This week: Nancy Pelosi presents the hard-hitting facts of the Hobby Lobby decision (and of course, gets it completely wrong). Steve Ray is asked if he is saved. The Chosen faith formation program. EWTN offers an excellent alternative to biased evening news programs. An ex-terrorist places blame for the Palestinian / Israeli conflict. Input on the administration’s carefully crafted border crisis from Chicagoans. Bill Whittle also takes a look at illegal immigrants and history.

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Nancy Pelosi speaks about the recent Supreme Court Hobby Lobby decision. As usual, few truthful words are manifested. Same ole same ole, easily addressed by Megyn Kelly:

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Last December I wrote about the question Are you saved?. Steve Ray talks about a friendly dinner party “ambush” where he is asked this.

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I recently posted one of my Resources pieces on the excellent Ascension Press Chosen faith formation courses. In future weeks, individual preview videos will be featured aspect here. To give you a flavor, here is Chris Stefanick with an overview of the program:

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I have written often about biased news reporting. It is blatantly so and frequently anti-Catholic. EWTN (with the support of the Knights of Columbus) launched News Nightly last September and it is very good. This half-hour program is broadcast weekdays (6pm, 9pm and 2am ET for me; check your local EWTN schedule).

If you still enjoy paying for cable, EWTN may be one of your channels (or at least available channels).

If you “cut the cable” like me, watch it free online or via the free EWTN mobile apps. If you use a Roku box to receive Netflix or Hulu+ (or a zillion other things) on your TV, EWTN is available as a free channel.

All of these free means of watching EWTN live also offer archived copies of the show. It is similarly available on YouTube (this link works nicely). I watch the most recent archived version on YouTube at my convenience via my Google Chromecast. For example, here is a recent show:

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Who causes the Palestinian / Jewish turmoil? Not Israel and not Palestinians (at least directly). It is Hamas. Much of the Arab world admits this. Here an Egyptian doctor (and terrorist in his youth) explains:

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Residents from the southside of Chicago weigh-in on the administration’s manufactured border crisis and the president’s related and extravagant spending proposals:

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Bill Whittle looks at that carefully engineered border crisis and finds some parallels in history:

Some random thoughts or bits of information are worthy of sharing but don’t warrant their own full post. This idea was started by Jennifer Fulwiler at Conversion Diary to address this blogging need. So, some Fridays I too participate when I have accumulated 7 worthy items. Thank you Jen for hosting this project!

This week: The latest issue of New Evangelists Monthly is ready and calling you. NOW adds The Little Sisters of the Poor to their Dirty 100 list. The adult life of one downs syndrome man. A pro-abortion representative speaks frankly with those supporting life. Dinesh D’Souza’s America is in theaters now and has been very well received by audiences. Costco fashions a yarn explaining why their (solidly liberal) management initially removed the best selling (now #1) book of the same name. Costco’s executives are amateurs compared to the whale of a story being told by the IRS.

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Issue #19, July 2014, of New Evangelists Monthly is ready for your enjoyment! Scores of faithful Catholic bloggers have contributed their very best pieces from June. This month brought these great topics: seek Him, holy events, infant spirit, mystical songs, real truth, what you do, Esheth Yahil, ABC disasters, still en route, one body, several things, bird day, of the winds, discussing sex, phileo and agape, Italy lessons, love song, evolving world, make symbols, awesome stories, the path, God inside, religious liberty, evangelization, beginning again, rock and net, ember week, transitions, sharing steps, Lord’s day, procession, grieving, Ignatian way, justification, first martyrs, outward sign, Catholic sex, daily joy, perspective, prayer pillar, presence, Samson, thirst, the mandate, sacraments, lifeguard, David’s tears, piety, barnyard analogy, our heroes, lucky penny, good advice, rhythm, praying, enchanted, opening doors, Sacred Heart, silence, NABRE, miscarriage, arisen, judging, publishing, Corpus Christi, Bread of Life, ragamuffin, listen, Facebook, gay and Catholic, fully fed, parish hopping, unbelievers prayer, book reviews, Jerzy Ciesielski, Sola Scriptura, Uganda, end times, enthroning hearts, what things, treasure and heart, son Father, which religion?, salt / light, watchers, no worries and waywards.

This monthly “meta-magazine” showcases faithful Catholicism from theology to family life and “everything in between.” Enjoy it now at NewEvangelists.org.

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We learned this week that the Little Sisters of the Poor are DIRTY. I never knew that, but this is the finding of the National Organization for Women. The sisters have been named to NOW’s Dirty 100 list. Here are some of the dirty sisters, being their usual dirty selves:

Here, Patricia Ireland (former NOW president), comments on these dirty sisters:

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About 90% of women given a Down syndrome diagnosis for their baby abort that child. That child’s life has just as much value as any other (which is immense). Here is how one such fetus (clump of cells / Tim Harris) turned out:

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Yet despite the irrefutable science of when life begins and the equal human dignity of every person, many people staunchly support abortion. Here, one representative of that position eloquently offers carefully reasoned arguments in support of her side.

(FAIR WARNING: language that would make a sailor blush is liberally used. I am not kidding. BE FORWARNED.)

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Dinesh D’Souza’s new patriotic film America has opened (in time for Independence Day) and been extremely well received by viewers:

“True patriotism is not loving your country just because it is yours, but because it is good.” The film refutes, point by point, the liberal contention that America is a society based on theft.

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Speaking of the new America film, it was based on a best selling book of the same name (currently #1 on the Times best-seller list). The book was being sold by Costco until their management (huge Democratic supporters, BTW) had it pulled. After public outcry, they reversed course claiming it was all just an innocent mistake.

The facts, told well by Bob Adelmann in Costco Pulls, Then Restores “America” to Its Bookshelves tell a somewhat different story. Why couldn’t Costco just be honest? They didn’t have to go into detail, but could have said “we made a mistake, have corrected it and are sorry.” Instead, they fashioned this story, much as the IRS fashioned their lost e-mail story. You just have to be really gullible to believe some of this stuff.

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Speaking of IRS lost e-mail brings us to the topic of joint probabilities. That is, what are the odds all 7 hard drives of key IRS leadership failing in the same month? Answer: if they are very unreliable drives with an average failure rate of 36 months, then the answer is 1 in 78 BILLION (36**7). Let’s compare these odds to other possibilities:

• 1 in       22,957,480 – odds of winning the Florida state lottery
• 1 in     175,223,510 – odds of winning the Powerball
• 1 in     258,890,850 – odds of winning Mega Millions
• 1 in 78,364,164,096 – odds 7 critical IRS hard drives failed the same month

Put another way, what is more likely than this Obama administration fabrication:

•    300 times more likely to win Mega Millions with 1 ticket
•    450 times more likely to win the Powerball with 1 ticket
• 3,400 times more likely to win the Florida lottery with 1 ticket

Not only must the gullible accept this happened, but they must also believe (1) the failures were a complete and total loss with no chance of any data recovery whatsoever (the “failed” drives were quickly recycled so we have to take their word on this) and (2) that the IRS does not backup their data.

This is not politics. This is a criminal conspiracy and an insult to intelligence. I remember a time when political criminals at least worked for plausible deniability.

Some random thoughts or bits of information are worthy of sharing but don’t warrant their own full post. This idea was started by Jennifer Fulwiler at Conversion Diary to address this blogging need. So, some Fridays I too participate when I have accumulated 7 worthy items. Thank you Jen for hosting this project!

This week: Happy 4th of July! Food City has a wonderful, word-free advertisement for the occasion. We in America (and all the Western world) owe so much. An info-graphic overview of the Supreme Court Hobby Lobby decision. Chris Koch was not aborted: this is how he turned-out. Father Barron takes-on the shallow, anti-religion arguments of Bill Maher. Healthcare for small businesses – how it is working out. Kale…   Jim Gaffigan is strongly opposed! Those who cannot remember the past…

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Food City made this wonderful Independence Day commercial. No words spoken, no words needed:

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The Becket Fund has a helpful info-graphic to explain the recent Supreme Court Hobby Lobby decision:

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Almost exactly 4 years ago, I wrote about Nick Vujicic in another quick takes item. This week brings a similar story of Chris Koch from Nanton, Alberta. Many believe that people like Nick and Chris should have been aborted. If not, they should live in institutions as completely disabled. How sad.

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Bill Maher specializes in attacking religion. He “mixed it up” recently with Ralph Reed, the founder and former head of the Christian Coalition. Unfortunately, Ralph was ambushed and did not do all that well. Father Barron (who calls Maher “by far the most annoying anti-religionist on the scene today”) picks-up the ball:

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The reality of Obamacare is beginning to be felt. As more phases in (carefully scheduled for after the mid-term election, of course), the impact will be felt upon more and more Americans. Here is how it has already impacted one small business trying to do right by their employees:

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Where do you stand on Kale? Jim Gaffigan is opposed!

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Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it (George Santayana).

Some random thoughts or bits of information are worthy of sharing but don’t warrant their own full post. This idea was started by Jennifer Fulwiler at Conversion Diary to address this blogging need. So, some Fridays I too participate when I have accumulated 7 worthy items. Thank you Jen for hosting this project!

This week: Blessed Fr. Jerzy Popieluszko is presented in a new documentary film on Poland in the Solidarity era. A first date recorded for posterity. High school students support…   their janitor. The Croatian National Tourist Board has an official video (yawn), BUT it really will make you want to go there. Elevators, just say no. An artful rendition of an old standard. Some things transcend politics.

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Messenger of Truth is a new documentary film about a Polish Solidarity era martyr, Blessed Fr. Jerzy Popieluszko. This looks really good.

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That big first date! The excitement, the preparation, the questions…   How will he dress? Where will he take her? Will she enjoy his company? Will he treat her as a queen? So many questions!

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Young people can be so cruel. They so easily take blessings for granted and overlook those around them, outside of their social circle. Their school janitor for instance.

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The Croatian National Tourist Board has an official video – a rock version of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy (symphony no. 9) performed with their cellist star Ana Rucner. Who knew?

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This is why people are afraid of elevators. In Santiago Chile, an elevator in an apartment building began its ascent opening the inside doors and flying up 30 floors in 15 seconds until it crashed. The occupant was seriously injured.

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Convert Journal is a blog of high culture. As proof, allow me to introduce you to this enchanting rendition of He Ain’t Nothing but a Hound Dog:

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Some things every Democrat, every Republican and every other American should be united in. For the most part, we always have been too. I am speaking about the defense of our country, its citizens and unwavering support for those who put their lives on the line. I find this video just sad.

Some random thoughts or bits of information are worthy of sharing but don’t warrant their own full post. This idea was started by Jennifer Fulwiler to address this blogging need, but is guest hosted this week by Kathryn at Team Whitaker. So, some Fridays I too participate when I have accumulated 7 worthy items. Thank you Jen (and Grace) for hosting this project!

This week: The latest issue of New Evangelists Monthly is ready and calling you. Clay Christensen explains the role of religious freedom and the success of democracy. A well known star’s abortion testimonial. Planned Parenthood’s taxpayer funded sex education program. A “transgender Episcopalian priest” to speak at the (Episcopalian) Washington National Cathedral. A beautiful video on God’s natural creation. Beyond politics: releasing 5 of the most dangerous terrorists in the world.

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Issue #18, June 2014, of New Evangelists Monthly is ready for your enjoyment! Scores of faithful Catholic bloggers have contributed their very best pieces from May. This month brought these great topics: Bible deficient, thunderbolt, hound’s poem, confirmation, monastic heart, poetic feminism, future spouse, conversion poem, sin sources, Saint Lydia, conversion, not leaving, lock-down, monogamous, mother/son, liturgical dance, repentance, youth future, start living, faith matters, JPII b-day, other than God, 3 dates, VBS, God’s love, purgation, spiritual gifts, motherhood, confession, free will, slippery slope, social justice, happy heart, everyday, joyful, Gospel Jesus, modernists, in touch, discipleship, every knee, seven sorrows, struggles, Odysseus, preparing, unitive, floodlights, Francis quotes, glitter, literature, dear daughter, lay apostolates, diaper humility, Black Mass, lifeguards, leisure, good moms, mday homily, my fertility, witness, secularism, the proposal, serious reasons, butterflies, decrease, justification, finding grace, autotuned, veiling, think, your cross, life & death, dignity of work, Holy Name, joyful singing, Church, worshiping idols, Latin names, book review, keep by doing, Fatima, too Catholic?, CST, tired mom and farewells.

This monthly “meta-magazine” showcases faithful Catholicism from theology to family life and “everything in between.” Enjoy it now at NewEvangelists.org.

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Clay Christensen, a Harvard Business School professor and Mormon, explains the role of religious freedom and the success of democracy:

The money line: “if you take away religion, you can’t hire enough police.” So true. Those working for the secular ideal of a society proudly operating under nothing more than progressive thought do not understand this. Democracy will be replaced by totalitarianism.

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Another sadly common abortion testimonial:

I had an abortion at 17 and it was the worst thing I ever did. It was the first time I’d had sex, and that was rotten. I’d always thought it was going to be all violins, and it was just awful.

I was two months gone when I realized. I went to my mum and she said, without pausing for breath: “You have to get rid of it.”

She told me where the clinic was, then virtually pushed me off. She was so angry. She said I’d got myself in this mess, now she had to get me out.

But she didn’t come. I went alone. I was terrified. It was full of other young girls, and we were all terrified and looking at each other and nobody was saying a bloody word. I howled my way through it, and it was horrible.

I would never recommend it to anyone because it comes back to haunt you. When I tried to have children, I lost three – I think it was because something had happened to my cervix during the abortion. After three miscarriages, they had to put a stitch in it.

In life, whatever it is, you pay somewhere down the line. You have to be accountable.

Sharon Osbourne

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Planned Parenthood, when they are not busy killing unborn babies, spends their free time educating our children (their near-term target market). Sex education is a lucrative, taxpayer funded business for them. What exactly is taught? You may be shocked…

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I really do not have anything “against” Episcopalians. I know I have written about them quite a bit, because in a very short period they went from being similar to Catholics (at least as Protestants) to something almost unrecognizable as Christian. That is, at least per their leadership — I recognize the heartbreak and suffering this has caused many of their members. These “progressive” changes are tearing their community apart and leading those left behind away from the Christ.

Instead of doing yet another Elsewhere (previous ones here and here), I offer you David Virtue’s piece in VirtueOnline (tagline: “The Voice For Global Orthodox Anglicanism”). His piece is Episcopal Church Plunges to New Depths on Sexuality Issues. David discusses a “transgender Episcopalian priest” who will be featured aspect at the Washington National Cathedral.

Sodomy has become the lightning rod issue for progressive Christians. The irony should not be missed. Even as America’s Protestant denominations capitulate to the culture on sexuality issues including divorce, abortion, euthanasia, gay marriage, transgendered pastors, their churches, already aging, will shrink even more quickly and die. The urge to proclaim “justice” for sexually perverse persons overwhelms even the need to survive, it would seem, as God, we are told, is doing a “new thing” and we must get with the program.

It is hubris piled on hubris. It is as though the church has embarked on a long death march with a cyanide tablet, instead of a wafer, held out in the inviting hands of John Shelby Spong with the Cheshire cat grin of Gene Robinson standing next to him. The cup of salvation is now the cup of sexual salivation.

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This video gives a small glimpse of the beauty of God’s creation. I feel sorry for atheists who shackle themselves to the limited scope which science hopes to explain. This may be best enjoyed “full screen.”

Photographed between April 4th and 11th 2011 by Terje Sorgjerd on El Teide (Spain’s highest mountain).

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We have released 5 of the most dangerous terrorists we have, responsible for the deaths of many and the sacrifice of many other lives to secure their capture. In exchange, we have lifted the hearts of terrorists everywhere who now know of our new desperation to negotiate with them – even for a single soldier and very probable deserter. The same individual, whose unapproved absence resulted in the loss of many other lives both in searching for him and the suspiciously improved deadliness of enemy attacks immediately afterward.

Why? To get the VA scandal off the front-page. So important was this political action that crystal clear law was completely violated simply because the president, well simply because he does not follow laws whenever he feels like ignoring them.

Was Bergdahl really a deserter? Was he a hero, left behind, supposedly requiring bold leadership to save? His own platoon speaks here:

Some random thoughts or bits of information are worthy of sharing but don’t warrant their own full post. This idea was started by Jennifer Fulwiler to address this blogging need, but is guest hosted this week by Kathryn at Team Whitaker. So, some Fridays I too participate when I have accumulated 7 worthy items. Thank you Jen (and Grace) for hosting this project!