Give Zook Credit???
I'll give Jared Lorenzen credit...
From Zook Bashers: Give Him Credit For This Victory - from Tampa Bay Online:
"Piling on Zook has become a cliche, but for a long while Saturday it seemed the mob who wants his head would have to be heard. This was as close to the brink of a lost season as you can come.
But those in the Gator Nation who have been beating on Zook, time to play fair. If the Miami collapse was Zook's fault, as many believed, he deserves credit for pulling off a rally that didn't seem possible.
Florida trailed 21-9 with less than five minutes to play, but it was worse than that. The Gators were tentative, almost intimidated. They had trailed since UK's first drive, and there was no reason to believe that was going to change. When asked what he was thinking at that point, Athletic Director Jeremy Foley replied, ``You don't want to know.''
Yes we do. "
Monday, September 29, 2003
Sunday, September 28, 2003
Italy and the Vatican in Darkness
Having lived through the power outage of 2003, one can only sympathize with them. The pope named the new cardinals today with the aid of a sound system run by a generator.
From Nationwide Power Outage Hits Italy (washingtonpost.com):
"Power went out across Italy before dawn Sunday, plunging the nation into darkness, police and news reports said. Authorities did not immediately know the cause."
Having lived through the power outage of 2003, one can only sympathize with them. The pope named the new cardinals today with the aid of a sound system run by a generator.
From Nationwide Power Outage Hits Italy (washingtonpost.com):
"Power went out across Italy before dawn Sunday, plunging the nation into darkness, police and news reports said. Authorities did not immediately know the cause."
Saturday, September 27, 2003
Friday, September 26, 2003
Thursday, September 25, 2003
Wednesday, September 24, 2003
Pope's Wednesday Audience Cancelled
From Sick pope skips general audience:
"Pope John Paul II took the rare step of canceling his weekly general audience on Wednesday in the face of growing concern over his health, but the Vatican insisted that only a “minor” intestinal problem was to blame."
Here is a little more:
In an audio link-up from his summer residence south of Rome, the 83-year-old pope briefly greeted the disappointed crowd that had gathered to see him at the Vatican's large audience hall.
"Dear brothers and sisters, I send you all cordial greetings. I'm sorry I can't be with you for this regular weekly meeting. I carry all of you in my heart and I bless you," he said.
His voice, which sounded normal for his recent condition although a bit fatigued, filled the vast audience hall and brought tears to the eyes of some.
From Sick pope skips general audience:
"Pope John Paul II took the rare step of canceling his weekly general audience on Wednesday in the face of growing concern over his health, but the Vatican insisted that only a “minor” intestinal problem was to blame."
Here is a little more:
In an audio link-up from his summer residence south of Rome, the 83-year-old pope briefly greeted the disappointed crowd that had gathered to see him at the Vatican's large audience hall.
"Dear brothers and sisters, I send you all cordial greetings. I'm sorry I can't be with you for this regular weekly meeting. I carry all of you in my heart and I bless you," he said.
His voice, which sounded normal for his recent condition although a bit fatigued, filled the vast audience hall and brought tears to the eyes of some.
Tuesday, September 23, 2003
Transcript of Cardinal Ratzinger Interview
With Raymond Arroyo on EWTN
From EWTN - Document Library - www.ewtn.com:
Raymond: "Will we see a return to the ad orientem posture, facing the East, the priest facing away from the people during the Canon, a return to the Latin, more Latin in the Mass?
Cardinal: Versus orientem, I would say could be a help because it is really a tradition from the Apostolic time, and it’s not only a norm, but it’s an expression also of the cosmical dimension and of the historical dimension of the liturgy. We are celebrating with the cosmos, with the world. It’s the direction of the future of the world, of our history represented in the sun and in the cosmical realities. I think today this new discovering of our relation with the created world can be understood also from the people, better than perhaps 20 years ago. And also, it’s a common direction – priest and people are in common oriented to the Lord. So, I think it could be a help. Always external gestures are not simply a remedy in itself, but could be a help because it’s a very classical interpretation of what is the direction of the liturgy. Generally, I think it was good to translate the liturgy in the spoken languages because we will understand it; we will participate also with our thinking. But a stronger presence of some elements of Latin would be helpful to give the universal dimension, to give the possibilities that in all the parts of the world we can see “I am in the same Church.” So generally, popular language is … "
I find this question and answer rather insightful, mostly because he doesn't answer it with any reference to the institutional church:
Raymond: What would you say to the faithful, who in the United States are so despondent at this hour, and not sure who to look to? What would you say to them?
Cardinal: Yes. On the one hand, look to the Lord is the first point. He is always present and He’s always near to us. Look also to the saints of all the times, and so find in our times the saints. The humble, faithful persons are present, perhaps not so visible because they are not appearing on the television. But the humble, praying people are present today and this is a confidence of the Church and of all our people find these people, finds that with all the problems of today, the Church has not disappeared; but is continuing, especially in not so visible personalities. So, I think this is essential – find the Lord, find the saints of the times, but also find the not canonized, simple persons who are really in the heart of the Church.
With Raymond Arroyo on EWTN
From EWTN - Document Library - www.ewtn.com:
Raymond: "Will we see a return to the ad orientem posture, facing the East, the priest facing away from the people during the Canon, a return to the Latin, more Latin in the Mass?
Cardinal: Versus orientem, I would say could be a help because it is really a tradition from the Apostolic time, and it’s not only a norm, but it’s an expression also of the cosmical dimension and of the historical dimension of the liturgy. We are celebrating with the cosmos, with the world. It’s the direction of the future of the world, of our history represented in the sun and in the cosmical realities. I think today this new discovering of our relation with the created world can be understood also from the people, better than perhaps 20 years ago. And also, it’s a common direction – priest and people are in common oriented to the Lord. So, I think it could be a help. Always external gestures are not simply a remedy in itself, but could be a help because it’s a very classical interpretation of what is the direction of the liturgy. Generally, I think it was good to translate the liturgy in the spoken languages because we will understand it; we will participate also with our thinking. But a stronger presence of some elements of Latin would be helpful to give the universal dimension, to give the possibilities that in all the parts of the world we can see “I am in the same Church.” So generally, popular language is … "
I find this question and answer rather insightful, mostly because he doesn't answer it with any reference to the institutional church:
Raymond: What would you say to the faithful, who in the United States are so despondent at this hour, and not sure who to look to? What would you say to them?
Cardinal: Yes. On the one hand, look to the Lord is the first point. He is always present and He’s always near to us. Look also to the saints of all the times, and so find in our times the saints. The humble, faithful persons are present, perhaps not so visible because they are not appearing on the television. But the humble, praying people are present today and this is a confidence of the Church and of all our people find these people, finds that with all the problems of today, the Church has not disappeared; but is continuing, especially in not so visible personalities. So, I think this is essential – find the Lord, find the saints of the times, but also find the not canonized, simple persons who are really in the heart of the Church.
No More Applauding at Mass!
This is the good news contained in this piece. The altar girl thing will receive most of the attention though and no doubt spark quite a bit of outrage.
From The Advertiser: Vatican to ban altar girls [23sep03]:
"Nor, it said, will girls be able to serve at the altar. Readings from texts other than the Bible will be forbidden, as will applauding during religious services. No reasons were given for any of the various edicts.
The document will state that all Catholics, whether priests or laymen, would be encouraged to denounce 'abuses' of the regulations to their bishops, or even to the Vatican itself, according to the magazine. "
This Reuter's piece on the same document is even more confusing:
According to the magazine, the draft says the use of girl altar servers should be avoided "unless there is a just pastoral cause" and that "priests should never feel obliged to seek girls for this function."
The Vatican in 1994 gave individual bishops the power to decide whether to allow altar girls in their dioceses. But some conservative Catholics are against altar girls, saying their presence has eroded a traditional recruiting ground for priests.
Traditionalists have also seen altar girls as a foot in the door to a female priesthood, which the church bans.
Italian media reported that the initial reaction to the draft, circulated to the world's bishops, has been negative and the document may have to be at least partially modified.
The draft document also discourages applause during masses and "dances inside the sacred building."
Ironically, Pope John Paul's sermons during masses, even those in St Peter's Basilica, are often interrupted by applause.
Some of the pope's masses in Rome and around the world have included dancing, particularly those celebrations marking Asian, African or Latin American events.
The document, drafted by two Vatican departments which oversee doctrine and liturgy, was ordered by the pope who will eventually have to approve a final version.
The draft also warns against the use of non-Biblical language during the mass, such as readings from poets.
It discourages the practice where the faithful receive the wafer and wine at communion.
Catholics believe Christ is present in the wafer and wine but the document says it is preferable just to receive the wafer.
"Self-service" communion is also frowned upon. This appeared to be a reference to the faithful taking the consecrated host directly from the chalice instead of receiving it on their tongue from the hand of a priest.
Communion under one form seems very suspect to me. The altar girl thing seems like a suggestion. The document seems doomed before it is even released.
This is the good news contained in this piece. The altar girl thing will receive most of the attention though and no doubt spark quite a bit of outrage.
From The Advertiser: Vatican to ban altar girls [23sep03]:
"Nor, it said, will girls be able to serve at the altar. Readings from texts other than the Bible will be forbidden, as will applauding during religious services. No reasons were given for any of the various edicts.
The document will state that all Catholics, whether priests or laymen, would be encouraged to denounce 'abuses' of the regulations to their bishops, or even to the Vatican itself, according to the magazine. "
This Reuter's piece on the same document is even more confusing:
According to the magazine, the draft says the use of girl altar servers should be avoided "unless there is a just pastoral cause" and that "priests should never feel obliged to seek girls for this function."
The Vatican in 1994 gave individual bishops the power to decide whether to allow altar girls in their dioceses. But some conservative Catholics are against altar girls, saying their presence has eroded a traditional recruiting ground for priests.
Traditionalists have also seen altar girls as a foot in the door to a female priesthood, which the church bans.
Italian media reported that the initial reaction to the draft, circulated to the world's bishops, has been negative and the document may have to be at least partially modified.
The draft document also discourages applause during masses and "dances inside the sacred building."
Ironically, Pope John Paul's sermons during masses, even those in St Peter's Basilica, are often interrupted by applause.
Some of the pope's masses in Rome and around the world have included dancing, particularly those celebrations marking Asian, African or Latin American events.
The document, drafted by two Vatican departments which oversee doctrine and liturgy, was ordered by the pope who will eventually have to approve a final version.
The draft also warns against the use of non-Biblical language during the mass, such as readings from poets.
It discourages the practice where the faithful receive the wafer and wine at communion.
Catholics believe Christ is present in the wafer and wine but the document says it is preferable just to receive the wafer.
"Self-service" communion is also frowned upon. This appeared to be a reference to the faithful taking the consecrated host directly from the chalice instead of receiving it on their tongue from the hand of a priest.
Communion under one form seems very suspect to me. The altar girl thing seems like a suggestion. The document seems doomed before it is even released.
A Dim View of a Pittsburgh Priest
The strange tale of Fr. Henry Krawczyk and the University of Pittsburgh football player who died in his church this summer. Ann Rodgers gives the long meandering tale of a celibate priest who led two lives and sought desparately to be one of the crowd.
The novice might think that there were more than enough "warning" signs to have merited his removal years ago, but from my experience all of these signs are such frequent problems among clergy that most diocesan staffs merely shrug their shoulders when complaints come in about "punch and judy" (a term often used to refer to the frequent human failures of priests).
One might ponder what the church would be like in a perfect world, unfortunately we do not live in a perfect world but a fallen world. I do think that all of these revelations will lead to a more public recognition of the sinfulness that is the domain of all of us and that we will begin to have a more realistic view of clergy and to not shake off their faults but demand that they deal with them or find a vocation that suits their lifestyle.
Read the Pittsburgh story here Priest falls from grace
The strange tale of Fr. Henry Krawczyk and the University of Pittsburgh football player who died in his church this summer. Ann Rodgers gives the long meandering tale of a celibate priest who led two lives and sought desparately to be one of the crowd.
The novice might think that there were more than enough "warning" signs to have merited his removal years ago, but from my experience all of these signs are such frequent problems among clergy that most diocesan staffs merely shrug their shoulders when complaints come in about "punch and judy" (a term often used to refer to the frequent human failures of priests).
One might ponder what the church would be like in a perfect world, unfortunately we do not live in a perfect world but a fallen world. I do think that all of these revelations will lead to a more public recognition of the sinfulness that is the domain of all of us and that we will begin to have a more realistic view of clergy and to not shake off their faults but demand that they deal with them or find a vocation that suits their lifestyle.
Read the Pittsburgh story here Priest falls from grace
The Other Limbaugh has a Bestseller
From Publisher's Weekly:
They may not get thrown to the lions any more, but today's Christians endure subtler forms of martyrdom, argues this strident manifesto. Limbaugh (Absolute Power: The Legacy of Corruption in the Clinton-Reno Justice Department) recites a litany of abuses and insults perpetrated, he claims, by separation-of-church-and-state absolutists and the forces of secular humanism. Most of them are familiar complaints of the Christian Right: school children are forbidden to pray before football games; nativity scenes are banned from municipal property; the media ridicule Christian politicians, and Hollywood caricatures Christians as Bible-thumping yahoos or axe-wielding fanatics. At universities where Darwinism, relativism and "sexuality studies" hold sway, Limbaugh says, vocal Christians get packed off to the psych ward. Most insidiously, Christians are continually subjected to sensitivity training-which often promotes a "homosexual agenda"-and silenced when they object. Many of the cases Limbaugh cites raise legitimate questions about society's hypersensitivity to religious expression (although the really serious abuses were often remedied after the inevitable lawsuit). Unfortunately, he tends to equate political controversy with religious bigotry, and Christianity with fundamentalism. Many of the issues he cites, like Democratic opposition to pro-life judicial nominees, or laws requiring Catholic employers to cover contraceptives in health insurance, amount to political disputes pitting conservatives like Limbaugh against liberals, feminists, gays or users of contraceptives, with Christians ranged on both sides. Limbaugh has a point: there are anti-Christian tendencies-rigid school bureaucrats, militant atheists and an often profane and irreligious popular culture-in American society. But there are plenty of pro-Christian tendencies too, such that Limbaugh's persecution complex seems overblown.
From Publisher's Weekly:
They may not get thrown to the lions any more, but today's Christians endure subtler forms of martyrdom, argues this strident manifesto. Limbaugh (Absolute Power: The Legacy of Corruption in the Clinton-Reno Justice Department) recites a litany of abuses and insults perpetrated, he claims, by separation-of-church-and-state absolutists and the forces of secular humanism. Most of them are familiar complaints of the Christian Right: school children are forbidden to pray before football games; nativity scenes are banned from municipal property; the media ridicule Christian politicians, and Hollywood caricatures Christians as Bible-thumping yahoos or axe-wielding fanatics. At universities where Darwinism, relativism and "sexuality studies" hold sway, Limbaugh says, vocal Christians get packed off to the psych ward. Most insidiously, Christians are continually subjected to sensitivity training-which often promotes a "homosexual agenda"-and silenced when they object. Many of the cases Limbaugh cites raise legitimate questions about society's hypersensitivity to religious expression (although the really serious abuses were often remedied after the inevitable lawsuit). Unfortunately, he tends to equate political controversy with religious bigotry, and Christianity with fundamentalism. Many of the issues he cites, like Democratic opposition to pro-life judicial nominees, or laws requiring Catholic employers to cover contraceptives in health insurance, amount to political disputes pitting conservatives like Limbaugh against liberals, feminists, gays or users of contraceptives, with Christians ranged on both sides. Limbaugh has a point: there are anti-Christian tendencies-rigid school bureaucrats, militant atheists and an often profane and irreligious popular culture-in American society. But there are plenty of pro-Christian tendencies too, such that Limbaugh's persecution complex seems overblown.
Year of the Rosary
The year of the rosary is quickly coming to a close but praying the rosary is once again becoming a way of life for Catholics and some other Christians as well. Amy and I have a rosary book that includes the Mysteries of Light and was published this year:
Praying the Rosary: With the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries
The year of the rosary is quickly coming to a close but praying the rosary is once again becoming a way of life for Catholics and some other Christians as well. Amy and I have a rosary book that includes the Mysteries of Light and was published this year:
Praying the Rosary: With the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries
If Clark Were the Nominee and the Election Were Today...
Neither of which is the case, of course, but it is interesting. Clark is a Catholic convert who was raised Southern Baptist.
From Yahoo! News - Clark Tied With President Bush in Poll:
"Clark, a retired Army general, garnered 49 percent support to Bush's 46 percent, which is essentially a tie given the poll's margin of error. The CNN-USA Today-Gallup poll was conducted Sept. 19-21, beginning two days after Clark announced he would become the 10th Democratic candidate for the party's nomination. "
Neither of which is the case, of course, but it is interesting. Clark is a Catholic convert who was raised Southern Baptist.
From Yahoo! News - Clark Tied With President Bush in Poll:
"Clark, a retired Army general, garnered 49 percent support to Bush's 46 percent, which is essentially a tie given the poll's margin of error. The CNN-USA Today-Gallup poll was conducted Sept. 19-21, beginning two days after Clark announced he would become the 10th Democratic candidate for the party's nomination. "
Monday, September 22, 2003
This is Not a Good Sign
Ironically, the convent in question is the subject of one of the finest books that has been released this year about the nuns and the woman who encounters them. I link to the book after the story.
From newsnet5.com - News - Officials Say Cloistered Nuns Are Security Risks:
"NewsChannel5 reported that the Department of Homeland Security is ordering two Korean sisters out of the country, saying they don't qualify for visas. But the cloistered nuns are hoping a higher power will intervene.
The women live as cloistered nuns with the order of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration on Euclid Avenue in Cleveland. Inside, the nuns pray for the entire world 24 hours a day. They never leave the church except for when they need medical care, and they have almost no contact with the outside world.
But on Friday, they spoke with NewsChannel5 behind steel bars in the visitors' parlor. The bars are a symbol to their commitment to God, prayer and their separation from society.
Sister Mary Cecilia and Sister Mary Catherinia, of Korea, must now deal with the outside world. The Department of Homeland Security said the sisters are security risks. Both Korean sisters may be deported because the U.S. Immigration Service said they don't qualify for religious worker visas.
'I think it's very sad,' said Sister Mary Joseph, a cloistered nun. 'They're not going to hurt anyone at all.' "
Ironically, the convent in question is the subject of one of the finest books that has been released this year about the nuns and the woman who encounters them. I link to the book after the story.
From newsnet5.com - News - Officials Say Cloistered Nuns Are Security Risks:
"NewsChannel5 reported that the Department of Homeland Security is ordering two Korean sisters out of the country, saying they don't qualify for visas. But the cloistered nuns are hoping a higher power will intervene.
The women live as cloistered nuns with the order of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration on Euclid Avenue in Cleveland. Inside, the nuns pray for the entire world 24 hours a day. They never leave the church except for when they need medical care, and they have almost no contact with the outside world.
But on Friday, they spoke with NewsChannel5 behind steel bars in the visitors' parlor. The bars are a symbol to their commitment to God, prayer and their separation from society.
Sister Mary Cecilia and Sister Mary Catherinia, of Korea, must now deal with the outside world. The Department of Homeland Security said the sisters are security risks. Both Korean sisters may be deported because the U.S. Immigration Service said they don't qualify for religious worker visas.
'I think it's very sad,' said Sister Mary Joseph, a cloistered nun. 'They're not going to hurt anyone at all.' "
Pope Prepares for End of Rosary Year
From Zenit News Agency - The World Seen From Rome:
"The Holy Father proposed the luminous mysteries when he convoked the Year of the Rosary last October. That year ends this Oct. 19.
These mysteries of Christ's life, which complement the traditional joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries, present key moments in Jesus' public life: his baptism, the wedding of Cana, the proclamation of the Kingdom, the transfiguration on Mount Tabor, and the institution of the Eucharist.
They 'are instances of revelation; indeed, luminous mysteries, which reflect the splendor of the divine nature of God in Jesus Christ,' the Pope told the pilgrims gathered at the papal summer residence.
'It was the time when Jesus, with the power of the word and works, revealed fully the face of the heavenly Father, inaugurating his Kingdom of love, justice and peace,' he said.
Noting that the rosary proposes the contemplation of the love of Christ with the eyes of the Blessed Virgin, the papal meditation focused on the second mystery, the wedding at Cana, where Mary's presence is more evident.
'It is she, in fact, who points out to her Son that there is no more wine; and when he replied that 'his hour' had not yet come, she insists with maternal urgency, saying to the servants: 'Do whatever he tells you,'' the Pope recalled.
'In this way she shows that she intuits more than anyone else the profound intentions of Jesus. She knows him 'heart to heart' as, from the beginning, she kept and pondered every gesture and word of his,' he added.
The 'Virgin is the first and principal teacher of Christian prayer,' he said. 'In her school one learns to contemplate the face of the Lord, to assimilate his sentiments and accept his values with generous consistency.' "
The papal meditation ended with an exhortation: "In these last weeks of the Year of the Rosary, let us feel ourselves more united than ever in reciting the holy rosary, in a particular way for families and for peace in the world."
From Zenit News Agency - The World Seen From Rome:
"The Holy Father proposed the luminous mysteries when he convoked the Year of the Rosary last October. That year ends this Oct. 19.
These mysteries of Christ's life, which complement the traditional joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries, present key moments in Jesus' public life: his baptism, the wedding of Cana, the proclamation of the Kingdom, the transfiguration on Mount Tabor, and the institution of the Eucharist.
They 'are instances of revelation; indeed, luminous mysteries, which reflect the splendor of the divine nature of God in Jesus Christ,' the Pope told the pilgrims gathered at the papal summer residence.
'It was the time when Jesus, with the power of the word and works, revealed fully the face of the heavenly Father, inaugurating his Kingdom of love, justice and peace,' he said.
Noting that the rosary proposes the contemplation of the love of Christ with the eyes of the Blessed Virgin, the papal meditation focused on the second mystery, the wedding at Cana, where Mary's presence is more evident.
'It is she, in fact, who points out to her Son that there is no more wine; and when he replied that 'his hour' had not yet come, she insists with maternal urgency, saying to the servants: 'Do whatever he tells you,'' the Pope recalled.
'In this way she shows that she intuits more than anyone else the profound intentions of Jesus. She knows him 'heart to heart' as, from the beginning, she kept and pondered every gesture and word of his,' he added.
The 'Virgin is the first and principal teacher of Christian prayer,' he said. 'In her school one learns to contemplate the face of the Lord, to assimilate his sentiments and accept his values with generous consistency.' "
The papal meditation ended with an exhortation: "In these last weeks of the Year of the Rosary, let us feel ourselves more united than ever in reciting the holy rosary, in a particular way for families and for peace in the world."
Sunday, September 21, 2003
Mike Bianchi Always Says it Best
From OrlandoSentinel.com: Sports Columnists:
"By now, you know what happened. The Gators had the ball with 52 seconds left in the first half, ran a play, called a timeout and tried to drive down the field. Except they ended up having to punt and giving Tennessee just enough time to complete an improbable Hail Mary pass at the end of the first half.
Hail Mary, full of Zook,
Run out the clock or your goose is cooked.
'When I looked down and saw that ball in my hands, my eyes got so big I felt like I was watching a horror movie,' UT receiver James Banks said after catching the pass. 'I was shocked. That play gave us the momentum.'
And gave the 'Give Zook the hook' crowd another round of ammunition. That whirring sound you heard at halftime Saturday was the sound of FireRonZook.com rebooting."
From OrlandoSentinel.com: Sports Columnists:
"By now, you know what happened. The Gators had the ball with 52 seconds left in the first half, ran a play, called a timeout and tried to drive down the field. Except they ended up having to punt and giving Tennessee just enough time to complete an improbable Hail Mary pass at the end of the first half.
Hail Mary, full of Zook,
Run out the clock or your goose is cooked.
'When I looked down and saw that ball in my hands, my eyes got so big I felt like I was watching a horror movie,' UT receiver James Banks said after catching the pass. 'I was shocked. That play gave us the momentum.'
And gave the 'Give Zook the hook' crowd another round of ammunition. That whirring sound you heard at halftime Saturday was the sound of FireRonZook.com rebooting."
Saturday, September 20, 2003
Second Posting of the Year
2-2
How many times will I post this link this year????
Fire Ron Zook!!! @ www.ezboard.com
2-2
How many times will I post this link this year????
Fire Ron Zook!!! @ www.ezboard.com
Beware of New Email Virus
Poses as a "Microsoft security update"---just delete it, don't even open it.
From InformationWeek > Security > Virus Posing As Microsoft E-Mail Spreads Fast > September 19, 2003:
"Less than 24 hours after first being detected, the Swen blended-threat worm picked up steam Friday, gained a foothold in the United States and the United Kingdom, and accounted for more than 35,000 interceptions by E-mail filtering firm MessageLabs.
Swen, also called W32/Swen@MM, Gibe, and W32/Gibe-F, masquerades as E-mail from Microsoft and purports to carry a security update as its file attachment. The worm can also propagate over Internet Relay Chat and peer-to-peer files sharing networks such as Kazaa, as well as over network shares within the firewall if a machine inside a company is infected.
'It is highly effective in spreading because it looks very official and masquerades as a legitimate E-mail from Microsoft or as a fix tool for a well-known virus,' said Ken Dunham, an analyst with security firm iDefense. "
Poses as a "Microsoft security update"---just delete it, don't even open it.
From InformationWeek > Security > Virus Posing As Microsoft E-Mail Spreads Fast > September 19, 2003:
"Less than 24 hours after first being detected, the Swen blended-threat worm picked up steam Friday, gained a foothold in the United States and the United Kingdom, and accounted for more than 35,000 interceptions by E-mail filtering firm MessageLabs.
Swen, also called W32/Swen@MM, Gibe, and W32/Gibe-F, masquerades as E-mail from Microsoft and purports to carry a security update as its file attachment. The worm can also propagate over Internet Relay Chat and peer-to-peer files sharing networks such as Kazaa, as well as over network shares within the firewall if a machine inside a company is infected.
'It is highly effective in spreading because it looks very official and masquerades as a legitimate E-mail from Microsoft or as a fix tool for a well-known virus,' said Ken Dunham, an analyst with security firm iDefense. "
Good News!
This refers to yesterday's feast of St. Januarius (Gennaro in Italy). The miracles has something of an "appearance of the groundhog" lore attached to it, but it happened and that's supposed to be good for everyone.
From Agenzia Giornalistica Italia - News In English:
"At 9:57am, after less than one hour's praying, the miracle of the liquefaction of the blood of St.Gennaro, patron saint of Naples, occurred in the Cathedral, jam-packed with believers. The 'miracle' usually takes place three times a year: on the 19th September, the day of St.Gennaro, anniversary of his decapitation, which dates back to Diocletian's persecution; on the first Saturday of May, anniversary of the transfer of the saint's relics from Fuorigrotta (formerly Agro Marciano) to the catacombs; and on the 16th December, anniversary of a terrible eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 1600. In the latter case, the miracle is rare. The 'miracle' is thought to bring good luck to the city and to the entire world. The liquefaction was announced by the believers in the church - following tradition - by the waving of a white handkerchief by the delegate of treasury. It was then time for fireworks and ringing bells."
This refers to yesterday's feast of St. Januarius (Gennaro in Italy). The miracles has something of an "appearance of the groundhog" lore attached to it, but it happened and that's supposed to be good for everyone.
From Agenzia Giornalistica Italia - News In English:
"At 9:57am, after less than one hour's praying, the miracle of the liquefaction of the blood of St.Gennaro, patron saint of Naples, occurred in the Cathedral, jam-packed with believers. The 'miracle' usually takes place three times a year: on the 19th September, the day of St.Gennaro, anniversary of his decapitation, which dates back to Diocletian's persecution; on the first Saturday of May, anniversary of the transfer of the saint's relics from Fuorigrotta (formerly Agro Marciano) to the catacombs; and on the 16th December, anniversary of a terrible eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 1600. In the latter case, the miracle is rare. The 'miracle' is thought to bring good luck to the city and to the entire world. The liquefaction was announced by the believers in the church - following tradition - by the waving of a white handkerchief by the delegate of treasury. It was then time for fireworks and ringing bells."
Leonard's Loser
When I lived in the south I always enjoyed hearing the unique predictions of Leonard, now he's online. Here is a sample of a game that is being played today...
Leonard's Losers -- Smart Pill Machine:
"The Volunteer Army is looking to play a game of capture the flag, and the banner they want ownership of is decorated with the words 'SEC Champions.' Before they claim that title, they first have to trap the official reptiles of the Sunshine State that are hanging out in the Gainesville Swamp Lands. General Fulmer will have his Tennessee Troops eating hardtack and drinking black coffee, but I ain't sure that's enough nourishment to see them through the war ahead.
Leonard's Loser -- Tennessee by 7."
When I lived in the south I always enjoyed hearing the unique predictions of Leonard, now he's online. Here is a sample of a game that is being played today...
Leonard's Losers -- Smart Pill Machine:
"The Volunteer Army is looking to play a game of capture the flag, and the banner they want ownership of is decorated with the words 'SEC Champions.' Before they claim that title, they first have to trap the official reptiles of the Sunshine State that are hanging out in the Gainesville Swamp Lands. General Fulmer will have his Tennessee Troops eating hardtack and drinking black coffee, but I ain't sure that's enough nourishment to see them through the war ahead.
Leonard's Loser -- Tennessee by 7."
Friday, September 19, 2003
18 Year Old Dies from Abortion Drug
From Pregnant teen's death under investigation / East Bay woman had taken RU-486, according to father:
"The Alameda County coroner's office is investigating the case of an 18- year-old East Bay woman who died Wednesday, days after reportedly taking the abortion pill RU-486.
The victim's father told The Chronicle that his 18-year-old daughter had gotten a prescription for RU-486 at a Planned Parenthood office in Hayward on Sept. 10 to end her seven-week pregnancy.
Planned Parenthood issued a statement Thursday night that it was working with the young woman's family to look into the cause of death.
'A patient who recently sought health care services at a Planned Parenthood health care center died yesterday at a hospital in Pleasanton,' said Dian Harrison, chief executive officer and president of Planned Parenthood Golden Gate. 'The cause of death is unknown at this time. . . . We extend our deepest sympathy to the family. We wish them strength and support in this tough time.' "
From Pregnant teen's death under investigation / East Bay woman had taken RU-486, according to father:
"The Alameda County coroner's office is investigating the case of an 18- year-old East Bay woman who died Wednesday, days after reportedly taking the abortion pill RU-486.
The victim's father told The Chronicle that his 18-year-old daughter had gotten a prescription for RU-486 at a Planned Parenthood office in Hayward on Sept. 10 to end her seven-week pregnancy.
Planned Parenthood issued a statement Thursday night that it was working with the young woman's family to look into the cause of death.
'A patient who recently sought health care services at a Planned Parenthood health care center died yesterday at a hospital in Pleasanton,' said Dian Harrison, chief executive officer and president of Planned Parenthood Golden Gate. 'The cause of death is unknown at this time. . . . We extend our deepest sympathy to the family. We wish them strength and support in this tough time.' "
Near Disaster for Dixie Chicks
From FOXNews.com - Foxlife - Dixie Chicks' Plane Clips Building During Landing:
"The wing of a plane carrying the country band the Dixie Chicks clipped the side of a building after the jet landed at Glasgow Airport Friday afternoon, their spokeswoman said.
The Texas trio had just arrived from Dublin on a private, twin-engine plane for an evening concert at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Center in Glasgow.
'The girls are all absolutely fine,' their publicist, Barbara Charone, said from London. 'I'm sure it wasn't pleasant. The incident happened when part of the wing just hit a corner of the building.'
She said the band would go ahead with the concert"
From FOXNews.com - Foxlife - Dixie Chicks' Plane Clips Building During Landing:
"The wing of a plane carrying the country band the Dixie Chicks clipped the side of a building after the jet landed at Glasgow Airport Friday afternoon, their spokeswoman said.
The Texas trio had just arrived from Dublin on a private, twin-engine plane for an evening concert at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Center in Glasgow.
'The girls are all absolutely fine,' their publicist, Barbara Charone, said from London. 'I'm sure it wasn't pleasant. The incident happened when part of the wing just hit a corner of the building.'
She said the band would go ahead with the concert"
Richest Americans
Happy Days are here again...
Bill Gates is at the top of the list with 46 billion and that could lead one to conclude that computers are the way to wealth. But the reality is that the richest person, if he were alive would be Sam Walton and his heirs are worth 20.5 billion each (and there are five of them). So discount department store/warehouse is the way to go...because Mr. Sam would be worth a whopping 102 billion if he were still around.
Read more at Annual List of Richest Americans Released (TechNews.com)
Happy Days are here again...
Bill Gates is at the top of the list with 46 billion and that could lead one to conclude that computers are the way to wealth. But the reality is that the richest person, if he were alive would be Sam Walton and his heirs are worth 20.5 billion each (and there are five of them). So discount department store/warehouse is the way to go...because Mr. Sam would be worth a whopping 102 billion if he were still around.
Read more at Annual List of Richest Americans Released (TechNews.com)
Arafat Threatens Suicice
I wonder if he'll kill himself if he "thinks" they are going to try to expell or kill him. If so they might do something to let him do the dirty work.
From New Zealand News - World - Arafat threatens suicide over expulsion:
"Israeli forces killed a Hamas militant during a firefight with gunmen in the Gaza Strip yesterday, hours after Palestinian President Yasser Arafat said he would kill himself if Israel tried to expel or kill him.
Israeli soldiers shot and killed Jihad Abu Swerah, 34, a senior activist in the Izz-el-Deen al-Qassam armed wing of Hamas during an operation to arrest him at his home in central Gaza, military sources said. "
I wonder if he'll kill himself if he "thinks" they are going to try to expell or kill him. If so they might do something to let him do the dirty work.
From New Zealand News - World - Arafat threatens suicide over expulsion:
"Israeli forces killed a Hamas militant during a firefight with gunmen in the Gaza Strip yesterday, hours after Palestinian President Yasser Arafat said he would kill himself if Israel tried to expel or kill him.
Israeli soldiers shot and killed Jihad Abu Swerah, 34, a senior activist in the Izz-el-Deen al-Qassam armed wing of Hamas during an operation to arrest him at his home in central Gaza, military sources said. "
Thursday, September 18, 2003
The Miracle of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta
From
The Spectator.co.uk:
"We also met the miracle lady herself. Monica Besra is an illiterate tribal woman, mother of five children, who appears composed and elegant as she recounts her story. She was suffering from headaches, fever and a large abdominal lump, which, after she had spent several months intermittently taking anti-tubercular medicines and visiting a variety of doctors, was getting worse. She could no longer afford any more treatment and, in a very weak condition, was taken to the Missionaries of Charity home in Patiram for rest. Besra thought that she was going to die. On 5 September 1998, the first anniversary of Mother Teresa’s death, the nuns prayed for her recovery and placed on her stomach a small medallion that Mother Teresa had once touched. In the morning the lump had disappeared. It is the speed of her recovery that makes her cure inexplicable, according to Professor Bonomo, head of the Vatican Medical Board. It must also be declared spontaneous, complete and permanent before being considered by the Theological Board: it was.
Besra’s version of events is convincing. Those with faith say it is a divine miracle wrought by the intercession of Mother Teresa; others maintain that science will one day have the answer for what happened, even if it does not yet. "
From
The Spectator.co.uk:
"We also met the miracle lady herself. Monica Besra is an illiterate tribal woman, mother of five children, who appears composed and elegant as she recounts her story. She was suffering from headaches, fever and a large abdominal lump, which, after she had spent several months intermittently taking anti-tubercular medicines and visiting a variety of doctors, was getting worse. She could no longer afford any more treatment and, in a very weak condition, was taken to the Missionaries of Charity home in Patiram for rest. Besra thought that she was going to die. On 5 September 1998, the first anniversary of Mother Teresa’s death, the nuns prayed for her recovery and placed on her stomach a small medallion that Mother Teresa had once touched. In the morning the lump had disappeared. It is the speed of her recovery that makes her cure inexplicable, according to Professor Bonomo, head of the Vatican Medical Board. It must also be declared spontaneous, complete and permanent before being considered by the Theological Board: it was.
Besra’s version of events is convincing. Those with faith say it is a divine miracle wrought by the intercession of Mother Teresa; others maintain that science will one day have the answer for what happened, even if it does not yet. "
Feast of the Patron of Aviators
St. Joseph Cupertino, he levitated during prayer--could be that his fast lightened his load.
From CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Joseph of Cupertino:
"Frequently he would be raised from his feet and remain suspended in the air. Besides he would at times hear heavenly music. Since such occurrences in public caused much admiration and also disturbance in a community, Joseph for thirty-five years was not allowed to attend choir, go to the common refectory, walk in procession or say Mass in church, but was ordered to remain in his room, where a private chapel was prepared for him. Evil-minded and envious men even brought him before the Inquisition, and he was sent from one lonely house of the Capuchins or Franciscans to another, but Joseph retained his resigned and joyous spirit, submitting confidently to Divine Providence. He practised mortification and fasting to such a degree, that he kept seven Lents of forty days each year, and during many of them tasted no food except on Thursdays and Sundays. His body is in the church at Osimo."
St. Joseph Cupertino, he levitated during prayer--could be that his fast lightened his load.
From CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Joseph of Cupertino:
"Frequently he would be raised from his feet and remain suspended in the air. Besides he would at times hear heavenly music. Since such occurrences in public caused much admiration and also disturbance in a community, Joseph for thirty-five years was not allowed to attend choir, go to the common refectory, walk in procession or say Mass in church, but was ordered to remain in his room, where a private chapel was prepared for him. Evil-minded and envious men even brought him before the Inquisition, and he was sent from one lonely house of the Capuchins or Franciscans to another, but Joseph retained his resigned and joyous spirit, submitting confidently to Divine Providence. He practised mortification and fasting to such a degree, that he kept seven Lents of forty days each year, and during many of them tasted no food except on Thursdays and Sundays. His body is in the church at Osimo."
Someone Else Thinks Florida Will Win Big
From College football predictions:
"No. 12 Tennessee at No. 17 Florida (Noon ET, Sat.)
This rivalry has produced a large knapsack of classic games, including the Gators' 14-13 Gator Bowl win over the Vols in 1969. (Isn't it a blatant conflict of interest for a team called the Gators to play in a game called the Gator Bowl?). Florida's 20-18 win in 1976 was a dandy, too, as was the 62-37 shootout in '95, the Gators' 35-29 victory the next year, Tennessee's OT triumph in '98, and all three games from 1999 to 2001, with the average winning margin being less than a field goal.
Will this week provide another game deserving to be archived? Probably not. The only way the Vols can manage to hang with the Gators in the Swamp is to somehow find another year of eligibility for Jamal Lewis. That's not going to happen, and even if it did, it's doubtful Brian Billick would allow his record-setting running back to moonlight as an 'amateur.' (Use of quotes required because most SEC football stars earn more than the NFL minimum. Oh! That's a cheap shot!).
Pick: Florida will take numerous shots (clean, not cheap) at Tennessee quarterback Casey Clausen. The Gators had Miami bottled up pretty good and we're staring at an early-season 'statement' win, until Brock Berlin started to light it up against his former team. Clausen is experienced and solid, but he won't be able to find a rhythm like Berlin found during the late stages of the Orange Bowl showdown two weeks ago, and the Gators will win this one with a little room to spare. Florida 32-17. "
From College football predictions:
"No. 12 Tennessee at No. 17 Florida (Noon ET, Sat.)
This rivalry has produced a large knapsack of classic games, including the Gators' 14-13 Gator Bowl win over the Vols in 1969. (Isn't it a blatant conflict of interest for a team called the Gators to play in a game called the Gator Bowl?). Florida's 20-18 win in 1976 was a dandy, too, as was the 62-37 shootout in '95, the Gators' 35-29 victory the next year, Tennessee's OT triumph in '98, and all three games from 1999 to 2001, with the average winning margin being less than a field goal.
Will this week provide another game deserving to be archived? Probably not. The only way the Vols can manage to hang with the Gators in the Swamp is to somehow find another year of eligibility for Jamal Lewis. That's not going to happen, and even if it did, it's doubtful Brian Billick would allow his record-setting running back to moonlight as an 'amateur.' (Use of quotes required because most SEC football stars earn more than the NFL minimum. Oh! That's a cheap shot!).
Pick: Florida will take numerous shots (clean, not cheap) at Tennessee quarterback Casey Clausen. The Gators had Miami bottled up pretty good and we're staring at an early-season 'statement' win, until Brock Berlin started to light it up against his former team. Clausen is experienced and solid, but he won't be able to find a rhythm like Berlin found during the late stages of the Orange Bowl showdown two weeks ago, and the Gators will win this one with a little room to spare. Florida 32-17. "
Judge Rules Against Parents
Here we have a case of two parties, one who wants to take care of their child, the other a spouse who is living with another woman who he has had a child with, a spouse who stands to make some money from the death of his wife. Why would any "judge" worth his salt side with the husband in this case? Doesn't reason dictate that care of Terri be given to the parents? She is vulnerable, like a child and the husband clearly is not capable of carrying out his duties. This is spousal abuse being sanctioned by the State.
From Schiavo's Feeding Tube To Be Removed Oct. 15, Judge Rules:
"Robert and Mary Schindler will not be allowed to provide their daughter speech therapy that they believe would also help her to swallow spoon-fed food once the feeding tube is removed from her stomach, Circuit Judge George Greer said in a second ruling issued Wednesday.
Greer said he sympathized with the parents but concluded that their request to try spoon feeding amounts to a bid to re-litigate the case from scratch.
Terri Schiavo suffered severe brain damage in 1990 when, at age 26, she suffered unexplained heart failure. Her husband and legal guardian, Michael Schiavo, has been seeking court permission to discontinue life support.
Following a non-jury trial in early 2000, Greer ruled that evidence showed Terri Schiavo would not want to be kept alive with no hope of improvement. "
October 15th is the Feast of St. Teresa of Avila, the patron saint of Terri Schiavo. Even when secular "judges" think they are acting independent of God's law they often unwittingly are paving the way for God's will to be done. Expect a miracle--indeed pray for one!
Here we have a case of two parties, one who wants to take care of their child, the other a spouse who is living with another woman who he has had a child with, a spouse who stands to make some money from the death of his wife. Why would any "judge" worth his salt side with the husband in this case? Doesn't reason dictate that care of Terri be given to the parents? She is vulnerable, like a child and the husband clearly is not capable of carrying out his duties. This is spousal abuse being sanctioned by the State.
From Schiavo's Feeding Tube To Be Removed Oct. 15, Judge Rules:
"Robert and Mary Schindler will not be allowed to provide their daughter speech therapy that they believe would also help her to swallow spoon-fed food once the feeding tube is removed from her stomach, Circuit Judge George Greer said in a second ruling issued Wednesday.
Greer said he sympathized with the parents but concluded that their request to try spoon feeding amounts to a bid to re-litigate the case from scratch.
Terri Schiavo suffered severe brain damage in 1990 when, at age 26, she suffered unexplained heart failure. Her husband and legal guardian, Michael Schiavo, has been seeking court permission to discontinue life support.
Following a non-jury trial in early 2000, Greer ruled that evidence showed Terri Schiavo would not want to be kept alive with no hope of improvement. "
October 15th is the Feast of St. Teresa of Avila, the patron saint of Terri Schiavo. Even when secular "judges" think they are acting independent of God's law they often unwittingly are paving the way for God's will to be done. Expect a miracle--indeed pray for one!
Wednesday, September 17, 2003
Interesting New Study!
Acocdrnig to an elgnsih unviesitry sutdy the oredr of letetrs in a word dosen't mttaer, the olny thnig thta's iopmrantt is that the frsit and lsat ltteer of eevry word is in the crrecot ptoision. The rset can be jmbueld and one is stlil able to raed the txet wiohtut dclftfuiiy.
Acocdrnig to an elgnsih unviesitry sutdy the oredr of letetrs in a word dosen't mttaer, the olny thnig thta's iopmrantt is that the frsit and lsat ltteer of eevry word is in the crrecot ptoision. The rset can be jmbueld and one is stlil able to raed the txet wiohtut dclftfuiiy.
Feast of the Imprinting of the Stigmata on St. Francis
"From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." -Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6:17
From CIN - St. Francis Receives the Stigmata:
"'O my God, Jesus Christ! On this Feast of the Holy Cross, I ask for two things before I die: that during my short life I may feel Your sufferings and Your love in my soul and in my body!'
Francis was kneeling outside his hut. His prayer quivered in the silence of the night. Dawn was near. It was bitingly cold, and the stars were shining brightly in the sky. And then, as the first glimmer of light appeared in the dark, what he had lived for all his life happened.
All of a sudden there was a dazzling light. It was as though the heavens were exploding and splashing forth all their glory in millions of waterfalls of colors and stars. And in the center of that bright whirlpool was a core of blinding light that flashed down from the depths of the sky with terrifying speed until suddenly it stopped, motionless and sacred, above a pointed rock in front of Francis. It was a fiery figure with wings, nailed to a cross of fire. Two flaming wings rose straight upward, two others opened out horizontally, and two more covered the figure. And the wounds in the hands and feet and heart were blazing rays of blood. The sparkling features of the Being wore an expression of supernatural beauty and grief.
It was the face of Jesus, and Jesus spoke.
Then suddenly streams of fire and blood shot from His wounds and pierced the hands and feet of Francis with nails and his heart with the stab of a lance. As Francis uttered a mighty shout of joy and pain, the fiery image impressed itself into his body, as into a mirrored reflection of itself, with all its love, its beauty, and its grief. And it vanished within him. Another cry pierced the air. Then, with nails and wounds through his body, and with his soul and spirit aflame, Francis sank down, unconscious, in his blood. "
"From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." -Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6:17
From CIN - St. Francis Receives the Stigmata:
"'O my God, Jesus Christ! On this Feast of the Holy Cross, I ask for two things before I die: that during my short life I may feel Your sufferings and Your love in my soul and in my body!'
Francis was kneeling outside his hut. His prayer quivered in the silence of the night. Dawn was near. It was bitingly cold, and the stars were shining brightly in the sky. And then, as the first glimmer of light appeared in the dark, what he had lived for all his life happened.
All of a sudden there was a dazzling light. It was as though the heavens were exploding and splashing forth all their glory in millions of waterfalls of colors and stars. And in the center of that bright whirlpool was a core of blinding light that flashed down from the depths of the sky with terrifying speed until suddenly it stopped, motionless and sacred, above a pointed rock in front of Francis. It was a fiery figure with wings, nailed to a cross of fire. Two flaming wings rose straight upward, two others opened out horizontally, and two more covered the figure. And the wounds in the hands and feet and heart were blazing rays of blood. The sparkling features of the Being wore an expression of supernatural beauty and grief.
It was the face of Jesus, and Jesus spoke.
Then suddenly streams of fire and blood shot from His wounds and pierced the hands and feet of Francis with nails and his heart with the stab of a lance. As Francis uttered a mighty shout of joy and pain, the fiery image impressed itself into his body, as into a mirrored reflection of itself, with all its love, its beauty, and its grief. And it vanished within him. Another cry pierced the air. Then, with nails and wounds through his body, and with his soul and spirit aflame, Francis sank down, unconscious, in his blood. "
Cincinnati Archbishop Under Attack
Over the past few weeks every time I've gone out of the office for lunch and had on the Bill Cunningham show I've been amazed at the attack that he is launching on the Archbishop of Cincinnati. It is relentless, and it is inflamatory.
Sadly, I think even the Catholic League would have a hard time calling it anti-Catholic though. Because Cunningham, a Catholic, is expressing outrage at the sinful behavior that has been coddled and covered up by the Archdiocese and were not talking years ago, but in recent days. There is an arrogance, not to mention strange lack of humility that has been on display by some bishops in response to this crisis within their ranks. One wonders if they read the Office of Readings that they are required to pray every day and over the past weeks the condemnations leveled against those shepherds who do not stand up for the truth.
Until they do people like Bill Cunningham will have plenty to blast them for.
NEWSRADIO 700 WLW
Over the past few weeks every time I've gone out of the office for lunch and had on the Bill Cunningham show I've been amazed at the attack that he is launching on the Archbishop of Cincinnati. It is relentless, and it is inflamatory.
Sadly, I think even the Catholic League would have a hard time calling it anti-Catholic though. Because Cunningham, a Catholic, is expressing outrage at the sinful behavior that has been coddled and covered up by the Archdiocese and were not talking years ago, but in recent days. There is an arrogance, not to mention strange lack of humility that has been on display by some bishops in response to this crisis within their ranks. One wonders if they read the Office of Readings that they are required to pray every day and over the past weeks the condemnations leveled against those shepherds who do not stand up for the truth.
Until they do people like Bill Cunningham will have plenty to blast them for.
NEWSRADIO 700 WLW
Future Terror Strikes on the US and Vatican?
Michael Brown has an interesting essay over at Spirit Daily today about Muslim apocalyptic writers that may indicate the veiled plans of extreme Muslim radicals.
Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world
Here is a sampling:
In chilling references that predate September 11, Muslim philosophers -- including at least one said to have influenced Bin Laden -- have used terms like "partial strike" and link it to the war over Kuwait as well as the immorality they saw as flourishing in the West, especially under the Clinton Administration. In a bizarre rendering of symbols, Muslim apocalypticists have cited Jeremiah 50:2 and 51:44, where the figure of "Bel" (a Babylonian god) is "punished in Babylon." They connect "Bel" to "Bill" Clinton....
In Muslim apocalyptic literature, America is associated with "Ad," a city whose destruction is detailed in the Koran. Ad was an advanced civilization, according to Cook, who has studied the Muslim apocalyptic interpretations and quotes Abdallah as seeing Ad as a civilization that "could predict weather and possessed other advanced technology.
"They had advanced weaponry and organized sports and cultural events," Cook writes, summarizing the Muslim beliefs regarding the evil power they had to overthrow. "These, however, were merely for pleasure, not for the purpose of glorifying God. Their buildings were skyscrapers [speaking of their capital, Iram dhat al-`Imad], just as in New York."
Therefore, says Abdallah, "America deserves now, according to the sunna of God regarding the punishment of nations, a partial strike like that which caught Ad." In the matter of earthquakes or khasfs, says Cook, the Muslim apocalyptic writers believe America will be targeted "and specifically New York City, which is called the 'great Babylon.'"...
The "Mahdi" is a messianic figure whom some radicals now associate with Osama Bin Laden. According to Muslim writers, the Mahdi will proclaim himself in Mecca and move against Jordan, which will be ruled by a Jew.
"Then America will live through the worst disaster in its history," writes Muhammad 'Isa Da'ud. "This disaster will be the destruction of New York by a terrible flood after a terrifying series of explosions nearby makes the surrounding waters swallow it up as if it is an ant inside a terrifying star of heat and water."
In the perspective of these Muslim writers, "Florida also suffers nuclear explosions of unknown origin and this triggers even more explosions as the American nuclear arsenal in the area detonates."
After the disabling of the U.S., much of Europe will convert to Islam, in the view of modern Muslim prophetic writers, but there will be one stumbling block. "This ideal state of affairs is wrecked by the Vatican, since groups of saboteurs under Roman Catholic control are caught, and brought before the Mahdi," says Cook. "They confess who sent them to him personally and to representatives of the foreign countries. Then the Mahdi proclaims that his armies are moving to the Vatican and going to attack Rome."
Michael Brown has an interesting essay over at Spirit Daily today about Muslim apocalyptic writers that may indicate the veiled plans of extreme Muslim radicals.
Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world
Here is a sampling:
In chilling references that predate September 11, Muslim philosophers -- including at least one said to have influenced Bin Laden -- have used terms like "partial strike" and link it to the war over Kuwait as well as the immorality they saw as flourishing in the West, especially under the Clinton Administration. In a bizarre rendering of symbols, Muslim apocalypticists have cited Jeremiah 50:2 and 51:44, where the figure of "Bel" (a Babylonian god) is "punished in Babylon." They connect "Bel" to "Bill" Clinton....
In Muslim apocalyptic literature, America is associated with "Ad," a city whose destruction is detailed in the Koran. Ad was an advanced civilization, according to Cook, who has studied the Muslim apocalyptic interpretations and quotes Abdallah as seeing Ad as a civilization that "could predict weather and possessed other advanced technology.
"They had advanced weaponry and organized sports and cultural events," Cook writes, summarizing the Muslim beliefs regarding the evil power they had to overthrow. "These, however, were merely for pleasure, not for the purpose of glorifying God. Their buildings were skyscrapers [speaking of their capital, Iram dhat al-`Imad], just as in New York."
Therefore, says Abdallah, "America deserves now, according to the sunna of God regarding the punishment of nations, a partial strike like that which caught Ad." In the matter of earthquakes or khasfs, says Cook, the Muslim apocalyptic writers believe America will be targeted "and specifically New York City, which is called the 'great Babylon.'"...
The "Mahdi" is a messianic figure whom some radicals now associate with Osama Bin Laden. According to Muslim writers, the Mahdi will proclaim himself in Mecca and move against Jordan, which will be ruled by a Jew.
"Then America will live through the worst disaster in its history," writes Muhammad 'Isa Da'ud. "This disaster will be the destruction of New York by a terrible flood after a terrifying series of explosions nearby makes the surrounding waters swallow it up as if it is an ant inside a terrifying star of heat and water."
In the perspective of these Muslim writers, "Florida also suffers nuclear explosions of unknown origin and this triggers even more explosions as the American nuclear arsenal in the area detonates."
After the disabling of the U.S., much of Europe will convert to Islam, in the view of modern Muslim prophetic writers, but there will be one stumbling block. "This ideal state of affairs is wrecked by the Vatican, since groups of saboteurs under Roman Catholic control are caught, and brought before the Mahdi," says Cook. "They confess who sent them to him personally and to representatives of the foreign countries. Then the Mahdi proclaims that his armies are moving to the Vatican and going to attack Rome."
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
John Paul II's Twenty-fifth Anniversary Approaches
It is rather amazing to think that twenty-five years have almost passed since John Paul II was elected pope in 1978. I have seen the pope in person twice during those twenty five years, in Miami, in the ninth year of his pontificate. He was still young then and full of vigor.
In recent years I have had a book autographed by him through the intervention of a friend, Dr. Lena Allen Shore. She is a close confidant of the Holy Father and is an amazing story herself. A Polish-Jew, she grew up in Krakow, Poland at the same time as Karol Wotija. Like him she survived the War, in her case, by pretending to be Catholic. That pretending has left its mark on her and in the correspondence that she now has with the pontiff, it is interesting how often he counsels her to "be herself"--a testimony to the genius of the pope who realizes the scars that have never totally healed of someone who in the formative years of their lives could not be themselves for it would have meant a certian death.
Dr. Allen Shore has compiled a book of that is filled with her poems, the Pope's poems, their correspondence, her reflections on the pope's formative years and her own. It is entitled "Building Bridges" a play on the English translation of the title that John Paul II now holds "pontiff". It probably is the greatest testimony to the greatness of John Paul II as he approaches his twenty-fifth. It would make a great gift for anyone out there wanting to commemorate the event with a truly unique book on the papacy of John Paul the Great.
It is rather amazing to think that twenty-five years have almost passed since John Paul II was elected pope in 1978. I have seen the pope in person twice during those twenty five years, in Miami, in the ninth year of his pontificate. He was still young then and full of vigor.
In recent years I have had a book autographed by him through the intervention of a friend, Dr. Lena Allen Shore. She is a close confidant of the Holy Father and is an amazing story herself. A Polish-Jew, she grew up in Krakow, Poland at the same time as Karol Wotija. Like him she survived the War, in her case, by pretending to be Catholic. That pretending has left its mark on her and in the correspondence that she now has with the pontiff, it is interesting how often he counsels her to "be herself"--a testimony to the genius of the pope who realizes the scars that have never totally healed of someone who in the formative years of their lives could not be themselves for it would have meant a certian death.
Dr. Allen Shore has compiled a book of that is filled with her poems, the Pope's poems, their correspondence, her reflections on the pope's formative years and her own. It is entitled "Building Bridges" a play on the English translation of the title that John Paul II now holds "pontiff". It probably is the greatest testimony to the greatness of John Paul II as he approaches his twenty-fifth. It would make a great gift for anyone out there wanting to commemorate the event with a truly unique book on the papacy of John Paul the Great.
Praying for Protection Against Hurricanes and Other Storms
One memory that I have of living in Florida was a Jesuit priest who daily would say the Divine Praises at Mass for protection against hurricanes and storms. This priest a native southerner from Mobile, AL could say Mass faster than any priest I have ever encountered in over 40 + years of attending Mass. A Sunday mass with homily and the Divine praises in less than twenty minutes! Anyway below is another prayer for protection against storms.
Prayers Against Storms
Jesus Christ a King of Glory has come in Peace. † God became man, † and the Word was made flesh. † Christ was born of a Virgin. † Christ suffered. † Christ was crucified. † Christ died. † Christ rose from the dead. † Christ ascended into Heaven. † Christ conquers. † Christ reigns. † Christ orders. † May Christ protect us from all storms and lightning † Christ went through their midst in Peace, † and the word was made flesh. † Christ is with us with Mary. † Flee you enemy spirits because the Lion of the Generation of Judah, the Root David, has won. † Holy God! † Holy Powerful God! † Holy Immortal God! † Have mercy on us. Amen!
One memory that I have of living in Florida was a Jesuit priest who daily would say the Divine Praises at Mass for protection against hurricanes and storms. This priest a native southerner from Mobile, AL could say Mass faster than any priest I have ever encountered in over 40 + years of attending Mass. A Sunday mass with homily and the Divine praises in less than twenty minutes! Anyway below is another prayer for protection against storms.
Prayers Against Storms
Jesus Christ a King of Glory has come in Peace. † God became man, † and the Word was made flesh. † Christ was born of a Virgin. † Christ suffered. † Christ was crucified. † Christ died. † Christ rose from the dead. † Christ ascended into Heaven. † Christ conquers. † Christ reigns. † Christ orders. † May Christ protect us from all storms and lightning † Christ went through their midst in Peace, † and the word was made flesh. † Christ is with us with Mary. † Flee you enemy spirits because the Lion of the Generation of Judah, the Root David, has won. † Holy God! † Holy Powerful God! † Holy Immortal God! † Have mercy on us. Amen!
Monday, September 15, 2003
Should Father Andrew Greeley Be Indicted?
In a book Andrew Greeley claimed to know of a priest pedophile ring in Chicago that may have been responsible for at least one murder. He also claimed that he did not fear for his life because he had enough to criminally indict members of the group in a safe should anything happen to him. Shouldn't he be made to reveal that information? Matt C. Abbott makes a good point.
Illinois Conservative Politics:
"The obvious questions: If Greeley is truly interested in justice and the good of the Catholic Church, why has he thus far refused to expose this 'dangerous group'? Why is the 'information' in 'safekeeping' and not with the proper authorities? And what about the newspapers that run Greeley's columns? One would think that they would be aware of his (public) allegation. Yet, the silence from them on the matter is deafening.
As for the Church, the Archdiocese of Chicago has no information to corroborate the allegation 'that a ring of priests may have been involved in criminal activity. Nevertheless, when this information was published, the Archdiocese brought it to the attention of the State's Attorney in Cook County.' So stated a letter sent to Yours truly, dated July 31, 2001, from John C. O'Malley, director of legal services for the Archdiocese. And, according to Cardinal Francis George, Greeley hasn't provided him with any actual evidence on the matter.
So...is it a case of Greeley's smarmy fiction, or is it a case of his liberal hypocrisy? Or both?"
In a book Andrew Greeley claimed to know of a priest pedophile ring in Chicago that may have been responsible for at least one murder. He also claimed that he did not fear for his life because he had enough to criminally indict members of the group in a safe should anything happen to him. Shouldn't he be made to reveal that information? Matt C. Abbott makes a good point.
Illinois Conservative Politics:
"The obvious questions: If Greeley is truly interested in justice and the good of the Catholic Church, why has he thus far refused to expose this 'dangerous group'? Why is the 'information' in 'safekeeping' and not with the proper authorities? And what about the newspapers that run Greeley's columns? One would think that they would be aware of his (public) allegation. Yet, the silence from them on the matter is deafening.
As for the Church, the Archdiocese of Chicago has no information to corroborate the allegation 'that a ring of priests may have been involved in criminal activity. Nevertheless, when this information was published, the Archdiocese brought it to the attention of the State's Attorney in Cook County.' So stated a letter sent to Yours truly, dated July 31, 2001, from John C. O'Malley, director of legal services for the Archdiocese. And, according to Cardinal Francis George, Greeley hasn't provided him with any actual evidence on the matter.
So...is it a case of Greeley's smarmy fiction, or is it a case of his liberal hypocrisy? Or both?"
An Interesting Piece on "storm gods" at Spirit Daily
Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world:
"The very name 'hurricane' is eerie, coming from the Indian hurakan for 'storm god.'"
Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world:
"The very name 'hurricane' is eerie, coming from the Indian hurakan for 'storm god.'"
Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows
A modern version of the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady, the more traditional rendering. Today's Office of Readings selection from St. Bernard speaks of the martyrdom of Mary, interesting if not downright creative:
The martyrdom of the Virgin is set forth both in the prophecy of Simeon and in the actual story of our Lord’s passion. The holy old man said of the infant Jesus: He has been established as a sign which will be contradicted. He went on to say to Mary: And your own heart will be pierced by a sword.
Truly, O blessed Mother, a sword has pierced your heart. For only by passing through your heart could the sword enter the flesh of your Son. Indeed, after your Jesus - who belongs to everyone, but is especially yours - gave up his life, the cruel spear, which was not withheld from his lifeless body, tore open his side. Clearly it did not touch his soul and could not harm him, but it did pierce your heart. For surely his soul was no longer there, but yours could not be torn away. Thus the violence of sorrow has cut through your heart, and we rightly call you more than martyr, since the effect of compassion in you has gone beyond the endurance of physical suffering.
Or were those words, Woman, behold your Son, not more than a word to you, truly piercing your heart, cutting through to the division between soul and spirit? What an exchange! John is given to you in place of Jesus, the servant in place of the Lord, the disciple in place of the master; the son of Zebedee replaces the Son of God, a mere man replaces God himself. How could these words not pierce your most loving heart, when the mere remembrance of them breaks ours, hearts of iron and stone though they are!
Do not be surprised, brothers, that Mary is said to be a martyr in spirit. Let him be surprised who does not remember the words of Paul, that one of the greatest crimes of the Gentiles was that they were without love. That was far from the heart of Mary; let it be far from her servants.
Perhaps someone will say: “Had she not known before that he would not die?” Undoubtedly. “Did she not expect him to rise again at once?” Surely. “And still she grieved over her crucified Son?” Intensely. Who are you and what is the source of your wisdom that you are more surprised at the compassion of Mary than at the passion of Mary’s Son? For if he could die in body, could she not die with him in spirit? He died in body through a love greater than anyone had known. She died in spirit through a love unlike any other since his.
A modern version of the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady, the more traditional rendering. Today's Office of Readings selection from St. Bernard speaks of the martyrdom of Mary, interesting if not downright creative:
The martyrdom of the Virgin is set forth both in the prophecy of Simeon and in the actual story of our Lord’s passion. The holy old man said of the infant Jesus: He has been established as a sign which will be contradicted. He went on to say to Mary: And your own heart will be pierced by a sword.
Truly, O blessed Mother, a sword has pierced your heart. For only by passing through your heart could the sword enter the flesh of your Son. Indeed, after your Jesus - who belongs to everyone, but is especially yours - gave up his life, the cruel spear, which was not withheld from his lifeless body, tore open his side. Clearly it did not touch his soul and could not harm him, but it did pierce your heart. For surely his soul was no longer there, but yours could not be torn away. Thus the violence of sorrow has cut through your heart, and we rightly call you more than martyr, since the effect of compassion in you has gone beyond the endurance of physical suffering.
Or were those words, Woman, behold your Son, not more than a word to you, truly piercing your heart, cutting through to the division between soul and spirit? What an exchange! John is given to you in place of Jesus, the servant in place of the Lord, the disciple in place of the master; the son of Zebedee replaces the Son of God, a mere man replaces God himself. How could these words not pierce your most loving heart, when the mere remembrance of them breaks ours, hearts of iron and stone though they are!
Do not be surprised, brothers, that Mary is said to be a martyr in spirit. Let him be surprised who does not remember the words of Paul, that one of the greatest crimes of the Gentiles was that they were without love. That was far from the heart of Mary; let it be far from her servants.
Perhaps someone will say: “Had she not known before that he would not die?” Undoubtedly. “Did she not expect him to rise again at once?” Surely. “And still she grieved over her crucified Son?” Intensely. Who are you and what is the source of your wisdom that you are more surprised at the compassion of Mary than at the passion of Mary’s Son? For if he could die in body, could she not die with him in spirit? He died in body through a love greater than anyone had known. She died in spirit through a love unlike any other since his.
Sunday, September 14, 2003
'Not So Quiet' Catholic Corner
Check out some great entries by "Not So Quiet", a blog by Father Sistare. Including "Here's Looking at You Kid" and "Removing the Cross at Ground Zero."
Check out some great entries by "Not So Quiet", a blog by Father Sistare. Including "Here's Looking at You Kid" and "Removing the Cross at Ground Zero."
Saturday, September 13, 2003
Football Picks
For laughs...
College Games
Louisville over Syracuse
Iowa over Iowa State
Michigan over Notre Dame
Georgia over S.Carolina
Florida State over Georgia Tech
Florida over Florida A&M
Pros
St. Louis over San Fran
Cleveland over Baltimore
Jacksonville over Buffalo
Spurrier over Johnson (although I'd watch out if I were Spurrier--Johnson only missed hitting Bowden by a few inches)
Tampa Bay over Carolina (but not to cover the 9 points)
For laughs...
College Games
Louisville over Syracuse
Iowa over Iowa State
Michigan over Notre Dame
Georgia over S.Carolina
Florida State over Georgia Tech
Florida over Florida A&M
Pros
St. Louis over San Fran
Cleveland over Baltimore
Jacksonville over Buffalo
Spurrier over Johnson (although I'd watch out if I were Spurrier--Johnson only missed hitting Bowden by a few inches)
Tampa Bay over Carolina (but not to cover the 9 points)
Friday, September 12, 2003
Chicago This Weekend
Amy and I are speaking and signing books at A Wing and A Prayer in Plano, IL (suburb of Chicago) tomorrow beginning at 10. A.M. and ending somewhere around 2 P.M. I have the address and topics posted at my homepage under "appearances". Love to see and meet all of you out there in Chicagoland! Everyone is invited to come, no charge!
Joseph is excited about going to Chicago. I had asked him why he was about ten times and everytime he said "toys". Hey, Joseph there are not toys in Chicago! Just a long drive, a hotel room and a day of trying to keep you busy while either mom or dad is trying to keep whoever shows up interested.
Amy and I are speaking and signing books at A Wing and A Prayer in Plano, IL (suburb of Chicago) tomorrow beginning at 10. A.M. and ending somewhere around 2 P.M. I have the address and topics posted at my homepage under "appearances". Love to see and meet all of you out there in Chicagoland! Everyone is invited to come, no charge!
Joseph is excited about going to Chicago. I had asked him why he was about ten times and everytime he said "toys". Hey, Joseph there are not toys in Chicago! Just a long drive, a hotel room and a day of trying to keep you busy while either mom or dad is trying to keep whoever shows up interested.
Johnny Cash, John Ritter are Dead
The Johnny Cash dying isn't that much of a surprise (the fact that he was only 71 is though--he looked 90). He went out on top with his recent "Hurt" video and album. Hey, a Country Music legend nominated for an MTV award--that's an accomplishment when you Country stations won't even play your music anymore.
John Ritter had country roots too. His father Tex Ritter was an old time Country and Western superstar--still lives immortally by being the inspiration behind one of Disney's country bears. John Ritter was only 54 and was working on the set of his ABC show about raising daughters when he had a heart attack yesterday. Most people remember him from Three's Company but I thought his best role was in Sling Blade.
The Johnny Cash dying isn't that much of a surprise (the fact that he was only 71 is though--he looked 90). He went out on top with his recent "Hurt" video and album. Hey, a Country Music legend nominated for an MTV award--that's an accomplishment when you Country stations won't even play your music anymore.
John Ritter had country roots too. His father Tex Ritter was an old time Country and Western superstar--still lives immortally by being the inspiration behind one of Disney's country bears. John Ritter was only 54 and was working on the set of his ABC show about raising daughters when he had a heart attack yesterday. Most people remember him from Three's Company but I thought his best role was in Sling Blade.
Thursday, September 11, 2003
Good News on the Schiavo Case
From Judge delays ruling on pulling brain-damaged woman's feeding tube | theledger.com:
"A judge Thursday postponed issuing an order removing a feeding tube keeping a brain-damaged woman alive after her parents argued that she first should be given the chance to learn to eat.
Circuit Judge George W. Greer delayed his decision after receiving affidavits filed by two speech therapists hired by Terri Schiavo's parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, saying that she could be taught to eat and talk. He said he now will rule next week.
Greer and Florida's appellate courts have consistently sided with the woman's husband, Michael Schiavo, who has battled her parents for years for the right to remove the feeding tube so she can die. She has been in a persistent vegetative state since collapsing 13 years ago."
From Judge delays ruling on pulling brain-damaged woman's feeding tube | theledger.com:
"A judge Thursday postponed issuing an order removing a feeding tube keeping a brain-damaged woman alive after her parents argued that she first should be given the chance to learn to eat.
Circuit Judge George W. Greer delayed his decision after receiving affidavits filed by two speech therapists hired by Terri Schiavo's parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, saying that she could be taught to eat and talk. He said he now will rule next week.
Greer and Florida's appellate courts have consistently sided with the woman's husband, Michael Schiavo, who has battled her parents for years for the right to remove the feeding tube so she can die. She has been in a persistent vegetative state since collapsing 13 years ago."
Two Years Ago Today
From theUniversalis: Office of Readings
Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by?
Look around and see.
Is any suffering like my suffering
that was inflicted on me,
that the LORD brought on me
in the day of his fierce anger?
-Lamentations 1:12-
I heard something on the way to work this morning that was a first for me. It was said that on the morning of 9/11 a van filled with men of Arab discent pulled up to the resort where President Bush was staying on Longboat Key, Florida saying they were there to do an interview with him. They were turned away at the gate. Has anyone else ever heard of this? Evidently there was even more terror planned for that day.
From theUniversalis: Office of Readings
Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by?
Look around and see.
Is any suffering like my suffering
that was inflicted on me,
that the LORD brought on me
in the day of his fierce anger?
-Lamentations 1:12-
I heard something on the way to work this morning that was a first for me. It was said that on the morning of 9/11 a van filled with men of Arab discent pulled up to the resort where President Bush was staying on Longboat Key, Florida saying they were there to do an interview with him. They were turned away at the gate. Has anyone else ever heard of this? Evidently there was even more terror planned for that day.
Wednesday, September 10, 2003
New Bin Laden Tape Surface on Eve of 9/11
From Yahoo! News - Al-Jazeera Airs New Bin Laden Videotape:
"The voice attributed to al-Zawahri also referred to the Sept. 11 anniversary.
'On the second anniversary of the raids on New York and Washington we challenge America and its Crusade, which is teetering from its wounds in Afghanistan and Iraq,' the speaker says. 'We tell them that we do not seek to kill, but we will chop off the hand which seeks to inflict harm on us, God willing.'
In the audiotape, translated from the Arabic by The Associated Press, the voice said to be al-Zawahri's threatened more attacks on Americans.
'What you saw until now are only the first skirmishes,' the voice says. 'The true epic has not begun.' "
From Yahoo! News - Al-Jazeera Airs New Bin Laden Videotape:
"The voice attributed to al-Zawahri also referred to the Sept. 11 anniversary.
'On the second anniversary of the raids on New York and Washington we challenge America and its Crusade, which is teetering from its wounds in Afghanistan and Iraq,' the speaker says. 'We tell them that we do not seek to kill, but we will chop off the hand which seeks to inflict harm on us, God willing.'
In the audiotape, translated from the Arabic by The Associated Press, the voice said to be al-Zawahri's threatened more attacks on Americans.
'What you saw until now are only the first skirmishes,' the voice says. 'The true epic has not begun.' "
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)