Man learns life lesson in naked fight with javelinas

Man learns life lesson in naked fight with javelinas

We're Voting For Our Lives!

"Socialism is a philosophy of failure,

the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy;

its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery."

       -- Winston Churchill

Morning Prayer

Glory to you who safe have kept

And have refreshed me while I slept;

Grant, Lord, when I from death shall wake,

I may of endless light partake.

Lord, I renew my vows to you;

Scatter my foes as morning dew;

Guard my first springs of thought and will,

And with yourself my spirit fill.

Amen.+

Come And Kneel Before Him Now - A Eucharistic Flash Mob

Father Wounds

Click here.

Sarah Palin - The Real Thing

I've always liked Sarah Palin.  I'm not sure I'd vote for her for President, but it depends on who else is running.  But I've always liked her honesty and her willingness to live her faith in front of the world without fllinching.  For the past week or so people have been pouring through her emails searching for some juicy tidbit to create a scandal over (like we need any more of that this week).  But instead, they have learned that this lady is who she says she is and that she's the genuine article. 

This email came out recently and has actually softened some of her harshest critics.  It was an email she wrote as though she were God writing to those who were interested in her pregnancy with her fifth child.  It shows that Sarah Palin knows what it means to walk with God.  Check it out.
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 2008 14:17:11

To:gov.sarah@yahoo.com
Cc:gov.palin@yahoo.com

Subject: Baby

To the Sisters, Brother, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Friends of Trig Paxson Van Palin (or whatever you end up naming him!) :

I am blessing you with this surprise baby because I only want the best for you. I've heard your prayers that this baby will be happy and healthy, and I've answered them because I only want the best for you!

I heard your heart when you hinted that another boy would fit best in the Palin family, to round it out and complete that starting five line-up. Though another girl would be so nice, you didn't think you could ask for what you REALLY wanted, but I knew, so I gave you a boy because I only want the best for you!

Then, I put the idea in your hearts that his name should be "Trig", because it's so fitting, with two Norse meanings: "True" and "Brave Victory". You also have a Bristol Bay relative with that name, so I knew it would be best for you!

Then, I let Trig's mom have an exceptionally comfortable pregnancy so she could enjoy every minute of it, and I even seemed to rush it along so she could wait until near the end to surprise you with the news – that way Piper wouldn't have so long to wait and count down so many days – just like Christmastime when you have to wait, impatiently, for that special day to finally open your gift? (Or the way the Palins look forward to birthday celebrations that go on for three, four days... you all really like cake.) I know you, I knew you'd be better off with just a short time to wait!

Then, finally, I let Trig's mom and dad find out before he was born that this little boy will truly be a GIFT. They were told in early tests that Trig may provide more challenges, and more joy, than what they ever may have imagined or ever asked for. At first the news seemed unreal and sad and confusing. But I gave Trig's mom and dad lots of time to think about it because they needed lots of time to understand that everything will be OK, in fact, everything will be great, because I only want the best for you!

I've given Trig's mom and dad peace and joy as they wait to meet their new son. I gave them a happy anticipation because they asked me for that. I'll give all of you the same happy anticipation and strength to deal with Trig's challenges, but I won't impose on you...

I just need to know you want to receive my offer to be with all of you and help you everyday to make Trig's life a great one.

This new person in your life can help everyone put things in perspective and bind us together and get everyone focused on what really matters.

The baby will expand your world and let you see and feel things you haven't experienced yet. He'll show you what "true, brave victory" really means as those who love him will think less about self and focus less on what the world tells you is "normal" or "perfect". You will grow and be blessed with greater understanding that will be born along with Trig.

Trig will be his dad's little buddy and he'll wear Carhartts while he learns to tinker in the garage. He'll love to be read to, he'll want to play goalie, and he'll steal his mom's heart just like Track, Bristol, Willow and Piper did. And Trig will be the cuddly, innocent, mischievous, dependent little brother that his siblings have been waiting for...in fact Trig will – in some diagnostic ways – always be a mischievous, dependent little brother, because I created him a bit different than a lot of babies born into this world today.

Every child is created special, with awesome purpose and amazing potential. Children are the most precious and promising ingredient in this mixed up world you live in down there on earth. Trig is no different, except he has one extra chromosome. Doctors call it "Down's Syndrome", and Downs kids have challenges, but can bring you much delight and more love than you can ever imagine! Just wait and see, let me prove this, because I only want the best for you!

Some of the rest of the world may not want him, but take comfort in that because the world will not compete for him. Take care of him and he will always be yours!

Trig's mom and dad don't want people to focus on the baby's extra chromosome. They're human, so they haven't known how to explain this to people who are so caring and are interested in this new little Alaskan. Sarah and Todd want people to share in the joy of this gift I'm giving to the Palin family, and the greater Alaska family. Many people won't understand... and I understand that. Some will think Trig should not be allowed to be born because they fear a Downs child won't be considered "perfect" in your world. (But tell me, what do you earthlings consider "perfect" or even "normal" anyway? Have you peeked down any grocery store isle, or school hallway, or into your office lunchroom lately? Or considered the odd celebrities you celebrate as "perfect" on t.v.? Have you noticed I make 'em all shapes and sizes? Believe me, there is no "perfect"!)

Many people will express sympathy, but you don't want or need that, because Trig will be a joy. You will have to trust me on this.

I know it will take time to grasp this and come to accept that I only want the best for you, and I only give my best. Remember though: "My ways are not your ways, my thoughts are not your thoughts... for as the heavens are higher than the earth, my ways are higher than yours!"

I wrote that all down for you in the Good Book! Look it up! You claim that you believe me – now it's time to live out that belief!

Please look to me as this new challenge and chapter of life unfolds in front of you. I promise to equip you. I won't give you anything you can't handle. I am answering your prayers. Trig can't wait to meet you. I'm giving you ONLY THE BEST!

Love,

Trig's Creator, Your Heavenly Father

Did you realize that ...

Bishop ordains Father Scott Caton - Catholic Courier

Bishop ordains Father Scott Caton - Catholic Courier

Family man eyes historic ordination - Catholic Courier

Family man eyes historic ordination - Catholic Courier

Veni Sancte Spiritus

Revolution 2012

One of my prolific contributors sent me this and I thought it was a great way to start a series called Revolution 2012.  It is absolutely imperative that every conservative in this nation votes in order to put a stop to the liberal invasion of this nation.  If we don't stop Obama now, just picture what damage he will do in his last four years when he knows no one can stop him.  I shudder to think.  Check this blunder out:

Patrick Michaels is a senior fellow in Environmental Studies at the Cato Institute and the editor of the forthcoming Climate Coup: Global Warming's Invasion of our Government and our Lives, as well as the author of several other books on global warming. His Forbes column on the Chevy Volt is a case study in the nexus between big government corruption and big business subsidies. Michaels briefly recaps the consumer fraud in which GM has touted the Volt as an all-electric mass production vehicle on the supposed basis of which its sales receive a $7,500 taxpayer subsidy, and it is still overpriced and unmarketable. Michaels notes that "sales are anemic: 326 in December, 321 in January, and 281 in February."


Do you see a trend here? Michaels adds that GM has announced a production run of 100,000 in the first two years, and asks what appears to be a rhetorical question: "Who is going to buy all these cars?" But wait! Keep hope alive! There is a positive answer to the question. Jeffrey Immelt's GE will buy a boatload of those uneconomic GM cars. Here the case study opens onto the inevitable political angle: Recently, President Obama selected General Electric CEO Jeffrey Immelt to chair his Economic Advisory Board. GE is also awash in windmills waiting to be subsidized so they can provide unreliable, expensive power. Consequently, and soon after his appointment, Immelt announced that GE will buy 50,000 Volts in the next two years, or half the total produced.

Assuming the corporation qualifies for the same tax credit, we (you and I) just shelled out $375,000, 000 to a company to buy cars that no one else wants, so that GM will not tank and produce even more cars that no one wants. And this guy is the chair of Obama's Economic Advisory Board?

Michaels includes this hilarious detail in his case study: In a telling attempt to preserve battery power, the car's heater is exceedingly weak. Consumer Reports tests averaged a paltry 25 miles of electric-only running, in part because it was testing in cold Connecticut. (The GM engineer at the Auto Show said cold weather would have little effect.) It will be interesting to see what the Volt's range is on a hot, traffic-jammed summer day, when the air conditioner will really tax the batteries. When the gas engine came on, Consumer Reports got about 30 miles to the gallon of premium fuel; which, in terms of additional cost of high-test gas, drives the effective mileage closer to 27 mpg.

A conventional Honda Accord, which seats 5 (instead of the Volt's 4), gets 34 mpg on the highway, and costs less than half of what CR paid, even with the tax break. The story of the GM Volt deserves a place in the Harvard Business School curriculum....but of course, it won't. It's a classic tale of the GOVERNMENT deciding what the public needs, not the marketplace.

What is one of the reasons for this? Why, to keep the UAW in business, of course, because Obama owes them for his election. Starting to make sense yet?

LOL!

Stolen From Facebook Again

"'God has assigned as a duty to every man the dignity of every woman.' - Pope John Paul II" Thanks for the great quotes, Jason Ward.

Stolen Off Facebook

"Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid. -Einstein"

What A Breath Of Fresh Air

Awwwwwwww.

Too Pooped To Blog

I've realized in the past several days that I am beyond out of shape, I'm nearly disabled.  If it had not been for the gracious help of my son-in-law, Justin, and the help of a friend of Esther's, Chris, and the energetic assistance of both Esther and Kim, I would still be sitting among boxes in my former residence.  But instead I am about 97% moved (I have until next Saturday to finish) and I'm about 80% unpacked and put away.  Not bad really.

When the last of it is done and my old keys are turned in, I am going to embark on a physical fitness program to try to regain some control of my life and my health.  One of the reasons I chose this new place is because it is situated on a small lake.  (No, there are no REAL lakes in Phoenix.  Just large man-made ponds that the local ducks are ever so grateful for.) There is a lovely walking path around this lake and me and my walking shoes are going exploring as soon as we get rid of the boxes.  I also found a Gazelle at Goodwill two weeks ago and it is now in my dinning room/gym.  I love the thing.  It really works the core which is where my weakness is really the most detrimental to everyday health.  I have it situated so I can watch the trees blowing outside while I glide along.

My cat, who thought she was dying when I left her all day in the bathroom with her box and dishes, has decided that she died and then went to heaven.  She has her own patio complete with trees and her own birds.  She sits in the doorway of the patio and just watches her outdoor kingdom like she's a queen.  But if a bird lands in her tree, she comes inside.  That's just too stressful!

I had planned a chocolate brown and turquoise motif before I ever saw the place.  When I opened the door the first time I was greeted by the most beautiful chocolate brown carpet!  Woohoo!  Nothing like having the colors right.  Now if I could just find my shower curtain.  I know I packed it!

The library came out last night.  It took about two hours to unpack all the books.  They are just up on the shelf which makes me nuts.  There are theology books sitting next to history books sitting next to novels.  This just isn't right!  I'm sure once the boxes are all done I will start sorting.  I can't stand my books mingling.

I started this piece to just say that I will probably be less that prolific in my writing until I get settled, but I always find something to run my keyboard about.  I've been trying to keep track of the Casey Anthony trial on the side.  I have lots of thoughts about that, but they will have to wait.  I hear my pots and pans crying to be let out!

Oh Brother Brother

Updated: June 3, 2011, 10:34 AM


From the moment of their birth in Buffalo 92 years ago, twin brothers Julian and Adrian Riester rarely left each other's side. They played together, went to school together, as young men traveled cross-country together -- and, in their 20s, joined the Franciscan order together. And on Wednesday, after 65 years as identical twins wearing the identical brown robes of the Franciscans -- mostly at St. Bonaventure University -- Brother Julian Riester and Brother Adrian Riester died together at St. Anthony Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla. Julian died Wednesday morning, followed by Adrian in the evening.

Those who knew the Riesters best say they are not surprised at all.

"If ever there is a confirmation that God favored them, this is it," said their cousin and close friend Michael Riester of Buffalo. "They weren't even separated for 12 hours."

The biological brothers were also religious brothers, committed to the monastic life of Franciscan friars, not as priests but in roles as physical laborers. During two stints at St. Bonaventure, from 1951 to 1956 and from 1973 to 2009, "the twins" were a common sight strolling in lockstep across campus -- or, in later years after a few "incidents" resulted in loss of their driver's licenses, on identical bicycles wearing identical helmets.
They became known as accomplished artisans who expressed their talents as gardeners and woodworkers, turning out tables and cabinets from their workshop in the garage of St. Bonaventure's Franciscan Friary.
Yvonne Peace, former secretary to the university's Franciscan community, remembers them as handymen and "fixers" who repaired all sorts of items brought to them by many on campus. "They were always busy," she said.

Brother Julian, whose given name was Jerome, and Brother Adrian, whose given name was Irving, were part of a family of seven children born to Dr. Julian Riester and his wife, Clara. Their father was a prominent obstetrician who as a medical student observed surgery on President William McKinley after he was fatally shot in Buffalo in 1901, according to Michael Riester, who is the historian of St. Louis Catholic Church.

The attended St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute in Buffalo (where they had a reputation for fooling teachers by their identical looks) and then a radio technology school in Los Angeles before applying to the Franciscans' Holy Name Province.

Toward the end of World War II, after mutually pledging to reply to whichever came first -- an acceptance from the Franciscans or an expected induction notice from the Army -- the morning mail brought an invitation to join the friars, and the afternoon mail "greetings" from the draft board. God's call, they told interviewers in later years, took priority.

They were separated only twice, once from 1946 to 1951 when Brother Adrian was a sacristan at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Manhattan and Brother Julian was general manager of St. Anthony Shrine in Boston. Later they were not far apart in the 1950s when Brother Julian was assigned to St. Patrick's Parish in Buffalo and Brother Adrian to Bishop Timon High School in South Buffalo. But from 1956 on, the Riester brothers were together.

Michael Riester remembers them as family men who used the money given them by friends to travel to Buffalo on their day off to take their mother -- who lived to 103 -- to dinner at fine restaurants such as Salvatore's Italian Gardens or Romanello's. "They liked a good time," he said.

Indeed, in 2003 Brother Julian told the Bona Venture, the university's student newspaper, that they confounded the friars' seniority system by often claiming they "walked in the door together" and by never divulging which twin was born first. "We don't tell," Brother Adrian told the newspaper. "We like to keep them guessing."

Michael Riester said his cousins will be remembered as "exemplary men and holy men," who lived their lives in a truly Franciscan spirit. When word came earlier this week that both were seriously ill in the Franciscans' retirement home in St. Petersburg, where they had lived for the last two years, Michael Riester and many in the St. Bonaventure community said they almost expected that the pair would leave together.

Now they will be buried together Monday in St. Petersburg.

"They had this intimate bond, in which neither was selfish at all," Michael Riester said. "And because they were so in tune to God and to each other, it's not surprising at all."

rmccarthy@buffnews.comnull
By Robert J. McCarthy

News Staff Reporter

It's OK To Be Alone