Friday, September 22, 2017
Oh, My! Is 'Classical' Finally Making A Comeback?
Here is a very special message from the Cardinal Newman Society:
Ever heard of “classical” education?
It’s quickly becoming a top-shelf brand in American education, including Catholic schools.
Last weekend, I spoke at two outstanding Chesterton Academies near Chicago and Milwaukee about the exciting renewal of both Catholic and classical education.
Many Catholic homeschoolers and independent schools have been using classical methods for years, and some dioceses are trying it in parochial schools.
Essentially, “classical” refers to the subjects and methods of teaching that were successful throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. These were rooted in ancient Greek and Roman practices.
Classical education emphasizes learning to think and communicate, and not just accumulating knowledge.
It’s also about formation in virtue and wisdom.
Classical education served many of the world’s greatest thinkers, especially when part of a Catholic education. The Truth revealed by Christ informs every field of study, enlarging our understanding of science, math, literature, history, and human nature.
Our culture desperately needs men and women who can reason well and solve our culture’s deep problems in the light of Christianity.
That, I believe, is the great promise of a Catholic classical education as embraced by a rapidly growing number of schools and homeschool programs across the United States.
And thanks to your support, The Cardinal Newman Society will continue to promote and defend such faithful Catholic education, with the confidence that truth prevails. May God bless you!
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Ever heard of “classical” education?
It’s quickly becoming a top-shelf brand in American education, including Catholic schools.Last weekend, I spoke at two outstanding Chesterton Academies near Chicago and Milwaukee about the exciting renewal of both Catholic and classical education.
Many Catholic homeschoolers and independent schools have been using classical methods for years, and some dioceses are trying it in parochial schools.
Essentially, “classical” refers to the subjects and methods of teaching that were successful throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. These were rooted in ancient Greek and Roman practices.
Classical education emphasizes learning to think and communicate, and not just accumulating knowledge.
It’s also about formation in virtue and wisdom.
Classical education served many of the world’s greatest thinkers, especially when part of a Catholic education. The Truth revealed by Christ informs every field of study, enlarging our understanding of science, math, literature, history, and human nature.
Our culture desperately needs men and women who can reason well and solve our culture’s deep problems in the light of Christianity.
That, I believe, is the great promise of a Catholic classical education as embraced by a rapidly growing number of schools and homeschool programs across the United States.
And thanks to your support, The Cardinal Newman Society will continue to promote and defend such faithful Catholic education, with the confidence that truth prevails. May God bless you!
Sincerely yours in Christ,
 |  Patrick Reilly President |
Nah! Big Dominant Lib Media Won't Show You This!
Here is First Lady Melania Trump talking vegetables and healthy eating in the garden with students.
Just another moment that Big Liberal Media refuses to share with you.
Shame on 'em!
The Most Beautiful Streetscape In America?
Sometimes, you find a place that's so architecturally harmonious and so totally in tune with its natural surroundings that it soothes your soul and actually restores your faith in the human condition.
You look around and you smile and you think: "Yes, this really can be done. Ordinary, everyday life doesn't have to be humdrum. It can be beautiful. It can even be joyous in its own quiet, unassuming way."
And you may wonder: "Why can't every place be like this?"
The answer that everyplace is not Santa Barbara.
Situated on a south-facing section of coastline (the longest such section on the West Coast of the United States) the city lies between the steeply rising Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Santa Barbara's climate is often described as Mediterranean, and the city has been promoted as the "American Riviera"
You look around and you smile and you think: "Yes, this really can be done. Ordinary, everyday life doesn't have to be humdrum. It can be beautiful. It can even be joyous in its own quiet, unassuming way."
And you may wonder: "Why can't every place be like this?"
The answer that everyplace is not Santa Barbara.
Situated on a south-facing section of coastline (the longest such section on the West Coast of the United States) the city lies between the steeply rising Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Santa Barbara's climate is often described as Mediterranean, and the city has been promoted as the "American Riviera"
Peter J. Barber, an architect, helped to define the visual character of Santa Barbara when he designed many Late Victorian style residences, and served twice as mayor, in 1880 and again in 1890. A year after Barber's term as mayor, President Benjamin Harrison became the first of five presidents to visit Santa Barbara which increasingly found itself promoted as a healthy seaside destination.
A magnitude 6.3 earthquake in 1925, was the first destructive earthquake in California since the 1906 San Francisco quake. It destroyed much of downtown Santa Barbara and killed 13 people. The earthquake caused infrastructure to collapse.
But it came at an opportune time for rebuilding, since a movement for architectural reform and unification around a Spanish Colonial style was already underway. Under the leadership of Pearl Chase, many of the city's famous buildings rose as part of the rebuilding process, including the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, sometimes praised as the "most beautiful public building in the United States."
Today, the city is like a marvelous fulfilled dream. All white stucco and terra cotta with delightful Moorish touches and occasional whimsical and/or classical elements, Santa Barbara will simply take your breath away.
We never tire of walking its paths, climbing it hills, venturing onto its piers or simply lolling in the unique light that bathes this most enchanting place.
Enjoy our current round of photos from irresistible Santa Barbara as we continue our journey through the Golden State's central and northern coast.
All photos copyright 2017 by Dan Cirucci.
Thursday, September 21, 2017
'We Are Confident That We Will Be Able To Help . . .'
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie today issued the following statement on the devastation in Puerto Rico caused by Hurricane Maria:
“Hurricane Maria has caused devastation to all of Puerto Rico. Today, New Jerseyans send our thoughts and prayers as the tragic toll this storm has taken on our fellow Americans is fully understood. We extend our condolences to those who lost loved ones in this hurricane and encourage our citizens to help in any way possible. We are confident we will be able to help this island that is, in so many ways, connected to the Garden State. New Jersey is prepared to assist officials in Puerto Rico with any resources they may need.”
“Hurricane Maria has caused devastation to all of Puerto Rico. Today, New Jerseyans send our thoughts and prayers as the tragic toll this storm has taken on our fellow Americans is fully understood. We extend our condolences to those who lost loved ones in this hurricane and encourage our citizens to help in any way possible. We are confident we will be able to help this island that is, in so many ways, connected to the Garden State. New Jersey is prepared to assist officials in Puerto Rico with any resources they may need.”
Always On the Job; Working On ALL Levels!
President Donald J. Trump, Chief of Staff General John Kelly, and White House Homeland Security Adviser Tom Bossert speak with FEMA Director Brock Long regarding Hurricane Maria's impact on Puerto Rico | September 20, 2017 (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Warm Wishes For All Of Life's Blessings!
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie today issued the following statement in honor and celebration of Rosh Hashanah, 5778:
“Today begins a wonderful celebration for New Jersey’s vibrant and prospering Jewish community, the beginning of Rosh Hashanah. I want to extend my warmest greetings for a happy and healthy New Year to all Jewish families across our state. New Jersey is fortunate to benefit from the Jewish culture that contributes to our state’s great diversity. During these High Holy Days, we all can reflect on the experiences we have had over the past year and look toward the future with a renewed sense of optimism. To everyone celebrating their faith with family and friends, Mary Pat and I send our best wishes and much gratitude for adding to New Jersey’s unique culture. L’shana tova u’metukah!”
“Today begins a wonderful celebration for New Jersey’s vibrant and prospering Jewish community, the beginning of Rosh Hashanah. I want to extend my warmest greetings for a happy and healthy New Year to all Jewish families across our state. New Jersey is fortunate to benefit from the Jewish culture that contributes to our state’s great diversity. During these High Holy Days, we all can reflect on the experiences we have had over the past year and look toward the future with a renewed sense of optimism. To everyone celebrating their faith with family and friends, Mary Pat and I send our best wishes and much gratitude for adding to New Jersey’s unique culture. L’shana tova u’metukah!”
A Stunning Array Of Well-Deserved Honors!
The 2017 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show,
“Holland: Flowering the World,” won the Grand Pinnacle Gold award for the best overall
event in the world from the International Festivals & Events Association at ceremonies
held Sept. 14 in Tuscon, Ariz.
This marks the second time in four years that the Philadelphia Flower Show received the top prize in the worldwide competition.
The Flower Show, which is produced by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, won a record 21 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards in this year’s competition, which includes entries from the Kentucky Derby Festival, Indianapolis 500 Festival, the Fiesta Bowl in Scottsdale, Ariz., and events in China, Australia, Ireland, the Netherlands, Mexico, and South Korea. “This is an amazing honor for the Flower Show, and it is shared by our entire staff, the talented exhibitors, vendors, sponsors and partners, and the dedicated community of 3,500 volunteers who work in every capacity to make the show happen,” said PHS President Matt Rader.
“We are also grateful to the quarter-million visitors whose ticket purchases support our year-round greening work, which creates more beautiful, healthy and sustainable communities.” The Philadelphia Flower Show was recognized with Pinnacle Awards in a variety of presentation, programming and promotional categories at the IFEA awards held during the association’s convention and expo. In addition to the Grand Pinnacle, the awards for the Flower Show were earned in the following categories:
• Best Event to Benefit a Cause -- Gold
• Best Full-Length TV Program -- Gold
• Best On-Site Décor -- Gold • Best Single New Sponsorship Opportunity -- Gold
• Best Promotional Photograph -- Gold
• Best Outdoor Billboard -- Gold
• Best Merchandising Program -- Gold
• Best Community Outreach Program -- Silver
• Best Sponsor Partner -- Silver • Best TV Promotion -- Silver
• Best Miscellaneous Clothing -- Silver
• Most Creative News Stunt – Silver
• Best Volunteer Program -- Bronze
• Best Educational Program -- Bronze
• Best Children’s Programming -- Bronze
• Best Newspaper Supplement -- Bronze • Best Event Invitation – Bronze
• Best Program for Individual Sponsor – Bronze
• Best Event Within an Existing Festival – Bronze
• Best Money-Making Idea – Bronze
The Pinnacle entries include programs, merchandise, print and broadcast ads, posters and graphics, websites and apps, and many other categories.
The Philadelphia Flower Show also was chosen this year by the American Bus Association as one of the “Best of the Best” events in the nation for group visits and was featured in Destinations magazine. The 2018 Philadelphia Flower Show, “Wonders of Water,” also will be an extraordinary attraction for tour groups, families, and anyone who enjoys gardening and flowers. Tickets are now on sale for the 2018 Flower Show on March 3 to 11, 2018, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. For tickets and other information about the Philadelphia Flower Show, visit www.theflowershow.com.
This marks the second time in four years that the Philadelphia Flower Show received the top prize in the worldwide competition.
The Flower Show, which is produced by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, won a record 21 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards in this year’s competition, which includes entries from the Kentucky Derby Festival, Indianapolis 500 Festival, the Fiesta Bowl in Scottsdale, Ariz., and events in China, Australia, Ireland, the Netherlands, Mexico, and South Korea. “This is an amazing honor for the Flower Show, and it is shared by our entire staff, the talented exhibitors, vendors, sponsors and partners, and the dedicated community of 3,500 volunteers who work in every capacity to make the show happen,” said PHS President Matt Rader.
“We are also grateful to the quarter-million visitors whose ticket purchases support our year-round greening work, which creates more beautiful, healthy and sustainable communities.” The Philadelphia Flower Show was recognized with Pinnacle Awards in a variety of presentation, programming and promotional categories at the IFEA awards held during the association’s convention and expo. In addition to the Grand Pinnacle, the awards for the Flower Show were earned in the following categories:
• Best Event to Benefit a Cause -- Gold
• Best Full-Length TV Program -- Gold
• Best On-Site Décor -- Gold • Best Single New Sponsorship Opportunity -- Gold
• Best Promotional Photograph -- Gold
• Best Outdoor Billboard -- Gold
• Best Merchandising Program -- Gold
• Best Community Outreach Program -- Silver
• Best Sponsor Partner -- Silver • Best TV Promotion -- Silver
• Best Miscellaneous Clothing -- Silver
• Most Creative News Stunt – Silver
• Best Volunteer Program -- Bronze
• Best Educational Program -- Bronze
• Best Children’s Programming -- Bronze
• Best Newspaper Supplement -- Bronze • Best Event Invitation – Bronze
• Best Program for Individual Sponsor – Bronze
• Best Event Within an Existing Festival – Bronze
• Best Money-Making Idea – Bronze
The Pinnacle entries include programs, merchandise, print and broadcast ads, posters and graphics, websites and apps, and many other categories.
The Philadelphia Flower Show also was chosen this year by the American Bus Association as one of the “Best of the Best” events in the nation for group visits and was featured in Destinations magazine. The 2018 Philadelphia Flower Show, “Wonders of Water,” also will be an extraordinary attraction for tour groups, families, and anyone who enjoys gardening and flowers. Tickets are now on sale for the 2018 Flower Show on March 3 to 11, 2018, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. For tickets and other information about the Philadelphia Flower Show, visit www.theflowershow.com.
Wonderfully Informative And Often FREE!
 Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook | Federal Donuts: The (Partially) True Spectacular StoryMonday, September 25, 2017 at 7:30 PM FREE | No tickets or reservations required In conversation with Tom Henneman, Bob Logue, and Felicia D'Ambrosio Moderated by Top Chef host Gail Simmons"Donut" miss the "hole" story of the Philly Fednuts mini-empire, from the owner of Zahav and the authors of the eponymously titled James Beard Award-winning cookbook. |
 William Taubman | Gorbachev with Yuri Slezkine | The House of Government Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at 7:30 PM FREE | No tickets or reservations required A night of Soviet history with the Pulitzer Prize-winning Khrushchev biographer and the author of The Jewish Century |
 Salman Rushdie | The Golden Housewith Claire Messud | The Burning Girl Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 7:30 PM buy tickets>> Auditorium sold out. In-house simulcast tickets available. Two of the English language's most esteemed novelists spin respective tales of an enigmatic Greenwich Village billionaire and two adolescents who find their bond tested. |
| Of Interest |
 Author Talk: Jennifer Lin Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 6:00 PM FREE | Philadelphia City Institute Library Author Jennifer Lin will present her book Shanghai Faithful: Betrayal and Forgiveness in a Chinese Christian Family. Details: 215-685-6621 |
| Free Library Author Events Andy Kahan, Ruth W. and A. Morris Williams Director, Author Events Laura Kovacs, Associate Producer & Director Jason Freeman, Production Associate phone: 215-567-4341 email: authorevents@freelibrary.org |
Author Events are held in the Montgomery Auditorium at the Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street, unless noted. Events generally consist of a talk by the author and a Q & A period with the audience followed by a book signing. Books are sold on-site. Seating begins 45 minutes prior to event start times. No tickets or reservations are required for Free Author Events.
Live American Sign Language translation of Author Events is provided upon request. Please call the Author Events Office at least two weeks in advance to request this service.
Special Efforts And Prayers; More Will Be Needed!
Saint Patrick Parish in Norristown (Montgomery County) will hold a special Mass for the intention of the people of Mexico and Puerto Rico affected by recent major natural disasters.
The parish is home to hundreds of Mexican immigrants, many of whom are from Puebla, the epicenter of Wednesday’s earthquake. Many other parishioners are from Puerto Rico, currently being devastated by Hurricane Maria.
A special collection will be taken up for those victims and continued relief efforts.
Thursday, September 21, 2017
6:00 p.m.
Saint Patrick Parish
714 DeKalb Street
Norristown, PA 19401 (Montgomery County)
The parish is home to hundreds of Mexican immigrants, many of whom are from Puebla, the epicenter of Wednesday’s earthquake. Many other parishioners are from Puerto Rico, currently being devastated by Hurricane Maria.
A special collection will be taken up for those victims and continued relief efforts.
'They Are Incredibly Resilient And Will Rise Again'
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie today issued the following statement on the earthquake that ravaged Puebla, Mexico:
“Today, New Jersey sends our thoughts and prayers to the people of Puebla, Mexico in the aftermath of the devastating 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck there and to the more than 230,000 families in the Garden State who trace their roots to the town. Three years ago, the people of Puebla graciously welcomed me to their beautiful, vibrant City. I know they are incredibly resilient and will rise above this tragedy.”
“Today, New Jersey sends our thoughts and prayers to the people of Puebla, Mexico in the aftermath of the devastating 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck there and to the more than 230,000 families in the Garden State who trace their roots to the town. Three years ago, the people of Puebla graciously welcomed me to their beautiful, vibrant City. I know they are incredibly resilient and will rise above this tragedy.”
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