Now sweded for your viewing listening pleasure ...

... and because all the tapes got erased somehow.  Julie and Scott talk about Be Kind Rewind on A Good Story is Hard to Find podcast.

What I'm Reading: Extinction Machine (Joe Ledger #5) by Jonathan Maberry

Extinction Machine by Jonathan Maberry

Joe's back.

Pulled off vacation, Joe Ledger is knocking on research lab doors with Top and Bunny, looking into cyber-attacks so clever they can't be tracked back to anyone. But no one's answering, even though all the lights are on. Until a couple of men in black, who seem strangely inhuman, step onto the loading dock.

And mayhem ensues.

Yep.

Joe's back.

Sorry Moonstone. Sorry Jane Eyre. Sorry Middlemarch. Sorry stack of audiobooks that I just got in the mail. You're sweet and ... uh ... we'll always be good friends. But I've got to go.

I've got a date.

Joe's back.

And I've got to slip into my slinkiest pair of earbuds.

(Review copy from Audible, via SFFaudio.)

- Patient Zero (#1)
- Dragon Factory, The (#2)
- King of Plagues, The (#3)
- Assassin's Code (#4)

Reviews of the Pope's Performance

Dr. Boli hits the nail on the head (as always).

Save Send Delete by Danusha Goska

Save Send Delete by Danusha Goska

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I became excited when Moyers identified you as a skeptic who questions everything. I actually put down my fork and stopped chewing my pasta fazool. I question everything, and I find that makes me very lonely. If you want to talk about Islam and terror, for example, you know that the Politically Correct, self-identitied "Patiots" won't allow any critical statements about US petro-dependency. Abortion, euthanasia, gay marriage: people bring so many agendas to these matters that real, probing questions are never asked or answered. But you were as dogmatic in your atheism as a Monty Python parody of a pope.

One night after watching a celebrity atheist on a talk show, devout Catholic Mira does the unthinkable. She sends him a long, forceful, clever email that she knows will never get past his secretary. Except that he answers. And he won't let her off the hook with a polite apology.

We see only Mira's side of the correspondence, which soon pulls us into her life, their growing friendship, and doesn't let anyone off the hook in considering faith, love, and what it means to be human. "Save Send Delete" refers to what Mira chooses to do after she's written each email we've read. I was delighted by the way this clever device let us see not only Mira's actual email but her inner thoughts as she hesitated or deleted what she'd written.

Monday 1:20 a.m.
Rand! Good grief, I see that you've written back already. I can't read that right now.

I was drifting off to sleep and I remembered. In my first e-mail to you I called you a "git" and a "wanker." And here I am chastising you for stereotyping me.

But that was so long ago Rand, and we are different people now, and we're doing something different here, aren't we? And it hurts when you refuse to see me.

SAVE send delete

Monday 1:34 a.m.

save SEND delete

I cannot possibly do this book justice. But, of course, you know that's not going to stop me from trying.

The book is a thinly fictionalized version of what really happened to author Danusha Goska. However, don't let that give you pause. It is a finely crafted work of literature, no matter the origin of the ideas conveyed.

It is going on my 2013 Best Books list.

I was really excited reading the first half of the book because I related to the conversations. I've been blogging long enough to have had many long email exchanges about faith or lack thereof. I was cheering in Mira's section as she said all the things that intelligent Christians know and sometimes would like to hurl at unthinking atheists smugly giving knee-jerk answers. (And know this now, there are as many unthinking, knee-jerk atheists out there as there are unthinking, knee-jerk Christians. No group is exempt from this.)

Mira makes her points respectfully, with credit given where it is due, but she doesn't back down. She is adamant about truth being shown and acknowledged by all sides. And, of course, that's another thing I loved about this book. Truth, honesty ... those are hard qualities to come by.

Watching Mira struggle to keep conversations honest was fascinating and taught me some valuable lessons. I want to stress here, that this book is not just for Christians. Both Goodreads and Amazon contain 5-star reviews from all sorts of believers and doubters. All praise Danusha Goska's writing and thinking in this book.

The second part of the book changes in tone as Mira and Rand grow closer and more honest with each other. It becomes less about intellectual answers and more about real life, about finding God or meaning in life when times are hard. This was when the spotlight turned on me and it wasn't comfortable.

It is not that I pulled back or wasn't engaged with the book. It was as if I were reading that other very different yet also great book, The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom, which this section of the book made me think of for some reason. Mira's life has been hard and it made me realize how very fortunate my own life is. I always know my life is fortunate, but there is a tendency to think one's life is more difficult than it actually is. When one comes up against real hardship, it holds up the mirror, shakes us up (just as the prophets were sent to shake the people up), and gives the corrected perspective so that one may continue. This tendency is actually discussed very compassionately by Mira in a section about house-sitting for a professor.

I couldn't put the book down, as Mira and Rand's story propelled me forward.I spent a good deal of time pondering my actions versus mere lip service (none of us are exempt from our unthinking, knee-jerk moments, remember?). And that's a good thing.

Ultimately, the core message of Save Send Delete is one we all understand. We want to be seen, to be heard, to be known for who we really are, deep down. It is that which we hope and strive for from friends, family, loved ones. The lack of being known devastates us when we have trusted someone deeply enough to allow ourselves to become vulnerable. That is the ultimate betrayal.

What Christians find in God, in Jesus Christ, is that he knows us, in a way we don't even know ourselves. And when He breaks through so that we can recognize it, we are stunned and overwhelmed.

That is why words are so inadequate.

Usually.

Danusha Goska's words ... her original, insightful story ... is up to the task.

Do not miss this book.

NOTE: There is some bad language. Just skim over it if that's a problem.

DVD Review: Understanding Sunday Mass: A Kid's Point of View

A review from Scott Danielson. I have to say this looks like a good resource.


What a great idea this movie is. Understanding Sunday Mass: A Kid's Point of View's goal is to teach young people the mass, and it unconditionally succeeds at being both entertaining and informative.

The film opens with a scene we see nearly every Sunday. A family, including two kids, are attending mass. We see dramatic eye-rolling sighs of the kids as they prepare to tolerate another hour in church. "I confess, to Almighty God," says the priest as their eyes wander around the church, trying to find something to help them pass the time… but then everyone and everything freezes. Father Jerry, with his magic remote control, appears from the back of the church, and spends the rest of the time explaining the mass to the two kids while using the remote to fast forward or reverse.

What's an "ambo"? A "chasuble"? What does "Liturgy of the Word" mean? How about "Liturgy of the Eucharist"? Father Jerry explains it all.

In today's world, as catechists compete with movies, TV, YouTube, and a host of other shiny objects for the attention of students, it's wonderful to have this effective and entertaining film that was created by people who clearly understand that engaging the imagination is a terrific way to educate.

You can find all the information you need about this DVD at http://www.sundaymass4kids.com.

What I'm Reading: Save Send Delete

Save Send Delete by Danusha Goska

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I'm about halfway through this review book which was sent by the author after she heard me on the radio while waiting for the bus. Which had a charm all its own when considered as a review request ... and when I looked at reviews on Goodreads and Amazon I was intrigued by the five-star reviews from readers with all sorts of religious backgrounds.

I'll do a complete review when I'm done, but I have to say that this book is amazing.

A.MAZ.ING.

From where I sit, Danusha Goska nailed it. It is thought provoking, fascinating and ... from where I sit ... true.

It's for everyone who thought they were digging deep into their beliefs (or lack thereof). "Thought."

More later, but I wanted to get this out there for right now. Pick up a copy and read it now.

Julie and Scott wander around in another failed civilization ...

... saved only by a bag of tortilla chips they pick up on the way (this announcement sponsored by Tostitos) while they discuss The Parable of the Sower on A Good Story is Hard to Find podcast.

Conversing with God in the Easter Season by Stephen Binz

Conversing with God in the Easter Season: Praying the Sunday Mass Readings with Lectio Divina by Stephen J. Binz

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Mystagogy" is a Greek word referring to the process of leading those who have been initiated into a mystery into an understanding of its deep meaning and its significance for their lives. ...

After the Easter Vigil, the neophytes are not simply sent home to do their best. They continue to gather throughout the Easter season. They share their reflections on their deeper life in Christ through the sacramental life of his Church, and they continue to learn. In this way, they are like the disciples in the resurrection narratives of the Gospels and in the Acts of the Apostles. They are learning from their encounters with the risen Christ and growing in faith and love. The Church's period of mystagogy teaches the rich significance of the Church's Scriptures and sacramental worship, drawing out the inexhaustible meaning of the baptismal covenant and the Eucharistic liturgy.

Mystagogy, however, is not limited to the newly baptized. It is a lifelong process of ongoing conversion and growth in understanding for all Christians. Because in the resurrection God has made all things new, the liturgy and Scripture readings of the Easter season work toward shaping a resurrection mentality in all who live in Christ. Whatever burdens us, whatever we are ashamed of, whatever we lament, whatever has broken our hearts is placed before the open word of God whose light streams forth from the open tomb of Christ. ...

Did you see what author Stephen Binz did there? In the introduction of the book he wasted no time in drawing us into Scripture itself for reflection. My imagination thrilled thinking of the new Catholics, like the disciples on Emmaus road, whose hearts are burning within them encountering the risen Christ. I also loved the imagery of the light from the tomb streaming across us, across me, healing as it gently warms and enlightens.

Although this is not the heart of Conversing with God in the Easter Season, the excerpt gives a good idea of how Binz uses every opportunity to draw us closer to Christ. Keeping our eyes on the Easter candle's light, he walks readers through the simple steps of lectio divina: lectio (reading), meditatio (reflection), oratio (praying), contemplatio (resting in God), and operatio (witness in daily life).

Binz illuminates the Sunday readings from the entire Easter season for each of the A, B, and C cycles so the book can be used every year. I especially appreciated his care with the material as I compared Sundays from different cycles that have identical Gospel readings. Obviously, the similarity of the overall message is not ignored, however, Binz's attention to the details and context allow him to raise subtly different points for meditation.

For example, Easter Sunday for years A, B, and C all feature a reading from Acts 10:34A, 37-43. For year A Binz shows how Peter's dramatic testimony to Cornelius and his family is the first example of news that will ripple through the Acts of the Apostles to convert the entire world. Year B discusses the very personal nature of Peter's eyewitness testimony. Year C considers Peter's transformation from the man who denied Christ three times into the confident, courageous speaker we see in a Gentile household.

I can't recommend Binz's Lectio Divina books highly enough. If you want to make this Easter season a richer, more spiritual experience, this book will shine light on your path.

More books I like by Stephen Binz: Conversing with God in Advent, Learning to Pray in Scripture.

Pope Francis: Making the Popemobile Personal

I like this. Pope Francis uses the Popemobile. Let's face it. That's the most practical way to get through a massive crowd. However, he also stops and gets off to bless this disabled man.



Via The Deacon's Bench.

Last Day to Donate to Aquinas and More

It is the last day of Aquinas and More's journey of faith to see if their online Catholic store can carry on.

You may read more here about why so many believe their store is worth saving.

The goal was $250,000. They have raised $58,599.

It is not too late to help!

Go here to donate.

"Don't you think she looks tired?"

Two popes, one retired and one new. Both showing us Christ's face in their own personal, unique ways. The reactions I see are so often simply reflections of the people speaking. How do we take the truth and act upon it? The choice is ours.

=========

There is a way of living and thinking that I would name negative, another that I would name active. The first consists in seeing always what is defective in people and institutions, not so much to remedy them as to dominate them, in always looking back, and in looking for whatever separates and disunites. The second consists in joyfully looking life and its responsibilities in the face, looking for the good in everyone in order to develop and cultivate it, in never desparing of the future, the fruit of our will, and in understanding human faults and miseries, expressing that strong compassion which results in action and no long allows us to live a useless life.

Whoever searches for the truth will find God.

As we go along, let us spread ideas, words, and desires, without looking back to see who gathers them up.

Servant of God Elisabeth Leseur

The most surprising thing I've noticed in these first days of Pope Francis are how many people, in the words of Elisabeth Leseur, bring negative thinking instantly to bear.

I am also surprised that I am so surprised when it happens.

I had a rare moment of being in the public eye when Pope Francis was announced. The Takeaway had me on one line and Father Matthew Gamber, a Jesuit priest and senior counselor at Jesuit High School in Florida, on the other line. I was trying to watch streaming coverage from my laptop while listening and responding appropriately. I must say that one of the best parts of that memory was listening to everyone at the Jesuit High School go nuts when Pope Francis was announced.

Due to an understandable lack of coordination considering the event, I wasn't sure when I was done, so Skype was still running for the next guest. I don't recall who it was ... some "known name" in Catholicism ...  but I was stunned at her cold tones saying, "Your previous guests may be cheering because he's a Jesuit or because he took the name Francis, but we don't know who this man is. Some priests cooperated with the death squads in Argentina."

I quit Skype, completely amazed that there was not one sentiment of interest, excitement, or even polite good will from that person.

As it turns out, the Argentinian government was probably cheering to have "a known Catholic name" make such comments because, according to the Wall Street Journal, they "immediately began a campaign to smear the new pontiff's character and reputation at home and in the international news media." (Read more about that in Behind the Campaign to Smear the Pope.)

This is the danger of habitual negative thinking versus active thinking. We can fall right into the Enemy's hands. I'm talking about a supernatural Enemy, of course, who loves to sow discord and separation. This causes doubt and is a great danger to others who may trust and believe that negative thinking.

That is not to mention the danger it does to our own souls.

In RCIA last week we were covering some of the ten commandments. I was particularly struck by our priest's insistence on making sure the distinction between detraction and calumny was very clear.

2477 Respect for the reputation of persons forbids every attitude and word likely to cause them unjust injury. He becomes guilty:

- of rash judgment who, even tacitly, assumes as true, without sufficient foundation, the moral fault of a neighbor;

- of detraction who, without objectively valid reason, discloses another's faults and failings to persons who did not know them;

- of calumny who, by remarks contrary to the truth, harms the reputation of others and gives occasion for false judgments concerning them.

I now had the precise word for what I'd heard: calumny.

=========

Ironically, just yesterday, I had an example of a different sort of destruction of reputation from a nice church-going acquaintance when we were chatting in the parking lot after Mass.

She was praising Pope Francis. I mentioned that we were lucky because we had the example of two great popes in John Paul II and Benedict XVI and now could watch how Francis built upon their work in his own way.

She made a little face of distaste and said, "Oh. Benedict. I think he was mostly too sick and tired too do much. But we can hope Francis will change things!"

I was stunned. (Yes. Again.)

What?

The man who gave us a new liturgy ... wrote three stunning encyclicals ... a series of teaching homilies that can be treasured for ages to come ... named new bishops and cardinals to replace many who needed it ... who journeyed to many places where faith needed to be seen in that special way only a pope can bring ...

Were we thinking of the same man?

I told Tom this morning. He laughed aloud and shook his head. Then he looked at me and said, "'Don't you think she looks tired?'"

I began laughing too.

He nodded. "Benedict said it himself. He retired because he was 85 and tired. That's all she can remember."

[NOTE TO ROSE - SLIGHT DR. WHO SPOILER]

We'd just seen David Tennant's first episode as Dr. Who, when he taught someone a lesson in a similar fashion.

The Doctor: Don't challenge me, Harriet Jones. 'Cause I'm a completely new man. I could bring down your Government with a single word.

Harriet Jones: You're the most remarkable man I've ever met. But I don't think you're quite capable of that.

The Doctor: No, you're right. Not a single word. ... Just six.

Harriet Jones: I don't think so.

The Doctor: Six words.

Harriet Jones: Stop it!

The Doctor: Six.

The Doctor [whispers in Alex's ear]: Don't you think she looks tired?

Dr. Who, The Christmas Invasion, 2005

Those six words lead to a vote of confidence as worries about Jones' health snowballed beyond all other news.

Since this was the first episode of Dr. Who with David Tennant, his companion, Rose, was struggling to reconcile this "new" Doctor with the one she'd known before. As was I. The writers cleverly used Rose's struggles to help us all accept this Doctor.

It struck me that this was a bit of what I was struggling with myself. So much of what I love about Pope Emeritus Benedict is very different from what I see initially in Pope Francis. And yet, I like very much what I have seen of Pope Francis so far. I believe both are holy men. I believe both are showing us a different aspect of Christ.

It is natural to struggle with change, even when it is a good change. It is natural to our natures, so I've been told lately, to tend toward the negative rather than the positive.

I try to take it all in with that "active thought" of Elisabeth Leseur's. To be joyful, to look for the good, to work with compassion. To find truth ... and God.

Getting to Know Pope Francis

I have long maintained that the best way to "get to know" your pope is to read his writing, whether that is in the form of homilies, speeches, encyclicals, letters, books, or whatever.

This is how I learned to love John Paul II and Benedict XVI.

Now we have Pope Francis who has a dearth of books but who, as pope, is going to be given numerous opportunities to speak.

Luckily, we don't even have to track down what the pope says. We have the impressive team of Jimmy Akin and Jeff Miller making everything easily accessible.

Jeff formats the readings for Kindle and other e-readers. Jimmy hosts the links to each document on the Vatican site where you can simply read it on your computer. Just click the image above to click through.

I loved reading what Pope Emeritus Benedict said every week and am thrilled that I'll be able to do this with our new pope. Thanks guys!

Assassin's Code by Jonathan Maberry

Assassin's Code by Jonathan Maberry

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In my trade, confidence is built on a platform whose legs are made up of good intelligence, continuous training, proper equipment, and field support. I had a sick dog, a dead man’s gun, a stolen briefcase, a vampire hunter’s stake in my belt, and a cell phone…

Joe’s dealt with zombies, the island of Dr. Moreau, and the Seven Plagues of Egypt. Surely nothing can surprise him now. At least that’s what he thinks.

After rescuing American college students held hostage in Iran, Joe is contacted with the alarming news that the Iranians want his help in locating six stolen nuclear bombs. Nukes are soon the least of Joe’s problems when he’s attacked by super-powered killers who are probably genetically engineered and may actually be unbeatable. Certainly, it’s the first time he’s been told to “run away” when he calls Mr. Church for orders. The mysterious assassin Violin, with her mommy issues, adds an intriguing element that I liked, although her name made me snicker. Whose side is she really on? Toss in the mysterious Book of Shadows together with an age-old Holy Inquisition* that’s gone off the rails and you’ve got a fast-paced thriller with the usual slight touch of science needed to make us wonder “could it happen…” As usual Joe is sarcastic but has the heart of a warrior so he never quits.

As always, Ray Porter IS Joe Ledger. As I’ve said before, his narration is the reason I wait for the audio books instead of snapping up the printed versions. He’s got a direct, blunt delivery that can go from sarcastic to heart-felt to outraged in 60 seconds. Believably. That’s good because sometimes that’s the way Joe’s day goes.

The fourth entry to the Joe Ledger series piles surprise upon surprise until there are so many moving parts you need a score card to keep up. That’s ok. The ride is most of the fun anyway. It was refreshing to see Echo Team on an assignment that didn’t involve anything supernatural or genetically engineered. It also explained why Joe is sometimes incredulous about the strange situations in which he becomes embroiled. He’s so deep into rescuing college kids that he just plain forgets about his first zombie killing assignment.

Yeah right.

That excuse doesn’t really work for the many times that people who should know better protest, “What? Supernatural? That’s just crazy!” That really is the weakest part of these stories. Shouldn’t Echo Team be surprised if there isn’t a monster or super-villain somewhere in the shadows?

This was a return to the Joe Ledger adventure style of the first book in a way, which I liked very much. It also satisfactorily tied up some loose ends that had been accumulating through the last book or two. Highly recommended for those who enjoyed the previous books.

NOTE: This book was originally reviewed for SFFaudio.

* Catholics needn’t worry. Maberry plays fast and loose with elements but he’s generally respectful of religions. Any Catholics involved in this were lied to, folks. Lied to!

Pope Francis at the Hotel

Dolan is still sleeping? Please give me a key to his room and a bucket of ice water.

Scott Danielson topped our email caption exchange with this one. It still makes me laugh.

Of course, by now most know that Pope Francis insisted on paying his bill and picking up his luggage yesterday.

Also, is anyone else having to stop themselves from saying "St. Francis" instead of "Pope Francis" ... it just rolls off the tongue. Guess I'll get used to it soon enough.

Worth a Thousand Words: Himalayan Blue Poppy

Himalayan Blue Poppy
courtesy of Father Pitt, where you may see many other gorgeous spring flowers

The Largest Kickstarter Project of All Time in the Universe

Hey I liked Veronica Mars, especially the first season, and I enjoyed seeing the video they put together to get fundraising started for the $2 million needed to make a Veronica Mars movie.

Turns out I'm not the only person who liked Veronica Mars.

Holy moly.

While I was all wrapped up in finding out who the new pope was, they launched the project ... and within about 10 hours, $2.5 million cool ones were pledged.

That's gotta be some sort of record.

I just hope they make the movie as good as that first season.

Twilight Watch by Sergei Lukyanenko

Twilight Watch by Sergei Lukyanenko

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Sergei Lukyanenko is back to full form in the third of the books looking at the Light versus the Dark. Intriguingly this book begins with the joint statements:

This book is of no relevance to the cause of the Light. -- The Night Watch

This book is of no relevance to the cause of the Darkness -- The Day Watch

Those statements seem like a clever follow up to those of the first two books but the reader soon realizes that they have more significance than one would think. The three novellas that make up this book are fast-paced, interesting, and pose difficult questions to Anton, from whose perspective they are told.

In the first, he must investigate a tip that it is possible to change humans into Others. In the second there is an almost fairy tale set up with small children wandering in a forest who meet a lovely lady. The third turns into an unlikely alliance seeking a renegade on a train in what feels like a James Bond-esque thriller at times. All three stories are satisfying alone, but together they build to give new information about Others and humans, Light and Dark. And let us not forget the Inquisition who has a larger role than ever in these stories.

One of the things I enjoy most about these stories is that they show insight into Russian culture and attitudes. For example, Anton never buys anyone a Coca Cola, although he knows they would enjoy it. He buys the Russian cola because he feels there has been enough American takeover of culture. Kids and teenagers routinely go to stay at Young Pioneers camps in the country side which sound something akin to summer camp except that these were begun under the communist regime. Condos that didn't have enough units sold were abandoned by the builders, leaving tenants to make regular payments despite not having a shower or other necessary amenities. Lukyanenko makes a definite statement about communism in this book thanks to analyzing the Others' roles in government.

Most of all, of course, what I enjoy is the compelling story telling which keep me turning the pages until much too late at night. Highly recommended.

In which Virgilia tells the shocking truth ...

... more of The Unforeseen at Forgotten Classics. We're near the end. Just one more episode before the mystery is solved!

Pope Francis' Election: "This is a mandate."

For the cardinal-electors to have gone out of Europe for the first time in over a millennium, to have gone to a Jesuit for the first time ever, and to have gone to the runner-up at the last Conclave in all of five ballots – with more than half the electorate changed over since last time – is not merely decisive....

Indeed, it's epic.

And make no mistake about it – this is a mandate.

Rocco at Whispers in the Loggia makes a point that hadn't struck me until I saw his comments about the voting. When we look with joy at the newness in so many ways of Pope Francis, we are also seeing what the other cardinals from around the world know ... the qualities we already value in him from this short acquaintance are what matter if you are Catholic, nay if you are Christian.

Go read it all.

A Plenary Indulgence on All Media Watchers and LIsteners...

... I knew I liked this new pope! SQPN sez:

I have to verify this with Fr. Roderick, who is fluent in Italian. But it sounded like the Pope said that everybody who was watching via the media received a plenary indulgence. This is awesome!

And my friend Rita added:

And on listeners too.

===========

Also I don't see any books by him on Amazon. Which is another blessing. It's going to take me years to work my way through Benedict XVI's homilies and writing.

Thank you, Papa!