Most recent blog entries

Abortion Industry Bailout?

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 20:58:47 GMT

I missed this one in the main media outlets. Apparently the various forces selling abortion services are looking for their bailout too - click here for more from the Catholic News Agency. The Susan B. Anthony List has a webform that you can use to petition your senator to "just say no" to any such bailout.

Let's Say Thanks

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 20:41:10 GMT

In the Christmas message posted further above, you are asked to also remember our service men and women who won't be home this Christmas. Last year, we posted a notice about a free service from Xerox called "Let's Say Thanks". Using their website (http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1280.html) you can type up a message in a card that they will print and give to Give2TheTroops to include in the care packages they make and distribute to our troops. Go ahead and say "Thanks!".

More Challenges to Prop 8

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 20:40:14 GMT

You're probably all aware of Prop * in California - the recent ballot initiative in that state to formally define in their constitution that marriage is between 1 man and 1 woman. As a sidenote, it was approved by a majority of the CA voting public and yet is still being challenged. Here's an interesting piece on the legislation by William Duncan of the Marriage Law Foundation as published in National Review Online. It's rather chilling to see how the will of the people in a clear mandate is not being honored by their own state government.

Christmas With A Capital "C"

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 20:08:53 GMT

This one will be self-explanatory when you click on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJxQhfeU3I0&NR=1

I guarantee you'll play it twice (the second time with the volume up) and also forward it to your buddy list.

Education Assistance for the Unemployed

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 19:40:37 GMT

Recently, there has been some news that Lehigh Carbon Community College, and Northampton Community College are offering free tuition - up to 12 credits to residents of the counties they serve who have lost their jobs due to the economy.

Just today Bucks Community College has joined LCCC and NCC in offering a similar tuituion deal to the residents of the counties they serve, except they offer 30 free credits.

This is a great opportunity, for those so adversely affected by the downward economic trend to sharpen existing skills, add a compliment of new skills to their work history or change fields altogether. Contact their admissions office for more information.

Shopping Tips

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 19:07:50 GMT

It's December 12th, counting today, there are only 13 more shopping days until Christmas. I've seen the frenzied eyes of dozens upon dozens of shoppers walking zombie like through the stores with more packages than a Fed-Ex truck. You'd hardly know that there's a recession going on. Unfortunately, many of those shoppers are probably digging themselves into debt. The Federal Trade Commission has posted some great tips for managing to keep the 'season of giving' within budget. You can view their post by clicking here.

Coincidentally, the US Government has published a website at: www.onguardonline.com. This helpful site has tips that can help you avoid internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information. Check it out!

Online and Shopping Safety

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:58:39 GMT

This time of year brings a significant rise in the number emails, animated cards, attachments, games, chain letters, jokes, and video links. Additionally, some messages may be identity theft scams, or contain malicious links or attachments. Please exercise caution when opening your email and clicking on any links that are included. If you aren't 100% sure about the sender, it's better to disregard the email than to risk infecting your computer or having personal financial data stolen from it.

Also, many of us rely on the convenience of online shopping. Here are some tips that can save you trouble:

Don't fall for a false e-mail or pop-up. Legitimate companies don't send unsolicited email messages asking for your password or login name or your financial information.
Know who you're dealing with. Confirm the online seller's physical address and phone number in case you have questions or problems.
Know exactly what you're buying. Read the seller's description of the product closely, especially the fine print.
Use a credit card with a limited line of credit or fraud protection for online or phone purchases.
Print and save records of your online transactions.
Use only secure Internet sites when providing personal or financial information. Look for a lock icon on the browser's status bar or a URL that begins with "https:" (the "s" stands for "secure") before providing information.

Lastly, as you visit the malls to shop, keep these in mind:

Place purchases in the trunk and do not leave any valuables (or items that appear to be valuable) in visible locations within your vehicle.
If you expect to be shopping until the stores close, park your car in a well lighted place (or a place that will be well lit when the lights come on) and closer to the door you plan to leave from.
Always be aware of your surroundings and who is walking nearby.
If you feel at all unsafe, find a store/mall security guard and have them walk you to your car.

"Catholics Come Home" - Columbia Magazine - December 2008

Sat, 06 Dec 2008 14:35:55 GMT

Columbia Magazine is a monthly publication by the Knights of Columbus. Those of us who are members receive ours in the mail. However, if you're not a member or lost yours before you read it, there are some interesting articles this month. You can view an index of some of the features here.

In addition, there is a great piece not featured in the link above. It's called "Coming Home" and is about a website and media venture launched by Tom Peterson of Arizona. Mr. Peterson founded a website called "Catholics Come Home" to reach out to those Catholics that have lapsed in their faith. Said Peterson on the purpose of the venture "It is a pivitol point in the history of salvation and we are announcing a new springtime for our Church." He adds, "If we were really to reflect on God's number-one priority, it would be to bring as many souls to heaven as possible."

I have to say that this is a fantastic site and service to the community. Whether you strayed from the path, need a boost, are faithful but still have some questions, or want to help bring folks in to the fold, you have to visit. There are tons of interesting resources for anyone and everyone. Share their site with those you know that haven't been "home" for a while. www.catholicscomehome.org

Here's more commentary about the site