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.