It's the ending of an era. An era of dirty dishes sitting in the sink for weeks on end. An era of drinking corona while kayaking on a lake in Kentucky in a children's kayak. An era of eating an entire Aurelios while watching Lord of the Rings. An era of striking out on adventures either well thought out or ill-fated. And, the best way to commemorate the ending of an era is with a list.
Top 7 things I'll miss about bachelorhood:
1. beer belly
2. going to the bathroom with the door open
3. kraft mac and cheese as a gourmet meal
4. beer in the shower (maybe I won't give this up)
5. Pizza Rolls, Bagel Bites, etc.
6. being a wanderer
7. open, proud, loud and crass flatulence
Despite giving all these wonderful things up, I could not be happier.
Please Pray for us this weekend, friends.
Cheers.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Response to an old friend
I'll address your second point first, as I think we have the most common ground on it. I agree that a conversion of hearts is necessary AND that physical work is needed in addition to spiritual work. If as you suggest, Roe v. Wade is not over turned, we need to focus on an individual hearts and on converting individual hearts to sanity. And when it comes to that job, the Holy Spirit is vastly more effective than we can ever be. So, the spiritual work is more important than the physical work, but the physical work is immensely important as well! I don't know if you are referring to me personally or the general 'you' but we support life in 3 main physical means to end abortion; crisis pregnancy centers, political means, and legal means. Politically we support the Illinois Students for Life, which also is a prayer organization in many ways. We also participate in prayerful, peaceful protests and prayer vigils. For crisis pregnancy centers, we are participating through our parish in a baby bottle fund to raise funds for single mothers who need help buying diapers, food, etc. for their unborn children. We also support in time and money the Arms of Love crisis pregnancy center which helps women who have an unexpected pregnancy by providing resources and supplies such as clothes, cradles, and other materials in addition to counseling and spiritual support. Legally, we support such organizations as the Thomas More Society because they are pro-life and protect not only unborn children but also doctors who refuse to kill the old or the unborn, pharmacists who refuse to give birth control, and individual free speech.
These are the physical works we (personal we) try to engage in and the 'real world' means of battle. As far as compassion goes, abortion is the opposite of compassion. Planned Parenthood, amongst others, takes fragile, scared women and tells them that the best thing for them is to kill their child. Abortion can never be compassionate because of its nature. Many women every day seek real answers and real help, and what they get is deception, legal and funded by the federal government, mainly through planned parenthood - but they are only the head of the snake. We (we Christians, the church militant) must provide real solutions to women in need, real compassion, Christian compassion, and care for her entire person. We (the personal we) try to do so as mentioned above.
As for King Hussein and his pro abortion agenda. We can address what he has done while in office, what he has planned to do in office, and what he did before he was in office. In his short time in office B.O. has lifted restrictions on funding abortions abroad and also increased funding drastically to embryonic stem cell research. In addition, his administration has lobbied heavily with the U.N. to make abortion "a fundamental right" to all people. What he plans to do while in office, going by what he promised to do in his campaign is to enact the so called "freedom of choice act" or FOCA, which would lift all restrictions on abortion and FORCE doctors (even conscientious objectors) to perform abortions. But, these horrors pale in comparison to what he has already done. During his time in the Illinois legislature, B.O. spoke out in OPPOSITION to the "Born Alive Act." The Born Alive Act asserted that doctors MUST rescue and aid a baby who was born despite the sinister attempts to abort it. Previously, doctors were letting babies breathing outside of the womb die. President Obama spoke out AGAINST this bill siting that it would extend rights to the unborn child that would prevent abortion. This is infanticide and he refused to stop it or say it should be stopped. He supported even infanticide to keep abortion legal in my state.
I don't know of any other politician who favors lifting all restrictions on abortion, making abortion a fundamental right, increasing funding abortion abroad and domestically, and the practice of infanticide, but maybe there are some out there that have done that in our country and if there are I'd love to know their identity.
While Mr. Hopey-Changy talks of building a society in where abortion is less necessary, his actions support a society in which abortion is a foundational right. This is the difference between political rhetoric and facts. The facts are against B.O., but while those in our country continue to let themselves be lulledby the good-looking slick talking man, we will continue to live in a state of dilusion.
Cheers.
These are the physical works we (personal we) try to engage in and the 'real world' means of battle. As far as compassion goes, abortion is the opposite of compassion. Planned Parenthood, amongst others, takes fragile, scared women and tells them that the best thing for them is to kill their child. Abortion can never be compassionate because of its nature. Many women every day seek real answers and real help, and what they get is deception, legal and funded by the federal government, mainly through planned parenthood - but they are only the head of the snake. We (we Christians, the church militant) must provide real solutions to women in need, real compassion, Christian compassion, and care for her entire person. We (the personal we) try to do so as mentioned above.
As for King Hussein and his pro abortion agenda. We can address what he has done while in office, what he has planned to do in office, and what he did before he was in office. In his short time in office B.O. has lifted restrictions on funding abortions abroad and also increased funding drastically to embryonic stem cell research. In addition, his administration has lobbied heavily with the U.N. to make abortion "a fundamental right" to all people. What he plans to do while in office, going by what he promised to do in his campaign is to enact the so called "freedom of choice act" or FOCA, which would lift all restrictions on abortion and FORCE doctors (even conscientious objectors) to perform abortions. But, these horrors pale in comparison to what he has already done. During his time in the Illinois legislature, B.O. spoke out in OPPOSITION to the "Born Alive Act." The Born Alive Act asserted that doctors MUST rescue and aid a baby who was born despite the sinister attempts to abort it. Previously, doctors were letting babies breathing outside of the womb die. President Obama spoke out AGAINST this bill siting that it would extend rights to the unborn child that would prevent abortion. This is infanticide and he refused to stop it or say it should be stopped. He supported even infanticide to keep abortion legal in my state.
I don't know of any other politician who favors lifting all restrictions on abortion, making abortion a fundamental right, increasing funding abortion abroad and domestically, and the practice of infanticide, but maybe there are some out there that have done that in our country and if there are I'd love to know their identity.
While Mr. Hopey-Changy talks of building a society in where abortion is less necessary, his actions support a society in which abortion is a foundational right. This is the difference between political rhetoric and facts. The facts are against B.O., but while those in our country continue to let themselves be lulledby the good-looking slick talking man, we will continue to live in a state of dilusion.
Cheers.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
A sad day for Catholic education
Today, Chairman Obama gave the commencement address at Notre Dame.
I'm not sure how to respond to this other than with prayer and fasting. But, we must also realize that Notre Dame has forfeited its Catholic identity. This has been coming for the better part of 3 decades, but today seemed to culminate that reality. Today they honored the most pro abortion politician in the history of our country. Violating their bishop's wishes and insulting the Church who since its creation has opposed abortion.
Prayer and fasting are our best recourse. So, pray the rosary, go to mass, go to adoration and pray. And I will do the same.
This is a war - our war this side of eternity and we must not shy away from it.
Cheers
I'm not sure how to respond to this other than with prayer and fasting. But, we must also realize that Notre Dame has forfeited its Catholic identity. This has been coming for the better part of 3 decades, but today seemed to culminate that reality. Today they honored the most pro abortion politician in the history of our country. Violating their bishop's wishes and insulting the Church who since its creation has opposed abortion.
Prayer and fasting are our best recourse. So, pray the rosary, go to mass, go to adoration and pray. And I will do the same.
This is a war - our war this side of eternity and we must not shy away from it.
Cheers
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Beers by HTNL part 1: Boulevard Double Wide IPA
I'd like to start a new section of the blog dedicated to the craft of brewing and of the many fine American beers of our age.
Today's selection is the Boulevard Brewery's "Double Wide IPA"
The IPA or "India Pale Ale" originates from the British colonial period. When India was controlled by Britain, the Brits had many troops in India. And, those troops wanted beer. So the British were always trying to transport beer around the horn of Africa, which is a long journey all the way from Birtania. As a result, all the beer was spoiling. It must now be recounted that hops (one of the 4 main ingredients of beer) are a natural preservative, and give beer its bitter taste. So the British in all of their wisdom, shoved tons of hops into beer to preserve it for the journey and thus made it incredibly bitter. And so, the IPA (India Pale Ale) was born and lives on today.
Many IPA's suffer from over hopping. Most notable examples of this are Sierra Nevada's IPA and Victory's Hop Devil. These beers may be closer to the original IPA, but they suffer from an absence of complexity and creativity. Though, other than this major flaw, I generally enjoy these beers for what they are; overly hoppy with immense flavour. Other beers, however, such as Rougue's Double Dead guy (though not explicitly an IPA) and this IPA, the Double Wide, have a clever blend of hops and malts that have more complex and sophisticated characteristics. Most notable in this IPA, are notes of lighter citrus and apricot. Along with a thick, rich head and definable aroma, it is a full experience, and not just a ton of hops. The floral elements are more lilac and rose, and less full blasting hoppy bitterness. It has all the benefits of an IPA with none of the customary weaknesses.
HTNL rating of 8.8/10
Cheers!
Today's selection is the Boulevard Brewery's "Double Wide IPA"
The IPA or "India Pale Ale" originates from the British colonial period. When India was controlled by Britain, the Brits had many troops in India. And, those troops wanted beer. So the British were always trying to transport beer around the horn of Africa, which is a long journey all the way from Birtania. As a result, all the beer was spoiling. It must now be recounted that hops (one of the 4 main ingredients of beer) are a natural preservative, and give beer its bitter taste. So the British in all of their wisdom, shoved tons of hops into beer to preserve it for the journey and thus made it incredibly bitter. And so, the IPA (India Pale Ale) was born and lives on today.
Many IPA's suffer from over hopping. Most notable examples of this are Sierra Nevada's IPA and Victory's Hop Devil. These beers may be closer to the original IPA, but they suffer from an absence of complexity and creativity. Though, other than this major flaw, I generally enjoy these beers for what they are; overly hoppy with immense flavour. Other beers, however, such as Rougue's Double Dead guy (though not explicitly an IPA) and this IPA, the Double Wide, have a clever blend of hops and malts that have more complex and sophisticated characteristics. Most notable in this IPA, are notes of lighter citrus and apricot. Along with a thick, rich head and definable aroma, it is a full experience, and not just a ton of hops. The floral elements are more lilac and rose, and less full blasting hoppy bitterness. It has all the benefits of an IPA with none of the customary weaknesses.
HTNL rating of 8.8/10
Cheers!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Explanation
When I asked my lovely fiancee' what I should write a blog about she said,
"Nothing, work on wedding stuff."
Cheers....
"Nothing, work on wedding stuff."
Cheers....
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The Twist Cone - a model for world peace and Sacramental marriage
My apartment at the old folks home is very close to the Jerseyville Dairy Freeze, the finest ice cream stand this side of the Mighty Miss. Amanda and I are frequent connoisseurs of the DF as they have 4 rotating flavours as well as 3 staples; vanilla, chocolate and a mix of the two, known as "the twist".
And I must say, is not the perfect marriage of vanilla and chocolate soft serve blended in equal proportion the single greatest culinary creation known to the frozen desert milieu? This is known at the DF as "the twist." It is not only the most superior ice cream soft serve combo, but also a model for world peace.
Since we are very much in the final stages of marriage preparation, like trench warfare, the swirl reminds me of the Sacrament of Marriage. Please fasten your seat belts as I take you on the most delicious analogy of all time.
See the chocolate and vanilla are both distinct and unique. Chocolate is not Vanilla, nor is vanilla chocolate. But, when the two become one, they achieve their highest end as endowed by their creator. For Chocolate was not meant to be alone, it was specifically made for vanilla. And through their union come great gifts, the greatest gifts.
The chocolate should not try to be vanilla. It should try to achieve the greatest perfection as chocolate. Equally, vanilla should embrace and fulfill its mission as vanilla and so achieve its greatest happiness. Each compliments the other in this magnificent union.
This is pure theological magic, plain and simple.
Cheers.
And I must say, is not the perfect marriage of vanilla and chocolate soft serve blended in equal proportion the single greatest culinary creation known to the frozen desert milieu? This is known at the DF as "the twist." It is not only the most superior ice cream soft serve combo, but also a model for world peace.
Since we are very much in the final stages of marriage preparation, like trench warfare, the swirl reminds me of the Sacrament of Marriage. Please fasten your seat belts as I take you on the most delicious analogy of all time.
See the chocolate and vanilla are both distinct and unique. Chocolate is not Vanilla, nor is vanilla chocolate. But, when the two become one, they achieve their highest end as endowed by their creator. For Chocolate was not meant to be alone, it was specifically made for vanilla. And through their union come great gifts, the greatest gifts.
The chocolate should not try to be vanilla. It should try to achieve the greatest perfection as chocolate. Equally, vanilla should embrace and fulfill its mission as vanilla and so achieve its greatest happiness. Each compliments the other in this magnificent union.
This is pure theological magic, plain and simple.
Cheers.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Do as I say, not as I do.
I found VP Biden's comments about the current swine flu rather interesting. He said something to the effect that he would advise his family not to travel on planes or trains because he would like them to avoid confined places. And, concurrently through this whole situation, King Hussein et. al has vehemently refused to close the boarder with Mexico (which I'll let you figure out) or tell us to do anything but wash our hands. It is quite interesting, this argument, "Sure, I'd tell my family to do something for their well being but as for the rest of you, fend for yourselves. It's not like I'm supposed to warn you about these things as one of the most powerful men in the country."
Where have I heard this illogical statement before.... hmmm... let me think.
OH, that's right, it comes from every self proclaimed "Catholic" Democrat in regards to abortion. Biden, along with many others who were raised Catholic or claim to be Catholic (but who flagrantly and aggressively disregard what the Church teaches) will lamely claim that "While abortion is evil and I would never advise anyone in my family to get one, I don't think I/we as politicians should tell other people what to do regarding their health, be it mental, physical, or otherwise."
The problem with this illogical argument is that, as a politician, this is precisely what you are paid to do. You use your judgement and all of your person (conscience included) to make decisions regarding the governed as to what they should or should not do as it pertains to the health and well being of them self as well as the rest of the governed. Is it really such a hard stretch to say, "Well, my family deserves the best, and so they should or should not do X because it is unhealthy and dangerous. Maybe everyone else should or should not do X because, like my family, I want them to be well." -or- "Its horribly and violently destructive for my family and my daughter for her to have an abortion so she shouldn't do it. Maybe no one else should have an abortion because of its evil nature."
We really should not be surprised by Biden's foolishness, he's simply applying his broken logic to different situations. Unfortunately for us, the harmful consequences will persist every time he applies it.
Cheers?
Where have I heard this illogical statement before.... hmmm... let me think.
OH, that's right, it comes from every self proclaimed "Catholic" Democrat in regards to abortion. Biden, along with many others who were raised Catholic or claim to be Catholic (but who flagrantly and aggressively disregard what the Church teaches) will lamely claim that "While abortion is evil and I would never advise anyone in my family to get one, I don't think I/we as politicians should tell other people what to do regarding their health, be it mental, physical, or otherwise."
The problem with this illogical argument is that, as a politician, this is precisely what you are paid to do. You use your judgement and all of your person (conscience included) to make decisions regarding the governed as to what they should or should not do as it pertains to the health and well being of them self as well as the rest of the governed. Is it really such a hard stretch to say, "Well, my family deserves the best, and so they should or should not do X because it is unhealthy and dangerous. Maybe everyone else should or should not do X because, like my family, I want them to be well." -or- "Its horribly and violently destructive for my family and my daughter for her to have an abortion so she shouldn't do it. Maybe no one else should have an abortion because of its evil nature."
We really should not be surprised by Biden's foolishness, he's simply applying his broken logic to different situations. Unfortunately for us, the harmful consequences will persist every time he applies it.
Cheers?
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