Finally, the Bible being put in its place?

Hong Kong is trying to decide if the Bible should be classified as indecent due to the mention of violence, sexuality, incest, rape, etc. At least people are starting to realize that the Bible isn't all that boring reading, you can't get all 3 of the elements of a good book in the Bible (sex, death, and religion). But, maybe not for the right reasons. If the Bible was deemed indecent in Hong Kong, it would mean that it would have to be sold from behind the counter with a sealed wrapper with a printed warning and could only be sold to people over 18. Just like an issue of Playboy.

But, there is a difference. The Bible doesn't glorify these sexual acts or include explicit details. If the Bible gets these restrictions put on it, then it would make sense to put the same restrictions on newspapers that mention the rapist that was arrested yesterday. And there could be more, where would it stop?

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Drunken Vandals in Rome

Four drunken visitors to Rome from Eastern Europe were arrested when they tried to take a screw driver to the papal emblem on the beautiful Fontana della Barcaccia (seen above) at the world known Spanish Steps. The fountain was commisioned by Pope Urban VIII in the late 1620's.

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Fatima Sex Ads

Talking about money being the root of all evil. An advertising company has decided to print maps of the shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima. So far so good, but what are the advertisements on the side? Sex ads. These unofficial maps are confusing pilgrims and making them mad. This company really needs to replace their marketing department, obviously their demographic studies are done by monkeys. It doesn't take a genius to figure that people devout enough to pilgrimmage to Fatima, are not going to be into abhorent sexual behavior.

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Welcome home, Lilly!

Wow, this morning, my Mom passed on some news that she found out last night! Apparently my brother's fiancée is receiving 3 sacraments in less than a week. Reconcilliation, Eucharist, Confirmation. That's right apparently, she's entering the Church on Easter Vigil. And we are just finding out!

We knew they were attending RCIA classes, but at first it was just for informational purposes, so she would have a way of finding out about the faith. Which is fine, you can attend the RCIA program without an intent to join the Church. However, they never told us that she changed her opinion and decided to join. My brother has been trying to talk us into spending Easter with them in Bloomington. Which, Mom was thinking about, but I was fighting because it didn't make any sense since the majority of our family will all be in the same town that's only a 2 hour drive from them. But, he finally let us in on why.

This is very exciting news. Congratulations Lilly, we'll all be there for you and I'll be praying for you this week (but I always am praying for family, too)!

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Catholic Radio on the net

You may know that SIRIUS Satelite Radio is where it is at if you're Catholic. EWTN has had a channel there for awhile, and the Archdiocese of New York has put up their own Catholic channel next door called the Catholic Channel at the begining of the liturgical year.

You also probably already know that you can listen to all of your favorite EWTN programs with your computer by streaming from their website.

However, as of St. Valentine's Day (for all of the calendar-challenged guys out there, that's today, pick up a gift after work/classes) both EWTN and the Catholic Channel will be offered online at SIRIUS!!!

Sure, I'm excited, I already have a radio and subscription, so now I can check into the shows while at work or away from my radio. If you don't already have a SIRIUS radio you may not be excited, BUT this means you can sign up for the free 3-day trial at SIRIUS and actually check out the Catholic stations during the trial. Not planning on paying a large chunk of cash for radio hardware and still not convinced to use the trial? You don't have to have a radio to take advantage of the Catholic channels. You obviously have a computer and an internet connection, which means you can pay for the cheaper $6.99/mo. and still hear the great Catholic programs. Don't forget all of the nice music stations you get with that as well, there's genres and music you won't find on conventional radio.

Check it out. What can it hurt? It's just a free 3-day trail!

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Army barricades way to church

Sunday morning, on the way to church, there were road closed signs, barricades, and police blocking the roads to church. But that didn't stop us, we parked down the street and walked right through the barricade determined to fulfill our Sunday Obligation. Once past the road blocks we were met by army men and armed vehicles. But still we wouldn't let that keep us from freely practicing our religion.

Okay, now for the punch line. In Huntsville they had quite a few streets closed off for the weekend through the heart of downtown. They were trying to use a city type setting to do some kind of practice and testing. From what I've heard it was testing some new procedure to try scanning vehicles for IEDs and such.

Too bad I didn't have my camera, my phone was left at my apartment charging and I was running a little late for church (made it in just after the processional). There was a great opportunity for a photo. There were army men and an armored vehicle in the lot across from the church and I know I could have gotten a photo with the army vehicle in the foreground and the church in the background making it look like we are under martial law.

Either way it still made Sunday morning a little more usual than normal, but I still had to think about and pray for other people in the world who this is a reality for.

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34 years and finally some hope

34 years ago was the Roe v. Wade decision that Americans can mercilessly kill innocent, defenceless, young American babies for no reason what-so-ever. Today, I'm spending the day in fasting and prayer for the end to all of this non-sense.

Over the past week, I went to an excellent rally on the courthouse steps here in Madison County to which about 75 people showed up. Also, in Birmingham there was a rally and march with thousands of people. Quietly and peacefully walking through the streets past the Summit (if you remember, that was the abortion mill that was forced to close this past year because of malpractice). There are only 2 abortion mills left in Birmingham, down from 7 over the past 15 years. Praise God! One of those is currently on probation. The walk also took us past one of the abortion mills which wasn't closed, this location is the only place with hecklers and pro-abortion signs. Both places that do abortions in Birmingham were closed for the day. I was very satisfied with being a part of the walk. There were even quite a few doctors walking in their smocks in support, many of them had the letters OB and GYN embroidered near their name. The walk was led by young people carring a casket of an aborted baby followed by women who have decided to be silent no more. Across the country many others will be showing their support today as well as this past weekend. in D.C. and San Francisco hundreds of thousands will be walking together.

This year, there is hope. As we walk, pray, and fast, please remember the cases currently going on in the Supreme Court. Gonzales v. Carhart and Gonzales v. Planned Parenthood were heard on Nov. 8th and have not yet been decided. These cases will hopefully get rid of the absolutely horrible practice of partial-birth abortion. There is also another case out there on the same grounds, but has not yet been heard.

This week, stop by YouTube to watch some excellent videos. These videos were created by a 19 year-old girl, whose mother was pregnant at 19 and single and and everyone around her telling her to have an abortion. She fought society and made her own choice to give her baby the gift of life. YouTube.com

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Biblical Armageddon begins!!!

And where is it starting? Kentucky of course!

At least it feels like it. Man the stories. In the past week, I-65 has closed down both ways twice in the county where my parents live. There was a firey accident involving a few semis. One was med-flighted, but no one died. Then, a train with chemicals derails and burst into flames releasing toxic smoke, again not killing anyone. And the next day, a school bus crashes with 3 students dying in another part of Kentucky. Also, they released the audio recording of the plane that crashed taking off from Lexington last year.

There's got to be something in the water back home in Kentucky, sheesh!

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LEE HIGH BUS UPDATE: Announcements

This afternoon started off on a sad note. Shortly afternoon, an announcement of another student death by injuries. The fourth student to die from the accident is Crystal Renee McCrary at the age of 17.

The NTSB is still on the ground at the site, at their press conference, they listed some steps the investigation will have to take. Not really much useful information. They said they are here just to gather information and the probable cause will not be determined until the final report comes out which can take quite some time.

Although Lee High School decided to still have classes today (which I think is a good idea to give the students somewhere to go and have something else to focus on other than their drepression), they did decide to cancel tonight's Basketball game. Along with convening for classes, the school said that they would have many counselors on hand throughout the day for students.

Please continue to join with me in praying for everyone involved.

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LEE HIGH BUS UPDATE: The Mass

Mass last night was nicely done. They were able to get some one there to do music and Fr. John did well trying to fit in talking about the tragedy although he had found out about it just before Mass. Quite a few Lee High students (15-20) showed up, some were Catholic, and many were not. Many people were touched to tears, some of which new some one that was serriously hurt or killed, and others who were just touched by the tragedy. Before Mass, a newspaper team from Chattanooga were interviewing a lady who knew one of the girls that died, I believe it was Taniesha. The parish secretary and youth minister decided that we couldn't give permission to the media to take pictures or video without first consulting the pastor who was not present. So, they delegated me to tell them and the Birmingham NBC crew that showed up who were supposed to be getting shots of a service for some National coverage. Luckily, during the Liturgy of the Word, Fr. Glen, the pastor, showed up and gave them permission so the music minister took them up to the choir loft at the Alleluia and they came down during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. After Mass, they interviewed the principal of Catholic High School about his feelings as a principal in the area and then the youth minister. So, if you see something that looks like a Catholic Mass on NBC, that would be St. Mary of the Visitation.

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LEE HIGH VUS UPDATE: The Next Morning

Last night, the Police were able to talk to the driver of the small car now described as an orange Celica. Both the driver and passenger of the Celica were students and they have confirmed that both students were on route to the same destination. Neither of these students are being charged or held. Nicole's, now reported to be 19 instead of 18, family at first had said that she was pregnant, but her sister says that is not true. However, Nicole was the mother of a 4 year old. Taniesha's age has been released as 17. Both Christina and Nicole's funeral arrangements have been finalized and announed, although Taniesha's are not known at this time. I believe there is only one student in critical condition which they are worried about. They say the driver is in bad shape, and unable to talk, but we don't know much more about his condition.

This morning, the NTSB begins it's investigation into the accident. They will start on the I-565 ramp where it all started. They will also sample paint and metal off both the Celica and the bus to see if the vehicles did touch or not.

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LEE HIGH BUS UPDATE: News Stories

CNN
Bus Wreck
Monday Headlines
3 Killed

FOXNews:
3 Dead
Bus Accident Facts

WHNT (CBS):
Videos
Avoid Hospitals
Info for Parents
I-565 closed
Donate Blood
Gov. Riley speaks
Prayer Vigils
Share Your Thoughts

WAFF (NBC):
Message Board
Riley's Statement
Blood donation sites
Prayer Vigils
Memorial Fund
Police Looking for Small Car
Bus Drops Off Interstate
3rd Student Dies

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LEE HIGH BUS UPDATE: Map

I've created a map of the locations in the incident using Google Maps. Click to enlarge the map to be more visible.

On I-565, you will see a red circle indicating the site of the accident. Just to the south of that circle, you will see a green circle indicating Huntsville Hospital where about 34 students were taken. Continuing south, there is a blue circle around Crestwood Medical Center where 9 students arrived. To the west of the blue circle there is a red solid square near Brahan Spring indicating the Huntsville Center of Technology (the destination of the bus). To the north-east of the red circle there is a green sqaure denoting Lee High School (the starting point of the bus).

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LEE HIGH BUS UPDATE: Press Conference

I'm able to give everyone a little better information after the preliminary breifing in a press conference that started about 1:20 CST.

The bus was traveling from Lee High School to the Huntsville Center for Technology (a vocational school). The Bus accident occured approximately 10:15am CST. There were 44 people on the school bus. No one was brought in by medflight, Ambulances and city buses carried students to the Hospitals. 9 students in non-serious conditions were taken to Crestwood Medical Center (in South Huntsville). 2 of these students were treated and released, 2 refused treatment and the remaining 5 have minor cuts, lacerations, and bruises. The remaining 34 were taken to Huntsville Hospital (downtown, only minutes from the scene). 2 were confirmed dead at the scene, none of the students admitted to the hospital have died. 2 of these students are in the ER Operating Room and 2 others are listed in critical condition. 2 students have yet to be identified (they are alive, they just weren't carrying IDs, had to be intebated, and can't further tell who they are), they are 90% sure about the boy, but haven't had someone confirm, and they don't have leads about the un-identified girl. The 2 students that have died are 18 yr. old Christina Collier and 17 yr. old Nicole Ford. Nicole had previously survived a shooting where she had been shot in the face. A drill on bus accidents had been performed in the last couple of weeks by the school system and emerency personal. Some students have reported that a car swerved in front of the bus and others reported that a car hit the bus. There is a small red car that smashed nosed-first into the side concrete barrier of the Highway in the vicenity, but it is unknown if this is the car in question or another vehicle swerving to avoid the incident as well. There are counselors available at some schools. There are also counselors setup for the first responders that had to deal with the initial scene and victims.

By the time I arrived back at work after the press conference, supposedly a 3rd student has died and supposedly 3 students were released from Huntsville Hospital. The 3rd name released dead was Taneisha Hill

There will be a Mass said at St. Mary of the Visitation Church (downtown and only 1-2 blocks from the crash) for Lee High School students. The Mass will commence at the regular 7:30pm CST time and following the Mass, there will be Youth Ministers and church people on hand to talk with any students that may need some one to talk with. If you can stop by adoration, Mass, a church, get a prayer in the intentions, say a rosary, or take some time when ever you can through out the day and the rest of the week for those involved, please do so.

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Tragedy strikes in the heart of Huntsville

There was a very tragic accident that happened to a bus of about 35 high school students this morning, A bus was transporting the students from a vo-tec school back to the high school when the bus ran off an Interstate overpass, the bus fell 30+ feet (like driving off a 3 story building and nose-dived onto a downtown street below. So far there have been 4 confirmed deaths and most of the other approx. 20 students taken to the hospitals are in critical condition. This is very sad especially considering that it is only 2 days away from the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Please, please pray for everyone involved in this incident including: the person/people in the "red car" that might never surface that they may find solace with God to not condemn themselves with guilt of the loss of lives; for the kids who died or will die at such a young age that God may be merciful when they go to their judgment; for the parents and family who will experience such heartache around the dinner table that they may find comfort and forgiveness in frequent prayer and intercession to God; and the students at Lee High School since it will affect them so closely that God will grant them the grace to carry on with their lives through this school year as well as the rest of their lives.

The local news channels websites are bogged down and many have crashed through the day as people at work across the area are trying to get constant information, so most have gone to a text format for most of the day. However, you can find this story through national carriers of the associated press such as CNN and FoxNews. I'll do my best keep up with the information on this tragedy here as I find out about it.

Here is a report from the local ABC affiliate in town (WAAY):

Huntsville city bus accident involving 30+ people. The bus fell 30+ feet. Lee High School Students involved. 23 were transported by HEMSI, 11 other by city bus to hospitals. All students have been transported to Huntsville Hospital main, and the Women and Children's center and Crestwood Medical. If you are a parent DO NOT GO TO THE ER. Go to the Main Cafeteria of the Huntsville Hospital or Crestwood Pavilion Center for information. The accident happened at Church Street and I565. Please stay away from that area. Two student fatalities. Eyewitness saw bus driver swerve to avoid a red car.

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BAN HOMOSEXUALS!!!!!!!!!

Well, tell me why, not? Elton John wants to cry out to ban all religions. Why can't I say ban homosexuals? Why would I get a visit from the ACLU if I was serious about that statement, but Elton John doesn't? I doubt that it has to do with the difference in our income levels or public stature.

I used to like Elton John and his songs, no matter how off the wall he's been, until he decides to go and make such a dumb statement as "ban all religion." Let me tell ya, that right there is being a bleeding heart and sensitive that liberals claim to be.

Sir Elton claims that "I think religion has always tried to turn hatred towards gay people. Religion promotes the hatred and spite against gays." Just because you hate the Church, doesn't mean the Church hates you. Your statement is so wrong. Sure you have sinned, I have sinned, we all have sinned, but the Church doesn't teach to hate homosexual people, and the Church doesn't teach to hate me for my sins. What does the Church teach? Well, let's take a look (CCC 2357-2359):

Homosexuality refers to relations between men or between women who experience an exclusive or predominant sexual attraction toward persons of the same sex. It has taken a great variety of forms through the centuries and in different cultures. Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained. Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity, tradition has always declared that "homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered." They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved.

The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.

Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection.

The first paragraph defines homosexuality and speaks on homosexual acts. It states that homosexual acts are "intrinsically disordered," not intrinsically evil, not banned, or anything else you've been told. It goes on to describe what that statement means, "They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity." The last line ("Under no circumstances can they be approved.") might sound harsh, but we have to take it in context. Remember, the "they" is refering to homosexual acts (read sex), NOT homosexuALS themselves.

The second paragraph deals with homosexual people. What does it say about homosexual people? "They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided." The Church said it right here, homosexuals are people and they deserve respect, compassion, and sensitivity just like everyone else. What does it say about unjust discrimination and hatred towards homosexuals? That's right [it] should be avoided. And that paragraph just keeps getting better and better for homosexuals. WOW! That's supposed to promote hatred. Unless I'm off my rocker it says that hatred and unjust discrimination are sins.

The final paragraph tells us that homosexual persons are called to chastity. And pretty much describes the exact same call for single people, married people, priests, and religious.

Mr. John, I think you need to check your sources next time. Just because church-going people seem to spew hatred, does not mean that is what the Church teaches. By your statment and by your philosophy, I should then resolve that all homosexuals hate me (a church-going person) and therefore call out that homosexuals should be banned now doesn't it?

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Let's put the Christmas back in Christmas this year

Sunday night I went to Wally World to buy some groceries, would you believe Christmas music was playing over head? Now I can understand selling decorations and what-nots before Christmas, when they start selling them at All Saints Eve time that's a little much, but when Christmas music starts playing after All Saints Eve - that is riddiculous!

Had to get that rant out of the way since it just happened this week. But, for better news on Christmas, I heard on the morning news yesterday that retailers will actually allow people to say "Merry Christmas" again.

Remember last year, Wal-Mart decided to ban the word Christmas in its stores by not letting its associates say "Merry Christmas" (whatever happened to freedom of speech?), Creating a "Holiday" aisle for Christmas trees, and Christmas tree ornaments, and Christmas cards, etc. Which never made since to me, put Christmas on the aisles for Christmas stuff, Hanukkah on those aisle and so forth.

After seeing the errors of their ways, Wal-Mart (along with other retailers) decided to lift the ban on Christmas this year. After all, 'tis the reason for the holiday season and the only reason people spend big bucks that time of year. The emphasis is small on the holiday traditions during the same time of the year from other religions.

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The sadness abounds

It looks like California will again, sell it's young girls to sexual predators by Prop. 85 failing. Missouri will sell medical advances for a science that does not yield results with the passing of Ammendment 2. And South Dakota sells its soul by not banning abortion and standing up against Evil.

It appears that America has no respect for human beings when it can no longer protect the most defenseless and weakest. America ensures us many freedoms in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, but how can we have these freedoms without the "inalienable rights of LIFE, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?" It is no coincidence that those rights are listed in that order, they are listed in order of importance.

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Fisrt Monday of October

Today is the first Monday of October, which means that today is special day in the secular world as well! What day is that? Well, it's the first day of the new term of the Supreme Court. This is the start of the first term with Samuel Alito, but without Sandra Day O'Connor. Hopefully we will start seeing more level-headed and better decisions made by the court. Hopefully, we can begin to see some JUSTICE for the innocent unborn children.

Whip out those rosaries and start praying!

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Slow days

Sorry that it's been a little on the light side. We moved into a new office building. I've made a couple of trips back home. I've been assigned stuff at work that is really frustrating and time consuming. And I've also gotten involved in LibriVox that I found out about from Julie D. at Happy Catholic

Let's see; first, I was in town this past weekend, so, of course, I was out praying Sat. morning. Our group was a small crowd, it was very hot, and the traffic seemed light, even the flow of women coming in. I still haven't seen any of the vehicles of any of the first people that we met from the Hospitality House (I hope that's a good sign). The funniest thing happened. Some guy passing on the other side of the road decides to lean quite a ways out of his van window and yell, "GET A JOB!" I died laughing. I didn't know that being out on a Sat. morning meant that you didn't have a day job. I don't think that got the memo that the usual yell out the window is: "GET A LIFE!" Which Mom apparently finds highly ironic. There was a white SUV that passed kind of slowly (ie not speeding) with a 2 people, the driver was male, and it looked like the passenger was a female and there was a large AU magnet on the back. He turned around at the parking lot at the end, usually these are all signs that they are scoping out the place on the first pass, so they can be sure to make the correct turn on the second pass, and possibly to make sure that we aren't blocking the entrance. So, when I saw them turn, I let everyone know that one was coming. The passenger was definitely female, and they both had on white shirts saying they worked security for the VBC. He pulled up to the curb and slowed down. But, having the passenger window rolled down kind of caught me off gaurd. Instead of pulling in, he leaned across so he could see better out the other window and said "You're doing a good job," smiled, and drove off. Wow! If you ever stumble across this, thank you so much. You really made my day.

Other than that, it was pretty quite on the front. I went back to my ol' theatre company who was putting on Seussical. Let me tell you, I was pretty skeptical going in, but coming out, I was a fan. They had a great cast for the show, and I thought the show was pretty excellent. If you ever have a chance to see it, go. Although it will be in Huntsville soon and they are charging $21 O.o I don't know about paying that price for a community theatre.

Well, my recent online hobby is LibriVox. FREE Audiobooks. That's right, absolutely free books that you can download in MP3, you don't have to login or provide an email address or anything, just save the file. The books, of course, have to be in the public domain, but they are still great books and a lot of great readings. If you like it, support them, no money needed, but there are a few different ways to go about it. First, you can print off posters and put them in your library/work/where ever, or email, or tell people, or post in your blog, just get the word out. Second, you can listen. Pick a chapter or 2 and listen to it to make sure that there's not too much background noise or no long pauses and things like that. Thrid, you can read. We already know that you have a computer and are online since you are reading this, all you need is a microphone and a free program to download and you can record poems, chapters, or even whole books and have everyone across the world listening to you!

Before I go, there was a news story on Fri. about some child that has a disease and has all of these hospital visits and needs that are very costly. The reporter in the story said that when they went in to some financial aid person to ask for more monetary help, they were told that they could only help them if the couple got a divorce. WHAT?!? That just makes me boil. Of course, they said they couldn't do that. No duh, they love each other. There's just too much to complain about there, so since there is nothing good to say about it...

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