Monday, 16 July 2012
New Post Policy--Repeat for those who missed this...
Oh my goodness I am homesick today....
For Claz, who has never heard these wonderful creatures before...I love the way they die down and come up again in their songs, which are made by their wings...
Someone asked me if I missed anything about an Iowa summer. Two things--the cicadas and the tree frogs. And, here you are....
Married heterosexual couples-no; Gay couples-yes?
http://washington.cbslocal.com/2012/07/16/married-olympians-we-cant-live-together-during-games-but-gay-couples-can/
LONDON (CBSDC) — An Australian Olympic married couple claims they have been prohibited from sharing a room in the London Olympic Village, even though gay couples are reportedly allowed to do so. (What?)
Olympic
shooters Russell and Lauryn Mark told news.com.au that
they are being discriminated against by officials.“The
stupid part of this, which I have argued to them, is that there are
tons of gay couples on the Olympic team who
will be rooming together, so we are being discriminated against
because we are heterosexual,” Russell Mark told news.com.au. Lauryn
Mark additionally told the website that the Australian Olympic
Committee has not helped them with their situation.“Basically
they said if we want to room together we need to check out of the
village and go into a hotel at our own expense. It’s not feasible,”
she told news.com.au. “I am very frustrated because in sport there
are a lot of same-sex couples and it’s OK to be partners with
someone of the same sex, but if you are heterosexual you are
penalized. ”Nick
Green, head of mission for the Australian Olympic Committee, told the
London Evening Standard that the Marks are not being discriminated
against.
“Accommodation
and bedding are done in a particular way to ensure all the athletes
are accommodated in the village,” Green told the Evening Standard. The
couple has previously come under fire for Russell Mark’s claims
that sleeping pills help him, as well as for Lauren Mark’s
provocative photo shoot showing her in a bikini on the cover of a
magazine.The
two will still take part in
the Olympics despite not being able to live together during the
games.
From Courageous Priest
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| Fire Tornado in Brazil in 2010 |
This is brilliant and scary. Msgr. Pope writes of the Scriptural basis for the world ending in fire and judgment-both personal and final. I recommend this site, Courageous Priest. You can get it sent to your e-mail.
The New Racism
Some brave journalists have referred to the increasing racism in America and in England from the Blacks and other minority groups. The mainstream media refuses to admit that POTUS has done more to undermine unity and has actually stirred up racial hatred because of language and ideals of "blackness" or being a minority.
Why does a life-style denote color, or why should color denote a life-style?
That culture and education cross racial lines was a given until recently. Here are some characteristics I have spotted in the press coming either from journalists, as in Standpoint, or in American political comments from Congressmen.
One) If one sends one's minority children to private schools, that Black person is no longer black, but "white".
Answer) Are not private schools available to all and, as I know from experience, are not scholarships available? Look at Notre Dame.
Two) If one goes to a concert or a black-tie dinner, one is no longer Black but white/
Answer) Some of the richest people in the world are of color. What has money to do with race?
Three) Professional sports persons are increasingly from private schools and this shows that Blacks have become whites.
Answer) No, it shows that parents who care about their kids education, even in sport, sacrifice to send them to the best schools for either sport or academics. Sacrifice is a good thing for parents to do.
Four) Blacks are "white" who are Republicans or Tories.
Answer) This is stating that one does not have the freedom to follow a political party of one's choice. That is another definition of slavery. And, in my opinion and that of Star Parker, the Dems and all other socialist parties create a new slavery through poverty programs that merely keep people on the dole or food-stamps instead of encouraging independence and self-fulfillment. If one is getting and not giving, one is emotionally still a child.
Five) One must never learn correct English as it is a sell out to the whites.
Answer) Language transcends color. If you are still rebelling over the British Empire, get over it. It ended a long time ago.
Six) If a Black becomes a Catholic he is no longer Black
Answer) The Catholic Church is the most universal of all....
For Europeans and newbies, an "oreo" is a racist tag for Blacks who are black outside but white inside. Obviously, a racist idea.....an term around at least for forty years in the States.
Why does a life-style denote color, or why should color denote a life-style?
That culture and education cross racial lines was a given until recently. Here are some characteristics I have spotted in the press coming either from journalists, as in Standpoint, or in American political comments from Congressmen.
One) If one sends one's minority children to private schools, that Black person is no longer black, but "white".
Answer) Are not private schools available to all and, as I know from experience, are not scholarships available? Look at Notre Dame.
Two) If one goes to a concert or a black-tie dinner, one is no longer Black but white/
Answer) Some of the richest people in the world are of color. What has money to do with race?
Three) Professional sports persons are increasingly from private schools and this shows that Blacks have become whites.
Answer) No, it shows that parents who care about their kids education, even in sport, sacrifice to send them to the best schools for either sport or academics. Sacrifice is a good thing for parents to do.
Four) Blacks are "white" who are Republicans or Tories.
Answer) This is stating that one does not have the freedom to follow a political party of one's choice. That is another definition of slavery. And, in my opinion and that of Star Parker, the Dems and all other socialist parties create a new slavery through poverty programs that merely keep people on the dole or food-stamps instead of encouraging independence and self-fulfillment. If one is getting and not giving, one is emotionally still a child.
Five) One must never learn correct English as it is a sell out to the whites.
Answer) Language transcends color. If you are still rebelling over the British Empire, get over it. It ended a long time ago.
Six) If a Black becomes a Catholic he is no longer Black
Answer) The Catholic Church is the most universal of all....
For Europeans and newbies, an "oreo" is a racist tag for Blacks who are black outside but white inside. Obviously, a racist idea.....an term around at least for forty years in the States.
Boris and Mr. Stubbs
Iain Martin has an insightful, entertaining, and well-written article in this month's Standpoint. It is all about Boris. Now, I thought I was the only one to make the Teddy Roosevelt-Boris-Churchill connections, but Martin got there first in print. I was only thinking it, being an American and hesitant to draw too many conclusions about current affairs in London-town.
Reasons why one may be wary of Boris are innumerable. But, he was a LOT better choice for mayor than you-know-who, the other boring egotist, of the left. Now, Boris is not boring. He is ambitious, which is obvious. He is also brilliant, which is obvious. He is greatly entertaining, and I know one young person who watches Mayor's Question Time as a habit. I have watched him twice this year, and he smashed his opponents both times, Labourites, who looked really soppy, and could not withstand the Mayor's verbal assaults. He appeals to some as an "American" type of go-getter, charismatic leader who doesn't take any nonsense or no for an answer. That he is funny and quick off the mark in debate is true. But, substance, well...that seems to be the soft-underside of all politicians these days. Boris is better than some. As Martin has great sources in his article, read it. Think about Boris for PM? Hmmm. I would like to read more
.
I have one question. Does Boris cut his own hair?
Really?
Now, I do think Boris is cute, but he has competition here. A cat is mayor of a town in Alaska. Love it. Here is Mayor Stubbs. I wonder who does his grooming? Ah, most cats do their own, so he could be in the Boris cat-egory (pun intended) if Boris cuts his own hair.....
They just don't make 'em like this anymore....
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/jul/14/oak-tree-heart-shaped-tribute
This is so sweet. Sigh...
Check out the story above.
Check out the story above.
Sunday, 15 July 2012
Poll
Maybe because it is summer, although the silly season really does not start until August in London, I have another poll on the side-bar. More basic than desert-island questions....
Beating the old drum of rebellion
The Catholic Herald is the best in English Catholic newspapers, but far from perfect. A headline in this week's is "English priest who says Humanae Vitae is infallible is named bishop."
Of course, I hate to tell the person who wrote the headline, but many of us have known that HV is infallible ever since the encyclical was published from the Chair of Peter.
I marvel at the ignorance and rebellion of so many Catholics here. And, remember, the Tablet led the rebellious troops with its instant rejection of HV when it was published.
Now, the article seems positive, but why the toddler-tantrum headline?
The CH needs to get rid of Fr. Ronald Rolheiser's column for another thing.
One of my smart sem friends states that the Church only needs to ask three things of a young man who wants to be a priest. He is in a seminary in the States. His List: 1) Do you believe in the Church's stand on lgtbs? 2) Do you love the Blessed Virgin? 3) Do you agree with and uphold Humanae Vitae? Asking those questions would sort things out a bit...
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Pray for Us
The Carmelites in Medina, Malta reminded me today of this hymn. It is attributed to St. Simon Stock. We celebrate Our Lady of Mt Carmel on July 16th. This version in from wiki, as well as the translation. I have been in the Basilica of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Valletta several times. It is an amazing Church.
Flos Carmeli, vitis florigera, splendor caeli, virgo puerpera singularis.
Mater mitis sed viri nescia Carmelitis esto propitia stella maris.
Radix Iesse germinans flosculum nos ad esse tecum in saeculum patiaris.
Inter spinas quae crescis lilium serva puras mentes fragilium tutelaris.
Armatura fortis pugnantium furunt bella tende praesidium scapularis.
Per incerta prudens consilium per adversa iuge solatium largiaris.
Mater dulcis Carmeli domina, plebem tuam reple laetitia qua bearis.
Paradisi clavis et ianua, fac nos duci quo, Mater, gloria coronaris. Amen. (Alleluia.)
FLOWER of Carmel, Tall vine blossom laden; Splendor of heaven, Childbearing yet maiden. None equals thee.
Mother so tender, Who no man didst know, On Carmel's children Thy favors bestow. Star of the Sea.
Strong stem of Jesse, Who bore one bright flower, Be ever near us And guard us each hour, who serve thee here.
Purest of lilies, That flowers among thorns, Bring help to the true heart That in weakness turns and trusts in thee.
Strongest of armor, We trust in thy might: Under thy mantle, Hard press'd in the fight, we call to thee.
Our way uncertain, Surrounded by foes, Unfailing counsel You give to those who turn to thee.
O gentle Mother Who in Carmel reigns, Share with your servants That gladness you gained and now enjoy.
Hail, Gate of Heaven, With glory now crowned, Bring us to safety Where thy Son is found, true joy to see. Amen. (Alleluia.)
Check this out for eye-candy
Pray for the people of Japan, please
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| http://www.aprettylifeinthesuburbs.com/2011/03/pray-for-japan.html |
Please pray for Japan. Another tragedy of rain and mud have stricken the people. Here is a link.
A Rose for All the Little Ones
For all of my friends who love St. Therese, here is a rose for you today.
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God bless all my brothers and sisters who are the Little Ones, unknown to the public, living quiet, holy lives. For A, S, E, Z, R, T, J, G, P, M and M, J, M, M, Z, T, D, B, C, A, I, D, M, D, J, H, ( no repeats here, just friends with names beginning with the same letters), et al.
God bless all my brothers and sisters who are the Little Ones, unknown to the public, living quiet, holy lives. For A, S, E, Z, R, T, J, G, P, M and M, J, M, M, Z, T, D, B, C, A, I, D, M, D, J, H, ( no repeats here, just friends with names beginning with the same letters), et al.
Flying Novena to the Infant of Prague
A reader was writing to me about "express" novenas yesterday, and I remembered this "flying" novena which I say at least once a year, and one which is very old (pre-Vatican II). It is the Flying Novena to the Infant of Prague, and one says it for nine hours in a row, same time each hour, in one day, or the usual nine days. The nine hour novena is very hard and I think harder than the daily one..
Here it is:
NOVENA TO THE
Here it is:
NOVENA TO THE
INFANT OF PRAGUE
(This Novena is to be said at the same time every hour for Nine consecutive hours in just one day).
O Jesus, Who hast said,
ask and you shall receive,
seek and you shall find,
knock and it shall be opened to you,
through the intercession of Mary,
Thy Most Holy Mother,
I knock, I seek,
I ask that my prayer be granted.
(Make your request)
O Jesus, Who hast said,
all that you ask of the Father in My Name,
He will grant you.
Through the intercession of Mary,
Thy most Holy Mother,
I humbly and urgently ask Thy Father
in Thy Name that my prayer be granted.
(Make your request)
O Jesus, Who hast said,
"Heaven and earth shall pass away
but My word shall not pass",
through the intercession of Mary,
Thy Most Holy Mother,
I feel confident that my prayer will be granted.
(Make your request)
Syria Build-Up
Are any of you all paying attention to the build up of the military in the Middle East? Both Russia and the USA are and have been sending ships, helicopters, men, etc. into the area. I suggest you read, and pray.
Here is a report:
Russia has sent a naval flotilla of six warships led by an anti-submarine destroyer to its naval base at the Syrian port of Tartus, the Interfax news agency reported Tuesday.
The Admiral Chabanenko and three landing craft have left their home port of Severomorsk in the Arctic Circle on their way to the Mediterranean where they will be joined by the Russian patrol ship Yaroslav Mudry as well as an assistance vessel, a military source told the agency.
"The program of the voyage includes a call in the Syrian port of Tartus," the unnamed source told the news agency.
The source said the trip was taking place in line with the plans of military readiness of the Russian fleet. According to Interfax, the source insisted that the deployment "was not linked to the escalation of the situation in Syria."
And another report from the same site and their point of view on this:
Russia Today July 14, 2012
And another report from the same site and their point of view on this:
Russia Today July 14, 2012
With sanctions against Iran gradually showing their ineffectiveness, Washington is escalating the situation in the Persian Gulf, as if encouraging Tehran to attack first, a US politics professor told RT.
Amid pressure mounting on Tehran, a major Indian company, United India Insurance Co., has agreed to provide insurance for tankers carrying oil from Iran. Insurances are vital for sea transportation. Without insurance, tankers are unable to deliver oil from one destination to another.
The decision of an Indian company means a serious blow to the effectiveness of the US sanctions against Iran in a bid to crank up the pressure over the country's nuclear activities. The sanctions target companies accused of breaching a European ban on buying oil from Tehran.
The sending out of the twelve...
Mark 6: 7 - 13 A call for all of us and notice, they are in twos, not alone...
7 And he called to him the twelve, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics.10 And he said to them, "Where you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place.11 And if any place will not receive you and they refuse to hear you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet for a testimony against them."12 So they went out and preached that men should repent.13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.
What is interesting to me about this passage are these points, today: that Christ sent them out in twos to learn to share, for discernment, for companionship, for prayer; that Christ told them to take nothing, as He wanted them to trust in His Father and to trust in simplicity; that Christ told them when to leave a place, when the two found people closed and unwilling to listen to the Gospel; that Christ told them to teach repentance, not being nice; and that power came from all of this. Notice also, that Christ sent out His disciples before His Passion and Resurrection. Think on that... we go out in imperfection but are led to the Cross and Resurrection at some time.
Novena to St. Ann Coming Up Soon
These prayers are from the EWTN site. The novena prayers, which start on July 17th, may be found on the blue links. For my friends who are devoted to St. Ann.
She is one of the many patrons of this blog and one of my names. Her feast day is July 26th.
DAILY PRAYER TO SAINT ANN
O glorious St. Ann, you are filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer! Heavily burdened with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present intention which I recommend to you in your special care.
Please recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and place it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Continue to intercede for me until my request is granted. But, above all, obtain for me the grace one day to see my God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the saints to praise and bless Him for all eternity. Amen.
Our Father, . . . Hail Mary . . .
O Jesus, Holy Mary, St. Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death.
Good St. Ann, intercede for me.
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Saturday, 14 July 2012
My idea of a hero, albeit fictive, of Bastille Day
The flower, the Scarlet Pimpernel, blooms in July, and here is MY idea of a hero on this Bastille Day.
If you have not seen the 1982 movie, do so. It is a great movie for youngsters as well. Who doesn't like Anthony Andrews, Jane Seymour, Ian Mckellen?
If you have not seen the 1982 movie, do so. It is a great movie for youngsters as well. Who doesn't like Anthony Andrews, Jane Seymour, Ian Mckellen?
Bastille Day...Boring as French toast
Well, there will be no cake today, maybe French toast, I think. Hollande is on an austerity kick with his own ministers, as he wants to break, what the French called, the "bling-bling" presidency of Sarkozy. Here is a bit from an article on this.
Official cars have been diminished in size and in luxury. Mr. Hollande has given up the presidential Citroën C6 for a smaller but hardly shabby Citroën DS5 diesel hybrid. He has reduced the ranks of his official drivers to two from three, and they are now supposed to stop at red lights. Mr. Ayrault gave up his C6 for a cheaper Peugeot 508. Cabinet ministers have also traded down, and the housing minister, Cécile Duflot, an ecologist who was criticized for wearing jeans to an Élysée Palace meeting, has ordered four official bicycles.
Champagne at receptions has largely been replaced by Muscadet, a considerably cheaper white wine, and prices at the official cafeterias for ministerial employees, always a bargain, have been raised modestly.
Even security has been put to the knife, at least a little. Junior ministers no longer get bodyguards, and the number of security workers attached to the presidency has been reduced by a third.
However, the cuts affect others as well. And, there is some concern that taxes for the rich will cause France to slide back into economic doldrums. Can someone spot the funny here?
There are few Socialist ministers with any business experience. Ms. Parisot said that their plans instilled “a palpable anxiety and an immense worry for every entrepreneur,” because they are “disconnected from company life, from what a company can bear,” especially in a period of minimal growth and high unemployment.
And there is more ideological symbolism--The traditional July 14 garden party, which used to be a way to honor distinguished people from all walks of life from all over France, was canceled by Mr. Sarkozy in 2010 to symbolize belt tightening. Mr. Hollande will not dare resurrect it, although the Élysée gardens will be open to the public on Saturday afternoon.
Mr. Hollande has decided, however, to maintain the July 14 military parade, with jet overflights, armored vehicles and hundreds of military personnel, an extraordinarily costly affair. And like a good politician, he has decided to restore a nationally televised presidential interview on Bastille Day. But given the low viewership expected on a Saturday evening in mid-July, he will do it at lunchtime.
Sad, but what will Hollande have for lunch? Socialist are so obviously moral about other people's stuff....ick. This will be a five post day.
Heads-up
Check out A Reluctant Sinner, another British blogger, on my blog-list. His article yesterday is fantastic.
Top Viewing Countries in the Last Few Days
May God bless all of you...
Viewers in the past few days by top countries only
United States
United Kingdom
Russia
Ukraine
India
Canada
Germany
France
Singapore
Australia
Ireland
Philippines
Italy
Sweden
Switzerland
Tanzania
Poland
Pakistan
Malta
Egypt
What, no Vatican? Sigh.....
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