Vitus Speaks

2010-10-27T16:48:00.000-07:00

What does "exceptional" mean? When can something be defined as "exceptional"? When it corresponds adequately to the heart's original exceptions, however confused and hazy one's awareness of it may be. Exceptional is, paradoxically, when what is most "natural" for us appears. And what is "natural" for us? That what we desire should come true. For nothing is more natural than the satisfaction of the ultimate and profound desire of our heart, nothing is more natural than the answer to the needs that lie at the root of our being, those needs for which we actually live and move. Our heart has an ultimate, imperious, deep-set need for fulfillment, for truth, beauty, goodness, love, final certitude, and happiness. So to come across an answer to these needs should be the most obvious and normal thing. Yet, on the contrary, this correspondence which should be supremely normal, becomes supremely exceptional for us. To come face to face with something absolutely and profoundly natural, that is to say, something that corresponds to the needs of the heart that nature gives us, is therefore something absolutely exceptional. There is, as it were, a strange condition: what normally happens is never truly exceptional, because it does not respond adequately to the needs of our heart.
--Luigi Giussani
Generating Traces in the History of the World

Hello!

2010-04-16T02:18:00.001-07:00

For those of you visiting from NCR: Thanks for visiting; but I don't blog that much anymore. You may follow me at my Twitter account. Cheers!

Conan's last show on NBC.

2010-01-23T23:49:00.000-08:00

Help!!

2009-08-30T09:58:00.000-07:00

Dear All,

Please helpout my friends Guido and Nancy. They are doing some great work in Southern California:

Help Los Angeles Habilitation House (www.lahabilitationhouse.org) to win the "Share to Win" Contest ($5,000): support our cause with just few clicks!

LAHH is participating in the “Share to Win “contest launched by 3banana.com.
They need to collect the largest number of comments on a note describing why people should care about their cause in order to win the contest and collect a money prize. This financial contribution will help LAHH to continue to fulfill their mission of providing employment for persons with disabilities.
I just ask 2 minutes of your time and few clicks.
Follow these simple steps:

1) Go tohttp://bit.ly/Q9mlC where you’ll find the note
2) Click on the “comment” link at the bottom of the note
3) Sign in
4) Click again on “comment” and leave your message

If you have any problem signing on please check detailed instructions athttp://www.lahabilitationhouse.org/contest/eng/sharetowin.html#instructions

Please forward this message to your Facebook contacts, spread the word on Facebook and Twitter, and contact your friends by email.
Thanks!
Guido

2009-08-13T17:28:00.000-07:00

Because everyone, everyone, waits to be called sometime by their name, by
their own name which no one knows; not themselves, nor their earthly mother.
All wait to sometime be called by that father, whose hand and whose face we
have felt over our head in the form of prohibition in the early days, a shadow
over our pure forehead in the disturbing garden of childhood. And from whose
voice we thought we heard the distant echo, at our back, when in adolescence we
wanted to leave running past the limits of the closed garden. And whose glance,
among the clouds, has come diffused on our cheeks causing to rise in them the
fire of fear and of desire. We have felt it as an infinite aureole upon the
forehead and beyond the figure of our earthly father. And its voice has
reinforced one's own causing it to resonate towards the infinite. We all have
felt its unlimited presence upon our small, insignificant one. And we have felt
its presence giving meaning, power, to nature, "above the visible heavens"; to
the clouds as its vehicle, to the wind as "its winged steed"

--Maria Zambrano

New Pemco Ad.

2009-05-21T23:58:00.000-07:00

This is so true!! I think I am slowly reverting back to a north-easterner though.

American Violet.

2009-04-15T22:54:00.001-07:00

Here's something worth blogging: today I got an "update" through Facebook about a movie (because I am a fan of The Visitor):

Greetings to all of you who loved 'The Visitor'.

A year ago (almost to the day) I set up this FB page to try and help Tom McCarthys' wonderful film get as wide an audience as possible because I liked and believed in it so much. These days, small movies need all the help they can get, especially ones that lack big-name stars and large marketing budgets. Thankfully, and due in so small part to of all of you, the film got a lot of recognition garnering critical acclaim and many awards and nominations.

Today I'm writing to let you know about a film I saw last night that I think is just as powerful and touches on some of the same themes as 'The Visitor'. It is called 'American Violet' and it is terrific. Like 'The Visitor', it is small and opening in only a few cities with a very modest marketing campaign and is very reliant on good reviews and word of mouth to get attention. It opens this weekend (April 17th) and we can really make a difference in it's fate!

It also has at it's center a powerful performance by an actor of considerable talent. I think we are sure to hear more in the future about Ms. Nicole Beharie who plays the lead in this true and horrifying story about a terrible miscarriage of justice in Texas. It also has a remarkable supporting cast with the likes of Alfre Woodard, Tim Blake Nelson, Michael O' Keefe and Will Patton.

I hope you see it and agree that it deserves to be seen by as many people as possible. If so, please encourage your friends and spread the word! Here is more information:

Official website:
http://www.americanviolet.com/

Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Violet/47829071526?ref=mf

To find a theater near you:
http://schedule.samuelgoldwynfilms.com/films/american+violet/

Thanks for listening. All the best to all of you!

Here is an NPR story about this movie.

Also, if you haven't watched The Visitor, please do.

Goats at Quest Fields.

2009-04-10T17:27:00.000-07:00

So, you know my fascination with the PEMCO ad campaign. Kristi from Pemco writes:

Hi Alex –

My name is Kristi, and I work with PEMCO Insurance here in Seattle. I noticed that you had some nice things to say about PEMCO’s “Goat Renter Guy” ad from its “We’re A Lot Like You. A Little Different.” campaign on your Blog.

I just wanted to drop a note to give you a heads up that the goats from PEMCO’s ad are making a guest appearance this weekend at Saturday’s Sounders game. The goats will be hanging out at PEMCO’s booth outside Qwest Field at 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 11. Soccer fans and goat enthusiasts can get their photo taken with the hungry ruminants before heading into the game – just watch out that your Sounders scarf doesn’t get munched!

To check out the TV spot again, follow this link:

www.tinyurl.com/goatrenterguy

Thanks!

Kristi for PEMCO

Now you know...

WAY OF THE CROSS 2009

2009-04-04T20:28:00.000-07:00

I just got an email from the DC community about spreading the words on the Way of the Cross. Go here to see the listing of the cities, and attend them on Good Friday.

Tweet tweet!

2009-03-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

Oooo... lookie... I added a Twitter widget to the right -->

Now you can follow everything I tweet, however inane they are!

Actually, I have been using twitter more nowadays since I can use it from my phone, my desktop, and the web.

Alex's New Obsessions....

2009-03-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

Working long hours.

Richard Russo

Duffy

Here's a Youtube video of Mercy by Duffy.

UPDATE:

Here are two recommendations:

Listen to the Duffy station on Pandora. (click on the button for "Create a Station")

or on Slacker Radio

2009-03-19T21:55:00.001-07:00

The first annoying vegan!

Coliseum Way of the Cross Echoes Plight of Christians in India

2009-03-19T21:50:00.000-07:00

I know Bp. Thomas Menamparambil. He is a friend of my brother.

2009-03-16T21:55:00.001-07:00

Quote!

From "Some of my good friends are Hindus file"

2009-03-16T13:51:00.001-07:00

I don't think Hindus will be "insulted" by Pope saying: "In our days, when in vast areas of the world the faith is in danger of dying out like a flame which no longer has fuel, the overriding priority is to make God present in this world and to show men and women the way to God. Not just any god, but the God who spoke on Sinai; to that God whose face we recognize in a love which presses "to the end"". After all, he is the Pope, not Satya Sai Baba, you know?

See the note at the end of the linked post.

Up! -- I can't wait!

2009-03-15T14:36:00.001-07:00

2009-03-11T13:07:00.000-07:00

Busy days at work... Sorry for the silence.

But the person(s) who came to the blog by searching "how to do school of community cl", contact me.

And for the those of you who emailed me last week, I'll write back as soon as possible.

2009-03-02T11:58:00.000-08:00

If I haven't said this recently, go read Suzanne. She is insightful and funny, and she is not even trying!!!

Sad News from Taize

2009-03-02T11:19:00.000-08:00

Brother Michel
(1936-2009)

Peter Malone on Doubt.

2009-03-02T11:13:00.000-08:00

Here is something I enjoyed from Vatican Radio. (if you haven't seen the movie, be warned that there are spoilers.)

2009-03-02T10:20:00.000-08:00

This afternoon, led by Curiosity and good Company I strolled away to… Mother Church, or rather Grandmother Church, I mean the Romish Chappell. Heard a good, short, moral Essay upon the Duty of Parents to their Children, founded in justice and Charity, to take care of their Interests temporal and spiritual. This Afternoons Entertainment was to me, most awfull and affecting. The poor Wretches, fingering their Beads, chanting Latin, not a Word of which they understood, their Pater Nosters and Ave Maria's. Their holy Water-their Crossing themselves perpetually-their Bowing to the Name of Jesus, their wherever they hear it-their Bowings, and Kneelings, and Genuflections before the Altar. The Dress of the Priest was rich with Lace-his Pulpit was Velvet and Gold. The Altar Piece was very rich-little Images and Crucifixes about-Wax Candles lighted up. But how shall I describe the Picture of our Saviour in a Frame of Marble over the Altar at full Length upon the Cross, in the Agonies, and the Blood dropping and streaming from his Wounds. The Musick consisting of an organ, and a Choir of singers, went all the Afternoon, excepting sermon Time, and the Assembly chanted-most sweetly and exquisitely. Here is every Thing which can lay hold of the Sight Eye, Ear, and Imagination. Every Thing which can charm and bewitch the simple and ignorant. I wonder how Luther ever broke the spell.
--John Adams.

Via McNamara's Blog.

Goodbye Rocky Mountain News.

2009-02-27T10:18:00.000-08:00

Last edition of Rocky Mountain News is today.

Seattle PI and SF Chronicle waits for theirs.

Final Edition from Matthew Roberts on Vimeo.

2009-02-27T09:53:00.000-08:00

Go to Scott's blog for a cool video of Rich Mullins.

The new Archbishop of New York and the culture war

2009-02-25T16:09:00.000-08:00

Mnsgr. Albacete on Dolan and what is to come.

Communion and Liberation Northwest Summer Vacation 2009

2009-02-25T14:54:00.000-08:00

Communion & Liberation
Northwest Summer Vacation
July 1-5, 2009 • Bellingham, Wa

Here's a sneak-peek at the announcement postcard.

WooHoo!!

2009-02-24T18:33:00.000-08:00

My favorite Irish Band, Lunasa, is returning to Seattle, at Triple Door! Anyone want to go with me??

Listen to them on NPR.

2009-02-24T09:51:00.000-08:00

Someone send this out via email today as an explanation for King Cakes:

King Cakes, traditionally served only between Twelfth Night (January 6) and Mardi Gras day (the “fat tuesday” before Ash Wednesday) date back to the pre-Christian religions of Central Europe.

So self-consciously... de-Christianized don't you think?

Something Fun

2009-02-23T23:07:00.001-08:00

2009-02-16T18:33:00.000-08:00

NYTimes on Peter John Cameron and Blackfriars Repertory Theater.

Via Paul

A present for you.

2009-02-13T10:58:00.000-08:00

Don't say I didn't give you anything for this Valentine's Day.

LC/RC, Marciel, etc

2009-02-11T12:31:00.000-08:00

Suzanne said what I have been thinking about quite succinctly.

This is pretty cool!

2009-02-11T11:08:00.000-08:00

via The New Advent feed.

2009-02-09T22:47:00.000-08:00

Everything is better with bacon!

Thanks to my friend Michael B!

Wow!

2009-02-09T22:45:00.000-08:00

just...... WOW!!!!

And its made in Seattle!

Westminster Abbey, Mission, BC.

2009-02-06T14:14:00.000-08:00

Check out the new website for the Benedictine Abbey in Mission, British Columbia. Its one of my favorite places.

If it be your will....

2009-02-05T17:07:00.001-08:00

Crossroads Cultural Center

2009-02-04T16:02:00.001-08:00

Woohoo! New website for Crossroads Cultural Center!

Professor James Felak - Pope Pius XII

2009-02-04T15:02:00.000-08:00

My friend, James Felak, is interviewed on a local Catholic radio program about his lecture series:

Conversations With Father Bob.

Professor James Felak - Pope Pius XII

Dr. James Felak is an Associate Professor of History at the University of Washington. He teaches the History of Christianity, a seminar on Pope Pius XII and the Holocaust as well as a course on East Central Europe. Professor Felak is presenting a five week lecture series titled “The Vatican in the 20th Century: The Popes Confront A Turbulent World”. Join Professor Felak as he speaks with Fr. Bob about the actions of Pope Pius XII during World War II.

Sad...

2009-02-03T23:55:00.000-08:00

I didn't know them, but read them almost every day.

Please pray for Michael Dubruiel, who died, and for Amy Welborn, and the family.

Goat Renter Guy.

2009-02-03T16:10:00.000-08:00

New Pemco Ad:

Do me a favor: Go here, and click on "view the ads". Make sure to listen to "First Snowflake Freakout Lady".

2009-02-02T23:12:00.001-08:00

My brother, Eddy, in the news.

Oh so wrong...

2009-02-02T17:41:00.000-08:00

but oh.. so funny!

Here's the trailer:

2009-02-01T22:56:00.000-08:00

2009-01-29T17:55:00.000-08:00

Some beautiful pictures from Taizé

2009-01-29T11:48:00.001-08:00

Mmmmm.... Bacon!

AVSI Emergency Appeal for Gaza

2009-01-29T11:14:00.001-08:00

Emergency Appeal for Gaza
01/28/2009

AVSI has opened an appeal for funds to support the 3,000 Christian families and their charitable works in Gaza. For many years, this Christian community and its schools and services have been points of reference for the most needy and concrete expressions of a solidarity greater than religious and ethnic differences.

Father Manuel Mussallam, pastor of the Sacred Heart parish in Gaza, has described this dramatic situation: “It is a humanitarian disaster: the people lack water, electricity, food, and humanitarian aid. Thousands of children are suffering from the trauma of war. Thousands have been wounded and will spend the rest of their lives disabled. Every family in the Gaza Strip is suffering and weeping for the victims.”

The funds collected by AVSI will be sent to the non-profit association of the Custodians of the Holy Land and to the Catholic Latin parishioners of Gaza City and the various missionary activities on Gaza Strip. AVSI-USA will support this effort by channeling any funds received from U.S. donors; donations to AVSI-USA are tax-deductible.

“We should convert the heart, change the discourse, and change our mentality. First of all, this is the responsibility of each of us; violence demands our conversion. Pervasive distrust doesn’t help and is ultimately destructive.” S.B. Mons. Twal, Patriarch of Jerusalem

AVSI has been present in Palestine since 1993 with offices in Jerusalem and many activities. AVSI’s annual “Tende” campaign for 2008 included assistance to the schools of the Custodians of the Holy Land in Jerusalem as beneficiaries. These schools, among the oldest Christian schools in the region (dating back to 1645), provide educational opportunities to the poorest children including Muslims and Christians in Bethlehem and Jerusalem.

To support this Appeal, send checks—payable to “AVSI-USA” with “Gaza Emergency” in the memo line—to AVSI-USA: 529 14^th Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20045. For wire transfers, contact AVSI-USA for complete details: (202) 429-9009.

heheh!

2009-01-27T15:55:00.001-08:00

Learning from Madoff!

Fr. Tom.

2009-01-22T12:04:00.000-08:00

I am sure my readers have been following and praying for Fr. Tom Kraft, who is a Dominican priest in the Western Province. He died this morning, around two hours ago.

Here's what Mark Shea wrote about him a few days ago.

And Scott, a few months ago.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.

UPDATE:

Here is the email I got from the Parish:

Fr. Thomas Dominic Kraft, O.P., died at the priory of the Blessed Sacrament at 10:00 AM on
January 22, 2009, surrounded by your love and prayers and in the presence of his beloved
brother, Steve.

Fr. Tom had a great love for his priesthood and the opportunity to preach and minister in the

name of Christ. He had a special affection for the poor wherever he found them, and a
devotion to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, who inspired him. Fr. Tom is deeply loved by all
those who knew him in the various ministry settings where he worked.

The Vigil, comprised of the Office of the Dead and the Rosary, will be on Tuesday, January
27, at 7:00 PM
The Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, January 28, at 10:00 AM
Both will be held here at Blessed Sacrament.

For more information, please visit Fr. Tom's website and journal at
caringbridge.org/visit/frtomkraftop.

Thank you all for your prayers, and for your faithful, loving support during his illness.

Laura Lasworth

2009-01-21T16:09:00.000-08:00

My friend Laura Lasworth is a painter, and teacher at the Seattle Pacific University. Here's her website. Check her out!

An email from Riro

2009-01-21T15:07:00.000-08:00

Here is an email I got from Riro, our friend in New York:

Hello everybody.
Just to let you know that on www.bluesandmercy.com you can now find a new song, “YES”, written with my dear Irish friend John Waters.

You will also find the gigs of the upcoming “Hawaiian Tour 2009”.

And many other things ….like “Lord, I Tried”, new pictures, the transcripts of the 4 lecture series on American Music (in English), etc.

Hugs,

Riro Maniscalco

www.bluesandmercy.com

PS – and if you are interested in a school where American English can be learned and NYC explored … www.emeraldny.com

Salve a tutti.
Solol per farvi sapere che su www.bluesandmercy.com da oggi potete trovare una nuova canzone, “YES”, scritta con il caro amico Irlandese John Waters.

Troverete anche le tappe del nuovo “Hawaiian Tour 2009”.

E tante altre cose ... come “Lord, I Tried”, nuove foto, le trascrizioni delle conferenze sulla Musica Americana (in Inglese), etc.

Un caro abbraccio,

Riro Maniscalco
www.bluesandmercy.com

PS – e se vi interessa imparare l’Inglese e scoprire New York City ... www.emeraldny.com

New York Encounter.

2009-01-15T17:17:00.001-08:00

I am off to New York for the National Diakonia of Communion and Liberation. This year, the Movement has decided to hold a cultural event, along with the Diakonia, that is open to the public. So, if you are around, please come and meet me at the New York Encounter.

2009-01-07T18:00:00.000-08:00

I like Jamie Oliver.

The Vatican in the 20th Century: The Popes Confront a Turbulent World

2009-01-07T16:02:00.000-08:00

My friend, James Felak is doing the 2009 History Lecture Series at the University of Washington:

Schedule

January 20
1914-1939—Benedict XV and Pius XI
Benedict XV (1914-1922) spent his pontificate dealing with what he regarded as an unjust war followed by an unjust peace. Pius XI (1922-1938) saw the rise to power of Mussolini, Stalin and Hitler, along with the Great Depression and the diplomatic and military maneuvering that paved the way for World War II. This lecture discusses how these two popes dealt with a Europe rife with monumental moral and political choices.

January 27
1939-1958—Pius XII
Pius XII (1939-1958) was pope during the Second World War, the Holocaust and the early stages of the Cold War. He is considered the most controversial pope of the century, and this lecture probes Pius’ notorious policy of “silence” in the face of 20th century Europe’s worst crimes, as well as explores his diplomacy during the period when the Western democracies contended first with Hitler and later the Soviet Union.

February 3
1958-1978—John XXIII and Paul VI
John XXIII (1958-1963) was perhaps the most beloved person of his time, launching the Second Vatican Council in an attempt to bring the Catholic Church into closer dialogue with the modern world and some of Catholicism’s traditional enemies. Paul VI (1963-1978) finished the work of the Council and dealt with its turbulent aftermath, most notably as the Church responded to his controversial teachings on contraception. This lecture focuses on the two popes who helped bring about the most dramatic changes in the history of the Catholic Church.

February 10
1978-2005—John Paul II
John Paul II (1978-2005) helped bring down communism and was the most profound teacher of any modern pontiff. This lecture examines his role in the collapse of communism, his most significant teaching documents, his attitude towards nationalism, and his path-breaking and problematic relations with non-Christian religions.

February 17
2005 to the Present—Benedict XVI
Benedict XVI (2005 to the present) inherited a Catholic Church in a time when Christianity in Europe is in marked decline and in a world where religious faith and religious tensions are on the upswing. This lecture focuses on Benedict’s responses to secularization, Islam and the “war on terror.” It includes commentary on his 2008 visit to the United States and concludes by summarizing the major points from the 2009 History Lecture Series.

About James Ramon Felak

Associate Professor of History James Ramon Felak has taught at the University of Washington since 1989. He received his B.A. from the UW's Jackson School of International Studies and his M.A. and Ph.D. in history from Indiana University. Specializing in issues connected with nationalism, communism and religion, Felak is the winner of two book awards and a number of scholarly grants, and is past president of the Slovak Studies Association and a member of the Christianity in Eastern Europe Workshop. He currently holds the Jon Bridgman Endowed Professorship in History, and regularly teaches History of Christianity and an undergraduate seminar on Pope Pius XII and the Holocaust, as well as courses on East Central Europe. Felak's current research is on Pope John Paul II and Polish nationalism.

Please go here for tickets.

JibJab 2008 Year in Review

2008-12-31T14:04:00.001-08:00

A bit raunchy but funny:

JibJab - 2008 Year In Review
Uploaded by JibJab

2008-12-31T12:49:00.001-08:00

Pearls Before Swine.

Come Thou Font.

2008-12-24T12:19:00.000-08:00

Come Thou Fount of... by Sufjan Stevens
Uploaded by industrialbirds

Merry Christmas everyone, on this Feast of Holy Family. Seattle is back to its usual Northwestern dolldrum of beautiful greenery and montains after the Snowpocalypse (Yes, that's what we decided to call it after so much debate!!) The snow is still on the ground, but the roads are beginning to be a place where you can drive rather than ice-skate. I went to a Carol Concert by the Tudor Choir at our Church. They really are becoming (or have become) a preeminent Mideaval Choir in the country. They are doing the Candlemas at Blessed Sacrament!!

What can I give him,

Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd

I would bring a lamb,

If I were a wise man

I would do my part,

Yet what I can I give Him —

Give my heart.

--In the Bleak Midwinter.

P. S.: I meant to post the above video a few days ago, but forgot, and was in my draft.

2008-12-21T19:21:00.000-08:00

Un-frickin-believable!! Its still snowing. Still I went to the Messiah concert at the Townhall. Tudor Choir was amazing; Seattle Baroque Orchestra was amazing; and the soloists were fabulous. I had forgotten how long the peice was. I am so glad I went, though I froze my toes off.

I haven't seen anything like this before...

2008-12-20T22:59:00.000-08:00

in Seattle: Snow in 2008 (click through and go to the album to watch a short video I took.) These pictures are taken near 15th and 65th in the Ravenna neighborhood.):

One of my favorite priests lectures.

2008-12-20T22:02:00.000-08:00

I am so greatful for the care and friendship Fr. Michael has for me. Here he is lecturing at the DSPT on the "Kingly Office of the Laity":

View in HD Download 270p Version Visit CJK FILM's ExposureRoom Videos Page

Via DSPT

He has revealed Himself.

2008-12-18T19:22:00.000-08:00

The Flash movie from CL website.

SNOWMAGEDDON!!

2008-12-18T14:31:00.000-08:00

Yes folks! That's what we're having (don't laugh Sharon.) There is about 2 inches of snow... (may be!) And Seattle is being abandoned. Its utterly fun to read headlines like "Snowing heavily in Seattle, commute hammered." Seattle is one of the northern most cities in the lower 48 US. I do wonder if the city has any snow plows or sand/salt trucks. I don't think I have seen one in the past 8 years I've lived here.

h/t Seattlest blog for the title of this post.

UPDATE: Ahh... The Naked Loon how I love thee!

2008-12-17T14:13:00.001-08:00

heheh!

Its 2:15 PM, and its actually sunny outside. No snow!

Fed up with the Christmas music at the mall?

2008-12-16T13:45:00.000-08:00

Here's one more suggestion:

Sufjan Stevens' Christmas Album

And OTR's Snow Angels

More information on Sufjan's album here.

Work

2008-12-10T19:36:00.000-08:00

What is the meaning of work?

Oh... NO!!

2008-12-08T15:53:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite new songs is plagiarized??

One of the popular posts.

2008-12-07T22:57:00.000-08:00

Every year, near Christmas, I get a lot of hits for the passage I posted from the Christmas book by Undset. Yes, I do have the book. Its a short book, and I recommend getting it for your Christmas meditation. Alas, it is out of print. Here is the link to my post from 2006.

The Wrestler

2008-12-03T14:06:00.000-08:00

Mickey Rourke and Darren Aronofsky? And it looks so unline Pi, Requiem for a Dream, The Fountain, etc. Needless to say I am excited!!

I'm the dude, man

2008-12-02T18:29:00.001-08:00

Lebowski Fest.

A different kind of Christmas Music.

2008-11-30T17:41:00.000-08:00

As Over the Rhine plays in Seattle, and my friends go see them, here is their latest (well, two years old) Christmas Album: Snow Angel (listen to the whole album, or scroll down and listen to the title track.)

What about a bit of artistic licence?

2008-11-24T11:22:00.000-08:00

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!! Youtube Monty Python Channel.

Via Suzanne.

What is Communion and Liberation?

2008-11-24T11:16:00.000-08:00

From Paul at Communio.

Memes Memes Memes

2008-11-22T15:39:00.000-08:00

Scott tagged me in this meme.

1) If you had to give one million dollars to any 3 charities, which ones would you choose and why?

a) SVDP. We have a wonderful St. Vincent de Paul Society chapter in our parish -- they do wonderful things; I know many of the people involved in it; and I've helped out at the Sunday dinner a few times. So, this is something very close to me.

b) CRS. I still can hear in the Sunday announcements at mass, where I grew up: "We will have CRS food distribution on next Tuesday." They were on Tuesdays; I don't know why. I've never been to the food distribution to help out, or to benefit from. But, there are certain sounds that stay in your head from your life.

c)AVSI. Because its CL, and what I've seen in the works of AVSI blows me away!!

2) If you could only ever read 3 books again, which books would you choose and why?

hmmm... tough question.

a) Faith, Hope, Love by Josef Pieper. This book taught me what life is. And it still is teaching me. Also, reading this gave me an affinity for Fr. Giussani's writings. As I read through "Is it Possible.." I come back to this book quite often.

b) Till We Have Faces by Lewis. I have never been a big C. S. Lewis fan; I don't know why. But this book knocked me over. I saw my self in almost all the characters. The good, the bad, the proud, the methodical, the preconceived life I try to hold on to.. .

c) Brideshead Revisited. "I've always been bad. Probably I shall be bad again, punished again. But the worse I am, the more I need God. I can't shut myself out from His mercy...."

OK! I have to give a special mention to other books: Brothers K (I didn't mention it b/c Scott already did (darn!), In This House of Brede, and Kristin Lavransdatter.

3) If you could somehow incorporate 3 people (living or dead) into your family who would you want to be realted to?

I concur with Scott on this.

UPDATE: ohh... I forgot to tag someone. I tag Lals, Janelle, and Britta.

2008-11-21T11:56:00.000-08:00

The sorry state of our town. Yes, we are desperate!!

On another note, yesterday I watched the Cornish College production of Our Town by Thornton Wilder, and liked it.

Off to Washington DC for next week.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Something Beautiful

2008-11-12T11:12:00.000-08:00

Something for your Friday.

2008-11-07T15:39:00.001-08:00

Heh!

2008-11-06T17:18:00.000-08:00

Obama Win Causes Obsessive Supporters To Realize How Empty Their Lives Are

Benefit Concert and Silent Auction

2008-11-06T10:48:00.000-08:00

Wish I was in DC to attend this:

"Beauty is to enthuse us for work, and work is to raise us up"

(Cyprian Norwid)

Dear friends of the WorkCenter,

we are honored to invite you to a fundraising event we are organizing in conjunction with Crossroads, a cultural non-profit organization, for the evening of Thursday, November 20, at St. Matthew's Cathedral, in Washington DC.

During the last three years, we have been operating on a volunteering basis to accompany unemployed and under-employed people, and we hope that, in a small way, we have helped you, or your friends/family, during difficult times. We are now trying to take a further step in the direction of becoming more able to serve your needs as well as those of the many people that have asked for our help. During these tough economic times, we are experiencing a greater need and we want to be available for those experiencing hardship. To do that we need, in addition of the investment of our time and energy, a small financial investment.
We would like to ask you that you participate to this event, which will be a beautiful concert from a team of world-class musicians, as well as invite your friends and your family and all others that have been touched by the WorkCenter.
You can find detailed information about the event on our web-site [http://www.workcenter.us/]

Thanks and we hope to see you there!

2008-10-30T16:56:00.000-07:00

A letter from Fr. Tom Kraft. (scroll down to "Journal") Please continue to pray for a miracle.

Get some music.

2008-10-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

From Sixpence NTR

HA!

2008-10-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

Seattle Mayor's new initiative is "Seattle City of Music". One commenter on this SPI blog post says "Great. I thought there were plenty of homeless already."

The mess in Kochi.

2008-10-24T09:41:00.000-07:00

Please pray for my diocese in India.

2008-10-23T09:12:00.000-07:00

Something fun for this Thursday:
Do we really pay attention to the people we talk to?

Sorry, But Your Soul Just Died

2008-10-21T17:29:00.000-07:00

Tom Wolfe is sheer fun to read!!

2008-10-17T11:54:00.001-07:00

My friend Albertus M forwarded me this.

Is It Possible To Live This Way?: An Unusual Approach to Christian Existence: Hope

2008-10-16T11:12:00.000-07:00

Wow! It is out already? And Amazon has a product page? Remember last year trying to get a hold of the book?

End-time economics.

2008-10-13T16:31:00.000-07:00

This is an utterly odd story on Marketplace today. Fun to listen though.

No to I-1000

2008-10-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

Please spread the word.

Seattle Beginning Day: An event that becomes an encounter

2008-10-12T22:24:00.000-07:00

Here are the notes/transcript of Scott's presentation from October 11th.

Scott Dodge in Seattle

2008-10-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

Scott is visiting us for our Beginning Day. It was wonderful. I've asked him to post his presentation when he gets back to Salt Lake. In the mean time, here are two pictures:

From Scott Dodge in Seattle

2008-10-10T16:23:00.000-07:00

The originality of man is the expectant awaiting for the infinite. This poverty is required in order to acknowledge that everything I hope for isn’t reduced to my images, the images that today’s mentality, my culture, advertising, pump into my head. This demands poverty of spirit, which can come forth only in the encounter with such a gaze, giving me the courage to look at all my need; otherwise, I’ll be frightened and reduce it. “Seriousness in affection for yourself is the perception of your own boundless need […]. It’s boundless precisely because you don’t prefix any image of things you need: It is need! […] Kids, the most serious thing in the world and life is you, your person.” I am this need: I don’t “have needs. I am this need. I am this boundless expectant awaiting; I am this expectation of the infinite; I am this.

--Julian Carron at La Thuile 2008. (p.20)

All Things Go.

2008-10-04T17:50:00.000-07:00

Though a bit over played, this still holds as one of my favorite songs:

If I was crying
In the van, with my friend
It was for freedom
From myself and from the land
I made a lot of mistakes
I made a lot of mistakes
I made a lot of mistakes
I made a lot of mistakes

You came to take us
All things go, all things go
To recreate us
All things grow, all things grow
We had our mindset
All things know, all things know
You had to find it
All things go, all things go

We Are Catholic

2008-10-03T19:46:00.000-07:00

h/t: my friend Chris Johnson.

2008-10-01T16:58:00.001-07:00

I get a lot of my news from Marketplace. There were 2 stories about the whole mess we are in now.

First: Credit Crisis Confusion: the one-act play

Second: Revenge!

If you have a chance, listen to the whole show till the end to hear of what all are tacked on to the bail-out (or just forward to around 27:00 of the show.)

2008-10-01T16:03:00.000-07:00

I think this is painfully funny, and should be written into a movie story line. Bao?

Goodness Gracious Me - Superman is Indian

2008-09-29T17:59:00.000-07:00

Give me liberty and give me death

2008-09-29T16:57:00.000-07:00

P.J. O'Rourke's latest.

A shorter version at LATimes.

He is one of my favorite writers.

Humilitas.

2008-09-28T14:05:00.000-07:00

Read this beautiful Wednesday audience address by JPI.

More of the story at Whispers.

UPDATE: Then Abp: Ratzinger's homily at a Memorial Mass for JPI (Can't you see his affection for the Pope?)

Firsthand account of the day from John Thavis of CNS

Funny thing about the internet...

2008-09-26T09:22:00.000-07:00

is that you find things in unexpected places. Case in point: The press release about the book presentation by Crossroads Washington DC ends up on Marketwatch. Now, will Albacete and Roger Scruton discuss the market debacle based on Fr. Giussani's lectures on Faith, Hope and Charity? We'll wait and see. :)

2008-09-25T12:14:00.000-07:00

OK!Seriously: what do I get for my $2300.00 in return? And what are the terms? How many years? Can someone send me the terms of agreement?

An Event that Becomes an Encounter

2008-09-19T13:53:00.000-07:00

UPDATE : Here is the poster. Please spread the word.

Luigi Giussani’s Five Passages of Faith
A Communion and Liberation “Beginning Day” Event

Presentation by Deacon Scott Dodge
Saturday, October 11, 7:30 PM
Siena Room, Newman Center
University of Washington
4502 20 Avenue NE, Seattle

What is the nature of faith? Is it rational or irrational? A matter of unquestioning acceptance of certain ideas or an emotional feeling? Scott Dodge will speak to this topic as he offers a thoughtful response to Luigi Giussani’s book, Is It Possible To Live This Way? The event is free and open to the public.

Scott Dodge is a permanent deacon assigned to the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City. His primary service to the cathedral parish is as the Director or Religious Education & Formation. He is employed full-time as a civilian by the United States Air Force and works as an intelligence officer. He is also a member of U.S. Air Force Reserve. Scott converted to the Roman Catholic faith in 1990 from Mormonism. He writes a blog, Καθολικός διάκονος. Scott lives in Bountiful, Utah, with his wife, Holly, and their four children.

Sponsored by Communion and Liberation. Founded by Fr. Luigi Giussani in 1954, Communion and Liberation is grounded in the conviction that the Christian event, lived in communion, is the foundation of the authentic liberation of man. CL is today present in about seventy countries throughout the world. For questions about this event or about the Communion and Liberation community in Seattle, callGregory Wolfe at 206.281.2109 or e-mail gwolfe@spu.edu.