More trivia...

Because the world doesn't have enough of it.

.

When I was little and wanted a particular toy or something unaffordable, my parents would usually say, "No you don't - you just think you want that." Followed by, "Get us another beer."

.

Dogs are not sexually attracted to cats.

.

If one door closes - well, try the knob - it may be unlocked.

.

Studio 54 was essentially a gay bar before the term metrosexual was invented.

.

Animals do not think like humans, although humans think they do.

.

Kathy Lee Gifford claims she was born in Paris. She claims to have grown up in a Jewish milieu because one of her grandparents was Jewish. She also claims she grew up in Annapolis, Maryland when it was really Bowe. I've always thought Kathy Lee Gifford was a &!%@.

.

I was shocked when I found this out - you do not get a baby just by praying for one.

.

Many people of European descent think Asian people all look alike and that they are all Chinese - while Asians definitely discriminate between each other. Hispanics are like that too. It is like a caste system. People of European descent can be so dumb.

.

Has anyone else noticed that contemporary music has remained pretty much the same since the early 1960's? Does this mean we are living in "The day the music died"?

.

Oh! Oh! Oh! Listen to this! If Obama and Hillary were running for office in the 1950's (McCarthy era) they probably would have been tried and convicted as communists.

.

The concept for unisex toilets originated in gay bars. In most gay bars there were very few women and so when the men's room got crowded, most men used the women's restroom because, like I said - there were very few women. It's true - even straight men used it because they were more comfortable peeing in there than in an all gay toilet. So yeah - the gays started all of this crap. (I wonder if I could get a spot on the 700 Club?)

.

Jane Fonda was never arrested for being a traitor after her good-will tour of North Vietnam.

.

Bill Blass, the American fashion designer, never took a lover - he always lived alone. Coco Chanel was the same way - "Always Mademoiselle".

.

Charlene Phoonman is a name I made up when I used to tell stories at parties about the woman who lived upstairs from me. She was friends with the Tittman's, a wealthy couple I also made up. People thought Charlene was Asian, but she wasn't. (The building I lived in at the time was a very chic apartment building in the Kenwood area of Minneapolis, and my stories were all madcap retells of '30's and '40's screwball comedies - only screwier. People knew I was lying.)

.

Did you know I met Gypsy Rose Lee one day while I was working in Downtown Minneapolis? She stopped to watch me as we were opening a bridal window at Dayton's.

.

Doctors are now saying flip-flops are worse for a person's feet than high heels.

.

Once I went to a party and everyone there was from the Guthrie, and other local theaters. They were all theater people. Oh! My! Gosh! It was like a room full of Robert Goulets and Ethel Mermans - breaking into song, posing, reciting lines - all night. It was absolutely the worst kind of party - everyone vying for center stage - I never had a chance.

.

One may eat the buds of Hosta flowers. They can be prepared like asparagus.

.

Before the 1960's haute couture was virtually non-existent in the United States - everything came out of Paris and copied over here by anonymous designers working for dress manufacturers. Of course, Hollywood designers also set the style - Edith Head was a studio designer who was something of an American Chanel. It wasn't until the jet-set and Jackie Kennedy that American designers came into their own.

.

Did you know Cybill Shepherd and Christine Baranski never got along after Baranski won an Emmy for her role in "Cybill".

.

Many Hollywood actors, like Stallone, are short.

.

AIDS is no longer considered a threat to heterosexuals outside of Africa. It was on Drudge today.

.

Rabbits, though fed in the winter, may remain in the spring and feed on one's clematis plants. One can feel betrayed by rabbits when this behaviour occurs. Rabbits obviously have a much different appreciation for flowers than that of humans.

"Seasons of Love"--Jeffrey Mylett Tribute Video--Godspell

I did a post on Abbey-Roads2 about Jeff.

Little known facts...

Something to think about.

.

I love little known facts, I am something like Cliff Claven that way - which reminds me, I have always loved "Cheers" but there is not one character in the sitcom I'd want as a friend... Same goes for "Seinfeld". But I digress - I do not want to keep you in suspense.

.

Little known facts.

.

Since I wrote it in a comment on AR2, I'll repeat it here. Didja know the term "drag" originated in reference to one’s train being dragged behind them? It had to do with the grandness of a woman's (or man's) gown or cape. One's status was recognized by the length of one's train, and so on.

.

"White people love rules. It explains why so they get upset when people cut in line, why they tip so religiously and why they become lawyers. But without a doubt, the rule system that white people love the most is grammar. It is in their blood not only to use perfect grammar but also to spend significant portions of time pointing out the errors of others." - Source

.

The term "faggot" used for homosexuals comes from the time they used to burn gay people at the stake. Faggots were used for kindling.

.

The Vatican bombed. "As a story that's never really been told, many don't even know that the Vatican City itself was bombed during World War II. Friday, November 5, 1943 was a quiet morning. Until, they say, five bombs fell on the Vatican from a single, unmarked plane." - Source

.

Cardinals (the bird) mate for life - they are monogamous.

.

I heard this one on Laurie and Julia. In a family of all women, the women tend to menstruate at the same time of the month. Yuck!

.

The design of a room: "Scale can be a worrisome thing. But far too many people don't understand that adding an over scale object to a room can give that space an undeniable thrill, a sense of recklessness, of danger." - Source

.

If you commit a mortal sin with a priest - he cannot hear your confession or absolve you for that sin. Canon law forbids it.

.

Ties. "According to Ray Smith in the June 4 edition of The Wall Street Journal, a recent Gallup Poll reports that the number of American men who wore ties every day to work last year dropped to a record low of 6%, down from 10% in 2002. The necktie industry group sensed this trend for itself when a number of its members showed up tie less for a recent association meeting. Smith's story reports that the association is now disbanding." - Source

.

People who drive SUV's are paying a lot more at the pumps, and those who want to sell their big trucks are having a difficult time of it.

.

Gay marriage. "The idea existed - and among its fiercest opponents were homosexuals. Here's a reproduction of the August 1953 issue of One Magazine dedicated to the subject." - Source

.

California is in trouble because of the drought. Did you know water is going to be the next big issue? Even before the oil runs out. Traditionally, deserts were supposed to be uninhabitable.

.

Men's pant lengths. "Italian pant length I am sure it will change someday (that's fashion) but right at or slightly above the ankle still looks good to me, especially for casual Summer pants." - Source

.

Studies suggest there is a huge connection between using birth control and abortion and all sorts of cancers in women, and the use of these things may result in the death of the fetus if the woman is pregnant.

.

June is like "Gay Pride" month.

.

Men's hats: "The hat's natural purpose of protecting the head from rain or sun soon faded into the background, giving way to the much more important function of signalling rank, emphasizing authority, identifying leaders, uniting the members of a community or distinguishing social classes and nationalities..." - Source

.

Most people who commit suicide never live to tell about it. It is also believed that most people who commit suicide regret that they had.

.

Men and women who have had face-lifts and repetitive cosmetic surgeries, simply look like old people who have had repetitive cosmetic surgeries.

Last day of school!

The girls got out of school today!

.

I don't have to tell you parents what I'll be going through this summer, do I! Two teen aged girls on the loose! I had hoped they could get a job at Petco (pet supply store) or something, but they didn't want to work with riff-raff. Then they were going to be candy-strippers (nurse-assistants) at the veterinarian clinic down the block, but said they didn't want to take their clothes off in front of those animals. (They made the right decision there, but see what I have to contend with?!)

Crazy Friday!

I just want to do something outrageous - like a crazy, provocative post - something off the wall, something to get people stirred up. I'm so tired of posting my bland, ordinary, boring material. Maybe I'll write about the gays.

The last years of Pius XII (Eugenio Pacelli 1951-58)

Morning

The Pope Goes For A Ride...

Interesting photo of John XXIII all dressed up in a convertible.

Sting - If You Love Somebody Set Them Free

Did you know he was raised Catholic?

The Hounds Of Winter - Sting

I love this album.

Please be patient.

I haven't updated my blogroll yet.

I know it has been weeks since I changed my format - but I have to update the blogroll one by one since the old blogroll was lost - and that is like work to me. It needed updating anyway, and the new one will be much more eclectic - reflecting my weird interests. It will be fun, even educational.

I had visitors today.

Yes I did.

.

My (es)strange(d) son (Little Freak) and his wife and daughter. Yes. I let them come into the back yard. Yes, we sat under the umbrella and visited; we laughed and talked. It was quite nice and rather normal - they were not at all afraid. Then I asked them to leave.

Nurse Diesel

Don't worry about me, I'm under doctor's care.

It is today!

I am so happy it is Wednesday the 28th of May!

Aren't you? What a wonderful day in the neighborhood. I just love it!

I am so positively happy about it. Every day is a gift - don't you agree? I just love it!

.

"Honey, where's Tricia?"

Memorial Day weekend.

In the US this is a long holiday weekend.

.

Few people will be online since most people seem to surf the Internet only at work. (How do some people keep their job? Or accept a pay-check in good conscience?) Anyway - I'll still be posting on all my blogs. I'll have extra juicy, tasty and nasty stuff, so if you are online, you will be entertained. (I'll take it all down by Tuesday when people get back to work.)

.

You may look forward to the following posts:

.

Was she really Well-born?

.

What is wrong with Canadians?
.
How dark was it before the Dawn?
.
A short report on Naus-eating food.
.
Does the Catholic roam?
.
Dissecting Catholics in recovery.
.
Cornered Catholic.
.
Not O.K. in the U.K.
.
And many other insightful articles. I'll be back after I take my meds.

After getting her hair done...

Cathy of Alexandria attended a wedding last weekend. Read all the fun details here.

Priest

Remember the film "Priest"? When it was released, many Catholics were upset because it was about a young gay priest and his assignment at a liberal parish whose pastor kept a mistress. Many claimed the film was anti-Catholic. It seems more like a documentary in retrospect.

Happy Birthday Mary Kay!

Today is my friend Mary Kay's birthday! Yeah! Pope John Paul II was born today too.

Like a whisper no one heard...

The woman died and no one noticed.

.

Hedviga Golik's body was discovered in her apartment in Croatia - she had been dead for 35 years - and no one missed her. Story here.

Unwed parents.

Angelina and Brad are pregnant.

.

Do you think it's a sign of the feminizing of men to say "we" are pregnant when it is really just the woman who is? I was just wondering.

.

Anyway, Angelina Jolie is expecting bastard twins. Yay! But why don't people get married anymore?

.

Maybe they will start to do so again, now that gay people can. Gays are always out front with fashion and trend, and now that they want to get married, and can, maybe straight people will want to do it again too. Or maybe marriage is just gay?

.

I don't know, what do you think Jennifer?

.

Did I tell you my idea for a priest t-shirt? On the back it says, "Unwed Father" and on the front, "Catholic Priest". Great idea, don't you think? Whatever Father.

"Goes to church on Sunday...

But oh, oh, watch out on Monday."

.

That is pretty much the screed of those who do not go to church but criticize their neighbors who do. There is an element of truth to it I suppose - although the devil likes to show people our faults. But I can do a pretty good job of showing off mine on my own without his help. That poor ol' devil gets blamed for a lot of stuff we do very well on our own.

.

Anyway. Last night after working in the yard, I was really tired and crabby. I posted in that mood. So I took some of the posts down this morning. You didn't miss much. (Never post when angry, over-tired, sick, drunk, or on pain-killers.)

The meme no one asked for.

So here's the deal.

.

Write whatever comes to your mind about yourself.

.

That's it.

.

It is called: Voices from the couch. (As in psychiatrist's couch - no, I've never been on one.)

.

Start.

.

1) So here's the deal, I feel burnt out on this blogging thing - as my mother would say, "I'm so sick of this blogging BS!" I don't mean to complain - and you see, that is just it - I have to be nice, and everyone knows snarky is more fun. Well, not really, which is why I stopped reading some blogs. Truth is, I don't know what to write about and it is spring and I have other projects - work on the house, in the yard, etc.. And I've wasted over two years blogging. That is pathetic. Do people realize we will be judged on every word we say - which includes writing?

.

2) And face it - some days you just want to rip on people. But that is a mistake because deep down everyone is nice, good, what have you. If they are bitchy and mean it is because they hurt inside - something is off - so why go nuts on them? And if they are in error, they will come to realize it eventually, that's what hell is for.

.

3) I love comedy - and I so want to share it with all of you - but so few want to see my favorite sitcom episodes from Youtube because everyone is so darn religious - which is good - don't get me wrong - but I'm older and a lot of stuff just doesn't bother me the way it does other younger men who get turned on by just about anything that walks. (Oh! Oh! That may be another reason they get so angry about stuff!)

.

4) Sometimes when I'm at the store I want to pretend I'm insane and talk to strangers really loud with a big smiley face - and then laugh really hard. And like when I'm at the vegetable section - I want to rummage madly through the heads of lettuce laughing and singing and talking really loud, and then walk away totally serious, quiet and reserved. Wouldn't that be funny? And then, and then, I want to like dance by myself down the isle, like in Thriller. I don't though.

.

5) Sometimes people are rude in the grocery store. I encounter many snobs there. No, I'm not intimidated - but I wish they weren't so snobby - for themselves - not me. I think it is fun to watch and listen to snobs - I used to be a big snob. Sometimes, if someone I thought was nobody said hello to me I'd turn and look the other way. Not so much because I thought I was better - altho I was cooler - but because I was afraid others would see me being nice to them. That was so mean.

.

6) Which is why snobby people should avoid snobbism - someday they will realize they are big losers anyway. This is what sickness, getting old and ugly, depression, losing a job, or a house, or a spouse, and all the other bad things that happen to good people are for - to help us realize we are all really a bunch of losers. If these things don't work, then hell pretty much takes care of any miscommunication.

.

My parents didn't like me -so sometimes when they got really angry with me, they would tell me they were going to disown me. In their mind, I'd be out of the will. We were poor! Wasn't that lame? So you see, snobs do not have to have money, position, status, or anything else to be snobs.

.

Time is up! This session is over.

.

(I tag anyone who likes stupid, crazy, silly humor - there are a few nut-jobs out there I'd like to hear from - so if you really do this - leave a comment so I can read what you wrote. Thanks Father.)

.

Photo: Cathy of Alexandria preparing dinner - she fixes a mean roast.

Evolution Revolution

The Vatican newspaper had an article about it last week.

Bad Chimp

I can be such a jerk - much like the chimp in this video. My apologies.

The ban on Mother's Day...

In the United States, yesterday was Mother's Day.

.

I want the celebration stopped. (I need a cause!) Yesterday I picketed outside of a Hallmark store, moved on to a Walgreen's, and then I finished picketing outside a garden center, with my "Stop Mother's Day" sign and brochures. Stop the waste of paper for cards. Stop exploiting garden plants for gifts - how many plants die needlessly for nothing? Stop alienating kids without moms. My mother died in 1982 and I have been an orphan ever since. The holiday is discriminatory and humiliating. Stop the insanity! (So many times my mom ended our phone conversations with, "I think we should have you committed!" And then she hung up. Subsequently, every Mother's Day I am reminded how much I miss her.)

.

Next year we march onto the Cathedral! The slogan will be, "Run for an end to Mother's Day!"

Call to Action Liturgy

This is sooooooooooo dorky Grandma! Shut up Grandma! ROFLOL!

Did you know...

So, did you know?

.

That the Amish people dress very old fashioned, but they are normal; they know about modern things and have studied and are smart and stuff. They do not practice polygamy, but marry and have children just like regular people do. They are very nice. Anabaptist people are similar to them and they are normal too. They are Christians, but they do not have a liturgy or sacraments, save for baptism I believe. They are all very nice.

.

Jewish people have no sacraments at all, and only really orthodox Jews dress differently - I think it's the Hassidic group. Shawls, hats, black suits - wigs for the women. I don't know any, but I think they are nice.

.

Many Islamic people dress differently too - the women sometimes look like nuns. The Islamic religion does not have sacraments either. In fact Jews and Muslims are not Catholic, nor are they even Christian - but many of them are real nice.

.

Mormons are real different too. Some people do not think they are really Christian either. Some people say they have no sacraments whatsoever. But they do baptize people, often dead people by proxy, but that doesn't count. Many of these people are very nice - almost too nice - like Donnie and Marie - yeah, they are almost too nice.

.

Then there is Tom Cruise and Scientology. Scientology has no liturgy or sacraments either. Personally, I do not think it is a religion at all, but the people are very nice. I like Tom and Katy Cruise a lot - they are very nice. Katy is very pretty and Tom has a wonderful smile and seems to be as nice as can be.

.

I will pray for all the people I mentioned who are not Catholics, especially for Tom and Katie that they return to the Catholic Church. (Did you even know they were Catholics?)

.

Baptism is very important - real Christian baptism, that is. Some Catholics are not really baptized you know, but the priests who did the fake baptisms were real nice. (No one talks about this any longer.)
.

Oh - and Oriental religions - they are just pagan - but the people seem real nice. I'm not interested though. (Most religious people do seem real nice though, don't you think? I wonder if it is genuine?)

.

The End.

Rumour Has It!!!

It is Cathy's Birthday today! Happy Birthday Catherine of Alexandria!

DYAO!

This is simply incomprehensible...

Myanmar fatalities are estimated above 22,500 with a further 41,000 missing.

News Story here.

More "lost" art.

Bad photos!

.

Two Carmelite images:

.

Top: Triptych Madonna of the Scapular, side panels, Prophet Elijah and St. Eliseus, and St. Simon Stock receiving the scapular.

.

Bottom: Prophet Elijah, "Behold a little cloud rising from the sea."

.

Images now belong to two Carmelite communities (the lower image being one of two of the same image).

The big one is coming...

It could happen.

.

I feel the earth move under my feet

I feel the sky tumbling down

I feel my heart start to trembling

Whenever you're around

.

Oh baby When I see your face

Mellow as the month of May

Oh darling I can't stand it

When you look at me that way

.

I feel the earth move under my feet

I feel the sky tumbling down

I feel my heart start to trembling

Whenever you're around - Carol King

.

I think it is safe to say a huge earthquake will hit the United States sometime in the very near future. There have been too many in the past couple of weeks. Of course, I'm just guessing here, but I bet it could be the build up to a big one. Another small one was felt in Missouri today. Story here.

Slap happy

More from St. Christina the Astonishing...

By Cynthia Large

.

This is Cynthia's latest work depicting St. Christina the Astonishing, entitled "A Pelican In the Wilderness" - a verse taken from Psalm 102 (101 depending on the translation). Cynthia's work is masterful, I hope you enjoy it. Please visit her website for a description of the painting as well as her narrative on the saint. Visit Cynthia Large

You mean we didn't win?

White House admits fault on 'Mission Accomplished' banner!

.

"Major combat operations in Iraq have ended," Bush said at the time. "The battle of Iraq is one victory in a war on terror that began on Sept. 11, 2001, and still goes on." The "Mission Accomplished" banner was prominently displayed above him—a move the White House came to regret as the display was mocked and became a source of controversy. - Story

.

You mean to tell me that wasn't true? Does that mean we are still fighting in Iraq then? Nice time to tell us. All I can say is that Bush is definitely not getting my vote this fall.

Switzerland grants unprecedented “rights” to plants and animals - "Isn't that funny?"

"Save the liturgy, save the planet.".

.

Yeah... That one doesn't work for me on this story. Anyway - read this...

.

"Geneva, Apr 30, 2008 / 04:01 pm (CNA).- Switzerland has now become a country in which the unborn are less important than plants and animals. The country’s Federal Ethics Committee is encouraging the defense of the “dignity” of plants, and Parliament has approved a law granting animals unprecedented rights.

.

According to a report on LifeSiteNews.com, the Swiss Parliament passed a law last week requiring prospective dog owners to complete a course in canine treatment that will include both theoretical and practical elements. Due to concern over recent studies suggesting the pain experienced by fish, anglers are now subjected to a preparatory course on humane fishing. The new laws will also dictate how farmers treat their livestock and even regulates the proper treatment of rhinoceroses." - Story

.

My thoughts:

.

I'm all for the humane treatment of, and the prevention of cruelty to animals, but things get out of hand when human life is no longer respected or given pride of place. If human life is considered secondary or of equal importance to plant and animal life, then a science and technology that is powerful enough to dictate legislation, seems to be rapidly propelling us toward that brave new world Aldous Huxley warned about in his novel.

.

That said, the so-called "rights" of plants may have more to do with genetic manipulation and "Frankenfoods" - that can affect fertilization and cross pollination processes; while the reasonable rights of various species, such as rhinoceroses, may have more to do to do with protection from poachers who contribute to their extinction. Not all of these measures originate in so called fringe theories, anthropomorphic emotionalism, or even "new age" principles - although it is obvious an international movement to control society through arbitrary and immoral legislation is currently underway. Regardless, the implication that an unborn child has less rights than animal and plant life is a great evil and seems to me to be the final warning that civilization is in decline.

.

Disclaimer: Yes, I know, the popular slogan is "Save the liturgy, save the world" - I meant to use "planet". No, I don't think fishing is cruelty to fish - well maybe the huge ocean nets that disturb and disrupt aquatic life... And no - I am not against hunting, eating meat or fish, and so on. Yes, for the record, I am against zoos that confine animals, and circuses that exploit animals for entertainment, as well as the inhumane farming of animals - I hate that stuff.

.

[I know, I know - I sound like a nut. I keep waiting for something big to happen and it never does. LOL!]

ROFL!

Adolescent pregnancies...

Children having children...
.
It has been an issue of late in our country - most notably in Texas. Did you realize the U. S. rates highest in the world for teen pregnancy amongst developed countries?
.
The following are some of the stark facts about a problem that has become to many Americans, a symbol of a national moral malaise. (Not so much the sexual activity - rather the unwanted pregnancy. Perhaps we should send in the Texas Rangers? Not likely.)

• Every year almost one million teenage girls become pregnant.


• More than half of them are 17 years old or younger when they have their first pregnancy. Approximately one-third of the girls who get pregnant carry their pregnancies to term and keep their babies.


• About another third have abortions, and the other third has spontaneous miscarriages.


• Only about five percent of pregnant girls put their babies up for adoption.


• Approximately 40 percent of young women become pregnant before they reach 20 years old. The United States of America has double the adolescent pregnancy and birth rates of any other industrialized country.


• The poorer the young woman, the more likely she will become a mother.


• Less than one-third of teens who have babies before the age of 18 finish high school.


• Almost half of all teen mothers end up on welfare.


• Less than 25 percent of births to teens occur within wedlock. - Source

.

That must mean the girls who happen to be sexually active but are not "punished with a child" - as Obama stated - are either using some sort of contraception or engaging in masturbation, oral or anal sex. I'm sure that doesn't count however.

Hannah Montanna and slut fashion.

Big News!

.

Hannah Montana (Miley Cyrus) apologized to her public because of racy photos in Vanity Fair. As if her cut-to-the-pubic-hair jeans, bare midriffs and tight tops have been more modest? Has Miley been such a model of decency for pre-tweens who emulate her style? The American cultural sexual exploitation of minors has been going on for decades; think Britney Spears and the way her handlers, supported by her mother, sexualized her image. Long before her was Brooke Shields. There is always an excuse, or someone to blame, as the innocent "victim" and her family climb the ladder to super-stardom.

.

Perhaps the police should raid the Cyrus' household and take the 15 year old Miley away and place her in foster care, and do the same with parents who permit their daughters to dress like sluts. It worked so well with the Fundamentalist Mormons in Texas.

.

[Photo: The 15 year old singer/actress at the 2008 CMT Awards in Nashville. Notice how her dress is cut.]

Things change.

You shall not take hallucinogenics.

I read a story today that the Netherlands may be trying to change their "anything goes" image. Not long ago they tightened the regulations for brothels and prostitution, as well as drug use. Of course they are still far more liberal than any other country in the world, but now they are going after "magic mushrooms" too... and some people fear cannabis will be next. (I knew I waited too long to visit Amsterdam.) Story here.

.

This supports my "people change" theory. It is a highly scientific thesis developed at the graduate School of Hard Knocks, associated with Whatsamatu U in northern Minnesota. "People Change - Things Change" is the title of my dissertation, which will be coming out in book form one of these days.

.

People change - I did.

.

For instance, look at me - which happens to be the title of the first chapter - I've changed. In the beginning, I thought President Bush was a hero going to war with Iraq, after awhile I thought he was an idiot, then I thought he was a monster, and now I love him and think he did the best he could do and we are stuck there. (And I get so scared when I think of the people hoping to replace him.)

.

Another example of how I've changed is I once was intrigued with apparitions and private revelations, especially Garabandahl and Medjugorje - now I have pretty much lost all interest in those things.

.

I also once smoked - and now I don't - that is a big change. Truly, there are very many things I once cared about that I no longer do. There are many little anecdotes in the book that I will not recount here, but let this be a warning - people and things do change - even though they stay the same. You see, I'm the same person - but my ideas and attitudes can change. Just like the laws in the Netherlands or in this country can change.

.

The children are our future... take them away.

.

For instance, someday in the United States, abortion will no longer be legal. Or someday in the Netherlands, sex with consenting minors will be against the law and gay marriage will no longer be recognized either. As repressive as it may sound, one day they may even ban public sex in parks. In fact I'm convinced of it - many rights people enjoy today will be taken back, taken away one day.

.

It could happen. Someday the State could enter a small community and take all of the children away and put them in foster homes or a sort of orphanage in what is really a concentration camp. While the parents would be arrested and sent to prison because they were out of fashion and did not provide video games and laptops, and other modern conveniences for their children.

Update on Mary Jo Copeland

Thanks everyone for your prayers and efforts!

.

Mary Jo Copeland met with the city of Minneapolis Regulatory Committee yesterday and emerged victorious... kinda/sorta. Mary Jo said the results were favorable towards Caring and Sharing Hands, and that a city regulator will visit the operation next week to help formulate a security plan. Mary Jo keeps her license and may continue to serve food - which happened to be the first point of contention with the city - so that is a relief.

.

The only thing I found strange in the comments after the meeting took place is that the police department said they will be "relentless" in policing Caring and Sharing Hands from now on. (That can be taken several ways - yet, isn't that enough security then?) I find the police response odd since the drug busts they performed last year were undercover operations... so does that mean they were set ups? No, of course not... Well, I don't think so.

Poor Amy Winehouse

Arrested for assault. The whole story here.
.
I'm not passing any judgement, nor casting any slurs... You know 'there for but the grace of God'... That said...
.
In the old days, people like Amy would have been called "public sinners" and roundly condemned. Today they are celebrities and fodder for the paparazzi, and people just love to watch a train wreck. I think the fascination is due in part is to the base human desire to watch and see how far melt-down can go before implosion. I also think God permits it to show how miserable human nature truly is - how decadent we can become - and exactly how illusory and fleeting fame is...
.
She's a person and I happen to like her - and I pray for her. (I'm fairly certain she continues to believe everything is still just a joke. And I'm afraid she may kill herself laughing.)

National Day of Silence

Keep your mouth shut until tomorrow.

.

April 25 is observed as a National Day of Silence in public high schools throughout the country. Actually it is the first I have ever heard about it. It's a gay thing. I think people who think that gay sex is a dirty, filthy habit, are not supposed to say that kind of stuff today.

.

I found some information on the national observance here.

Thursday storybook time.

It's spring!

.

Once upon a time, I had a friend who married a woman he thought was the most beautiful in the world, and in fact she was very pretty, in a Delta Burke/Imelda Marcos sort of way. They had two children and lived in a lovely over-sized house in the best suburb; the windows draped with layer upon layer of ruffled sheered curtains, in the softest shade of pink you have ever seen. They did everything with flair and style, and much better than their neighbors ever could. (The Mrs. had been a hair stylist before they married, which may explain why her hair was nearly as big as the house.)

.

One spring day, I called my friend just to see how he was doing and the answering machine went on. Symphonic music was playing softly in the background, and his wife's melodic voice began her sing-song, operatic message. It was her springtime poem, recited in the style of the good witch Glinda from the Wizard of Oz. It began "It's spring! Ohhhhhhhh! It's spring! Ahhhhhhhh! The girls are scampering to and fro in the ya----"

.

Clunk! I hung up!

.

The End.

NEWMAN TO BE BEATIFIED!!!

WOW!
.

This is such wonderful news! Read the entire story here.

Mary Jo Copeland

The poor need Caring and Sharing Hands!

.

I'm so happy some other good Catholic bloggers came to Mary Jo's defense and posted about the dilemma her homeless shelter faces - the city of Minneapolis trying to shut her down that is. Ray, Monica, Cathy, and Adoro all posted about the situation far better than I could. Now if only others from Minnesota, even those who live on farms as far away as the Wausau/Green Bay area of Wisconsin; if only they would show some concern - beyond what they usually say - step out of their paradigm for a moment and demonstrate they actually do have a social conscience, and at least post something on their blog, I'd be happier. That said, they should at least call the city of Minneapolis in support of Mary Jo - their pedestal isn't that high off the ground, is it?

.

Anyway...
.

I wish we could get some "big" names to come out for Caring and Sharing Hands too. Mega stars like Prince - hey Roger, why don't you help Mary Jo? Or former Twins players - say Kent Herbeck, where are you? Josh Hartnet? Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis - can you guys help out? Or how about the Coen brothers? Does anyone out there know them? Give them a call and tell them to help out a real person in need. How about Lori and Julia? They could do something... Julia is Catholic! Everyone - call the city, post a protest, or get your butts down to the City Council meeting on April 25. (If anyone knows these famous people or how to get them involved - please contact them ASAP.)
.
WDTPRS? (What does the petition really say?)
.
PLEASE! If you haven't done so - come to the aid of Caring and Sharing hands and make your objections known to the City of Minneapolis. Please call today or before April 25 Mayor R.T. Rybak's policy aide: Erica Prosser 612-673-2133 or erica.prosser@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

The Pope in NYC

What a farce - he snubbed Bayside!
.
.
[Photo: I believe that is Joan Lewis of EWTN in the blue beret, seated next to Veronica.]

My six word memoir meme.

Angela tagged me for this:

.

Write a memoir of your life in just six words. Post it on the blog. Tag 5 others.

.

So - right off the top of my head I thought of this from "Chic":

.

"Dance, dance, dance... keep on dancing."

.

Then I thought of this from the "Four Tops":

.

"What becomes of the broken hearted?"

.

While I considered this from Tina Turner:

.

"Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river!"

.

Although something from Abbey Road would certainly be appropriate:

.

"(She) came in through the bathroom window."

.

But then I just went with Cece Peniston:

.

"I don't know what to do."

.

Although, thinking about it more seriously, I decided on this:

.

"Let the children come to me." - Matt. 20:14

.

I tag the following people I would most like to hang out with for an evening:

.

Tina Fey, Charo, Drew Carey, Karen Walker, and Jack Mcfarland. However - if they can't do it, I tag everyone from The Office.

It's all their fault.

The poor are responsible for their own plight.
.

In biblical times, the plight of the poor, the homeless, the beggars of the day, was considered to be a punishment for sin - hence the popular mindset held that "it was their own fault". The righteous could easily dismiss them, and walk on by because they were unclean, like Samaritans and lepers, they were sinners. "They brought it upon themselves."

.

We do the same thing today, only we dismiss the poor as drug addicts, alcoholics, hookers, mentallly ill, and so on - and we are certain we "know" most of them are there on the street through their own fault - or even because "they want to be". Maybe - maybe not. Whatever the case, does that justify the fact that we so easily ignore them and their plight?

.

I know people who treat sick pets with more concern than Christians do a homeless stranger on a street corner. Indeed, how often I've heard of Catholic people who have solicited funds from others to care for their pets, or make house payments, or to help pay for personal tuition expenses, or even to ask people for money to go on a pilgrimage to Rome or to pay off student loans to enter a monastery. I expect we imagine ourselves to be good - and therefore deserving, even worthy - hence we permit ourselves to ask people we do not even know for money to support our "good" causes. Yet it is such a different story when it comes to helping the homeless, the down and out.

.

The mayor's assistant wrote me the following in an email:

.

"Those who are served by Sharing and Caring Hands are unique in that many users may be homeless and vulnerable because of these criminal behaviors such as drug abuse. The City can not look the other away, we have a responsibility to ensure the safety of everyone at Sharing and Caring Hands is considered, from the chronic crack cocaine user to the young single mother and her new born child." -Jeremy Hanson, Office of Mayor R.T. Rybak

.

Can't you just feel the love? The concern to protect the poor, young single mother and her newborn child? Protecting her from those awful criminals? If the poor mother lives anyplace - she probably lives on the north or south side, in a neighborhood bordering downtown Minneapolis. These neighborhoods are hot beds of crime, drug trafficking and murder. That poor mother is much safer at Caring and Sharing Hands. Just last night, I watched a news story about a south Minneapolis family who narrowly escaped gun shots that came in through their bedroom window, piercing the opposite wall. The family wants to move to a better neighborhood but cannot afford it.

.

I think the city of Minneapolis has a responsibility to ensure the safety of everyone in the city - leave Caring and Sharing Hands alone - the center was doing just fine until construction on the stadium began last year.

.

PLEASE! If you haven't done so - come to the aid of Caring and Sharing hands and make your objections known to the City of Minneapolis. Please call today or before April 25 Mayor R.T. Rybak's policy aide: Erica Prosser 612-673-2133 or erica.prosser@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Caring and Sharing Hands and the City of Minneapolis

A Case of Harassment By the City of Minneapolis...
.
I just got off the phone with Dick Copeland, after receiving an email response from the Mayor's office explaining the City's position regarding the security issues associated with Caring and Sharing Hands. I wanted to hear the other side of the story directly from the Copelands. The City claims the help center is not cooperating - which I know to be untrue - but I needed to have that confirmed for me by either Mary Jo or her husband Dick.
.
It is rather obvious the City's motivation to shut down Mary Jo Copeland's emergency center for the homeless poor is because the property would be more valuable for commercial development servicing the new Twins ballpark - being constructed across the street. Although the city denies it and insists it is instead trying to work with the Copeland's to develop a security plan which would eradicate drug trafficking in the area.
.
I asked Dick if they (Caring and Sharing) are refusing to work with the City - he said absolutely not - that in fact they do have security people on hand. Dick explained that Mary Jo has been doing this work for 20 years and only last year the police started coming around.
.
I remember one of the first incidents. The police showed up at noon. It was during the dinner hour when they made the well publicized sting - and if I remember correctly, media just happened to come along. Supposedly a drug deal was going down right on camera - next to a security guard while Mary Jo was serving food. This pretty much coincided with the final go ahead for construction of the new ball park to take place - but I never connected the dots at that time.
.
Mr. Copeland explained to me that for years they asked help from the city and police to help them move along the trouble makers amongst the street people who slept on the grassy street intersections and areas surrounding the center, but the police told the Copeland's it wasn't their problem. Then last summer the arrests happened, although there have been no arrests recently, at least in the past 4 months.
.
I asked what kind of security system the City is asking of them - Dick said they want the center to check ID's of everyone who enters the facility. Wait a minute. Isn't that a violation of civil rights? Isn't this the USA? And furthermore - maybe the poor do not always have identification - and yes, they should - but maybe they don't. Can you see where this is going? The next step for the City is probably going to be calling in immigration officials to help in shutting down the facility. Do you see how government operates when revenue is involved?
.
Anyway - the City "miss-speaks" - they want Mary Jo out. From what I understand they have already negotiated with the Salvation Army to limit their outreach to the poor - no more over night accommodations from what I've been told. (The Salvation Army is on the opposite side of the new stadium.)

Mayor's Office response to my earlier post:
.
Jeremy Hanson, Office of Mayor R.T. Rybak Says: after publication. e-->April 17th, 2008 at 2:43 pm e
.
Mayor Rybak very much values and appreciates the important work of Sharing and Caring Hands – the services they provide to Minneapolis and those in need are admirable and the last thing we want is to stand in the way of that service. That being said, when you operate a business in the City of Minneapolis, no matter what type of business, you must comply with City ordinances that relate to the management of that business, including a plan to ensure adequate security to prevent criminal activity. And the City has an obligation to ensure that licensed businesses are in compliance with these ordinances. There are a number of other facilities that serve the homeless and those with great housing needs in this area of Minneapolis. None of them have these safety issues because we are in partnership with them, and we simply want the same with Sharing and Caring Hands. We don’t want to relocate them. We want to work with them to address these issues so that the people who go there for care and support can be safe. We have been trying to work with them to protect the very needy people who come there, but we need Mary Jo’s partnership to do that. We have clear standards for public safety in Minneapolis that we expect everyone – even Sharing and Caring Hands – to meet.
.
Those who are served by Sharing and Caring Hands are unique in that many users may be homeless and vulnerable because of these criminal behaviors such as drug abuse. The City can not look the other away, we have a responsibility to ensure the safety of everyone at Sharing and Caring Hands is considered, from the chronic crack cocaine user to the young single mother and her new born child.
.
The security issues surrounding Mary’s place have a long history as do the City’s attempts to work in partnership with Mary Jo to address these issues. Sharing and Caring Hands has had little progress in addressing these concerns and so, once again, we have asked Mary Jo to come to the table so we can help her put together a comprehensive and achievable security plan. We are extremely hopeful that Mary Jo, with the needs of those she serves in mind, will work cooperatively with us so that we have a result that will make us all happy, the license renewal of Sharing and Caring Hands and safe place of refuge for those in need.
.
Minneapolis has underway one of the most comprehensive and aggressive efforts to end homelessness in the nation, and ending homelessness will continue to be a priority for the Mayor and the city. This is why we have helped place affordable housing in downtown as well as throughout the city and will continue our efforts to end homelessness by helping people get into safe, affordable and stable housing. This year we are spending $10 million on an Affordable Housing Trust Fund. We are funding street outreach workers to help connect homeless residents to permanent services and move them into a more stable life. We are about to have our next Project Homeless Connect, in which we invite the homeless people in the community to the Convention Center to connect them to services. This is part of Heading Home Hennepin, a city and county partnership to solve long term homelessness. The city has worked very hard to address the needs of the homeless, and those who have housing challenges, and we will continue to do so – hopefully with the partnership of Sharing and Caring Hands. - End of Mayor's Office statement.
.
There is a City Council meeting on April 25th and we need thousands of people to call the Mayor’s office and tell him you support Mary Jo’s work and you oppose any move to remove Mary Jo’s restaurant license. Please call today or before April 25th. The license thing is only the first step in closing down the entire facility.
.
PLEASE! If you haven't done so - come to the aid of Caring and Sharing hands and make your objections known to the City of Minneapolis. Please call today or before April 25 Mayor R.T. Rybak's policy aide: Erica Prosser 612-673-2133 or erica.prosser@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Links:
Corruption and the City of Minneapolis

Sharing and Caring Hands Under Attack In Minneapolis

Urgent!

.

Sharing & Caring Hands needs your support. The City of Minneapolis has threatened to remove Mary Jo Copeland's restaurant license and in turn her ability to serve meals to thousands of the poor and hungry of Minneapolis.

.

This move has been raised because of alleged security concerns, and comes on the heels of the new ballpark stadium being built across the street from the facility. Those who would suffer from this are the poor, the disabled, the elderly, families with children, and people suffering from mental illness who come for a warm meal.

.

There is a City meeting on April 25th and we need thousands of people of faith to call the Mayor's office and tell him you support Mary Jo's work and you oppose any move to remove Mary Jo's restaurant license.

.

Please call today or before April 25 Mayor R.T. Rybak's policy aide: Erica Prosser 612-673-2133 or erica.prosser@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

.

PROTEST MARCH Thursday April 17, 1PM The community is organizing a march to protest this threat. It is set for Thursday, April 17 at 1 pm in the Parking lot of Sharing and Caring Hands. Parking will fill quickly there so attendees are encouraged to park at the Target Center just 5 minutes away. Please call 612-338-4640 9-5 PM for more details or questions."

http://www.sharingandcaringhands.org/"

.

If you cannot make the event on April 17 - call the Mayor's office and let him know you object to the harassment the City of Minneapolis is directing against Mary Jo Copeland and Sharing and Caring Hands. And PRAY!

Proud to be an American.

He likes us! He really, really likes us!

.

I watched the welcome for the Holy Father on the White House lawn by the President and the Nation. What a wonderful tribute.

.

Happy Birthday Holy Father!

Cathy is so excited that the Pope will be here today!

The Pope is on his way...

"Get your coat Georg - we're leaving."

Funerary

Denial.
.

I painted this as an ex-voto in memory of the man who had been my novice master in the monastery. He died several years ago now. My inspiration was a funerary fresco from ancient Pompeii - hence the shrouded mourner in the lower corner. The winged man is the Roman God Dionysus. The torch represents the false light of the world. The empty cowl illustrates his abandoned vocation, and the naked man is the dead monk.

.

I later destroyed the canvas after the monastery denied the circumstances of the monk's death.

Therese

This is a life size painting I did of St. Therese a couple of years ago. Unfortunately it was photographed from below so the perspective is a bit off, and the image isn't very clear.