Part 3: The progressive era
Part 4: A panic-stricken
Federal Reserve
The recent moves by the US Federal Reserve, amid fears of an economic depression, to inject liquidity into the credit market and to bail out banks and brokerage houses are looking more like fixes for drug addicts in advanced stages of abuse. But for neo-liberal market fundamentalists, the fear is not of an economic depression, but the populism that may follow it. - Henry C K Liu
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Heinberg on 'resilient communities: paths for powering down'
Heinberg on 'resilient communities: paths for powering down'
The first public airing by Richard Heinberg of a new concept he has been developing: a Resilient Communities Action Plan.
published April 1, 2008.
complete report
Trailers for Wushu
@ Twitch: Two Trailers for Jackie Chan-Produced, Sammo Hung-Starring WUSHU
Rather old-school... maybe too much so. And I can't help but shake the feeling that there the movie has an aspect of nationalistic propaganda. Part of it is due to the fact that much of what is called wushu on the screen really is the modern sport of wushu, and has very little to do with practical combat. At least Donnie Yen has brought some MMA into his recent si chong movies.
jet li wushu competition 1978
Sammo Hung looks good, but it seems to be another E. Asian (or Chinese) story focused on young [idealistic] people--pandering to the rather unformed youth of E. Asia. At least it's not as bad as the movies in the U.S. where this sort of mentality, that young people will redeem the world with their idealism and their 'native virtue,' causes stories to be told about teenagers (and children) teaching adults a lesson or two about courage and morality.
This is much different from what Christ said about becoming like children...
Rather old-school... maybe too much so. And I can't help but shake the feeling that there the movie has an aspect of nationalistic propaganda. Part of it is due to the fact that much of what is called wushu on the screen really is the modern sport of wushu, and has very little to do with practical combat. At least Donnie Yen has brought some MMA into his recent si chong movies.
jet li wushu competition 1978
Sammo Hung looks good, but it seems to be another E. Asian (or Chinese) story focused on young [idealistic] people--pandering to the rather unformed youth of E. Asia. At least it's not as bad as the movies in the U.S. where this sort of mentality, that young people will redeem the world with their idealism and their 'native virtue,' causes stories to be told about teenagers (and children) teaching adults a lesson or two about courage and morality.
This is much different from what Christ said about becoming like children...
Zenit interview with Vicar General of Opus Dei
Opus Dei Opens Its Doors to Everyone
Interview With the Vicar General of the Personal Prelature
By Miriam Díez i Bosch
ROME, MARCH 31, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The doors of Opus Dei are open to everyone, says the prelature's vicar general, Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz.
ZENIT spoke to Monsignor Ocáriz for the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Opus Dei as a personal prelature -- the only one in existence at present.
He explains the relationship between this institution and the dioceses, and says that the strength of the group is simply the power that comes from the Gospel.
Q: Opus Dei was born to help laypeople in their ordinary life. Are laypeople truly a part of the prelature of Opus Dei, or is the prelature only for the relatively few priests of Opus Dei?
Monsignor Ocáriz: Opus Dei was born precisely to remind everyone, both priests and laypersons, of the universal call to holiness. As [the founder] St. Josemaría taught since 1928, the fact that this call is universal and that God calls each person, means that all upright human realities -- professional work, family and social relations -- can and should be a sanctified and sanctifying reality.
As Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger said when the founder of Opus Dei was canonized, the message of St. Josemaría Escrivá has helped to correct an erroneous idea of sanctity, as thought it were reserved only for the "great." Sanctity means becoming a friend of God, letting the Other act, the only one who can make this world good and joyful.
The laypeople of Opus Dei, both women and men, married or single, are an integral part of the prelature, just as much as the priests who constitute its clergy. The relationship between these sacred ministers and the lay faithful is that proper to the Church.
At the same time, each layperson also belongs to the diocese where he or she lives, just like any other Catholic. As John Paul II said on a number of occasions, referring specifically to Opus Dei, the ministerial priesthood of the clergy and the common priesthood of the lay faithful are united and linked in a unity of vocation and governance to fulfill the prelature's mission of evangelization under the guidance of its prelate.
Q: At this time Opus Dei is the only personal prelature. Do you receive inquiries from other ecclesiastical institutions that would like to become personal prelatures?
Monsignor Ocáriz: Yes, at the moment it's the only personal prelature. However, there are other ecclesiastical circumscriptions in the Church which are delimited on a personal -- and not territorial -- basis, for various pastoral needs. For instance, there are the apostolic exarchates that exist in some countries to care for faithful of Oriental Rites, the military ordinariates, and a personal apostolic administration erected a few years ago in Brazil.
Only the Holy See can establish a personal prelature. Furthermore, canon law lays down that the episcopal conferences that are involved also have to be consulted. Establishing a personal prelature is a pastoral decision, aimed at furthering the Church's mission in a world characterized by a constant movement of people. For example, in the post-synodal apostolic exhortations "Ecclesia in America" and "Ecclesia in Europa," John Paul II refers to personal prelatures as a possible solution for people in need of special pastoral attention, mentioning groups of immigrants in particular.
It is also possible, as happened with Opus Dei, that the action of the Holy Spirit inspires particular apostolic tasks, which give rise to pastoral needs that require the structure of a personal prelature.
I am not aware that Opus Dei has received any consultations from other institutions regarding the possibility of becoming a personal prelature. However, in the context of congresses, pastoral gatherings, etc., people of Opus Dei have sometimes been asked to pass on the experience the prelature has gathered over the years.
Q: What truth is there to Opus Dei's alleged independence -- autonomy, if you prefer -- stemming from the fact that juridically it is a personal prelature?
Monsignor Ocáriz: The reality is exactly the opposite. Erecting a prelature means precisely "dependence." It means placing a part of the Christian people in pastoral dependence under a member of the ecclesiastical hierarchy. It doesn't make sense to speak of independence or autonomy, since, on the contrary, Opus Dei depends on a prelate appointed by the Roman Pontiff.
The prelate and his vicars exercise ecclesiastical power in common with the other pastors, under the supreme authority of the Pope, in accord with the universal law of the Church and the particular law contained in the statutes which the Holy See has established for the prelature.
I think that the experience of the presence of Opus Dei in so many dioceses all over the world should contribute to an understanding, even from a practical point of view, that the personal prelatures introduced by the Second Vatican Council do not harm the unity of the particular churches. On the contrary, their purpose is to serve these churches in the general evangelizing mission of the Church.
As Benedict XVI wrote to the present prelate, Bishop Echevarría, on the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination, "when you foster the eagerness for personal sanctity and the apostolic zeal of your priests and laypeople, not only do you see the flock that has been entrusted to you grow, but you provide an effective help to the Church in her urgent evangelization of present-day society."
Q: Is it correct to say that there are "Opus Dei bishops"?
Monsignor Ocáriz: It depends what you mean by that phrase. When, as occurs at times, a priest of the prelature's clergy is called by the Holy Father to the episcopate, the same thing happens as with any diocesan priest: He ceases to be incardinated in the ecclesiastical circumscription from which he comes, although he continues to receive spiritual assistance from the prelature. He has the same canonical status as any other bishop.
Obviously, the prelate of Opus Dei has no power whatsoever over the episcopal mission of these bishops.
Q: I imagine that you don't see any "before and after" in Opus Dei as a result of the "Da Vinci Code" phenomenon.
Monsignor Ocáriz: Clearly not. It makes no sense to think that such a novel could have an historical impact great enough to result in a "before and after" in Opus Dei
On the other hand, it may very well have influenced some people. Without ignoring the disorientation that this type of literature could give rise to in some readers, I know that many people have decided to make contact with the prelature and its activities of Christian formation precisely as a consequence of the information that it gave about the Work, in order calmly to counteract the book's errors.
There have also been very many examples of solidarity with Opus Dei on the part of journalists, writers, and other people who have followed this topic more closely. It has occasioned a marvelous ecclesial solidarity; in times like these one truly senses that the Church is a family.
Q: At times one hears people speak of the "power" of Opus Dei. Why do you think this image has arisen?
Monsignor Ocáriz: Despite our personal limitations -- we neither are nor see ourselves as "the head of the class" -- God has blessed Opus Dei's work for souls with abundant apostolic fruit. Seen from a human point of view, some might see this as an expression of "strength" or "power."
In reality, the Work is a small part of the Church, and its "power" comes from its source: from the Gospel, which, as St. Paul writes, is "the power of God for salvation to every one who has faith." The fruitfulness of the work of Opus Dei's faithful is caused by the Holy Spirit in the Church and through the Church.
Anyone who comes to an apostolic activity organized by the prelature -- its doors are open to everyone -- is offered a broad vista of Christian life. Anyone who comes to the Work seeking human influence or anything other than a spiritual goal would not last very long. He would hear people speaking about love for Jesus Christ and the Church, about Christian commitment, about spiritual life and generous service to others.
Fortress Salses
Forteresse de Salses - Centre des monuments nationaux
Castles.info - Salses castle, France
Forteresse de Salses
Looks like a site I'd visit... or like to own. Is the land around it any good for farming?
Monday, March 31, 2008
Southern Events website
Looks like the Southern Events website is gone, and the url has been taken over by a catering company. I don't know how much was lost, but at least one of the articles that were posted there can be found at Know Southern History.
Dmitry Orlov, The Collapse Party platform
The Collapse Party platform
This being an election year in the US, I thought it fitting to circulate my little wish list of items that the US government could try to accomplish if it suddenly decided to make itself useful. [Excerpt from Reinventing Collapse]
published March 31, 2008.
GL, Time to start growing your own bread
Time to start growing your own bread
It is gratifying to know there are still Americans who, instead of wringing their hands at a possible problem headed their way, start figuring what to do about it.
published March 31, 2008.
Magister on Magdi Cristiano Allam
The Story of a Convert from Islam – Baptized by the Pope at St. Peter's
Vatican Watcher: Magdi Cristiano Allam
Primo Piano | Amici di Magdi Allam
His name is Magdi Cristiano Allam. For five years he has lived under guard, threatened with death. But his baptism has raised harsh criticism, against him and against Benedict XVI. The complete text of the accusation written by Aref Ali Nayed, architect of the letter of the 138.
Vatican Watcher: Magdi Cristiano Allam
Primo Piano | Amici di Magdi Allam
Daniel Larison on patriotism
I Am Not A Nationalist (And Here Are A Few Reasons Why)
Government, Constitution, and Patria
Plus reactions to stuff by George Kateb and Will Wilkinson:
Who Fears Solidarity?
Anti-Patriotism As Political Promiscuity
“Inferior Patriotism”
Where Universalism And Nationalism Meet
Patriotism Should Be A Lot Like Patriotism
On the foreign policy ideals of the Old Right (which is not 'isolationism'):
Who's Afraid Of Joe Lieberman?
Government, Constitution, and Patria
Plus reactions to stuff by George Kateb and Will Wilkinson:
Who Fears Solidarity?
Anti-Patriotism As Political Promiscuity
“Inferior Patriotism”
Where Universalism And Nationalism Meet
Patriotism Should Be A Lot Like Patriotism
On the foreign policy ideals of the Old Right (which is not 'isolationism'):
Who's Afraid Of Joe Lieberman?
Paulson proposes "reform"
From the website of the Department of the Treasury:
Treasury Releases Blueprint for Stronger Regulatory Structure
Blueprint for a Modernized Financial Regulatory Structure; blueprint (pdf)
Paulson proposes broad reform of market oversight
Clinton criticizes proposed Fed overhaul
From Counterpunch:
Mike Whitney
Dead on Arrival: Paulson's Fixit Plan for Wall Street
Peter Morici
Why Paulson's Reform Plan Falls Short
Zenit: Pope Urges Salesians to Focus on Families
Pope Urges Salesians to Focus on Families
Says This Is the Way to Help in Formation of Youth
VATICAN CITY, MARCH 31, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Since the family should have an active role in the education of youth, it is necessary to expand youth ministry to family ministry, Benedict XVI is telling the Salesians.
The Pope encouraged the Salesians along these lines when he received in audience today representatives of that religious family, in Rome for their 29th General Chapter.
On March 25, the congregation re-elected Father Pascual Chávez Villanueva as the ninth successor of the Salesian founder, St. John Bosco, for another six years.
The chapter's theme is a motto of St. John Bosco, "Da mihi animas, cetera tolle" (give me souls, take away all else). The Holy Father commented on the theme, noting that "its aim is to reawaken apostolic passion in each individual Salesian and in the entire congregation. This will help better to define the profile of Salesians, that they may become more aware of their identity as people consecrated 'for the glory of God'" and "of their pastoral commitment 'to the salvation of souls.'"
"Another characteristic of the Salesian model is the consciousness of the inestimable value of souls," the Holy Father said.
Thus, the Salesian "should have his heart open to identify the new needs of youth and listen to their appeals for help," the Pope continued, especially that of the "most materially and spiritually poor."
Fascinated by Christ
Benedict XVI exhorted the Salesians to help youth "above all to know and love" Jesus Christ "and to allow themselves to be fascinated by him, to cultivate the evangelical commitment, to want to do good to one's contemporaries, to be apostles of other youth."
From there, the Pope urged the congregation, "That your effort would be to form laypeople with apostolic hearts, inviting all to walk in the sanctity of life that brings to mature courageous disciples and authentic apostles."
The Holy Father said he was aware that these challenges are launched in a context of a "great educational emergency," whose most grave element is "the sensation of discouragement that overcomes many educators, especially parents and professors."
"At the root of the crisis in education exists in fact a crisis of confidence in life, which deep down is nothing more than a lack of trust in the God who has called us to life," he said
In any case, the Pontiff affirmed, "in the education of youth it is extremely important that the family be an active subject."
"So often it is either unable to make its specific contribution, or it is absent," he said. "The predilection for and commitment to young people, so characteristic of Don Bosco's charism, must be translated into a like commitment to the involvement and formation of families. [...] To care for families is not to subtract force from efforts on behalf of the young, rather it makes those efforts more lasting and effective. I encourage you, then, to study ways to implement this commitment. [...] This will be an advantage in the education and evangelization of the young."
The Holy Father concluded by underlining the need for "solid formation" for all members of the congregation, "not resting content with mediocre results, overcoming the difficulties of vocational fragility, favoring strong spiritual accompaniment and guaranteeing, through permanent formation, educational and pastoral excellence."
Zenit: B16--On John Paul II and Divine Mercy
On John Paul II and Divine Mercy
"All the Church Does Shows the Mercy God Feels for Man"
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, MARCH 30, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the greeting Benedict XVI gave today before praying the Regina Caeli with thousands of people gathered in the patio of the pontifical residence at Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome.
* * *
Dear brothers and sisters:
During the Jubilee Year 2000, the dear Servant of God John Paul II established that in the whole Church the Sunday after Easter, besides being the Sunday "in albis" would be designated Divine Mercy Sunday. He did this together with the canonization of Faustina Kowalska, a humble Polish woman religious, who was born in 1905 and died in 1938, a zealous messenger of merciful Jesus.
Mercy is in reality the central nucleus of the Gospel message; it is the very name of God, the face with which he has revealed himself in the old covenant and fully in Jesus Christ, the incarnation of creative and redeeming love. This merciful love also illumines the face of the Church, and is manifested, both by way of the sacraments, in particular that of reconciliation, and with works of communitarian and individual charity.
All that the Church says and does shows the mercy that God feels for man. When the Church has to remind about a neglected truth, or a betrayed good, it does it always motivated by a merciful love, so that men may have life and have it in abundance (cf. John 10:10). From divine mercy, which puts hearts at peace, also arises the authentic peace of the world, peace among peoples, cultures and religions.
Like Sister Faustina, John Paul II became in turn an apostle of divine mercy. On the night of that unforgettable Saturday, April 2, 2005, when he closed his eyes to this world, precisely the vigil of the Second Sunday of Easter was celebrated, and many observed the unique coincidence, which brought together a Marian dimension -- the first Saturday of the month -- and that of divine mercy.
In fact, his long and multifaceted pontificate finds here its central nucleus; all of his mission at the service of the truth about God, about man and peace in the world is summarized in this proclamation, as he himself said in Krakow-Lagiewniki in 2002, in inaugurating the great Shrine of Divine Mercy, "Apart from the mercy of God there is no other source of hope for mankind." His message, like that of St. Faustina, presents the face of Christ, supreme revelation of the mercy of God. To contemplate constantly this face: This is the inheritance that he has left us, which we welcome with joy and make our own.
There will be special reflection about divine mercy in the coming days, due to the World Apostolic Congress on Divine Mercy, which will take place in Rome and will be inaugurated with the holy Mass, which, God willing, I will preside over in the morning of Wednesday, April 2, on the third anniversary of the death of the Servant of God John Paul II. Let us place the congress under the heavenly protection of most holy Mary, Mother of Mercy. We entrust to her the great cause of peace in the world so that the mercy of God achieves what is impossible with human strength alone, and instills the courage for dialogue and reconciliation.
[Translation by ZENIT]
* * *
[After the Regina Caeli, the Holy Father greeted the people in various languages. In English, he said:]
I greet all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors here today. This Sunday's Gospel reminds us that through faith we recognize the presence of the Risen Lord in the Church, and that we receive from him the gift of the Holy Spirit. During this Easter season may we strengthen our desire to bear witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ calling us to a life of peace and joy. Upon each of you present and your families, I invoke God's blessings of happiness and wisdom.
© Copyright 2008 -- Libreria Editrice Vaticana
Zenit: B16--On the Joy of Easter
On the Joy of Easter
"Christ's Resurrection Gives Us the Certainty of Our Own Resurrection"
VATICAN CITY, MARCH 30, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the greeting Benedict XVI gave last Wednesday during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square.
* * *
Dear brothers and sisters
"'Et resurrexit tertia die secundum Scripturas' -- on the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures." Every Sunday, we renew our profession of faith in the resurrection of Christ with the Creed. This amazing event is the keystone of Christianity. In the Church, everything is understood to derive from this wonderful mystery that altered the course of history and that is made present at every celebration of the Eucharist.
There is a liturgical time, however, when this reality, central to the Christian faith, in all its rich doctrine and inexhaustible vitality is presented to the faithful in a particularly strong fashion because more people rediscover it and live it more faithfully: Easter time. Each year during the "holy triduum of Christ's crucifixion, death and resurrection," as St. Augustine calls it, the Church goes back over the final stages of Christ's life on earth in a climate of prayer and penitence: his being condemned to death, his journey to Calvary carrying the cross, the sacrifice he made for our salvation, and laying his body to rest. On the third day, the Church relives his resurrection; it is Easter, Jesus' journey from death to life, in which the ancient prophesies are completely fulfilled. All of the liturgies of Easter proclaim the certainty and the joy of Christ's resurrection.
Dear brothers and sisters, we must constantly strive to renew our adherence to Christ who died and rose again for us. His Easter is also our Easter because Christ's resurrection gives us the certainty of our own resurrection. The news of Christ's resurrection never ages and Jesus is always alive; he lives in the Gospel. "The faith of Christians," observes St. Augustine, "is the resurrection of Christ." The Acts of the Apostles explains this clearly: "God has provided confirmation for all by raising Jesus from the dead" (17:31).
The death of Jesus was not enough to prove he was truly the Son of God, the awaited Messiah. How many people, in the course of history, have given their lives for a cause they believed in! They did not come back. The death of our Lord demonstrates the enormous love he felt for us, even to the point of sacrificing himself. It is only through his Resurrection however that we are given "confirmation," the certainty that what he says is truth, a truth that applies to us too, forever. By resurrecting him, God glorified him. St. Paul writes in his Letter to the Romans: "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is the Lord and you believe with your heart that God resurrected him, you will be saved" (10:9).
It is important to reaffirm this truth which is fundamental to our faith. The historical truth of this has been well documented even if today as in the past there are people who in various ways doubt or even deny it occurred. The weakening of faith in the resurrection of Jesus in turn weakens the testimony of believers. In fact, if the Church's faith in the Resurrection were reduced, everything would stop and break up. On the other hand, adherence of the heart and mind to the belief in Christ's death and resurrection changes your life and lights up the lives of individuals and people everywhere.
Is it not this certainty in the risen Lord that inspires courage, bold prophecies and perseverance in the martyrs through the ages? Is it not this meeting with the living Christ which captivates and converts so many men and women who from the beginning of Christianity leave all they have to follow him and give their lives to serve the Gospel? If Christ has not risen, said the Apostle Paul, then our preaching is in vain and our faith is also in vain (1 Corinthians 15:14). But he has risen!
The announcement which we constantly hear during these days is this: Christ is risen, he lives and we can meet him -- just as the women met him, the women who on the morning of the third day, the day after Saturday, went to the tomb; just as the disciples, surprised and upset by what the women had told them, met him; just as many other witnesses met him in the days following the resurrection. Even after the ascension, Jesus continued to be present among his friends just as he had promised: "I am with you every day until the end of the world" (Matthew 28:20). The Lord is with you, with his Church, until the end of time. Illuminated by the Holy Spirit, the first members of the Church began making the Easter proclamation openly and without fear. This announcement handed down through the generations has now reached us too and is repeated each year at Easter with renewed vigor.
Particularly in these days of the Octave of Easter, the liturgy invites us personally to meet with the Risen Lord and to recognize his enlivening effect on historical events and on our daily lives. Today, Wednesday, for example, we are reminded of the moving story of the two disciples of Emmaus (cf. Luke 24:13-35). After the Crucifixion, overwhelmed with sadness and delusion, they disconsolately made their way home. While walking they talked to each other about what had happened over the past few days in Jerusalem. Jesus approached them, he began talking to them and teaching them, "Oh foolish men and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken ... was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory? " (Luke 24:25-26).
Beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. The teachings of Christ -- the explanation of the prophesies -- were for the disciples of Emmaus like an unexpected revelation, illuminating and comforting. Jesus provided a new key to reading the Bible and everything now seemed clear, all leading up to this moment. Won over by the words of this stranger, they asked him to stop and eat dinner with them. He accepted and sat down at the table with them. The Evangelist Luke tells us: "When he was at the table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them" (Luke 24:29-30). It was at that precise moment that the eyes of the two disciples were opened and they recognized him, "but he vanished from their sight" (Luke 24:31). Overcome with surprise and with joy, they said: "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?" (Luke 24:32).
The Lord walks with us and he explains the Scriptures throughout the whole of the liturgical year, but particularly in Holy Week and in Easter Week. He enables us to understand this mystery: Everything refers to him. This should make our hearts burn too so that our eyes may be opened. The Lord is with us and shows us the true path. Just as the two disciples recognized Jesus when he broke the bread, we too acknowledge his presence when we break the bread. The disciples of Emmaus recognized him and remembered those moments when Jesus broke the bread with them and in so doing anticipated his death and his resurrection, giving himself to his disciples.
Jesus breaks the bread for us and with us too, he is present with us in the holy Eucharist, he gives himself to us and opens our hearts. In the holy Eucharist and by reading his word, we too can meet and get to know Jesus by taking the consecrated bread and wine. Every Sunday, the community of the Church relives the Easter of the Lord and reaps from the savior his testament of love and brotherly service. Dear brothers and sisters, the joy of these days strengthens our faithful adherence to Christ who was crucified and resurrected. Above all, let us allow ourselves to feel the wonder of the Resurrection. May Mary help us to be messengers of the light and the joy of Easter. Again, I send you all my warmest wishes for a Happy Easter.
[Translation by Giustina Montaque]
[After his address, the Holy Father greeted the pilgrims in various languages. In English, he said:]
I offer a warm welcome to the international group of School Sisters of Saint Francis gathered in Rome. I also thank the choirs for their praise of God in song. Upon all the English-speaking pilgrims, especially those from Wales, Ireland, Indonesia, Japan, Canada and the United States, I cordially invoke the joy and peace of the Risen Christ.
(c) Copyright 2008 -- Libreria Editrice Vaticana
Hats!
I was thinking about hats at dinner--there was a rodeo competition on the television over at Joy Luck Place. (Even rodeo competitors wear shirts emblazoned with the logos of sponsors now--they reminded me of the NASCAR jumpsuits. They were also wearing some sort of protective vest; what sort of material is it made of?)
From KarlUrbanOnline:
I haven't seen a better-looking hat than the one Karl Urban wore for Comanche Moon. It has a nice wide brim.
I'm reuploading this one from the official CBS site:
The closest thing I found so far are the Aussie hats made by Barmah and Akubra.
Or, maybe Amish hats--telescope top:
And flat top:
Plainly Dressed
They don't really have many hats for men these days. Look at the limited selection over at Brooks Brothers. Miller Hats and Mens Hats have a wider selection, but I don't really like the typical men's hats from the late 19th and 20th century like the fedora, though with the exception maybe of the Panama hat. (I suppose the Panama hat is even older than that?) The New Scot has a Panama hat; it's one of his favorites. He bought it in the U.K. when he was visiting there a while back.
Panama Hats Direct
The Fedora Store (I've been requested to remove the hyperlink. Here is the url: www.thefedorastore.com.)
From KarlUrbanOnline:
I haven't seen a better-looking hat than the one Karl Urban wore for Comanche Moon. It has a nice wide brim.
I'm reuploading this one from the official CBS site:
The closest thing I found so far are the Aussie hats made by Barmah and Akubra.
Or, maybe Amish hats--telescope top:
And flat top:
Plainly Dressed
They don't really have many hats for men these days. Look at the limited selection over at Brooks Brothers. Miller Hats and Mens Hats have a wider selection, but I don't really like the typical men's hats from the late 19th and 20th century like the fedora, though with the exception maybe of the Panama hat. (I suppose the Panama hat is even older than that?) The New Scot has a Panama hat; it's one of his favorites. He bought it in the U.K. when he was visiting there a while back.
Panama Hats Direct
The Fedora Store (I've been requested to remove the hyperlink. Here is the url: www.thefedorastore.com.)
Sunday, March 30, 2008
The Assassination of Jesse James...
Photos...
larger photos at AllMoviePhotos
Was the clothing back then much sturdier than what finds at Target or Mervyn's today (or Banana Republic, for that matter)? Just wondering...
I wonder if there is anyone who does b&w portraits in the mode of the 19th century photographers well?
larger photos at AllMoviePhotos
Was the clothing back then much sturdier than what finds at Target or Mervyn's today (or Banana Republic, for that matter)? Just wondering...
I wonder if there is anyone who does b&w portraits in the mode of the 19th century photographers well?
Thoughts on a Sunday
I find sympathy cards to be the worst-written cards, in general. I looked through the card section at Target and I couldn't find much that was suitable. Most of the messages were rather lame; some of the words even seemed to be a bit self-serving or self-centered. Of course, many of the religious cards presumed that the deceased was already in heaven, while the non-religious cards expressed the hope or wish that pleasant memories of the deceased and the "warm feelings of love" from the people around the bereaved would be of comfort to them. These days I find it's better for most occasions to find a blank card in which I can write down something genuine and sincere, if not original.
While it has been some comfort spending time with high school friends, they haven't changed and the distance between us remains considerable. At least when I was living elsewhere, the physical separation could justify the spiritual separation. But now that I am back in California, I find that I do not see most of them often, which causes me to ask once again what the best way to handle friendships (even more so with what seem to be nonstarters), and what the "natural course" for them is.
I was listening to an EWTN program with Jason Evert and his wife on AM 1260 (someone should bring him out here to talk to teens), and I do miss fellowship with serious Catholics. He and his wife were talking about chastity and purity, of course. He even mentioned oxytocin, telling the audience that the bonding and emotional attachment caused by oxytocin can impair our judgment. Hence people who have sex before marriage may find themselves staying in a bad relationship because of the bond that is formed through sexual intimacy.
Oxytocin : the hormone of love
Empathy and Oxytocin Lead to Greater Generosity
Oxytocin Hormone: The Cuddle Hormone is the Body's Own Love Potion ...
Level Of Oxytocin In Pregnant Women Predicts Mother-child Bond
BBC NEWS | Health | Scientists create 'trust potion'
Oxytocin increases trust in humans : Nature
wiki
In general, the people attending the 12:00 Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas are mostly older, though there are a few young families. Where do young Catholics meet? I suppose I could try the local theology-on-tap, or a parish young adult group (but there's an age limit for the one at OLP). Single Catholics should spend time with other people. Catholic singles should spend time with other Catholics, not only because they may be looking for a spouse, but to find friends. I suppose in a situation like this, when one is rather isolated and the possibilities for meeting people are limited, all one can do is pray.
If they bring back a full-time youth minister at St. Joseph's, maybe the new minister can invite Jason Evert and some other speakers for a series. (The parish seems to be doing well financially, after all...) What do the children and adolescents at St. Maria Goretti Church know about her? Or St. Dominic Savio, for that matter? We do need youth ministers who are like St. John Bosco--should there be separate youth ministry groups for males and females? While they are normally 'co-ed,' perhaps there should be some segregation, with the two groups meeting for social events and the like. Even if one does not accept that the vocations of husband/father and wife/mother are different, perhaps one will at least concede that separating males from females will have the benefit of removing distractions. Still, how many attending youth ministry meetings are interested in finding a bf or gf there? (And not because their parents want them to go?)
Office of Respect Life Education: Jason Evert Presentations
Catholic Answers: Seminars: Jason Evert
Pure Love Club
If I were a priest, I might say something during a homily to the congregation about leaving church right after receiving Holy Communion. Perhaps for the Gospel reading in which Christ heals 10 lepers and only one returns to thank him (Luke 17:11-19). Surely, most Catholics need to be reminded of the necessity of making a proper act of Thanksgiving after Communion. Would you think of turning your back on someone rich and powerful who had just done a favor for you or given you something of great value? Than ask yourself if you are showing the proper gratitude to God after receiving the most precious Gift possible. The gas station/fillerup mentality towards the Sacraments needs to be corrected. Where are people russhing off to? What could possibly be more important than spending time with Our Lord? Perhaps they are receiving Communion because of rote habit, one of culture more than of religion. Is there any connection to the bishops (and St. Pius X's) encouraging people to receive Communion frequently? Or is it a feature of the American Church before Vatican II that has persisted, despite the decline in catechesis? (One does wonder though whether Americans were receiving an adequate education on Christian spirituality before the council.) Now if there are pressing obligations to be attended to that would be a different story, but even a quick act of Thanksgiving should be possible.
I'm meeting up with my sister KK and her husband and my mother for dinner at Joy Luck Place, since KK is craving some noodles. I don't know if my father will be going. We had dinner last night at Pan Tao; the dishes are about $2 more than Victoria Seafood in Boston, but the quality is about the same, for the most part. There is a dearth of good, cheap Cantonese food here in the South Bay. After Mass I went to Jamba Juice in the afternoon, over at Cupertino Oaks. A couple of doors down from the Jamba Juice is a Quickly. I've never tried Quickly--I don't care much for pearl drinks and such, preferring smoothies. I decided to satiate my craving for a smoothie today instead of going later this week. (Mango-a-go-go!)
Edit:
Joy Luck Place was ok. I ordered the cha siu min -- there was a lot of cha siu (barbeque pork) in it, more than what I got at Fat Wong's over in Millbrae. The prices are comparable to Cafe Salinas, though. I wonder if my brother-in-law thought he got enough beef this time.
While it has been some comfort spending time with high school friends, they haven't changed and the distance between us remains considerable. At least when I was living elsewhere, the physical separation could justify the spiritual separation. But now that I am back in California, I find that I do not see most of them often, which causes me to ask once again what the best way to handle friendships (even more so with what seem to be nonstarters), and what the "natural course" for them is.
I was listening to an EWTN program with Jason Evert and his wife on AM 1260 (someone should bring him out here to talk to teens), and I do miss fellowship with serious Catholics. He and his wife were talking about chastity and purity, of course. He even mentioned oxytocin, telling the audience that the bonding and emotional attachment caused by oxytocin can impair our judgment. Hence people who have sex before marriage may find themselves staying in a bad relationship because of the bond that is formed through sexual intimacy.
Oxytocin : the hormone of love
Empathy and Oxytocin Lead to Greater Generosity
Oxytocin Hormone: The Cuddle Hormone is the Body's Own Love Potion ...
Level Of Oxytocin In Pregnant Women Predicts Mother-child Bond
BBC NEWS | Health | Scientists create 'trust potion'
Oxytocin increases trust in humans : Nature
wiki
In general, the people attending the 12:00 Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas are mostly older, though there are a few young families. Where do young Catholics meet? I suppose I could try the local theology-on-tap, or a parish young adult group (but there's an age limit for the one at OLP). Single Catholics should spend time with other people. Catholic singles should spend time with other Catholics, not only because they may be looking for a spouse, but to find friends. I suppose in a situation like this, when one is rather isolated and the possibilities for meeting people are limited, all one can do is pray.
If they bring back a full-time youth minister at St. Joseph's, maybe the new minister can invite Jason Evert and some other speakers for a series. (The parish seems to be doing well financially, after all...) What do the children and adolescents at St. Maria Goretti Church know about her? Or St. Dominic Savio, for that matter? We do need youth ministers who are like St. John Bosco--should there be separate youth ministry groups for males and females? While they are normally 'co-ed,' perhaps there should be some segregation, with the two groups meeting for social events and the like. Even if one does not accept that the vocations of husband/father and wife/mother are different, perhaps one will at least concede that separating males from females will have the benefit of removing distractions. Still, how many attending youth ministry meetings are interested in finding a bf or gf there? (And not because their parents want them to go?)
Office of Respect Life Education: Jason Evert Presentations
Catholic Answers: Seminars: Jason Evert
Pure Love Club
If I were a priest, I might say something during a homily to the congregation about leaving church right after receiving Holy Communion. Perhaps for the Gospel reading in which Christ heals 10 lepers and only one returns to thank him (Luke 17:11-19). Surely, most Catholics need to be reminded of the necessity of making a proper act of Thanksgiving after Communion. Would you think of turning your back on someone rich and powerful who had just done a favor for you or given you something of great value? Than ask yourself if you are showing the proper gratitude to God after receiving the most precious Gift possible. The gas station/fillerup mentality towards the Sacraments needs to be corrected. Where are people russhing off to? What could possibly be more important than spending time with Our Lord? Perhaps they are receiving Communion because of rote habit, one of culture more than of religion. Is there any connection to the bishops (and St. Pius X's) encouraging people to receive Communion frequently? Or is it a feature of the American Church before Vatican II that has persisted, despite the decline in catechesis? (One does wonder though whether Americans were receiving an adequate education on Christian spirituality before the council.) Now if there are pressing obligations to be attended to that would be a different story, but even a quick act of Thanksgiving should be possible.
I'm meeting up with my sister KK and her husband and my mother for dinner at Joy Luck Place, since KK is craving some noodles. I don't know if my father will be going. We had dinner last night at Pan Tao; the dishes are about $2 more than Victoria Seafood in Boston, but the quality is about the same, for the most part. There is a dearth of good, cheap Cantonese food here in the South Bay. After Mass I went to Jamba Juice in the afternoon, over at Cupertino Oaks. A couple of doors down from the Jamba Juice is a Quickly. I've never tried Quickly--I don't care much for pearl drinks and such, preferring smoothies. I decided to satiate my craving for a smoothie today instead of going later this week. (Mango-a-go-go!)
Edit:
Joy Luck Place was ok. I ordered the cha siu min -- there was a lot of cha siu (barbeque pork) in it, more than what I got at Fat Wong's over in Millbrae. The prices are comparable to Cafe Salinas, though. I wonder if my brother-in-law thought he got enough beef this time.
Zenit: Unless I Put My Hand Into His Side ...
Unless I Put My Hand Into His Side ...
Gospel Commentary for 2nd Sunday of Easter
By Father Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap
VATICAN CITY, MARCH 30, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The first of the two appearances of Christ described in today's Gospel occurs Easter evening, "the first day after the Sabbath," and the second appearance, the one in which the episode with Thomas takes place, occurs "eight days later," that is, again on the first day after the Sabbath.
The insistence on the chronological date of the two appearances shows the Evangelist John's intention to present Jesus' meeting with his followers in the cenacle as a prototype of the Church's Sunday assembly. Jesus is present among his disciples in the Sunday Eucharist too; he gives them peace and the Holy Spirit; at communion they touch, indeed they receive, his wounded and risen body, reciting the Creed they proclaim, like Thomas, their faith in him.
The designation "first day of the week" is very soon replaced by the other designation "day of the Lord" (Revelation 1:10), whose exact corresponding phrase in Latin is "dies dominica." "Dominica" very soon passes from being an adjective to being a noun and this is how our Italian word "Domenica" ("Sunday") came about.
A distinctive trait of Sunday in the epoch of the Fathers is joy. We already see it anticipated in today's Gospel: "The disciples rejoiced in seeing the Lord" (John 20:20). Sunday is regarded as the "little Easter," or "the weekly Easter." By extension, the verse of Psalm 118 in which the Jews and Christians referred to the Passover, is applied to Sunday: "This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it" (118:24).
Naturally, the liturgical assembly is the heart of Sunday. What the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist represented for Christians in the time of persecution is shown to us by the North African martyr Saturnius and his companions, who died under the persecution of Diocletian in A.D. 305. To the Roman judge who accused them of transgressing the emperor's order not to hold meetings, the martyrs said: "The Christian cannot be without the Eucharist and the Eucharist cannot be without the Christian." "The Eucharist is the hope and the salvation of Christians."
A line spoken by these martyrs is often cited thus: "We cannot live without Sunday." But this translation is not very exact. Taken literally, it does not make much sense. The word that is translated as "Sunday" here ("dominicum") actually means "the Lord's meal," that is, the Eucharist. The title of the congress, therefore, must be understood, if at all, in the sense of: "We cannot live without the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist."
We need to rediscover what Sunday was for the first centuries, when it was a special day, not because of external supports but by its own internal force. The obligation to attend Sunday Mass by itself does not seem to be sufficient to bring Christians to Church on Sunday. We must emphasize the need that the Christian has to receive the body and blood of the Lord over his obligation to receive it. "[S]haring in the Eucharist," John Paul II wrote in "Novo Millennio Inuente," "should really be the heart of Sunday for every baptized person. It is a fundamental duty, to be fulfilled not just in order to observe a precept but as something felt as essential to a truly informed and consistent Christian life."
No Catholic should return home from Sunday Mass without feeling, in some measure, "reborn to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Peter 1:3). When one returns home from encountering the risen Lord, Sunday acquires a new taste and color: Everything is more beautiful, even sitting at table at home or at a restaurant, even the game at the stadium.
[Translation by Joseph G. Trabbic]
* * *
Father Raniero Cantalamessa is the Pontifical Household preacher. The readings for this Sunday are Acts 2:42-47; 1 Peter 1:23-9; John 20:19-31.
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