The top 10 films of 2004

From CNS STORY: The top 10 films of 2004 -- and the picks for families too according to the Bishops Conference:

1. "The Aviator"
2. "Danny Deckchair"
3. "Finding Neverland"
4. "Hero"
5. "Hotel Rwanda"
6. "The Passion of the Christ"
7. "Ray"
8. "Shall We Dance?"
9. "Spanglish"
10. "Woman Thou Art Loosed"

For Families

1. "Ella Enchanted"
2. "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"
3. "I Am David"
4. "The Incredible,"
5. "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events"
6. "Miracle"
7. "The Polar Express"
8. "Shrek 2"
9. "The SpongeBob Square Pants Movie"
10. "Two Brothers"

The Harry Potter nomination has already made this list quite a hit on some of the more conservative websites.

Catholic Mom Book Spotlight --The Power of the Cross

From Catholic Mom Book Spotlight The Power of the Cross by Michael Dubruiel:



"With the liturgical season of Lent quickly approaching, I am convinced that The Power of the Cross is one of the best resources I've seen lately for enhancing our commitment to spirituality. Whether you choose to implement this book as a 'kick start' to your New Year's devotional rituals, or as a supplement to your Lenten devotional aids, please join me in reading The Power of the Cross - a special thanks to Michael Dubruiel and Our Sunday Visitor for this great resource. "

Lawyer Finds Terri Schiavo Alert

From WorldNetDaily: Surprised lawyer finds Terri Schiavo alert:



"Despite the widely believed claims of her husband, Terri Schiavo is purposefully interactive, curious and expressive with her parents, according to a surprised lawyer who visited for the first time the brain-damaged Florida woman embroiled in a euthanasia dispute. "

Abu Musab al-Zarqawi Arrested in Iraq

From Abu Musab al-Zarqawi reportedly arrested in Iraq:



"Abu Mus'ab al-Zarqawi, whom the US occupation authorities declared to be the 'target number one' in Iraq, has been arrested in the city of Baakuba, the Emirate newspaper al-Bayane reported on Tuesday referring to Kurdish sources.



Al-Zarqawi, leader of the terrorist group Al-Tawhid Wa'al-Jihad, was recently appointed the director of the Al-Qaeda organisation in Iraq.

The newspaper's correspondent in Baghdad points out that a report on the seizure of the terrorist, on whom the US put a bounty of US$10 million, was also reported by Iraqi Kurdistan radio, which at one time had been the first to announce the arrest of Saddam Hussein. "

How Many American Lives Were Saved by this Warning?

From US warns of attacks in Indonesia:



"US warns of attacks in Indonesia

21:58 AEDT Sat Dec 18 2004



AP - The US State Department warned that terrorists were planning more attacks against Western targets in Indonesia over Christmas and New Year, and reiterated advice to its citizens not to travel to the country.



The US State Department's move follows similar warnings by Australia and other foreign governments earlier this week that militants belonging to the al-Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiah terror group were plotting more bombings.



'The department reminds Americans that the terrorist threat in Indonesia continues and may increase over the December-January holiday period,' according to a statement on its website.



'Reports indicate that terrorists are planning attacks against a wide variety of targets.'"

Rabbi: G-d is Angry

Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar



From Arutz Sheva - Israel National News:



"The earthshaking disaster in southeast Asia shows that 'G-d is angry' and that 'we must pray more and ask for mercy,' Rabbi Amar told the Ynet website. 'The nations of the world are obligated to observe the seven Noahide laws, such as prohibitions against murder and illicit relations... The deaths are very painful.'



No one should mourn for those who are missing until the rescue missions stop trying to find victims, the rabbi added. Israeli rescue teams are planning to remain in the region for at least another few days for this purpose."

Father Benedict Begins to Gain Movement in Right Arm

Asks for your continued prayers on his behalf:



Father Benedict's Letter:



"Most of you knew that my shoulder was frozen solid with calcium deposits, which came as a result of the breakage of bones. It seemed that the only way to improve this situation was surgery that was dangerous because of the possibility of a blood clot and stroke. I opted not to take that possibility. Just the other day my shoulder began to move, not a great deal, but very obviously.



This means that the calcium adhesions have broken loose in the socket and will probably break loose some more. I'm so grateful for your prayers added to those that you sent as I initially recovered. It will be very helpful to have some more use of my right arm.



I've been praying to Our Lady of Lourdes through the intercession of St. Bernadette very particularly for recovery and it seems like the Lord is hearing those prayers. Thank you for all your prayers and kindliness to me during this difficult year."