Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing. 

This week, I blogged about my easy and cheap adaptive technology for more efficient touch typing. I'm so glad I did it--it makes accuracy much easier.

I also wrote about the passing of Ted Kennedy. It is sad that he never publicly changed his stance on abortion. I actually hadn't known that he had been pro-life in the early 1970's. Every year I hate politics more and more. But the alternative (not having elections) is worse, so I persevere. What would a pro-life Democratic party look like!

I posted about a lot of special intentions. A lot of people need prayers right now.

I posted about a new feature: Poem of the Week. It will feature poetry from my poetry blog(s).

And last but not least, I posted about the outrageous CyberSecurity Act of 2009 which gives the president unprecedented access to our private info and allows him to shut down the internet in the name of security.

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing. 

This week, I blogged about my easy and cheap adaptive technology for more efficient touch typing. I'm so glad I did it--it makes accuracy much easier.

I also wrote about the passing of Ted Kennedy. It is sad that he never publicly changed his stance on abortion. I actually hadn't known that he had been pro-life in the early 1970's. Every year I hate politics more and more. But the alternative (not having elections) is worse, so I persevere. What would a pro-life Democratic party look like!

I posted about a lot of special intentions. A lot of people need prayers right now.

I posted about a new feature: Poem of the Week. It will feature poetry from my poetry blog(s).

And last but not least, I posted about the outrageous CyberSecurity Act of 2009 which gives the president unprecedented access to our private info and allows him to shut down the internet in the name of security.

Outrageous Watch--Cyber Security Act of 2009

A bill currently making its way through congress would give the federal government unprecedented power over the internet.  Under the guise of...what else...homeland security (!) the bill would give the President power to SHUT DOWN THE INTERNET and disconnect infrastructure.  The bill would also federalize internet infrastructure security and tip the balance of power to the side of the federal government.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation reports that the bill also allows non-emergency

access to all relevant data concerning (critical infrastructure) networks without regard to any provision of law, regulation, rule, or policy restricting such access.

  In other words, "Just in case we ever want any information, we are above any law. Don't say we didn't warn you."

Outrageous Watch--Cyber Security Act of 2009

A bill currently making its way through congress would give the federal government unprecedented power over the internet.  Under the guise of...what else...homeland security (!) the bill would give the President power to SHUT DOWN THE INTERNET and disconnect infrastructure.  The bill would also federalize internet infrastructure security and tip the balance of power to the side of the federal government.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation reports that the bill also allows non-emergency

access to all relevant data concerning (critical infrastructure) networks without regard to any provision of law, regulation, rule, or policy restricting such access.

  In other words, "Just in case we ever want any information, we are above any law. Don't say we didn't warn you."

7 Quick Takes Friday

The week has gone quite fast!

1. I'm back to work now. This semester I'm transcribing some interesting and challenging classes which will doubtless test my newly healed broken wrist. I love learning new things and being involved in classes I never took in college.

2. I'm enjoying my new "computer case", which is actually part of a luggage set. I couldn't resist the purple! The cat is enjoying the computer case as well, though.  I'm hoping he somehow decides that shedding all over it is enough, and that he doesn't need to use it as a scratching post!

3. My mom's house is going on the market this weekend. I have a lot of cleaning out of stuff to do on Saturday. I woke up at 5am this morning after dreaming I was looking at houses. Oh, the power of the subconscious to remind me of things I already knew I had to do!

4. I just found out I have high cholesterol and triglycerides. I am assuming I'll go on some sort of cholesterol lowering meds. (My mom is still on them, despite her underweight status and tiny size.) Eating right would be another solution. That would truly take a miracle from God. God is up to the task, I'm sure, because I'm *not* sure I am!

5. My husband is now on Facebook. Once he found out that many of his military buddies were there, he signed up. He's loving the communication, believe it or not. Who said miracles don't happen!?

6. I'm still seeing the spiritual benefits of my Byzantine Rule of Prayer.  When one repeats, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner" 300 times a day, it tends to put things into perspective!  I'm finding that I am not as quick to judge as I used to be.  How can I judge others when I am a sinner too?

7.  Now that I'm back to work, I'm sure the blogging will slow down a bit, as will the book reviewing.  At the moment, I'm reading a story version of the life of St. Anthony, which is a nice break from the spiritual self-help style books I've been officially reading for review.  I'll post reviews of it as soon as I am finished.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed week!

7 Quick Takes Friday

The week has gone quite fast!

1. I'm back to work now. This semester I'm transcribing some interesting and challenging classes which will doubtless test my newly healed broken wrist. I love learning new things and being involved in classes I never took in college.

2. I'm enjoying my new "computer case", which is actually part of a luggage set. I couldn't resist the purple! The cat is enjoying the computer case as well, though.  I'm hoping he somehow decides that shedding all over it is enough, and that he doesn't need to use it as a scratching post!

3. My mom's house is going on the market this weekend. I have a lot of cleaning out of stuff to do on Saturday. I woke up at 5am this morning after dreaming I was looking at houses. Oh, the power of the subconscious to remind me of things I already knew I had to do!

4. I just found out I have high cholesterol and triglycerides. I am assuming I'll go on some sort of cholesterol lowering meds. (My mom is still on them, despite her underweight status and tiny size.) Eating right would be another solution. That would truly take a miracle from God. God is up to the task, I'm sure, because I'm *not* sure I am!

5. My husband is now on Facebook. Once he found out that many of his military buddies were there, he signed up. He's loving the communication, believe it or not. Who said miracles don't happen!?

6. I'm still seeing the spiritual benefits of my Byzantine Rule of Prayer.  When one repeats, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner" 300 times a day, it tends to put things into perspective!  I'm finding that I am not as quick to judge as I used to be.  How can I judge others when I am a sinner too?

7.  Now that I'm back to work, I'm sure the blogging will slow down a bit, as will the book reviewing.  At the moment, I'm reading a story version of the life of St. Anthony, which is a nice break from the spiritual self-help style books I've been officially reading for review.  I'll post reviews of it as soon as I am finished.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed week!

Fred Astaire Friday

In "The Barkleys of Broadway" (1949), the opening dance number was obscured by the opening credits, much to the chagrin of Astaire and Rogers fans.

In 1994, "That's Entertainment III" unearthed a copy without the credits.

The narrator is the late actress and dancer, Ann Miller.

Fred Astaire Friday

In "The Barkleys of Broadway" (1949), the opening dance number was obscured by the opening credits, much to the chagrin of Astaire and Rogers fans.

In 1994, "That's Entertainment III" unearthed a copy without the credits.

The narrator is the late actress and dancer, Ann Miller.

Poem of the Week

I've decided to post a poem a week.  Initially, these will be taken from my haiku blog, Karumi Garden.  I have recently decided to post all my poetry, both haiku and my longer poems, on my poetry blog, Falling Plum Poetry, because that blog has a larger readership than Karumi Garden. 

The brevity of the haiku form forces the writer to condense description, bringing the reader into an intense world, communicated in few words. Traditional haiku, by definition, does not rhyme and uses no simile or metaphor.  Instead, it juxtaposes two seemingly different observations for a different take on each. 

The first haiku I'll publish for Poem of the Week was written on March 16, 2007.  Since there is currently a new baby bird in our wreath outside, I thought I'd publish this one here today. 

small and brown
in God's ecosystem
tiny bird

Poem of the Week

I've decided to post a poem a week.  Initially, these will be taken from my haiku blog, Karumi Garden.  I have recently decided to post all my poetry, both haiku and my longer poems, on my poetry blog, Falling Plum Poetry, because that blog has a larger readership than Karumi Garden. 

The brevity of the haiku form forces the writer to condense description, bringing the reader into an intense world, communicated in few words. Traditional haiku, by definition, does not rhyme and uses no simile or metaphor.  Instead, it juxtaposes two seemingly different observations for a different take on each. 

The first haiku I'll publish for Poem of the Week was written on March 16, 2007.  Since there is currently a new baby bird in our wreath outside, I thought I'd publish this one here today. 

small and brown
in God's ecosystem
tiny bird

Many Intentions

I have a lot of prayer intentions I would humbly like to ask your prayers for.

1. Please pray for a newborn baby born to a forum friend of mine. His name is Joaquin and he coded right after birth this evening. He has been transferred to another hospital. His father is on his way overseas to his third military (war) posting. He was not able to be with the mom at the birth of their baby.

2. Please pray for another internet friend whose daughter, Gigi, has just been diagnosed with leukemia. She went to the ER for something unrelated and the attending physician ran a blood test because she was pale. The family is in shock. The mother just gave birth to her third child. Gigi has an older sister.

3. A friend of mine is awaiting the death of her mother in law. Her husband's brother is also in the hospital and is having a very difficult time dealing with the impending passing of his only living parent. Because of his diagnosis, his prognosis is largely up to him.  Please pray that God sends His healing power and peace to their family.

4. Please pray for my aunt who is caring for her older sister who has Alzheimer's.  There have been the inevitable legal delays in getting my older aunt placed where she can be cared for.  It is very, very wearing on my aunt and uncle. 

5.  Please pray for all those who have lost their jobs and are unemployed or underemployed.  My husband had lost his job after 10 years, and my brother in law, after 30 years with the same company.  My neighbor has just told us that he is afraid that his job may be next. 

6.  Whatever happens politically, please pray for all those without health insurance.

7.  For another forum friend who is trying to night wean her 9 month old.  She is sleep deprived because her dd is using her as a pacifier to get back to sleep.  Not unusual; not a large prayer request in the scheme of things, but I remember how difficult this stage of parenting can be and how it can affect so much of the parents' lives. 

Many Intentions

I have a lot of prayer intentions I would humbly like to ask your prayers for.

1. Please pray for a newborn baby born to a forum friend of mine. His name is Joaquin and he coded right after birth this evening. He has been transferred to another hospital. His father is on his way overseas to his third military (war) posting. He was not able to be with the mom at the birth of their baby.

2. Please pray for another internet friend whose daughter, Gigi, has just been diagnosed with leukemia. She went to the ER for something unrelated and the attending physician ran a blood test because she was pale. The family is in shock. The mother just gave birth to her third child. Gigi has an older sister.

3. A friend of mine is awaiting the death of her mother in law. Her husband's brother is also in the hospital and is having a very difficult time dealing with the impending passing of his only living parent. Because of his diagnosis, his prognosis is largely up to him.  Please pray that God sends His healing power and peace to their family.

4. Please pray for my aunt who is caring for her older sister who has Alzheimer's.  There have been the inevitable legal delays in getting my older aunt placed where she can be cared for.  It is very, very wearing on my aunt and uncle. 

5.  Please pray for all those who have lost their jobs and are unemployed or underemployed.  My husband had lost his job after 10 years, and my brother in law, after 30 years with the same company.  My neighbor has just told us that he is afraid that his job may be next. 

6.  Whatever happens politically, please pray for all those without health insurance.

7.  For another forum friend who is trying to night wean her 9 month old.  She is sleep deprived because her dd is using her as a pacifier to get back to sleep.  Not unusual; not a large prayer request in the scheme of things, but I remember how difficult this stage of parenting can be and how it can affect so much of the parents' lives. 

RIP Teddy Kennedy

Teddy Kennedy, the youngest of Rose and Joseph P. Kennedy's nine children, has died of brain cancer at the age of 77.  As the younger brother of John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy, Edward Kennedy spent his life striving to live up to an ideal demanded by their father and originally placed on the shoulders of their older brother Joseph Kennedy, Jr., who was killed in a plane crash in World War II.  As each brother died a tragic death, the torch was then passed to Teddy, who spent 47 years in the United States Senate where he became one of its most accomplished members. Kennedy was a life long champion of people who were not born with  the advantages that he was.

He played major roles in passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act and the 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act and was known for his ability to "reach across the aisle" and work with Republicans to get important legislation passed, something that is sadly lacking in today's often deadlocked Congress. 

May he rest in peace.

RIP Teddy Kennedy

Teddy Kennedy, the youngest of Rose and Joseph P. Kennedy's nine children, has died of brain cancer at the age of 77.  As the younger brother of John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy, Edward Kennedy spent his life striving to live up to an ideal demanded by their father and originally placed on the shoulders of their older brother Joseph Kennedy, Jr., who was killed in a plane crash in World War II.  As each brother died a tragic death, the torch was then passed to Teddy, who spent 47 years in the United States Senate where he became one of its most accomplished members. Kennedy was a life long champion of people who were not born with  the advantages that he was.

He played major roles in passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act and the 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act and was known for his ability to "reach across the aisle" and work with Republicans to get important legislation passed, something that is sadly lacking in today's often deadlocked Congress. 

May he rest in peace.

Craftiness

This really should be a Quick Takes post, but by Friday I won't remember to include it, so here it goes.  As I mentioned on a previous Quick Takes, I have a new laptop.  The keys are dark and so is my house most of the time.  Also, the little raised bumps that are supposed to be on the "F" and "J" keys are so small I can hardly feel them, so I'm having a hard time finding the home keys accurately.  For someone who works as a transcriber, this can present a problem! 

So, I decided to use my round, puffy (or "domed" as I discovered they are called) alphabet stickers.  I put an f on the "F" key and a j on the "J" key, and I'm all set!

Not exactly Steam Punk, but much easier! 

Craftiness

This really should be a Quick Takes post, but by Friday I won't remember to include it, so here it goes.  As I mentioned on a previous Quick Takes, I have a new laptop.  The keys are dark and so is my house most of the time.  Also, the little raised bumps that are supposed to be on the "F" and "J" keys are so small I can hardly feel them, so I'm having a hard time finding the home keys accurately.  For someone who works as a transcriber, this can present a problem! 

So, I decided to use my round, puffy (or "domed" as I discovered they are called) alphabet stickers.  I put an f on the "F" key and a j on the "J" key, and I'm all set!

Not exactly Steam Punk, but much easier! 

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing. 

This week I posted about feminist Democrat Camille Paglia's negative opinion on the inept way that her fellow Democrats are handling the proposed health care bill. She calls the bill a "colossal, brazen bait-and-switch operation" and says that Nancy Pelosi should resign over her outrageous comments following legitimate citizen protests over the plan.

I wished a Happy Birthday to poet Ogden Nash, reviewed the book, Are We Rome? and  talked about some inspirational lecto divina from the book of Ezekiel. 

Fred and Ginger top it off with a waltz and a tango, albeit, a day late, and there you have my week. 

I hope everyone has a blessed week ahead!

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing. 

This week I posted about feminist Democrat Camille Paglia's negative opinion on the inept way that her fellow Democrats are handling the proposed health care bill. She calls the bill a "colossal, brazen bait-and-switch operation" and says that Nancy Pelosi should resign over her outrageous comments following legitimate citizen protests over the plan.

I wished a Happy Birthday to poet Ogden Nash, reviewed the book, Are We Rome? and  talked about some inspirational lecto divina from the book of Ezekiel. 

Fred and Ginger top it off with a waltz and a tango, albeit, a day late, and there you have my week. 

I hope everyone has a blessed week ahead!

7 Quick Takes Friday--On Saturday

I'm sorry to be a day late with my Quick Takes.

1. Yesterday I visited my brother-in-law's synagogue for the second time. I enjoyed my visit. The Jews are, as Pope John Paul II said, "Our older brothers." My sister and I had an interesting conversation with the cantor and he and I compared cantoring jobs (mine being in the Catholic Church.)

2. Yesterday was (probably) the last time I will be able to take my mom to the dentist for this semester, because of my heavy work schedule beginning Monday. My sister will have to do this alone for a while. I have really enjoyed not only being able to take my mom to a dentist that is so close to where she lives now, but also one who is good with the elderly. Also, I have really enjoyed having my sister come with me and help mom (and the dentist!) deal with her anxieties about going. She has done really well with it, and I am realizing what I missed out on trying to do it without my sister all those years.

3. Please pray for my friend's mother in law who is back in the hospital. Pray for her husband and his brothers as they navigate this difficult road.

4. When I was in Junior High, I used to lay out in the back yard trying to get a tan. Now, I only seem to burn or freckle. I don't so much mind freckling, but I can't be outside in the hottest part of the day anymore. I have discovered the hard way, that as the sun sinks in the sky, one tends to tan rather unevenly. I now have legs that are sort of red and white...rather like a candy cane! I guess it is long past the time where I should throw away any vestiges of vanity.

5. Since our financial situation has contracted greatly, my husband is back to fixing most everything himself. He spends most evenings tinkering with one or the other of our Volkswagens, getting them working just right. The other day, he sent me out on a mission to purchase a tiny part for our riding lawn mower, and, as I was successful, he fixed that for under a dollar!

6. Speaking of sending me on a mission, it is going to be a total paradigm shift not being as available to both my mom and my husband once I go back to work. This will be the first semester in quite a while, where I will be working every weekday. It is a real blessing that I can do it, but it will take some getting used to. I will really need to put on my organizational thinking cap to better plan my time. I may even regret not having (and not liking) a Blackberry!

7. I realize all this financial uncertainty is crying out for me to lay my life at the foot of the cross and give it to God. I think that will have to be a daily, or even hourly thing.

7 Quick Takes Friday--On Saturday

I'm sorry to be a day late with my Quick Takes.

1. Yesterday I visited my brother-in-law's synagogue for the second time. I enjoyed my visit. The Jews are, as Pope John Paul II said, "Our older brothers." My sister and I had an interesting conversation with the cantor and he and I compared cantoring jobs (mine being in the Catholic Church.)

2. Yesterday was (probably) the last time I will be able to take my mom to the dentist for this semester, because of my heavy work schedule beginning Monday. My sister will have to do this alone for a while. I have really enjoyed not only being able to take my mom to a dentist that is so close to where she lives now, but also one who is good with the elderly. Also, I have really enjoyed having my sister come with me and help mom (and the dentist!) deal with her anxieties about going. She has done really well with it, and I am realizing what I missed out on trying to do it without my sister all those years.

3. Please pray for my friend's mother in law who is back in the hospital. Pray for her husband and his brothers as they navigate this difficult road.

4. When I was in Junior High, I used to lay out in the back yard trying to get a tan. Now, I only seem to burn or freckle. I don't so much mind freckling, but I can't be outside in the hottest part of the day anymore. I have discovered the hard way, that as the sun sinks in the sky, one tends to tan rather unevenly. I now have legs that are sort of red and white...rather like a candy cane! I guess it is long past the time where I should throw away any vestiges of vanity.

5. Since our financial situation has contracted greatly, my husband is back to fixing most everything himself. He spends most evenings tinkering with one or the other of our Volkswagens, getting them working just right. The other day, he sent me out on a mission to purchase a tiny part for our riding lawn mower, and, as I was successful, he fixed that for under a dollar!

6. Speaking of sending me on a mission, it is going to be a total paradigm shift not being as available to both my mom and my husband once I go back to work. This will be the first semester in quite a while, where I will be working every weekday. It is a real blessing that I can do it, but it will take some getting used to. I will really need to put on my organizational thinking cap to better plan my time. I may even regret not having (and not liking) a Blackberry!

7. I realize all this financial uncertainty is crying out for me to lay my life at the foot of the cross and give it to God. I think that will have to be a daily, or even hourly thing.

Fred and Ginger--Tango and Waltz

Here Fred and Ginger dance a tango (of sorts) and a waltz in The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle (1939).

Fred and Ginger--Tango and Waltz

Here Fred and Ginger dance a tango (of sorts) and a waltz in The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle (1939).

Lecto Divina From Ezekiel

I was reading Ezekiel in the Old Testament in front of the Blessed Sacrament this afternoon and trying to practice  lectio divina, an ancient Benedictine way of slowly and contemplatively letting God speak to you  through the Scriptures.

I opened the Bible to Ezekiel chapter 39 where Ezekiel prophesys against the city of Gog.  God says that He will "urge you (Gog) on" (vs. 2) and that Gog will fight Israel and be laid waste out in the open where they will be eaten by animals because God can no longer tolerate His name to be profaned.

That passage of Scripture seemed to be saying that sometimes God allows us to amass our resources and fight hard for what we think we need to keep--and He allows us to lose that fight.  God allows us to be vulnerable and to "fall in an open field" (v. 5) .  Indeed, God sometimes "urges us on", knowing that we need to lose everything before we turn to Him.

God says, "I will send fire upon Magog and upon those who live securely in the coastlands; thus they shall know that I am the LORD." (v.6)   He allows us to lose everything because He knows that is what it will take for us to turn to God and to "burn off" the excess and unnecessary things, practices and attitudes we are holding onto in our lives that are keeping us from unity with Him.

The destruction will be so great that "men shall be permanently employed to pass through the land burying those who lie unburied, so as to purify the land. For seven months they shall keep searching. When they pass through, should they see a human bone, let them put up a marker beside it, until others have buried it in the Valley of Hamon-gog." (vs. 14-15)

As it did in the "Dark Ages" society today needs men and women whose lives are completely dedicated to Our Lord to "pass through" the destruction and "purify the land". Those in monasteries and convents who keep the Faith and stay in prayer are placed here by God to show us the way through the dark days of our own making. Ezekiel says, "For seven months they shall keep searching." (vs. 14) This purification will take a long time and only be accomplished by losing our battle with the world and through much searching.

The text also says, "When they pass through, should they see a human bone, let them put up a marker beside it, until others have buried it in the Valley of Hamon-gog." (vs. 15) Our purification as human beings is such a monumental task that those men and women "permanently employed" to purify us, will only be able to leave a marker--to plant a seed, if you will, and let others finish the job of the burial of the selfishness and vanity we have been uselessly fighting for, for so long.

In short, God is always with us whether we are fighting or resting, crying or praying. He has a plan that often we cannot see. But He has sent people into our world whose full-time job it is to help their fellow human beings on this journey.

Be confident that our Creator is with us every step of the way.

Lecto Divina From Ezekiel

I was reading Ezekiel in the Old Testament in front of the Blessed Sacrament this afternoon and trying to practice  lectio divina, an ancient Benedictine way of slowly and contemplatively letting God speak to you  through the Scriptures.

I opened the Bible to Ezekiel chapter 39 where Ezekiel prophesys against the city of Gog.  God says that He will "urge you (Gog) on" (vs. 2) and that Gog will fight Israel and be laid waste out in the open where they will be eaten by animals because God can no longer tolerate His name to be profaned.

That passage of Scripture seemed to be saying that sometimes God allows us to amass our resources and fight hard for what we think we need to keep--and He allows us to lose that fight.  God allows us to be vulnerable and to "fall in an open field" (v. 5) .  Indeed, God sometimes "urges us on", knowing that we need to lose everything before we turn to Him.

God says, "I will send fire upon Magog and upon those who live securely in the coastlands; thus they shall know that I am the LORD." (v.6)   He allows us to lose everything because He knows that is what it will take for us to turn to God and to "burn off" the excess and unnecessary things, practices and attitudes we are holding onto in our lives that are keeping us from unity with Him.

The destruction will be so great that "men shall be permanently employed to pass through the land burying those who lie unburied, so as to purify the land. For seven months they shall keep searching. When they pass through, should they see a human bone, let them put up a marker beside it, until others have buried it in the Valley of Hamon-gog." (vs. 14-15)

As it did in the "Dark Ages" society today needs men and women whose lives are completely dedicated to Our Lord to "pass through" the destruction and "purify the land". Those in monasteries and convents who keep the Faith and stay in prayer are placed here by God to show us the way through the dark days of our own making. Ezekiel says, "For seven months they shall keep searching." (vs. 14) This purification will take a long time and only be accomplished by losing our battle with the world and through much searching.

The text also says, "When they pass through, should they see a human bone, let them put up a marker beside it, until others have buried it in the Valley of Hamon-gog." (vs. 15) Our purification as human beings is such a monumental task that those men and women "permanently employed" to purify us, will only be able to leave a marker--to plant a seed, if you will, and let others finish the job of the burial of the selfishness and vanity we have been uselessly fighting for, for so long.

In short, God is always with us whether we are fighting or resting, crying or praying. He has a plan that often we cannot see. But He has sent people into our world whose full-time job it is to help their fellow human beings on this journey.

Be confident that our Creator is with us every step of the way.

Book Review--Are We Rome?

Are We Rome?: The Fall of an Empire and the Fate of America by Cullen Murphy


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I picked up Are We Rome? by Cullen Murphy because its title asked the very question I had been pondering for years:  How much in common does America have with Ancient Rome?  Will we "fall" in the same way it did?

The book goes into some detail about the similarities and differences between ancient Roman military, political and governmental organization and bureaucracy which is an informative and necessary prelude to answering the questions at hand. 

The book then goes on to describe the effect of continual contact with other cultures through trade, immigration, and empire building.  It also points out that while governments are changing, rather radically "on paper", people are adapting and learning from each other, often in less traumatic ways. 

It is not until the epilogue, though, that Murphy tackles the most interesting question: What will America look like "after the 'fall'"?  This, I think, would make an interesting sequel to the book--maybe a series, with a book for each of his future scenarios. 

  

View all my reviews >>

Book Review--Are We Rome?

Are We Rome?: The Fall of an Empire and the Fate of America by Cullen Murphy


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I picked up Are We Rome? by Cullen Murphy because its title asked the very question I had been pondering for years:  How much in common does America have with Ancient Rome?  Will we "fall" in the same way it did?

The book goes into some detail about the similarities and differences between ancient Roman military, political and governmental organization and bureaucracy which is an informative and necessary prelude to answering the questions at hand. 

The book then goes on to describe the effect of continual contact with other cultures through trade, immigration, and empire building.  It also points out that while governments are changing, rather radically "on paper", people are adapting and learning from each other, often in less traumatic ways. 

It is not until the epilogue, though, that Murphy tackles the most interesting question: What will America look like "after the 'fall'"?  This, I think, would make an interesting sequel to the book--maybe a series, with a book for each of his future scenarios. 

  

View all my reviews >>

Happy Birthday!

According to Writer's Almanac, today is the birthday of the poet Ogden Nash. His poetry is usually short and to the point--just the way I like my poetry. He was a favorite poet of my grandfather.

Here are two of his poems:

The Parent

Children aren't happy with nothing to ignore,
And that's what parents were created for.

This next one makes me laugh and reminds me of my parents:

The Perfect Husband

He tells you when you've got on
too much lipstick
And helps you with your girdle
when your hips stick.

Happy Birthday!

According to Writer's Almanac, today is the birthday of the poet Ogden Nash. His poetry is usually short and to the point--just the way I like my poetry. He was a favorite poet of my grandfather.

Here are two of his poems:

The Parent

Children aren't happy with nothing to ignore,
And that's what parents were created for.

This next one makes me laugh and reminds me of my parents:

The Perfect Husband

He tells you when you've got on
too much lipstick
And helps you with your girdle
when your hips stick.

Outrageous Watch--A Democrat Speaks Out Against the Health Care Bill

Some Democrats are loudly decrying their party's botching of the all-important health care bill.  Dissident feminist Camille Paglia is complaining on Salon that

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whom I used to admire for her smooth aplomb under pressure, has clearly gone off the deep end with her bizarre rants about legitimate town-hall protests by American citizens. She is doing grievous damage to the party and should immediately step down.

This, ladies and gentlemen of the Democratic Party, is what scares the American people. This kind of talk, putting down free speech in the United States, is dangerous, no matter which party it comes from. Coming from Nancy Pelosi, it is bound to scare the crap out of most people to the right of center, and anyone else who values the Democratic process in the United States.

Ms. Paglia also says that

the president is promoting the most colossal, brazen bait-and-switch operation since the Bush administration snookered the country into invading Iraq with apocalyptic visions of mushroom clouds over American cities.

You can keep your doctor; you can keep your insurance, if you're happy with it, Obama keeps assuring us in soothing, lullaby tones. Oh, really? And what if my doctor is not the one appointed by the new government medical boards for ruling on my access to tests and specialists? And what if my insurance company goes belly up because of undercutting by its government-bankrolled competitor? Face it: Virtually all nationalized health systems, neither nourished nor updated by profit-driven private investment, eventually lead to rationing.

Why can't the Democratic party see this? Why can't their apologists see this? Having some form of guaranteed health care, or a wider safety net for those who need it is a humane thing. Pushing through a bill with government run medical boards and putting the federal government in the business of medicine is not.

This health care debate has shown the horrifyingly condescending way that that the voting public are treated by the Democratic party. Ms. Paglia says that the Democrats are so ready to defame concerned citizens as the "mob" -- a word betraying a Marie Antoinette delusion of superiority to ordinary mortals.

Another thing she complains about that many former Democrats, like my husband and I have been saying for years, is that

I thought my party was populist, attentive to the needs and wishes of those outside the power structure. And as a product of the 1960s, I thought the Democratic party was passionately committed to freedom of thought and speech.

As anyone who knows me can guess, I disagree with Ms. Paglia on most other things, but I do agree with her on this.  It is amazing how blind the mainstream Democratic party is to its supposed core values. I honestly think this country can not continue with either major party in power.

Outrageous Watch--A Democrat Speaks Out Against the Health Care Bill

Some Democrats are loudly decrying their party's botching of the all-important health care bill.  Dissident feminist Camille Paglia is complaining on Salon that

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whom I used to admire for her smooth aplomb under pressure, has clearly gone off the deep end with her bizarre rants about legitimate town-hall protests by American citizens. She is doing grievous damage to the party and should immediately step down.

This, ladies and gentlemen of the Democratic Party, is what scares the American people. This kind of talk, putting down free speech in the United States, is dangerous, no matter which party it comes from. Coming from Nancy Pelosi, it is bound to scare the crap out of most people to the right of center, and anyone else who values the Democratic process in the United States.

Ms. Paglia also says that

the president is promoting the most colossal, brazen bait-and-switch operation since the Bush administration snookered the country into invading Iraq with apocalyptic visions of mushroom clouds over American cities.

You can keep your doctor; you can keep your insurance, if you're happy with it, Obama keeps assuring us in soothing, lullaby tones. Oh, really? And what if my doctor is not the one appointed by the new government medical boards for ruling on my access to tests and specialists? And what if my insurance company goes belly up because of undercutting by its government-bankrolled competitor? Face it: Virtually all nationalized health systems, neither nourished nor updated by profit-driven private investment, eventually lead to rationing.

Why can't the Democratic party see this? Why can't their apologists see this? Having some form of guaranteed health care, or a wider safety net for those who need it is a humane thing. Pushing through a bill with government run medical boards and putting the federal government in the business of medicine is not.

This health care debate has shown the horrifyingly condescending way that that the voting public are treated by the Democratic party. Ms. Paglia says that the Democrats are so ready to defame concerned citizens as the "mob" -- a word betraying a Marie Antoinette delusion of superiority to ordinary mortals.

Another thing she complains about that many former Democrats, like my husband and I have been saying for years, is that

I thought my party was populist, attentive to the needs and wishes of those outside the power structure. And as a product of the 1960s, I thought the Democratic party was passionately committed to freedom of thought and speech.

As anyone who knows me can guess, I disagree with Ms. Paglia on most other things, but I do agree with her on this.  It is amazing how blind the mainstream Democratic party is to its supposed core values. I honestly think this country can not continue with either major party in power.

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is sponsored each week by RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing. 

This week, I talked about a Byzantine rule of prayer that I am using.  It is a simple means of reaching out and placing ourselves before Almighty God twice daily. 

Also this week, I talked about the Feast of the Assumption/Dormition of Our Lady. which was yesterday. It is the oldest Marian Feast of the Church. 

I pray that everyone has a blessed week!

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is sponsored each week by RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing. 

This week, I talked about a Byzantine rule of prayer that I am using.  It is a simple means of reaching out and placing ourselves before Almighty God twice daily. 

Also this week, I talked about the Feast of the Assumption/Dormition of Our Lady. which was yesterday. It is the oldest Marian Feast of the Church. 

I pray that everyone has a blessed week!

The Feast of the Assumption/Dormition

Today is the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady (the Dormition, or "falling asleep" of the Theotokos in the East.) The Assumption of Mary is the oldest feast of Our Lady in the canon of the Church--it dates to the 5th century, and possibly before. Tradition states that when Mary died, the Apostle Thomas was not present. When he arrived afterward, he insisted the tomb be opened so he could view her remains. When it was opened, her body was not there, but instead, her tomb was filled with sweet smelling flowers.

Mary's life on earth was in many ways quiet and hidden.  She lived a life of patience and fealty, never drawing undue attention to herself, but always pointing us towards her son as she does today. Perhaps it was the evidence of her Assumption that made the early Christians realize how important she was in the life of the early Church. 

From this first Marian feast spring all the feasts of Mary.     

The Feast of the Assumption/Dormition

Today is the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady (the Dormition, or "falling asleep" of the Theotokos in the East.) The Assumption of Mary is the oldest feast of Our Lady in the canon of the Church--it dates to the 5th century, and possibly before. Tradition states that when Mary died, the Apostle Thomas was not present. When he arrived afterward, he insisted the tomb be opened so he could view her remains. When it was opened, her body was not there, but instead, her tomb was filled with sweet smelling flowers.

Mary's life on earth was in many ways quiet and hidden.  She lived a life of patience and fealty, never drawing undue attention to herself, but always pointing us towards her son as she does today. Perhaps it was the evidence of her Assumption that made the early Christians realize how important she was in the life of the early Church. 

From this first Marian feast spring all the feasts of Mary.     

L-O-V-E

In this fan vid, Fred and Ginger dance to Nat King Cole's "L-O-V-E".  Enjoy!

L-O-V-E

In this fan vid, Fred and Ginger dance to Nat King Cole's "L-O-V-E".  Enjoy!

7 Quick Takes Friday

1.  I have a new laptop.  It's red.  I am still getting used to it.  Maybe one day I won't type on it like its a manual typewriter!

2.  It is finally seasonably hot and humid here.  Yuk.  I thought maybe we'd luck out and skip summer altogether.  But, I'm glad I'm not nearer to a city in this heat.

3.  My niece and her fiance have a wedding website.  My how things have changed. Its amazing what these kids do these days.  Insert other cliches that make it obvious how old I am here.

4.  I'm hoping my mom gets her new teeth today.  The lab was a week late in making them because she has an unusual bite.  My sister told her she will have movie star teeth.

5.  I'm loving my color coded Google calender.  This is one great application of technology. Each category can be a different color so I can tell at a glance what I have going on.  I can also enter something on a particular day, tell the calendar how often it will happen (weekly, biweekly, daily, etc.) and when it ends, and voila! Make it so, number one!

6.  A bat.  In my living room.  A no-longer-alive bat.  I don't know which of my animals to thank for its no-longer-alive status, but I'm glad we're all up on our shots!

7.  My sister and I saw Julie and Julia at the theater.  It was quite good.  The Julia Child portion of the film was quite well done--very retro--great clothes, pearls, cars...sigh!  The Julie Powell character, was, apparently, made a bit "nicer" than her real life counterpart, which was, frankly, fine with me.  It was a nice compliment to Julia Child's positive and passionate outlook on life.  Makes me want to run out and buy her cookbook.  My sister and I figure it will see quite a resurgence in sales soon. 

7 Quick Takes Friday

1.  I have a new laptop.  It's red.  I am still getting used to it.  Maybe one day I won't type on it like its a manual typewriter!

2.  It is finally seasonably hot and humid here.  Yuk.  I thought maybe we'd luck out and skip summer altogether.  But, I'm glad I'm not nearer to a city in this heat.

3.  My niece and her fiance have a wedding website.  My how things have changed. Its amazing what these kids do these days.  Insert other cliches that make it obvious how old I am here.

4.  I'm hoping my mom gets her new teeth today.  The lab was a week late in making them because she has an unusual bite.  My sister told her she will have movie star teeth.

5.  I'm loving my color coded Google calender.  This is one great application of technology. Each category can be a different color so I can tell at a glance what I have going on.  I can also enter something on a particular day, tell the calendar how often it will happen (weekly, biweekly, daily, etc.) and when it ends, and voila! Make it so, number one!

6.  A bat.  In my living room.  A no-longer-alive bat.  I don't know which of my animals to thank for its no-longer-alive status, but I'm glad we're all up on our shots!

7.  My sister and I saw Julie and Julia at the theater.  It was quite good.  The Julia Child portion of the film was quite well done--very retro--great clothes, pearls, cars...sigh!  The Julie Powell character, was, apparently, made a bit "nicer" than her real life counterpart, which was, frankly, fine with me.  It was a nice compliment to Julia Child's positive and passionate outlook on life.  Makes me want to run out and buy her cookbook.  My sister and I figure it will see quite a resurgence in sales soon. 

A Rule of Prayer

For the past week or so, I've been following a Byzantine Rule of Prayer. It is markedly different from many other rules of prayer in that it has the unmistakable focus on the fact that we--humanity--are imperfect and humble sinners.

The Morning (and Evening) prayer are the same each day. We begin each morning by saying,

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, cleanse me of my sins and have mercy on me.
O Lord, forgive me; for I have sinned without number.

Each morning we also recite Psalm 50 (51), the Penitential psalm that we also say during Holy Week which begins, Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion, blot out my offense. Wash me more and more from my guilt, and cleanse me from my sin. Such a fitting way to start the day--asking God to cleanse us of our sins as we cleanse and prepare our outer bodies to face the world. So often, our days begin with left over "baggage" from the night before--or from times long past in our lives.  The frustration and guilt at our own shortcomings often comes back to negatively affect us throughout each day. We ask God to cleanse us of our sins so that we may do His will in our lives anew each morning.   

Both in the morning, and in the evening, we recite The Jesus Prayer 150 times. The Jesus prayer is, "Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." It is also called The Prayer of the Heart and is a way Eastern Christian monks use to follow St. Paul's admonishment to "pray unceasingly." Eastern Christians often use a prayer rope (chotki) to keep count. I just use the small beads of a Rosary, 3 times around.

I have found that this Eastern approach to prayer trickles in the subconscious, as the Holy Spirit often does-- Our Lord is a gentleman and would never force his Love on anyone.

This way of prayer of crying out to God for mercy (for our sins) at once acknowledges God's existence, power, forgiveness and love, and at the same time, my own innate weakness without Him.  It is such a relief to have my entire outlook directed toward one more *everything* than I. 

There is such a freedom in giving my life in its entirety, to Our Lord each morning before I start my day, and in giving it back to Him each evening before I sleep.  This simple prayer rule that does not change reminds me that "God is the same, yesterday, today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8) and that nothing extravagant and unique that I could do would ever be enough to save myself.  Only in emptying all that I am into the arms of the Lord, every day, and every night, will I be able to continue on.

Note:  I have a link to the morning and evening rule of prayer in my sidebar for those interested.  

A Rule of Prayer

For the past week or so, I've been following a Byzantine Rule of Prayer. It is markedly different from many other rules of prayer in that it has the unmistakable focus on the fact that we--humanity--are imperfect and humble sinners.

The Morning (and Evening) prayer are the same each day. We begin each morning by saying,

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, cleanse me of my sins and have mercy on me.
O Lord, forgive me; for I have sinned without number.

Each morning we also recite Psalm 50 (51), the Penitential psalm that we also say during Holy Week which begins, Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion, blot out my offense. Wash me more and more from my guilt, and cleanse me from my sin. Such a fitting way to start the day--asking God to cleanse us of our sins as we cleanse and prepare our outer bodies to face the world. So often, our days begin with left over "baggage" from the night before--or from times long past in our lives.  The frustration and guilt at our own shortcomings often comes back to negatively affect us throughout each day. We ask God to cleanse us of our sins so that we may do His will in our lives anew each morning.   

Both in the morning, and in the evening, we recite The Jesus Prayer 150 times. The Jesus prayer is, "Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." It is also called The Prayer of the Heart and is a way Eastern Christian monks use to follow St. Paul's admonishment to "pray unceasingly." Eastern Christians often use a prayer rope (chotki) to keep count. I just use the small beads of a Rosary, 3 times around.

I have found that this Eastern approach to prayer trickles in the subconscious, as the Holy Spirit often does-- Our Lord is a gentleman and would never force his Love on anyone.

This way of prayer of crying out to God for mercy (for our sins) at once acknowledges God's existence, power, forgiveness and love, and at the same time, my own innate weakness without Him.  It is such a relief to have my entire outlook directed toward one more *everything* than I. 

There is such a freedom in giving my life in its entirety, to Our Lord each morning before I start my day, and in giving it back to Him each evening before I sleep.  This simple prayer rule that does not change reminds me that "God is the same, yesterday, today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8) and that nothing extravagant and unique that I could do would ever be enough to save myself.  Only in emptying all that I am into the arms of the Lord, every day, and every night, will I be able to continue on.

Note:  I have a link to the morning and evening rule of prayer in my sidebar for those interested.  

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is generously sponsored by RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing. 

This week, I had two Outrageous Watch posts, both on government healthcare.  The current administration is, unfortunately, giving us plenty of outrageous things to talk about.  The first Outrageous post is about the government rationing healthcare away from the elderly and disabled, and the second is about the administration squelching our right to free speech with their call to report any e-mail or website address that tries to spread "disinformation" about the proposed healthcare bill. 

I also did two book reviews: The Constant Princess,  about Katherine of Aragon, by Phillipa Gregory and  The Noticer,  a sort of motivational parable by Andy Andrews. 

I hope everyone has a blessed week!

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is generously sponsored by RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing. 

This week, I had two Outrageous Watch posts, both on government healthcare.  The current administration is, unfortunately, giving us plenty of outrageous things to talk about.  The first Outrageous post is about the government rationing healthcare away from the elderly and disabled, and the second is about the administration squelching our right to free speech with their call to report any e-mail or website address that tries to spread "disinformation" about the proposed healthcare bill. 

I also did two book reviews: The Constant Princess,  about Katherine of Aragon, by Phillipa Gregory and  The Noticer,  a sort of motivational parable by Andy Andrews. 

I hope everyone has a blessed week!

7 Quick Takes Friday

August is progressing quickly. Here are today's quick takes.

1. I just learned today that the late Queen Mother, mother to the present Queen of England, was Scottish. I wonder if she had a Scottish accent. I rather doubt it. There is a biography coming out about her in which she will talk about Edward's abdication, the war, etc. Should be interesting.

2. I am amazed at the level of hubris of the current U.S. government. My Outrageous Watch posts are getting more frequent. It makes me sad. I can only trust in God to keep us safe.

3. I am not happy with the fact that I've inherited bad feet. It is difficult when I can barely wear socially acceptable shoes because they bother my bunions. Goodness, that makes me sound quite elderly!

4. I am also not very happy with the proliferation of orange in the fashion world. I went to a store the other day, and most everything was orange!! How many people can really wear bright orange anyway!? The only orange I'd wear would be in the direct context of a fall motif, or on an Oriole's shirt.

5. While we are on the subject of fashion, I'm at the point in life where I can't find anything I want to wear. Everything is either too casual, too revealing, dowdy, or doesn't fit right. Or, it's orange.

6. After reading the book I just reviewed, I wondered why it is that blue eyes, ("striking blue eyes," "peircing blue eyes," "clear blue eyes") are often used as a symbol for divinity, or other worldliness. I've seen it in movies as well. (I think it was "Jesus of Nazareth" in the '70's that particularly did this.) Even as a kid I wondered what it was about blond hair that had everyone in such an uproar. I guess its the rarity, as well as the brightness that does it.

7. Speaking of eyes, my aunt tells me that those with hazel eyes lose the brown portion as they age. My eyes are a mixture of brown and green-ish. I wonder if they will change color as I get older.

7 Quick Takes Friday

August is progressing quickly. Here are today's quick takes.

1. I just learned today that the late Queen Mother, mother to the present Queen of England, was Scottish. I wonder if she had a Scottish accent. I rather doubt it. There is a biography coming out about her in which she will talk about Edward's abdication, the war, etc. Should be interesting.

2. I am amazed at the level of hubris of the current U.S. government. My Outrageous Watch posts are getting more frequent. It makes me sad. I can only trust in God to keep us safe.

3. I am not happy with the fact that I've inherited bad feet. It is difficult when I can barely wear socially acceptable shoes because they bother my bunions. Goodness, that makes me sound quite elderly!

4. I am also not very happy with the proliferation of orange in the fashion world. I went to a store the other day, and most everything was orange!! How many people can really wear bright orange anyway!? The only orange I'd wear would be in the direct context of a fall motif, or on an Oriole's shirt.

5. While we are on the subject of fashion, I'm at the point in life where I can't find anything I want to wear. Everything is either too casual, too revealing, dowdy, or doesn't fit right. Or, it's orange.

6. After reading the book I just reviewed, I wondered why it is that blue eyes, ("striking blue eyes," "peircing blue eyes," "clear blue eyes") are often used as a symbol for divinity, or other worldliness. I've seen it in movies as well. (I think it was "Jesus of Nazareth" in the '70's that particularly did this.) Even as a kid I wondered what it was about blond hair that had everyone in such an uproar. I guess its the rarity, as well as the brightness that does it.

7. Speaking of eyes, my aunt tells me that those with hazel eyes lose the brown portion as they age. My eyes are a mixture of brown and green-ish. I wonder if they will change color as I get older.

Book Review--The Noticer: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective by Andy Andrews

The Noticer: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective. by Andy Andrews

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Noticer, by Andy Andrews is part parable, part motivational speech. The main character, Jones ("Just Jones, no Mr.") is a mysterious old man who shows up in the lives of people when he is needed most to dispense his wisdom geared specifically to fit each individual's crisis, yet timeless and generalizable to everyone. 

The character Jones is a literary messiah figure, a symbol for God.  He is racially ambiguous but with unforgettably clear blue eyes, a device often used in cinematography when representing Jesus or Mary. Called "Jones" by Anglos, he is called "Garcia" by Hispanics and "Chen" by the Chinese. His lesson of perspective must be learned and shared even when he is not there.

Although there is much wisdom in this book, I admit to being a bit envious of this town with their own divine adviser who pops in and out of their lives exactly when needed.  Too, I found it difficult, at times, to decide how much the reader was meant to trust the narrator's voice.  Once the story was finished, I realized the author's intent.  But at the time, I wondered at the credibility of the insistence that the story was "true".  

Nevertheless, this book is moving and thought-provoking. Each person's life he touches, has something to teach and much time can be spent with each lesson learned. It is one of those books that will move in and out of one's consciousness long after it is finished--much like Jones.    

Book Review--The Noticer: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective by Andy Andrews

The Noticer: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective. by Andy Andrews

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Noticer, by Andy Andrews is part parable, part motivational speech. The main character, Jones ("Just Jones, no Mr.") is a mysterious old man who shows up in the lives of people when he is needed most to dispense his wisdom geared specifically to fit each individual's crisis, yet timeless and generalizable to everyone. 

The character Jones is a literary messiah figure, a symbol for God.  He is racially ambiguous but with unforgettably clear blue eyes, a device often used in cinematography when representing Jesus or Mary. Called "Jones" by Anglos, he is called "Garcia" by Hispanics and "Chen" by the Chinese. His lesson of perspective must be learned and shared even when he is not there.

Although there is much wisdom in this book, I admit to being a bit envious of this town with their own divine adviser who pops in and out of their lives exactly when needed.  Too, I found it difficult, at times, to decide how much the reader was meant to trust the narrator's voice.  Once the story was finished, I realized the author's intent.  But at the time, I wondered at the credibility of the insistence that the story was "true".  

Nevertheless, this book is moving and thought-provoking. Each person's life he touches, has something to teach and much time can be spent with each lesson learned. It is one of those books that will move in and out of one's consciousness long after it is finished--much like Jones.    

Fred Astaire Friday

Today Fred and Ginger dance to "Waltz in Swing time." 

Fred Astaire Friday

Today Fred and Ginger dance to "Waltz in Swing time." 

On the Lighter Side

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

On the Lighter Side

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Outrageous Watch--We're all Government Informants Now

Jill Stanek is reporting on her blog that The White House is asking people to report the e-mail and web addresses of people who are spreading "disinformation" about President Obama's proposed health care reform. The White House website says,

"Since we can't keep track of all of them here at the White House, we're asking for your help. If you get an e-mail or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov." (Emphasis mine.)

So, now, private citizens are being asked to report anything that seems "fishy" or comes across (to supporters of the bill) as "disinformation" to The White House! This is more greasing of the already slippery slope of our modern government which seems hell-bent on taking away our rights.

It is responsible government to want to disseminate your party's reasoning behind a particular bill being proposed, but to ask private citizens to report anything that seems "fishy" is going overboard and infringes on the rights of this country's citizens to express their opinions and political viewpoints. America was built on free speech and open dialogue about issues.  It is counterproductive to restrict the freedoms on which this country was founded by encouraging citizens to inform the government about the legal activities of the American people.  

Exercise your right to free speech, before it is taken away completely.

Outrageous Watch--We're all Government Informants Now

Jill Stanek is reporting on her blog that The White House is asking people to report the e-mail and web addresses of people who are spreading "disinformation" about President Obama's proposed health care reform. The White House website says,

"Since we can't keep track of all of them here at the White House, we're asking for your help. If you get an e-mail or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov." (Emphasis mine.)

So, now, private citizens are being asked to report anything that seems "fishy" or comes across (to supporters of the bill) as "disinformation" to The White House! This is more greasing of the already slippery slope of our modern government which seems hell-bent on taking away our rights.

It is responsible government to want to disseminate your party's reasoning behind a particular bill being proposed, but to ask private citizens to report anything that seems "fishy" is going overboard and infringes on the rights of this country's citizens to express their opinions and political viewpoints. America was built on free speech and open dialogue about issues.  It is counterproductive to restrict the freedoms on which this country was founded by encouraging citizens to inform the government about the legal activities of the American people.  

Exercise your right to free speech, before it is taken away completely.

Book Review--The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory

The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Constant Princess tells the story of Katherine of Aragon, who was married to Prince Arthur of England and subsequently to his brother, Prince Henry (later King Henry VIII), when her marriage to Arthur was annulled after his death. 

The story answers the controversy over whether her marriage to Arthur was consummated definitively from a narrative standpoint, but the book itself is not as satisfying a read as The Boleyn Inheritance for a number of reasons.

Gregory portrays Katherine's strong will and relentless ambition as much a result of a death bed promise she made to Arthur as it is a part of her own personality. Her insistence that Katherine was brought up to be a strong confident Queen of a foreign land is almost negated by her reliance on the death bed promise Katherine clings to above all else.

She skips years in the narrative that could have been filled out to make the story more personalized and suspenseful, a lesson she apparently learned by the time she wrote The Boleyn Inheritance which is a much longer book. I admit, too, that what she does write extensively about, Katherine's interest in war, is not something that held my attention.

Her portrayal of the Muslim influence on Spanish culture is intriguing and leaves me wanting more. She brings tantalizing pieces of eastern beauty into her story, sharply contrasted with the comparative barbarism of England of the day and makes us long, with Katherine, for home.   

Book Review--The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory

The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Constant Princess tells the story of Katherine of Aragon, who was married to Prince Arthur of England and subsequently to his brother, Prince Henry (later King Henry VIII), when her marriage to Arthur was annulled after his death. 

The story answers the controversy over whether her marriage to Arthur was consummated definitively from a narrative standpoint, but the book itself is not as satisfying a read as The Boleyn Inheritance for a number of reasons.

Gregory portrays Katherine's strong will and relentless ambition as much a result of a death bed promise she made to Arthur as it is a part of her own personality. Her insistence that Katherine was brought up to be a strong confident Queen of a foreign land is almost negated by her reliance on the death bed promise Katherine clings to above all else.

She skips years in the narrative that could have been filled out to make the story more personalized and suspenseful, a lesson she apparently learned by the time she wrote The Boleyn Inheritance which is a much longer book. I admit, too, that what she does write extensively about, Katherine's interest in war, is not something that held my attention.

Her portrayal of the Muslim influence on Spanish culture is intriguing and leaves me wanting more. She brings tantalizing pieces of eastern beauty into her story, sharply contrasted with the comparative barbarism of England of the day and makes us long, with Katherine, for home.