Underwear Bomber... a TEST RUN??

I wasn't going to post about this issue. I didn't have time to do the research necessary, and we all have been  inundated with info about it, so I was sure that I didn't need to add to it. Especially considering the fact that I have been struggling with it internally, I decided it was best to leave it to the 'experts.' That was until I read these:

The Digital Hairshirt: Accessories
Patrick Madrid: Game Changer
DetNews: Wisc. Man Claims Incident Video Taped

These articles made me think that this incident may not have been an 'actual' attack. Yes, it was an attack, yes it was against out country and Christianity - ON CHRISTMAS. But maybe the intent was never to actually blow up the plane. This is just a theory, and I know I have done this before, so hang with me.

Let's pretend that there was a video taper of the incident. If the plane was SUPPOSED to blow up, what good would a tape be? None. So what would be the point? The point of taping is to watch - but what were they looking for. Again, going on the theory that this was staged and never intended as an actual "blow-up" we then have to analyze all aspects of it.

What were they looking for:

• The passengers reactions?
• The crews reactions? 
• Did they get what they were looking for?

The tape theory doesn't lend itself to these theories; but how about our reaction by DHS, the Administration, etc... if it was a 'dry run' what have they 'gained'?

I don't believe it was a 'real' attack. I have a feeling this was some sort of rehearsel. I know there are those that have forwarded this theory, and in response a lot of people reply with the argument that such a theory is silly because all it did was raise our 'awareness' and tip the terrorists 'hand.' My reply is, "What have we changed? REALLY?" We don't know their plan, this sort of device could EASILY still be on board, and if all they wanted was a plane blown up they could have accomplished it, right?

Now let's really throw the monkey wrench into this. Remember last week when the Obama Administration said that there will be a new 3-hour max for planes waiting on runways? What about waiting in-line at the airport? So now how do we reconcile all this with new "security measures?"

I just don't think is the last of all of this. I think there are too many things that point to something else, even though I am not quite sure what that "else" is. I hope that in the next few weeks we figure out a way to ensure the security of our air, our lives, and our freedom. I also hope that we take this serious and the appropriate steps are taken as opposed to a show being put on simply to make us all "feel" better.

The most that the majority of us can do is ... well, pray.

Shop at Aquinas and More!

There have been a few blogs and a few posts lately that have been knocking Catholic Web-stores. I understand that Christmas just passed, and not everyone gets a great shopping experience with every purchase they make, ESPECIALLY during the holidays.

I can say that I recently purchased a cookbook for my wife on Aquinas and More and was completely satisfied with my purchase, experience, and order. As you may realize, getting things to Alaska takes a tad longer than average and I found the order to be shipped quickly and efficiently.

So if you are looking to get a catholic gift, feel confident in using A&M!

Where have all the... Sea Lions Gone?

Ok... so in the Crazy-Conspiracy-Laden-Theory Category, I found this post: The Digital Hairshirt: They Know Something We Don't

Umm... What? Someone HAS to be able to concoct a good conspiracy theory about this... anyone? If I were in San Fran, I might just spring for some extra earth quake insurance & go to reconciliation.

On the Clock...

Just a quick update about BABY WATCH, which is what I am calling my family situation right now. My wife is now 37 weeks, which means she is full term. Most of our families have semi-earlier births, but we think God is pretty good at knowing the best time for the baby to come.

We have met with our Nurse-Midwife, our OB, and have been meeting with our Doulas. [Guess I won't be making jokes or sarcastic comments during the delivery with 4 birthing professionals - all female- in the room :( ] So now we are just "on the clock" - as they say in pro sports drafts. The due date is Jan. 16. Both of our sisters are flying in on the 14th and 17th... so I think the baby will either be early whereas they will both miss the birth - or it will be late causing a "panic" as to whether they will even BE HERE for the birth.

I am informing you this solely out of excitement... but also in case I "disappear" for a few days. The Christmas and New Year days always create sporadic blog situations for some people and then to add to it a birth... people might just stop reading all together if I don't post for a week straight... so please stick with me :)

Also... we finally received 3 things from our registry and feel confident having the child now. We have a bassinet/co-sleeper, a car seat, and some cloth diapers. We aren't slacking due to some lazy attitude, we just are without a baby store within 3-hours of us so it has made it difficult to STOCK UP. We really are blessed with some AMAZING new friends and 'family' [aka Church friends] so we have pretty much everything we need. We also know once the little mini-human leaves its round the clock jacuzzi we will have more than what we need.

I ask for nothing more than your prayers and a little patience when the time comes. [Also, if you are a fabulously rich person looking to spoil a strange child, you can always click on my Amazon wish list and get the child something from there. Even the books will help... trust me I will make sure I read them to the baby.] We really are excited... and I look forward to posting more posts relating to the Defense of Children and families on this blog. I know I have slipped a bit in my "focus" but I plan to get back to the theme of Battling Against the Wickedness and Snares of the Devil.... right after we bring a bundle of love into the world.

Now if we could only settle on a good strong Catholic name....

Feast of the Holy Family

Yesterday was the feast of the Holy Family. I know I am a day late on this, but I felt it was important to separate this from all the other Christmas posts that were being thrown up all around.

Smarter people than I have posted about this feast and the meaning behind the readings. But I want to give my own little take. Here is the Gospel Reading:

41 And hisparents went every year to Jerusalem, at the solemn day of the pasch. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast, 43 and having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained inJerusalem. And his parents knew it not. 44 And thinking that he was in the company, they came a day's journey and sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. 45 And not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of thedoctors, hearing them and asking them questions.47 And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers. 48 And seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: Son, why have you done so to us? Behold your father and I have sought you sorrowing. 49 And he said to them: How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be about my father's business? 50 And they understood not the word that he spoke unto them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazarethand was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart. 52 And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and grace with God and men.  --- Luke 2:41-52

The Catena Aurea has some interesting commentary. I will post some of the finer points below and then my commentary will be below that. [All Catena Aurea material is from Catechetics Online]

AMBROSE; Or the twelfth year was the commencement of our Lord's disputation with the doctors, for this was the number of the Evangelists necessary to preach the faith.

THEOPHYL; But some one will ask, how was it that the Son of God, brought up by His parents with such care, could be left behind from forgetfulness? To which it is answered, that the custom of the children of Israel while assembling at Jerusalem on the feast days, or returning to their homes, was for the women and men to go separately, and the infants or children to go with either parent indiscriminately. And so both Mary and Joseph each thought in turn that the Child Jesus, whom they saw not with them, was returning with the other parent. Hence it follows, But they, supposing him to have been in the company, &c

THEOPHYL; To show that He was a man, He humbly listened to the masters; but to prove that He was God, He divinely answered those who spoke.  

CHRYS. The Lord truly did no miracle in His childhood, yet this one fact St. Luke mentions, which made men look with wonder upon Him. 

ORIGEN; Let us then also ourselves be subject to our parents. But if our fathers are not let us be subject to those who are our fathers. Jesus the Son of God is subject to Joseph and Mary. But I must be subject to the Bishop who has been constituted my father. It seems that Joseph knew that Jesus was greater than he, and there fore in awe moderated his authority. But let every one see, that oftentimes he who is subject is the greater. Which if they who are higher in dignity understand they will not be elated with pride, knowing that their superior is subject to them.

I think this final commentary from Origen is the most striking. The concept of subjecting one's self to another, even when we are the 'greater' is one of humility. I wondered something while contemplating the idea of parenthood and the image of God:

If we are truly made in the image of God, then we too must go through a transformation and reformation in our souls throughout our life. When we are born, and a single person in our unity with God, we are like God the Father, sovereign over ourselves in unity with God. Sovereign in the sense that we submit ourselves to God singularly. We then get married, and subject ourselves to our spouse. We humble our soul to another in unity, or tri-unity, with God and our spouse. Much the way God sent Jesus, HIS Son in a Tri-Unity with humanity. Finally, the descending of the Holy Spirit is the creation of something separate but unified not in a neo-creative way, but instead in a pro-creative way. [Here, pro-creative not in a sexual sense, but instead a metaphysical or spiritual way.]
The Holy Spirit is the the ESSENCE of God the Father and Jesus [or of the same ESSENCE] - the third person of the Trinity both a totality of the other two and at the same time autonomous and unique. This is similar to how when a baby is born to the couple described above, that baby contains both the combined and SAME ESSENCE of the unified couple, but also its own. The man and woman in a marriage, completely submit themself to each other and their child, not in disgrace but instead in love and obedience. The man and  the woman each become the third in the tri-union within their family. Whether it be with their spouse and child or; with the tri-union with the Body of Christ [the Church] and God.

We have everything that we need in the bible and the teachings of the Catholic Church. We see the submission of both Joseph and Mary in their unique roles as individuals and as "players" in the greater cosmic and historical pageantry of the Mystery of God. We too must learn submission, not out of concession [loss] but instead out of obedience and love.

Men with their Women - Reclaiming your marriage rite

There are a lot of stereo types about men and women out there, I think we can all agree on this. The main theme on this blog is the Defense of our Faith, and thereby our families and country, against the forces of the Devil, evil, and of course his main weapon: RELATIVISM. These two intersect when relativism or evil creates some sort of chasm between the interaction between the sexes. These chasms become interwoven into our culture and into the dynamic which is the everyday interaction of men and women, especially those courting one another.
I met my wife a long time ago. We didn't marry for a long time, which is another story for another time, but one of the the things we have always fought against, and one of the things "of this world" which we have always struck out against are the "new age" stereo types that exist in the sexes. Don't get me wrong I think that gender roles EXIST, are a good thing, and are often innate in us. Yet, stereotypes are sort of anti-roles that have emerged through cultural and societal conditioning. [This is especially true since the late 60's and early-70's.] It has hurt both sexes, but I think it has hurt men the most. I have talked about this before, the immasculation of men, the portrayal of men in tv as bumbling idiots, and the way that our culture has formed the image of the man into an un-chivalrous buffoon.
One of the ways this has happened is the idea that men love and should love activities which get them away from women. [Don't read this incorrectly. I am not arguing that men SHOULDN'T have their own hobbies and have times, places and things where they join other men in friendship and camaraderie.] We have terms like "deer hunting widows" and "man caves." These terms have been created to explain situations and places where men and women separate from each other for "alone" time. Interestingly, there aren't "fad-tastic" words for spending time together.
Now, this isn't my way of bragging about my wife or my marriage for that matter. Instead I am going to use my marriage and examples from my life to show ways that these stereotypes and situations can be broken and battled against.
When I proposed to my wife she had never fired a gun, gone hunting, ridden a snowmachine, or gone ice fishing. In the last 10 months she has done all of the above. Now I am not saying that these things are intrinsically important to a marriage, but they are examples of how a guy can find ways to not only do things in which he enjoys, but find opportunities to spend time with his wife and broaden their relationship. This is what I have found with my wife. Sure, there are times in which I do these things alone, or with other guys absent my wife. In fact, those are necessary and important times for both of us in a marriage. But just as these activities don't carry anything intrinsic within them that adds to a marriage, they also don't inversely have anything intrinsically beneficial within them that add to a man when they are done purposefully without his wife. In short, the activities carry their intrinsic qualities regardless of the fact with whom they are shared.
So guys, every once and while ask the wife along hunting, fishing, or whatever it is you do. Don't expect her to like it, don't expect her to "Get it," be "good" at it, or even go more than once. Do let her experience it though. Let he see what it is you do, so that she has SOME context. This will prove dividends when you DO "go it alone." Heck, who knows... maybe she WILL love it and the next thing you know she will want to spend your next tax return on matching shotguns instead of a new patio set. I don't think any marriages are in danger of having to many mutual activities. I do think there are marriages in danger of having too many solo ones though. God wants us to have time together, and time apart. He doesn't want us to live separate lives though. Therefore, we must include our spouses in the things we love if for no other reason than to allow them to share in the things that make us happy.
As an example I am including some pictures of what my wife and I did today. We went ice-fishin in Alaska. That meant getting all bundled up, taking some snow machines out on a lake, and standing in the cold for a few hours. I know this won't be every ladies' cup of tea, but to prevent some excuses my wife is 37+ weeks pregnant and said, "Who WOULDN'T want to do this or try this?" [Note: We were safe in everything that we did. We understand the precautions and health implications of everything surrounding pregnancy and nothing we did was contrary to her health, the baby's health, or any doctors advisory.]

Cowboy Code = Manhood Code?

Dave over at Truemanhood.com hit it out of the park again with his posting of Gene Autry's "Cowboy Code."  He thinks that this code is applicable nowadays to all men. I agree. Dave also explains that these are mandatory and not suggestions or optional in certain cases. I agree with that as well.

I wonder if this needs to be changed at all to relate it to Catholic men? I don't really think it does - but I definitely think that there are some things that we are called to do as Catholic men that may not be encompassed in this code.

Overall though... I think if we as men live by this code or any other in this ilk, our society would be much better off. Like I said, Truemanhood.com hit another one out of the park

St. Stephen's Day Surprise!

So we had a wonderful Christmas. We went to a family's house that are some friends of mine from work and got to have a WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS! For dinner we had Ham, Halibut and Caribou aka Reindeer. [I know a little twisted right?]

Today, my wife and I decided to visit a local 2nd hand store that some parishioners have told me about but we have yet to visit. We knew we needed some baby clothes as the due date is now within 3 weeks. So we went in and were pleasantly surprised. We got a good deal on some clothes and were meandering about when I came upon these beauties:

They were randomly with some other books. Now they aren't anything TOO glorious, at least in terms of rarity or value. [I looked them up and in their condition "Good-to Very Good" 3-4/5 - they run about $5-$20 a piece. Usually the set goes for around $20-25.] But, they are a gold-gem for me, especially in Alaska. I love old books & used books. Something about a book that means a great deal to you, that someone else once had and for some reason for another has let loose into the wild.

These books are actually quite nice. Since they aren't in "Excellent" condition I feel comfortable reading them and using them. They contain quite a bit of saints, and were published in 1954. So they contain a lot of the older information about some of the saints that you don't currently get in the newer books. They are also in leather hardbacks with nice gilding and each come with ribbon markers.

Another nice thing about these books is that they have a lot of nice color pictures.

I love marker ribbons. I seriously think that ALL hardcover books should have them. They are inexpensive and add an awesome element to a book. Not only do they remove the necessity for some silly bookmark, but they add an elegant touch to a book. For some reason the first volume only has one red ribbon, a little thicker and nicer than the second volume. It appears as if this was the original ribbon, but that sort of thing is difficult to tell. The second volume comes with a 5-ribbon set, making the marking of certain saints quite easy. The bindings on these books are a little loose and some pages are little loose, but not so horrible that I feel uncomfortable reading them and using them as I would any other book.

The hagiography in these volumes is quite interesting I have noticed several of the saints have different stories than I am used to reading. I know after Vatican II and in more recent years the lives have been reformed a bit, but these seem to be a little more "historically" based and less "story" based. It is difficult to tell though on some saints, because historical recordings of many of the early saints come from some type of verbal history. The written lives of the saints have always gone through an ebb and flow of written evolution.

Overall, I am quite pleased. The books were listed as $8 a piece, but I ended up getting them for $8 for the set. They have Imprimaturs and Nihil Obstats so I know that I am at least getting "approved" books. I love books. I am a bibliophile for sure. I am seriously the easiest person in the world to shop for. Books, pens, stationery, guns, and other "guy" things make me as giddy as a 12 year old boy receiving his first .22 rifle.

So if any of you are ever getting rid of any old Catholic books... please feel free to send them my way. I really want to have a nice library one day of old books and have people walk in and say, "Wow, that's really cool!" I know it is a small insignificant dream, but it is my dream. I would have a nice gun rack in there, and a writing desk with fine linen paper, a fountain pen, and a cool globe. I think that sounds way cooler than a "man cave" with a flat screen, an x-box, and surround sound :)

Urbi et Orbi Message - Pope Benedict XVI

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Rome and throughout the world,
and all men and women, whom the Lord loves!

“Lux fulgebit hodie super nos,
quia natus est nobis Dominus.
A light will shine on us this day,
the Lord is born for us”
(Roman Missal, Christmas, Entrance Antiphon for the Mass at Dawn)

The liturgy of the Mass at Dawn reminded us that the night is now past, the day has begun; the light radiating from the cave of Bethlehem shines upon us.

The Bible and the Liturgy do not, however, speak to us about a natural light, but a different, special light, which is somehow directed to and focused upon “us”, the same “us” for whom the Child of Bethlehem “is born”. This “us” is the Church, the great universal family of those who believe in Christ, who have awaited in hope the new birth of the Saviour, and who today celebrate in mystery the perennial significance of this event.

At first, beside the manger in Bethlehem, that “us” was almost imperceptible to human eyes. As the Gospel of Saint Luke recounts, it included, in addition to Mary and Joseph, a few lowly shepherds who came to the cave after hearing the message of the Angels. The light of that first Christmas was like a fire kindled in the night. All about there was darkness, while in the cave there shone the true light “that enlightens every man” (Jn 1:9). And yet all this took place in simplicity and hiddenness, in the way that God works in all of salvation history. God loves to light little lights, so as then to illuminate vast spaces. Truth, and Love, which are its content, are kindled wherever the light is welcomed; they then radiate in concentric circles, as if by contact, in the hearts and minds of all those who, by opening themselves freely to its splendour, themselves become sources of light. Such is the history of the Church: she began her journey in the lowly cave of Bethlehem, and down the centuries she has become a People and a source of light for humanity. Today too, in those who encounter that Child, God still kindles fires in the night of the world, calling men and women everywhere to acknowledge in Jesus the “sign” of his saving and liberating presence and to extend the “us” of those who believe in Christ to the whole of mankind.

Wherever there is an “us” which welcomes God’s love, there the light of Christ shines forth, even in the most difficult situations. The Church, like the Virgin Mary, offers the world Jesus, the Son, whom she herself has received as a gift, the One who came to set mankind free from the slavery of sin. Like Mary, the Church does not fear, for that Child is her strength. But she does not keep him for herself: she offers him to all those who seek him with a sincere heart, to the earth’s lowly and afflicted, to the victims of violence, and to all who yearn for peace. Today too, on behalf of a human family profoundly affected by a grave financial crisis, yet even more by a moral crisis, and by the painful wounds of wars and conflicts, the Church, in faithful solidarity with mankind, repeats with the shepherds: “Let us go to Bethlehem” (Lk 2:15), for there we shall find our hope.

The “us” of the Church is alive in the place where Jesus was born, in the Holy Land, inviting its people to abandon every logic of violence and vengeance, and to engage with renewed vigour and generosity in the process which leads to peaceful coexistence. The “us” of the Church is present in the other countries of the Middle East. How can we forget the troubled situation in Iraq and the “little flock” of Christians which lives in the region? At times it is subject to violence and injustice, but it remains determined to make its own contribution to the building of a society opposed to the logic of conflict and the rejection of one’s neighbour. The “us” of the Church is active in Sri Lanka, in the Korean peninsula and in the Philippines, as well as in the other countries of Asia, as a leaven of reconciliation and peace. On the continent of Africa she does not cease to lift her voice to God, imploring an end to every injustice in the Democratic Republic of Congo; she invites the citizens of Guinea and Niger to respect for the rights of every person and to dialogue; she begs those of Madagascar to overcome their internal divisions and to be mutually accepting; and she reminds all men and women that they are called to hope, despite the tragedies, trials and difficulties which still afflict them. In Europe and North America, the “us” of the Church urges people to leave behind the selfish and technicist mentality, to advance the common good and to show respect for the persons who are most defenceless, starting with the unborn. In Honduras she is assisting in process of rebuilding institutions; throughout Latin America, the “us” of the Church is a source of identity, a fullness of truth and of charity which no ideology can replace, a summons to respect for the inalienable rights of each person and his or her integral development, a proclamation of justice and fraternity, a source of unity.

In fidelity to the mandate of her Founder, the Church shows solidarity with the victims of natural disasters and poverty, even within opulent societies. In the face of the exodus of all those who migrate from their homelands and are driven away by hunger, intolerance or environmental degradation, the Church is a presence calling others to an attitude of acceptance and welcome. In a word, the Church everywhere proclaims the Gospel of Christ, despite persecutions, discriminations, attacks and at times hostile indifference. These, in fact, enable her to share the lot of her Master and Lord.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, how great a gift it is to be part of a communion which is open to everyone! It is the communion of the Most Holy Trinity, from whose heart Emmanuel, Jesus, “God with us”, came into the world. Like the shepherds of Bethlehem, let us contemplate, filled with wonder and gratitude, this mystery of love and light! Happy Christmas to all!

Fall on your knees...

Deus, qui hanc sacratíssimam noctem veri lúminis fecísti illustratióne claréscere: da, quaésumus; ut, cujus lucis mystéria in terra cognóvimus, ejus quoque gáudiis in caelo perfruámur. Qui tecum vivit.
O God, who hast made this most holy night to shine forth with the brightness of the true light, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who have known the mystery of His light on earth, may attain the enjoyment of His happiness in Heaven. Who with Thee liveth.


(From the Collect of the Roman Missal - Mass at Midnight [Source: St. Andrew Missal]
H/T: Fr. Acervo

Cave to Cathedral...

2000 years ago... a man and a Woman were traveling far; obeying their government and obeying their God. They needed a place to stay; the Woman with Child. All they found that night was a cave...

After a few hundred years it is good to know they finally found their home.

(Photos are all from random searches and are for representative purposes only.)

Christmas Eve & Christmas Traditions...

It is my wife and I's first Christmas as a married couple, and also our first Christmas away from home. We are in a bitter-sweet mood about this. We are sad to not be with family, but we are also excited to start our OWN traditions and carry on some older ones.

My wife is going to attempt a Wigilia with some Alaskan twists. I know that is an odd combo but it sounds good to me.

We also have been growing our "Alaskan Family" and look to spend some time with them. We really have been blessed by the OVERWHELMING love and outreach we have received from the families at our new parish home. We couldn't have asked for more love and support, and so we are excited to spend such an important and joyous time with people that are not only loving, but share in our faith and beliefs about this season.

I plan on blogging over the next few days if possible... but in case I don't or you don't read I wanted to make sure I wished everyone a very Merry Christmas! So if you are reading... let me know some of your interesting or unique Christmas traditions... we are just starting so this is the best time for us to implement them :)

Health Care Question aka Fear Mongering Conspiracy Theory

Ok so to quash all the hate mail I am going to say this now: This is a stream of consciousness kind of post. It is meant to be thought provoking... not as statements of fact. [See how I did that media? I prefaced my post with a disclaimer?]

Ok so let's say this health care bill goes through. Doesn't matter what form or the specifics, because between now and "then" the form is going to change quite a bit. The implementation is an entirely different question on its own.

So we get gov't funded health care. Let's say we even keep our private care if we want it; yet, I am sure that the funding will all be interconnected. So the question I want to know is, in what way will our freedoms and choices over our PRIMARY/PREVENTATIVE care be affected?

Seems like a valid question right? Also seems at first glance to not matter that much right? Twice yearly check-up exams, mandatory testing for certain things per some "well researched" schedule. The obvious things come to mind. What if we go a tad deeper? Now again, I know this is CONSPIRACY theory-esque but think about how easily and logical this *COULD* occur:

• Cost on child health care is rising especially in terms of "preventable" condition X.
• Research is done by some gov't funded group regarding condition X.
• The group doing the research is funded by grants by the gov't and health care so they come up with a typical set of findings. [Isn't this the same thing the left complains about with "Big Pharma?"]
• So, the research points to the fact that condition X could possibly be prevented by a vaccine. [Oh, not fair right? Using that "Buzz" word vaccine... but I think it is valid.]
• The vaccine proves to be 99.8% effective at preventing X.
• The gov't at this point has sunk $5.5mil into research/funding this issue.
• They realize that vaccination will cost $10mil + the $5.5 research for a total bill of $15.5mil - over the next 10 years.
• The research points to the fact that without vaccination the "cost" of X will be around $12-18mil.
• They decide that they will use some funding bill or some other means to coax the requirement of the vaccination onto the general populous for "the health" of the country. Or is it the cost savings?
• A parent objects to vaccinations.
• Now what?

My point is not that vaccines are evil. I don't wish to get into that discussion, because frankly I am not a medically or scientifically trained person. [I am completely untrained in almost all regards :) ] My question is how soon before this scenario occurs? It all seems pretty benign doesn't it? Let's take the "hot topic" vaccine out of the equation and change it to some other "procedure" that is totally safe. What if you simply don't want to HAVE it, but to keep your insurance you HAVE to have it? Sure, there may be wiggle room out of my scenarios now, but don't tell me that there aren't imaginable scenarios where there isn't an escape? And what about personal freedom?

I know this is a lot of "what ifs" but it doesn't seem that far fetched does it? This bill happened too fast and with too little debate. I saw a commercial yesterday from some interest group where they portrayed "Congressional Hearings" on the Health Care Issue. It was actually in support of the bill which is what made it so ironic. Anyway, they have the "public" parading in front of a microphone in congress demanding health care. Don't you wish we had at least THAT type of discussion? I mean, they put more thought into the STEROIDS issue than they did this. Hmmm, actually that is a good question... I'd love to find out the hearing/committee time spent on steroids versus this bill.

The point is that any time the gov't runs something, there is a COST factor. There has to be, they are essentially in the business of running this country. I don't care who is in charge, the D's or the R's; anytime some big program is put forward the cost element plays the deciding role. So why would we think and believe that at the end of the day the most important issue is the health and life of Americans as opposed to the cost and economic viability of this program?

O Antiphons - a quick recap...

I haven't talked about the "O Antiphons" on here. Because I am in a place where latin, chant, and the Tridentine Rite are not used sometimes these things slip past my radar.

For info on 'O Antiphons' & 'more O Antiphons' info.

I would be remiss if I let the season pass without some mention. While reading Catholic Eye Candy today, I realized how much I miss the Tridentine Rite and more traditional aspects of the faith especially around HOLY days like Christmas. [Please don't get me wrong... I love the New Mass (Novus Ordo) and think that when it is said validly and licitly it carries with it the Mystery and the Glory of God just as the Tridentine, Dominican, and all the other more ancient rites.] They are essentially chants from the Liturgy of the Hours. They relate to different names of Christ and give us a glimpse as to He which is about to come.

The final O Antiphon is "Emmanuel." Check out the link Catholic Eye Candy for a taste of the Chant. It really is beautiful - please go check it out and have a listen.

Here are all the O Antiphons (from: Women for Faith & Family):

The "O Antiphons"

O WISDOM, who came from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end and ordering all things mightily and sweetly: Come, and teach us the way of prudence.
Sirach 24:2; Wisdom 8:1. Symbols: oil lamp, open book.

O LORD AND RULER of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: Come, and redeem us with outstretched arm.
Exodus 3:2, 20:1. Symbols: burning bush, stone tablets.

O ROOT OF JESSE, who stands for an ensign of the people, before whom kings shall keep silence and unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication: Come to deliver us, and tarry not.
Isaiah 11:1-3. Symbol: vine or plant with flower (especially a rose).

O KEY OF DAVID, and Scepter of the House of Israel, who opens and no man shuts, who shuts and no man opens: Come, and bring forth the captive from his prison, he who sits in darkness and in the shadow of death.
Isaiah 22:22. Symbols: key; broken chains.

O DAWN OF THE EAST, brightness of the light eternal, and Sun of Justice: Come, and enlighten them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
Psalm 19:6-7. Symbol: rising sun.

O KING OF THE GENTILES and their desired One, the Cornerstone that makes both one: Come, and deliver man, whom You formed out of the dust of the earth.
Psalm 2:7-8, Ephesians 2:14-20. Symbols, Crown, scepter.

O EMMANUEL, God with us, our King and Lawgiver, the expected of the nations and their Savior: Come to save us, O Lord our God.
Isaiah 7:14; 33:22. Symbols: tablets of stone, Chalice and Host.

Words are important... hand written ones even more so...

I received one of the most interesting and amazing hand written notes today. It came in a package of a gift that I purchased for my boss. I bought it from a national retailer; ParadisePen.com and made the purchase like I normally would. I signed onto their website, found what I was looking for, filled out all my info, put my desired "Gift Message" in the appropriate box, decided against the "premium wrapping" and clicked "CONFIRM."

A few days later I received my package and opened to inspect my purchase. I found it wrapped in nice paper. I was a little concerned that I clicked the expensive wrapping choice and extracted the shipping sheet. To my confusion out popped a little envelope with my name nicely written on the front. The note went on to explain that the person had recently spoken with my boss (an avid shopper from that store via the web) and was impressed with my gift selection. They also wanted to ensure that I did not pay for the wrapping, but that it was their "gift to me." They also thanked me very kindly for shopping with them, [I honestly purchased one of the least expensive things in their entire inventory] and left me their business card if I ever had any other needs from their store.

I was blown away. This manager pieced together from the order, the location, and then the name on the gift card whom I was purchasing it for. Now, this isn't just the person who packs the orders, this is the store manager who in the height of the Christmas season took not only to ensure that the order was properly packed, but looked over all the details of the order to make sure that everything was perfect. Upon discovering a familiarity with the recipient [from last name and location only] they then took the time to write a wonderful handwritten note AND hand wrap the gift for me.

I was floored. Don't get me wrong, I know this wasn't about me... it was about a valued customer, but in the end it was about me. Some random guy who obviously could barely afford to shop at their store received gold star treatment. It made me instantly want to sign on and buy a pen that would surely cause me to get in so much trouble from my better half, that I would surely be sleeping outside, in Alaska, for the next month. I didn't... because I am smart :), but I did realize that I could do something better.

I could tell all those that I know. Not only to shop at:

But also to remember to send handwritten notes. Not typed, not an email, and definitely not  text. A hand written note. It doesn't have to be a tome, a simple note card will do. It really will make all the difference especially to those that get you nice things this holiday or down the road that do the same.

Interestingly, I also received a second note today. It was typed and the mailing label was printed as well. Now this note came in a manner and for a reason that doesn't always call for a note follow, so the gesture was outstanding. Yet, it paled in comparison compared to the hand written one that I also received.

I know this post wasn't very "CATHOLIC" but it has inspired me to write a little bit more about "manners" and "chivalry." These dying terms and practices are a good way to bring the love and civility back to our culture. Once a long time ago such things fell under the title of: Etiquette. We Catholic men especially, have a great role model: Saint Joseph. I mean how many guys do you know that would walk 100 plus miles with a laboring woman? That is chivalry... that is some Etiquette.

Winter Scenes...

I thought a few sights from around here would be a nice little treat. I took these pics, and my friend who is an amateur photog edited them a bit (hence the watermarks):

Sen. Mark Begich needs a Christmas present...

(Caption: "This is how big a baby is when it is aborted under Obama-Care.")

Looks as if political desire is more important than human life. The senate voted for Obama-care tonight paving the way for a full passage eventually. The vote was 60-40 right along party lines. I guess Catholic Senator Mark Begich cares more about his fellow democrats than he does his Church or his God. I guess for Christmas we should get him some things to help:

Crusader Elephants??

Big ole' Hat-tip to Fr. Finigan:

In recent months, herds of wild elephants have begun to storm villages that are home to some of the worst persecutors of Christians during the troubles.  In one village, where in August a year ago the Christians had to run for their lives while their homes were being destroyed by rioters, a herd of elephants emerged from the surrounding jungle exactly one year later, in July 2009, at the same time of the day of the attack.

Read the rest of the article here: http://www.archdioceseofcolombo.com/news.php?id=851

I haven't heard too much about this... but it surely is interesting.

Petition: Support the New Translation of the Missal

For those of you that don't know, the Missal that we currently use in english is undergoing a translation. There is resistance to it, because, well - people oppose change at any turn.

Our Missal needs change... and therefore we should support the change. Nothing is perfect and waiting won't get us a perfect translation. The proposed version has been thoughtfully and purposefully done... so we should support it. Those who support the translation are good and holy men - and I have not found anyone that I trust or look to for guidance that opposes the proposed translation.

That is why it is important to sign this petition. It is also important because it is in response to the MAJOR opposition to the translation. That group started a similar petition to show their support. This is an honorable way to show our support.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/enoughwaiting/

I will shovel your snow for LIFE...

...if you get our baby one of these:

Don't worry... I am only kidding; I will hire someone to do your snow.

Here is the link to the website - unfortunately they are not yet in production :(

http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/10/view/8457/shi-jinsong-gun-shape-baby-carriage.html

Culture of Death "Strikes" Again... literally.

Abortion clinic escort strikes Planned Parenthood investigator Lila Rose 


From Catholicnewsagency.com - 

San Jose, Calif., Dec 19, 2009 / 03:37 am (CNA).- Legal charges are pending against a male Planned Parenthood escort who struck pro-life activist Lila Rose on the hands on Thursday outside an abortion clinic. She warned that the surprising attack should not help create a “double standard” that hinders clinic protesters’ free speech rights.

Rose, the president of Live Action Films who has led undercover investigations into the abortion provider, was not injured in the attack.

She was on a public sidewalk outside a Planned Parenthood affiliate in San Jose, California with a group of about 20 students and three adults to pray and provide information to women who might be open to alternatives to abortion, a statement from Live Action says.

Shortly before noon on Thursday, she interacted with a uniformed male Planned Parenthood escort.

According to Rose, she spoke to the escort from the public sidewalk and asked him if he was familiar with the abortion procedure.

The escort then approached her rapidly from the Planned Parenthood parking lot and said, “You idiot. You've caused so much trouble. You piece of crap."

Rose asked if she could show him a picture of what abortion “really does to a baby.” The escort then struck Rose on the hand, knocking literature and a Bible to the ground.

According to Live Action Films, the police report said Rose stepped further back on the sidewalk and the escort stepped toward her.

He was visibly shaking and said “It’s a woman’s choice!”

To this, Rose responded “What about the baby’s choice?”

The escort said “It’s not a baby!” and turned and walked away.

Read the rest here: Abortion Clinic Worker Strikes Pro-Life Warrior

Wow... I am more shocked at his answer than his smack. I mean, things get pretty heated in these situations. but for him to answer... "It's not a baby?"

My favorite answer to that response is: "Then you aren't pregnant!" But really... what is it then? That isn't a religious belief... I mean, really what is it?

Could tomorrow bring: Venerable Pope John Paul II or "Why one Jesuit priest is completely off base..."

Tomorrow - or by the time I finish this post - it will be December 19, 2009. This is an EXCITING DAY for me because it is the love of my life's birthday and the day in which Pope John Paul II may be declared Venerable! This is awesome... and clears the way for him to be declared Blessed.

Some major news sources are reporting on this, as well as a major portion of the Cathol-ogosphere. Along with that though, the media decides not to find someone speaking to the amazing things that Pope John Paul II did during his life or the time as Pope, but instead finds someone who diminishes his legacy and this momentous declaration.

The full post I am refering to is found on a Euro-blog on FoxNews.com:
http://liveshots.blogs.foxnews.com/2009/12/18/blessed-john-paul-ii-book-your-hotel-now/?test=latestnews

The story is pretty typical coverage of the Church. Ill-informed and off base. The worst though is who they found to comment on the situation: Fr. Thomas Reese: [My comments in BLUE]

One Jesuit priest doesn’t think any pope should be made a saint.[What, really? What? Why? - that is Fr. Reese for you.]

“Saints are supposed to be examples for us how to live a Christian life,” said Fr. Thomas Reese. “How can a pope be an example to anyone but a pope?[WHAT? Under this logic... how can JESUS be an example to anyone but Carpenters or Gods in human form? This is just ridiculous.] We need more young people, parents, business people, politicians and workers as saints.”[Ok this is the part that I have the MOST trouble with. He acts as if Sainthood is some contest or declaration by the Church that is some "American Idol" type contest. He implies that the Vatican sits around deciding who they want to Canonize next. He is completely wrong in his criticism, and horribly misguides readers on the teaching and beliefs of the Theology of Saints. What a shame.]

Fr. Thomas Reese is the same person that:

• Argued that Notre Dame was RIGHT to invite Obama to speak and give him an honorary degree.
• Ran the liberal-esque/modernist-mayhem America, until his resignation.
• Opposes the new translation of the Missal.

I could keep going on and on... but I think you get the point. We need to unite as Catholics. I know that a lot of us bloggers are blamed for doing the opposite. Some argue that we create division and dissent. I would agree that unfortunately that happens sometime. Yet, what if we just let people like Reese run rampant with their blogs and their ideas?

My argument is not that he is a bad or unholy person. Actually, I argue the opposite - that he is a good person and a holy person, just very misguided in his beliefs and teachings. Although the minutia and intricacies of our Theological teachings require prayer, instruction and spiritual guidance; the major tenants are fairly accessible to all who seek them. So to have someone like Rev. Reese be so far off base with those major tenants, and to then lead the unknowing down paths which are contrary to such teachings is unfortunate and damaging. I pray for him, and other modernist-progressives that are attempting to reshape and reform the Church in the image they see fit and to the convenience and appreciation of man, as opposed to the appreciation of Christ. 

Some may ask, "Aren't you simply arguing that you are right and he is wrong? Isn't this about your OPINION versus HIS?" My answer is, NO. This isn't about OPINIONS... it is about the Theological TRUTHS that exist. It is about the truth that is JESUS and his CHURCH.

Following the herd over the cliff...

So I read this post over at AmP:
American Papist: Not Your Average Catholic!: Video: Silent Monks Singing Halleluia

And I realized that I am not a true Catholic blog until I post this video & that Solidarity is a Christian virtue:

Enjoy!

HUGE VISIT DAY!

Yesterday was the biggest day in my blogs history! [I know that isn't saying much.]

Thank you to everyone who commented, emailed, linked, posted, blog-rolled, and followed me as of yesterday! I really do write this blog for the greater glory of God, our Church, and our Country, but it is nice to know that people are reading.

On top of that, I am glad when I can put some words out onto the Inter-webs that help people or affect some something positive. I guess I did that with the Home-Schooling article.

Continue to spread the word about this blog, email me with comments, suggestions, or complaints and don't forget to comment!

Thanks again!!

[[Update:]]

Special thanks to: http://theobservatorium.blogspot.com - They linked me and so I wanted to reciprocate! I should probably think about doing a sidebar with patriotic links eh?

Catholic Anchor Report - Alaskan Bishops Urge Begich to Support the Culture of Life

From the Catholic Anchor

AK bishops urge Begich to support health reform that does not expand abortion funding

Sen. Mark Begich

By JOEL DAVIDSON

Catholicanchor.org

So far, Alaska’s bishops have been unable to convince the state’s Democratic Sen. Mark Begich to support an amendment to health care reform legislation that would prohibit federal tax dollars from paying for abortion, except in the case of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother.

During a Dec. 9 Theology and Brew presentation in Wasilla, Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz told a gathering of local Catholics that the state’s bishops attempted to contact Sen. Begich’s office and urge him to support an amendment to health legislation by fellow Democrat Sen. Ben Nelson, of Nebraska.

 The amendment would have prohibited federal funding of most abortions.

“I managed to get to a staffer and asked that Senator Begich support the amendment, but despite all our efforts we did not get him on our side,” Archbishop Schwietz explained.

On Dec. 8 the U.S. Senate voted to table the bipartisan amendment with Sen. Begich joining the majority 54-45. Fellow Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski (R), voted unsuccessfully with the minority to move the amendment forward.

Archbishop Schwietz said the U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops had asked Alaska’s bishops to contact Sen. Begich because he was seen as a possible supporter of the amendment.

Despite several phone calls, however, efforts to convince Sen. Begich to support the amendment were unheeded.

“We tried to get through but were unsuccessful,” Archbishop Schwietz said, adding that without language to remove abortion funding, the bill would not receive the support from the U.S. bishops.

“We will not support the bill as it is now,” he said.

For the rest of the article go here: Bishops Urge Begich to support Pro-Life language in HCR

[Read More...]

Detroit News on HomeSchool "Witch-hunt"

**(UPDATE)**
The current survey on the Detroit News website shows exactly where Michiganders are on this issue:

Michigan's laws on home schooling include no instruction-time requirements, no curriculum standards, no minimum education level for the teachers and no testing. Should the state toughen its laws on home schooling?
Yes 26.01%
No 73.99%

Remember the scene from Monty Python about the witches? [If you don't you can watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp_l5ntikaU]

Well, it seems like the Detroit News is doing the same thing. They are attacking Home-schooling for some unknown reason and seems to be spurred by one incident that happened back in 2008 where a girl died in a fire due to the abuse of her parents. She was kept from school under the guise of being home-schooled. This makes the writer equate that Home-schooling is a danger to our children. On top of that, the writer is slick enough to camouflage the article in an investigatory tone. [This makes me even MORE suspicious.] If you think that writers don't have a motive to write the next big "Breaking Investigative Story" - you are sadly mistaken.

Here are a few excerpts [my comments in black and blue (The burgundy is the DetNews Article by Mr. French)]:

Michigan has one of the most lenient home school laws in the nation, giving tens of thousands of families the freedom to teach their children in the manner they want without government interference.[Sets it up in a way to make readers think he is a freedom loving individual] But timid and sporadic enforcement of the law's minimal requirements has been exploited by some unscrupulous parents hiding abuse or educational neglect. [I haven't seen that many qualifiers in one sentence since Al Gore tried to explain that whole Global Warming Scam.]

Because the state is barred from collecting any data on home school students, [Is that a pressuposition that such date should be collected?] it's impossible to know how many parents may be abusing the law or how well those students are doing academically.[As opposed to Detroit where only 25% of students graduate high-school - in a district where more money is spent per student than almost anwhere in the mid-west and possibly country.] But at least two deaths can be traced to parents pulling their children from public schools to squelch abuse complaints, authorities say.[Since when? This year... ever...?] In both cases, parents claimed they were home schooling their children despite having no books or educational materials in their homes. [Hmm... I wonder if students ever die in the care of the AMAZINGLY SAFE public schools?]

This is just the beginning folks. This writer goes on for paragraphs pre-supposing that public schools are the set-point for education in our culture, that they are safe, that the education is good, and that home-schools are just unorganized cesspools of abuse and haphazard learning environments. Think I am over exaggerating? Read on:

No one knows the exact count, because state law bars officials from collecting records. [Wording this sentence in this manner implies that there is some natural positive duty or obligation of the state to have such information or be in ownership of such facts.]  The effect is that a Spartan Stadium-full of Michigan kids has dropped off the radar. Some studies suggest home-schooled students fare as well or better academically than their public school peers, although many home-schooled students don't take standardized tests. [This sentence is emblamatic of how faulty this entire article is: first he discounts the studies, then he discounts the entire proposal, and then he presupposes that standardized tests are the best way to measure student knowledge. Sounds like he works for the education system.]

Clearly this writer is blaming Home-schooling for the death and abuse of children. He seems to insinuate that if stricter limitations were put on the home-school families in Michigan, children would be safer, and the state could make sure they were learning what they were supposed to. He also implies that Calista Springer, a girl who died in a fire due to the abuse of her parents would be alive today if it weren't for the lack of home-school regulations. One problem:

Several complaints were lodged against the Springers to Children's Protective Services. It's not known publicly whether Centreville school officials were the source of those complaints, because complainants are kept confidential. What is known is school personnel, such as teachers, principals, counselors and nurses, are mandated by state law to report suspicions of abuse and neglect to the state agency. School officials turned in 13,287 complaints of suspected abuse and neglect statewide in 2007, the most recent year data is available. Those complaints accounted for more than 30 percent of all complaints made to Children's Protective Services, more than from any other group. [Where does the other 70% come from? I mean complaints are good, but he alluded to a MUCH higher number in his arguments above. He made it seem as if every child went to a public school then all abuse would be monitored. But only 3 out of every 10 reports come from schools?]

After the Springers pulled Calista from public school in 2005, telling officials they were going to home school their daughter, the abuse complaints stopped. [So the fault is on Home-schooling??!? What happened to all those complaints (plural)?? They stop so the state figures, "All is well!"?? Where is the outrage at the poor CPS system??? Talk about blame shifting.]

So what is this writer getting at? Why is he trying to "reform" the system? Well here is a glimpse at why:

But most states have other restrictions on home schools that likely would have prevented or halted Calista's home schooling. [AHHH... of course REGULATIONS!] Eleven states require home schools to be taught by certified teachers [I can hear his battle-cry: "Home-school reform will create jobs! And spur the economy!"]; 40 states require a certain number of instruction hours per day; 22 require testing.[Because - "More=better."]

Pennsylvania requires in-home visits by home school inspectors, who talk to the children about their education. ["So kids, what did you learn about today? WHAT? G-d?? NO!!!!" Don't think it would come to that... read a few posts back about Taunton.]

So you see, this WHOLE article is built and designed precisely for more regulations, oversight, and intervention. These people, these "elitists" in the media, government, and academia think they know better than you. In fact they think they know better for you! That is an important distinction. Again if you don't believe me here is the support:

A 2009 analysis of state home school policies conducted by Catherine Lugg, associate professor of education at Rutgers, and Andrea Rorrer, assistant professor of education at the University of Utah, found Michigan to have among the most permissive home school laws in the nation. [See, the cultural ELITE; they went to STATE regulated schools and therefore are SMART!] Those laws, while offering well-intentioned parents educational options for their children, "may unintentionally [unintentionally is a nice way of calling you "STUPID"] place (some) children at risk for poor educational outcomes, as well as endanger their well-being, in some instances," Lugg and Rorrer wrote.

Smith, of the ombudsman's office, recalls one case [one? really... well in that case BRING ON THE REGULATIONS! The whole system is corrupt!] in which the state was unable to stop a family with multiple abuse and neglect complaints from pulling [STOP! Before reading on... realize something... MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS. The parents were KNOWN TO BE PULLING their children from public school. (The argument in the article is that lax regulations prevent the state from knowing that parents pull their children from public school.)] their children from public school to home school, even though both parents were developmentally disabled. [So the state had ALL these facts... but let the children stay with their parents. So it implies that these were incapable parents and were only allowed to keep their children BECAUSE they decided to home school them?????? Does he think we are that daft as to not see him playing fast and loose with these facts???]

"If the children are not in (public) school, there's a whole segment of people who are responsible for filing complaints who are no longer in the children's lives," Smith said. "It's an opportunity for people who don't want outside attention." [This might be the most menacing part of the WHOLE article. This quote symbolizes what this author and what other controlling-statist-elitists believe: that they are smarter, more skilled, and better equipped to raise your children and oversee them. Parents are simply feeders and bathers.]

So he is building his case that Home-schooling killed Calista. Want the smoking gun? Here it is:

"Home school played a role in Calista's death," said prosecutor McDonough. "They basically eliminated any person who could have reported abuse, and the justification was the home school law." [Boom!]

The rest of the story is a bunch of blather about why the laws don't change and all the insurmountable obstacles state officers have in enforcing the proper care of children. This article is a menace. It is on the FRONT PAGE of the DETROIT NEWS. During a time where unemployment is over 25% in the state (50% in some cities); the nation is on the verge of the largest tax increase and social program ever implemented in the history of our country,  and the president's approval ratings are sinking faster than Tiger Woods' the titanic. ABOVE THE FOLD? REALLY?

Now let me put out a disclaimer: I was NOT home-schooled. I am passionate about it though, and feel that our educational system is a joke. I have a TON of respect for teachers, but that does not  mean I have to respect the regulations over the system. Michigan requires an educational certification to teach. So if you have a PhD you can't teach in a Michigan school because you didn't take classes on lesson plans and child psychology. I know that seems like a low-blow, but the author of this article represents a section of people that think that regulation and "education" fix everything. What needs fixing is now HOW we teach our children but WHAT we teach them.

You can find the original article here: Lax Home-School Laws Put Kids at Risk

I also suggest you write the author and tell him how WRONG he is:

rfrench@detnews.com (313) 222-2175

Also a survey here: Home-School Survey