Sunday, April 30, 2017

Whew! - When Was The Last Time THIS Happened?



This morning on CBS-TV's "Face the Nation" with John Dickerson.

Does THIS Really Make Any Sense To You?

Do You Have A Plan For THIS?

'Tell Me What You Need Us To Do; We'll Do It!'



New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on the nation's drug crisis.

Believe It: THIS Record Speaks For Itself!

Do You Believe What Happened Last Night? WOW!

Unprecedented in US political history, as far as we know. But isn't this an incredibly healthy turn of events? Isn't it? Thank you, President Trump for being a rule breaker and putting real, ordinary Americans first.

Saturday, April 29, 2017

Astonishing Debut! Now, For The Next Chapter . . .



Thank you
Mr. President
for an incredible
first 100 days!
Now, let the revolution continue.
AVANTI!

We've Never, EVER Seen Anything Like It!



In his first 100 days, President Donald J. Trump has taken bold action to restore prosperity, keep Americans safe and secure, and hold government accountable. 
At an historic pace, this President has enacted more legislation and signed more executive orders than any other president in over a half century. 
With a focus on rebuilding the military, ending illegal immigration, and restoring confidence in our economy, the President is keeping his promises to the American people.

Revealed: A Magical (And Secret) Grand Retreat!

Once upon a time, in the hills just above Monterey Bay on California's central coast, movie stars, kings, queens, CEO's and US presidents were welcomed to a world of unparalleled luxury -- a grand, perfectly manicured, rich, vast resort known as the Hotel Del Monte.
The hotel played host to Charles Lindbergh, Teddy Roosevelt and Ernest Hemingway, among many others. The property extends south and southeast of the hotel and once included gardens, parkland, polo grounds, a race track, and a golf course.
The hotel is still open. But today, you can't simply drive up to this grand edifice and check in. That's because the hotel and all the surrounding grounds and buildings are the restricted and heavily-guarded property of the US Navy and its postgraduate college.
But we managed to find our way to and inside the Del Monte and we present it here for you to experience in all its grandeur. Enjoy!














All photos copyright 2107 by Dan Cirucci.

US, France, Germany, South Korea Lead Blog Views

Dan Cirucci Blog, Week's Pageviews by Countries

Graph of most popular countries among blog viewers
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6978
France
6450
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China
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Portugal
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Thank you for more than 15,000 pageviews!

Dan Cirucci Blog: Week's Top Five Stories!

Posts: Top Five Stories, Week of 4/22

Friday, April 28, 2017

A Light That Creates Incredible Color, Vibrancy!





As we journey along California's treasured central coast we find a clear, pristine light this spring -- a buoyant, all-enhancing light that creates the most vivid and vibrant colors. It literally paints the surroundings in a high-definition glow.
You'll find this light practically nowhere else.
Now, overlooking Monterey, we share it with you! Enjoy!
Photos copyright 2017 by Dan Cirucci.



'They Want A Piece Of The Action!' Oohh, Yeah!

Crisis? No, Not Here And Not Now . . .

A very special message from The Cardinal Newman Society:

Vocations crisis?

Not at the Newman Guide colleges! It's one of the many signs of a faithful Catholic college that so many graduates are discerning vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

But even so... how many priests go on to become recording stars!

The priests of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter are releasing a new album of chant, and as we report this week, it's very much a natural progression from their outstanding Catholic education that included immersion in Catholic culture and liturgy.

Of course, we at The Cardinal Newman Society are especially proud of Father Zachary Akers, a former intern with the Society and an outstanding priest.

This week we also report on the hunger conference at Walsh University, another Newman Guide college putting its faith into action.

And see Matt Archbold's column, including the sad news that Boston College will be honoring dissident Sen. Bob Casey.

If you know anyone looking for a truly faithful college that inspires students to love God and serve Him, know that we have released the 10th anniversary edition of The Newman Guide. To order or learn more, please click here


 In Christ,
 

 Patrick Reilly
 President
The Cardinal Newman Society

In The Footsteps Of An Esteemed American Giant!

We are traveling through California's gorgeous central coast and central valley and today we had the chance to visit the National Steinbeck Center in John Steinbeck's hometown of Salinas, set amidst the picturesque valley that this Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winning author used as the setting for so many of his novels, short stories, screenplays and plays.
The National Steinbeck Center is a museum and 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that honors Steinbeck and perpetuates his legacy. The National Steinbeck Center houses a variety of artifacts, first edition Steinbeck books, newspapers, and interviews pertaining to John Steinbeck in its archives.
In addition, the Center holds a variety of educational and public programs throughout the year which aim to expand the public’s knowledge about John Steinbeck and the themes he explored in his books.
Drawing from the works of John Steinbeck, the National Steinbeck Center is dedicated to Steinbeck’s creative legacy: to participate, to inspire, to educate, and to understand one another.
Two blocks from the center you can also visit Steinbeck's birthplace (second photo from top) and you can also walk along the classic main street of Salinas.
We hope you enjoy the photos from this memorable visit!









A Place Where Miracles Really DO Happen!



New Jersey Governor Chris Christie: 
In the facilities that are helping people push back this disease and give them the path to recovery, you see God’s hand at work every day, every day. And there is something special about participating in a place where miracles happen on earth. 
I spend most of my days in the State House in Trenton. Let me guarantee you, very few miracles happen in there every day, very few. But one of the great moments I get as Governor is to leave that building and come and visit the extraordinary people and facilities that we have in this state, that are growing every day that are making those miracles happen with the men and women who they take into their care. 
See, I’m pro-life but I think being pro-life means being pro-life for the whole life, not just for the nine months in the womb. Now listen, this comes from a man’s perspective I am sure, but it seems to that those nine months in the womb are the easiest time to pro-life, they’ve done nothing yet to disappoint us. When that life comes into our possession, it becomes much harder to be pro-life because challenges and disappointments come and face all of us. 
But I’m pro-life not just for the child in the womb, I’m pro-life for the 16 year old young woman on the floor of the county lock up. That life has value. I’m pro-life for the lawyer in his mid-40s who’s addicted to pain killers and alcohol and is throwing his life out the window because he can’t deal with his disease. He is not disposable. That life has value also. And I am pro-life for the person who is dealing with chronic pain and who’s physicians take the easy way out and get them addicted to drugs. That life has value too. 
The great thing about this fight is we’re fighting for every life, for every life. 
And the one in the womb is not spared either because I’ve spent more time in pediatric ICUs watching babies who were born addicted because their mother was addicted and thinking about the challenges that that baby faces for the rest of his or her life. We need to stop this scourge in our society. 
This is the challenge of our time or we are going to lose hundreds of thousands of lives if we don’t step up and work together.

Thursday, April 27, 2017

You Won't Believe What Happened Last Night! OMG!



'A Victory For The Law-Abiding People Of NJ!'

New Jersey State Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) applauded a settlement to a federal legal challenge of state law brought by the New Jersey Second Amendment Society (NJ2AS) that would bring to an end the state’s outright ban on the civilian ownership of stun guns.

Description: http://www.senatenj.com/uploads/stun-gun-520.jpg
Sen. Anthony Bucco applauded a federal court settlement that would bring to an end New Jersey’s outright ban on the civilian ownership of stun guns. (Wikimedia Commons)
“This is a victory for the law-abiding people of New Jersey who want the non-lethal capability to protect themselves with a stun gun,” said Bucco. “This federal court order sends the message that the State of New Jersey has gone too far in interfering with the Second Amendment rights of New Jerseyans to protect themselves and their families.”

The consent order issued by the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey declared unconstitutional the state’s outright ban in N.J.S.2C:39-3(h), the section of state law stating that “any person who knowingly has in his possession any stun gun is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.”

Bucco is the sponsor of legislation, S-1106, that would have repealed that section of state law.

According to published reports, New Jersey was one of just five states that prohibited its residents from owning stun guns.

Under the consent order, the State has been given 180 days to institute new laws, rules, or regulations “that will impose reasonable limitations, consistent with public safety and the Second Amendment,” on the possession and/or carrying of electronic arms or “stun guns.”

“Stun guns represent a non-lethal alternative to conventional firearms that many people around the country have chosen as a safe choice to enhance their personal safety,” added Bucco. “I’ve long said that New Jersey residents deserve the choice and opportunity to recognize the benefits that stun guns provide. I’m glad that New Jersey families are one step closer to realizing the full protections afforded by the Second Amendment.”

You Won't Find A More Inspiring Program Anywhere!

Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra -Dec.18,2016- Bachrach--2054-2


Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra (PYAO) members, ages 12 to 18, will present its 22nd Annual Festival Concert on Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 3 p.m. in the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia. Conducted by Maestra Rosalind Erwin, the musical program will include Lee Hoiby’s Overture to a Farce; Claude Debussy’s Nuages et Fêtes from Noctunes; and George Gershwin’s An American in Paris. 

The concert will feature the Young Artists Solo Competition winner -- cellist, Danny Bishop, who will perform Camille Saint-Saëns Concerto for Violoncello in A minor.

Maestra Rosalind Erwin, who also conducts the Drexel University Orchestra, is proud of the accomplishments of the members of PYAO. She said, “The Festival Concert is an important performance for our students, culminating a year’s study and rehearsal. We are proud to showcase their talent at this annual concert in the Kimmel Center.”

Tickets to this event are $10-$20. For tickets, please call Ticket Philadelphia at (215) 893-1999.

About the Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra
The Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra prepares students through a sophisticated repertoire and rigorous intellectual and musical discipline. PYAO further provides the opportunity to work with a highly experienced professional conductor, musicians, and teachers; to rehearse a standard orchestral repertoire at a professional level; and to perform in high-profile professional venues throughout the greater Philadelphia region.

About the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra:
Now in its 77th year, training tomorrow’s leaders, the renowned Philadelphia Youth Orchestra organization, led by President and Music Director, Maestro Louis Scaglione, is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected community music education and youth orchestra performance programs, providing talented young musicians from across the tri-state area with exceptional musical training. Students go on to excel in many diverse fields, and it is with pride that Philadelphia Youth Orchestra notes that many members of the prestigious Philadelphia Orchestra are alumni. 
 The organization is comprised of six program ensembles designed to meet specific needs and experience levels of students selected through a competitive audition process. 
The anchor group is the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra (PYO), conducted by President and Music Director Louis Scaglione, featuring 120 gifted instrumentalists who range in age from 14-21. 
Young musicians 12-18 years old are featured in PYO’s companion ensemble, the Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra, which is led by Director and Conductor Maestra Rosalind Erwin, who is Music Director and Conductor of Drexel University Orchestra. 
Philadelphia Young Musicians Orchestra (PYMO), directed by Maestro Kenneth Bean, is a beginning to intermediate-level full symphonic orchestra that provides most students with their first introduction to large orchestral playing featuring students age 10-17 years old. 
Bravo Brass, directed by Curtis Institute Dean of Faculty and Students, Paul Bryan, is an all brass ensemble for promising middle and high-school instrumentalists. 
PRYSM (Philadelphia Region Youth String Music) and PRYSM Young Artists ensembles provide string large ensemble and sectional master class instruction for beginning and intermediate musicians ages 6-14. The director and conductor of PRYSM is Gloria DePasquale, cellist with The Philadelphia Orchestra, and conductor of PRYSM Young Artists is Andrea Weber. 
Tune Up Philly (TUP) is PYO’s engagement program, directed by Paul Smith, that focuses on creating and inspiring true community by providing children in under-resourced communities with invaluable opportunities to learn and perform a differentiated orchestral music curriculum.www.pyos.org.

Don't Tell Us It's Worth It, Cause It's NOT!

So, the NFL Draft has come to Philly.
Did you hear me? HellOOOOH?
The NFL Draft has come to Philly -- to the iconic Art Museum steps. It's here, on the famous "Rocky Steps," hon! It's right here, ya know, where da Pope was!
And, guess what?
Not everybody's excited about it or happy with the prospect of it being here, including us!
That's right [Insert Big Yawn HERE] because we couldn't care less about the effing NFL Draft!
But let's put it sucinctly and excerpt from one of our favorite Philly scribes, Victor Fiorillo at Philadelphia Magazine who has expressed it much better than we could:
So why on earth should the city be in lockdown mode for a bunch of future rapists, domestic-assault suspects, and drunk drivers who just happen to be able to catch a ball? And why are we taxpayers forced to fork over $500,000 (oh, you had better believe it will be more) toward the cost of what might just be the world’s most boring and overhyped event?
I just can’t figure it out.
Read more from Victor at http://www.phillymag.com/news/2017/04/27/nfl-draft-philadelphia/#GD3KS8Jreociq17t.99

We're Hoping She Gets The Chance To Do It!

Now, 'Pressing Forward With A Lawsuit' . . . .

Here is an important statement from Young America's Foundation about the current imbroglio at Berkeley surrounding the planned speaking engagement of Ann Coulter.
This statement was issued on Tuesday:

When Young America’s Foundation confirmed Ann Coulter would speak at UC-Berkeley as part of YAF’s nationwide campus lecture program on April 27, we assumed UC Berkeley would take all steps necessary to ensure the safety of students attending the educational event.

In the meantime we discovered that the University of California Police Department at Berkeley has an official “stand-down” policy for any situation that develops on campus as long as the situation doesn’t involve the imminent loss of life, allowing the leftist thugs who have terrorized Berkeley’s campus to do so without consequence.

In order to ensure safety of those involved and for the lecture to go forward, Young America’s Foundation requested that Berkeley adhere to the following equal access terms for the event:
  • Central location on the main campus
  • Room holding hundreds of participants
  • Afternoon/early evening timing
  • Ability to publicize event
  • University to announce that there will be zero tolerance at the event itself for masked agitators, disruption of the event; and sufficient security to ensure the safety of attendees; space for protest to be cordoned a reasonable and constitutionally permissible distance from event
  • University to confirm that it has communicated the event details to Berkeley City Police, and are coordinating security with them to ensure that any rioters/violent protestors/masked disruptors are appropriately contained and dealt with
As of 4:00 p.m. today, UC-Berkeley failed to meet our demands, after refusing to provide a proper venue for six weeks. Berkeley made it impossible to hold a lecture due to the lack of assurances for protections from foreseeable violence from unrestrained leftist agitators.

Berkeley should be ashamed for creating this hostile atmosphere.

“As a parent and a taxpayer, I want the next generation to learn in an educational environment, not a circus,” said Ron Robinson, President of Young America’s Foundation to the Washington Examiner. “I had the misfortune of being in a leftist riot as a student, and I wouldn’t want to put my children or anyone else’s children into that situation without assurances that law enforcement would protect them.”

YAF is pressing forward with its lawsuit against UC-Berkeley, and looks forward to the day when First Amendment freedoms are enjoyed by conservative students.

Ms. Coulter may still choose to speak in some form on campus, but Young America’s Foundation will not jeopardize the safety of its staff or students. For information on Ms. Coulter’s plans, please contact her directly.

Signed:
Young America’s Foundation
Executive Board of the Berkeley College Republicans

Clearly, Time For A New Look At This . . . .




THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Mike. He’s been a great Vice President, a great help. And everybody loves Mike Pence. I just want to thank you for your service. Been incredible. (Applause.)

It’s a real pleasure to be at the Department of Interior, where you help preserve the splendor and the beauty of America’s natural resources. And I can tell you the group that's in here right now, they really do the job. Right, Lisa? They’re doing a good job. We're going to take care of Alaska, too. Don't worry about it. (Laughter.) And they protect the ability of the people to access and utilize the land which truly belongs to them and belongs to all of us.

Secretary Ryan Zinke is doing an incredible job -- and he never overlooks the details. He’s a detail person. Soon after he was confirmed, we had a snowstorm, big one, and he was out there on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial shoveling the snow all by himself. And he’s a strong guy. He did a good job. (Laughter.) He did a very, very good job. But we're proud of him.

In the first 100 days, we have taken historic action to eliminate wasteful regulations. They're being eliminated like nobody has ever seen before. There has never been anything like it. Sometimes I look at some of the things I’m signing I say maybe people won’t like it, but I’m doing the right thing. And no regular politician is going do it. (Laughter.) I don't know if you folks would do -- I will tell you literally some politicians have said, you're doing the right thing. I don't know if I would have had the courage to do some of these things. But we're doing them because it’s the right thing to do. And it’s for the good of the nation.

We're returning power back to the people. We’ve eliminated job-destroying regulations on farmers, ranchers, and coal miners, on autoworkers, and so many other American workers and businesses.

Today, I am signing a new executive order to end another egregious abuse of federal power, and to give that power back to the states and to the people, where it belongs.

The previous administration used a 100-year-old law known as the Antiquities Act to unilaterally put millions of acres of land and water under strict federal control -- have you heard about that? -- eliminating the ability of the people who actually live in those states to decide how best to use that land.

Today, we are putting the states back in charge. It’s a big thing.

I am pleased to be joined by so many members of Congress and governors who have been waiting for this moment, including Governor Herbert of Utah. Thank you, thank you, Governor. Governor LePage of Maine, who, by the way, has lost a lot of weight. (Laughter.) I knew him when he was heavy, and now I know him when he’s thin, and I like him both ways, okay? (Laughter.) Done a great job. Governor Calvo of Guam. Thank you. Governor Torres from the Northern Mariana Islands. Thank you, thank you, Governor.

I also want to recognize Senator Orrin Hatch, who -- believe me, he’s tough. He would call me and call me and say, you got to do this. Is that right, Orrin?

SENATOR HATCH: That's right.

THE PRESIDENT: You didn't stop. He doesn't give up. And he’s shocked that I’m doing it, but I’m doing it because it’s the right thing to do. But I really have to point you out, you didn't stop.

And, Mike, the same thing. So many people feel -- Mike Lee -- so many people feel so strongly about this, and so I appreciate your support and your prodding, and your never-ending prodding, I should say, because we're now getting something done that many people thought would never ever get done, and I’m very proud to be doing it in honor of you guys, okay? Thank you. (Applause.)

Altogether, the previous administration bypassed the states to place over 265 million acres -- that's a lot of land, million acres. Think of it -- 265 million acres of land and water under federal control through the abuse of the monuments designation. That’s larger than the entire state of Texas.

In December of last year alone, the federal government asserted this power over 1.35 million acres of land in Utah, known as Bears Ears -- I’ve heard a lot about Bears Ears, and I hear it’s beautiful -- over the profound objections of the citizens of Utah. The Antiquities Act does not give the federal government unlimited power to lock up millions of acres of land and water, and it’s time we ended this abusive practice.

I’ve spoken with many state and local leaders -- a number of them here today -- who care very much about preserving our land, and who are gravely concerned about this massive federal land grab. And it’s gotten worse and worse and worse, and now we're going to free it up, which is what should have happened in the first place. This should never have happened.

That’s why today I am signing this order and directing Secretary Zinke to end these abuses and return control to the people -- the people of Utah, the people of all of the states, the people of the United States.

Every day, we are going to continue pushing ahead with our reform agenda to put the American people back in charge of their government and their lives.

And again, I want to congratulate the Secretary. I want to congratulate Orrin and Mike and all of the people that worked so hard on bringing it to this point. And tremendously positive things are going to happen on that incredible land, the likes of which there is nothing more beautiful anywhere in the world. But now tremendously positive things will happen.

So I want to thank you. I want to thank everybody for being here. God bless you all and God bless America. Thank you. Thank you very much. So I’ll sign.

(The executive order is signed.) (Applause.)

Q Are you surprised about this 9th Circuit ruling?

THE PRESIDENT: I’m never surprised by the 9th Circuit. (Laughter.) As I said, we’ll see them in the Supreme Court. (Laughter and applause.)

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

One Of The Most Beautiful Places On Earth








We've been touring California's beautiful Monterey peninsula and we've come to the conclusion that this is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth.
We think you'll agree and we are happy to share these photos with you!
Photos copyright 2017 by Dan Cirucci




Extraordinary First US Showing! Don't Miss This!

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is pleased to announce the presentation of the relics of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina on the occasion of the 130th anniversary of his birth. The Saint Pio Foundation, in collaboration with the Capuchin Friars of Pietrelcina, has organized the first ever exhibition tour of his relics in the United States of America. 

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will be the first stop on this tour.

The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul will present the relics of Saint Pio during the weekend of May 6 – 8 with opportunities for prayer, veneration of the relics. Opportunities for the Sacrament of Penance and Mass will also be available.

Saturday, May 6, 2017
4:15 p.m. Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation
5:15 p.m. Anticipated Mass for Fourth Sunday of Easter (Wedding Anniversary Mass)
6:15 p.m. Public veneration of the relics of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina
10:00 p.m. Night prayer and blessing with the relics

Sunday, May 7, 2017
9:00 a.m. Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation
2:00 p.m. Archdiocesan May Procession
3:00 p.m. Public veneration of relics
5:30 p.m. Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation
6:30 p.m. Sunday Mass
8:00 p.m. Public veneration of relics
10:00 p.m. Night prayer and blessing with relics

Monday, May 8, 2017
9:00 a.m. Public veneration of the relics
11:30 a.m. Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation
7:30 p.m. Mass of Saint Pio
Conclusion of the Presentation of the relics

Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, also known as Padre Pio, was an Italian priest and friar of the Capuchin Order of the Friars Minor. Known for his piety and humility, Padre Pio received the marks of the stigmata after praying before a crucifix, becoming the first stigmatized priest in the history of the Church. He was beautified in 1999 and canonized in 2002 by Pope Saint John Paul II. 

He is the patron saint of civil defense volunteers, adolescents, and the village of Pietrelcina. His feast day is September 23rd.

Note: Books and other information on Saint Pio will be available for purchase through the Saint Pio Foundation during the exhibition of the relics in Philadelphia. For additional information on the Saint Pio Foundation, please visit http://www.saintpiofoundation.org/.

Unbelievable Lunch Value Plus Fun 'n Games!





A Special Day For A VERY Special Lady . . .



Happy Birthday
to our wonderful
First Lady
Melania Trump.
We love you, Melania!

WOW! This Is A Great Deal. Don't Miss It!




Prices, product and participation and restaurant hours may vary by location.