we are quiet, not just for a few minutes but for an hour or several hours, we may become uneasily aware of the presence within us, of a disturbing stranger, the Self that is both "I" and someone else. The Self that is not entirely welcome in his own house because he is so different from the every day character that we have constructed.
~Thomas Merton

I came across this quote by Thomas Merton last night and thought it was apt. In the unquiet of the modern world, we rarely see our whole selves. We have a public self that we put forth to the world, especially the cyber world, and many times, we believe that image is the whole of our self.

But in the quiet moments, we realize there is more. We are not all we portray ourselves to be. Or, rather, we are more than what we portray ourselves to be. We are complex human beings, born of complex lives--not only our own, but our forebearers' as well.

In the quiet moments, we realize that, as St. Paul said, that, what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. (Romans 7:14)

The older we get, I think, the more we begin to see this "self that is both 'I' and someone else." Couple that with the realization that life in this world is finite, and you have the core issue of humanity.

A Cute Song with a Wonderful Title

I've always liked this little song from The Wizard of Oz. I liked it even more when I found out its title: Optimistic Voices. Isn't that neat?!

A Cute Song with a Wonderful Title

I've always liked this little song from The Wizard of Oz. I liked it even more when I found out its title: Optimistic Voices. Isn't that neat?!

Outrageous Watch--Obama is sort of Who?!?

Obama supporters, this sort of thing doesn't help.

Evan Thomas is the editor of Newsweek Magazine. He should know a potentially politically damaging quote when he utters it! (Also, what ever happened to journalistic objectivity!?)

Hat tip: Creative Minority Report.

Outrageous Watch--Obama is sort of Who?!?

Obama supporters, this sort of thing doesn't help.

Evan Thomas is the editor of Newsweek Magazine. He should know a potentially politically damaging quote when he utters it! (Also, what ever happened to journalistic objectivity!?)

Hat tip: Creative Minority Report.

New Blogs

I've discovered some new blogs through Sunday Snippet. (See post below.)

This, That and the Other Thing is RAnn's blog and she posts mostly about books. She is the originator of the Sunday Snippets, is a paralegal, reader and book reviewer.

S.A.G.A. is Renee's blog and stands for St Albert the Great Academy. She is also a reader and book reviewer.

Christian Evidence and Witness Christ are both Brother Luuk's blogs. Brother Luuk is an Irish Dominican and also participates in Sunday Snippet.

Creative Minority Report is one I found indirectly through Sunday Snippet. It covers news and culture from a Catholic world view and gets its name from the Holy Father.

Believing Christians should look upon themselves as such a creative minority and ... espouse once again the best of its heritage, thereby being at the service of humankind at large. --Joseph Ratzinger

New Blogs

I've discovered some new blogs through Sunday Snippet. (See post below.)

This, That and the Other Thing is RAnn's blog and she posts mostly about books. She is the originator of the Sunday Snippets, is a paralegal, reader and book reviewer.

S.A.G.A. is Renee's blog and stands for St Albert the Great Academy. She is also a reader and book reviewer.

Christian Evidence and Witness Christ are both Brother Luuk's blogs. Brother Luuk is an Irish Dominican and also participates in Sunday Snippet.

Creative Minority Report is one I found indirectly through Sunday Snippet. It covers news and culture from a Catholic world view and gets its name from the Holy Father.

Believing Christians should look upon themselves as such a creative minority and ... espouse once again the best of its heritage, thereby being at the service of humankind at large. --Joseph Ratzinger

Sunday Snippets

RAnn over at This That and the Other Thing is hosting Sunday Snippets. Participating bloggers will highlight their best posts of the week, link back to her blog, and then go leave a message in the combox there w/ a link.

I'm beginning to gear up after some very light posting. (I'd considered changing my blog to "The YouTube Highlight Blog" because I've just been posting YouTube vids!)

Monday, I talked about President Obama's outrageous "Preventive Detention" proposal. Wednesday, I ordered a tea cup pin and some tea from Catherine's Comfortable Tea, named after Venerable Catherine McAuley and benefiting adult education and transitional housing programs in IA. Yesterday, I posted a portion of a newsletter where Fr. John Corapi talks about the restrictions on human rights in our country, which is a direct result of the pervasive opinion that the only life worth having is a productive one.

Sunday Snippets

RAnn over at This That and the Other Thing is hosting Sunday Snippets. Participating bloggers will highlight their best posts of the week, link back to her blog, and then go leave a message in the combox there w/ a link.

I'm beginning to gear up after some very light posting. (I'd considered changing my blog to "The YouTube Highlight Blog" because I've just been posting YouTube vids!)

Monday, I talked about President Obama's outrageous "Preventive Detention" proposal. Wednesday, I ordered a tea cup pin and some tea from Catherine's Comfortable Tea, named after Venerable Catherine McAuley and benefiting adult education and transitional housing programs in IA. Yesterday, I posted a portion of a newsletter where Fr. John Corapi talks about the restrictions on human rights in our country, which is a direct result of the pervasive opinion that the only life worth having is a productive one.

Something to Remember on this D-Day

This is from Fr. John Corapi's latest newsletter via Lifesite News. Before becoming a priest, Fr. Corapi worked in Hollywood and experienced all that lifestyle entails. Here is his latest take on what is happening in this country. (Emphasis, mine.)

All evil can claim its ultimate origin in moral evil. Those that deny objective standards of morality merely facilitate the demise of their society. That apparently large numbers of people seem to be intellectually and morally numb is not news, but the near light-speed evaporation of our way of life is.

Personal liberty has already begun to be compromised. Various governments, including the United States, now own car companies like General Motors and Chrysler, mega insurance companies, soon perhaps health care and energy. Injustice is beginning to be seen from the smallest of individuals to the largest of corporations. The only problem with that is that governments have never been able to operate anything profitably, efficiently, or equitably. The little guy and the large corporation will all be equal opportunity recipients of heavy-handed injustice very soon.

The government is about to dictate what car you can drive, how you insure it, what your bank can pay you or not, what kind of heating you have in your home, if you can have air conditioning or not. And, oh, if you eat a Twinkie your health insurance premium is going up. If you get sick, perhaps the Twinkie did it, and you aren't covered.

Nothing will ultimately go well for the United States or any other country until the injustice of all injustices is remedied. Until every human being is respected and reverenced, from the moment of conception to the last moment of natural life, no one will be safe and secure.

Whether it is the helpless infant in the womb or the misguided and/or evil abortionist on the wrong end of a bullet, all deserve the safety and security of the law. Only God can in justice and wisdom decide when life begins and when life ends. When we attempt to usurp God's job description we always come up short.

The freedoms that our ancestors fought and died for are being eroded by our duly elected government. This is happening because we think that anyone who does not have what we as a society judge to be a "quality of life" should not be allowed to continue to live. Of course, we couch it in euphemisms meant to show how modern and enlightened we are, but the result is the same. We want to be God, with the power to decide who works and who does not, who gets medical care and who does not, who lives and who dies.

Religion is seen as an unnecessary restriction on personal freedom and not as the keeper of human rights for all people, regardless of their prospective economic value to society.

As Fr. Corapi said, a society that does not recognize basic human rights will not survive. The only consistent protector of those values regardless of economic, political and cultural changes for the last 2000 years has been the Church. In spite of corruption within its own ranks, the Church has, through its teachings, consistently stood for the basic human rights of all people, born and unborn, young and old, rich and poor, for 20 centuries. We forget that to our own peril. If the Church were to disappear, we would have to invent her anew.

Freedom and civilization always come at a personal price. There must be "rules". That is how a society survives. To have the majority of a culture openly rebel in their attitudes, opinions and behavior, against long held cultural norms, is to perpetuate the disintegration of that culture.