Samoans went to sleep last night on Thursday, 29 December,
the 5th day of Christmas. But they woke up this morning on
Saturday, 31 December, the 7th day of Christmas. In 1892 they
switched to be on the American side of the date line as they did
most of their trading with the US and Europe. Now the focus of
trade is with Australia and NZ and so it makes sense to be in synch
with the working week here and they decided to switch back.
Friday, December 30, 2011
'A bizarre discovery': Frankenstein film frame found in Vatican library
It was unclear how the unmarked frame wound up in the film
section of the archives, which is composed primarily of footage of
the pope and historical church events. The film frame was
immediately identified as something outside the norm, according to
the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano.
section of the archives, which is composed primarily of footage of
the pope and historical church events. The film frame was
immediately identified as something outside the norm, according to
the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano.
Why does the pope say a couple living together is not excluded from the love of the Church or from the love of Christ?
Even though we sin, God loves us and desires us to return to
the state of grace. God gives us graces also when we are separated
from Him in mortal sin so that we may the easier return to His
friendship. Such a couple may be excluded from receiving the
sacraments until they get things straightened out. That doesnt mean
they cant be members of the Church or that God has stopped loving
them. Holy Church continues to hold the door open for sinners, for
the Church never desires the permanent exclusion of any person from
a fuller participation in the Churchs journey towards God in
heaven.
the state of grace. God gives us graces also when we are separated
from Him in mortal sin so that we may the easier return to His
friendship. Such a couple may be excluded from receiving the
sacraments until they get things straightened out. That doesnt mean
they cant be members of the Church or that God has stopped loving
them. Holy Church continues to hold the door open for sinners, for
the Church never desires the permanent exclusion of any person from
a fuller participation in the Churchs journey towards God in
heaven.
A Prophetic Novel of the End Times
Msgr. Robert Hugh Bensons Lord of the World is a novel about
the Antichrist, who will tempt Christians to apostasy before
Christs Second Coming. It describes the final battle in the
supernatural war for souls that has been fought continually both in
heaven and on earth from the time of the Fall and will conclude
with the general judgment; thereupon will follow the creation of a
new heaven and a new earth. As we will see, before creating his
fictional account, Msgr. Benson carefully explored the various
passages on the end-times included in Scripture and the teachings
of the Church Fathers as background for this tale of the
Antichrist. The oft-cited definition of a classic is a book that
remains in print.
the Antichrist, who will tempt Christians to apostasy before
Christs Second Coming. It describes the final battle in the
supernatural war for souls that has been fought continually both in
heaven and on earth from the time of the Fall and will conclude
with the general judgment; thereupon will follow the creation of a
new heaven and a new earth. As we will see, before creating his
fictional account, Msgr. Benson carefully explored the various
passages on the end-times included in Scripture and the teachings
of the Church Fathers as background for this tale of the
Antichrist. The oft-cited definition of a classic is a book that
remains in print.
The Son of Mary - Cause of our Joy
What Child is this? When we look to the Babe, the son of
Mary, we behold the illuminating warmth of the Father's heart in
the dark coldness of our fragile existence. Christian contemplation
clings to this Light which darkness cannot overcome. The radiant
Star which draws us through nights, shadows and voids we do not
understand, He Himself is the way to the heavenly homeland into
which the Father yearns to welcome us.
Mary, we behold the illuminating warmth of the Father's heart in
the dark coldness of our fragile existence. Christian contemplation
clings to this Light which darkness cannot overcome. The radiant
Star which draws us through nights, shadows and voids we do not
understand, He Himself is the way to the heavenly homeland into
which the Father yearns to welcome us.
sacredtheory on "Absorption Costing"
130,000 is the original net income 110,000 units x $2 =
$220,000 ($2 is the selling price per unit minus variable costs per
unit) Total fixed costs are $90,000 (100,000 + .25, and 100,000 +
.65) -- total fixed costs will remain unchanged since you're still
within the relevant range $220,000 - 90,000 = $130,000
$220,000 ($2 is the selling price per unit minus variable costs per
unit) Total fixed costs are $90,000 (100,000 + .25, and 100,000 +
.65) -- total fixed costs will remain unchanged since you're still
within the relevant range $220,000 - 90,000 = $130,000
5 Simple Steps to Get Your New Year Off to a Great Start
New Years Day is one of my favorite holidays. Its a Marian
feast day, it falls during the celebrations of the Christmas
season, and it marks the start of a brand new calendar year.
Whether or not I write a detailed list of resolutions, I always use
this day as an opportunity to get things in order so that the new
year starts off smoothly. Some of these undertakings have been
dramatically unsuccessful (tip: check the weather forecast before
deciding to clean out your entire garage in early January), but
others turned out to be everything Id hoped theyd be: simple,
practical actions that had a lasting impact on my whole
year.
feast day, it falls during the celebrations of the Christmas
season, and it marks the start of a brand new calendar year.
Whether or not I write a detailed list of resolutions, I always use
this day as an opportunity to get things in order so that the new
year starts off smoothly. Some of these undertakings have been
dramatically unsuccessful (tip: check the weather forecast before
deciding to clean out your entire garage in early January), but
others turned out to be everything Id hoped theyd be: simple,
practical actions that had a lasting impact on my whole
year.
Spirits lifted at Detroit's famous (but threatened) Assumption Grotto as priest composes mass and conducts orchestra...
The Rev. Eduard Perrone, while on vacation last summer at his
mother's home in Warren, awoke from an afternoon nap with a melody
in his head. He scribbled it down before he forgot it. Over the
next few days, more musical ideas popped into his mind, often after
he woke up. That was the start of what has turned into a full
orchestral piece for Catholic mass, a 30-minute composition being
performed for the first time this holiday season.
mother's home in Warren, awoke from an afternoon nap with a melody
in his head. He scribbled it down before he forgot it. Over the
next few days, more musical ideas popped into his mind, often after
he woke up. That was the start of what has turned into a full
orchestral piece for Catholic mass, a 30-minute composition being
performed for the first time this holiday season.
Tim Tebow Motivates, Challenges Catholics
The Denver Broncos trailed the Chicago Bears 10-0 deep into
the fourth quarter in their Dec. 11 home game. Not surprisingly,
Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow said a prayer on the sideline. But
this time, a microphone picked up his petition. Dear Jesus I need
you. Please come through for me. No matter what, win or lose, Lord,
give me the strength to honor you, said Tebow in a 10-minute
feature from NFL Films that gave an up-close look of the
quarterback that game day.
the fourth quarter in their Dec. 11 home game. Not surprisingly,
Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow said a prayer on the sideline. But
this time, a microphone picked up his petition. Dear Jesus I need
you. Please come through for me. No matter what, win or lose, Lord,
give me the strength to honor you, said Tebow in a 10-minute
feature from NFL Films that gave an up-close look of the
quarterback that game day.
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
In contemplating the mystery of the Son of God who came into
the world surrounded by the love of Mary and Joseph, I ask
Christian families to experience the loving presence of the Lord in
their lives. I likewise encourage them, drawing inspiration from
Christs love for humanity, to bear witness to the world of the
beauty of human love, marriage and the family. Founded on the
indissoluble union between a man and a woman, the family
constitutes the privileged context in which human life is welcomed
and protected from its beginning to its natural end. Thus, parents
have the right and the fundamental obligation to raise their
children in the faith and values which give dignity to human life.
It is worthwhile working for the family and marriage because it is
worthwhile working for the human being, Gods most precious
creature.
the world surrounded by the love of Mary and Joseph, I ask
Christian families to experience the loving presence of the Lord in
their lives. I likewise encourage them, drawing inspiration from
Christs love for humanity, to bear witness to the world of the
beauty of human love, marriage and the family. Founded on the
indissoluble union between a man and a woman, the family
constitutes the privileged context in which human life is welcomed
and protected from its beginning to its natural end. Thus, parents
have the right and the fundamental obligation to raise their
children in the faith and values which give dignity to human life.
It is worthwhile working for the family and marriage because it is
worthwhile working for the human being, Gods most precious
creature.
Seven 2011 Events That Will Change the Churchs Story in America
Tim Drake and others have noted the big influx of religious
vocations sparked by Pope John Paul IIs Denver World Youth Day. At
Benedictine College, at least two leading monks trace their
vocations to that 1993 event. But apart from the event itself,
Denver marked a metanoia for Americas Church. That was when we
realized the faith could be serious and energetic, and that it
wasnt just the bastion of old age. Ever since, Americans have been
organizing pilgrimages to ship young young people to World Youth
Days around the world.
vocations sparked by Pope John Paul IIs Denver World Youth Day. At
Benedictine College, at least two leading monks trace their
vocations to that 1993 event. But apart from the event itself,
Denver marked a metanoia for Americas Church. That was when we
realized the faith could be serious and energetic, and that it
wasnt just the bastion of old age. Ever since, Americans have been
organizing pilgrimages to ship young young people to World Youth
Days around the world.
To George, Raised Catholic, Now Maybe Buddhist
Blogging is like sending radio waves into space in search of
intelligent life: sometimes you provoke an alien invasion (those
nasty, hurtful comments), sometimes you receive a visit from an
angel. George is an angel, I think. Through an on-line exchange, I
have learned that my old friend, whom I have not seen in 40 years,
now lives on the West Coast; and that he was raised Catholic, but
has fallen away from the faith to a degree that is still unclear to
me. He may also be Buddhist, although this seems unclear to
him.
intelligent life: sometimes you provoke an alien invasion (those
nasty, hurtful comments), sometimes you receive a visit from an
angel. George is an angel, I think. Through an on-line exchange, I
have learned that my old friend, whom I have not seen in 40 years,
now lives on the West Coast; and that he was raised Catholic, but
has fallen away from the faith to a degree that is still unclear to
me. He may also be Buddhist, although this seems unclear to
him.
Holiness, not hot air: The Nashville Dominicans are showing what Catholic education ought to be...
On a Friday morning, I walked into a room full of young
women. They sat in desks arranged in a circle, with a habited
Sister amongst them mediating discussion. The discussion was even
in tone, conversational, intelligent. The women were discussing a
text, to which they referred regularly, highlighting passages, and
raising points or questions that moved the conversation forward. No
one argued. The other women in the room listened intently to
whomever was speaking. They read each other's body language, and
waited until the speaker completed her point before anyone else
chimed in.
women. They sat in desks arranged in a circle, with a habited
Sister amongst them mediating discussion. The discussion was even
in tone, conversational, intelligent. The women were discussing a
text, to which they referred regularly, highlighting passages, and
raising points or questions that moved the conversation forward. No
one argued. The other women in the room listened intently to
whomever was speaking. They read each other's body language, and
waited until the speaker completed her point before anyone else
chimed in.
Two Chinese bishops, persecuted by Communists and ignored by the West, recognized as 'Illustrious Unknown' for 2011
At the end of the year, many magazines and Websites publish a
list of people who made the news in 2011 one way or the other.
Usually, they are people from the world of politics or culture;
sometimes, groups are recognised. For instance, this year Time
Magazine picked protesters as Person of the Year, the young people
of the Arab spring and the demonstrators of the world.
list of people who made the news in 2011 one way or the other.
Usually, they are people from the world of politics or culture;
sometimes, groups are recognised. For instance, this year Time
Magazine picked protesters as Person of the Year, the young people
of the Arab spring and the demonstrators of the world.
Declassified documents show how Pope John Paul II tried to end Irish inmates' 1981 hunger strike
Declassified British documents reveal the extent to which
Pope John Paul II tried unsuccessfully to intervene to end a 1981
hunger strike by Catholic prisoners in a British jail in Northern
Ireland. The documents claim that, after the pope sent a special
envoy, the leader of the Provisional Irish Republican Army
prisoners, Bobby Sands, was willing to suspend the fast just days
before he died. The offer was conveyed to the British authorities
by the pope's secretary, Irish Msgr. John Magee, whom Pope John
Paul dispatched to persuade the prisoners to call off the hunger
strike.
Pope John Paul II tried unsuccessfully to intervene to end a 1981
hunger strike by Catholic prisoners in a British jail in Northern
Ireland. The documents claim that, after the pope sent a special
envoy, the leader of the Provisional Irish Republican Army
prisoners, Bobby Sands, was willing to suspend the fast just days
before he died. The offer was conveyed to the British authorities
by the pope's secretary, Irish Msgr. John Magee, whom Pope John
Paul dispatched to persuade the prisoners to call off the hunger
strike.
Top 10 under-covered Vatican stories (plus a bonus feature)
By now, it's an "All Things Catholic" tradition to run down
the top under-covered Vatican stories of the year. The idea is not
to flag the year's most celebrated events or personalities, because
plenty of other news agencies do that. Rather, I try to lift up
storylines that otherwise flew below radar but that were actually
fairly important. If I were compiling a list of the biggest Vatican
stories of the year, for instance, the beatification of Pope John
Paul II on May 1 would probably be near the top. Yet it doesn't
make the cut as an "under-covered" event, because it's hard to
believe anybody who picked up a newspaper in May 2011, or who
watched TV that day, could have missed it. Similarly, a document
from the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace on reform of the
international economy, as well as the Vatican's diplomatic spat
with Ireland, both were important stories, but they were hardly
overlooked.
the top under-covered Vatican stories of the year. The idea is not
to flag the year's most celebrated events or personalities, because
plenty of other news agencies do that. Rather, I try to lift up
storylines that otherwise flew below radar but that were actually
fairly important. If I were compiling a list of the biggest Vatican
stories of the year, for instance, the beatification of Pope John
Paul II on May 1 would probably be near the top. Yet it doesn't
make the cut as an "under-covered" event, because it's hard to
believe anybody who picked up a newspaper in May 2011, or who
watched TV that day, could have missed it. Similarly, a document
from the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace on reform of the
international economy, as well as the Vatican's diplomatic spat
with Ireland, both were important stories, but they were hardly
overlooked.
St. Thomas Becket, Sinner and Saint
Born in 1118 to parents of some means, Beckets life from the
start was of some notable difference when compared to that of the
other St. Thomas, Thomas More. Whereas Mores parents were careful
never to encourage in their son any sort of profligate tendency,
Thomas Becket became very used to the good life early. His parents,
though, died when he was twenty-one, and since he had no trade or
employment even though he was already in his twenties, his means
had been seriously diminished says Fr. Butler. This part of St.
Thomas story reminds me too much of the youth of today who, well
into their thirties in some cases, live at home for lack of
initiative in a particular avocation. Wealth can have a stultifying
effect on the will, a truth that bears itself out in the life of
St. Thomas.
start was of some notable difference when compared to that of the
other St. Thomas, Thomas More. Whereas Mores parents were careful
never to encourage in their son any sort of profligate tendency,
Thomas Becket became very used to the good life early. His parents,
though, died when he was twenty-one, and since he had no trade or
employment even though he was already in his twenties, his means
had been seriously diminished says Fr. Butler. This part of St.
Thomas story reminds me too much of the youth of today who, well
into their thirties in some cases, live at home for lack of
initiative in a particular avocation. Wealth can have a stultifying
effect on the will, a truth that bears itself out in the life of
St. Thomas.
Christmas still beats porn, but only barely
Porn is one of the most searched for things on the internet,
as disgusting as it is. But, according to such search trends,
people still love Christmas more than pornat least for a few days a
year. Every year around this time there is a peak where more people
are searching for Christmas than for porn. And this year, though
some thought porn would finally reign, Christmas managed to just
barely nose out our unquenchable thirst for porn yet again - for a
day or so.
as disgusting as it is. But, according to such search trends,
people still love Christmas more than pornat least for a few days a
year. Every year around this time there is a peak where more people
are searching for Christmas than for porn. And this year, though
some thought porn would finally reign, Christmas managed to just
barely nose out our unquenchable thirst for porn yet again - for a
day or so.
In Philadelphia, the shake-up begins at home -- Chaput to sell Archbishops residence
In the most concrete sign yet of his plans to thoroughly
reshape the beleaguered church hes inherited, Philadelphias
Archbishop Charles Chaput OFM Cap. is giving up the mansion at the
citys edge which his predecessors have called home for the last 75
years. Less than four months after taking the reins of the 1.2
million-member Northeastern supertanker, Chaput reportedly decided
to seek a buyer for the historic Cardinal's Residence over recent
weeks, according to archdiocesan sources. No official announcement
of the move is expected to be made.
reshape the beleaguered church hes inherited, Philadelphias
Archbishop Charles Chaput OFM Cap. is giving up the mansion at the
citys edge which his predecessors have called home for the last 75
years. Less than four months after taking the reins of the 1.2
million-member Northeastern supertanker, Chaput reportedly decided
to seek a buyer for the historic Cardinal's Residence over recent
weeks, according to archdiocesan sources. No official announcement
of the move is expected to be made.
26 priests, religious, lay pastoral workers slain in 2011
Twenty-six pastoral workers--including 18 priests, four
sisters, and four laity--were killed in 2011, according to the news
agency of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. Seven
were killed in Colombia, five in Mexico, three in India, two in
Burundi, and one each in Brazil, Paraguay, Nicaragua, the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Tunisia, Kenya, the
Philippines, and Spain.
sisters, and four laity--were killed in 2011, according to the news
agency of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. Seven
were killed in Colombia, five in Mexico, three in India, two in
Burundi, and one each in Brazil, Paraguay, Nicaragua, the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Tunisia, Kenya, the
Philippines, and Spain.
Do you have a heresy checklist? Here's one...
Perhaps the best way to learn the truth about the person and
natures of our Lord Jesus Christ is to learn how the ancient
heresies got in wrong. Here is a basic checklist about Docetism,
Arianism, Nestorianism, and others, to help you along the
way.
natures of our Lord Jesus Christ is to learn how the ancient
heresies got in wrong. Here is a basic checklist about Docetism,
Arianism, Nestorianism, and others, to help you along the
way.
Pope Benedict's prayer intentions for January 2012
Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for January 2012 is:
"That the victims of natural disasters may receive the spiritual
and material comfort they need to rebuild their lives". His mission
intention is: "That the dedication of Christians to peace may bear
witness to the name of Christ before all men and women of good
will".
"That the victims of natural disasters may receive the spiritual
and material comfort they need to rebuild their lives". His mission
intention is: "That the dedication of Christians to peace may bear
witness to the name of Christ before all men and women of good
will".
Another sign that new eminences are imminent: The Vatican just ordered a batch of new cardinal's rings from a Roman goldsmith...
In February - in all likelihood the 18th and 19th of February
- the fourth consistory for the creation of new cardinals in
Benedict XVI's pontificate will take place. Vatican Insider has
written many times of the lists of possible new cardinals: the
now-imminent decision is confirmed by the purchasing of the new
cardinal's rings. It is tradition, in fact, for the reigning
Pontiff to give a ring to the new senators of the Church. Up until
now, Pope Ratzinger has given newly-created cardinals rings forged
on the model used during John Paul II's pontificate (a rectangle of
worked gold, upon which stands a cross). But now a design has been
approved for a new cardinal's ring, made in the form of a cross,
which will be used for the first time next February. It was created
by ecclesiastical goldsmiths the Savi Brothers, who work in Borgo
Pio, at a cost of around 1,500. The Savis have already worked for
some time with the Office of Papal Liturgical Celebrations: they
are the ones who created the papal ferula, the cross the Pope uses
as a pastoral staff during Mass.
- the fourth consistory for the creation of new cardinals in
Benedict XVI's pontificate will take place. Vatican Insider has
written many times of the lists of possible new cardinals: the
now-imminent decision is confirmed by the purchasing of the new
cardinal's rings. It is tradition, in fact, for the reigning
Pontiff to give a ring to the new senators of the Church. Up until
now, Pope Ratzinger has given newly-created cardinals rings forged
on the model used during John Paul II's pontificate (a rectangle of
worked gold, upon which stands a cross). But now a design has been
approved for a new cardinal's ring, made in the form of a cross,
which will be used for the first time next February. It was created
by ecclesiastical goldsmiths the Savi Brothers, who work in Borgo
Pio, at a cost of around 1,500. The Savis have already worked for
some time with the Office of Papal Liturgical Celebrations: they
are the ones who created the papal ferula, the cross the Pope uses
as a pastoral staff during Mass.
Top 10 under-covered Vatican stories (plus a bonus feature)
By now, it's an "All Things Catholic" tradition to run down
the top under-covered Vatican stories of the year. The idea is not
to flag the year's most celebrated events or personalities, because
plenty of other news agencies do that. Rather, I try to lift up
storylines that otherwise flew below radar but that were actually
fairly important. If I were compiling a list of the biggest Vatican
stories of the year, for instance, the beatification of Pope John
Paul II on May 1 would probably be near the top. Yet it doesn't
make the cut as an "under-covered" event, because it's hard to
believe anybody who picked up a newspaper in May 2011, or who
watched TV that day, could have missed it. Similarly, a document
from the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace on reform of the
international economy, as well as the Vatican's diplomatic spat
with Ireland, both were important stories, but they were hardly
overlooked.
the top under-covered Vatican stories of the year. The idea is not
to flag the year's most celebrated events or personalities, because
plenty of other news agencies do that. Rather, I try to lift up
storylines that otherwise flew below radar but that were actually
fairly important. If I were compiling a list of the biggest Vatican
stories of the year, for instance, the beatification of Pope John
Paul II on May 1 would probably be near the top. Yet it doesn't
make the cut as an "under-covered" event, because it's hard to
believe anybody who picked up a newspaper in May 2011, or who
watched TV that day, could have missed it. Similarly, a document
from the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace on reform of the
international economy, as well as the Vatican's diplomatic spat
with Ireland, both were important stories, but they were hardly
overlooked.
Postmodern man doesn't know how to give a good party. It's up to us Catholics to reclaim this lost art and share it with the world
Good parties are intrinsic to our Catholic faith. The
liturgical year is punctuated with a wide array of feast days and
celebrations, many of which are Christianized versions of holidays
that once closely tracked the agricultural calendar of planting and
harvesting. The two largest and best-known feasts are, of course,
Christmas and Easter, but there are also the two Christmas and
Easter spin-offs, Epiphany and Pentecost. In addition, theres the
feast of Mary, Mother of God (New Years Day); Ascension Thursday;
Corpus Christi; the feast of the Immaculate Conception; All Saints
Day (with Halloween and the Day of the Dead); and, the most famous
party of all, Mardi Gras, which has strayed far from its Catholic
origin as the last celebration before the Lenten fast but still
embodies a certain Catholic sensibility. Above all, every Sunday
for Catholics is a feast day on which we celebrate Christs
resurrection. Only in Lent and the mini-Lent of Advent is it not
party time, but even in these two seasons, there are exceptions for
St. Valentines Day, St. Patricks Day, St. Nicholas Day, and other
feasts.
liturgical year is punctuated with a wide array of feast days and
celebrations, many of which are Christianized versions of holidays
that once closely tracked the agricultural calendar of planting and
harvesting. The two largest and best-known feasts are, of course,
Christmas and Easter, but there are also the two Christmas and
Easter spin-offs, Epiphany and Pentecost. In addition, theres the
feast of Mary, Mother of God (New Years Day); Ascension Thursday;
Corpus Christi; the feast of the Immaculate Conception; All Saints
Day (with Halloween and the Day of the Dead); and, the most famous
party of all, Mardi Gras, which has strayed far from its Catholic
origin as the last celebration before the Lenten fast but still
embodies a certain Catholic sensibility. Above all, every Sunday
for Catholics is a feast day on which we celebrate Christs
resurrection. Only in Lent and the mini-Lent of Advent is it not
party time, but even in these two seasons, there are exceptions for
St. Valentines Day, St. Patricks Day, St. Nicholas Day, and other
feasts.
In 1942, Our Lady miraculously appeared in a Mississippi prison, and asked a condemned murderer to become Catholic. What happened next is remarkable
Claude Newman was an African American man who was born on
December 1, 1923 to Willie and Floretta (Young) Newman in
Stuttgart, Arkansas. In 1928, Claudes father Willie takes Claude
and his older brother away from their mother for unknown reasons,
and they are brought to their grandmother, Ellen Newman, of Bovina,
Warren County, Mississippi.
December 1, 1923 to Willie and Floretta (Young) Newman in
Stuttgart, Arkansas. In 1928, Claudes father Willie takes Claude
and his older brother away from their mother for unknown reasons,
and they are brought to their grandmother, Ellen Newman, of Bovina,
Warren County, Mississippi.
Top 10 things I've learned about sacred music
Ten years ago, I knew next to nothing about Catholic music. I
knew that something was not right in the parish music program. I
had some sense that the fix for the problem was somewhere in our
history and tradition, somewhere in some dusty books somewhere, and
the answer surely had something to do with preconciliar practice. I
intuited this just because the Second Vatican Council represented
something like a gigantic shift, and older people reinforced this
to me with harrowing stories of living through the turbulent
times.
knew that something was not right in the parish music program. I
had some sense that the fix for the problem was somewhere in our
history and tradition, somewhere in some dusty books somewhere, and
the answer surely had something to do with preconciliar practice. I
intuited this just because the Second Vatican Council represented
something like a gigantic shift, and older people reinforced this
to me with harrowing stories of living through the turbulent
times.
Holy families to consider on the feast of the Holy Family
Since Christmas was on a Sunday this year, the Catholic
Church celebrates the feast of the Holy Family today. At his
general audience Wednesday, Pope Benedict talked about the Holy
Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph being a model, especially of
prayer, for Christian families. Earlier this year, Marist Father
Anthony Ward, undersecretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship
and the Sacraments, compiled a list of other holy families for
Catholics to imitate. The list of married couples was drawn from
the 2004 edition of the Roman Martyrology, a thick tome listing the
saints and blesseds of the Catholic Church according to their feast
dates.
Church celebrates the feast of the Holy Family today. At his
general audience Wednesday, Pope Benedict talked about the Holy
Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph being a model, especially of
prayer, for Christian families. Earlier this year, Marist Father
Anthony Ward, undersecretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship
and the Sacraments, compiled a list of other holy families for
Catholics to imitate. The list of married couples was drawn from
the 2004 edition of the Roman Martyrology, a thick tome listing the
saints and blesseds of the Catholic Church according to their feast
dates.
Pro-Life Teens Give Women a Voice
Teenagers make great bellwethers: when you hear one of them,
you know there must be a whole crowd behind them. There is safety
in numbers, and vocally pro-life teens are making it safer to be
pro-life. Everyone has seen true birth stories on TV; everyone
knows a pregnant teenager. Ultrasound images are everywhere. For
better or worse, the topic of pregnancy and abortion is
unavoidable. Its no longer a taboo subject, and its no longer
possible for the typical socially conscious teenager to have no
opinion about it.
you know there must be a whole crowd behind them. There is safety
in numbers, and vocally pro-life teens are making it safer to be
pro-life. Everyone has seen true birth stories on TV; everyone
knows a pregnant teenager. Ultrasound images are everywhere. For
better or worse, the topic of pregnancy and abortion is
unavoidable. Its no longer a taboo subject, and its no longer
possible for the typical socially conscious teenager to have no
opinion about it.
Do you have a heresy checklist? Here's one...
Perhaps the best way to learn the truth about the person and
natures of our Lord Jesus Christ is to learn how the ancient
heresies got in wrong. Here is a basic checklist about Docetism,
Arianism, Nestorianism, and others, to help you along the
way.
natures of our Lord Jesus Christ is to learn how the ancient
heresies got in wrong. Here is a basic checklist about Docetism,
Arianism, Nestorianism, and others, to help you along the
way.
A Christmas Meditation on How the Word Must Become Flesh in Us
At Christmas we celebrate the fact of the Word Becoming
Flesh. Gods love for us is not just some theory or idea. It is a
flesh and blood reality that can actually be seen, heard and
touched. But the challenge of the Christmas season is for us to
allow the same thing to happen to our faith. The Word of God and
our faith cannot simply remain on the pages of a book or the
recesses of our intellect. They have to become flesh in our life.
Our faith has to leap off the pages of the Bible and Catechism and
become flesh in the very way we live our lives, the decisions we
make, the very way we use our body, mind, intellect and
will.
Flesh. Gods love for us is not just some theory or idea. It is a
flesh and blood reality that can actually be seen, heard and
touched. But the challenge of the Christmas season is for us to
allow the same thing to happen to our faith. The Word of God and
our faith cannot simply remain on the pages of a book or the
recesses of our intellect. They have to become flesh in our life.
Our faith has to leap off the pages of the Bible and Catechism and
become flesh in the very way we live our lives, the decisions we
make, the very way we use our body, mind, intellect and
will.
If Mary is the Mother of Jesus, why isn't the Holy Spirit called his father?
St. Matthew makes it very clear that Mary is truly the Mother
of Jesus, and this is affirmed also in the other Gospels many times
over. Throughout the Gospels and in the Churchs Tradition, Mary is
called the Mother of Jesus. Indeed, we know that (because Jesus is
one divine person) Mary is truly said to be the Mother of God.
However, given that Mary is the Mother of Jesus with respect to his
humanity, why do we not call the Holy Spirit the Father of
Jesus?
of Jesus, and this is affirmed also in the other Gospels many times
over. Throughout the Gospels and in the Churchs Tradition, Mary is
called the Mother of Jesus. Indeed, we know that (because Jesus is
one divine person) Mary is truly said to be the Mother of God.
However, given that Mary is the Mother of Jesus with respect to his
humanity, why do we not call the Holy Spirit the Father of
Jesus?
Eighty-four years ago, on a cold December morning, Dorothy Day was received into the Catholic Church
I developed a devotion to Servant of God Dorothy Day, whose
cause for canonization, while reading her autobiography The Long
Loneliness. Learning about her spiritual journey, particularly how
she came to accept God's mercy after confessing her abortion, led
me to feature her in a chapter of my upcoming book for adult
victims of childhood sexual abuse, My Peace I Give You: Healing
Sexual Wounds with the Help of the Saints. I discuss how, in her
initial reluctance to believe that God had truly forgiven her, she
experienced feelings analogous to those of victims whose childhood
abuse causes them to doubt the depth of the Father's love for
them.
cause for canonization, while reading her autobiography The Long
Loneliness. Learning about her spiritual journey, particularly how
she came to accept God's mercy after confessing her abortion, led
me to feature her in a chapter of my upcoming book for adult
victims of childhood sexual abuse, My Peace I Give You: Healing
Sexual Wounds with the Help of the Saints. I discuss how, in her
initial reluctance to believe that God had truly forgiven her, she
experienced feelings analogous to those of victims whose childhood
abuse causes them to doubt the depth of the Father's love for
them.
praying_for_75 on "Absorption Costing"
Beginning inventory- 30,000 units Production- 120,000 units
Available- 150,000 units Sales- 110,000 units Ending inventory-
40,000 units The following is on a per unit basis: Selling price-
$5.00 Var.Manufacturing costs- 1.00 Var. selling costs- 2.00 Fixed
Manuf. costs ( based on 100,000 units)- 0.25 Fixed selling costs
(based on 100,000 units)- 0.65 Total Fixed costs remain unchanged
within the relevant range of 25,000 units to total capacity of
160,000. Question- If variances are charged to COGS, what is the NI
under absorption costing? Answer- $132,500 Explanation: Step 1-
Increase in inventory- 10,000 units * $0.25 fixed manufacturing
costs per unit=$2500 fixed cost trannsferred to the next period.
Step 2- NI under absorption costing is 130,000+ 2,500= 132,500 What
I don't understand is step 2...What is 130,000 and why is it added
to 2,500? Please help! Thanks
Available- 150,000 units Sales- 110,000 units Ending inventory-
40,000 units The following is on a per unit basis: Selling price-
$5.00 Var.Manufacturing costs- 1.00 Var. selling costs- 2.00 Fixed
Manuf. costs ( based on 100,000 units)- 0.25 Fixed selling costs
(based on 100,000 units)- 0.65 Total Fixed costs remain unchanged
within the relevant range of 25,000 units to total capacity of
160,000. Question- If variances are charged to COGS, what is the NI
under absorption costing? Answer- $132,500 Explanation: Step 1-
Increase in inventory- 10,000 units * $0.25 fixed manufacturing
costs per unit=$2500 fixed cost trannsferred to the next period.
Step 2- NI under absorption costing is 130,000+ 2,500= 132,500 What
I don't understand is step 2...What is 130,000 and why is it added
to 2,500? Please help! Thanks
CPA-Convertible on "Absorption Costing"
Praying - I haven't fully understand the concept yet, but I
think this has to do with mamufactured units (120,000) sale units
(110,000). Therefore, the fixed cost of 0.25 needs to be allocated
to the ending balance instead of sale cost. 10,000 * 0.25 = 2,500
needs to subtracted from the total manufactured cost of $25,000.
So, the total fixed manufactured cost is $22,500. Sale: 550,000
Var. Cost (330,000) fix Manu OH (22,500) fix selling Cost (65,000)
= $132,500 Someone please let me know if my explaination is
correct.
think this has to do with mamufactured units (120,000) sale units
(110,000). Therefore, the fixed cost of 0.25 needs to be allocated
to the ending balance instead of sale cost. 10,000 * 0.25 = 2,500
needs to subtracted from the total manufactured cost of $25,000.
So, the total fixed manufactured cost is $22,500. Sale: 550,000
Var. Cost (330,000) fix Manu OH (22,500) fix selling Cost (65,000)
= $132,500 Someone please let me know if my explaination is
correct.
praying_for_75 on "Absorption Costing"
Okay, I understand your calculations...but in the first place
why are you calculating the net income using the contribution
approach..I have done some calculations and got the same answer
using the absorption approach..So what do you recommend? Am i
missing out something or calculating in a wrong way? Please advise.
Sales (110,000*5) = 550,000 - COGS (100,000* 0.25 + 110,000*1)=
135,000 Gross margin = 415,000 - Operating expenses ( 110,000*2 +
100,000* 0.65)= 285,000 Net Income= 130,000
why are you calculating the net income using the contribution
approach..I have done some calculations and got the same answer
using the absorption approach..So what do you recommend? Am i
missing out something or calculating in a wrong way? Please advise.
Sales (110,000*5) = 550,000 - COGS (100,000* 0.25 + 110,000*1)=
135,000 Gross margin = 415,000 - Operating expenses ( 110,000*2 +
100,000* 0.65)= 285,000 Net Income= 130,000
Remember: It's still Christmas. Unwrap the gift of holy silence this week...
The silence of which we sing so wistfully at Midnight Mass,
is at an all-time premium at Christmas; it is so difficult to find
a silent night, let alone sit within one and become immersed in it,
that the possibility of a seasonal soothing of the hearta quieting
of the grief of the worldseems the stuff of illusion and
myth.
is at an all-time premium at Christmas; it is so difficult to find
a silent night, let alone sit within one and become immersed in it,
that the possibility of a seasonal soothing of the hearta quieting
of the grief of the worldseems the stuff of illusion and
myth.
Anger, Bad and Good?
The guy behind the repair-shop counter would not accept
credit cards even though, a few days before, his boss said they
would. I argue, try to get him to understand that his boss said
different, JUST TWO DAYS AGO! Young and short of cash, a credit
card is all I have. Clearly, I am not getting my VCR back any time
soon. So, I get up in the guys face and let him have it. He quickly
backs down, says he will deliver it within the hour to my apartment
around the corner. I go home and wait, and wait some more. After a
while I figure the guy isnt coming so I storm back up Columbus
Avenue, slam the door open, and go inside. The guy stands behind
the counter with a certain look on his face.
credit cards even though, a few days before, his boss said they
would. I argue, try to get him to understand that his boss said
different, JUST TWO DAYS AGO! Young and short of cash, a credit
card is all I have. Clearly, I am not getting my VCR back any time
soon. So, I get up in the guys face and let him have it. He quickly
backs down, says he will deliver it within the hour to my apartment
around the corner. I go home and wait, and wait some more. After a
while I figure the guy isnt coming so I storm back up Columbus
Avenue, slam the door open, and go inside. The guy stands behind
the counter with a certain look on his face.
God wants us to know His revealed truth, and He wants us to be humble and loving about it...
Perhaps you know the experience. You know something to be
true; and you know youre right about it; and you are certain that
someone else is flat out wrong; and so this overwhelming urge to
correct the wrong wells up within you with such force that you can
hardly keep yourself from exploding to the entire world how
undeniably intelligent and virtuous you are! Theres no need to be
charitable, patient, prudent, peaceful or humble no, not when you
are right. Right? Wrong. I speak from experience.
true; and you know youre right about it; and you are certain that
someone else is flat out wrong; and so this overwhelming urge to
correct the wrong wells up within you with such force that you can
hardly keep yourself from exploding to the entire world how
undeniably intelligent and virtuous you are! Theres no need to be
charitable, patient, prudent, peaceful or humble no, not when you
are right. Right? Wrong. I speak from experience.
Should Catholic Sex Abuse Documents Be Withheld from Courts?
Thats a very good question, isnt it? How many times during
the course of various sex abuse news cycles have we read about
lawyers using various legal maneuvers to try to keep official,
confidential documents pertaining to priestly sex abuses cases out
of the hands of courts? These instances only reveal what scoundrels
both the lawyers are*and* their clients. I mean, the *only* reason
to try to keep a document out of the courts hands is if you have
something to hide, and that shows that you are acting in bad faith,
trying to stop justice from being done.
the course of various sex abuse news cycles have we read about
lawyers using various legal maneuvers to try to keep official,
confidential documents pertaining to priestly sex abuses cases out
of the hands of courts? These instances only reveal what scoundrels
both the lawyers are*and* their clients. I mean, the *only* reason
to try to keep a document out of the courts hands is if you have
something to hide, and that shows that you are acting in bad faith,
trying to stop justice from being done.
2011's Top 10 Reasons for Hope
CatholicVote.org's Annual Top 10 Reasons for Hope from 2011.
Our true hope, of course, is in Christ alone. But we live in a
world of events, people, and stories that manifest this hope. Our
list is made up of news events, people, or significant developments
that inspired us from this past year.
Our true hope, of course, is in Christ alone. But we live in a
world of events, people, and stories that manifest this hope. Our
list is made up of news events, people, or significant developments
that inspired us from this past year.
A preview of ten big Vatican events planned throughout 2012
The Vatican already knows that 2012 will be full of events,
traveling, canonizations and key anniversaries.
traveling, canonizations and key anniversaries.
Was Mary Saved?
A Protestant friend of mine related his struggle with the
Catholic view of Mary's sinlessless, because Mary herself expressed
that she needed a Savior, in Luke 1:46-47, when she proclaimed at
the start of the Magnificat, My soul magnifies the Lord, and my
spirit rejoices in God my Savior. I think that there's a simple
response to this, which we find in Psalm 30:3, in which David
proclaims, You, LORD, brought me up from the realm of the dead; You
spared me from going down to the pit. In that verse, David
describes two different forms of salvation: God saves him from the
realm of the dead by taking him out once he's already in there. But
He saved him from the pit by preventing him from going in the first
place.
Catholic view of Mary's sinlessless, because Mary herself expressed
that she needed a Savior, in Luke 1:46-47, when she proclaimed at
the start of the Magnificat, My soul magnifies the Lord, and my
spirit rejoices in God my Savior. I think that there's a simple
response to this, which we find in Psalm 30:3, in which David
proclaims, You, LORD, brought me up from the realm of the dead; You
spared me from going down to the pit. In that verse, David
describes two different forms of salvation: God saves him from the
realm of the dead by taking him out once he's already in there. But
He saved him from the pit by preventing him from going in the first
place.
In Philadelphia, the shake-up begins at home -- Chaput to sell Archbishops residence
In the most concrete sign yet of his plans to thoroughly
reshape the beleaguered church hes inherited, Philadelphias
Archbishop Charles Chaput OFM Cap. is giving up the mansion at the
citys edge which his predecessors have called home for the last 75
years. Less than four months after taking the reins of the 1.2
million-member Northeastern supertanker, Chaput reportedly decided
to seek a buyer for the historic Cardinal's Residence over recent
weeks, according to archdiocesan sources. No official announcement
of the move is expected to be made.
reshape the beleaguered church hes inherited, Philadelphias
Archbishop Charles Chaput OFM Cap. is giving up the mansion at the
citys edge which his predecessors have called home for the last 75
years. Less than four months after taking the reins of the 1.2
million-member Northeastern supertanker, Chaput reportedly decided
to seek a buyer for the historic Cardinal's Residence over recent
weeks, according to archdiocesan sources. No official announcement
of the move is expected to be made.
A preview of ten big Vatican events planned throughout 2012
The Vatican already knows that 2012 will be full of events,
traveling, canonizations and key anniversaries.
traveling, canonizations and key anniversaries.
Was Mary Saved?
A Protestant friend of mine related his struggle with the
Catholic view of Mary's sinlessless, because Mary herself expressed
that she needed a Savior, in Luke 1:46-47, when she proclaimed at
the start of the Magnificat, My soul magnifies the Lord, and my
spirit rejoices in God my Savior. I think that there's a simple
response to this, which we find in Psalm 30:3, in which David
proclaims, You, LORD, brought me up from the realm of the dead; You
spared me from going down to the pit. In that verse, David
describes two different forms of salvation: God saves him from the
realm of the dead by taking him out once he's already in there. But
He saved him from the pit by preventing him from going in the first
place.
Catholic view of Mary's sinlessless, because Mary herself expressed
that she needed a Savior, in Luke 1:46-47, when she proclaimed at
the start of the Magnificat, My soul magnifies the Lord, and my
spirit rejoices in God my Savior. I think that there's a simple
response to this, which we find in Psalm 30:3, in which David
proclaims, You, LORD, brought me up from the realm of the dead; You
spared me from going down to the pit. In that verse, David
describes two different forms of salvation: God saves him from the
realm of the dead by taking him out once he's already in there. But
He saved him from the pit by preventing him from going in the first
place.
A Christmas Meditation on How the Word Must Become Flesh in Us
At Christmas we celebrate the fact of the Word Becoming
Flesh. Gods love for us is not just some theory or idea. It is a
flesh and blood reality that can actually be seen, heard and
touched. But the challenge of the Christmas season is for us to
allow the same thing to happen to our faith. The Word of God and
our faith cannot simply remain on the pages of a book or the
recesses of our intellect. They have to become flesh in our life.
Our faith has to leap off the pages of the Bible and Catechism and
become flesh in the very way we live our lives, the decisions we
make, the very way we use our body, mind, intellect and
will.
Flesh. Gods love for us is not just some theory or idea. It is a
flesh and blood reality that can actually be seen, heard and
touched. But the challenge of the Christmas season is for us to
allow the same thing to happen to our faith. The Word of God and
our faith cannot simply remain on the pages of a book or the
recesses of our intellect. They have to become flesh in our life.
Our faith has to leap off the pages of the Bible and Catechism and
become flesh in the very way we live our lives, the decisions we
make, the very way we use our body, mind, intellect and
will.
Postmodern man doesn't know how to give a good party. It's up to us Catholics to reclaim this lost art and share it with the world
Good parties are intrinsic to our Catholic faith. The
liturgical year is punctuated with a wide array of feast days and
celebrations, many of which are Christianized versions of holidays
that once closely tracked the agricultural calendar of planting and
harvesting. The two largest and best-known feasts are, of course,
Christmas and Easter, but there are also the two Christmas and
Easter spin-offs, Epiphany and Pentecost. In addition, theres the
feast of Mary, Mother of God (New Years Day); Ascension Thursday;
Corpus Christi; the feast of the Immaculate Conception; All Saints
Day (with Halloween and the Day of the Dead); and, the most famous
party of all, Mardi Gras, which has strayed far from its Catholic
origin as the last celebration before the Lenten fast but still
embodies a certain Catholic sensibility. Above all, every Sunday
for Catholics is a feast day on which we celebrate Christs
resurrection. Only in Lent and the mini-Lent of Advent is it not
party time, but even in these two seasons, there are exceptions for
St. Valentines Day, St. Patricks Day, St. Nicholas Day, and other
feasts.
liturgical year is punctuated with a wide array of feast days and
celebrations, many of which are Christianized versions of holidays
that once closely tracked the agricultural calendar of planting and
harvesting. The two largest and best-known feasts are, of course,
Christmas and Easter, but there are also the two Christmas and
Easter spin-offs, Epiphany and Pentecost. In addition, theres the
feast of Mary, Mother of God (New Years Day); Ascension Thursday;
Corpus Christi; the feast of the Immaculate Conception; All Saints
Day (with Halloween and the Day of the Dead); and, the most famous
party of all, Mardi Gras, which has strayed far from its Catholic
origin as the last celebration before the Lenten fast but still
embodies a certain Catholic sensibility. Above all, every Sunday
for Catholics is a feast day on which we celebrate Christs
resurrection. Only in Lent and the mini-Lent of Advent is it not
party time, but even in these two seasons, there are exceptions for
St. Valentines Day, St. Patricks Day, St. Nicholas Day, and other
feasts.
Christmas still beats porn, but only barely
Porn is one of the most searched for things on the internet,
as disgusting as it is. But, according to such search trends,
people still love Christmas more than pornat least for a few days a
year. Every year around this time there is a peak where more people
are searching for Christmas than for porn. And this year, though
some thought porn would finally reign, Christmas managed to just
barely nose out our unquenchable thirst for porn yet again - for a
day or so.
as disgusting as it is. But, according to such search trends,
people still love Christmas more than pornat least for a few days a
year. Every year around this time there is a peak where more people
are searching for Christmas than for porn. And this year, though
some thought porn would finally reign, Christmas managed to just
barely nose out our unquenchable thirst for porn yet again - for a
day or so.
Tim Tebow Motivates, Challenges Catholics
The Denver Broncos trailed the Chicago Bears 10-0 deep into
the fourth quarter in their Dec. 11 home game. Not surprisingly,
Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow said a prayer on the sideline. But
this time, a microphone picked up his petition. Dear Jesus I need
you. Please come through for me. No matter what, win or lose, Lord,
give me the strength to honor you, said Tebow in a 10-minute
feature from NFL Films that gave an up-close look of the
quarterback that game day.
the fourth quarter in their Dec. 11 home game. Not surprisingly,
Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow said a prayer on the sideline. But
this time, a microphone picked up his petition. Dear Jesus I need
you. Please come through for me. No matter what, win or lose, Lord,
give me the strength to honor you, said Tebow in a 10-minute
feature from NFL Films that gave an up-close look of the
quarterback that game day.
26 priests, religious, lay pastoral workers slain in 2011
Twenty-six pastoral workers--including 18 priests, four
sisters, and four laity--were killed in 2011, according to the news
agency of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. Seven
were killed in Colombia, five in Mexico, three in India, two in
Burundi, and one each in Brazil, Paraguay, Nicaragua, the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Tunisia, Kenya, the
Philippines, and Spain.
sisters, and four laity--were killed in 2011, according to the news
agency of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. Seven
were killed in Colombia, five in Mexico, three in India, two in
Burundi, and one each in Brazil, Paraguay, Nicaragua, the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Tunisia, Kenya, the
Philippines, and Spain.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
CONTRACTOR FRAUD
Instruments, machines and other tangible property which a
builder obtains to execute a contract.
builder obtains to execute a contract.
Court grants appeal of BofA $8.5 billion MBS accord
An appeals court on Tuesday granted an appeal of a
controversial ruling that moved consideration of Bank of America
Corp's $8.5 billion settlement over mortgage debt to federal
court.
controversial ruling that moved consideration of Bank of America
Corp's $8.5 billion settlement over mortgage debt to federal
court.
CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE
Legal rule that an angry or injured complainant might have
added to his own injury because of being negligent of known or
obvious conditions. Contributory negligence
added to his own injury because of being negligent of known or
obvious conditions. Contributory negligence
CONTRACTOR FURNISHED PROPERTY
An unlawful act performed by a builder that involves
misrepresenting services, or project prices to a client. It can
take place in terms of underperformance, inflating prices, using
poor standard or recycled goods, or abandonment.
misrepresenting services, or project prices to a client. It can
take place in terms of underperformance, inflating prices, using
poor standard or recycled goods, or abandonment.
Survey: Economy to pick up but still vulnerable
In this Dec. 13, 2011 photo, Jerry Clay of Chicago, shops at
the Macy's on State Street store, in Chicago.
the Macy's on State Street store, in Chicago.
CONTRACT CHANGE PROPOSAL (CCP)
Document provided by a main (client) for effecting
adjustments to the ambit of work (not of specifications or
requirements) of a deal
adjustments to the ambit of work (not of specifications or
requirements) of a deal
Foreclosure Free Ride: 3 Years, No Payments
Delinquent borrowers facing foreclosure are learning that
they can stay in their homes for years, as long as they're willing
to put up a fight.
they can stay in their homes for years, as long as they're willing
to put up a fight.
Contract signings for US homes up in November
The number of Americans who signed contracts to buy homes in
November rose to the highest level in a year and a half.
November rose to the highest level in a year and a half.
Survey: Mpls home prices among nation's biggest monthly declines
U.S. home prices fell in most major cities for the second
straight month, further evidence that the housing recovery will be
bumpy and weigh on the broader economy in 2012.
straight month, further evidence that the housing recovery will be
bumpy and weigh on the broader economy in 2012.
Obama nominates 2 to Federal Reserve Board
A vacationing President Barack Obama on Tuesday nominated a
Harvard University professor and a former Treasury official under
President George H.W. Bush -- a Democrat and a Republican -- to the
Federal Reserve Board of Governors.
Harvard University professor and a former Treasury official under
President George H.W. Bush -- a Democrat and a Republican -- to the
Federal Reserve Board of Governors.
Papicolist: A New Catholic Word for You on St Thomas Becket's Day ~ Canterbury Tales by Dr. Taylor Marshall
When I was in Rome, I was standing on a street corner when
suddenly a black car rolled up. A bishop opened the back door and
Pope Benedict XVI got out. I shouted "Viva Papa!" and he waved at
me. That is my spiritual papa and I will love to death by the grace
of Christ. As the fourth commandment teaches: "Honor thy Papa" or
something like that. Viva Papa! and may St Thomas Becket pray for
us.
suddenly a black car rolled up. A bishop opened the back door and
Pope Benedict XVI got out. I shouted "Viva Papa!" and he waved at
me. That is my spiritual papa and I will love to death by the grace
of Christ. As the fourth commandment teaches: "Honor thy Papa" or
something like that. Viva Papa! and may St Thomas Becket pray for
us.
You should be paying more attention to Clinton's speech on gay rights
An address by Secretary of State Hillary Clintons on gay
rights as a priority of U.S. policy deserves far more attention
than its gotten up to now. As a statement of the views of the Obama
administration, Clintons remarks were a remarkably candid and
remarkably chilling exposition of official determination to make
the world safe for LGBT at home as well as abroad.
rights as a priority of U.S. policy deserves far more attention
than its gotten up to now. As a statement of the views of the Obama
administration, Clintons remarks were a remarkably candid and
remarkably chilling exposition of official determination to make
the world safe for LGBT at home as well as abroad.
Home Values Declined More Than Expected
U.S. home prices fell more than expected in October as
foreclosures continue to drag down the housing market, the
SP/Case-Shiller index reported Tuesday.
foreclosures continue to drag down the housing market, the
SP/Case-Shiller index reported Tuesday.
CONTRACT CHANGE NOTIFICATION (CCN)
Document provided by a main (client), directing adjustments
in a deal accepted as per the clause of contract change.
in a deal accepted as per the clause of contract change.
Freddie Mac: Mortgage Rates to Stay Low in 2012
Right now, those rates are as low as they've ever been. The
BankingMyWay Weekly Mortgage Rate tracker stands at 4.125% for
fixed 30-year mortgages and 15-year mortgages are a bargain at
3.5%, with the five-year adjustable-rate mortgage at 3.01%. Those
rates are low enough, but the chief economist at Freddie Mac says
that's right where they'll stay ... (more)
BankingMyWay Weekly Mortgage Rate tracker stands at 4.125% for
fixed 30-year mortgages and 15-year mortgages are a bargain at
3.5%, with the five-year adjustable-rate mortgage at 3.01%. Those
rates are low enough, but the chief economist at Freddie Mac says
that's right where they'll stay ... (more)
Fixed Mortgage Rates End Year Above Record Lows
Fixed mortgage rates rose slightly this week off their record
lows. The year ends much like it began,A with few people able to
take advantage of the best rates in history.
lows. The year ends much like it began,A with few people able to
take advantage of the best rates in history.
Start with these steps to improve finances in 2012
Philip Soares, left, director of consumer products Philips
Lighting and Tim Tompkins, right, President of the Times Square
Alliance watch as an employee of the Landmark Sign group fixes one
of the bulbs on a seven-foot-tall numeral "2." The world-famous "2"
will make the New Year complete in the "2-0-1-2" sign as the Times
Square New Year's Eve ... (more)
Lighting and Tim Tompkins, right, President of the Times Square
Alliance watch as an employee of the Landmark Sign group fixes one
of the bulbs on a seven-foot-tall numeral "2." The world-famous "2"
will make the New Year complete in the "2-0-1-2" sign as the Times
Square New Year's Eve ... (more)
New wheels: lease or buy?
Buying a car can be overwhelming. In fact, the pleasure of
getting a new car can be quickly clouded during the financing
decision-making process and price negotiations.
getting a new car can be quickly clouded during the financing
decision-making process and price negotiations.
Federal Glover: Guest Commentary: Miles to go and promises to keep in the new year
The holidays are a quiet time of year when reflection of the
year past and pondering the year ahead occupies my thoughts.
year past and pondering the year ahead occupies my thoughts.
History shows contributions of Catholic Church to Western civilization
About the least fashionable thing one can do these days is
utter a kind word about the Catholic Church. The idea that the
church has been an obstacle to human progress has been elevated to
the level of something everybody thinks he knows. But to the
contrary, it is to the Catholic Church more than to any other
institution that we owe so many of the treasures of Western
civilization. Knowingly or not, scholars operated for two centuries
under an Enlightenment prejudice that assumes all progress to come
from religious skeptics, and that whatever the church touches is
backward, superstitious, even barbaric.
utter a kind word about the Catholic Church. The idea that the
church has been an obstacle to human progress has been elevated to
the level of something everybody thinks he knows. But to the
contrary, it is to the Catholic Church more than to any other
institution that we owe so many of the treasures of Western
civilization. Knowingly or not, scholars operated for two centuries
under an Enlightenment prejudice that assumes all progress to come
from religious skeptics, and that whatever the church touches is
backward, superstitious, even barbaric.
Economists aren't very hopeful about 2012
The good news is that the U.S. economy in 2012 isn't likely
to be much worse than this year's has been.
to be much worse than this year's has been.
Mortgage activity in Spain falls
The number of new residential mortgages in Spain fell 43.6
percent in October compared with the year before, the National
Statistics Institute, or INE, said Wednesday.
percent in October compared with the year before, the National
Statistics Institute, or INE, said Wednesday.
Companies rate consumers with new scores
As it becomes easier to gather information on consumers,
businesses are crunching personal data in new ways to forecast a
wide variety of behavior.
businesses are crunching personal data in new ways to forecast a
wide variety of behavior.
N.Y. AG bolsters liberal support
Third Period20:00 - Game over. B-Sens win 8-3 despite being
outshot 39-32. This was exactly what they needed coming off a
poorly-played loss before ALBANY -- Eliot Spitzer nabbed headlines
as the "Sheriff of Wall Street." Andrew Cuomo battled corruption in
the student loan industry.
outshot 39-32. This was exactly what they needed coming off a
poorly-played loss before ALBANY -- Eliot Spitzer nabbed headlines
as the "Sheriff of Wall Street." Andrew Cuomo battled corruption in
the student loan industry.
First Market Properties Acquires Mortgage On Troubled New City Office Building
First Market Properties, which specializes in distressed real
estate assets, has acquired the $10.3 million mortgage on a
62,000-square-foot Class-A office building in New City.
estate assets, has acquired the $10.3 million mortgage on a
62,000-square-foot Class-A office building in New City.
End-of-the-year income tax checklist
Every year around this time, we hear about the same old
things we should do by December 31 to save money on our taxes the
following April.
things we should do by December 31 to save money on our taxes the
following April.
Video: Arab League observes violence in Syria
With Arab League observers on the way to Homs, Syrian tanks
began pulling back from positions they have held for weeks.
began pulling back from positions they have held for weeks.
BRE Bank sued over Swiss franc mortgages
The 894 people who have taken out a class action lawsuit
against BRE Bank might soon become much more numerous.
against BRE Bank might soon become much more numerous.
Their Noonday Demons, and Ours
By some miracle, you set aside a day to tackle that project
you cant seem to finish in the office. You close the door, boot up
your laptop, open the right file and . . . five minutes later catch
yourself thinking about dinner. By 10 a.m., youre staring at the
wall, even squinting at it between your fingertips. Is this day 50
hours long? Soon, you fall into a light, unsatisfying sleep and
awake dizzy or with a pounding headache; all your limbs feel
weighed down. At which point, most likely around noon, you commit a
fatal error: leaving the room. Ill just garden for a bit, you tell
yourself, or do a little charity work. Hmmm, I wonder if my friend
Gregory is around?
you cant seem to finish in the office. You close the door, boot up
your laptop, open the right file and . . . five minutes later catch
yourself thinking about dinner. By 10 a.m., youre staring at the
wall, even squinting at it between your fingertips. Is this day 50
hours long? Soon, you fall into a light, unsatisfying sleep and
awake dizzy or with a pounding headache; all your limbs feel
weighed down. At which point, most likely around noon, you commit a
fatal error: leaving the room. Ill just garden for a bit, you tell
yourself, or do a little charity work. Hmmm, I wonder if my friend
Gregory is around?
Daily Telegraph: "Hundreds more" Anglicans soon to join Catholic ordinariate in England
At least 20 clergy and several hundred of their parishioners
are already lined up to join the Ordinariate, the new structure set
up by the Pope a year ago that allows them to remain some of their
Anglican heritage while entering into full communion with the Holy
See. But many more members of the Anglo-Catholic wing of the Church
of England are likely to defect following a critical meeting of its
governing body, the General Synod, if traditionalists who cannot
accept the ordination of women are denied special provision.
are already lined up to join the Ordinariate, the new structure set
up by the Pope a year ago that allows them to remain some of their
Anglican heritage while entering into full communion with the Holy
See. But many more members of the Anglo-Catholic wing of the Church
of England are likely to defect following a critical meeting of its
governing body, the General Synod, if traditionalists who cannot
accept the ordination of women are denied special provision.
Monday, December 26, 2011
30 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
Advantages of Fixed Rate Mortgages Fixed rate mortgages are
immensely popular among home buyers in the US when the prevailing
interest rate is low. During the recession, interest rates
sustained severe hits, pushing the cost of mortgages down. However,
the uncertainty in the economy and financial crunch also resulted
in dramatic reduction in salaries. Several
immensely popular among home buyers in the US when the prevailing
interest rate is low. During the recession, interest rates
sustained severe hits, pushing the cost of mortgages down. However,
the uncertainty in the economy and financial crunch also resulted
in dramatic reduction in salaries. Several
15 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
How to Find a Great Fixed Mortgage Deal In the current
economic climate, fixed mortgage deals are highly preferred by
prospective home buyers in the US. These deals allow buyers to lock
in their interest rates at the prevailing low levels. Even if the
rates do rise in the future, the buyer still has to
economic climate, fixed mortgage deals are highly preferred by
prospective home buyers in the US. These deals allow buyers to lock
in their interest rates at the prevailing low levels. Even if the
rates do rise in the future, the buyer still has to
10 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
Why Fixed Rate Mortgages are Ideal for First Time Buyers
Buying a house is not an easy task and the process is made even
more difficult because the buyer also has to find the perfect
mortgage to pay for the purchase. For the uninitiated first time
buyer, understanding various mortgage loan options and identifying
the
Buying a house is not an easy task and the process is made even
more difficult because the buyer also has to find the perfect
mortgage to pay for the purchase. For the uninitiated first time
buyer, understanding various mortgage loan options and identifying
the
Sunday, December 25, 2011
10 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
Why Fixed Rate Mortgages are Ideal for First Time Buyers
Buying a house is not an easy task and the process is made even
more difficult because the buyer also has to find the perfect
mortgage to pay for the purchase. For the uninitiated first time
buyer, understanding various mortgage loan options and identifying
the
Buying a house is not an easy task and the process is made even
more difficult because the buyer also has to find the perfect
mortgage to pay for the purchase. For the uninitiated first time
buyer, understanding various mortgage loan options and identifying
the
15 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
How to Find a Great Fixed Mortgage Deal In the current
economic climate, fixed mortgage deals are highly preferred by
prospective home buyers in the US. These deals allow buyers to lock
in their interest rates at the prevailing low levels. Even if the
rates do rise in the future, the buyer still has to
economic climate, fixed mortgage deals are highly preferred by
prospective home buyers in the US. These deals allow buyers to lock
in their interest rates at the prevailing low levels. Even if the
rates do rise in the future, the buyer still has to
30 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
Advantages of Fixed Rate Mortgages Fixed rate mortgages are
immensely popular among home buyers in the US when the prevailing
interest rate is low. During the recession, interest rates
sustained severe hits, pushing the cost of mortgages down. However,
the uncertainty in the economy and financial crunch also resulted
in dramatic reduction in salaries. Several
immensely popular among home buyers in the US when the prevailing
interest rate is low. During the recession, interest rates
sustained severe hits, pushing the cost of mortgages down. However,
the uncertainty in the economy and financial crunch also resulted
in dramatic reduction in salaries. Several
10 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
Why Fixed Rate Mortgages are Ideal for First Time Buyers
Buying a house is not an easy task and the process is made even
more difficult because the buyer also has to find the perfect
mortgage to pay for the purchase. For the uninitiated first time
buyer, understanding various mortgage loan options and identifying
the
Buying a house is not an easy task and the process is made even
more difficult because the buyer also has to find the perfect
mortgage to pay for the purchase. For the uninitiated first time
buyer, understanding various mortgage loan options and identifying
the
30 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
Advantages of Fixed Rate Mortgages Fixed rate mortgages are
immensely popular among home buyers in the US when the prevailing
interest rate is low. During the recession, interest rates
sustained severe hits, pushing the cost of mortgages down. However,
the uncertainty in the economy and financial crunch also resulted
in dramatic reduction in salaries. Several
immensely popular among home buyers in the US when the prevailing
interest rate is low. During the recession, interest rates
sustained severe hits, pushing the cost of mortgages down. However,
the uncertainty in the economy and financial crunch also resulted
in dramatic reduction in salaries. Several
15 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
How to Find a Great Fixed Mortgage Deal In the current
economic climate, fixed mortgage deals are highly preferred by
prospective home buyers in the US. These deals allow buyers to lock
in their interest rates at the prevailing low levels. Even if the
rates do rise in the future, the buyer still has to
economic climate, fixed mortgage deals are highly preferred by
prospective home buyers in the US. These deals allow buyers to lock
in their interest rates at the prevailing low levels. Even if the
rates do rise in the future, the buyer still has to
15 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
How to Find a Great Fixed Mortgage Deal In the current
economic climate, fixed mortgage deals are highly preferred by
prospective home buyers in the US. These deals allow buyers to lock
in their interest rates at the prevailing low levels. Even if the
rates do rise in the future, the buyer still has to
economic climate, fixed mortgage deals are highly preferred by
prospective home buyers in the US. These deals allow buyers to lock
in their interest rates at the prevailing low levels. Even if the
rates do rise in the future, the buyer still has to
10 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
Why Fixed Rate Mortgages are Ideal for First Time Buyers
Buying a house is not an easy task and the process is made even
more difficult because the buyer also has to find the perfect
mortgage to pay for the purchase. For the uninitiated first time
buyer, understanding various mortgage loan options and identifying
the
Buying a house is not an easy task and the process is made even
more difficult because the buyer also has to find the perfect
mortgage to pay for the purchase. For the uninitiated first time
buyer, understanding various mortgage loan options and identifying
the
30 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
Advantages of Fixed Rate Mortgages Fixed rate mortgages are
immensely popular among home buyers in the US when the prevailing
interest rate is low. During the recession, interest rates
sustained severe hits, pushing the cost of mortgages down. However,
the uncertainty in the economy and financial crunch also resulted
in dramatic reduction in salaries. Several
immensely popular among home buyers in the US when the prevailing
interest rate is low. During the recession, interest rates
sustained severe hits, pushing the cost of mortgages down. However,
the uncertainty in the economy and financial crunch also resulted
in dramatic reduction in salaries. Several
10 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
Why Fixed Rate Mortgages are Ideal for First Time Buyers
Buying a house is not an easy task and the process is made even
more difficult because the buyer also has to find the perfect
mortgage to pay for the purchase. For the uninitiated first time
buyer, understanding various mortgage loan options and identifying
the
Buying a house is not an easy task and the process is made even
more difficult because the buyer also has to find the perfect
mortgage to pay for the purchase. For the uninitiated first time
buyer, understanding various mortgage loan options and identifying
the
30 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
Advantages of Fixed Rate Mortgages Fixed rate mortgages are
immensely popular among home buyers in the US when the prevailing
interest rate is low. During the recession, interest rates
sustained severe hits, pushing the cost of mortgages down. However,
the uncertainty in the economy and financial crunch also resulted
in dramatic reduction in salaries. Several
immensely popular among home buyers in the US when the prevailing
interest rate is low. During the recession, interest rates
sustained severe hits, pushing the cost of mortgages down. However,
the uncertainty in the economy and financial crunch also resulted
in dramatic reduction in salaries. Several
15 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
How to Find a Great Fixed Mortgage Deal In the current
economic climate, fixed mortgage deals are highly preferred by
prospective home buyers in the US. These deals allow buyers to lock
in their interest rates at the prevailing low levels. Even if the
rates do rise in the future, the buyer still has to
economic climate, fixed mortgage deals are highly preferred by
prospective home buyers in the US. These deals allow buyers to lock
in their interest rates at the prevailing low levels. Even if the
rates do rise in the future, the buyer still has to
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)