Musical Interlude

Here's a song that takes me back to my teen years and puts me in that laid-back, "life is great, enjoy your summer" mood: "Biggest Part of Me" by Ambrosia, released in 1980.



And here it is again, re-released in 1994 by Take 6, with slightly revised lyrics making God the subject of the song:

Interesting Article...

... by Damian Thompson, lead writer for the Daily Telegraph in the U.K.

Hill & Water

For today's watercolouring exercise, I watched a YouTube video of Gordon Bruce painting a Scottish Loch (Loch Torridon). I tried to imitate what he was doing for the most part, but my end result is nowhere near as detailed or as colourful as his. I have so much to learn yet (sigh...) - but getting there is still fun! :)

Click on the image to see it large.

Case Dismissed!!

The Canadian Human Rights Commission has dismissed the complaint against Catholic Insight! The magazine was being investigated because of a complaint alleging that the magazine's articles opposing homosexual activity and 'gay marriage' promoted "extreme hatred and contempt" against persons with same-sex attractions. It is possible the complainant may appeal the CHRC's decision within the next 30 days.

Meanwhile, the magazine is still liable for $20,000 in legal expenses incurred in defending themselves. To donate to their defence fund, please click here. Also, do read this letter written by Fr. Alphonse de Valk, founder and editor of Catholic Insight, on the importance of continuing to seek reform of "the Human Rights Act, related provincial legislation, and the Commissions themselves".

Just for fun!

Presenting...The Art of Coffee, aka Latte Art:

Independence Day, USA!

Happy 4th of July to my American friends! Thank you, America, for your generosity and your support of freedom around the world!

Nightly Examination of Conscience

Thank You, Lord, for today's many blessings. Help me to remember all the things I have to be thankful for.

Give me the grace to see the ways I've missed the mark today, and the firm resolution to do better with Your help. May Your light bring to my recollection my thoughts, words, and deeds since I awoke this morning.

Please forgive me, Lord, for any faults I've committed today. If I've committed grave sin, help me to get to confession as soon as possible. Help me, Lord, to amend my ways with Your grace. Please let me sleep tonight surrounded by Your mercy and peace.

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

More on the Nightly Examination of Conscience here: Fisheaters.com

Tap Legends!

From the movie "Stormy Weather" - Cab Calloway and his orchestra perform Jumpin' Jive, and the Nicholas Brothers join in (at about 1:35) with an amazing dance performance!

Oh, Canada....(Tsk, tsk, tsk)

Today, July 1st, Canada Day, Henry Morgentaler - Canada's most prominent abortionist - has been named to the Order of Canada, the country's highest honour, “for his commitment to increased health care options for women, his determined efforts to influence Canadian public policy and his leadership in humanist and civil liberties organization.”

Oy vey!

His Grace, Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto has written a letter asking "the faithful of the Archdiocese of Toronto, and all people of good will, to protest this act of dishonour". The Archbishop says, "Write, phone, or e-mail the Governor General, the Prime Minister, and your Member of Parliament. Ask that this action be revoked."

I absolutely will.

Happy Canada (Dominion) Day!

Here's a fun slice of Canadiana, Log Driver's Waltz - 1979 animated short film by the National Film Board of Canada; the animation begins about 45 seconds in. (h/t - SDA)