The Con is On: Reviewing "White Cat" by Holly Black

Found this via SFFaudio, as a free audio book from Random House. Here's the review that I wrote for them. I'm now listening to the second in the series, Red Glove which SFFaudio obtained as a review copy through Audible.com so, yes, you can see that I liked it quite a bit.

I wake up barefoot, standing on cold slate tiles. Looking dizzily down. I suck in a breath of icy air.

Above me are stars. Below me, the bronze statue of Colonel Wallingford makes me realize I’m seeing the quad from the peak of Smythe Hall, my dorm.

I have no memory of climbing the stairs up to the roof. I don’t even know how to get where I am, which is a problem since I’m going to have to get down, ideally in a way that doesn’t involve dying.

[...]

I’d dreamed of a white cat. It leaned over me, inhaling sharply, as if it was going to suck the breath from my lungs, but then it bit out my tongue instead. There was no pain, only a sense of overwhelming, suffocating panic. In the dream, my tongue was a wriggling red thing, mouse-sized and wet, that the cat carried in her mouth. I wanted it back. I sprang up out of the bed and grabbed for her, but she was too lean and too quick. I chased her. The next thing I knew, I was teetering on a slate roof.

A siren wails in the distance, drawing closer. My cheeks hurt from smiling.

Eventually a fireman climbs a ladder to get me down. They put a blanket around me, but by then my teeth are chattering so hard that I can’t answer any of their questions. It’s like the cat bit out my tongue after all.

Born into a family of curse workers, Cassell doesn't have the magical powers to be a "worker." Curses come in all shapes and sizes from transforming victims into something else down to emotionally influencing people. All that is needed is the touch of a finger. This makes gloves much more than a fashion accessory since they are a necessary item of protection.

Curse work is illegal so curse workers are all either part of the powerful crime families, con workers, or exist with their secret on the edges of society. Cassell's family owes allegiance to a powerful crime family and working cons is as normal as breathing. In fact, working the con is the thing that makes up for not being a worker and Cassell eyes the world from this vantage point, which makes him a solitary figure with few friends.

Cassell has a dark secret, a problem with sleepwalking, and a family who specializes in running cons. He also lost the love of his life, Lila, long ago. However, he put that all behind him and is concentrating on life in boarding school and building a normal life, along with keeping book on the side. (Hey, a guy has to have a little spending money, right?) So when a white cat begins following him everywhere, terrifying dreams bring Lila back into his waking thoughts, and those dark secrets begin surfacing again, Cassell begins to suspect that he is a pawn in a complicated con game.

Can he out-con the pros and solve his problems? Well, of course he can or what would be the point of reading the book? The fascination is with watching Cassell have to admit that he needs help from others, seeing his longing for family ties even as he fears that he may have been betrayed by them,

Holly Black has a fully realized alternate world where the presence of curse working and magic define much more than Cassell's personal problems. There is a slight but interesting subplot about an organization that is working for "worker's rights." The government has begun pushing a testing program, urging workers to come forward and be identified. Family loyalty along with the inner workings of crime families are also interesting embellishments to the plot. The magical abilities described are fascinating, as is the concept of "blow back" which besets anyone who works a curse. Nothing is done with impunity so you'd better be darned sure you want to curse someone because you will suffer some sort of severe reaction in turn.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the book is that Cassell is an unreliable narrator. What is more, he knows he is an unreliable narrator as he is afraid that he is too influenced by dreams or that his memory has been worked. Everyone around him is fairly unreliable as well since Cassell is never sure when someone is working a con or being natural. Although the major plot twists are fairly well telegraphed ahead of time, this hardly matters because we are so concerned with the fact that Cassell may be working a con we don't see or that he is being conned himself.

The story is narrated by Jesse Eisenberg, who is probably best known for portraying the awkward college student in Zombieland or the equally awkward Mark Zuckerberg in Social Network. His trademark delivery works perfectly as the story is told by Cassell who is equally as awkward as either of  those movie characters. Furthermore, Eisenberg alters his voice slightly but effectively to portray different characters: a fortune teller, Cassell's mother, his roommate Sam, and the crime boss all get slightly different intonations which perfectly convey character. I would have liked the book anyway as a straight read, but with Eisenberg's narration I bought it hook, line, and sinker. Just like an average mark, in fact.

It is called urban fantasy but didn't really feel that way to me. It is fantasy because of the curse working element but other than that there are precious few fantastic elements. Likewise, it is labeled YA, but aside from the age of the narrator and some elements like having to attend classes, it didn't feel like something written for younger readers.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. What can I say? I like con stories. I like the universe Holly Black created. Jesse Eisenberg's narration pulled me into the story so I stayed there long enough to care about a boarding school student with an interesting set of problems.  I also liked the fact that the story arc was concluded in this book except for one element which obviously serves as a bridge to the second book of the series.

It's just plain fun all round and moves at a fast, addictive pace. Recommended.

Pulp Fiction, Purple Prose, and Great Fun: Space Vulture

My review of a space opera book that is a wonderful throwback to the 40s and 50s ... by Gary K. Wolf and Archbishop John J. Meyers. Yes, you read that right. Archibishop John J. Meyers ... who knew he loves sci fi?

This week's A Free Mind column over at Patheos.

Free: Aquinas and More Catholic Classic edition of Story of a Soul for your e-reader

We're giving away the Aquinas and More Catholic Classic edition of Story of a Soul for your e-reader as part of our Catholic Summer Reading celebration. All you have to do to get your copy is like our Facebook page and download it!

It doesn't get much easier than this!

While you're at Aquinas and More, browse the store. You're gonna see something you need! Plus they're super-nice!

An Appreciation of Happy Catholic (UPDATED)

From my good friend, Scott, comes this wonderful appreciation of Happy Catholic, the book.

If I had this book back when I was feeling conflicted, I’d have realized that I was not alone. When Robin says to Batman, “Self control is sure tough, Batman,” I would have known that I’m not the only one that thought “Isn’t that interesting… my priest said that in a homily last week. It’s not supposed to be easy.”

He shares some of his personal faith journey as a context for his appreciation ... which means a lot to me. Thank you, Scott.

UPDATE
Scott generously put his review on Amazon, Goodreads, and Library Thing. I was stunned to see that there are more Amazon reviews than the last time I looks ... and also very pleased to see that people liked the book enough to take the time to write something.

Thank you to all who have gone to the effort to review the book in a place where others might be interested. That is like receiving a lovely thank-you note.

I really, really appreciate it! :-)

Drive-by review: Don Juan Demarco

A young man (Johnny Depp) in a cape, mask, and old-school Spanish garb winds up in the looney bin (yes, it was that sort of movie viewing weekend since we saw K-Pax the day before). He tells doctors that he is a descendent of Don Juan, the famous lover. Certainly from what we see of his credentials at the beginning of the film, it seems like a fair bet.

Dr. Mickler (Marlon Brando) takes on the case only to find that as Don Juan tells his story, his own life is becoming transformed. The real delight in this for me was the flashback storytelling done by Depp's character. It is perfectly in the old style of movie making and story telling, while retaining just enough modern honesty that Depp's comments occasionally are hilarious in their effect. Overall an enjoyable light film.

The Father Corapi Thing

If you've never heard of Father Corapi ... he's a celebrity priest who was accused of sexual misconduct, loudly declaimed his innocence and frustration with "the system", now is loudly declaiming some more, and also leaving the priesthood ... although not, as I understand it the Catholic Church.

Don't like that description? Sorry, but I know next to nothing about him so you may be interested in knowing that is the general vibe of who he is and what his deal is.

So, amongst all the writing, I have found these to be the most helpful, in order of helpfulness to me.

1. The Curt Jester's analysis ... fair and even-handed to both sides and reflects my own feelings, based on what I have read (which has included some of Fr. Corapi's declaiming)
   
   
2. This opening from a blogging priest's reflections at the hermeneutic of continuity, which struck me as good advice not just for priests but for us all. Though the whole piece is good. I'll add that I read this much, nodded and moved on (much struck by that wisdom), only coming back to read the rest later. I think this is enough, frankly.
   

   Fr Corapi has published another defence of himself, including a further attack on his accuser, the process by which he was being investigated, and the people conducting it. I think most priest bloggers will be profoundly disturbed by all of this, and, if sensible, will make a serious examination of conscience.

3. This was not a commentary at all, but struck me quite forcibly after reading through some of the various pieces about Fr. Corapi. Via Margaret at Ten Thousand Places, it is from A Man For All Seasons.

   William Roper: So, now you give the Devil the benefit of law!
   Sir Thomas More: Yes! What would you do? Cut a great road through the law to get after the Devil?
   William Roper: Yes, I'd cut down every law in England to do that!
   Sir Thomas More: Oh? And when the last law was down, and the Devil turned 'round on you, where would you hide, Roper, the laws all being flat? This country is planted thick with laws, from coast to coast, Man's laws, not God's! And if you cut them down, and you're just the man to do it, do you really think you could stand upright in the winds that would blow then? Yes, I'd give the Devil benefit of law, for my own safety's sake!

Keep in mind that I proffer these for two reasons. First, there are two or three Catholics I know for whom this is their sole source of Catholic news. I thought they might be interested in some good links should they hear of the story.

Second, I look at this as an opportunity to do that self examination. Other than prayer, I can't affect anything about Fr. Corapi or the whole situation. But I can look at my own response when accused. How often I fail to turn the other cheek ... so often ... and yet, that is what Christ taught in both words and example. I see this as a real-life cautionary tale.

Embracing the Opportunity To Be Liturgical Codgers

I mentioned before how much I was enjoying The Ironic Catholic's book which pulls together some of her amusing send-ups, written as news articles.

Our weekly scripture study has turned to studying the USCCB's program on the new liturgy, under our pastor's tutelage. We have had the chance to ask questions and also studied a prayer for Advent in the original Latin, the 1973 version, and the 2010 new version. Very enlightening and, although I have read several books on the subject, this is enriching my understanding.

Some of the conversation last night (though not the attitudes) put me in mind of IC's gentle humor and one piece in particular. This, more than anything, shows her talent and why you need to take a look at her book.

39-Year-Olds Embrace Opportunity To Be Liturgical Codgers

The Vatican II generation of the Catholic Church now has their chance to wax poetic about "the way things used to be"....

With the change of the English translation of the liturgy, the oldest of the those born and raised with the initial English vernacular translation of the Mass--used for nearly four decades--are expressing relief that they, too, will get the opportunity to be the "old liturgical codgers" of their Church.

"I can't tell you how many times I heard from my dad that he gave up on the Catholic Church after learning all that Latin to be an altar boy and being told it was unnecessary," said St. Michael's parishioner Susan Tarrywood, 39. "Nothing has ever measured up for him since. I am in awe that my dad has spent most of his life complaining about this; that's just who he is. Now, here's my chance. This is my opportunity to be an old codger just like him wailing 'it isn't as good as back when...' for the second half of my life."

Other middle-aged parents of teenagers and elementary school children agreed wholeheartedly. "I've been looking for a cause to get grumpy about in my impending dotage, and this will fit to a tee," said Roger Lerdton, 37. "We've had a few great models in the elder generation of our parish--they still complain that the priest expects them to pay attention to the Word and Eucharist rather than pray the rosary during Mass. Personally, I think I can nurse this 'not worthy to have you under my roof' line for a long time."

Elena Garcia-Lopez, 38, was grateful to the bishops for providing some focus in her discontent. "Let's be honest, we all want to be grumps for the younger generation. It's a cultural tradition and a church tradition--no one likes the younger generation's music, or taste in movies, or liturgies. It's part of the rythym of life. So I embrace my impending codgerhood as part of our catholic tradition. And I thank the bishops for giving me a focal point: I will bemoan the loss of the liturgy I grew up with the rest of my life."

Susan Tarrywood smiled wryly. "I'm calling on my inner Amos to get me through to my eighties."

Drive-by review: K-Pax

Kevin Spacey plays Prot who is from K-Pax (or IS he?) and who gets picked up by the NY police and then sent to the looney bin.

Unlike most of this sort of movie where we are taught the truths that only the gentle inmates can see, this actually focuses mostly on whether Prot is really an alien and the psychiatrist's (Jeff Bridges) efforts to solve the mystery of what trauma caused him to form such a perfect false persona to hide behind. Also, we see Jeff Bridges' alienation from his family due to work and generally being a jerk to his wife (no wonder she is his second one) ... this part is fairly shallow and predictable.

For me the most interesting thing was whether Prot was an alien or not. Well acted, well shot, and well edited.

Florida Journal

A few snippets of things from my visit to central Florida last week.

• First and foremost, thank you to everyone who prayed for my mother's health and wrote to me. She began improving steadily from the moment I arrived. (Isn't that nice? I got the fun of watching her improve while my poor sis got the worry of watching her decline ... )
• Tempting the invalid's appetite became my daily occupation. It was an unexpectedly interesting occupation to see what starchy dish (doctor's orders) sounded good and then to figure out how to keep it retaining flavor and appeal while steadfastly keeping any additional fiber out of it. I learned much about grating onions, for example, and straining the juice while discarding the fiber (there is more than you'd think in an onion). Also, I kept forgetting that Mom had cookbooks handy and cooked out of my head for the most part. Pasta with basil and parmesan, potato salad (twice), and Risotto alla Milanese (for that I used the cookbook) all were received with approval. Which was gratifying as well!
• Florida ... quite warm, but more than that - humid! So very humid! I didn't mind the heat since north Texas has been getting hot blasts for some time but I melted a lot when out of doors.
• My sister's porch serves as an ideal wildlife observation deck since two sides of her backyard is edged by a tiny wilderness of undeveloped lots. We would sit out there first thing in the morning, drinking coffee, watching doves dive bomb tiny mammals away from the bird seed, a bunny on his hind legs pulling down a leafy stalk to nibble ... and jump when a nearby woodpecker would hammer on the flashing and sound like a jackhammer on the metal.
• I was reminded of the importance of "living in the present moment." It is hard to do much else when one is hanging out or cooking most of the time. However, when I returned home I realized yet again how much I allow myself to be distracted by email, the internet, and so forth. They creep into a lot of my day where they aren't necessary ... and I need to keep them shoved back into their own allotted places in my schedule.
• I also was reminded of what a privilege it is to serve others. This realization came not just from cooking for my mother but in watching my sister who is a cheerful and practical servant to my mother and her own family. She might argue that her own needs have been pushed aside, but I would say that is because of emergencies that have arisen. Watching her made me realize that I had been doing too little of that for my own family and indulging too many of my own hobbies (see above note on distractions).
• When you leave a husband and 22-year-old daughter to their own devices for a week, they will take care of animals, do their own laundry (as they always do), and dust/sweep/etc. before you return. They will, however, live like the ultimate bachelors ... off of cereal and sandwiches. And when all the good bread (white) is gone and all that is left is kinda gross (whole wheat), they will just go ahead and eat the whole wheat rather than go to the store themselves. Ahhh, I am needed! If only to go grocery shopping and cook meals! ha!
• When you get home after a week in Florida and it is 6 p.m. and you know about those bachelors ... the best thing to do is go straight to Mariano's for beer, refried beans, and brisket tacos. Don't go home. Just go straight to the restaurant.
• Heroism in action: despite my laughing about bachelors,  Tom and Hannah had hard duty since right before I left Wash hurt his knee to the point where he wouldn't put weight on his foot. The vet's orders? Bed rest to try to avoid surgery. Which for a Boxer means 100% time in the crate except for necessary walks outdoors. This particular Boxer had never been alone in his life and so would howl like a banshee when everyone left the room. Luckily we had enough crates to move one to the living room (which would then be taken to the bedroom each night ... don't forget: howling banshees otherwise). But it was no picnic for anyone. However, it seems as if it has paid off. He is 90% better and we are now taking him for short exercise breaks to rebuild strength. Fingers crossed, he'll be out of the crate soon and jumping around like a Mexican jumping bean!

Still in Florida, But Talking as Much as Ever ... Today With "The Catholics Next Door" at 11:20 Eastern Time

Gee, I think that headline says it all!

Here's where you can see more about The Catholic Channel on Sirius 129 XM ... and about Jennifer and Greg Willits, those Catholics next door.

Hope you get a chance to listen in!

The Ironic Catholic News ... All the Catholic News That's Fit to Laugh At (and more...)

Hear ye, hear ye! Felon Blames 1970s Church Architecture for Life of Sin: The Ironic Catholic News, Vol. I is published and available as an ebook atAmazon (for Kindle) andSmashwords (for every other e-reader out there, as well as your trusty computer). Other online retailers to come! And the paperback version will be complied with volumes 2 and 3 later this year.

It's no secret (or shouldn't be) that I'm a fan of Ironic Catholic's humor which is evident everywhere on her blog.

I received a review eBook and haven't had a chance to read all the way through. But I have read enough to know that you need to go get your own copy. I'll be picking up the print version when all volumes are ready ... this is too good to keep to myself. So. Very. Funny!

Today I'm Talking with Wendy on Relevant Radio at 2:00 (Eastern time--because I'm in Florida right now)

Relevant Radio ... where they bridge the gap between faith and everyday life.

Sounds tailor-made for Happy Catholic, doesn't it?

We'll be talking about the book and who knows what else ... maybe zombies? For a full hour. So tune in.

And if you don't have Relevant Radio station in your area or can't listen at 2:00 (or 1:00 Central, etc.), then here is the archive where you can pick it up at your convenience (they think of everything, don't they?).

Elsewhere in the Blogosphere ...

I may be out of town and away from my computer most of the day, but everyone else isn't. And they're letting me know what's going on. Here's the best of the mailbag ... check it out!

• The Chronicles of Master Li and Number Ten Ox is available again thanks to Subterranean Press. This book is super hard to find and I count myself lucky to have taken a flier on the Science Fiction Book Club omnibus long ago when I noticed it. I received permission lately from author Barry Hughart to podcast The Bridge of Birds, the first book of the trilogy.  (Thanks to Scott, my partner in crime at A Good Story is Hard to Find, for passing this info along.)
  
  From Publishers Weekly (Starred Review):
  "Reading Hughart’s endearing historical fantasy trilogy, first published almost 20 years ago, is much like 'wandering blindfolded through a myth devised by a maniac,' in the words of Master Li, the greatest and most frequently intoxicated wise man in a colorful seventh century 'China that never was.' Their rollicking adventures pit them against everyone from murderers and thieves to emperors and gods. Numerous Chinese legends, filtered through Ox’s simple perspective, blend seamlessly into both lighthearted and heartrending.
  
  
• Building a Catholic eBook Library on the Cheap: Brandon Vogt is a new Kindle-maniac (I can relate!) and has compiled an interesting and useful list of Kindle formatted books of special interest to Catholic readers. He lists prices along with the links, which is really handy. Plus he give links to Catholic publishers with good eBook sources and the Why I Am Catholic bookshelf. A great post to bookmark and keep handy.
  
  
• Pay It Forward: many thanks to Holly for honoring Happy Catholic as her choice for the Pay It Forward blog this week. What's Pay It Forward?

  “Pay It Forward” is an avenue to connect with each other, and reap the benefits from what that connecting can do: find new friends, make you laugh a little, cry a lot (maybe that was only me), and affect you in a way that keeps you thinking for days afterwards.

  You can see why I loved seeing Holly name Happy Catholic for this ... not only for the Catholic stuff but also for the Texas Enchiladas and the latest thing that drove me B.A.T.T.Y.! Thank you Holly! Go check out her blog and the other Pay It Forward participants.

Out of Town for a While

The timing worked out for me to zoom over to Florida to visit my sis and, more importantly, my mom. Haven't seen her for waaaay too long.

So blogging will be light, though I'll be in and out. Thank you for your patience!

Weekend Joke

This little vacation joke is British but we'll move it to the U.S.

Two fortune-tellers met at the beach one sunny summer day.

"Lovely weather," said the first fortune-teller.

"Yes," said the second. "It reminds me of the summer of 2014."

In which we hear a story of Stickly-Prickly Hedgehog, Slow-Solid Tortoise, and Painted Jaguar.

Will Duquette does a tip-top job of narration with his usual verve and flair ... on Rudyard Kipling's Just So tale, The Beginning of the Armadillos ... at Forgotten Classics.

Facebook in China: What Price Free Speech?

Mr. Zuckerberg hinted at how he'll answer those who worry about compromises Facebook might make to get into China:

"I don't want Facebook to be an American company," he said. "I don't want it to be this company that just spreads American values all across the world. ...For example, we have this notion of free speech that we really love and support at Facebook, and that's one of the main things that we're trying to push with openness. But different countries have their different standards around that. ...My view on this is that you want to be really culturally sensitive and understand the way that people actually think."

Soon afterward, Mr. Zuckerberg made the rounds of Chinese Internet companies, visiting Baidu and Sina. Facebook continues to explore possible partnerships, and Mr. Zuckerberg, who is studying Mandarin, may travel to China again this year.

"This is a train wreck waiting to happen," says a businessman in Beijing familiar with China's Internet legacy. He and others believe Facebook will be allowed into the country, subjected to the same treatment Google and Yahoo received, and then spit out—its reputation for openness damaged, and its technology metabolized by a China eager to find new ways to spy on its citizens. The potential price for Facebook: its standing in the U.S., its most important advertising market.

An eye opening story that you should read from the WSJ.

So Mark Zuckerberg is either sensationally bad at spin, "notion of free speech that we really love and support at Facebook" (Notion?  Nice downgrading of a basic American value that has helped him to become wealthy and privileged. Albeit a notion he is reluctant to "force" on other countries, evidently.) ... or he possibly thinks we weren't watching when Google or Yahoo tried to do a little business in China.

I remember what happened at Tiananmen Square. So does the Chinese government who has been jailing bloggers, church goers, and others with American-style notions.

I keep thinking of Reagan and his, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down that wall" speech.

But then Reagan had the courage of his convictions.

If Mark Zuckerberg were there, he'd have acted as if the wall didn't exist while bribing the guards to let him through ... as long as he could make money on selling chocolate bars on the other side ... and apologized for being an American.

I'm not Facebook's target audience and, truth be told, I use it minimally. They wouldn't care much if I dropped my account.

However, Hannah's rather upset about this little development. She says she can live without Facebook if they go into China.

Question is, can Facebook live without Hannah and her friends ... if enough people like her feel they're are endorsing torture every time they use Facebook?

How lucky does Mark Zuckerberg feel?

Reviewing Breakfast With the Pope by Susan Vigilante

Meanwhile, at the same time we are going through all this, the whole in vitro revolution is happening. In vitro fertilization. IVF. The baby maker, the magic petri dish, the source of happy young families all over the country.

IVF.

The Big Hope.

Forbidden by the Catholic Church.

Ok, go ahead. I know you're dying to say it. So come on, gimme your best shot.

"A bunch of celibate priess have no business telling married people how to run their lives.

Whoa! You thought that up all by yourself. Well, aren't you the quick one.

"The Catholic Church is always standing in the way of scientific progress. Galileo! Galileo!"

Please. Do we really have to go through the whole story of the world's original scientific publicity hound again. Because I hear the real problem was the telescopes weren't selling too well until he backed some clueless cardinals into a corner and forced them to put him on trial.

Any others?

Ah, yes, how could I forget.

"You Catholics have to learn to think for yourselves. You can't just go through life being blindly obedient to Rome."

Sorry. Three strikes and you're out. Call me when you've got one I haven't heard.

There in a nutshell is Susan Vigilante's struggle. She is suffering the heartbreak of childlessness and searching for God, wondering why her prayers never seem to be answered. Oh yes, and she is a writer who suffers from such writer's block that she hasn't written a book. Add in the fact that loved ones are stricken by devastating illness. As if that weren't enough, there is betrayal to deal with too.

That would make a sad and despairing memoir, except that just when the reader is ready to sink into a decline over the weight of Vigilante's struggles, she throws a curve ball of refreshing, funny, direct, straight-talk.

We follow Vigilante as she meets the friends who help sustain her through this time of trial. They are inspirational, funny, and integral to her spiritual journey. We become invested in the friendships as we read. Along the way, they open doors that Vigilante never could have expected, including one that leads to breakfast with the pope.

The end is surprising and I won't reveal it so that it may unfold for each person. However, I will say that I was shocked to the point of having several email conversations with another friend who had just finished the book.

This book reveals a woman who sticks by the Catholic Church when it isn't convenient. A woman who values truth above all and clings to it despite times when feelings, advice, and circumstances make her want to do what is easy. Which is to say that Susan Vigilante is a woman who values God above all. And straight-talk. Which is just what we need as we too examine where is God in our lives, are our prayers answered, and can we make tough decisions.

Dig in.

Gifted: a definition

gift·ed

adj \ˈgif-təd\

Definition of GIFTED

1

: having great natural ability : talented <gifted children>

2

: revealing a special gift <gifted voices>

— gift·ed·ly adverb

— gift·ed·ness noun

Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Not a verb.

See?

So you can't say that someone gifted you with a book.

There's already a word for that.

Gave.

Someone gave you a book. As a gift, if you need to describe it further. But usually there is no need.

A gift is given or received. Not gifted. The gift was gifted to me? No.

I realize this word is in the process of changing in the popular vocabulary but ... it. is. driving. me. batty.

B.A.T.T.Y.

No Man Is An Island ... Talking About "About A Boy"

Scott and I can't say enough good things about the 2002 movie About a Boy.

Plus we talk about Dan Brown books, Twilight books, endorsements on book covers, and much more.

Drop by and listen in!

Summer Reading Recommendations

Mystery, thrills, science fiction ... and, of course, zombies await you in my latest Free Mind column at Patheos, where we look at some very entertaining fiction by Catholic authors. Swing by and see what you want to take to the beach!

Doesn't Everyone Like the Healthy Glow These Runners Have?

Super creative to get that glow with glow sticks and Christmas lights, I'd say.

Hannah is in blue and it's hard to see her until you look at this photo.

They mostly walked but I think that maybe JC has it right when she wonders if the wind resistance on the tutus affected their time. More here at Pound by Pound.

Facing the Mistakes of Life ... One of Our Great Privileges

Life is simply time given to man to learn how to live. Mistakes are always part of learning. The real dignity of life consists in cultivating a fine attitude towards our own mistakes and those of others. It is the fine tolerance of a fine soul. Man becomes great, not through never making mistakes, but by profiting by those he does make; by being satisfied with a single rendition of a mistake, not encoring it into a continuous performance; by getting from it the honey of new, regenerating inspiration with no irritating sting of morbid regret; by building better to-day because of his poor yesterday; and by rising with renewed strength, finer purpose and freshened courage every time he falls.

A simply wonderful piece written in 1909 and featured at The Art of Manliness.

Mistakes sting, no doubt about it. But if I can face them with this attitude, I will be better for it.

Texas Enchilada Casserole

Delicious. Simple. And Texan.

What's not to love?

Over at Meanwhile, Back in the Kitchen.

Holy Moly, Georgette Heyer's "Cotillion" is free for the Kindle right now!

Get it while the getting's good!

Via Kindle Review blog which has daily features of free or "on sale" stuff.

The Castle ... Yes, Again

Our family just loves the 1997 movie The Castle.

I've seen it so many times that I can practically recite the lines in my sleep. We force everyone we can to watch it.

That is why it is #3 of A Movie You Might Have Missed.

That is why it was my first movie pick to talk about with Scott at A Good Story is Hard to Find.

And, that is why I am delighted that Jesse from SFFaudio was interested enough after hearing Good Story to try it. Because he is delighted with it too. Here's his IMDB review which he shared with us:

Like Ray Bradbury's Wonderful Ice Cream Suit but Australian. Well maybe not exactly like "Wonderful Ice Cream Suit" but it surely has the same inner beauty.

Ignore the quotes on the video's cover they utterly fail to capture what this film is about. Whoever designed the cover has obviously not seen the film. It is nothing like Crocodile Dundee or The Full Monty. And you will stop laughing it is more touching and heartwarming than it is hilarious.

Go, go now, stop reading this and go out and get a copy of The Castle. Gather up your loved ones because this should be a family experience.

The Kerrigans lead a simple life but then their simple themselves. They are tremendously supportive and loving. Their material wealth is next to nil, but the family makes lemons out of all the lemonades life gives them. Every meal is a banquet, every anecdote is a saga.

Lets face facts, Australians make the best films! Hollywood makes some good films but the Australians always seem to make better ones. Too Wong Foo Thanks For nothing when you can have Priscilla Queen of The Desert and The Castle. Go out right now and find a copy of The Castle. Don't expect convulsive laughs like in There Is Something About Mary. Expect giggles and a renewal in your faith in humanity. Are you still reading this? Go, I said go, go out and get The Castle!

I loved Ray Bradbury's story but have never seen the movie made from it. Perhaps it is time I do so!

And for all of you who haven't yet watched The Castle, take Jesse's words to heart. Go get it!

How to Tie Your Shoes

I know. You thought you knew how.

Give Terry Moore three minutes and he'll change your double-knotting ways.



No need to thank me. The increase in the Gross National Product from increased productivity and less falling down is thanks enough.

The Ascension, The Holy Spirit ... and the Key

Our priest recently mentioned several reference works that provide good "sparks" for one's own pondering on Scripture. Writing by Roland Faley was among them, although no specific title was mentioned.

I took a chance and got Footprints on the Mountain: Preaching and Teaching the Sunday Readings.

Holy Moly, people, this is solid gold! Why haven't I come across this before?

Probably because the few reviewers and blurbs mention what a great resource it is for homilists, liturgists, teachers, and catechumenal directors (yawn).

True enough this book does provide scriptural background on all the readings for each Sunday (nicely divided up into A, B, and C years), as well as at least eight ideas for directions one's own teachings might take. However, that background also discusses why they complement each other and specific insights to be found for each.

Plus, this is summed up in a brief but pithy reflection on what these readings and points mean to believers.

In essence, it is like the perfect Bible study guide. I find it extremely inspiring and had to refrain from sitting down and just reading it through like a novel. Toward that end, however, I have ordered Faley's Reflections on the Weekday Lectionary Readings so I can get some of this goodness every day. This covers the A and B year readings.

The reason I bring all this up, aside from cluing you into this resource, is that after reading the Ascension commentary, background, and reflection for year A, I was left with one sentence resonating through my mind. (Now, if only I had copied it down ... this will be a paraphrase.) "Jesus' ascension marked the end of Jesus' time on earth and the beginning of the Holy Spirit's age on earth."

As I say, this is a paraphrase, so don't come after me on this.

However, as I listened to the the Kyrie and the Glory to God gorgeously sung by our choir (one of Mozart's mass compositions), my mind ranged over not only my contrition and need for mercy, but that "age of the Spirit". Suddenly, it clicked. I could understand that Jesus was the "key" in the lock that opened the door for the Spirit to flood over us. No wonder Jesus is the fulcrum on which history swings, the most glorious point of salvation history. Not only is there his sacrifice and resurrection, bringing our redemption ... but there is also the fact that without his obedience, the Holy Spirit wouldn't have been loosed the way it was during Pentecost. So much more than we could have predicted, desired, or understood.

Words can't really express what I felt and understood in that moment. I have made a mess of it in trying to explain.

But, like a shining star, this reality lit my mind's eye during the entire Mass ... and it obviously stuck with me to this moment.

What does this mean in my life?

I honor and love Jesus for his obedience and sacrifice even more since I have that little bit more understanding. I know that my own obedience can bear greater fruit than I can imagine or understand, if I truly try to live the faith with my whole heart. This goes for daily prayer, daily writing, daily dishwashing, daily overlooking of others' faults, and so much more.

I sure am glad that I took a chance on that book.

UPDATE
On the other hand, I am sorry to say that I cannot recommend Faley's other reflections book, Reflections on the Weekday Lectionary Readings.


Not as detailed as Footprints on the Mountain, it focuses on the commentary for each day's readings during years A & B. I picked it up hoping that it would provide the same sort of insights to aid my reflections and prayer.

Despite the fact that these reflections are fairly brief, Faley rarely misses an opportunity, even if he has to force it, to talk about ecumenism, global warming, caring for the environment, and so forth. Although I am sure that he means these to spur us to action, the result was that I felt as if I were constantly being scolded (whether or not I deserved it).

I definitely support those and all social justice issues, but we are overrun with those messages on a daily basis from both secular and faith based groups. I realize this book is aimed at helping priests with homily topics, but seriously if a priest started going on and on about global warming when I was trying to connect with God at Mass, I'd be jolted right out of any connection into a state of annoyance. Surely if we are brought closer to God, then living fully as Christians and the other things follow also? At least they have for me ...

It is too bad as about half of the reflections are those which I feel would open the readings and bring me closer to God. However, the cringing I do the other half of the time, not to mention being jolted out of prayer, are not worth it. I'd recommend the In Conversation with God: Meditations for Each Day of the Year  series by Francis Fernandez instead. He manages to bring up all those issues while still keeping our eyes on Christ.

Weekend Joke

In the form of a bumper sticker, from Dr. Boli where you will find other amusing things including more bumper stickers.

Solemnity of the Ascension of Our Lord

Salvador Dali. Ascension. 1958. 

via Olga's Art Gallery

In the first book, Theophilus, I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught until the day he was taken up, after giving instructions through the holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for "the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak; for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the holy Spirit."

When they had gathered together they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"

He answered them, "It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight.

While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them.

They said, "Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven."

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day's journey away.

Acts 1:1-12

The solemnity of the Ascension of Our Lord falls on the 40th day of Easter and so happens on a Thursday. It is a Holy Day of Obligation, however, in most dioceses in the United States the bishops have moved it to the following Sunday.

So, unless you are in Boston, Hartford, New York, Newark, Philadelphia, and the state of Nebraska, it will be folded in with Sunday worship.

For me, that is like saying that Christmas is going to be folded in with the nearest Sunday because it's handier that way. Nothing takes the "special" out of a celebration like making it "handy."

Therefore, we have a little acknowledgment here on the proper day before being obedient to our bishop and celebrating the Lord's Ascension on Sunday.

Legalities like that aside, I understand why they were looking intently at the sky. Who wouldn't? I also like the angels' prodding. It is easy to let the wonder of something like the ascension overtake us and keep us from acting. We have to somehow manage to balance the wonder with our witness in everyday life.

Not an easy task.

Which is why, perhaps, we settle into reading Acts throughout the Easter season. Not only is it Church history of what happened next, but it is like a manual both of what the early Church taught and of how to put your faith into action.

Nine days after this comes Pentecost.

In preparation, I'll be saying the Novena to the Holy Spirit beginning tomorrow ... and, of course, posting it here.

When Pigs Fly, You'll Meet The Dark Wizard

Dark Lord of Derkholm by Diana Wynne Jones

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Imagine that your world has real elves, dragons, wizards, and all those items necessary for a good fantasy tale. Then imagine that an enterprising person from an "otherworld" much like ours stumbled through a portal and discovered this real "fantasy" world. Forty years later you might have a problem much like that in this book where Mr. Chesney's Pilgrim Parties come on tour wanting to enjoy a classic fantasy adventure.

The only problem is that Mr. Chesney's contract is so airtight that it devastates the fantasy world and everyone is at their wits' end trying to fulfill their obligations. So when the Light Oracle and the Dark Oracle tell the ruling council what to do to end this devastation, no one asks questions. Except, that is, for Wizard Derk since part of the requirement is that he becomes this year's Dark Wizard. This leads a mild mannered wizard who only wants to develop new forms of animals into an increasing spiral of management and chaos.

This is a unique concept for a story that hooked me from the beginning. When you add in Diana Wynne Jones' brand of humor you will understand why I read this book in a dead heat in one day, occasionally cackling with laughter ... which everyone got used to as the day progressed. I will never again be able to say, "when pigs fly" without cracking up.

Get this book and read it.

View all my Goodreads reviews

What do Punch and Judy, a Black Cat, and Spaghetti Have in Common? The Magicians of Caprona, Of Course!

The Magicians of Caprona by Diana Wynne Jones

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have been enjoying this book tremendously since the first page. Tonino is born into a famous spell-making family in the Italian kingdom of Caprona (although there is no unified Italy in this story). Although he can't do spells well he does have his own special talent which his large, loving family appreciates very much. They have many other things to bother them though, such as their ancient rivals (the Petrocchi family), the war that threatens their kingdom, and a hostile enchanter who is said to hate both families. And more.

This is an engaging adventure which I absolutely couldn't predict the path of ... other than the identity of Rosa's fiance and the identity of the evil enchanter. In typical Diana Wynne Jones style, this book is both enchanting and completely imaginative. I hesitate to say more other than any review can do no more than touch the tip of this rich iceberg. Don't let the age limit put on it by library groups make you hesitate. Any age who enjoys a good story will enjoy this book.

View all my Goodreads reviews

Google: Nanny Interwebs OR Putting All Your Eggs In One Basket - UPDATED

Google evidently has been gradually rolling out the new requirement of forcing anyone with a business email address to put everything Google-ish into one account.

What this means is that if I am using my email, which is from work (owned by my husband and myself), for my Blogger account, which is owned by Google ... then I have to roll my blogs into the administrative account. Having agreed, of course, that my "administrator" is now privy to any and all information contained therein.

If not, well, you just can't get into your Blogger account, little miss. Not unless you get yourself a dandy new personal email (because I needed two to keep track of).

They didn't ask our business if we wanted this. Because we didn't.

They just rolled into town last week and started making us do this.

Notice that Google is rolling it out gradually, a la the way that Facebook makes changes. This allows the constant stream of problems and complaints about highhandedness to stay at a fairly low level.

That's why my blog wasn't updated until now. I was forced at gunpoint, essentially, to get a new email address so I could get into my blogs. Because even though Google owns Blogger, after account consolidation, you are told that, gee, sorry, but Blogger isn't one of those programs who we're consolidating now. But since you've done this, we won't let you into your old Blogger accounts. Here's a nice new one though. Wouldn't you like to begin a blog?

Aaargh! What incompetence.

Tom's theory is that their very large email clients want this protocol.

Fine.

But for those of us who don't, this is causing quite a few problems.

Legitimate business problems.

Such as ... Tom was required to get a G-mail account in order to be able to use Google Apps.

He went ahead and did all that Google asked to consolidate accounts.

Only to be told that Google Apps can't be rolled into everything. And that by agreeing to consolidate, he gave up the old account.

So all he has now, is access to fresh new Google Apps without any of the data which has been collected over time.

Oh, and also a nice little questionnaire where Google asked what project he'd like them to take on next.

Here's a thought.

How about letting us keep our eggs in those different baskets?

Or, failing that, actually finishing what you began by letting Google Apps be consolidated along with everything else?

UPDATE
I received this comment from a pal and I know it represents others with the same opinion so I'll just mention this here since I realize I may have combined too many issues to make my point clear:

Google is in Google is in business to make money. You may want to set up your own blog and pay a few shillings a month to a service that lets you have it your way. There are companies in place that can do this for you.

I buy my own books. My wife thinks I'm crazy. (She goes to the library) I believe the author (no matter how little he/she makes) deserves this. If you wanted to post all your writing in a newspaper you would have to pay for it. Who pays for the electricity that Google uses to make your blog available to the public?

No harm intended here: Why are you upset about the constraints being leveled on you for a free service? The internet is not FREE. Inexpensive? Yes.

Take a deep breath and investigate alternatives for your blog. You may want to look into WordPress templates and an ISP that you pay for.

It is not the constraints for the free blog ... it is the overall constraints of how they are treating business for this.

Ignore the blog issue.

Our problem is with the business issue. About my husband being required to get a G-mail address to use Google Apps, both of which he pays Google for.

And then being forced to move the Apps account, even though it was always part of the business.

And then not being able to access his old info ... etc.

And the highhandedness of forcing our business to have all those accounts combined whether we choose to do so or not. They do not allow a business to be benevolent should they desire and allow their employees to use their email addresses for whatever they choose.

They gave the businesses no choice. And then can't deliver on what they say they are doing.

That is the problem.

P.S. As for Blogger, my main problem was that even after I did what they wanted and consolidated accounts, they still wouldn't let me have access to my old info because, as they point out, they aren't set up to do that now. So I did just what they wanted and was shut out from access to their service. Just as with Apps.

Weekend Joke

Or, in this case, cartoon. From the fantastic Doug Savage.

Mao's Barefoot Doctors and How Alternative Medicine Spread Into the Western World

Today we're going to take a look at how Chinese alternative medicine spread into the Western world. Promoters of alternative medicine claim that this ancient wisdom was (and is) in common use throughout China, and the Western world is becoming aware of its value. Skeptics of this position point out that alternative medicine was only used in Chinese rural areas where conventional treatments were not available, and it became popular because it was inexpensive, not because it was effective. The actual history brings some interesting perspective onto both of these points of view.

Fascinating.

A little bit true and a little bit false. Both sides.

The whole scoop from the Skeptoid podcast. You can read or listen.

Something I Really Like: Creatively Wrapped Gifts

I opened a box. Which had another box in it.

Opened that box. Which had another box in it.

Opened that box. Which had another box in it.

Opened that box. Which had ... finally ... a wooden top lying in it.

I took the top out, thinking, "I should know this from somewhere. What does this mean?"

I spun the top, thinking but also confused. (Remember, we'd been to Victor Tango's which meant cocktails! Yes, I'm using drink as my excuse.)

Rose said, "Listen!" and turned her iTouch up high. Played the theme music from Inception.

"INCEPTION!" I shouted.

(Then she got the dvd from where she'd hidden it.)

Now, that is what I call thinking OUTSIDE the box! (ha!)

Diocese Live - Discussing Dante

Because Dante and modern takes on it were on my mind, that is what I discussed with Leo Brown during my monthly chat, the first of which began with these.

I love talking with Leo and he's such a pro that he saves newbies like me when they forget to mention a book name! Or other such errors.

Here's the link to the mp3 from at Real Live Radio (from May 19, segment 3).

A Hard-Boiled Detective in Hell. Literally. -- Reviewing Dante's Journey

You have to understand that in 1961, Boston PD was very much a family affair. If you were Italian or Irish, you were pretty much guaranteed a slot. I was half of each, so I was practically assigned the badge at birth.

The irony--I loved being a beat cop. Beatrice was the ambitious one. She wanted me to advance faster in the department than I had in mind. It took an SOB like Argenti to bring me closer to my wife's wishes and our higher income. So, in some twisted way, we could curse Argenti for our family's pain and thank him for our extra comforts.

If it's all the same to everyone involved, I think I'll just hate him.

The name's Joe Dante, Boston PD. This is my journey.

Detective Joe Dante is chasing Filippo Argenti, drug kingpin and murderer of Dante's family,  when he's gunned down. Waking in a dark wood, Joe wants only to find Agenti and dispense justice but soon meets Virgil who tells him that the gunshot killed him and he wound up in Hell. Thus we find ourselves following hard-boiled detective Joe Dante on an imaginative journey modeled after Dante's Inferno.

Disbelieving and obsessed with revenge, Joe makes Virgil promise to lead him to Argenti first. As they travel through the circles of Hell, Joe gradually comes to believe. It is a measure of his obsession that he will not accept Hell's punishment of Argenti, but still wants to administer his own. In fact, it is a measure of Joe's desire to control events. Layered between the Cantos (chapters) mirroring Dante's Inferno, are flashbacks that tell us Joe's story. We realize how Joe was betrayed and why he is so driven. As Joe travels deeper into Hell, witnessing greater and greater levels of sin and punishment, he gradually realizes what he himself is guilty of and that his relationship with God was not as deep as he thought. It is this knowledge, of course, that can set Joe free. What we can't tell, however, is if Joe will let obsession drive him or finally face the truth.

As with many hard-boiled detective novels, Joe is always ready with a quip. Once he realizes that there is no death in Hell, he takes outrageous risks to get what he wants. Joe meets nefarious villains and people from the far future, which also provides opportunities for humor. The by-the-book detective's first encounter with hippies, glam rock stars, and rappers made me laugh. I also enjoyed it when Joe investigated places that the original book didn't examine, such as the virtuous pagans' Limbo. I also appreciated the author's sense of humor when I looked at the name Filippo Argenti and realized that a translation into English might be ... Phil Silvers. Ok, maybe that's pushing it too far. But there is a distinctive witty sense driving the book which made me get more involved in the reading. And that's a good thing.  Taking inventive liberties with Dante's blueprint, author J. C. Marino ratchets up the action to include space ships, hand-to-hand demonic fighting, and ray guns. By the end of the book, the reader is breathless, feeling as if we've been watching an action movie.

Marino also changes other basic elements of the classic in service of his story, such as making Virgil a more active character, allowing demons and damned to travel between the circles of Hell, and changing the underlying theology enough that repentance and salvation are possible in Hell.

 "Listen to me, all you who are willing to hear the truth," Virgil shouted.

Through the fog, Virgil presented an eerie sight as he preached to the growing crowd. With his leather jacket and slicked back hair, I couldn't tell if he looked more evil or good, anymore than I could discern the nature of his message.

"All you hoarders and wasters, miserly and prodigal... You reside here merely because you accept it. If you have faith and if that faith is strong, forgiveness is yours. Then, you will discover the way out."

I watched the crowd as Virgil delivered his message in a warped version of Jesus' sermon on the mount. People from the 1920's Chicago stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Muslims. Pirates clustered with pilgrims. Heavy metal rock stars leaned next to... Well, more heavy rock stars. Those who'd lived life too much gathered beside those who hadn't lived enough.

"Any one of you may walk out of here at any time, but you must accept the truth. You must know the truth about God, about yourself, and about your faith. For that, you must begin by answering one question -- who are you?" Virgil continued.

The crowd remained silent for a moment, and finally, someone laughed. Another joined in and soon, everyone was laughing.

The only ones who didn't were Virgil and me.

"There is no way out. This is Hell!" a waster yelled out. "Our fate is to be tortured for all eternity!"

"It is not torture that is your fate, but torment," Virgil said.

"What be the difference?" a Pilgrim hoarder hollered.

"In life, you each created your path, one that led directly to where you stand now," Virgil lectured.

"In life, our greatest sin was trying to have a good time," a waster called back. "Don't you want us to have fun?

"I want you to experience joy," Virgil answered, "and true joy begins with knowing who you are."

"Damn Sam, you are one crazy dude!" another waster yelled out.

"It's never too late to repent," Virgil said.

Dante's Journey is not perfect. There is one plot element to which I particularly object, but which I won't share here as it would be a spoiler. I also got very tired of Joe's repeatedly finding that Virgil's advice was right, but continually taking matters into his own hands anyway. A few times is fine but it was repeated enough that it made Joe seem like the dimmest bulb at the Boston PD every time he resolved to do things his way. That said, these moments did lead to some of my favorite action scenes so I am hard put to say how I would change that aspect of the book.

From a Catholic point of view, the theology was absolutely right in some ways and twisted like a corkscrew in others. I wonder what it is that makes modern authors want to water Hell down into simply an edgy version of Purgatory? I have no problem reading books that don't agree with my beliefs, but it is important that readers realize an important aspect of the theology in this book isn't what Dante communicates in the original. See the Theological Caveat below for more.

These issues aside, the book works spectacularly as entertainment.  I read it at breakneck speed and am hoping that a sequel will continue the journey into Purgatory. It is hard to believe that this is a debut novel as Marino juggles classical elements, hard-boiled noir, and science fiction/fantasy to give us a story that I will definitely be rereading. He is a talent worth watching and I'll be waiting impatiently for his next book.

Perhaps more importantly, Marino is true enough to Dante's original work that readers can feel the overall message shining through. I found myself pondering my behavior and old-fashioned sins. It was like an examination of conscience, albeit an entertaining one. I know that I am not alone in this reaction. Numerous reviews on Amazon and elsewhere mention that readers were moved to pause and ponder their lives during the story. Some became interested in reading the original. I also pulled my copy of Dante's Divine Comedy from the shelves to look through and reread sections. Therefore, I would say that as an introduction to Dante's Inferno, this book works wonderfully well.

Definitely recommended.

Theological Caveat
Some of the theology Dante includes is no longer taught by the Catholic Church, which we might expect since he wrote in the early 1300s. An example would be that virtuous pagans go to Limbo in Hell which is no longer taught. (Actually, as far as I can discover, the Church never officially had teachings about Limbo, but the belief was so widespread that it might as well have been from the point of view of believers.) However, the teachings on Heaven, Hell, salvation, and redemption, are still what the Catholic Church teaches. This excerpt from John Ciardi's essay on Dante at the beginning of his translation of Dante's Divine Comedy shows the salvation theology underlying Dante's Inferno. It also gives us exactly the point denied by both Dante's Journey and another of my favorite modern Dante-inspired stories, Inferno by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle.

The damned are there because they offended a theological system that enforces certain consequences of suffering. But part of that theological system has also decreed that salvation was available to all men. Christ in his ransom had procured endless mercy. One need only wish to be saved, need only surrender his soul to God in a last gasp of contrition, and he will be saved. He may have to suffer at length in Purgatory, but, once there, his place is reserved in Heaven and he will in time arrive there. Purgatory is like our modern colleges: no one can flunk out of them.

It follows then, that the only way to get into Hell is to insist upon it. One must deliberately exclude himself from grace by hardening his heart against it. Hell is what the damned have actively and insistently wished for.

Discussing Science Fiction, Religion, and Some Very Good Stories

Ted Chiang's book of short stories, Stories of Your Life and Others, is under discussion at A Good Story is Hard to Find.

Scott and I talk about three selected pieces that challenge us and make us think (but read them all ... anything by Chiang is pure gold).

• “Tower of Babylon” • (1990) • novelette
• “Story of Your Life” • (1998) • novella
• “Hell Is the Absence of God” • (2001) • novelette

On the Highway to Hell

I've got two great modern takes on Dante's Inferno that I think you'll like. One from the science fiction shelf and the other in the tradition of hard-boiled detective novels. Read all about it in my Free Mind column at Patheos.

The Amazing Chocolate Pie

Wow!

I chose well for my birthday dessert!

Read about it at Meanwhile, Back in the Kitchen.

By the way, thank you so much to everyone for the outpouring of birthday wishes! We had a wonderful time sipping cocktails at Victor Tango's and sampling dishes from their "American tapas" menu.

I was blown away by the amount of thought that my family put into my gifts. This year was really unusual that way ... I'll share more about that later.

There's Something About Toast

I love toast.

And never more than here.

Though it is probably not hot anymore. And nothing is worse than cold toast.

EXCEPT here.



And there's also something about OK Go. I love them too. Possibly as much as toast.

Once Again ... It is the Third Most Important Day of the Year

I say this every year, but that's just because it is always true. First is Easter, then is Christmas, then is ... my birthday!

Some people ignore their birthdays or don't want much fuss made. Not me. Everyone in the household knows it too. (To be fair, they all regard their birthdays to be the third most important day of the year.)

And I must say that this year is atypical because I keep forgetting it is my birthday, only to have friends and wellwishers surprise me with birthday wishes. What could be nicer than that?

Nothing!

You notice that only Jesus trumps this day for me ... so then imagine the place He holds to overcome a lifetime of "most important day of the year" before I became Christian.

Hannah showed the proper spirit several years ago when she was filling out a job application on Sunday and asked me what the date was. Then she answered her own question with, "Oh, wait. It must be the 22nd because I know Wednesday is the 25th." Yep, just like Christmas. All other dates are figured around this one.

No cake this year ...  or Strawberry Tart as I made a couple of years ago, not even Tiramisu as last year (which was tempting), but Chocolate Pie which for  struck me a few days ago as just the thing. I saw an interesting technique in Cooking Light, of all places, where you combine 3 ounces of melted chocolate with the chocolate crumbs for the crust and then freeze it. The logic is that it holds together better and (PLUS!) is more chocolatey. Rose is going to make it for me ... with real milk, not fat-free, as per their recipe.

Oh, and real whipped cream. Not that hydrogenated, ersatz fat-free Cool Whip they are calling for either. It IS a birthday, after all! And real whipped cream is so simple ... a little heavy cream, a bowl, a whisk, and a little powdered sugar. (Just because I love to share ... did you know that if you use powdered sugar in whipped cream that the cornstarch in it stabilizes the cream? So go ahead and spread it on that chocolate pie ahead of time if need be. It'll work.)

Also I love the fact that this is also St. (Padre) Pio's birthday. I still remember the sense of joy and light-heartedness that I received while reading a biography of him. It was a photo of him with his head thrown back laughing that first made me notice him. I thought, "Now there is someone I could talk to..."

While praying before a cross, he received the stigmata on 20 September 1918, the first priest ever to be so blessed. As word spread, especially after American soldiers brought home stories of Padre Pio following WWII, the priest himself became a point of pilgrimage for both the pious and the curious. He would hear confessions by the hour, reportedly able to read the consciences of those who held back. Reportedly able to bilocate, levitate, and heal by touch. Founded the House for the Relief of Suffering in 1956, a hospital that serves 60,000 a year. In the 1920's he started a series of prayer groups that continue today with over 400,000 members worldwide.

And it is the Venerable Bede's saint day which is also very cool. You will never read a better death than that of the Venerable Bede.

On the Tuesday before Ascension Day he was decidedly worse : a swelling appeared in his feet. Nevertheless he continued to dictate cheerfully, begging his scribe to write quickly, for he did not know how long he might last, or when it might please his Maker to take him. That night he lay awake, giving thanks alway. The next morning he urged the
brethren to finish writing what they had begun, and when that was done, at nine o'clock, they walked in procession with the relics of the Saints the origin of our "perambulation day," according to the custom of the time. One stayed with him while the others were thus engaged, and after a time reminded him that there was still a chapter to finish, would it weary him to be consulted about it ? " Get out your pen and ink," was Bede's reply, " and write fast, it is no trouble to me."

[...]

Even on the day of his death (the vigil of the Ascension, 735) the saint was still busy dictating a translation of the Gospel of St. John. In the evening the boy Wilbert, who was writing it, said to him: "There is still one sentence, dear master, which is not written down." And when this had been supplied, and the boy had told him it was finished, "Thou hast spoken truth," Bede answered, "it is finished. Take my head in thy hands for it much delights me to sit opposite any holy place where I used to pray, that so sitting I may call upon my Father." And thus upon the floor of his cell singing, "Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost" and the rest, he peacefully breathed his last breath.

A Little Bit of Michel Gondry

Tom and I chose Be Kind, Rewind for the monthly movie night that we share with another couple. This prompted Rose to begin talking about the many excellences of director Michel Gondry. (The first of these is that every film student loves him ... and that is a feat in itself.)

All it took was for me to hear that he prefers to work "in camera" (shunning CGI whenever possible) and I became much more interested in his work (and approving ... yes, I have a prejudice that way).

Although admittedly erratic in movie excellence, I never realized that he began as a music video director.

And in watching samples on YouTube, I fell in love with this one. Keep in mind it was done all as stop motion, requiring a tremendous effort on everyone's part, not to mention many, many drum sets.

The Ogre Downstairs

The Ogre Downstairs by Diana Wynne Jones

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Casper, Johnny, and Gwinny are quite unhappy when their mother marries Jack, whose dour nature and heavy handed approach to discipline lead them to dub him The Ogre. Adding to their unhappiness are their two new stepbrothers, Malcolm and Douglas, who are every bit as unappealing as The Ogre, albeit in different ways. When Jack gives each group of children a chemistry set, everyone is surprised, but no one expects magical results. However, they soon discover that some combinations of ingredients lead to such fantastic results as being literally lighter than air ... or to having inanimate objects come to life. This leads not only to great fun but opens the door to greater understanding between the children as their magical misadventures force them out of their comfortable roles of resenting others who they have not made any attempt to understand.

As with many of the books written for younger readers, this one was less interesting to me than other Wynne Jones wrote. However, also as with others of this stripe, anything by this author winds up being compelling, or such is my experience. If the reader hangs on until the last fourth of the book, the action ratchets up and the book becomes quite compelling. I would have liked to see the Ogre's character developed more, as well as his relationship with Sally. We are never shown a reason for her to be so fond of him, at least from the children's point of view. That is what keeps this book from being better than it is. However, it does end on a note of new beginnings and the beginning of everyone's attempt to understand each other better is probably the reason these characters are left fairly undeveloped.

I especially enjoyed the toffee bars, the pipe, and the dust bunnies. Confused? Read the book and you'll know what I'm talking about.

View all my Goodreads reviews

Mystery on an International Level: Reviewing Mystery at Geneva

Mystery at Geneva: An Improbable Tale of Singular Happenings by Macaulay, Rose, Dame

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Henry Beechtree, a newspaper correspondent for the British Bolshevist, is covering the latest otherwise sleepy session of the League of Nations in Geneva, when the newly elected President – a member of the Norwegian delegation – disappears mysteriously, adding some badly needed ‘spice’ to Henry's assignment. 

I was quickly hooked by the humorous tone of this 1922 book with the naive young reporter learning his way around the League of Nations meeting when the president disappears, leaving foul play suspected. The book is moving quickly with many short chapters taking the reader rapidly from scene to scene, often changing points of view in the process. It is not difficult to keep up with and the wit and intelligence of the writing left me unwilling to listen to anything else.

This is a Librivox free audiobook. Cathy Barratt narrates a bit too quickly for my taste, but just right (probably) for those who like to put their audiobook speed on fast. Her narration seems flawless when it comes to reeling off the many foreign phrases which the book is larded with, due to the international flavor of the setting. She has a pleasant voice, good expression, and is easy on the ear.

In the end, the author surprised me with two different plot twists out of the blue. Overall, she amused me greatly with her astute, cleverly put observations about politics and human nature. Perhaps it says more than she intended at the time, when I reflect that world politics are still recognizable enough to keep her observations still timely.

Short, quick, and recommended.

View all my Goodreads reviews

Prayer Request for My Mother - Update

She is in the hospital, probably facing surgery for a long-standing ailment which has just been properly diagnosed. Weak and in pain, she is suffering.

I am so grateful that my sister is on hand. She is much savvier to the ways of hospitals and doctors than I am and is the perfect person to be there supporting my mother.

I am praying for all involved that the suffering is light, the medical staff both competent and compassionate, and that my sister's duties in this time fall lightly on her shoulders.

If you are so moved, I would appreciate your intercession on my mother's behalf. Thank you!

UPDATE
Thank you so much for the generous responses through comments and email. I know that there are many who plunge into prayer without stopping to comment on it. I am grateful for such a community.

My mother had surgery on Sunday, came through it well according to all accounts, and will be recovering at the hospital for ... maybe a week? Now, I can't remember and I know my sis will be updating me.

Right now, I am just stunned at the devastation of Joplin, Missouri, from tornadoes. I think this hits harder than usual because precisely a week before the tornadoes hit Joplin, we spent the night there on the way home from Chicago. Although it was a short stay, the mind's tendency is to be grateful that we were a week away from trouble and, at the same time, to think, "This is how close ultimate change can be ... a blink of an eye." In other words, it could have been us.

This is good for reminding me that it could always "be us" but nevertheless not to dwell on disaster but to enjoy the good moments as they occur. And, of course, to reach out and help those affected. Not only because it could be us at any time, but because it is the human condition to need help (though, luckily, not always because of a tornado). And we are here to give it and help one another.

Weekend Joke: Roger and Martha

Roger left for work on Friday morning. Friday was payday, so instead of going home, he stayed out the entire weekend partying with the boys and spending his entire pay packet.

Finally, Roger appeared at home on Sunday night, and obviously he was confronted by his angry wife, Martha who castigated Roger for nearly two hours with a tirade befitting his actions. Finally, Martha stopped the nagging and said to Roger, 'How would you like it if you didn't see me for two or three days?'

Roger replied grimly, 'That would be fine with me.'

Monday went by and he didn't see his Martha. Tuesday and Wednesday came and went with the same results.

By the Thursday, the swelling had gone down just enough so that Roger he could see Martha a little out of the corner of his left eye

Quick Look at a Recent Book: The Planet Savers

The Planet Savers by Marion Zimmer Bradley

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I listened to part of this ... maybe from Librivox (?) ... and then decided that reading would be faster and keep my attention better so I downloaded a free version for the Kindle. I never have read any of the Darkover books and this early book is a great example of classic sf. It tells of two races having to come together to save one race from a deadly plague. Mirroring this is the character of Jay Allison who suffers from an internal division of his own which must also be overcome in order to not only help save lives but to save his own identity. Fascinating and attention holding, as well as a quick read. I will be looking for other Darkover novels.

What to Read Next? Help a Blogger Out.

... the hell with it has posted an impressive list of choices when trying to decide what book to begin next. (Gee, and I thought my "to read" list was long.)

Recommendations are requested so drop by and help a blogger out!

Re: The End of the World - UPDATED

To: Tom D.

Seeing as the world is ending Saturday, I'm wondering if the office is open tomorrow. Please respond in haste, trying to make last-day-on-earth plans.

Thanks and see ya on the other side!

Laura

To Laura H.

Sorry, we're only taking off the day before the Mayan end of the world.

Which means we'll get a Thursday off in 2012*. Woohoo!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In related news: Post Rapture Looting
I've been invited by Frank Weathers to the Post-Rapture Looting (since Catholics will be Left Behind, as Tim LaHaye has reliably informed us - I don't mind ... it's primarily an evangelical thing as I understand it).

What would we do without Facebook?

POST RAPTURE LOOTING

Time: Saturday, May 21 · 12:00pm - 3:00pm

Location: Everywhere

More Info: When everyone is gone and God's not looking, we need to pick up some sweet stereo equipment and maybe some new furniture for the mansion we're going to squat in.

For the Catholic take on the whole "rapture" concept as it is understood here, read more here.
*For more on the Mayan end of the world (Dec. 21, 2012), see here.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In related news: Raptor attack info
Whereas Joe believes we are defending against the wrong Raptor and that there will be dire consequences. (Check his site for thorough defense plans.)

I have been informed that the person, some Protestant minister, who has predicted the arrival of the Raptor this Sunday may be mistaken. Foolish people are trying to disprove him by the use of Scripture. I can tell you most definitely that the Scripture is silent on Velociraptor attacks. (I have checked thoroughly).

UPDATE
Doing the Math: Rapture + Zombie Apocalypse = Movies and Beer!
Frank's got it all together for reveling in the apocalypse ... including the beer. I love being Catholic. Someone always brings drinks along.

FURTHER UPDATE
For more thoughtful takes ... and some that are not so thoughtful (which we always enjoy) ... The Anchoress has a Rapture Round-Up

Also, I would like to mention, in case I am upsetting anyone who sincerely believes in the rapture, that I make fun of many things. For example, the quote in the sidebar (which will be changing later in the day) shows that I can take it as well as dish it out. (From the Contemporary American Poultry episode of Community)

Troy: If God were edible - not that I'm Catholic - but if it was cool to eat God, he'd be a chicken finger.