Pope Francis recently said, "Mercy is real. It is the first attribute of God." How can we experience God's mercy ourselves in a powerful and personal way?
Practice it
Jesus taught us to pray, "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." In order to receive mercy, we must offer it ourselves. Release your debtors, whether it is a material, emotional, spiritual, or psychological debt they owe to you. Then learn to ask for mercy from others. You will find that kindness is contagious and God's mercy will flow through you.
Open the door to it
The door of your parish church is the door to the path of salvation. Use it at least weekly to attend Sunday Mass.
Ask for it
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is the offer of mercy God never withdraws. We may be afraid to ask. To return to the embrace of our Father, all we need do is recognize our wrongs, ask his pardon, and to seek his love in the Sacrament.
Saturday, February 20, 2016
A heartfelt conversion leads to Christ
During Lent, the Church invites us to purify our souls so we can begin again at Easter. We do this in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and by converting our hearts, our goods, and our time to God's purposes.
Convert heart
Jesus sparks renewal in a contrite heart, one that acknowledges its weaknesses and sins and is prepared to change. True conversion is demonstrated when we put new heart into our work or study and in the way we care for our family or friends. when we make life more pleasant for those around us and make our work more effective, we strengthen our conversion.
Convert goods
Earthly goods are not bad in themselves, but we can't focus on acquiring goods and still be dedicated to holiness. Christ can't fill a heart bogged down with earthly distractions. Instead, convert your possessions into instruments for God's purposes. What God can't use, give away.
Convert time
Picture Lent as a time when Christ is calling each of us to draw closer to Christ, we will always find the strength to overcome the weaknesses and defects in ourselves that we can't conquer on our own. Use whatever free time you may have this season to pray, mediate, and read about Christ to learn and love him better.
Convert heart
Jesus sparks renewal in a contrite heart, one that acknowledges its weaknesses and sins and is prepared to change. True conversion is demonstrated when we put new heart into our work or study and in the way we care for our family or friends. when we make life more pleasant for those around us and make our work more effective, we strengthen our conversion.
Convert goods
Earthly goods are not bad in themselves, but we can't focus on acquiring goods and still be dedicated to holiness. Christ can't fill a heart bogged down with earthly distractions. Instead, convert your possessions into instruments for God's purposes. What God can't use, give away.
Convert time
Picture Lent as a time when Christ is calling each of us to draw closer to Christ, we will always find the strength to overcome the weaknesses and defects in ourselves that we can't conquer on our own. Use whatever free time you may have this season to pray, mediate, and read about Christ to learn and love him better.
Laying our gifts at the feet of the King
The three Wise Men gave Jesus gifts worthy of a king. We can also present him with our own royal gifts. While ours may not be actual gold, frankincense, and myrrh, we can still give to him the best we have.
Gold
The gift of kings, the "gold" we can offer the King of Kings is our talents and abilities. Like gold, our talents do the most good when given to others.
Frankincense
Frankincense was used as incense during worship and symbolized the prayers offered up to God. In the time of Jesus, frankincense was used by priests whose job it was to intercede for the people. Our priestly ministry can be praying daily for those who need it, especially anyone we know who is struggling and comfort.
Myrrh
A spice used to ease suffering, myrrh was a valuable gift. Mother Teresa once said, "I serve because I love Jesus." Our kindness can be our "myrrh" offered to God ---- a valuable gift.
Gold
The gift of kings, the "gold" we can offer the King of Kings is our talents and abilities. Like gold, our talents do the most good when given to others.
Frankincense
Frankincense was used as incense during worship and symbolized the prayers offered up to God. In the time of Jesus, frankincense was used by priests whose job it was to intercede for the people. Our priestly ministry can be praying daily for those who need it, especially anyone we know who is struggling and comfort.
Myrrh
A spice used to ease suffering, myrrh was a valuable gift. Mother Teresa once said, "I serve because I love Jesus." Our kindness can be our "myrrh" offered to God ---- a valuable gift.
Celebrate life all year round
January is the month during which our Church celebrates life. This is when we take time to recognize that we are all reflections of God and have great value in his eyes from the moment of conception to a natural death. Celebrating life means being pro-human every day of the year.
Befriend a lonely or disabled person.
Spend time with someone who is often alone. Take an elderly neighbor grocery shopping or bring her groceries if she is housebound. Treat an intellectually disabled friend to a movie. Often these folks are on shoestring budgets, can feel isolated, and will appreciate the help and friendship.
Support local food programs.
Volunteer to provide meals to a local food bank or soup kitchen. Collect canned goods in your church, neighborhood, work place, or community.
Steward your money.
Research the institutions where you spend, save, or invest your money to find out what you are financially supporting. Does your favorite store support causes that you feel ultimately victimize others or disrespect your faith and beliefs? Stop shopping there. Does your bank fund organizations you find offensive? Put your money elsewhere.
Nuture patience.
Ignore the crying baby at Mass. Respond to a sharp word with a kind one (even when you're right). Let someone ahead of you in line. People are more important than schedules.
Befriend a lonely or disabled person.
Spend time with someone who is often alone. Take an elderly neighbor grocery shopping or bring her groceries if she is housebound. Treat an intellectually disabled friend to a movie. Often these folks are on shoestring budgets, can feel isolated, and will appreciate the help and friendship.
Support local food programs.
Volunteer to provide meals to a local food bank or soup kitchen. Collect canned goods in your church, neighborhood, work place, or community.
Steward your money.
Research the institutions where you spend, save, or invest your money to find out what you are financially supporting. Does your favorite store support causes that you feel ultimately victimize others or disrespect your faith and beliefs? Stop shopping there. Does your bank fund organizations you find offensive? Put your money elsewhere.
Nuture patience.
Ignore the crying baby at Mass. Respond to a sharp word with a kind one (even when you're right). Let someone ahead of you in line. People are more important than schedules.
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Questions and Answers
Why was Jesus baptized if he was without sin?
Much of what Jesus did in his ministry was to be an example for us. Though he was sinless, Jesus allowed himself to be baptized by John as a visible sign of his willingness to obey the Father's will. Doing the Father's will is what he wants from us. After Jesus was baptized, the skies opened up and the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus. "And a voice came from the heavens, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17).
Baptism is often called, "The Gateway Sacrament," because it is the first one we receive when coming into the Catholic Church and the others. It is usually administered to infants for that reason. Baptism is key to our own redemption so it is fitting that Jesus led the way. We follow him. "There is the whole mystery: he died for you. In him you are redeemed, in him you are saved" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1225).
Does following the Beatitudes mean I have to be miserable to be happy?
The Beatitudes can seem contradictory or confusing. Yet Jesus meant them as foolproof ways to obtain happiness here and in Heaven.
When he created us, God put the desire for happiness in our hearts (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1718).
Knowing how to read the Beatitude blueprint is the key to that happiness.
For example, Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 5:3). That doesn't mean we should be unhappy in order to get to Heaven. Rather, it means that instead of trying to go through life on our own, we can surrender to our dependence on God and he will lead us to Heaven.
Jesus demonstrated how to live the Beatitudes. When he saw suffering, he mourned, and didn't give in to his desire to "feel good." He was pure of heart and lived by God's laws. When he was insulted, he refused to react in violence. He showed mercy by forgiving his tormentors, returning good for evil.
Much of what Jesus did in his ministry was to be an example for us. Though he was sinless, Jesus allowed himself to be baptized by John as a visible sign of his willingness to obey the Father's will. Doing the Father's will is what he wants from us. After Jesus was baptized, the skies opened up and the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus. "And a voice came from the heavens, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17).
Baptism is often called, "The Gateway Sacrament," because it is the first one we receive when coming into the Catholic Church and the others. It is usually administered to infants for that reason. Baptism is key to our own redemption so it is fitting that Jesus led the way. We follow him. "There is the whole mystery: he died for you. In him you are redeemed, in him you are saved" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1225).
Does following the Beatitudes mean I have to be miserable to be happy?
The Beatitudes can seem contradictory or confusing. Yet Jesus meant them as foolproof ways to obtain happiness here and in Heaven.
When he created us, God put the desire for happiness in our hearts (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1718).
Knowing how to read the Beatitude blueprint is the key to that happiness.
For example, Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 5:3). That doesn't mean we should be unhappy in order to get to Heaven. Rather, it means that instead of trying to go through life on our own, we can surrender to our dependence on God and he will lead us to Heaven.
Jesus demonstrated how to live the Beatitudes. When he saw suffering, he mourned, and didn't give in to his desire to "feel good." He was pure of heart and lived by God's laws. When he was insulted, he refused to react in violence. He showed mercy by forgiving his tormentors, returning good for evil.
From Scripture
Luke 4:21 - 30, Live the truth
From the time God promised a Messiah, his people imagined a triumphant king with extraordinary abilities who would defeat Israel's enemies. They didn't expect someone ordinary, or even familiar, like Jesus.
Still, his friends and neighbors had heard reports about his amazing deeds and were excited when he read Isaiah's prophecy about the Messiah and announced its fulfillment in him.
All of that changed when they heard the tough message Jesus had for the children of Israel. They wanted a comforting message from him, not one that reminded them of how often they failed God. And when Jesus mentioned God's grace to the Gentiles, a people they thought were inferior to themselves, they became angry and threw him out. They forfeited his blessings because they rejected his word.
There is no substitute for the truth, even when it is hard to hear. Turning our backs on the truth will close the doors to the kingdom to us. For a follower of Jesus, living the truth of the Gospel is the only way to fully enjoy God's blessings and grace.
Luke 13:1-9, Sin is a tragedy
In Jesus's time, it was thought that physical suffering and death were the punishment for sin. If someone suffered, neighbors wondered what he did to deserve his ill fate. Jesus explained that tragedy and death are part of life and he referred to two senseless tragedies to illustrate.
In the first, Pilate's soldiers killed Jews offering sacrifices. The second tragedy was a collapsed tower. Jesus explained that not every tragedy signifies a sin. The real tragedy, Jesus pointed out, would be if the people had died without repenting for their sins. Life is temporary . Heaven is eternal.
God is always ready to offer forgiveness to repentant sinners. Jesus told a parable about a barren fig tree. A tree without fruit should be cut down but it was given more time at the gardener's request. Jesus said that God, like the merciful gardener, wants to give us more time to repent and follow him more faithfully. The tree may still respond to care. While God's love, grace, and mercy are freely given to us, they should not be taken for granted.
From the time God promised a Messiah, his people imagined a triumphant king with extraordinary abilities who would defeat Israel's enemies. They didn't expect someone ordinary, or even familiar, like Jesus.
Still, his friends and neighbors had heard reports about his amazing deeds and were excited when he read Isaiah's prophecy about the Messiah and announced its fulfillment in him.
All of that changed when they heard the tough message Jesus had for the children of Israel. They wanted a comforting message from him, not one that reminded them of how often they failed God. And when Jesus mentioned God's grace to the Gentiles, a people they thought were inferior to themselves, they became angry and threw him out. They forfeited his blessings because they rejected his word.
There is no substitute for the truth, even when it is hard to hear. Turning our backs on the truth will close the doors to the kingdom to us. For a follower of Jesus, living the truth of the Gospel is the only way to fully enjoy God's blessings and grace.
Luke 13:1-9, Sin is a tragedy
In Jesus's time, it was thought that physical suffering and death were the punishment for sin. If someone suffered, neighbors wondered what he did to deserve his ill fate. Jesus explained that tragedy and death are part of life and he referred to two senseless tragedies to illustrate.
In the first, Pilate's soldiers killed Jews offering sacrifices. The second tragedy was a collapsed tower. Jesus explained that not every tragedy signifies a sin. The real tragedy, Jesus pointed out, would be if the people had died without repenting for their sins. Life is temporary . Heaven is eternal.
God is always ready to offer forgiveness to repentant sinners. Jesus told a parable about a barren fig tree. A tree without fruit should be cut down but it was given more time at the gardener's request. Jesus said that God, like the merciful gardener, wants to give us more time to repent and follow him more faithfully. The tree may still respond to care. While God's love, grace, and mercy are freely given to us, they should not be taken for granted.
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Why Do Catholics Do That?
Why do Catholics gesture during the Confiteor?
Prayers involve the mind, heart, voice, and body. When our bodies also participate, we tend to pray with greater attention. For this reason, during the Confiteor, we strike our breasts at the words, "through my own fault." Striking one's breast is an ancient symbol of repentance and sorrow. In the Confiteor, we recognize and profess sorrow for our sins by word and deed. This helps prepare us for a more holy participation in the sacred Eucharistic celebration that itself can affect reparation for sins.
Why are there "Doctors of the Church"?
There are thirty-six Doctors of the Church, which include St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Therese of Lisieux, and St. Augustine. Church Doctors are saints who have special intellectual gifts. These men and women were found to have had a deep understanding and orthodoxy in their writing and teaching, particularly in a topic or area. While this does not mean that that the works themselves are infallible, the Church considers the contributions made by these Doctors to be good guides for spiritual life.
Prayers involve the mind, heart, voice, and body. When our bodies also participate, we tend to pray with greater attention. For this reason, during the Confiteor, we strike our breasts at the words, "through my own fault." Striking one's breast is an ancient symbol of repentance and sorrow. In the Confiteor, we recognize and profess sorrow for our sins by word and deed. This helps prepare us for a more holy participation in the sacred Eucharistic celebration that itself can affect reparation for sins.
Why are there "Doctors of the Church"?
There are thirty-six Doctors of the Church, which include St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Therese of Lisieux, and St. Augustine. Church Doctors are saints who have special intellectual gifts. These men and women were found to have had a deep understanding and orthodoxy in their writing and teaching, particularly in a topic or area. While this does not mean that that the works themselves are infallible, the Church considers the contributions made by these Doctors to be good guides for spiritual life.
One Minute Meditations
St. John Bosco
St. John Bosco was moved by the plight of young abandoned boys in Rome. Using reason, religion and kindness he taught the boys how to unite their faith with work and play.
By opening the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales, he provided workshops for boys in shoemaking and tailoring. He got them off the streets, educated them, and helped them find jobs. In 1859, he founded the Salesians who were committed to education and mission work.
Never too busy
As Chancellor of England, St. Thomas More was swamped yet always found time to pray. He said, "I have much very important business to handle and I need light and wisdom....." When you feel overwhelmed, remember St. Thomas and ask God for the "light and wisdom" to meet your challenges.
St. Josephine Bahkita
Born in Darfur, Sudan around 1869, she was kidnapped and sold into slavery. Her captors gave her the name Bahkita, which means "fortunate." After several years of serving under cruel masters, she was bought by Augusto Michieli. The Michielis sent Bahkita with their daughter to Italy, where Bahkita encountered Catholicism. Overjoyed, she was baptized and took the name Josephine. In 1893, instead of returning to Africa with the Michielis, she decided to enter the Institute of St. Magdalene of Canossa.
Forgiveness
The advice, "forgive and forget" isn't easy to follow. Forgiveness means letting go of your anger so you are free to heal. Do you need to forgive anyone? Pray for the grace to forgive as God forgives you: freely, totally, and quickly.
St. John Bosco was moved by the plight of young abandoned boys in Rome. Using reason, religion and kindness he taught the boys how to unite their faith with work and play.
By opening the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales, he provided workshops for boys in shoemaking and tailoring. He got them off the streets, educated them, and helped them find jobs. In 1859, he founded the Salesians who were committed to education and mission work.
Never too busy
As Chancellor of England, St. Thomas More was swamped yet always found time to pray. He said, "I have much very important business to handle and I need light and wisdom....." When you feel overwhelmed, remember St. Thomas and ask God for the "light and wisdom" to meet your challenges.
St. Josephine Bahkita
Born in Darfur, Sudan around 1869, she was kidnapped and sold into slavery. Her captors gave her the name Bahkita, which means "fortunate." After several years of serving under cruel masters, she was bought by Augusto Michieli. The Michielis sent Bahkita with their daughter to Italy, where Bahkita encountered Catholicism. Overjoyed, she was baptized and took the name Josephine. In 1893, instead of returning to Africa with the Michielis, she decided to enter the Institute of St. Magdalene of Canossa.
Forgiveness
The advice, "forgive and forget" isn't easy to follow. Forgiveness means letting go of your anger so you are free to heal. Do you need to forgive anyone? Pray for the grace to forgive as God forgives you: freely, totally, and quickly.
The Fourth Wise Man
The Gospel does not tell us how many wise men, or magi, journeyed to Bethlehem following the star. Popular tradition holds that there were three-Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. But there is also a tradition of a forth wise man, named Artaban.
As Artaban prepared to set out and follow the star, he took with him a sapphire, a ruby and a pearl of great price as gifts for the newborn King, whereever He is to be found.
On his way to join the other wise men, Artaban stopped to care for a sick traveler. If he stayed, however, to help he would miss the rendezvous with his friends. He stayed, and the delay was just enough to make him late for the departure of the caravan. Now Artaban was alone, and he needed transportation and supplies to cross the dessert. So he sold the sapphire to purchase camels and supplies. He was saddened because the King would never have this precious gem.
Artaban journeyed onward and reached Bethlehem, but again he was too late. There were soldiers everywhere to carry out Herod's command that the male children should be slain. Artaban, therefore took out the brilliant ruby to bribe the captain and save the children in the village in which he was staying. Children were saved, mothers rejoiced; but the ruby, also, would not reach the King.
For 33 years Artaban searched in vain, and finally found his way to Jerusalem on the day several crucifixions were to take place. Artaban hurried towards Calvary in order to bribe the Roman guard with the precious pearl and save the man called Jesus. Something told him that this was the King of Kings for whom he had been searching all his life.
Just then, a young women being dragged along the street toward the slave market, called out to Artaban pleading for help. With only a slight hesitation, he gave the last jewel, the pearl of great price, for her ransom. Now Artaban had none of the precious gems he was going to present to the King.
Reaching the place where the crucifixions were to occur he was heartbroken when he saw he could do nothing to help Jesus. But something remarkable happened. Jesus looked over toward Artaban and said to him:
"Don't be brokenhearted, Artaban. You've been helping me all your life. When I was hungry, you gave me food, When I was thirsty, you gave me drink. When I was naked, you clothed me, when I was a stranger, you took me in."
Some say Artaban never found Christ. Others say he was the wisest of the wise men.
As Artaban prepared to set out and follow the star, he took with him a sapphire, a ruby and a pearl of great price as gifts for the newborn King, whereever He is to be found.
On his way to join the other wise men, Artaban stopped to care for a sick traveler. If he stayed, however, to help he would miss the rendezvous with his friends. He stayed, and the delay was just enough to make him late for the departure of the caravan. Now Artaban was alone, and he needed transportation and supplies to cross the dessert. So he sold the sapphire to purchase camels and supplies. He was saddened because the King would never have this precious gem.
Artaban journeyed onward and reached Bethlehem, but again he was too late. There were soldiers everywhere to carry out Herod's command that the male children should be slain. Artaban, therefore took out the brilliant ruby to bribe the captain and save the children in the village in which he was staying. Children were saved, mothers rejoiced; but the ruby, also, would not reach the King.
For 33 years Artaban searched in vain, and finally found his way to Jerusalem on the day several crucifixions were to take place. Artaban hurried towards Calvary in order to bribe the Roman guard with the precious pearl and save the man called Jesus. Something told him that this was the King of Kings for whom he had been searching all his life.
Just then, a young women being dragged along the street toward the slave market, called out to Artaban pleading for help. With only a slight hesitation, he gave the last jewel, the pearl of great price, for her ransom. Now Artaban had none of the precious gems he was going to present to the King.
Reaching the place where the crucifixions were to occur he was heartbroken when he saw he could do nothing to help Jesus. But something remarkable happened. Jesus looked over toward Artaban and said to him:
"Don't be brokenhearted, Artaban. You've been helping me all your life. When I was hungry, you gave me food, When I was thirsty, you gave me drink. When I was naked, you clothed me, when I was a stranger, you took me in."
Some say Artaban never found Christ. Others say he was the wisest of the wise men.
Did You Know That.............
While 75% of chocolate purchases are made by women all year long, during the days and minutes before Valentine's Day, 75% of the chocolate purchases are made by men. Over $1 billion of chocolate is purchased for Valentine's Day.
February 14th was formerly thought to be the first day of mating season for birds. This sparked the custom of sending valentines to each other.
February 14th was formerly thought to be the first day of mating season for birds. This sparked the custom of sending valentines to each other.
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Did You Know?
1979
Usernets and Bulletin Board Systems --- the earliest forms of online communication --- hit the internet allowing users to exchange data over phone lines.
1991
America online launched AOL and email, which for many people was their introduction into the World Wide Web.
1995
Classmates.com is launched. The social networking site allows users to find and connect with former acquaintances and classmates. Craigslist starts as an email distrubution list to friends of Craig Newmark featuring local events in the San Francisco Bay Area; in 1996 it became a Web-based service that expanded into other classified categories.
1997
AOL's instant Messenger is born allowing for real time instant online communication.
2001
Following the Sept. 11 attacks, online memorials pop up in cyberspace including one for families of Cantor Fitzgerald employees who died in the World Trade Center http://www.cantorfamilies.com/
2002
Friendster.com launched, as did Meetup, another online social networking site that helped organize offline group meetings in various locations worldwide. Meetup users enter their zip codes or city and the topic they want to meet about, and the website helps them arrange a place and time to meet.
2003
MySpace.com launched, as did Linkedin and Photobucket. Google bought the blog-publishing service Blogger.com, which allows multi-user blogs with time-stamped entries.
2004
Facebook is founded as a way for college students to connect. It opened to the general public in 2006 and overtakes MySpace as the most popular social networking site in 2008. Also launched were Digg and Flickr, World of Warcraft, a multiplayer online role-playing game, and Vimeo, a video-sharing website where users upload, share and view videos.
2005
The video-sharing website You Tube is launched, as is the entertainment, social networking and news website Reddit, which allows registered users to submit content, including posts or direct links. In 2006, Conde Nast Publications acquires the site from the University of Virginia roommates who founded it.
2006
Twitter launched.
2007
Tumblr launched.
2009
Facebook created the "Like" button, and Foursquare, the local search and discovery mobile app, is launched.
2010
Instagram is launched as a free smartphone mobile app; also launched was Storify, a social networking service that lets the user create stories or timelines using social media outlets. It opened to the public in 2011.
2011
Pinterest, Google Plus and Snapchat are launched.
2012
Vine, the short-form video sharing service, where users share six-second long looping video clips, is launched. Users videos are published through Vine's social network and can be shared on other social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.
2015
Periscope, the live video streaming app for IOS and Android devices, is launched.
Usernets and Bulletin Board Systems --- the earliest forms of online communication --- hit the internet allowing users to exchange data over phone lines.
1991
America online launched AOL and email, which for many people was their introduction into the World Wide Web.
1995
Classmates.com is launched. The social networking site allows users to find and connect with former acquaintances and classmates. Craigslist starts as an email distrubution list to friends of Craig Newmark featuring local events in the San Francisco Bay Area; in 1996 it became a Web-based service that expanded into other classified categories.
1997
AOL's instant Messenger is born allowing for real time instant online communication.
2001
Following the Sept. 11 attacks, online memorials pop up in cyberspace including one for families of Cantor Fitzgerald employees who died in the World Trade Center http://www.cantorfamilies.com/
2002
Friendster.com launched, as did Meetup, another online social networking site that helped organize offline group meetings in various locations worldwide. Meetup users enter their zip codes or city and the topic they want to meet about, and the website helps them arrange a place and time to meet.
2003
MySpace.com launched, as did Linkedin and Photobucket. Google bought the blog-publishing service Blogger.com, which allows multi-user blogs with time-stamped entries.
2004
Facebook is founded as a way for college students to connect. It opened to the general public in 2006 and overtakes MySpace as the most popular social networking site in 2008. Also launched were Digg and Flickr, World of Warcraft, a multiplayer online role-playing game, and Vimeo, a video-sharing website where users upload, share and view videos.
2005
The video-sharing website You Tube is launched, as is the entertainment, social networking and news website Reddit, which allows registered users to submit content, including posts or direct links. In 2006, Conde Nast Publications acquires the site from the University of Virginia roommates who founded it.
2006
Twitter launched.
2007
Tumblr launched.
2009
Facebook created the "Like" button, and Foursquare, the local search and discovery mobile app, is launched.
2010
Instagram is launched as a free smartphone mobile app; also launched was Storify, a social networking service that lets the user create stories or timelines using social media outlets. It opened to the public in 2011.
2011
Pinterest, Google Plus and Snapchat are launched.
2012
Vine, the short-form video sharing service, where users share six-second long looping video clips, is launched. Users videos are published through Vine's social network and can be shared on other social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.
2015
Periscope, the live video streaming app for IOS and Android devices, is launched.
Super Bowl Game Quiz
Sometimes, you just know about the Super Bowl. But as you might have watched the Super Bowl 50 on Sunday Feb. 7th, how much do you truly know about the game and its history?
Let's find out.
1. What was the halftime entertainment at the first Super Bowl?
a) Up With People
b) Grambling University marching band
c) University of Arizona marching band
d) Carol Channing
2. What was the official name of the first Super Bowl?
a) First AFL-NFL Championship Game
b) Super Bowl I
c) The Game
d) World Championship of Football
3. Which Colts player's insulting pregame comment about the 18-point underdog Jets at Super Bowl III prompted Joe Namath's "guarantee" of victory?
a) Tom Matte
b) Mike Curtis
c) Bubba Smith
d) Lou Michaels
4. How many times has a quarterback beem named the Super Bowl MVP?
a) 26
b) 27
c) 28
d) 31
5. What is the cost of a 30-second commercial for Super Bowl 50?
a) $3 million
b) $3.5 million
c) $4 million
d) $5 million
6. Which city has hosted the most Super Bowls?
a) New Orleans
b) Miami
c) Los Angeles
d) Tampa
7. Who's the only player from a losing team to be named a Super Bowl MVP?
a) Chuck Howley
b) Jim Kelly
c) Roger Staubach
d) Kurt Warner
8. Which players have played in the most Super Bowls (six) ?
a) Tom Brady and Mike Lodish
b) Marv Fleming and Tom Brady
c) Charles Haley and Marv Fleming
d) Gale Gilbert and Mike Lodish
9. Which Super Bowl winning quarterback has the lowest passer rating in that particular game (22.6)?
a) Trent Dilfer
b) Ben Roethlisberger
c) Jim McMahon
d) Brad Johnson
10. Why was Super Bowl XI different from any other?
a) The "Star-Spangled Banner" wasn't played prior to the game
b) The kickoff was at night
c) The halftime show was canceled due to poor field conditions
d) A U.S. president performed the pregame coin flip
11. What does it mean that Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is a pescatarian?
a) He fears driving at night
b) He collects Pez dispensers
c) Wears no leather products
d) He eats fish, but not meat
12. Who was the first person to win the Super Bowl as a player and a head coach?
a) Mike Ditka
b) Dan Reeves
c) Tom Flores
d) Tony Dungy
13. How many teams have played in, but never won, the Super Bowl?
a) 6
b) 7
c) 8
d) 9
14. How many men have been head coach of an NCAA champion and a Super Bowl champion?
a) 2
b) 3
c) 4
d) 5
15. Who was the youngest head coach to win the Super Bowl?
a) John Madden
b) Mike Tomlin
c) Jon Gruden
d) Jimmy Johnson
16. What occurs on Super Sunday more times than any other day of the year?
a) Toilets are flushed
b) Pizza is eaten
c) Beer is consumed
d) Alcohol-related vehicle accidents occur
17. How many teams have never played in a Super Bowl?
a) 3
b) 4
c) 5
d) 7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answers : 1-c ; 2-a ; 3-d ; 4-b ; 5-d ; 6-b ; 7-a ; 8-a ; 9-b ; 10-a ; 11-d ; 12-c ; 13-d ; 14-b ; 15-b ; 16-a ; 17-b
A century of Sinatra : How much do you know?
How much do you know about Francis Albert Sinatra, who would have turned 100 in 2015?
Here's a quiz we'll call the Frank 15.
Let's find out:
1. How many Sinatra songs reached No. 1 on the Billboard chart?
a) 10
b) 11
c) 14
d) 17
2. Sinatra wore lifts in his shoes because he was sensitive about his height, which was:
a) 5-6
b) 5-7
c) 5-8
d) 5-9
3. Sinatra's parents planned to name him something other than Frank. However, the priest conducting his baptism accidentally named him Frank, and it stuck. What was his name supposed to be?
a) Carlo
b) Martin
c) Vito
d) Cologero
4. Early in his career, Sinatra rebuffed his agents' urging to change his name to:
a) Alan Blue
b) Frankie Satin
c) Paul Rivers
d) Tony Rome
5. How did Sinatra get that scar on his left cheek?
a) From a mobster's knife for his failing to pay a gambling debt
b) Knife slash from a jealous husband
c) Accidentally fell through a window
d) From doctor's forceps during his birth
6. Sinatra's fourth and final wife, Barbara, was previously married to which of the Marx Brothers?
a) Groucho
b) Harpo
c) Chico
d) Zeppo
7. What was Sinatra's favorite drink?
a) Southern Comfort
b) Jack Daniel's
c) Vodka tonic
d) Gin and tonic
8. The name "Scooby Doo," the classic TV cartoon hound, was inspired by a line from which Sinatra song?
a) "Where Do We Go From Here"
b) "Strangers in the Night"
c) "My Way"
d) "That's Life"
9. What was the moniker the Sinatra-led boys club of the 1960s preferred instead of the "Rat Pack"?
a) Post Time Pack
b) The Firm
c) The Summit
d) The Frank Five
10. Which singer did Sinatra say had the single greatest influence on his music?
a) Alex Kee
b) Dick Haymes
c) Sophia Leibowitz
d) Billie Holliday
11. Sinatra won an Oscar for his role as Maggio in which motion picture?
a) "The Manchurian Candidate"
b) "Pal Joey"
c) "From Here to Eternity"
d) "The Joker is Wild"
12. What was Sinatra's debut as a paid entertainer?
a) Porn actor
b) Singing waiter
c) Backup singer for Bing Crosby
d) Tap dancer at Copacabana
13. Why was Sinatra arrested in 1938?
a) Adultery
b) Petty Theft
c) Robbery
d) Running a high-stakes craps game
14. What was Sinatra's hobby?
a) Collecting toy trains
b) Exotic fish for his aquarium
c) Expensive automobiles
d) Golf
15. What did Sinatra never learn to do?
a) Read music
b) Play an instrument
c) Cook
d) Knot a bow tie
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answers : 1-a ; 2-b ; 3-b ; 4-b ; 5-d ; 6-d ; 7-b ; 8-b ; 9-c ; 10-d ; 11-c ; 12-a ; 13-a ; 14-a ; 15-a
Here's a quiz we'll call the Frank 15.
Let's find out:
1. How many Sinatra songs reached No. 1 on the Billboard chart?
a) 10
b) 11
c) 14
d) 17
2. Sinatra wore lifts in his shoes because he was sensitive about his height, which was:
a) 5-6
b) 5-7
c) 5-8
d) 5-9
3. Sinatra's parents planned to name him something other than Frank. However, the priest conducting his baptism accidentally named him Frank, and it stuck. What was his name supposed to be?
a) Carlo
b) Martin
c) Vito
d) Cologero
4. Early in his career, Sinatra rebuffed his agents' urging to change his name to:
a) Alan Blue
b) Frankie Satin
c) Paul Rivers
d) Tony Rome
5. How did Sinatra get that scar on his left cheek?
a) From a mobster's knife for his failing to pay a gambling debt
b) Knife slash from a jealous husband
c) Accidentally fell through a window
d) From doctor's forceps during his birth
6. Sinatra's fourth and final wife, Barbara, was previously married to which of the Marx Brothers?
a) Groucho
b) Harpo
c) Chico
d) Zeppo
7. What was Sinatra's favorite drink?
a) Southern Comfort
b) Jack Daniel's
c) Vodka tonic
d) Gin and tonic
8. The name "Scooby Doo," the classic TV cartoon hound, was inspired by a line from which Sinatra song?
a) "Where Do We Go From Here"
b) "Strangers in the Night"
c) "My Way"
d) "That's Life"
9. What was the moniker the Sinatra-led boys club of the 1960s preferred instead of the "Rat Pack"?
a) Post Time Pack
b) The Firm
c) The Summit
d) The Frank Five
10. Which singer did Sinatra say had the single greatest influence on his music?
a) Alex Kee
b) Dick Haymes
c) Sophia Leibowitz
d) Billie Holliday
11. Sinatra won an Oscar for his role as Maggio in which motion picture?
a) "The Manchurian Candidate"
b) "Pal Joey"
c) "From Here to Eternity"
d) "The Joker is Wild"
12. What was Sinatra's debut as a paid entertainer?
a) Porn actor
b) Singing waiter
c) Backup singer for Bing Crosby
d) Tap dancer at Copacabana
13. Why was Sinatra arrested in 1938?
a) Adultery
b) Petty Theft
c) Robbery
d) Running a high-stakes craps game
14. What was Sinatra's hobby?
a) Collecting toy trains
b) Exotic fish for his aquarium
c) Expensive automobiles
d) Golf
15. What did Sinatra never learn to do?
a) Read music
b) Play an instrument
c) Cook
d) Knot a bow tie
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answers : 1-a ; 2-b ; 3-b ; 4-b ; 5-d ; 6-d ; 7-b ; 8-b ; 9-c ; 10-d ; 11-c ; 12-a ; 13-a ; 14-a ; 15-a
Whether adored or hated, Columbus gets his day.
Brave explorer or slave trader who sparked centuries of genocide?
Was he both?
Should he be revered or vilified?
Just who was Christopher Columbus?
Whatever your position, there's a Mount Rushmore of significant dates in American history, and the one associated with him ranks among them. There's 1776, 1865, 1941 and 1492.
Oct. 12, 1492, is chisled in our memory. Five hundred twenty-three years ago Monday, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus landed in what he believed to be the "New World." Did he discover America? Not exactly, unless one includes the Bahamas, Cuba, Hispaniola or Central America among what became the U.S. decades later.
Was he a brutal slave trader who ushered in more than 400 years of international genocide? Some historians believe that to be true without question.
Still, Columbus is hailed as a hero by many, particularly among those of Italian descent. His explorations led directly to the opening of the Western hemisphere to European colonization, large-scale exchanges of plants, animals, cultures and ideas between the two worlds. In my hometown, which has a high Italian-American population, his feats of exploration are recognized during a ceremony and the placing of a wreath at his statue on Main Street every Oct. 12. When I was a kid, a Columbus Day parade was held every October and included replicas of the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria, the sailing ships he directed across the sea on his initial voyage. Columbus was royalty bordering on deity.
Yes, 1492; everyone knows the date. But beyond that, what do you know about Columbus? Let's find out.
1. Where was Columbus born?
a) Italy
b) Spain
c) Portugal
d) Jamison
2. Who funded Columbus's initial voyage?
a) Banco di Roma
b) King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella of Spain
c) Italian Philanthropist Pietro Scarolle
d) Neighbors held a beef and beer
3. In which ship did Columbus sail on his initial voyage?
a) Nina
b) Pinta
c) Santa Maria
d) Each of them
4. What did Columbus hope to accomplish on his voyage?
a) Reach India and Southeast Asia to trade for silk and spices
b) Explore the Bahamas to establish a settlement there
c) Find a route to the Pacific Ocean
d) Test a new seasickness drug
5. Where did Columbus think he landed upon reaching the "New World"?
a) China
b) India
c) Barbados
d) New Zealand
6. How long did it take Columbus to reach the "New World"?
a) Three weeks
b) Four weeks
c) Five weeks
d) About seven weeks
7. How old was Columbus when he landed in the Bahamas?
a) 37
b) 39
c) 41
d) 42
8. How many voyages did Columbus make?
a) 2
b) 3
c) 4
d) 6
9. Ten years after his first voyage, why was Columbus arrested and brought back to Europe in chains?
a) For bringing new diseases back to Europe
b) For enslaving the island natives
c) For mismanging funds he received for his voyages
d) All of the above
10. Who wrote, "In fourteen hundred ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue"?
a) Winifred Sackville Stoner Jr.
b) Leonard Pinth Garnell
c) Andrew Bett
d) James Taylor
11. How many ships did Columbus take on his second voyage?
a) 5
b) 11
c) 14
d) 17
12. When was Columbus Day declared a national holiday in the U.S.?
a) 1909
b) 1927
c) 1931
d) 1937
13. How many American cities are named after Columbus?
a) 5
b) 6
c) 7
d) 10
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answers : 1-a ; 2-b ; 3-c ; 4-a ; 5-a ; 6-c ; 7-c ; 8-c ; 9-d ; 10-a ; 11-d ; 12-d ; 13-a
Was he both?
Should he be revered or vilified?
Just who was Christopher Columbus?
Whatever your position, there's a Mount Rushmore of significant dates in American history, and the one associated with him ranks among them. There's 1776, 1865, 1941 and 1492.
Oct. 12, 1492, is chisled in our memory. Five hundred twenty-three years ago Monday, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus landed in what he believed to be the "New World." Did he discover America? Not exactly, unless one includes the Bahamas, Cuba, Hispaniola or Central America among what became the U.S. decades later.
Was he a brutal slave trader who ushered in more than 400 years of international genocide? Some historians believe that to be true without question.
Still, Columbus is hailed as a hero by many, particularly among those of Italian descent. His explorations led directly to the opening of the Western hemisphere to European colonization, large-scale exchanges of plants, animals, cultures and ideas between the two worlds. In my hometown, which has a high Italian-American population, his feats of exploration are recognized during a ceremony and the placing of a wreath at his statue on Main Street every Oct. 12. When I was a kid, a Columbus Day parade was held every October and included replicas of the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria, the sailing ships he directed across the sea on his initial voyage. Columbus was royalty bordering on deity.
Yes, 1492; everyone knows the date. But beyond that, what do you know about Columbus? Let's find out.
1. Where was Columbus born?
a) Italy
b) Spain
c) Portugal
d) Jamison
2. Who funded Columbus's initial voyage?
a) Banco di Roma
b) King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella of Spain
c) Italian Philanthropist Pietro Scarolle
d) Neighbors held a beef and beer
3. In which ship did Columbus sail on his initial voyage?
a) Nina
b) Pinta
c) Santa Maria
d) Each of them
4. What did Columbus hope to accomplish on his voyage?
a) Reach India and Southeast Asia to trade for silk and spices
b) Explore the Bahamas to establish a settlement there
c) Find a route to the Pacific Ocean
d) Test a new seasickness drug
5. Where did Columbus think he landed upon reaching the "New World"?
a) China
b) India
c) Barbados
d) New Zealand
6. How long did it take Columbus to reach the "New World"?
a) Three weeks
b) Four weeks
c) Five weeks
d) About seven weeks
7. How old was Columbus when he landed in the Bahamas?
a) 37
b) 39
c) 41
d) 42
8. How many voyages did Columbus make?
a) 2
b) 3
c) 4
d) 6
9. Ten years after his first voyage, why was Columbus arrested and brought back to Europe in chains?
a) For bringing new diseases back to Europe
b) For enslaving the island natives
c) For mismanging funds he received for his voyages
d) All of the above
10. Who wrote, "In fourteen hundred ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue"?
a) Winifred Sackville Stoner Jr.
b) Leonard Pinth Garnell
c) Andrew Bett
d) James Taylor
11. How many ships did Columbus take on his second voyage?
a) 5
b) 11
c) 14
d) 17
12. When was Columbus Day declared a national holiday in the U.S.?
a) 1909
b) 1927
c) 1931
d) 1937
13. How many American cities are named after Columbus?
a) 5
b) 6
c) 7
d) 10
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answers : 1-a ; 2-b ; 3-c ; 4-a ; 5-a ; 6-c ; 7-c ; 8-c ; 9-d ; 10-a ; 11-d ; 12-d ; 13-a
Monday, February 8, 2016
Month of February
01 : National Freedom Day
02 : Ground Hog Day
03 : The Day the Music Died Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper died in a plane crash
04 : Thank a Mailman Day
05 : National Weatherman's Day
06 : Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
07 : Wave All Your Fingers at Your Neighbor Day
08 : Clean out Your Computer Day
09 : Toothache Day
10 : Umbrella Day
11 : White T-Shirt Day
12 : Plum Pudding Day
13 : Get a Different Name Day
14 : Ferris Wheel Day
15 : National Gum Drop Day
16 : Do a Grouch a Favor Day
17 : RandomActs of Kindness Day
18 : National Battery Day
19 : National Chocolate Mint Day
20 : Cherry Pie Day
21 : Card Reading Day
22 : Be Humble Day
23 : International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day
24 : National Tortilla Chip Day
25 : Pistol Patent Day
26 : Tell a Fairy Tale Day
27 : Polar Bear Day
28 : Public Sleeping Day
29 : Leap Day : Occurs once every four years!
02 : Ground Hog Day
03 : The Day the Music Died Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper died in a plane crash
04 : Thank a Mailman Day
05 : National Weatherman's Day
06 : Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
07 : Wave All Your Fingers at Your Neighbor Day
08 : Clean out Your Computer Day
09 : Toothache Day
10 : Umbrella Day
11 : White T-Shirt Day
12 : Plum Pudding Day
13 : Get a Different Name Day
14 : Ferris Wheel Day
15 : National Gum Drop Day
16 : Do a Grouch a Favor Day
17 : RandomActs of Kindness Day
18 : National Battery Day
19 : National Chocolate Mint Day
20 : Cherry Pie Day
21 : Card Reading Day
22 : Be Humble Day
23 : International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day
24 : National Tortilla Chip Day
25 : Pistol Patent Day
26 : Tell a Fairy Tale Day
27 : Polar Bear Day
28 : Public Sleeping Day
29 : Leap Day : Occurs once every four years!
This and That..........
January is also --------
National Bath Safety Month
National Blood Donor Month
National Braille Literacy Month
National Hobby Month
Hot Tea Month
National Oatmeal Month
National Soup Month
And Did You Know That.............
the ball was first dropped at Times Square in New York City.
(January, 1908)
......the Miami Dolphins defeated the Washington Redskins in Superbowl VII, and became the first undefeated team in NFL history.
(January, 1973)
......at 69 years, 349 days old, Ronald Reagan became the oldest person to become U.S. president.
(January, 1981)
What A Month!!
National Bath Safety Month
National Blood Donor Month
National Braille Literacy Month
National Hobby Month
Hot Tea Month
National Oatmeal Month
National Soup Month
And Did You Know That.............
the ball was first dropped at Times Square in New York City.
(January, 1908)
......the Miami Dolphins defeated the Washington Redskins in Superbowl VII, and became the first undefeated team in NFL history.
(January, 1973)
......at 69 years, 349 days old, Ronald Reagan became the oldest person to become U.S. president.
(January, 1981)
What A Month!!
Ha! Ha! Ha!
Avoidable : What a bullfighter tries to do.
Baloney : Where some hemlines fall.
Bernadette : The act of torching a mortgage.
Control : A short, ugly inmate.
Heroes : What a guy in a boat does.
Parasites : What you see from the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Polarize : What penguins see with.
Relief : What trees do in Spring.
Rubberneck : What you do to relax your wife.
Selfish : What the owner of a seafood store does.
Sudafed : Sued a government official.
Baloney : Where some hemlines fall.
Bernadette : The act of torching a mortgage.
Control : A short, ugly inmate.
Heroes : What a guy in a boat does.
Parasites : What you see from the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Polarize : What penguins see with.
Relief : What trees do in Spring.
Rubberneck : What you do to relax your wife.
Selfish : What the owner of a seafood store does.
Sudafed : Sued a government official.
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Songs of Love
Complete each song title with the correct selection from the second list.
01. Heart A) Valentine
02. Melody B) Me Love You
03. Let Me C) to be You
04. Love Is a D) and Soul
05. Love Makes E) I See You
06. It Had F) Confessin'
07. You Made G) of Love
08. My Funny H) the World Go 'Round
09. The More I) Many Splendored Thing
10. I'm J) Call You Sweetheart
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answers : 1-D ; 2-G ; 3-J ; 4-I ; 5-H ; 6-C ; 7-B ; 8-A ; 9-E ; 10-F
01. Heart A) Valentine
02. Melody B) Me Love You
03. Let Me C) to be You
04. Love Is a D) and Soul
05. Love Makes E) I See You
06. It Had F) Confessin'
07. You Made G) of Love
08. My Funny H) the World Go 'Round
09. The More I) Many Splendored Thing
10. I'm J) Call You Sweetheart
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answers : 1-D ; 2-G ; 3-J ; 4-I ; 5-H ; 6-C ; 7-B ; 8-A ; 9-E ; 10-F
Great Classic Movies Quiz
Complete each movie title with the correct selection from the second list.
1. Gone With A) Wonderful Life
2. From Here B) on 34th Street
3. The Wizard C) of Wrath
4. It's a D) Little Sheba
5. Rear E) the Wind
6. The Old Man F) on the River Kwai
7. Miracle G) to Eternity
8. How Green H) and the Sea
9. The Grapes I) of Oz
10. The Bridge J) Noon
11. Come Back, K) Window
12. High L) Was My Valley
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answers : 1-E ; 2-G ; 3-I ; 4-A ; 5-K ; 6-H ; 7-B ; 8-L ; 9-C ; 10-F ; 11-D ; 12-J
1. Gone With A) Wonderful Life
2. From Here B) on 34th Street
3. The Wizard C) of Wrath
4. It's a D) Little Sheba
5. Rear E) the Wind
6. The Old Man F) on the River Kwai
7. Miracle G) to Eternity
8. How Green H) and the Sea
9. The Grapes I) of Oz
10. The Bridge J) Noon
11. Come Back, K) Window
12. High L) Was My Valley
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answers : 1-E ; 2-G ; 3-I ; 4-A ; 5-K ; 6-H ; 7-B ; 8-L ; 9-C ; 10-F ; 11-D ; 12-J
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