September 2008 Archives

RIP

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Please pray for the respose of the soul of Dinka's father, as well as for comfort for Dinka and her family in these sad times.

Happy Festa di San Gennaro!

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St. Januarius is the patron of Naples, which is why he is important to us Neapolitans.

But he is especially important to New York City Neapolitan-Americans.

Update: Jeff Miller has a picture of Pope Benedict viewing San Gennaro's blood which liquefies once a year on his feast day.

Posting At My Own Risk

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To me, this video says it all about who we are, and who we need to be:

I apologise if it violates Church policy.

The Upstate Moss's will welcome our fifth baby boy this February.

...it would be China, where melamine is used to make plates, pet food, and infant formula:

...a major Chinese dairy recalled 700 tons of milk powder linked to a rash of illnesses in infants. Most of the infants suffered from kidney stones, although two deaths had been reported....

How could anyone think it would be okay (or even profitable in the short term) to put powdered plastic into baby formula?

Who I Might Just Vote For

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Joe Shriner

Joe on the economy:

National Debt :
~ Tighten our belts and pay it off so our children don't inherit it.

Work Life :
~ Push for a shorter work week and/or more job sharing. (This will provide more time for God, family, community.)
~ In tandem, promote the Voluntary Simplicity Movement, with a focus on cutting back lifestyle wise.
~ Improve work place environments.
~ Fair wage for all.

Joe on Iraq:

the plan
*A growing negative could be turned into a tremendous positive -- for world peace.
~ As president, I would extend a formal, and heartfelt, apology to the Iraqi people (and the world) for starting the war, for killing civilians and military, and for destabilizing the country. (I told the Athens (OH) Post that these types of civilian deaths aren’t “inevitable collateral damage,” they are Moms, Dads, children…)
~ Set up an Iraq War Victim’s Fund intended for families of war victims, including for families of those who died from the U.S. urged, and U.N. backed, 12 year sanctions against Iraq before the war. (An estimated one million Iraqis died as a result of these sanctions, some 500,000 of them children.)
~ As president, I would also formally apologize for starting a pre-emptive war predicated on finding weapons of mass destruction. I would also admit there is a tremendous duality in telling other nations they can’t have WMD’s -- when we have the biggest arsenal of nuclear weapons in the world.

(lots more)

Joe on Life Issues:

~ No abortion.
~ Many more local safety nets for moms & dads in crisis pregnancy.
~ No death penalty, no euthenasia.
~ No embryonic stem cell research and no cloning.
~ Respect for God's sovereignty and natural order.

Joe on Immigration:

~ amnesty for illegal immigrants and family reunification.
~ “living wage, optimal working conditions, benefits, adequate housing… for all new arrivals.

Thanks to Mark Shea for bringing this to my attention.

I don't know if I would ever be brave enough to vote third party, but I have considered writing in someone if I decided to go that route because well, many of the third party candidates are exactly what you expect of third party candidates-more of the same with a tweak on one more issue. Or someone really, well, "kooky" comes to mind. Mr. Shriner seems as good, if not a better choice than any of them. He kind of inspires me to make that jump.

Adolescent Insights on "BrideZilla"

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Rosey Posey:

I just watched three episodes of BrideZilla and enjoyed it, which I am ashamed of because it means there is something wrong with me. But it gives me a positive outlook. First it makes me grateful that I am not marrying someone like that. Second it means I will get married because I now know that no matter how ugly, mean, and shallow you are, there is always someone out there willing to marry you!

So there you go. If you are ever feeling blue, you can remember you are blessed to live in part of the world where people have mostly have food, clothing and shelter. You can remember Jesus loves you to have died for you. Or you can remember you are not marrying a BrideZilla!

Between you and I, I'll have to pass. I can't stomach that show or that My Sweet 16, or any of those "it's my party and I'll make your life a living hell if I want to," shows.

The Lyin' King

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Via the Anchoress, this wonderful vid:

A few weeks ago, I was reading about how Joe Eszterhas converted back to his Catholic faith. Neat story considering he wrote some of the most offensive screenplays. I mean Showgirls, bad on so many levels. In the article, I thought what he said was actually kind of funny:

He said that living in the heartland, he sees how much Hollywood producers are out of touch with most Americans.

"I find it mind boggling that with nearly 70 percent of Americans describing themselves as Christians, and witnessing the success of The Passion of The Christ and The Chronicles of Narnia, that Hollywood still doesn't do the kinds of faith-based and family-value entertainment that people are desperate to see," Mr. Eszterhas said.

Hollywood is so dang obnoxious, they not only don't get it, they don't care to get it.

Exhibit A:

Burger King feels they can sell me burgers by staying open late-not a bad marketing ploy, I've been known to wake up at 1AM desperately hungry. But by telling me I need to go to BK at 1 AM because Diddy said so. Are you kidding me? Now I never want to go to BK again. Ever. I find this man so offensive. They keep giving us reality shows where he treats people like complete garbage, yet despite all their shoving down our throats I Want to Work for Diddy (another show where he gets to belittle people for our entertainment), no one can figure out why people would actually rather see New York and her control-freak mother for another round of breast augmented antics than Mr. Oh-He's-Such-a-Good-Business-Man-and-a-Snappy Dresser!

Last but not least, the You Tube political rant, Diddy Blog Number 16-"John McCain, you are buggin' da f%^k out!" In case you do want to witness this great display political insight due to foul language (consider yourself warned) or simply because it might no longer be there in 5 minutes (these videos keep disappearing), let me give you some of the highlights:

Attention, John McCain, Attention John McCain, my name is Diddy! You may know me by my government name, Sean Combs, but my friends and my family call me Diddy, A.k.A. Sirach Obama.

So Janice and Melvin Combs were forced by the government to name him Sean and give their child their last name?

I don't even understand what planet your on right now! This is the job to be the leader of the free world. No disrespect, I love ya, I want ya to live to be 110...

Showing he has no party bias.

but things happen, like what if God forbid! You got a running mate, you become president...Alaska?!? Alaska, Alaska, Alaska! Alak-c'mon Man. I don't even know if there any black people in Alaska!

I don't even know if there are any Eskimos is Mt. Vernon. Not that if I did, it would be significant, just sayin'.

Ima calling all this...all colors, all youth voters! November 4th! We have to protect our future because John McCain is buggin' the f%^k out!

To spare you, he goes on with some other stuff about how Sarah Palin doesn't represent black people and that's disrespectful. Yes, because there is no such thing as a young minority who wants to protect their future by voting against a pawn for PP as Barack Obama. Why would there be? It goes against stereotypes, and because Diddy says so (it worked for BK).

Exhibit B:

Matt Damon's political commentary.

He is worried about Sarah Palin coming to office and burning books, if she believes dinosaurs roamed the earth 4000 years ago. "It's absurd and I don't understand why more people aren't talking more about how absurd it is." Because, Matt, people are talking about how absurd this YouTube clip is about how the worst case scenario is a really, bad Hockey Mom Disney movie. These are your issues. Gosh, this could be a bad script. Not that.

Exhibit C:

Someone had a great idea: The MTV VMAs and the cleverness of an unknown British comedian mocking our government and the average citizen's ability to vote 9you know, the kid who would be watching the VMAs)! Hilarity ensues!

Some people, I think they’re called racists, say that America is not ready for a black president. But I know America to be a forward-thinking country, right. Because, otherwise, you know, would you have let that retarded cowboy fellow be president for eight years?

As always, he managed to get to the heart of the people and truly understands our reasoning. It's like he's psychic, or even better-asked someone!

Exhibit D:

John McCain on The View

Whoopi: Do I understand you are a strict constitutionalist? Should I be worried about becoming a slave, because somethings in the Constitution had to be changed.

Man, it amazes me how she goes straight to the heart of the issues in a manner the way the rest of us are afraid! Abortion-non issue! The idea that me and mine are going to round up after January 20th and put to work in the fields-that's the issue! And no, I am not mocking for five seconds, what my-what our, because we are all Americans, ancestors went through. But to even consider such a thing as a concern when deciding who to vote for, not in the top 10 or 20 of my concerns.

Why do celebrities think that by virtue of being in bad, Disney movies, their vapid opinions on nothing (again, note not one true issue was addressed) is all it takes to strong arm us into voting the way they want? I cannot even gather what it is they want except for, like everything else in Hollywood, some type of appearance.

The funny thing is, I am still not sure I am even voting for McCain. I still have some issues I have to decide on (none of which are whether I am concerned about a revival in the plantation system, if Sarah Palin believes in dinosaurs were here 4,000 years ago, or because Diddy said so). as much as I like Sarah Palin, I am still not 100% decided (I probably won't be for a long time). But I tell ya, this stuff makes me so darn angry that it makes me want to vote McCain for no other reason besides spite for insulting my intelligence.

Homemade Christmas Presents

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I want to say "it's that time of the year again", but in truth, I should have been on the ball a few months ago. I was just to busy feeling miserable. So as usual, I am trying to plan a Christmas list, that falls within a budget, that contains more objects that will last a bit of time and have sort of creative benefit, that won't break that day, and after all that, the kids will actually like.

Yesterday I stumbled on these patterns:

Felt lunch patterns
Chinese Take-out felt pattern
Felt tea set

I am not sure how many of these sets I can churn out by Christmas (probably like one), but they are just darling! I think that and perhaps a little taffeta, princess dress-up dress, and the 2-year old girl is covered. Boys are not as easy.

Giada Freezes

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Yesterday on the Everyday Italian, Giada had a show on freezer meals:

Giada's sister has a new baby. Giada shows her sister how to prepare meals you can freeze ahead, from appetizers to desserts, good for busy schedules or when you are just on the go.

Since I am an avid freezer-person, this show caught my attention. I am usually not a big Food Network fan because 1. I hate watching delicious food cooked without the ability to eat it and 2. I find very little on the channel that is practical-i.e., healthy, economical, can feed 8+, you know the criteria that has to fit in meals 7 nights a week. Although I have to say I find most Italian recipes perfect for freezing (sorry Giada) such as Baked Ziti, Manicotti, Baked Rigatoni, soup, and meatballs. Then I make marinara and can it.

Just Keeps Getting Sicker

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LA Times: Canadian doctor warns Sarah Palin's decision to have Down baby could reduce abortions

But a senior Canadian doctor is now expressing concerns that such a prominent public role model as the governor of Alaska and potential vice president of the United States completing a Down syndrome pregnancy may prompt other women to make the same decision against abortion because of that genetic abnormality. And thereby reduce the number of abortions.

Published reports in Canada say about 9 out of 10 women given a diagnosis of Down syndrome choose to terminate the pregnancy through abortion. [emphasis added]

...Dr. Andre Lalonde, executive vice president of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Ottawa, worries that Palin's now renowned decision may cause abortions in Canada to decline as other women there and elsewhere opt to follow suit.

He says not every woman is prepared to deal with the consequences of Down babies, who have developmental delays, some physical difficulties and often a shortened lifespan.

I don't even know what to say...Is this all reactionary, or were people this sick before and now they feel the right to vent their evil?

HT: Catholic and Enjoying It! combox

Mr. Shea's No Nonsense Campaign Advice

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I Had the Best of Intentions

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When I decided to send my two oldest to school, I figured it was simply time. I had this great, philosophical attitude about the whole thing. I taught them our values, I taught them Church teaching. Heck, I immersed them whole-heartedly for the past 15-13 years in what we believe. It's now up to my kids to take those values and teachings and decide for themselves what to do with them. If I am lucky, they will embrace them. Or maybe they will fall into step with what everyone else is doing, and come back to them later in life, as many people do. Or they may simply reject them.Fact is, I have done is all I can do. I can't dictate their feelings and I have desire to control them.

They of course are still children, and just because I put them in public school, doesn't mean I am throwing in the towel. It just means I simply do not have the same amount of control as I used as to what they are exposed to. I actually think that is a good thing. It is one of the many reasons I decided it is time for them to go. I do not want them to be faced with people problems when they are away from home, and do not have family support to fall back on.

Before I go on, let me state, these are my reasons for my children, right here and now, where we are in our lives. This is not a formula I think every good Christian parent needs to follow. Every situation is different, every parent is different, every child is different. All this is is me reflecting (ok, blathering...whining) about stuff on my mind in regard to current choices I have made in my very hormonal state (hence my need to work things out in writing)

So, here I had this great philosophical attitude that shaped my judgments. Why is it then the first time a teacher starts his anti-Catholic rhetoric, I start to panic? I mean it is expected, it's popular intellectual thinking, how the Church ruined the world throughout history. How the Church kills people with Humanae Vitae. How the Church is made up of misogynists because they preach against abortion. When I thought about it, I was ashamed of my own answer: the teacher was telling my daughter her parents are wrong. I want to say because "he is misleading kids" and other more altruistic answers, which I do feel, but the heart of the matter is I was insulted. This is my culture and he is dissing it. He probably has no idea. Just like all the Albany priests say they cannot preach about abortion, contraception, divorce from the pulpit, because you might insult someone, I have a feeling it didn't occur to this teacher that there might be a child of a practicing Catholic family in his classroom who embrace Catholic teaching right down to the no-divorce/no-contraception teachings. So after my own personal revelation, I decided, (like hopefully sane people usually do) get over myself, to stay my course and move forward.

I think, as it turned out I had very little to worry about as as my daughter is concerned. My daughter came home that afternoon with more questions about what she learned in history that didn't seem "quite right'. She said she learned about the Western Schism and that the purpose was to make money and persecute Protestants, which didn't sit right with her. She also wanted to know how it would play out today, who would be the "real" pope-the one in Rome or in Avignon. I have to admit, the little I learned on the schism always confused (and gasp, bored) me, so I told her to call my father.

Do you remember when Jeff Miller said "scratch a dissident and you will find someone upset about some area of the Church's teaching on sexual morality"? No exception here. I over heard her tell my father that the teacher complains a lot that he is divorced and feels birth control is necessary. She also said that she liked her global teacher, she loves how intelligent he is and that he was the only teacher to give her an assignment on the first day of school. She said she didn't understand why he simply didn't say "I made a mistake and that area of Church teaching was hard for me to follow", but rather turns it into a long vent against the Church. When he starts his stuff on what's wrong with the Church, it makes her doubt his intelligence, because he is plain wrong. She also said that it worries her that is she hears so much mythology day in and day out about what the Church teaches or what happened, she will no longer question it and try to seek out the truth-just simply take it at face value. My father told her the rule of thumb regarding Church history is, unless you understand the theology and what was going on at the time, you never get a full story of what happened and what truly motivated people. They are simply leaving holes in the story and making up the rest.

I thought my father gave good advice about Church history. And I thought I should pray for the teacher. Imagine how much of struggle his choices are that an otherwise intelligent man has to hold a captive audience of 15-year olds hostage to hear about his therapy. Sheesh, that's what blogs are for.

So It Begins

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Day 3 of school-my daughter's global teacher for no apparent reason, had the typical "well I'm Catholic, but of course I don't agree with Church teachings, especially on birth control. " Along with a discussion about how it is acceptable to be Catholic and not go to Church, because most Catholics do that.

I told my daughter "well he's not Catholic then."

What this had to do with the topic at hand? Not sure...

A scoop of clever

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with a generous drizzle of funny: Sunday whimsy from Bob the Ape

How annoying a ride this has been just to get the kids in there. For home schoolers, NYS requires a Notice of Intent sent to the school board by July 1. An "IHIP" or basically a curriculum in within six weeks of the Notice of Intent, quarter reports with samples of work handed in each quarter, and starting at second grade, some sort of assessment every other year, and every year in high school. This can range from a standardized test to a statement hand written by a teacher. We used St. Thomas Aquinas Home School Academy for the older grades (which I highly recommend) and they assessed the kids at the beginning of the school year to devise their curriculum, so I sent that in.

This local school district, for whatever reason, always asks for more than the legally required, such as they make up their own outline for an IHIP demanding booklists with publisher and author names, they send me out dates for the state tests stating the kids must take these specific state tests, they send me quarter report notices when the traditional school semester ends despite the fact that the law states 180 days out of the school year, not that it has to be within the traditional day after Labor Day until the last week of June.

After all that work, at the end of HS, all you have to show for it is you were simply "compliant". They do not get a diploma. You can get a GED, or take an additional 24 credits at a community college. Home schoolers are not elegible to take the state Regents exams which would entitle students to a Regents dipolma, which is basically a passport to NYC schools. Since money is an object, we were hoping Rosey Posey could attend a state school, at least in the beginning.

With all that attention and demands on our home school, you would think they are super attentive to their traditional students. You'd think.

We were told by the HS, since our kids were home schooled, that our records (all that dang paperwork I submitted) would be at the school district office, and to give the home schooling liason (the woman who sends all the threatening letters letting me know they are watching me) a call so they can figure out what grade to put Rosey Posey in. They said since we didn't use a "state curriculum" and take the "state tests" she might have to repeat ninth grade to get credit. Part of me was annoyed, and part of me knew we would have to pay for our home schooling insolence, so I warned Rosey Posey, who of course, threatened to run away.

We called the school district office, and left a message. And called again. And again. Fed up, we stopped by her office. She was in the back and when the secretary said we were there (we could see her) she said "tell them I'm busy". Oh my husband was livid.

We went from there right back to the high school guidance office. The secretary (who is a very nice lady) didn't understand why they nor we had not heard from the school district home schooling liason lady (her exact title of "Director of State and Federal Projects") have not gotten back to them or us. My husband who was angry said "because she refused to see us!" I said "Now Polo, they said she was busy."

"No, don't correct me! She refused to see us."

Perhaps I should not have corrected him, because less than an hour later, Rosey Posey who was at home (we left there and went to the store) got a call from the guidance counselor 9this was last Friday) saying they are putting her in tenth grade, into the college-bound course of study and take it from there. If it's too hard or too easy, they will tweak the classes as needed. She said to call first thing Tuesday morning to come in and devise her schedule. What a relief.

Tuesday comes and we call at 8.30 AM...and call...nothing.

Wednesday comes and we call. Finally we get a return call around noonish (school started yesterday-Thursday). The guidance counselor said "now who are you and why are you calling?" we explained "How can I devise your curriculum without your records?"
Bangs head against wall. "Oh, I think it's coming back to me..." Deo Gratias we went in, devised a schedule which I swear is identical to my 10th grade schedule.

I had a "proud Momma" moment when the counselor asked if she wanted to take health 1 health class is needed for graduation. Rosey Posey asked "is that sex ed?"

The counselor skirted "yeah, it's about the body and health issues and some sex talk in involved. "

" I don't want to do sex ed."

OK, I guess we'll hold off.

She also wanted to know if Rosey Posey had ever done things like be around people before, ever been inside a school, ever played a sport, ever seen other children. I thought despite everything, the lady was genuinely nice and probably had no idea she was speaking in terms of stereotypes vs. reality. We had a nice chuckle about it after the fact.

For the first time, Rosey Posey, who had been threatening to never, ever forgive me for as long as live for putting her in school, and was going to run away, seemed excited.

OHmygosh, we spent a fortune on necessary school supplies, gym sneakers, a rudimentary wardrobe...what was needed in binders, boxes of tissues, correct pens, index cards etc. we could have used on home schooling books for nearly everyone.

More in a bit...

Just in Case You Missed It

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The transcript to Sarah Palin's speech.

After all that, this moment says it all:

I Am Watching BET

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and saw this on there:

Hip Hop Republicans. I thought this was interesting. The young men who host the site stated they identify with the republican party and hope to break the black=democrat stereotype.

Star Trek Election

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Dear Dr. Beckwith demonstrates at WWWtW why it's a Star Trek Election. I just want to note that the second Trek character is way, way cooler than his real life counterpart.

Annoying

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Jill Stanek Has excellent commentary surrounding the announcement of Bristol Palin's pregnancy:

The announcement was wonderful, in sharp contrast to Obama's thought of his own grandchild who might be conceived in a similar situation:

Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. We're proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support.

Bristol and the young man she will marry are going to realize very quickly the difficulties of raising a child, which is why they will have the love and support of our entire family.

I keep coming across comments such as these (I quote The Superficial because it's not as if I read The Daily Kos, or any other such stomach turning website):

I know the knee-jerk reaction will be to point out the hypocrisy of Governor Palin's faith-based public views on supporting abstinence-only education and overturning Roe v. Wade.

So what's hypocritical exactly? Do we know for a fact that Bristol only attended abstinence-only schools and only associated with people who attended abstinence only schools, from families with the same values? Somehow from the tone for her boyfriend, truly doubt it:

Johnston, 17, who is entering his senior year at Wasilla HS, plays on the school hockey team and was once teammates on a youth squad with Palin's older brother, Track, 19, now in the Army.

Despite suffering a cracked bone in his shin last season, Johnston scored 24 goals in 24 games.

"We don't want to talk about this," said a woman who answered the phone at the Johnston home.

On a MySpace page subsequently taken down, Johnston boasts, "I'm a f - - -in' redneck" who likes to snowboard and ride dirt bikes.

"But I live to play hockey. I like to go camping and hang out with the boys, do some fishing, shoot some s- - - and just f - - -in' chillin' I guess."

"Ya f - - - with me I'll kick [your] ass," he added.

He also claims to be "in a relationship," but states, "I don't want kids."

As horrible as it is to state, speaking from experience, this sounds like the same Mr. Wonderful that have been getting 17-year old girls in trouble since the advent of high school. Which is the reason why we still need abstinence-only education. Cassanova doesn't get, if he doesn't want kids, don't have sex. 12 years of school, somewhere he missed that lesson. Besides is the guarantee of abstinence-only education simply that no teen will ever make a mistake again? So are we trying to claim the traditional PP sponsored sex ed programs are so effective?

Also, what is hypocritical about Sarah Palin being pro-life, and her daughter keeping the baby?

16 Weeks and 5 Days

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DSC_0017

If someone wants to give me lessons on the art of self-portraiture, I'm all ears...or eyes. Until this, this is as good as it gets. :)


Di Fattura Caslinga: Pansy's Etsy Shop
The Sleepy Mommy Shoppe: Stuff we Like
(Disclaimer: We aren't being compensated to like this stuff.
Any loose change in referral fees goes to the Feed Pansy's Ravenous Teens Fund.)


Pansy and Peony: The Two Sleepy Mommies



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