Sunday, January 27, 2013

I'm thinking of suing Lance Armstrong



I've heard that some people are thinking of suing Lance Armstrong because of his books. They allege he misled them, and they bought his books believing that he had not doped. Now the truth is out and they want their money back. I don't know if they just want the cost of the books refunded, or if they're adding in money for mental distress or the other usual things people looking to make a buck add in.

Hmm.

I might have grounds for a suit.

You see, back in 2005, I had reservations about Armstrong and the hero worship surrounding him. There were just some things about him that bothered me. So I wrote and posted a limerick in various places.

Hero?

A bike riding "hero" named Lance
has again won the Tour de France.
He gave riding his life,
but neglected his wife, 
reflecting our values, perchance?

Well, I got hit with nasty comments. I was called names. I was insulted.

I ... I felt distress.

Sniff.

So can I sue him because the people who were fooled by him got mad at me?

Hmmmmmm ...

Maybe I don't have to keep buying those lottery tickets!

Pax et bonum

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Solanus Casey's only sin? (Clerihew)




That holy doorman Solanus Casey
was someone that people flocked to see.
Folks say that his only sin
was the way he played the violin.

Pax et bonum

Just wondering ...

 
 
Pax et bonum

March for Life participants offer joyful witness


March for Life participants offer joyful witness :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

I'm a teacher, and the week of the March for Life is also the week of January exams. I have to give my own exams, proctor others, and then quickly grade all my exams to turn in grades next week. It's very difficult for me to go to the March.

My dream is for our school to change its exam times, and then I could organize a bus or two of our students to go to the march. If that doesn't happen, then in nine years or so when I retire (assuming I can retire at 66) I plan to go.  

God bless all of you who went.

Pax et bonum

Cardinal Stafford: 40 Years after Roe, 'I Weep for the U.S.'

Catholic News | Cardinal Stafford: 40 Years after Roe, 'I Weep for the U.S.' | American Catholic

I also weep for this nation. And given the proposed expansion of abortion in my state, New York, by our "Catholic" governor, Cuomo, I weep for our state.

Pax et bonum

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Praying for life outside Planned Parenthood




This evening to mark the 40th anniversary of the tragic Roe vs. Wade decision, about 60 of us gathered outside one of the local Planned Parenthood offices to pray the rosary for life.

The wind chill was below zero.

We didn't say as many prayers as we normally do on Saturdays at the site. Standing in that cold for very long would be unhealthy. But we got through five decades, and several prayers for the intentions of the Pope. And at 5 p.m. on a weeknight, we were witnessing to hundreds, perhaps thousands of people returning home from work who travel the busy road in front of Planned Parenthood - far more than we do on Saturday mornings.

Lots of honking horns. A few unpleasant-sounding yells.

We just answered with prayer.

For the 55 million murdered since 1973.

I can't make it to the March for Life. It's exam time at my school - so I can't get away. Tonight's prayer vigil was my way of noting this anniversary. I wonder how many other such small gatherings around the country took place today or will take place in the coming days with people who can't make the March?

Pax et bonum

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Who's that knocking at the door?


My fraternity has moved from its previous meeting site - a hospice that is not handicapped accessible, and is in a rough neighborhood with poor parking lot lighting - to my parish. As a member of the parish, I was the contact person during the negotiations, and when the parish gave us a key to get into the parish center for the meetings, I was given the key.

I am the key man.

I am the doorkeeper.

Goo Goo Ga Joob.

My role is to arrive early, unlock the outside door, turn on the heat, unlock the door to the meeting room, turn on the lights in the room and the bathrooms, and rearrange the furniture in the room to set up for the meeting. I make sure that any snow is shoveled off the steps and ramp leading up to the door. I keep an eye on the outside door until the meeting starts, and then I lock it. Anyone who arrives late has to call the minister's cell phone to be let in. Running to let them in is my job. At the end of the meeting, after everyone has cleared out of the room, I rearrange the furniture, turn off all the lights, and make sure all the doors are locked.

I like this role. It's the kind of "leadership" role with which I'm comfortable. It's specific. I am doing something. I'm serving others in a direct way.

I was thinking of the some of the saints who have been doorkeepers - Brother Andre, for example. But more specifically, Venerable Solanus Casey - a Franciscan.

I've always had an affection for Father Casey. I admire his humility, his patience, his positive outlook, his life of service. I even got to visit the Solanus Casey Center in Detroit.

There used to be a tradition among Secular Franciscans of adopting a saint at one's profession. I guess it's like the old tradition among some religious orders of taking on a saint's name when professing. We don't do that any more at my fraternity. I don't know if that was a local decision, or if it's something national. If we did start doing it again, even though my middle name is Francis, and even though I'm already professed,  I'd like to choose Venerable Solanus Casey. I mentioned that to a couple of the fraternity leaders. They said it might be a practice the fraternity could perhaps restore.

Yes.

I'd love to have a special relationship with a holy doorman. What a worthy model.

Pax et bonum

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Shhh



 
Yes, I have been quiet. The flu, trying to keep up with school, dealing with commitments. I could use a week off with no papers hanging over me! I've been coming home, sitting down, and falling asleep a lot.

Meanwhile, I have to admit I've been out of the loop on the news, life issues, and more. Since the election, I've been avoiding some news sites and stories. I still have a bad taste in my mouth over what happened election night.

Next week: Exams. And lots of grading.

Pax et bonum

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Still recovering


I had the misfortune of getting the flu. The nasty strain that's going about.

After a couple of days with my temperature above 101, I went to the doctor and got antibiotics. That knocked it down, and I was able to return to work last Friday.

But I'm still drained and tired a week later. I keep falling asleep when grading papers!

I hope by this weekend to get back up to speed - January exams are fast approaching, and in addition to proctoring and correcting high school exams I'm scheduled to help with the middle school retreat. Yikes.

Pax et bonum

Monday, January 7, 2013

Ordain A Lady (The Priestess Connection)



An intentional parody of an unintentional parody!

Pax et bonum

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Ordain a Lady - Wow




They satirize themselves!

Pax et bonum

A Franciscan Christmas





Nice.

Pax et bonum

Get that flu shot


Memo to self:

Next year, don't forget. Don't say you'll do it later. Don't assume that your luck will hold up.

Get that flu shot.

Cough. Wheeze.

Pax et bonum