Emma Watson

Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson better known by the name of emma watson is an artist born in Paris, France, 15 April 1990 who is a British actress who is often known in the world when he was playing as Hermione Granger in the film "Harry Potter". Emma watson is
the daughter of Chris and Jacqueline partner Wason currently divorced. Emma watson is an actress who starred in the sequel of the famous film harry potter diperankannya from the first season until the last season aired during the series is harry potter.

Started acting on screen when he starred in a movie called Knowing Me, Knowing Yule. After that, emma watson was a star when he played in the movie harry potter and Sorcerer's Stone in 2001. At that time he was only stepping age of 9 years with his partner Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint. After his role in the film, emma watson became a major role to continue the next harry potter movie.
 
BIODATA EMMA WATSON
Full Name: Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson 
Nickname: Emma Watson 
TTL: Paris, France, 15 April 1990 
Father Name: Chris Wason 
Mother's Name: Jacqueline Watson Luesby 
Name of Siblings: Alex Watson, Toby, Nina, Lucy 
Hair Color: BlondeEye Color: Brown
Last Education: The Dragon School Oxford, England, Headington School in Headington, Oxford, England 
Height: 5 '4 "

FILMS EMMA WATSON:
* Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Ston (2001) 
* Hary Potter and the Chaber of Secrets (2002) 
* Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) 
* Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) 
* Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) 
* Ballet Shoes (2007) 
* The Tale of Despereaux (2008) 
* Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
* Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2010 / 2011)

EMMA WATSON AND ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS:
* Best Performance in a Feature Film - Leading Young Actress (2002) 
* Saturn Award (2002) 
* Empire Award (2002)
* Outstanding Supporting Actress (2002) 
* Best Ensemble in a Feature Film (2002) 
* Best Female Film Star (Silver) (2003) 
* Best Female Film Star (Silver) (2004) 
* Child Performance of the Year (2004)
* Best Young Actress (2004) 
* Best Female Film Star (Gold) (2004) 
* Best Young Actress (2005) 
* Best Female Film Star (Bronze) (2006) 
* Best On-Screen Team (2006)
* Best Female Performance (2007) 
* Best Movie Actress (2007) 
* Best Actress (2008) 
* Best Female Performance (2008) 
* Best Female Film Star (Gold) (2008) 
* Best Actress (2008)
* Best UK TV Actress (2008)
* Best Actress in a Fantasy (2009) 
* Performance of the Year (2010) 
* Best Female Performance (2010) 
* Actress in a Fantasy (2010)

Sinning Differently

I have been reading a very interesting book, Crucial Conversations (Kerry et al.). It was suggested to me by the evaluators who sat through the last reverse evaluation we had in my division (last January) and thought that some of the representatives from our various branches would be more comfortable presenting negative information if they knew some of the principles in this book.

Right now, the leaders in my division are reading the book. We meet every two weeks to discuss the next chapter. (Leadership development is very important to me, and I insist that all leaders actively participate. For this book, they want to participate.)

After we leaders are finished, I will have all the staff read and discuss the book. Most important, I intend, per suggestion of the evaluators of the evaluation, to develop a cadre from among the various branches who will be fully trained to represent theihttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifr peers at the future reverse evaluations and not feel uncomfortable when they have to share negative feedback.

One of the sentences I came across in the book provides a very helpful concept. There are times that we all run across people we have difficulty getting along with. At the same time, we do have to work together, and we do have to have useful conversations. It is often hard not to judge these individuals as "difficult" and to accept them as good people. The sentence in the book that I found so helpful for dealing with those I consider difficult was the following:

"Lord, help me forgive those who sin differently than I."

Finding a way to respect and love everyone is an important part of being a reasonable leader. It is a topic I have blogged about before (see Loving Impossible People) because I run into this need almost every day. It is amazing how thinking about sinning differently can put a new perspective on matters, how remembering that all of us are children of God can create the ability to respect another, and how great a positive difference just a little respect can make.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie is an Oscar-winning actress popular hero after playing the character of women in the blockbuster Tomb Raider. Behind the scenes, Jolie is known for his involvement in various international humanitarian activities, including the ambassadors of the United Nations (UN) for refugee affairs. Men's magazine, Esquire, and even
called it "the best woman in the world of kindness, dedication, and bravery". Recently, celebrities are often included in the list of most beautiful woman is visiting earthquake victims in Haiti. As UN ambassador, Jolie give moral support and pump up the spirit of the people in the Caribbean country after the earthquake seven on the Richter Scale on January 12, 2010 that killed hundreds of thousands of people.

Born in Los Angeles, California, United States (U.S.), June 4, 1975, Jolie is the daughter of film star in the 1970s, Jon Voight. Films made by his father, "Lookin 'to Get Out with Burt Young" in 1982, became the first film of small Jolie. Like her brother, director James Haven, Jolie seemed destined to become an actress. At age 11, he began to study acting at the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute in New York City.
At age 17, Jolie plays the role of half-man in "Cyborg 2" with Elias Koteas. Jolie's career in film began to appear a decade later with a low-cost film Cyborg 2 (1993). In Hackers (1995), Jolie began to play the main character. Jolie-which in French means 'beautiful', starring in several film biographies like George Wallace (1997) and Gia (1998) written by boografi biography of supermodel Gia Carangi. Role as Cornelia Wallace, wife of Governor George Wallace, Jolie won a Golden Globe Award and Emmy Award nominations.
This sexy Hollywood actress won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for brilliant performances in the drama Girl, Interrupted (1999). In the film, starring Winona Ryder, Angelina Jolie plays a mental patient experiencing severe depression.

Jolie is more widely known after the main character "Lara Croft" in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001). Since that time became one of the most popular actresses in Hollywood and the most expensive. One of the shooting location for the Tomb Raider conducted in Cambodia. In the Southeast Asian countries, Jolie witnessed the beauty of nature, culture, and poverty. He admitted his experience in Cambodia makes Jolie eyes open, and intend to be active in humanitarian activities in his life.
Jolie began visiting refugee camps around the world and was selected to be ambassadors of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR). Some experiences were written and published in the bestselling book "Notes from My Travels" which benefits the sales donated to UNHCR.

One time, she plays the 1.73 meter mendevosikan states for most of his time to humanitarian activities with her earnings as an actress. Jolie set aside a third of their income for savings, one third to living expenses, and a third to charity. Dramatic film titled Beyond Borders (2003) parallel with some experience of humanity, although not enter the box office.
In 2002, starring Tomb Raider adopted a Cambodian refugee boy named Maddox, followed by Ethiopian daughter named Zahara, adopted in 2005.

After Tomb Raider, Jolie increasingly reap success after a role in the comedy-action film genre Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005). In the movie Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Jolie paired with actor Brad Pitt, who later became his friend.
Lately Jolie-Pitt's relationship becomes more and more frequent meals related to U.S. media rumors of their separation. Although still confusing, news of his parting with the handsome actor Brad Pitt has always attracted public attention. Latest news mentioning, the couple, dubbed "Brangelina" is actually sue a British tabloid, News of the World, which is considered to false accusations by proclaiming that the couple will split.
Her relationship with Brad Pitt burst in 2005. When Jolie confirmed her pregnancy in early 2006, the media endlessly chasing the couple nicknamed "Brangelina" is. To escape pursuit by the media, they "fled" to Namibia where Jolie gave birth to Shiloh Nouvel. Widow of actor Jonny Lee Miller and Billy Bob Thornton has decided to sell the first pictures of Shiloh through distributor Getty Images, rather than allowing paparazzi to take the first photographs of Shiloh. The money from selling photos of Shiloh donated to charity by Jolie and Pitt.

In 2007, Artis Cantik three years to adopt children from Vietnam, Pax Thien. Align the media speculation for months, in the event the Cannes Film Festival in 2008, Jolie confirmed that she was pregnant with twins. On July 12, 2008 in Nice, France, Jolie gave birth to a baby boy and girl, Knox Léon and Vivienne Marcheline. Copyright Knox and Vivienne's first photograph was sold to People magazine and Hello! U.S. $ 14 million-most expensive celebrity photos. Money from the sale included the Jolie / Pitt Foundation.
Jolie reportedly had a special relationship with a lesbian supermodel Jenny Shimizu, starring in action films companion Foxfire (1996). Shimizu admitted they often traveled together. They remained friends and a few times in a relationship more than friendship on the sidelines of Jolie's relationship with man. Jolie is openly admitted his bisexuality.

In 2007, Jolie starred in the drama A Mighty Heart by Marianne Pearl's role, the wife of a murdered journalist, Daniel Pearl. Unfortunately, serious movies are released in the summer box office to drown in the middle range of movies with special effects great cost.
Also in 2007, Jolie became a member of the Council for International Relations and received the Freedom Award, an annual award for the International Rescue Committee for his contribution in the caucus of refugees and human freedom.

This lovely lady also had a career as a professional model in London, New York, and Los Angeles, and also appeared in several music videos such as singer Meat Loaf, Lenny Kravitz, Antonello Venditti and The Lemonheads. Tattooed women also acted in five student films for USC Film School which are all directed by her brother, James Haven.

In 2008, he starred in Wanted. After filling out the voice cast of "Master Tigress" in the animated film Kung Fu Panda (2008), Jolie returned to play in an Oscar-caliber film, Changeling (2008) made by director Clint Eastwood. Strong character played by Angelina Jolie as a mother seeking child of the real in the movie drove him nominated in the Golden Globes and Academy Awards as Best Actress.
 
And Here is a glimpse of Angelina Jolie bio:
Name: Angelina Jolie 
DateBorn: June 4, 1975 
Zodiac: Gemini 
Birth Place: Los Angeles

Justin Bieber

 Justin is the son of Jeremy Jack Bieber young couple (father) and Patricia (Pattie) Lynn Mallette (mother) in which 18-year-old mother in childbirth Justin. The couple separated when Justin was 2 years. At the age of 4 years Justin enrolled in the school play
drums by his mother and began studying piano at age 7 and guitar at age 10. When the middle school he learned to play trumpet. His father later remarried with Erin Bieber and has a daughter and the man who became half-brother Justin.


At the "Tonight Show" hosted by Jay Leno Justin reveals that his sister, Jazmyn Bieber, calling him "Bieber" and he loved the Hawaiian-style pineapple pizza. Bieber meeting with Usher took him and his mother moved from Ontario, Canada to Atlanta, Georgia, United States for his musical career.
At age 12, Justin singing contest in his hometown, Stratford, and won second prize. Since then he began to document the appearance and upload it on Youtube, for friends who could not see it appear. In some videos, Justin singing some famous singers like Usher, Justin Timberlake, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, and Stevie Wonder with its own version.

Scooter Braun a Marketing Executive of the So So Def who accidentally witnessed his performance on Youtube, interested and contacted Bieber to later fly to Atlanta, Georgia to meet Usher. Usher is fascinated by what he saw then took LA Reid, Chairman Island Def Jam and offered a recording contract with record label Island Records at Justin who was then 15 years old. Justin then issued the single "One More Time" and videod in 2009. While his first album, My World, was published in November 2009.
This album also featured Usher, who also appeared in a music video, "One Time". The first single, One Time occupies the 12th position in the Canadian Hot 100 and position 26 in the Billboard Hot 100. Together with Miranda Cosgrove, Bieber became one of the presenters in the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards just before the appearance of Taylor Swift. A few days earlier, Bieber perform the song "One Time" at the MTV VMA Tour to promote the event. September 26, 2009, Bieber performed at YTV's The Next Star, and announced that "One Time" get Platinum in Canada. At the same event Bieber also announced that the second single, Lonely Girl, was released.
"Baby", the main single from her second album that emerged, which is sung a duet with rapper Ludacris, was released in January 2010 and became the single biggest hit so far, have five branches in the U.S. chart, and reached the top ten in seven other countries. Both digital single, "Never Let You Go", and "U Smile" was a big hit thirty at U.S. Hot 100, and twenty in Canada. According to review aggregator Metacritic, the album has received "Generally favorable reviews". It appeared first in the U.S. Billboard 200, making Bieber, the youngest solo artist singer to reach the top chart since Stevie Wonder in 1963.
Albums My World 2.0 also appears in number one in the Canadian Albums Chart, Irish Albums Chart, and the Australian Albums Chart, and The New Zealand Albums Chart and reached the top ten in fifteen other countries. To promote his album, Bieber appear overlooking some people or directly on programs including The View, The 2010 Kids' Choice Awards, Nightline, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Dome and 106 and Park. In April 2010, Bieber were guests from Saturday Night Live musical concert. On July 4, 2010, Bieber appeared in the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular in New York City. The second single from the album My World 2.0, "Somebody to Love", released in April 2010, and another version sung by a mentor or a remix of Usher Bieber. In June 2010, the single reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100.

On June 23, 2010 Bieber tour began in Hartford, Connecticut, to promote the My World and My World 2.0. In July 2010 the media announced that the Toronto Sun Canada dominate Bieber's largest search for celebrities through search engines such as Google on the Internet. and its music video "Baby", ahead of Lady Gaga music video, "Bad Romance" and became the largest ever seen a video on YouTube. [24] In September 2010, Bieber get 3 percent of all traffic on Twitter, a social networking site.In July 2010 Justin to record her album in New York City. Because Justin experiencing transition due to puberty voice, the voice on the album becomes deeper than his voice while recording his first album. British singer and songwriter Taio Cruz provide information in July 2010 that he was writing songs for the album next Bieber. While the genre of Hip-hop producer Dr. Dre spawned two songs by Bieber in July 2010 but again has not been determined which will fill the album. Bieber appeared to sing "U Smile", "Baby," and "Somebody to Love" at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards on September 12, 2010.
Bieber announced in October that he would release an acoustic album of My Worlds Acoustic. It was released on Black Friday in the United States and features acoustic versions of songs on the album on the previous album, and he also released a single on this album and also a new song called "Pray".

Justin Bieber arrival in Indonesia

 In January 2011 the newspaper The Jakarta Post in Jakarta pengemar recorded thousands queued to get tickets Justin concert in Jakarta. Some 10,500 tickets are prepared, and as many as 4,000 tickets sold out on the first day. Justin concert on April 23, 2011 which held at the Sentul have varying ticket prices ranging from Rp 500,000 (U.S. $ 55) to Rp 1 million.

Justin became a sensation in the United States in 2009 after it was discovered by Scooter Braun through video local singing competition "Stratford Star" in Ontario which was published on YouTube by Justin's mother in 2007, where Justin was ranked second. Scooter Braun, a talent agent and former Marketing Executive So So Def companies see this video and decided to bring Justin to Usher to audition. His first single titled "One Time", was published simultaneously around the world in 2009, and meduduki ranked top 30 in over 10 countries. His first album "My World" (My World) and then follow on November 17, 2009 and receive a platinum award in the United States, and became the first singer who has seven songs from their first album all of which managed to get ranked on the Billboard Hot 100, a list of top songs are in vogue.
Justin Bieber's popularity around the world in a short period of time known as "Bieber Fever" (Fever Bieber) where this nickname given to fans with an excessive obsession towards Justin. Many artists who have "Bieber Fever" including Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Beyonce were warned to be careful by her husband Jay-Z, when photographed with Justin at the Grammy awards to 52.
Although known for his voice, but the singer is also able to play keyboards, piano, guitar, drums and even horns, which are all taught himself

References:
- Http://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Bieber

Albert Einstein

 Albert Einstein (14 March 1879-18 April 1955) is a theoretical physicist who is widely regarded as the greatest scientist of the 20th century. He put forward the theory of relativity and also greatly contributed to the development of quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and cosmology. He was
awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 for his explanation of the photoelectric effect and "services to Theoretical Physics". Having formulated the theory of general relativity, Einstein became famous throughout the world, an unusual achievement for a scientist. In his old age, his fame beyond the fame of all scientists in history, and in popular culture, says Einstein is considered synonymous with intelligence or even genius. His face is one of the most known around the world. In 1999, Einstein called the "People of the Century" by Time magazine. Popularity has also made the name "Einstein" is widely used in advertisements and other merchandise, and finally "Albert Einstein" is registered as a trademark. To appreciate them, a unit of the photochemical named Einstein, a chemical element named after einsteinium, and a named asteroid 2001 Einstein.
Biography
 
1. Youth and university
Einstein was born in Ulm in Württemberg, Germany, about 100 km east of Stuttgart. His father named Hermann Einstein, a salesman feather bed which then undergo electrochemical work, and his mother was Pauline. They were married in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt. Their families were of Jewish descent; Albert schooled in Catholic schools and for his mother wishes he was given violin lessons. At age five, his father showed him a pocket compass, and Einstein realized that something in space that is "empty" acted upon the needle; he would later describe the experience as one of the most evocative in his life. Although he made models and mechanical devices as a hobby, he is considered a slow learner, possibly caused by dyslexia, shyness, or because the structure of the rare and unusual in his brain (examined after his death).
At the time little Albert Einstein look retarded because his speech is very late. Quiet temperament and likes to play alone. November 1981 born sister named Maja. Until the age of seven years of Albert Einstein like mad and throwing things, including his brother.
Interest and passion for the field of physics appear at the age of five years. While I was lying weak from illness, his father presented him with a compass. Albert was fascinated by the wonders of small compass, so he made up his mind to open the veil of mystery surrounding the majesty and grandeur of nature.
Although quiet and do not like to play with his friends, Albert Einstein still able to excel in school. Raportnya good and he became the champion class. In addition to school and to cultivate the science, Albert activities was play music and sing with her mother playing the works of Mozart and Bethoveen.
Albert spent his early studies at the ETH (Eidgenoessische Technische Hochscule). At the age of 21 years Albert passed. After graduation, Albert tried to apply for a job as an assistant lecturer, but was rejected. Albert finally got a temporary job as a teacher in high school. Then he got a job at the patent office in Bern. During that time Albert continued to develop science of physics ..
He later credited to the theory of relativity to this slowness, saying that by pondering space and time than other children, he was able to develop a more developed intelligence. Another, more recent, about the mental development is that he suffers from Asperger's Syndrome, a condition associated with autism. Einstein began to study mathematics at the age of twelve years. There are rumors that he failed in mathematics in his education, but this is not true; replacement in the assessment unnerve the following year. Two of his uncle helped to develop interest in the intellectual world during the late childhood and early adolescence by providing suggestions and books on science and mathematics. In 1894, following the failure of his father's electrochemical business, the Einsteins moved from Munich to Pavia, Italy (near Milan). Albert stayed behind to finish school, finish a semester before rejoining his family in Pavia. Failure of the liberal arts portion of the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich) in the next year is a step backwards; j him by his family sent to Aarau, Switzerland, to finish high school, where he received a diploma in 1896 , Einstein several times to register at the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule. In the following year he took off his Württemberg citizenship, and become bekewarganegaraan.
In 1898, Einstein met and fell in love with Mileva Maric, a Serb who is a classmate (and friend of Nikola Tesla). In 1900, he was awarded a degree to teach by the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule and was accepted as a citizen to gain further insight Switzerland in 1901. During this time Einstein discussed his scientific interests with his close friends, including Mileva. He and Mileva had a daughter named Lieserl, born in January 1902. Lieserl, at that time, was considered illegitimate because the parents were married.

2. Work and doctorate
Upon graduation, Einstein could not find a teaching job, because his brashness as a young man had apparently irritated most of his professors. The father of a classmate helped him obtain employment as a technical assistant examiner at the Swiss Patent Office dalah 1902. There, Einstein judged the inventors' patent applications for devices that require pengatahuan physics. He also learned to realize the essence of applications despite sometimes poor descriptions, and learn from the director how "to express myself properly." He occasionally rectified their design errors while evaluating the practicality of their work. Einstein married Mileva on 6 January 1903. Einstein's marriage to Mileva, a mathematician, is the personal companion and cleverness; On May 14, 1904, the couple's first child, Hans Albert Einstein, was born. In 1904, Einstein's position at the Swiss Patent Office was made permanent. He earned his doctorate after submitting his thesis "Eine neue Bestimmung der Moleküldimensionen" ("On a new determination of molecular dimensions") in 1905 from the University of Zürich.
1905 was a year full of accomplishments for Albert, because this year he produced works that are brilliant. Here are the works:March: ekipartisi papers on applications in the event of radiation, this paper is an introduction to the light quantum hypothesis based on Boltzmann statistics. Explanation of the photoelectric effect in this paper that gave him the Nobel prize in 1922.April: his doctoral dissertation about the new determination of molecular sizes. Einstein earned his PhD from the University of Zrich.May: his paper on Brownian motion.June: Paper deals famous, namely the theory of special relativity, Annalen der Physik published under the title Zur Elektrodynamik bewegter Krper (Electrodynamics of moving objects).September: the continuation of his paper in June, came to the conclusion termahsyurnya formula: E = mc2, which is that the mass of an object (m) is a measure of its energy content (E). c is the speed of light in a vacuum (c>> 300 thousand kilometers per second). Massa has the equivalence of energy, a fact that opened up opportunities of developing nuclear power projects in the future. One gram of mass is thus equal to the energy that can supply the electricity needs of 3000 homes (power 900 watts) for a full year, an amount of energy is enormous
In the same year he wrote four articles that provided the foundation of modern physics, without much scientific literature which he could appoint or many colleagues in science that he can discuss about the theory. Most physicists agree that three of those papers (on Brownian motion), the photoelectric effect and special relativity) deserved Nobel Prizes. Only the paper on the photoelectric effect would win one. It is ironic, not only because Einstein is far better known for relativity, but also because the photoelectric effect is a quantum phenomenon, and Einstein became free from the way in the quantum theory. What makes these papers remarkable is that, in each case, Einstein boldly took an idea from theoretical physics to its logical consequences and managed to explain experimental results that had baffled scientists for decades. He submitted a thesis-thesis to the "Annalen der Physik". They are usually addressed to "Annus Mirabilis Papers" (from Latin: Year incredible). Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) plans to celebrate 100 years of the publication of Einstein's work in 1905 as the Year of Physics, 2005.
 
3. Brownian motion
In the first article in 1905 called "On the Motion-Required by the Molecular Kinetic Theory of Heat-of Small particles Suspended in a Stationary Liquid", includes research on Brownian motion. Using the kinetic theory of fluids at the time was controversial, he determined that the phenomenon, which still lack a satisfactory explanation decades after his after he was first observed, provided empirical evidence (based on observation and experimentation) the reality of atoms. It also lent credence to statistical mechanics, which at that time also controversial. Before this paper, atoms were recognized as a berguan concept, but physicists and chemists hotly debated whether atoms really a tangible object. Einstein's statistical discussion of atomic behavior gave experimentalists a way to count atoms by looking through an ordinary microscope. Wilhelm Ostwald, a leader of the anti-atom school, later told Arnold Sommerfeld that he had converted to complete Einstein's explanation of Brownian motion.
1909, Albert Einstein was appointed as a professor at the University of Zurich. 1915, he completed both his theory of relativity. The highest award for his hard work paid off with since childhood he took the 1921 Nobel Prize in physics. In addition Albert also developing quantum theory and unified field theory.
In 1933, Albert and his family moved to the United States for fear of his scientific activity - either as teachers or as researchers - disturbed. 1941, he took the oath as a citizen of the United States. Because of his fame and his sincerity in helping others who struggle, Albert was offered to Israel's second president. But this position was rejected because he did not have competence in that field. Finally on April 18, 1955, Albert Einstein died leaving behind great works that have changed world history.
However, Albert had wept bitterly in the liver because of his great work - general and special theory of relativity - is used as inspiration for making atomic bombs. The bomb is dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II took place.

References:
http://id.wikipedia.org
http://stevyhanny.blogspot.com

Monday Morning Meditation #84: Advice to a Son

I continued on in the Book of Tobit, where I found an interesting series of maxims. Tobit, having escaped death, goes to his son, thinking to instruct him in how to conduct himself over the span of the rest of his life, as well as to give him some money he had set aside. The maxims focus on the following: duties toward parents, perseverance in virtue and avoidance of evil, necessity and value of almsgiving and charity, diligence in work, prompt payment of wages, the golden rule, temperance, obedience to God, and prayer.

The chapter ends with a comment on poverty. In Tobit 4:21, Tobit tells his son:

21 Do not be discouraged, my child, because of our poverty. You will be a rich man if you fear God, avoid all sin, and do what is right before the Lord your God.

Reading: Tobit 4.

Meditation: Most of Tobit's advice to his son would be pertinent today, both for us and for our children, as would be his final comment in chapter 4. I wonder if we give our children as sound advice. Of course, if we give them no advice, we will still give them advice. They watch us; they talk with us; they apprehend our values. So, without saying one word, we do end up giving them advice. I found out that not too long ago when my oldest daughter, Lizzie, posted on facebook for one of my birthdays, "Lessons from Mom." (While they all make sense, given the shared experiences of her youth, I had no idea at the time that I was imparting such lessons.) We would do well to think about the advice we are giving through our everyday behavior before and not after our children have determined just what that advice might be.

The last comment caught my attention especially for the chihuahua of poverty has followed for a good portion of my life: throughout my childhood and, because of two children with birth defects (and a third with birth defects whom we took in), throughout the childhood of my children. Now, my older son is experiencing the same poverty for the same reason. He has an adequate income were he to have a normal family life; however, with two children with birth defects, the salary is just not adequate to the task. Donnie and I help as we can. The rest is up to God. I believe that Tobit is correct. We should not be discouraged by poverty. There is so much in life more important than money. One can have a very good life without money. A good life is not necessarily a carefree life. In fact, a good life might just be the opposite.

Contemplation: That is far as I can go with you this Monday morning. I now retire to private prayer to thank God for everything I have experienced in my life, including decades of poverty up until just a few years ago. I will praise God for the ways in which God taught me to appreciate a lack of fiscal riches and enjoy the human riches I was given. The only thing I would ask is for God to continue to decide what I will have and will not for I have learned that if I have a lot, then I can, like Tobit suggests, give much to others, and if I have only a little, then I can accept from others and I can use my God-given creativity in how I go about making the best of whatever I do have -- and that is truly exciting. I don't ever remember complaining about the poverty or envying others, but in the event that I have and do not remember, then those will be points of repentance for me. Then I will move on to contemplation, my favorite part of the day, letting God take over the direction in which my relationship with Him moves.

I will leave you now to your prayer and contemplation. First, though, I would like to bring to your attention a Monday morning prayer post that you might enjoy:

Fr. Austin Fleming, priest of the Archdiocese of Boston and pastor in Concord, Massachusetts, posts a prayer each Monday morning that he calls "Monday Morning Offering." I enjoy his prayers very much. I think you also will find them inspirational. He has graciously given me permission to include a link to his blog on my Monday Morning Meditation posts. (During the week, he also posts great homilies and other thoughtful discussions. I enjoy reading those, too, as do readers of this blog who have taken the stroll over to his blog.)

For additional inspiration throughout the week, I would point out two sets of blogs: (1) the list of devotional blogs on my sidebar and (2) my blogroll, where I am following a number of inspirational priests and writers about spiritual matters. I learn so very much from all these people. I highly recommend them to you.

Spiritual Sunday #25: Padre Julio, The First Post

For more Spiritual Sunday posts, I recommend that you wander over to the website of Charlotte and Ginger, who host the Spiritual Sunday meme.

Because I do not blog on Sundays -- keeping it as the sabbath, a practice started by Fr. Christian Mathis (Blessed Is the Kingdom) -- I use older posts (forgotten perhaps but hopefully still interesting) from one or another of my blogs that seem appropriate for this meme. It seems to work to bring out the older posts that many have not read before or ones from other blogs I maintain that readers of 100th Lamb may not know about.

The one that came to mind today chronicled my early experiences with Padre (Fr.) Julio, who recently came up from San Diego to bless our new home. If you have read posts over the past couple of years about Padre Julio, then the first post might be of interest -- and it contains what seems like a bona fide miracle, to boot. I hope you enjoy reading it.

Wishing you a peaceful Sunday!

2011 Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 Review

Based on the experience and unique abilities together in the racing world, Aprilia continues its powerful ability, high performance. Dorsoduro 1200 is a cocktail of power, agility and precision - which is synonymous with pleasure on a motorcycle.

Extreme, a powerful and inspiring than anything in its class, the new Dorsoduro 1200 is simply the best maximotard is to give the rider precision performance and excitement.

Dorsoduro 1200 is the new benchmark in the class rider Max. A record breaking completely new two-cylinder producing 130 hp at an amazing chassis incredibly light and agile. With its elegant shape, wide track, attention to detail and excellent premium componentry, this bike is the zenith of the class maximotard two cylinders. Dorsoduro 1200 is an explosive cocktail

horse power, agility and precision that takes the concept of driving pleasure of Dorsoduro 750 to the next level.

1200 Aprilia Dorsoduro combines power and agility, sportiness and the material, which combines the best aspects of street sports bike and the kinds of Supermoto.

The result is a distillation of basic services and technology, to reward the pilot unprecedented driving pleasure and fun. Wheel, which is unbeatable in the corners, like all Dorsoduros - which also offers high-performance power of a true sports car. This is a unique, special and elite bike, which integrates the capabilities of the pilot and take them to extraordinary new heights.

The heart of Dorsoduro is the new 1200 Aprilia 1200cc V 2 90 ° V-twin engine, which has the most advanced technology in the segment. Excellent mechanical and perfection in terms of chassis design is the hallmark of all Aprilia machines, and the same is obviously true with Dorsoduro 1200, which was also boasts incredibly sporty and sophisticated look, great new trim levels and finish, and levels of flexibility and softness never experienced before on a double that size.

And the main lines of unmistakable personality exudes pure design of the new Dorsoduro 1200 will stand out in any crowd. Finishing and cutting sets new standards in exclusivity, the tail-painted details such as equalization, the body and two blacks Twotone exhaust heat shields.

The wind deflector and handguard offer additional protection from the wind on a bike that is not only fast curves, but is also capable of considerable speed.

Naturally, Dorsoduro 1200 has to gain the kind of technical solutions, as well. Radial Brembo brake calipers, hydraulic clutch, Ride by Wire, with three different engine maps and Matrix panel with trip computer, are elements that define the Dorsoduro apart as a. Unique and exclusive The Dorsoduro is also available with ABS and traction control Aprilia (ATC) for the total enjoyment in complete safety.

2011 Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 Features

The most significant features of the Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 in detail:

• New 90 ° V-twin engine with four valves per cylinder, dual overhead cam, liquid-cooled dual ignition;

• Triple Roll brief by Wire technology (with the card Sport, Touring and Rain)

• Electronic fuel injection;

• mixed gear / chain valve in the system of distribution;

• Exhaust system Three-way catalytic converter and oxygen sensor;

• Ultralight modular framework of tubular steel trellis / cast aluminum provide excellent torsional rigidity;

• saddle fitting aluminum;

• aluminum swing arm with the soft side;

• Fully adjustable 43 mm upside down front and piggy-back style rear shock;

• Brembo brakes with radial caliper racing.

DESIGN:

Dorsoduro 1200 is a radical, outrageously athletic and agile bike. Do not make concessions of any kind of ornament or anything directly from the functional to get all the performance and driving pleasure. Therefore, all the body parts are cut to a minimum, just like a real race car, the Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 to remove anything that has something for the benefit of the pilot. It is not normal, because

prefer to keep your bike and mechanical componentry site show superlative. Every detail is minimized and focused on the role pure as hand protection and the new style dorsal Motard panel, which also offers speeds of wind protection. These items complement the design of Dorsoduro 1200 to pure perfection, with attention to detail evident in the characteristics

such as two-tone paint image, color rear fascia with other elements of the dual exhaust with new body and black heat shields. Even the fuel tank of 15 liters is fully integrated into the slim Dorsoduro 1200.

1200 Dorsoduro motard bike race pure soul. A central part very narrow and the wheel - an area that interacts with most of the body movements of the driver while driving difficult - highlights an extremely small size of the wheel. Pilot becomes an integral part of the machine and can move freely in the saddle thin and perfectly straight brute force to dominate all engines

situations. No acrobatics in the style typical biker is out of range of this bike.

1200 cc V90 ENGINE: STATE Twin Cylinder Technology

The Aprilia V90 is a completely new design. This is a modern technologically advanced unit with a geometry very over square cylinder for a time much sports and DC power.

Each extension Dorsoduro 1200 is designed to optimize power delivery and access to an incredible 130 hp motor 8700 rpm for the attacks. Every detail is designed to integrate the nature of the bike stunt scandalously.

• 90 ° V-twin with the architecture;

• Triple Wire Technology Ride map (maps Sport, Touring and Rain);

• very boring squarer / stroke ratio;

• offset cylinders for maximum compactness side;

• Four valves per cylinder;

• camshafts driven by a double timing chain / gear combination;

• dual ignition for smooth power delivery, but full bore;

• Electronic fuel injection with dual throttle body;

• Stick-coils integrated with the spark plug boots;

• Three-way catalytic converter;

• hydraulic clutch.

The latest generation of micro-injection system used for nebuliser solution administered intravenously. Together with a perfect fluid, this solution ensures optimal combustion, the engine, which is not only effective but also very clean. Two spark plugs also contribute to cleaner emissions, and to ensure full

Smooth delivery.

Thanks to the sophisticated electronic engine management, the Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 is the new benchmark for technology and performance in its class.

Aprilia was the first manufacturer to believe in the potential of the Cavalcade cable, a very sophisticated technology that allows the pilot to extract every last drop of performance from the bike. The electronic management system of the accelerator used in the Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 represents the current state of the art. Cards even more precise and sophisticated engine management to ensure optimum, keeping the engine in perfect condition for maximum acceleration at all times in a driving experience like you've never seen before. This solution also offers the power delivery smoother, fuller low and medium speed for optimum performance even in the engine load conditions of the accelerator.

With their triple card (Rain, Touring and Sport), the bike has three distinct personalities that the driver can choose at any time to respond immediately all conditions and preferences. Just close the throttle and push a button to select the desired setting.

SPORTS: extreme, when you want to test with an immediate and direct explosive.

TOURISM: soft, to maximize the breakdown of 1200 cc engine power in all conditions.

RAIN: a balanced, dominated by the power of 100 hp is also the most fun on slippery or wet.

With its state of advanced technology, allows the class to beat the Aprilia V90 levels of power. No other rider Max approaches the performance of Dorsoduro 1200: With 130 hp at 8700 rpm and maximum torque of 115 Nm at 7200 rpm, this engine sets new records for the kind of biker. To further emphasize the efficiency of the engine, a new 2-in-1-into-2 exhaust system was designed specifically for the bike. Made entirely of stainless steel, generous internal volume of the system provides a thrill and a distinctive sound.

Part: light as a feather, but ultra-rigid
Aprilia has always been considered the benchmark for excellence in housing as we know. And true to tradition, Dorsoduro 1200 is the most powerful, most balanced bike in its class.

Although tailored to the size of the driving pleasure, like all Aprilia motorcycles, the frame layout Dorsoduro deserves respect for his enormous dynamic equilibrium. With the Dorsoduro, agility does not come at the price of extreme nervous temperament, and a highly effective platform for the layout of perfect precision and the feeling is directly connected to the front wheel. And this is something that can only say that the motorcyclist just there.

Mixed frame structure, built on a robust steel tube trellis coupled with aluminum side panels, is acclaimed both amateurs and experts, while the aluminum caliper mounting help reduce the wheel. Experience Aprilia Supermoto World Championship, the structure offers the perfect balance of stiffness to handle also provide the Supreme

with the explosive power of the new 1200 cc V90.

The lateral position and very inclined rear shock is a precise technical choices, determined after testing a variety of configurations. This solution frees up valuable space for the exhaust manifolds with generous dimensions that are necessary to fully exploit the potential of the 1200 cc engine. This helped to optimize the layout of the exhaust system without adding unnecessarily to the length of the cycle, while protecting the shock - a vital component in itself - from high temperatures.

Suspension: Performance Control

The suspension of the Dorsoduro 1200 is designed to fully exploit the incredible performance of the engine and the best solutions that we can ever want in an extreme biker. The 43 mm inverted fork with Sachs shell cast support bracket features adjustable spring preload and hydraulic compression and rebound. In addition to setting total, this component advanced class to beat the progressive and full wheel travel 160 mm, in perfect conformity with the Supermoto riding style.

The side-mounted gas shock absorbers Sachs shock absorber with separate tank, is pivoted directly on the swingarm in a cantilever configuration, and adjustable spring preload and hydraulic compression and rebound. Element allows experienced riders to explore the full potential performance of the bike, even on the ground. Race of the rear wheel is 155mm, again in line with the philosophy that aims to Supermoto efficiency, suspension control, but with a long run.

Brakes: Racing Technology - also available with ABS

The Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 adopt state of the art in technology for braking the front 4-piston radial calipers Brembo floating discs, 320 mm deep. The 240 mm rear disc is also hampered by a Brembo caliper - in this case a single piston unit.

Both front and rear brake systems use aeronautical metal braid hoses grade, which removes harmful traditional variation of pressure tubes maximum braking, the accuracy and performance of the players really stop class.

Dorsoduro 1200 is also available in two-channel ABS system that can be disabled by the user directly on the dashboard. The ABS is specifically calibrated to allow the rider to fully exploit the power brakes and the tires grip on dry, so as not to diminish the enormous fun with this bike.

Dorsoduro 1200 is also the maxi motard only today, traction control Aprilia Traction Control (ATC), the exclusive traction control system to work together with a sophisticated ABS system, which allows drivers to use the exuberant performance 1200 cc engine to address even the most difficult terrain and in extremely difficult conditions in a safe manner.

When activated, the system offers three different levels of traction control, adjustable to fit each of the dynamic parameters of the bike to meet the needs and preferences of the driver:

Level 1: for a ride extreme and maximum fun and adrenaline in amazing stop the engine is the last thing on your mind.
Level 2: for total control of all factors of the terrain and maximum excitement.
Level 3: ideal to cope with difficult conditions such as slippery roads where traction is poor.

Componentry: First Class

Motard is by definition essential, even spartan. This does not mean having to miss class to beat premium content. Aprilia moves the bar even higher for rivals with components high-end features. The most important of these are:

• Matrix instrument panel: mixed panel digital-analog receive data over the CAN line, and with its own memory dedicated event log is an integral part of self-diagnosis. Particularly compact with a contemporary design and a significantly reduced weight. All functions are accessible from a control on the handlebars. Backlight LED - white for the analog area and

red digital display - three different brightness levels.

• Anodized aluminum tapered handlebars is an unequivocal reference motorcycle supermoto competition. Incredibly lightweight component, which aims to ensure the start of a dynamic cycle.

• Ensure a consistent commitment to the smoothness and precise example, a hydraulic clutch is smooth himself, and as a result, maintenance-free.

COLORS

Dorsoduro 1200 is available in two colors to enhance new kinds of biker incredibly powerful and presentation of technical sophistication: Competition Glam White and Black.

2011 Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 - Specifications
Aprilia Engine Type Four-stroke longitudinal 90 <V-twin, liquid-cooled, twin cam timing system with mixed gear / chain and four valves per cylinder.
Unleaded
Bore and stroke 106 x 67.8
Total displacement 1197 cc
Compression ratio 12.0 0.5}: 1
Maximum power 130 hp (96 kW) at 8700 rpm
Maximum torque at 11.7 kgm (115 Nm) at 7200 rpm
Integrated fuel engine management system. Ride map triple injection throttle wire: Sport (S), Tourism (T), Rain (R)
Ignition Digital electronic ignition integrated with fuel injection system
Electric Starter
Exhaust 100% stainless steel 2-into-2 exhaust system with dual catalytic converter and lambda probe
450 W/6000 rpm generator
The wet sump lubrication
6-speed gearbox, transmission ratio: 14/36, 17/32, 20/30, 22/28, 23/26, 24/25
Wet multiplate clutch hydraulic clutch
Primary drive gears straight cut, transmission ratio: 40/69
Secondary chain. Transmission ratio: 16/40
Tubes modular steel frame attached to the aluminum side plates by high-strength bolts. Removable aluminum rear cradle
Front suspension. 43 mm inverted fork with Sachs, fully adjustable compression and rebound damping and spring preload.
Wheel travel 160 mm.
Rear swingarm in aluminum alloy suspension
Piggy-back shock absorber design, fully adjustable hydraulic damping compression and rebound damping and spring
preload. Wheel travel 155 mm.
Brakes: Dual. 320 mm floating disc in stainless steel. Brembo four-piston radial. Metallic coating brake hose.
Rear. 240 mm stainless steel disc. Brembo single-piston gauge. Metal braided brake line. Continental two-channel
Aprilia ABS with traction control (ATC) (special version)
Aluminum alloy wheels
Front: 3.50 x 17 "Rear: 6.00 x 17"
Tyres Radial tubeless Front: 120/70 ZR 17 rear: 180/55 ZR 17
Max. Length 2248 mm
Max. width 925 mm (the outer limit of the hand protection)
Max. Height 1205 mm (on the front panel)
Seat height 870 mm
Wheelbase 1528 mm
Trail 118 mm
Steering angle 27.3 <
Tank of 15 liters (including 3.5 liters reserve)

2011 Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 - Specifications for Europe
Engine: Aprilia Four stroke longitudinal 90 ° V-twin, liquid-cooled, dual overhead camshaft with mixed gear / chain timing system and four valves per cylinder.
Fuel: unleaded gasoline
Bore x stroke: 67.8 x 106
Total displacement: 1197 cc
Compression ratio: 12.0 ± 0.5: 1
Maximum power at crank: 130 bhp (96 kW) at 8700 rpm
Of torque at the crank: 11.7 kgm (115 Nm) at 7200 rpm
Fuel system: Integrated engine management system. Ride map triple injection throttle wire: Sport (S), Tourism (T), Rain (R)
Ignition: Digital electronic ignition integrated with fuel injection system.
Starting: Electric
Exhaust: 100% stainless steel 2-into-2 exhaust system with dual catalytic converter and oxygen sensors.
Generator: 450 W/6000 rpm
Lubrication: Wet sump
Transmission: 6-speed transmission ratio: 14/36, 17/32, 20/30, 22/28, 23/26, 24/25
Clutch: Wet multi-plate clutch, hydraulic.
Primary drive: Straight cut gears, transmission ratio: 40/69
Final drive: Chain. Transmission ratio: 16/40
Setting: in acciaio ad traliccio Scomponibile high Bulloni collegato resistenza alluminio With the dollar side. Posteriore Telaietto smontabile in aluminum.
Front suspension: Sachs Æ 43 mm inverted front fork with fully adjustable compression and rebound damping and spring preload. Wheel travel 160 mm.
Rear Suspension: Swingarm aluminum alloy piggy-back design with Sachs shock absorber fully adjustable hydraulic compression and rebound damping and spring preload. Wheel travel 155 mm.
Brakes: Front: Double floating disc, Æ 320 mm stainless steel. Brembo four-piston radial calipers. Metal braided brake line. Rear: disc Ø 240 mm stainless steel. Brembo single-piston gauge. Metal braided brake line. Continental two-channel ABS with traction control Aprilia (ATC) (special edition)
Wheels: Aluminium alloy Front: 3.50 x 17 "Rear: 6.00 x 17"
Tyres: Radial tubeless tires, front: 120/70 ZR 17 rear: 180/55 ZR 17
Dimensions: Max. Max length 2248 mm. width 925 mm (on the outer edge of the guard hand) Max. Height 1205 mm (on the front panel) Seat height 870 mm Wheelbase 1528 mm Trail 118 mm Steering Angle 27.3 °
Fuel tank capacity: 15 liters (including 3.5 liters reserve)

Our Amazing Modern World

I posted the following story yesterday on Clan of Mahlou and, upon after thought, figure it might have some interest for readers of 100th Lamb, so here it is.

During the days of the Cold War, when my oldest daughter Lizzie (for some insights into Lizzie, see Lessons from Mom) and I were traveling and living in Russia (see Back in the USSR), we would always say goodbye to friends when we left, realizing that the likelihood of seeing them again was slim, of keeping in contact by writing difficult, and of seeing them in the United States totally impossible. Likewise, a decade later, while living and working in Uzbekistan, I stayed with an elderly teacher by the name of Lida. She was the aunt of one of my colleagues, an immigrant from Moscow, and I became the conduit of information, money, and gifts between them. Both knew that they would never be able to see each other again, politics being what they were, and so I became a living link. Lida always referred to me as "rodnaya," which is a term that one uses with one's flesh-and-blood to demonstrate bonding and love.

It has been ten years since I last saw Lida. When politics became even worse between the USA and Uzbekistan, my consults for the Uzbekistan Ministry of Education dried up. I, too, became resigned to the fact that Lida was part of my history, no longer a part of my life.

Then, the wall fell, and the Soviet Union dissolved. Still, relations with Uzbekistan have remained poor.

Somehow, though, the thaw between the USA and the former Soviet countries in general has had a meliorating effect on tourist visas, and I learned two weeks ago that Lida had received a 3-month visa to visit her relatives in the USA. Today they showed up on my doorstep!

San Ignatio held its annual fiesta today, and I had clean-up duty. None of that deterred us, however. We all got together at the fiesta, enjoying the extraordinary experience of being together in one country, even in San Ignatio. We will, of course, get together again -- and again -- over the next three months in San Ignatio and in the nearby town where Lida's relatives live.

The weather was balmy with a slight breeze today. The sun shone upon us in all senses of that word. A perfect day! One that began with a big hug from Lida and the greeting to "rodnaya." One that ended, as well, with a big hug from Lida and the parting to "rodnaya."

What I learned this day (and have always known): one does not need to share blood to share blood! I also learned something that I have not always known: our modern world is amazing and marvelous. Whoever would have thought that Lida, who befriended me so kindly in Tashkent a decade ago, would be sitting on my sofa today!

Monday Morning Meditation #83: God Sends Us Angels

Having finished the Book of Jeremiah, I decided rather than continuing forward in the King James Bible, I would go back and pick up those books in the Catholic Bible which are not in the King James. I know them less well, and I find them intriguing. This week I began the book of Tobit, another interesting individual, like Jeremiah, from whom we can all learn. To me, so far into the chapters, it is not clear whether Tobit is a historical figure or the hero of a religious tale (novel/novella). I believe most scholars would label Tobit the latter. (For making such determinations of Biblical genre, I have found very helpful a book by a leader of religious education, Margaret Nutting Ralph: And God Said What?)

I find the writing very synoptic. Whole stories are expressed by just 1-2 sentences. Yet, one knows that much transpired and wishes to know the ins and outs of what happened, as well as the emotions associated with the happenings. Oh, well, one has to take the tale as the author presents it.

Because of this synoptic approach, every verse is rich and full and leads one to reflection. The two verses that pulled me into reflection this week were:

16 At that very time, the prayer of these two suppliants was heard in the glorious presence of Almighty God.

17 So Raphael was sent to heal them both: to remove the cataracts from Tobit's eyes, so that he might again see God's sunlight; and to marry Raguel's daughter Sarah to Tobit's son Tobiah, and then drive the wicked demon Asmodeus from her. For Tobiah had the right to claim her before any other who might wish to marry her.In the very moment that Tobit returned from the courtyard to his house, Raguel's daughter Sarah came downstairs from her room.

Reading: Tobit 3: 16-17.

Meditation: I believe in the power of prayer. I have seen it in the lives of those around me, and I have felt it in my own life. Like Tobit and Sarah, there have been times when an angel has been sent to help. I have written about these times before in this blog, but, reading these verses this morning, I cannot help but once again think about those instances. The easiest way to share them with readers who have not read about them earlier or who have forgotten them is to provide the links.

(1) Twice, God sent me a special being to help. Once, I was in agony with a urine infection and hours from any kind of medical help. I prayed only for an increase in my normally high threshold of pain. Instead, God sent me warm hands that took away not only the pain but also the infection and gave me two hours of sleep in all that remained of the night that totally refreshed me. Another time, I had fallen and torn the rotator cuff of my right arm. I did not ask for help, other than to make the right medical decisions, but God sent help, anyway. A touch on my arm during Mass completely healed the injury -- and spooked the orthopedic surgeon. The link is here: Healings.

(2) My daughter, Lizzie, never asked for help, either, but God sent her an angel, anyway. In this case, the angel was a construction worker -- who did not exist. I related the facts as a story in a collection of tales from the Middle East (I was living there at the time). Everything before the dotted line is fact; the ending (after the dotted line) was added for narrative effect. The link is here: The Merging.

Contemplation: That is far as I can go with you this Monday morning. I now retire to private prayer to thank God again for the angels that have been sent to us and the kind help that we have received -- not always in the way we envisioned and not always as a result of our asking but of our need. I will promise God to do everything to make myself worthy of such love although I know that God's love is freely given and there is nothing I can do to earn it; all I can really do is live as God would have me live, to make my life a love song to God. Then I will move on to contemplation, my favorite part of the day, letting God take over the direction in which my relationship with Him moves.

I will leave you now to your prayer and contemplation. First, though, I would like to bring to your attention a Monday morning prayer post that you might enjoy:

Fr. Austin Fleming, priest of the Archdiocese of Boston and pastor in Concord, Massachusetts, posts a prayer each Monday morning that he calls "Monday Morning Offering." I enjoy his prayers very much. I think you also will find them inspirational. He has graciously given me permission to include a link to his blog on my Monday Morning Meditation posts. (During the week, he also posts great homilies and other thoughtful discussions. I enjoy reading those, too, as do readers of this blog who have taken the stroll over to his blog.)

For additional inspiration throughout the week, I would point out two sets of blogs: (1) the list of devotional blogs on my sidebar and (2) my blogroll, where I am following a number of inspirational priests and writers about spiritual matters. I learn so very much from all these people. I highly recommend them to you.

Monday Morning Meditation #82: Christopher Interrupted

Rather than my usual Monday Morning Meditation, I feel compelled to give an update on Christopher, the disturbed young man living behind our church, attending our prayer group, and hearing what he things are directives from God that seem very much in contradiction to Scripture at least some of the time (see MMM #81). The issue of how to interact with Christopher has received some clarification this past week.

Last Monday evening, Christopher came to our prayer group. Fr. Jim peeked in and even spent a little time talking to us, but unfortunately Christopher was not there at the time. He arrived late. We conducted our regular activities, which included praying, singing, discussing a spiritual book we are reading, talking to Christopher, and praying again.

The part about talking to Christopher was quite disturbing. We told him that we were coming from a position of love for him and were concerned about his welfare. We pointed out where some of his statements were contrary to Scripture. We suggested that he check his locutions with a priest. His response was always the same. He was happy that he could be among us. God told him to live this way and so he would. He could not talk to a priest because priests did not understand him when he told him that he was God. (Say again?!) He insisted that he did not need to go confession because he never sins. (Yes, say again?!)

We were left nonplussed, but we do love Christopher and are concerned about him. My co-leader and I each decided to ask a priest's opinion other than that of our interim parish priest, who either knows and is doing nothing or is unaware because he is remaining so detached (while our parish priest is in trial for false allegations of sexual misconduct -- see earlier posts on that) from our parish, providing minimal services so as not to "edge in" on our beloved priest, whom we are all actively supporting.

I spoke with Fr. Peter at the chapel near where I work. I attend daily Mass, when I can, with him. He felt strongly that I should bring the full situation to Fr. Jim's situation, including information that Christopher had shared with us in confidence. I caught Fr. Jim after vespers on Saturday and made arrangements to discuss the matter with him on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Christopher will be at our prayer group meeting tonight. I am praying that God will lead us in any discussions with him.

That is far as I can go with you this Monday morning. I now retire to private prayer to ask for guidance this evening and for grace and help for Christopher and for Fr. Jim. Then I will move on to contemplation, my favorite part of the day, letting God take over the direction in which my relationship with Him moves.

I will leave you now to your prayer and contemplation. First, though, I would like to bring to your attention a Monday morning prayer post that you might enjoy:

Fr. Austin Fleming, priest of the Archdiocese of Boston and pastor in Concord, Massachusetts, posts a prayer each Monday morning that he calls "Monday Morning Offering." I enjoy his prayers very much. I think you also will find them inspirational. He has graciously given me permission to include a link to his blog on my Monday Morning Meditation posts. (During the week, he also posts great homilies and other thoughtful discussions. I enjoy reading those, too, as do readers of this blog who have taken the stroll over to his blog.)

For additional inspiration throughout the week, I would point out two sets of blogs: (1) the list of devotional blogs on my sidebar and (2) my blogroll, where I am following a number of inspirational priests and writers about spiritual matters. I learn so very much from all these people. I highly recommend them to you.

Turnaround Foreclosure

And one more interesting story from the Internet, this one reported by CBS News --

Collier County, Florida -- Have you heard the one about a homeowner foreclosing on a bank?

Well, it has happened in Florida and involves a North Carolina based bank.

Instead of Bank of America foreclosing on some Florida homeowner, the homeowners had sheriff's deputies foreclose on the bank.

It started five months ago when Bank of America filed foreclosure papers on the home of a couple, who didn't owe a dime on their home.

The couple said they paid cash for the house.

The case went to court and the homeowners were able to prove they didn't owe Bank of America anything on the house. In fact, it was proven that the couple never even had a mortgage bill to pay.

A Collier County Judge agreed and after the hearing, Bank of America was ordered, by the court to pay the legal fees of the homeowners', Maurenn Nyergers and her husband.

The Judge said the bank wrongfully tried to foreclose on the Nyergers' house.

So, how did it end with bank being foreclosed on? After more than 5 months of the judge's ruling, the bank still hadn't paid the legal fees, and the homeowner's attorney did exactly what the bank tried to do to the homeowners. He seized the bank's assets.

"They've ignored our calls, ignored our letters, legally this is the next step to get my clients compensated, " attorney Todd Allen told CBS.

Sheriff's deputies, movers, and the Nyergers' attorney went to the bank and foreclosed on it. The attorney gave instructions to to remove desks, computers, copiers, filing cabinets and any cash in the teller's drawers.

After about an hour of being locked out of the bank, the bank manager handed the attorney a check for the legal fees.

"As a foreclosure defense attorney this is sweet justice" says Allen.

Allen says this is something that he sees often in court, banks making errors because they didn't investigate the foreclosure and it becomes a lengthy and expensive battle for the homeowner.

CBS News

Peace

Another goodie from the Internet, passed along by a friend:

Peace:

If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment ,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,

...Then You Are Probably .........


The Family Dog!

Monday Morning Meditation #81: "Christ Bearer"

Rather than sharing my usual Scripture-based Monday morning meditation, I would like to take the opportunity this morning to ask readers' opinion on a dilemma that our prayer group will be facing at our meeting this evening (Monday). It involves a new member of the group, named Christopher, about whom my co-leader, I, and several members of the group are concerned. Christopher appeared one evening in our group, and, as with everyone else who has appeared unbidden at our door, we have welcomed him into our midst. He is in his early twenties; we have no idea where he came from for he shares little personal history. Once he mentioned a school in Seattle, and we think that may be his home area. He dresses in rosaries, literally, He wears one as a handband, another as a bracelet, and a third is wrapped around his left hand and fingers.

Christopher attends every Mass. Yes, literally, every Mass. He also attends every activity that is happening at Old Church: prayer group, Bible Study, rosary, and even came to my high schoolers' catechism class. He contributes to the discussion in every instant and seems sincere in his faith.

Christopher, however, has made some statements that have had us scratching our heads. Moreover, we have learned that Christopher has been sleeping behind the church. One member of our parish offered Christopher a place to stay in exchange for work, but Christopher turned that down. Behind the church is a Franciscan convent, and in true Franciscan style, the nuns have been caring for Christopher, feeding him, and trying to counsel him. When they have asked him to help them with some work, he has refused. He is always clean and sometimes hungry. He has a strange way, though, of looking at us individually seemingly from anther dimension, as if he is not altogether in the present and present with us. That look, as if he is examining us for some unspecified intent, has made each of us uneasy.

Here are some of the statements that Christopher has made that have us worried about him:

1. My name means Christ Bearer [this is true], and therefore I feel like I am one with Christ.
2. I am like Christ; sometimes I feel like I am Christ.
3. Sometimes I play chess with God. Sometimes I am God playing chess with me.
4. God talks to me; God told me to live without a wallet and not to work. [This is why he turned down work from the nuns and from the parish member willing to give him a place to stay.]
5. I do not have a soul. I gave me soul to God.
6. I cannot go to confession. I have not been to confession for a very long time, and I won't go.
7. I have asked God to send me women so that I will not be alone. [He asked one of the young women in our group to "join [him] in prayer;" by that he meant that she should leave her home and live behind the church with him.]
8. I don't want to hurt myself. [We are pretty sure he is speaking about spiritual, not physical, harm.]
9. People don't want to be with me. [He sees himself as a loner.]

None of us are psychologists or social workers. The most we have in the way of spiritual guidance is one of the nuns who attends our meetings faithfully and is great at guidance. We are not even sure whether our interim priest (our regular priest is fighting a sexual misconduct lawsuit, about which I have blogged in the past) is at all aware of any of this since he is only occasionally in the office. (He was retired and brought back to fill the gap until our regular priest is back -- it is pretty clear that the claim is bogus, but the court case has to be fought; the diocese has already made the determination that there is no legitimacy to it, but nonetheless we won't give back the priest who knows our parish and parishioners for some time yet, so there seems to be no local help here for us in dealing with Christopher.) We are relying on Sister for guidance tonight, and we are hoping that a former parish priest, who will be back in town in a couple of weeks for a retreat at our local retreat center, will be willing to talk to Christopher (if Christopher agrees); he is an especially appropriate person because he has a master's in psychology and a doctorate in theology and was the priest who guided me through my initial experience with locutions.

Without pointing out some of the obviously troubling statements made by Christopher, there is the issue of his claimed locutions (e.g., God tells him not to work). His unwillingness to have these examined by a priest is out of keeping with the guidance of St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and the contemporary expert on locutions, the late Fr. Thomas Dubay. It seems unlikely that these are true locations because they are out of keeping with Scripture, which is the number one test that all who have dealt with locutions use and have used. Second, it could be simply something he is telling himself because it is what he wants to do and then has interpreted it as being from God when it is not. (This is a danger of which both St. Teresa and St. John warn. In my personal experience, locutions have required me to do what I do NOT want to do and often don't believe I can do, but somehow, once it becomes clear that the locution is real, I end up with the resources or new skills that I need.) I don't believe any of us, including Sister, can provide him help in discernment of what God wants of him, but we would like to get him to agree to talk to a priest, either via confession or just as a personal meeting.

None of us are qualified to determine or even make a guess as to whether Christopher is under the influence of evil spirits (or God's protection), psychotic, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (we don't know any of his bio), has a personality disorder, or is experiencing the results of previous drug use (he does not appear to be using alcohol or drugs now -- is always sober, just displays truly odd behavior at times).

I have shared all of this in in hopes that some reader will have had an experience with something like this. Or, perhaps there is a better approach than the one we have chosen: talking to him about our concerns for him (from the point of view of loving him and wanting to help) and trying to get him to agree to discuss all aspects of his current life (and especially his contention that God does not want him to work) with a priest.

That is far as I can go with you this Monday morning. I now retire to private prayer to ask for guidance this evening and for grace and help for Christopher. Then I will move on to contemplation, my favorite part of the day, letting God take over the direction in which my relationship with Him moves.

I will leave you now to your prayer and contemplation. First, though, I would like to bring to your attention a Monday morning prayer post that you might enjoy:

Fr. Austin Fleming, priest of the Archdiocese of Boston and pastor in Concord, Massachusetts, posts a prayer each Monday morning that he calls "Monday Morning Offering." I enjoy his prayers very much. I think you also will find them inspirational. He has graciously given me permission to include a link to his blog on my Monday Morning Meditation posts. (During the week, he also posts great homilies and other thoughtful discussions. I enjoy reading those, too, as do readers of this blog who have taken the stroll over to his blog.)

For additional inspiration throughout the week, I would point out two sets of blogs: (1) the list of devotional blogs on my sidebar and (2) my blogroll, where I am following a number of inspirational priests and writers about spiritual matters. I learn so very much from all these people. I highly recommend them to you.