Today's Respect Life Message

Just as Sunday is one day out of seven, so the Easter season, a period of 50 days, is approximately one-seventh of the year. The Easter season, a time of special rejoicing and celebration of the Resurrection of Christ, is the “Great Sunday” of the year. The liturgical prayers and readings focus on the Resurrection and the effects that it has on believers and on the world. The Acts of the Apostles is a book of Scripture that provides the source of most of the readings of the Easter Season, and it shows the vigor with which the apostles proclaimed the Resurrection and brought many to the waters of baptism to share the new life of Christ. This season is a celebration of life, and leads us all to a deeper commitment to proclaim, celebrate, and serve the gift of human life.

--From Priests For Life

My Fifth Royal Flush

On Party Poker, I just hit my fifth royal flush while four-tabling .50/1.00 limit hold 'em. I was dealt [Ts, 8s] in the big blind. Three players limp into the pot, I check. Flop was [As, Qs, Js]. I bet, two call. Turn was [Tc]. I bet, the other two players call. River card was the magic [Ks]! I bet, two call. I win a $9.50 pot. It was my first hand at this particular table.

6/22/05-My First Royal Flush
12/01/05-My Second Royal Flush
12/22/05-My Third Royal Flush
3/14/06-My Fourth Royal Flush

Our Crazy Daredevil Son

This is what Alex rode on (twice) at our annual church Fiesta. It is called the Hammerhead. He went on it by himself, because his parents are wimps. It went around about 12-15 times in one direction, then it went around the other direction. I felt like throwing up just watching. He had a big grin on his face when he got off the ride. Personally, I think he was faking the fact that he enjoyed this ride just to show off.

New Gasoline Record For Me

I bought 12.983 gallons of gasoline today @ $3.179/gallon. Total of $41.27.

This beats my previous record of $39.25 on May 28, 2005.

This does not beat my price per gallon paid of $3.299/gallon on September 2, 2005.

Why Do I Bother?

I asked Alex and Marisa to go and take a shower. They both wanted to go first. I said that I'd have to flip a coin to see who would go first since they couldn't come to an agreement on their own. So I got a coin out and asked, "Heads or tails?" They both wanted to pick 'heads'. Always thinking, I took a die out and asked, "Odd or even, whoever wins gets to pick 'heads' for the coin flip." Of course, they both wanted 'odd'. Then I got a deck of cards out and said, "High card gets to pick 'odd' for the die toss."

"I want to pick first!" (in unison) was their response.

"OK, let's flip a coin..."

April Poker Winnings

As per the updated resolution that I made on my November 22, 2005 post, I have withdrawn my goal of $400 from my poker bankroll this month. I have also taken out an extra $200. YTD=+$2,300. 2005-YTD=+$800. My next withdrawal of $400 is due by May 31, 2006. Please continue to wish me luck and keep me accountable.

A SpongeBob SquarePants Birthday

Tartar sauce! Our little girl turned six years old today.


Here are some of the things that she received as gifts:
-SpongeBob cap
-SpongeBob t-shirt
-2 SpongeBob video games
-SpongeBob Crayola art kit
-SpongeBob Leap Pad math booklets
-The Game of Life/SpongeBob Squarepants edition
-Pack of SpongeBob character stickers
-SpongeBob action figure (ala Mr. Potato Head)
-A Wal-Mart gift card (to be used for future SpongeBob purchases)
-Money (to be used for future SpongeBob purchases)

Does anyone notice a pattern?

Happy Birthday to the sweetest girl in the world!

Today's Respect Life Message

Today is Divine Mercy Sunday.

(from Priests For Life): In 2003, Pope John Paul II issued an Apostolic Blessing to all who pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet “for mothers, that they not abort their offspring; for infants in danger of being put to death in the womb; for a change of heart of providers of abortions and of their collaborators; for human victims of stem cell research, genetic manipulation, cloning and euthanasia; and for all entrusted with the government of peoples, that they may promote the Culture of Life, so as to put an end to the culture of death."

Hawaii-The Abortion State

The Rev. Thomas J. Euteneuer, President of Human Life International issued the following statement [on April 18, 2006] regarding Hawaii House Bill 1242 HD 1.

“The abortion industry and its water carriers in the Hawaii State Legislature are set to destroy Hawaii’s image as the Aloha State. Hawaiian culture is world renowned for its respect for the dignity of human life and celebration of family, Ohana in Hawaiian. A small group of powerful elites are pushing the most radical abortion legislation in world history on the beautiful people of Hawaii. HB 1242 would allow late term abortions in ‘a clinic or physician’s office.’ The bill removes ‘residency requirements’ paving the way for Hawaii to become the home of abortion tourism. If Hawaii’s Republican Governor fails to veto this radical abortion bill Hawaii’s image will suffer irreparable damage. Hawaii will go from the Aloha State to the Abortion State in nine short days if Governor Lingle lets HB 1242 become law.”
--from Aloha State set to become Abortion State

--Bill status of HB1242 HD1
--Hawaii to Become "Baby Killing Center of Pacific"
--Hawaii First State in US to Enshrine Abortion “Rights” in Law
--Late Term Abortion in Hawaii? Please no!

The Governor has ten business days from the day this bill was passed on April 11, 2006 by the legislature to veto. Please contact the Governor and ask her to veto this bill.

Honorable Governor Linda Lingle
Executive Chambers
State Capitol
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Phone: 808-586-0034
Fax: 808-586-0006
e-mail: Governor.Lingle@hawaii.gov

Almost There

Lisa received an email from Central Michigan University that said, "...[T]he 6 credit hour Doctoral Project final document titled "Audiologists Working With Parents" that you submitted has been approved....Congratulations you have completed this portion of your requirement of the Au.D."

Her academic record just needs to be audited and then she will receive her Doctorate Degree in Audiology on May 6, 2006.

Congratulations Dr. Lisa! I knew you could do it.

A Good Lesson in Savings

We had a little exercise about how a bank works. It was very simplistic yet effective.

Marisa (saver) gave me $20. I (bank) took her money and lent it to Alex (borrower). After a few seconds, he repaid his loan, he gave me $22 (principle + interest). After a few more seconds, I gave Marisa $21 and I kept $1. They both saw that they can actually make some money by putting it in the bank.

Immediately after the exercise, without any prompting from me, they went to their wallets and took out some of their cash (Alex gave me $5 and Marisa $4.50) and instructed me to put it into their savings account.

I have their savings accounts at ING Direct. It is an internet bank, and it is a convenient way for me to manage their money. Right now they are paying 4.0% interest. This is significantly more than the local brick-and-mortar banks. They also maintain a kid friendly site that teaches about money called Planet Orange.

I would recommend opening an account here. If I refer you and you deposit $250 or more, then you will receive a $25 welcome bonus and I will receive $10 refer-a-friend bonus. Just send me an email so that I can send a referral to you. Or, you could leave your name and email address in the comment box. I'll delete the comment as soon as possible.

Magnetix Recall

I received a message from Amazon. They are voluntarily recalling all Magnetix Magnetic Building Sets. "It has been determined that the tiny magnets inside the plastic building pieces and rods can fall out. Magnets found by young children can be swallowed or aspirated. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract to each other and cause intestinal perforation or blockage, which can be fatal....At this time, Rose Art Industries Inc. asks consumers to stop using the magnetic sets and return the sets to Rose Art for a free replacement product suitable for young children under the age of six. Consumers should keep all small magnet parts out of the hands of children who mouth objects, especially children under the age of three. Rose Art can be contacted by calling (800) 779-7122 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or by visiting [the] Rose Art's web site."

Here is the recall notice from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Alex and Marisa love playing with this toy. Luckily they are old enough to know not to swallow the pieces.

Cap Standings

This is definitely something that Lisa does not understand. She doesn't realize that wearing a particular clothing item of your favorite professional sports franchise has a direct effect on the performance of the team. It is an absolute fact that it does matter what you wear. Ask any rabid sports fanatic and they will agree with me 100%. Sometimes it matters how you wear the article of clothing; rally caps anyone?

Al at Bleed Cubbie Blue attends most Cubs home games at Wrigley Field. He wears the same cap, until 'it' loses, then he will switch to another cap. You can see his updated Cap Standings here. There is an amusing comment thread that goes along with the entry.

Respect Life Message For Easter

Our Easter Mission

“Have no fear. The outcome of the battle for life is already decided, even though the struggle goes on against great odds and with much suffering… "Christ is now raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep ... so in Christ all will come to life again" (1 Cor. 15:20-22). The paradox of the Christian message is this: Christ - the head - has already conquered sin and death. Christ in his body - the pilgrim people of God - continually suffers the onslaught of the Evil One and all the evil which sinful humanity is capable of. The liberating message of the Gospel of life has been put into your hands. And the mission of proclaiming it to the ends of the earth is now passing to your generation. Like the great apostle Paul, you too must feel the full urgency of the task: "Woe to me if I do not evangelize" (1 Cor. 9:16). Woe to you if you do not succeed in defending life. The church needs your energies, your enthusiasm, your youthful ideals, in order to make the Gospel of life penetrate the fabric of society, transforming people's hearts and the structures of society in order to create a civilization of true justice and love.”

– Pope John Paul II to Youth, August 15, 1993, Denver, Colorado.

taken from Priests For Life

God or the Girl

While browsing Father Dennis' blog, I discovered that there will be a reality show starting tomorrow, Easter Sunday, on A&E called God or the Girl. This five-part documentary series follows four young men through the emotionally wrenching final weeks that lead up to the most important decision of their lives - whether to become Catholic priests or not.

It looks like it will be a good show to watch. It will be inspiring to see the sacrifices that our priests go through to serve God.

Two Good Cashes

I have adjusted my tournament playing style just a little. A combination of being a little more patient and a bit more aggressive. So far, I feel comfortable with my play and have seemingly been able to catch cards more often.

On Thursday night, I played in a $5+.50 multi-table NL hold 'em tourney. There were 320 entries. I managed a 4th place finish with a payout of $148. When there were 5 left, with one player who had about twice as many chips as the rest of us (2nd-5th were about even), my laptop overheated and turned off! By the time I was able to log back on, there were 4 left, but I was severely short-stacked. I had to put all my chips in on the first hand back. I think that I may need to invest in one of those laptop cooling trays. A key hand from this tourney was about halfway through when I went all-in after a flop 2-9-Q with A9 vs. JJ. I hit the 9 on the river to take down the pot.

Tonight I decided to play a two-table, 18-player $10+1 NL hold 'em tourney. I was up and down the whole time. I was making solid plays throughout. My 'coin flip' hands were holding up. When it was heads-up, I had about a 10 to 1 chip advantage. I went all-in on the first hand with 83 vs. JTs. I caught the wheel on the river with a board of A5542. This one paid $72.

A Good Car Salesman?

I was looking at my sister's blog, Family of Aloha. Her latest entry: Baaaaad Experience...Good Lesson details a recent horrible visit to a Toyota car dealership in her area. I can understand why car salesmen have such a negative perception to the car buying consumer if the people my sister and her husband encountered there are more the norm rather than the exception. At the end of her 'rant', she says a lot of nice things about our Dad; a 'dreaded' car salesman. What was she doing not dealing with Dad in the first place?

I would agree with her description of Dad as a good car salesman at the end of her entry. If you are looking for a positive car buying experience, you could not go wrong if you dealt with him. He works for Niello Porsche in Rocklin, CA (Sacramento area), but has access to other types of vehicles. And you don't have to live in the Sacramento area to have him help you find your next dream car. We bought our two vehicles from him while living here in LA. We have had absolutely no problems with our '95 Honda Odyssey and '99 Acura Integra.

Hand Holding During "Our Father"

Personally, I will follow what the particular parish community does. If they hold hands, I will; if they don't, I won't. It is not a 'battle' worth fighting over. Here is something to think about from the current Karl Keating's E-Letter:

The current issue of the Adoremus Bulletin [a great site and organization] says this in response to a query from a priest in the Bronx:

"No gesture for the people during the Lord's Prayer is mentioned in the
official documents. The late liturgist Fr. Robert Hovda promoted
holding hands during this prayer, a practice he said originated in Alcoholics
Anonymous. Some 'charismatic' groups took up the practice."

My long-time sense had been that hand-holding at the Our Father was an
intrusion from charismaticism, but I had not been aware of the possible
connection with AA. If this is the real origin of the practice, it
makes it doubly odd: first, because hand-holding intrudes a false air of
chumminess into the Mass (and undercuts the immediately-following sign of
peace), and second, because modifications to liturgical rites ought to
arise organically and not be borrowed from secular self-help groups.

Periodically, on Catholic Answers Live I am asked about hand-holding
during Mass and explain that it is contrary to the rubrics. Usually I
get follow-up e-mails from people who say, "But it's my favorite part of
the Mass" or "We hold hands as a family, and it makes us feel closer."

About the latter I think, "It's good to feel close as a family, but you
can hold hands at home or at the mall. The Mass has a formal structure
that should be respected. That means you forgo certain things that you
might do on the outside."

About the former comment I think, "If this is the high point of the
Mass for you, you need to take Remedial Mass 101. The Mass is not a social event. It is the representation of the sacrifice of Calvary, and it is
the loftiest form of prayer. It should be attended with appropriate
solemnity."

A Gentle Reminder

The "LITTLE" Things

As you might know, the head of the company survived 9/11
because his son started kindergarten.

Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts.

One woman was late because her alarm clock didn't go off in time.

One was stuck on the NJ Turnpike because of an auto accident.

One of them missed his bus.

One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.

One's car wouldn't start.

One went back to answer the telephone.

One had a child that dawdled
and didn't get ready as soon as he should have.

One couldn't get a taxi.

The one that struck me was the man who put on a new pair of shoes

that morning, took the various means to get to work but before he got there,
he developed a blister on his foot. He

stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid.
That is why he is alive today.

Now when I am stuck in traffic,
miss an elevator,
turn back to answer a ringing telephone...
all the little things that annoy me.

I think to myself,
this is exactly where
God wants me to be
at this very moment..

Next time your morning seems to be going wrong,
the children are slow getting dressed,
you can't seem to find the car keys,
you hit every traffic light,
don't get mad or frustrated;
God is at work watching over you.

May God continue to bless you
with all those annoying little things
and may you remember their possible purpose.

--Author Unknown

Hat tips: to Kathe B. and to the Happy Catholic

Fr. Frank Pavone's Blog

I have added to my Blog Roll the brand new blog of Father Frank Pavone. He is the National Director and Founder of Priests For Life. I am looking forward to reading his future entries.

This Week's Repect Life Message

The People of Life, Born from the Cross

“When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, ‘It is finished'; and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit" (Jn 19:30). Afterwards, the Roman soldier "pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water" (Jn 19:34). Everything has now reached its complete fulfillment. The "giving up" of the spirit describes Jesus' death, a death like that of every other human being, but it also seems to allude to the "gift of the Spirit", by which Jesus ransoms us from death and opens before us a new life. It is the very life of God which is now shared with man. It is the life which through the Sacraments of the Church - symbolized by the blood and water flowing from Christ's side - is continually given to God's children, making them the people of the New Covenant. From the Cross, the source of life, the "people of life" is born and increases” (The Gospel of Life, n.51).

from: Priests For Life

The Selfishness of Others

Alex and Marisa attend a Physical Education for Homeschoolers class at the YMCA. It is a great class. The class meets two times a week and has about 50 minutes of physical activity and about 10 minutes of class instruction. I am not writing about this class.

This class starts at 1:30 in the gymnasium. There is open time before their class begins. Usually there is a pick-up basketball game going on. It looks to be a pretty intense game. It seems that almost every time, these 'gentlemen' will not give up the court to the children without giving the instructor a hard time. The gym schedule is posted, they know that they can have the gym until 1:30. It seems that their game is more important than the children. Today, a few of them stayed in the gym during the class, talking very loudly, complaining about their terrible predicament. Very disruptive to the class.

It really bothered me that they think that they are more entitled to the use of the gym than anyone else (we do pay an additional fee for the class and use of gym). I did fire off a letter to the director of this Y. Just to vent my frustrations more than anything else.

I suggest that the gentlemen who are complaining about being asked to leave the court, reflect on what the 'C' in YMCA stands for and to look up and read the banners hanging from the gym ceiling: Responsibility, Respect, Trustworthiness, Citizenship, Caring, and Fairness. These are the Y's Six Pillars of Character.

The Four Gospels at the Same Time

I came across a site where all four of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) can be read at the same time. All four of these new testament books are on the page at the same time and can be scrolled through individually. So, you could compare and contrast their respective writings about Jesus. This could be an invaluable tool for wanna-be bible scholars.

Check out: Synoptic Parallels

Go Cubbies!

One down, 161 games to go. The Cubs beat Cincinnati 16-7 today in the opening game of the 2006 season. President Bush threw out the first ball. I also saw coverage of the President in the Cubs' locker room before the game. He greeted Cubs manager Dusty Baker and said, "This is the year, right?" See Bleed Cubbie Blue for more.


Alex would not wear a Cubs cap because he says that he is an Arizona Diamondbacks fan. Traitor.

March Poker Winnings

As per the updated resolution that I made on my November 22, 2005 post, I have withdrawn my goal of $400 from my poker bankroll this month. I have also taken out an extra $100. YTD=+$1,700. 2005-YTD=+$500. My next withdrawal of $400 is due by April 30, 2006. Please continue to wish me luck and keep me accountable.

Urgent Prayer Requests

Please take the time to pray for the following families. All are in the middle of major life changes. I believe in the power of prayer. Especially as a group. Thanks.

--Ayala Family
--Dougalas Family
--Rivera Family

Today's Respect Life Message

“The common outcry, which is justly made on behalf of human rights -- for example, the right to health, to home, to work, to family, to culture -- is false and illusory if the right to life, the most basic and fundamental right and the condition for all other personal rights, is not defended with maximum determination.”

-- Pope John Paul II, Christifideles Laici, n. 38.

Mr. & Dr.

If all goes according to plans, Lisa will be receiving her Doctorate degree in Audiology (AuD) on May 6th.

I was just filling out a form online and it had a drop-down box for name-title. Among the choices given were: Mr, Mrs, Ms, Mr & Mrs, Miss, Dr & Mrs, and Drs. There was no choice for what Lisa and I will be when she receives her AuD: Mr & Dr. Is this situation that rare of an occurance or is there some sort of bias/negative stigma attached to marriages where the wife is more educated than the husband? Just wondering.

It Finally Hit Me

That I am getting old.

I received an email that they are in the planning stages of my 25th high school reunion in 2007. Twenty-five years! It honestly does not seem that long ago.

Also, I saw a commercial yesterday with this really old guy (he looked like he was about 75), who was telling me that as WE turn 50 years old, we need to seriously think about having a colon/rectal screening. OK, I won't turn 50 for another 8 years, but still, it is right around the corner. And the man (my peer) in the commercial looked like he could be my grandfather.

NewsBusters

I 'discovered' a great site today. It is the blog of the Media Research Center ("The Leader in Documenting, Exposing and Neutralizing Liberal Media Bias"). For those who haven't figured it out already, I am definitely part of the Hillary Clinton named vast right wing conspiracy.

There is something that I have noticed recently about the other side. They are trying their hardest to say that the media is not liberally biased but that it is controlled by conservatives. They will mention Fox News Channel and talk radio as their main argument for this right-wing bias. Sorry, even if those two are on 'our side', then they still have everything else.

Check out: NewsBusters - Exposing and Combating Liberal Media Bias