From Where I Sit

(From The Georgia Bulletin , October 14, 2010). As the midterm election approaches, many Catholics are trying to figure out how to reconcile their beliefs with the current political climate and candidates in Georgia and nationally. To do that, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops calls on Catholics to become familiar again with principles of Catholic social teaching as they prepare to cast ballots in less than a week. In their 2007 guiding document, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship , the U.S. bishops said, “ Responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. This obligation is rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to bear Christian witness in all we do .” The USCCB presents seven themes from Catholic teaching that are a framework and reference point when reviewing political candidates and legislation. These themes include: The right to life and the dignity of the human person; Call to family...

excerpt from longer article found here A common approach by powerful establishment forces in reaction to organizations like the Green Party of Georgia has been one form or other of disparaging dismissal. An insightful and prolific academician has ripped to shreds such typical dismissiveness. "Silencing scientific discourse...by equating it with political and religious extremism or apostasy is dishonest. If we are to have a real, critical discussion about global warming and the consequences then we must get past the claims of the conservative punditocracy." This same 'good neighbor' notes of Cynthia McKinney's 2008 Presidential race that it "focuses on economic injustice and increased opportunity for the poor. A McKinney White House would invest in poor communities to equalize access to education, housing, and justice. The government would guarantee gainful employment to all who want it. “No family should remain mired below the po...

How long can you expect to live? We developed the Longevity Game to give you a peek into your future by identifying the factors that can lead to a healthier, more productive life. At Northwestern Mutual, we know a thing or two about longevity because we’ve been tracking statistics that impact life since 1857. And that wealth of knowledge helped us shape the Longevity Game. Through the game, we hope to give you insight into your daily lifestyle—plus tips on how you can make some positive changes. Read more: The Longevity Game: Intro - Northwestern Mutual This was a fun little game. According to it, in spite of smoking, I am "meant" to be 86. Whereas another friend, my same age, whom shan't be named, is only "meant" to live to be 66. And that's just from plugging in what I know of her into the game! I found this site through a sociologist' study on death page, and it's funny what thinking about death can do to a person: Abram Rosenblatt et al ....

10.13.10 - 11:59 AM The Eternal Life Of A Happy (If Lethal) Meal Artist and photographer Sally Davies bought a McDonald's burger and fries on April 26. She left it on a table, uncovered, for six months. Through a New York City summer. After 180 days, it looked exactly the same - no mold, no bugs, no decomposition - except for a slight "acrylic sheen." We report. You decide if you want to eat this stuff. --Abby Zimet I tell ya, I sure as hell don't!

Every day in history is important and interesting: Child labor in October, 1910 - Atlanta Today in History | Examiner.com

So I've finally decided to “put my money where my mouth is...” I have embarked in the great adventure that is to join this confraternity of women (and men!) working together for a common cause, summarized in the three terms that define the Order of the Sisters of Providence's charism : Love , Mercy , and Justice . After spending a good part of this past week-end in the company of the Sisters of Providence and other initiates, at Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana, I have come out invigorated to work towards hopefully making a positive contribution to humankind (or at least to my immediate cohorts) in the pursuit of those ideals. The road is long and most likely covered with obstacles and deterrents of many kinds—all worthy endeavors are that way—but I hope I can channel a good part of my energies in the right direction, instead of just floundering around, becoming angry and frustrated at the world's injustices, at people's folly, at the impossibility to effect the chan...

Citrix: NOT an Equal Opportunity Provider // Current

Monica D Hayden's Birthday Wish | Causes Birthday Wish Help me raise money for this important charity that I support. "Eating Animals," by Jonathan Safran Foer, or "Food, Inc." the movie, should give you some background as to why this cause is so important. Thanks in advance!

Profile of 2010 Providence Candidate-Associates - Providence Associates news 2010 - News - Providence Associates - Sisters of Providence And I'm one!

(excerpt from a longer piece on JustMeans ) GETTING AN OVERVIEW Long ago and far away, I hosted a TV show, bursting with fun though brief of tenure, called "From All Sides." I wanted to develop the polarity necessary for informed choice, instead of to further dualistic fatuousness that at most amused and at worst alienated and confused viewers. . This idea--letting real parties in interest that really oppose each other take their best shots--is still an excellent one. The concept of the jury--which evidence supports as a 'best-practice' method for determining truth and falsehood--rests on this tenet of understanding through oppositional presentation. And this represents a huge failing of the internet, at least if one, on the basis of simple searches, is attempting to retrieve the head-butting essential to the parsing of controversy. Therefore, the initial point of this story is, first, to illustrate a few default portals for the information, ...