Tuesday, March 31, 2015

The Assault On Faith Threatens ALL Of Us!

From our friends at The Save Jersey Blog:
By Scott St. Clair | The Save Jersey Blog
So, the devoutly religious among us are to be accorded purely second-class status, and their right to exercise their faith through their business is to be stripped from the Constitution? That’s the message we’re getting from those protesting Indiana’s recent enactment of its version of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

How soon before it will be against the law to hold any point of view contrary to the Left’s politically-correct orthodoxy of the moment?



Gov. Mike Pence (R-IN)

It’s one thing to discriminate in a purely commerce-related sense – shopping in a store, eating in a restaurant, riding in a common carrier – as one typically progressive bait-and-switch article sought to demonstrate will be the ipso facto result of RFRA-based laws.

But it’s altogether another to demand of a business owner that she explicitly endorse a behavior or belief that violates her religious principles.

Remember: there are millions upon millions upon millions of Americans who still believe that marriage is a divinely-based institution between one man and one woman, and those Americans come from a broad cross section of religious traditions, Christian, Jewish and Muslim.

While they might be willing to tolerate same-sex marriage – live and let live – insisting that they be dragged into one by demanding that they endorse it through providing goods or services to one is a whole other matter.

Contrary to the Left’s sky-is-falling histrionics, a Baptist grandmother’s refusal to sanction, by baking and decorating a cake, a same-sex marriage that she believes violates her reading of the Bible doesn’t open the door to rampant Jim Crow segregation and lynching. Isn’t she entitled to at least a nod of the equal-rights head in her favor, or is that too much to ask?

The National Review has an excellent editorial on the subject, which I commend to everyone’s attention. A couple of excerpts:

“Critics say that Indiana’s RFRA amounts to a license to discriminate; it isn’t — far from being a blanket grant of immunity, it simply allows religious liberties to be raised as a defense in lawsuits. That religious liberties may be offered as a defense is not a guarantee that this defense will be accepted by a court.”
In other words, Indiana’s RFRA requires a deeper inquiry into a claim of alleged discrimination than a refusal to sell a cake, take wedding photos or provide floral services because of sexual orientation. You now have to ask the question “Why?” and hear from the person against whom the charge is made. She’s entitled to her day in court, too, without any guarantee that she’ll win:

RFRA enjoyed wide bipartisan support until the Hobby Lobby case reminded Democrats that they care a great deal more about Obamacare and contraceptive subsidies than they do about the religious liberties of people who hold views that inconvenience the Democrats’ political platform.
Objections from the Left against what Indiana did are par for the course in its decades-long crusade against faith per se. It’s not hard to find sneering contempt for ANY religious conviction of ANY type in much to most progressive rhetoric on the subject.

Even the president of the United States blithely derides people of faith, as he did six years ago in his now infamous smack down of maybe half the population: “And it’s not surprising then that they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion…”

In the words of Seattle Mayor Ed Murray, who is gay and who officially banned all city-funded travel to Indiana in retaliation for its enactment of RFRA, “You can prevent African Americans and or Gays from belonging to your church.” How shallow and self-absorbed is that? He not only doesn’t get the point, it’s obvious he doesn’t understand the point or even want to.

It’s no secret that the Left regards those on the right to be intellectually inferior. I mean, only stupid people hold religious beliefs, right? Well, unless, that is, their beliefs comport with talking points from the DNC.

Everyone who is knee-jerk in opposition to Indiana’s enactment of the RFRA, which is on the books in 19 other states and the federal government – thank you, former-President Bill Clinton for signing it – should consider how their own religious beliefs might need protecting someday from an assault on them by someone less interested in “equal rights” and more interested in bullying or persecution against the faithful.

What would you do if a law was enacted requiring you to keep your business open on a day or during hours that you typically set aside for religious devotion? Or if you were required to provide products or services that that seriously violated your own belief system? How about if your Kosher or Halal butcher shop or restaurant was required to sell pork products or shellfish simply because the meat or seafood lobby got the local legislative body to enact such a law? After all, us gentiles love our ribs and clam chowder, and we should be able to get them anywhere we like since it’s only commerce, so serve ‘em up Moishe and Yousef!

Don’t think it would happen? Don’t bet on it. The quickest way to ensure an event’s likelihood is to dismiss its possibility.

Just because you may not agree with those who have a right to assert a religious belief-based defense to a discrimination charge doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be able to do so. Who knows: you may be next.

The United States came to be largely because people persecuted because of their faith wanted to live where they could openly and unabashedly worship in public as well as in private as they pleased and as they were led to do so by God. Or have we forgotten our own history? The Pilgrims, Roger Williams, William Penn, Lord Baltimore — all came and settled and established communities because they were told that their beliefs had no place in the public square of their day.

Today, we see a similar discrimination against people who believe and practice traditional faiths not limited to Christianity, although that’s the one with the big target on its back. Where is it written in our Constitution that they must go to the back of the belief-system bus — that they can only believe and exercise their beliefs during non-work hours?

Remember the words of Pastor Martin Niemoller:

“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
Trust me: they’re coming after people of faith today – they’ll come after you tomorrow.

On The Meaning Of Prayer And The Constitution


Green Drop Sponsors Devon Horse Show


GreenDrop, the organization that is revolutionizing the way consumers support their favorite charities, announced today that it is sponsoring the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed equestrian competition in the U.S.

Founded in 1896, the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair features a world-class field and annually ranks among the most prominent internationally, The 10-day show, which will be held from May 21 through May 31, 2015, attracts an average of 100,000 spectators each year. Spectators will enjoy the show's 10 equestrian disciplines, as well as the show's Country Fair, a widely celebrated attraction for families in the greater Philadelphia region. GreenDrop is proud to be this year's Wednesday Night Open Jumper Class Sponsor.

GreenDrop collects lightly worn clothing, used electronics, and household goods at more than 20 conveniently located, free-standing locations throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Donors simply pull their car up to a GreenDrop charitable donation center, where a uniformed attendant handles removing and processing their donation for them. Donors may direct their giving to any of GreenDrop's partner charities: Military Order of the Purple Heart, the National Federation of the Blind, or the Society of St. Vincent DePaul of Philadelphia.

The donations are converted to cash so each of the benefitting charities can efficiently further their programs and related initiatives. In the past two years, GreenDrop's efforts raised approximately $5 million for its participating charities.

In commenting on the sponsorship, GreenDrop's CEO, Chris Stinnett, said, "The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is a cultural and historical landmark for the Main Line, Philadelphia, and surrounding areas. We are honored to be a part of its heritage, and look forward to our first experience at this prestigious event."

During the show, GreenDrop will be accepting donations for its partner charities. Visitors are invited to enjoy a complimentary lemon stick from GreenDrop, upon making a donation at the entrance to the show. For more information on acceptable items for donation, please visit https://www.gogreendrop.com/acceptable-items/.

Proceeds from the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair benefit Bryn Mawr Hospital.

About GreenDrop
GreenDrop is transforming the way consumers support their favorite charities by donating lightly worn clothing, used electronics and household goods at conveniently-located, free-standing locations throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

By recycling former gasoline stations and standalone store fronts, GreenDrop offers consumers clean, brightly lit, and safe drive-up locations where they are greeted at their car by uniformed GreenDrop attendants, who unload donations, provide tax-deductible receipts and allow consumers to direct their giving to either the Purple Heart or the National Federation of the Blind. In 2013, these charities received $2.5 million through donations to GreenDrop facilities, which are sorted and then resold at area thrift stores, sent overseas or recycled for their fibers and parts.

For more information about GreenDrop, visit our web site at www.GoGreenDrop.com or our blog at www.gogreendrop.com/blog/.

About The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair
Steeped in rich heritage dating back to 1896, the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair continues its glorious tradition as the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed competition in the United States. With the grandeur of Philadelphia's prestigious Main Line setting the stage, the event features a world-class field that annually ranks among the most prominent internationally. The dates for this year's are event are May 21 to May 31. For tickets, please visit www.devonhorseshow.org.

The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is a nonprofit institution that has donated approximately $47 million (in current dollars) since 1919 for the good works of its charitable beneficiary, the Bryn Mawr Hospital.

Hurry! One Week Left To See 'Hunchback' Musical!



ONLY ONE WEEK REMAINING!
FOR TICKETS VISIT: www.PaperMill.org
Recommended for ages 12 & up

Picture-Perfect Moments Await In Atlantic City!

After a successful Insta-Meet this past weekend where 10 Instagrammers spent the day shooting photos around Atlantic City we offer a list of top photo spots for media and public alike. View the Instagram shots here<https://instagram.com/doac/> and plan your #PicturePerfect day.

Atlantic City's bright lights, bustling Boardwalk, and coastal setting are sure to delight every type of shutterbug. Midweek is the perfect time to capture this barrier island's natural beauty. Nature photographers will discover soft sandy beaches, grass-covered dunes, and a beautiful tidal marsh. Architecture buffs will find glamorous hotels built during the Roaring Twenties as well as movie-set worthy façades from Atlantic City's casino boom. Landscape photographers will enjoy the hidden beauty of the city's Marina District. Aerial photographers can hop on the exhilarating Steel Pier helicopter for an unforgettable birds-eye view of all the action. Here is a list of Atlantic City's most photo-friendly locations:

 *   Immersion Spa at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa's Water Club: You can enjoy unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean and Absecon Inlet from this luxury spa's 32nd floor indoor pool deck and solarium. Your Instagram followers will be especially jealous when they see you chilling poolside in the middle of winter. theborgata.com<http://www.theborgata.com/spas/immersion-spa>

 *   Atlantic City Rail Line: An easy, quick way to arrive in Atlantic City is by train from Philadelphia. A magical casino skyline reveals itself as the train traverses the waterways that separate Atlantic City from mainland New Jersey. You can catch the best views from the left side of the train. njtransit.com<http://www.njtransit.com/acrl>

 *   Statue of Julius Caesar: Caesars Atlantic City's dramatic lobby houses a gigantic statue of Julius Caesar. Pose for a status update worthy "Hail, Caesar!" photo and grab some authentic gelato at the adjacent Italian-style street café. caesars.com<http://www.caesarsac.com>

 *   Albany Avenue Beach: Capture views of the Atlantic City skyline and beachfront from the south side of the Boardwalk. Step onto the beach before sunset as the lights of Atlantic City's casinos come to life. The contrast between Atlantic City's clean beaches and glittering skyline provides the perfect backdrop for memorable photos.

 *   The Pier Shops at Caesars: No Starbucks in America is quite like the one located on the second floor of The Pier Shops. Its giant glass windows overlook the Atlantic Ocean. On sunny days the views seems impossibly beautiful. Head upstairs to the mall's third floor and relax in large wooden beach loungers with a great view. thepiershopsatcaesars.com<http://www.thepiershopsatcaesars.com>

 *   Steel Pier from Landshark Bar and Grill: If you are looking for beachfront casual dining, there are few restaurants with better views than the new Landshark Bar and Grill at Resorts Casino Hotel. At nighttime the extreme thrill rides and carnival atmosphere of nearby Steel Pier are lit up and provide a fabulous backdrop to your photos.

 *   Party people at the Tropicana Quarter: On weekends this Havana-themed mall and nightlife complex is jam packed with partiers of all ages. Before you call it a night (in the early morning) be sure to take a group photo in front of The Quarter's charming fountain. tropicana.net<http://tropicana.net/quarter/>

 *   The Golden Nugget pool and H2O: The Golden Nugget's H2O is home to Atlantic City's largest outdoor pool and offers hot tubs, outdoor blackjack tables, and great views in every direction. This is one of the few spots in the city where you can capture a complete panoramic skyline of the Boardwalk casino district. goldennugget.com<http://www.goldennugget.com/atlanticcity/drink_h2opoolbar.asp>

 *   Chihuly Glass at Borgata: Borgata's lobby is perhaps the most stylish in Atlantic City. Its colorful abstract shaped glass sculptures have become synonymous with this luxurious casino resort. When you post a photo on Facebook in front of these sculptures everyone will know where to find you. theborgata.com<http://www.theborgata.com>

 *   Rolling Chairs: Atlantic City's iconic rolling chairs are the most enjoyable way to move around the Boardwalk. A friendly crew of men and women from around the world operate this only-in-Atlantic City form of transportation. Grab some Boardwalk food and ask the chair operator to snap a photo.

 *   Waterfront Sculpture Walk: This new Marina District promenade connects the Golden Nugget, Harrahs, and Borgata casinos. Bring your camera during the autumn and spring to capture photos of migrating birds on their annual journey north and south through this protected habitat. Enjoy a summer stroll surrounded by natural and artistic beauty with stunning views of the bay and mainland. artcnow.com<http://artcnow.com/acwsw/>

 *   Outside the White House: Some local residents claim that the submarine sandwich was invented in Atlantic City, but one thing is certain, the White House Sub Shop makes some of the finest subs in the world. Be sure to step outside and take a photo in front of this delicious Atlantic City institution. whitehousesubshop.net<http://whitehousesubshop.net>

 *   Bally's Atlantic City: This colorful Wild West themed casino recalls the early days of the American west, when cowboys, outlaws, sheriffs and marshals ruled the day. This casino's hyper-themed façade brought some 1990's era flash to the Boardwalk and remains one of the most popular photo ops in Atlantic City. ballysac.com<http://www.ballysac.com>

 *   Taj Mahal Porte Cochère: Few places in Atlantic City are as photographed as the valet entrance of the Taj Mahal. Visit at night when you will be dazzled by an over-the-top array of light. Walk up to Pacific Avenue to capture the best shot. trumptaj.com<http://www.trumptaj.com>

 *   Atlantic City Country Club: This 18-hole public golf course and restaurant is recognized as the birthplace of the "Birdie," a term coined in 1903 to describe a golf score of one shot under par. Sweeping vistas of Atlantic City located over the bay four miles away provide plenty of camera fodder. accountryclub.com<http://www.accountryclub.com>

 *   Lucy the Elephant: Margate City, about two miles south of Atlantic City, is home to elegant beach homes and one of America's most popular roadside attractions. Lucy is one of the world's finest examples of zoomorphic architecture. This short side trip will be the unexpected highlight of your Atlantic City vacation. lucytheelephant.org<http://www.lucytheelephant.org>

 *   Korean War Memorial: Veterans of the Korean War continue to visit this memorial to remember the fallen U.S. soldiers of this still unsettled conflict. Located near Park Place and Boardwalk, the memorial sits on the most valuable land in the AC-inspired board game Monopoly. state.nj.us<http://www.state.nj.us/military/korea/>

 *   The Pool at Harrah's: Harrah's Resort features a gigantic adults-only glass dome complete with indoor pools, hot tubs, palm trees, and day beds. Chill out in this tropical atmosphere any time of year. After a poolside margarita, you will definitely want to share a photo of this outstanding hotel amenity on Yelp or Tripadvisor. harrahsresort.com<https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-ac?originalrequest=%2Fharrahs-ac%2Fcasinos%2Fharrahs-atlantic-city%2Fhotel-casino%2Fproperty-home.>

 *    Historic Gardner's Basin: This quaint fishing village is home to the Atlantic City Aquarium and Gilchrist Restaurant's beloved blueberry pancakes. You can go dolphin and whale watching on an Atlantic City Cruise and discover what generations of Jersey Shore vacationers already know: Atlantic City is a one-of-a-kind destination for the whole family. acaquarium.com<http://www.acaquarium.com/>

The Atlantic City Alliance (ACA) is the destination marketing organization for Atlantic City, New Jersey dedicated to diversifying the visitor economy by increasing the number of leisure visitors, the number of nights they stay and the number of things they do. The ACA is a non-membership, private non-profit organization that accomplishes its mission through the "Do AC" marketing campaign, producing citywide events and destination image building by working with the media globally. Atlantic City's official visitor web site along with DO AC social media channels and the DO AC consumer database are the go-to sources with travel deals, entertainment lineups, compelling photography, videos and visitor information that maximize travel and tourism opportunities encouraging visits to Atlantic City year-round.
For more information visit www.doatlanticcity.com<http://www.doatlanticcity.com> or:




Hollywood Treasures - What Dreams Were Made Of!

"The Man In The Grey Flannel Suit" - Gregory Peck

James Mason's smoking jacket from "A Star Is Born"?

Jack Nicholson's outfit as The Joker in Batman.

Michael Keaton's Batman suit.

Clark Gable's wrist watch.

The actual, original Matese Falcon!

Tom Hank's uniform, Forrest Gump.

One of Esther Williams' many swimsuits.


Vivien Leigh wore this in Gone With The Wind.

Audrey Hepburn wore this.

Can you identify the character and the movie?

Joan Crawford, Mildred Pierce.


One of the Planet of the Apes movies.

Tom Hanks, Forrest Gump.

Wow!
Here are some real Hollywood treasures.
And they've all since been auctioned off at Bonhams in New York.
But, a few years ago, before they were put on the block, we had a chance to view them up close and personal and we thought we'd share them with you today.
Hooray for Hollywood!

Abraham Campaign Launches New Website!

Here is a very special message from the Lynne Abraham campaign:

This morning we launched a brand new website! Check it out – http://LynneAbraham.com



By visiting the website you can learn about the campaign’s latest news or events. You can also use our website to get involved in our campaign and support our efforts to get Lynne elected.

The website also contains 12 policy statements outlining where Lynne stands on the issues. The topics include: public health, jobs and economic development, housing, environment and energy, education, crime and public safety, civil rights and equality, budget and taxes, arts and culture, transportation, senior citizens, and veterans.

Share this news with your friends and family! The more people who check out our website and learn about ways to get involved in the campaign, the stronger our grassroots campaign will be!

Thank you,
- Team Lynne

C'mon . . . . Visit Honest-To-Goodness Indiana!



Visit Indiana unveiled a new video featuring a song written and performed by Anderson University graduate, Jon Mclaughlin. The choir represented is Anderson University's combined choirs with conductor Dr. Richard Sowers, AU professor of music. Celebrate everything Jon loves about his home state! Love the song? Download the just-released original song, "Honest-to-Goodness Indiana." at www.jonmcl.com.

Monday, March 30, 2015

Mmmm . . Don't Miss Firebird Treats!

Bar Bites

CLICK HERE NOW FOR MORE INFO!
'

A Special Passover Message For All

Happy Passover from
the National Museum of American Jewish History

I wish you and yours a meaningful Passover, Chag Sameach*, and a Zissen Pesach** from all of us here  artat the Museum. The object on the right is one of many special Passover-themed artifacts in our collection. This fabric pouch for holding the afikomon (matzoh) is circa mid-20th century. 

I hope that you share the tradition of hiding and discovering the afikomon with the young people in your life this year. 
And, may you enjoy and find meaning during this time with your friends and family, passing the story of the Exodus from Egypt from generation to generation.
For those who do not observe, we hope the themes of the Passover story of freedom resonate with you in the coming days. And for those who celebrate Easter, we hope that the holiday is a very happy one spent with loved ones.
Pay us a visit starting this Wednesday, April 1 and see our special exhibition, Richard Avedon: Family Affairs. Throughout the week, the Museum Café will be open, and Kosher for Passover options will be available. Also, we will provide Passover Family Guides that you can use with youngsters to explore the Museum. 
 
Please note that the Museum will close at 3 pm on Friday, April 3 and will be closed all day on Saturday, April 4 in observance of the holiday.
Warmest wishes,
null
Ivy L. Barsky
CEO and Gwen Goodman Director

P.S. Please consider supporting our Museum this Passover by making a gift or purchasing a Membership.

Wolf Hall Author Will Sign Books April 1, 2, 3, 8, 10

Dame Hilary Mantel, the double Man Booker Prize winner for her acclaimed novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, as well as the author of the Broadway production Wolf Hall: Parts 1 & 2, is thrilled to say she will be signing books at the Winter Garden Theatre (1634 Broadway, between 50th and 51st Streets) prior to each performance and at intermission of the following performances:

Wednesday, April 1 at 2pm
Wednesday, April 1 at 7:30pm
Thursday, April 2 at 8:00pm
Friday, April 3 at 8:00pm
Wednesday, April 8 at 8:00pm
Friday, April 10 at 8:00pm

Upon the opening of the house, ticket holders for these select performances wishing to have Dame Hilary Mantel sign their books can make their way to the designated signing area. Patrons can either bring their personal copies of the books, or purchase them at the theatre from the merchandise stand on the orchestra level of the theatre, located at the back of the house. Due to time constraints, signing will take place for the first 20 minutes the house is open and the first 10 minutes of intermission on a first come, first serve basis.

After critically acclaimed and sold out engagements at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon and at the Aldwych Theatre in London, the theatrical event Wolf Hall: Parts 1 & 2 began performances on Broadway on Friday, March 20, 2015, at the Winter Garden Theatre. Opening day will be held on April 9, 2015.

Tickets for Wolf Hall: Parts 1 & 2 are available for purchase at the box office of the Winter Garden Theatre, online at www.telecharge.com, or by calling (212) 239-6200.

-----

“Hilary Mantel’s best-selling novels
have been brought into the open daylight
and turned into edge of your seat theatre.”
- Ben Brantley, The New York Times

★★★★★
“AN EXHILARATING EXPERIENCE
that will not disappoint fans of modern political
dramas such as ‘House of Cards’”
- The Guardian, London

★★★★★
“GRIPPING PORTRAYALS OF THE GLORIOUS
BUT UTTERLY RUTHLESS COURT OF HENRY VIII.
The intrigue fizzes, and the dialogue continually surprises,
switching between delicious lyricism and a bracing simplicity.
A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT.”
- The Evening Standard, London

★★★★★
- The Daily Telegraph, London
- The Daily Mail, London
- The Independent, London

-----

Wolf Hall: Parts 1 & 2, which explores the deceit, betrayal, and intrigue of the court of Henry VIII, is written by Dame Hilary Mantel and adapted by Mike Poulton. This special event invites theatergoers to be part of a unique theatrical experience, similar to the Royal Shakespeare Company’s award winning production of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby. Both parts of the production can either be seen in one day with a dinner break of approximately two-and-a-half hours, or can be seen on two different days.

The production is directed by Olivier Award nominee Jeremy Herrin, who makes his New York City directing debut.

The company of more than twenty actors includes Ben Miles as Thomas Cromwell, Lydia Leonard as Anne Boleyn, Nathaniel Parker as King Henry VIII, Joey Batey, Nicholas Boulton, Lucy Briers, Leah Brotherhead, Olivia Darnley, Nicholas Day, Mathew Foster, Daniel Fraser, Edward Harrison, Benedict Hastings, Madeleine Hyland, Paul Jesson, Robert Macpherson, Pierro Niel-Mee, Matthew Pidgeon, John Ramm, Nicholas Shaw, Joshua Silver, Giles Taylor, and Jay Taylor. The Royal Shakespeare Company is appearing with the permission of Actors’ Equity Association.

The production features scenic and costume design by Christopher Oram, lighting design by Paule Constable (Part 1) and David Plater (Part 2), sound design by Nick Powell, music by Stephen Warbeck, and movement by Siân Williams.

Wolf Hall: Parts 1 & 2 is produced by Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel, and Matthew Byam Shaw, Nia Janis & Nick Salmon for Playful Productions UK, Carole Shorenstein Hays, Jam Theatricals, Ron Kastner, Kyodo Tokyo, Inc., Tulchin Bartner Productions, WLE MSG, Jane Bergère, Scott M. Delman, Rebecca Gold, Just For Laughs Theatricals, Kit Seidel, Triple Play Productions, Gabrielle Palitz, Georgia Gatti, Jessica Genick, Will Trice, and The Shubert Organization.

The original London production is currently nominated for Olivier Awards for Best New Play, Best Director (Herrin), Best Supporting Actor (Parker), Best Costume Design (Oram), and Best Lighting Design (Constable and Plater).

How You Can Help Protect Religious Liberty!

Here is a very special message from catholicvote.org:

I warned that LGBT activists will not stop at marriage.

The current uproar in Indiana is proof.

Last week Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed their state ‘Religious Freedom Restoration Act’ into law. The law is nearly identical to the federal law introduced by Senator Charles Schumer, passed 97-3 by the Senate, and signed by President Clinton in 1993.

The law protects the freedom of all people of faith to live, breathe, and practice their faith as they see fit. No person of faith can be discriminated against unless the government can show that it has a compelling reason to do so.

The LGBT backlash is now in full throttle. Corporations like Apple, Yelp, Salesforce, PayPal and others are threatening to stop doing business in the state unless they repeal the law.

Openly gay Apple CEO Tim Cook essentially said: unless Indiana law allows discrimination against people of faith, he and his Silicon Valley bullies will destroy them.
URGENT: today is the final day to make history and support our brief in defense of marriage. Donate now! 
Some facts you need to know about the fight in Indiana:
  • Indiana’s new law is nothing new. The federal government and 19 other states have similar laws.
  • The law does not allow anyone to discriminate against gay people for any reason. If a gay person were to order a pastrami sandwich, a deli owner could NOT deny him service under this law.
  • People of faith that wish to abstain from morally cooperating in gay weddings can do so, and gay people are free to take their business to the thousands of other photographers, florists and banquet halls. It’s called freedom. It’s what we do in America.

Can you connect the dots? Gay marriage is just the start. What irks LGBT activists so much about this new Indiana law is that it strips them of the right to IMPOSE their agenda on you!

Next month the Supreme Court will hear arguments on the question of whether to legalize gay marriage across all 50 states. This week the Justices will receive our amicus brief.

And you can still get a commemorative copy of CV’s amicus brief with your donation by midnight tonight (Pacific Time).

Marriage is not the end game for the sexual liberation left. Their radical goal involves dismantling the nuclear family and annihilating the Judeo-Christian understanding of human sexuality, and even religious freedom itself.

I never thought I would say this, but Bill Clinton was right.

Religious freedom for all.

Help us fight back now.

Brian

Pope Entrusts Crash Victims To Our Lady

Following yesterday's Eucharistic celebration, the Holy Father prayed the Angelus and greeted all those present, especially the young, whom he exhorted to continue on their path both within the dioceses and in their pilgrimage across continents, leading next year to Krakow, Poland, the homeland of St. John Paul II, who initiated the World Youth Days.

“The theme of this great meeting: 'Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy', harmonises with the Holy Year of Mercy”, he said. “Let yourselves be filled with the tenderness of the Father, to radiate it around you. And now we turn in prayer to Mary, our Mother, so that she might help us to live Holy Week with faith. She too was present when Jesus entered Jerusalem, acclaimed by the crowd; but her heart, like that of her Son, was ready for sacrifice. Let us learn from Her, faithful Virgin, to follow the Lord even when His path leads to the Cross. I entrust to her intercession the victims of last Tuesday's aviation tragedy, among whom there was also a group of German students”.

Phiila. Bar Ass'n. Announces Judicial Ratings

Albert S. Dandridge III, Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association, today announced the first round of results of the Association’s investigation into the qualifications of candidates for judicial office in the May 19 primary election. The investigation was conducted by the Association’s Commission on Judicial Selection and Retention.

Dandridge noted there are two significant upgrades to the process this year, the first is a newly added “Highly Recommended” rating and the second is the inclusion of rating Appellate Court candidates. Dandridge said that the ratings announced today provide the results for candidates on the ballot, who submitted to the Association’s evaluation process by the Bar’s announced deadline of December 5, 2014. He added that the list of “Highly Recommended,” “Recommended” and “Not Recommended” candidates is still incomplete due to the high volume of investigations. Additional names and ratings will be announced as investigations are completed on the remaining candidates.

“We are delighted to now offer a ‘Highly Recommended’ category to help better inform the public of extraordinary candidates who are considered preeminent in the profession,” Dandridge said. “Voters are encouraged to learn more about this new category and view the entire ratings list by visiting our website at www.philadelphiabar.org,” Dandridge said. He added that the Association wants voters to know why the judicial elections are so important and why the Association and Commission invest so much time and energy in thoroughly reviewing and rating these candidates. “This is the one place for voters to find a comprehensive, non-partisan, objective rating of the candidates.”

The Commission on Judicial Selection and Retention is independent and non-partisan. It includes lawyers and non-lawyers. Among the members of the Commission are community leaders, officials including the Chief Public Defender, City Solicitor, and the President Judges of Common Pleas Court and Municipal Court, and representatives of minority legal groups and various sections of the Bar.

The ratings by the 30-member Judicial Commission follow extensive study and investigation by the Commission’s own 140-member investigative division, which includes 30 non-lawyer members. Candidates found “Recommended” satisfied a cumulative review of criteria including qualifications such as legal ability, experience, integrity, temperament, community involvement and judgment. Candidates found “Highly Recommended” are extraordinary individuals who, in addition to meeting the “Recommended” criteria, are preeminent in the profession, exceptionally skilled in the law, possess a reputation for the utmost integrity and significantly will enhance or have enhanced the quality of the judiciary.

“This has been a record year for the Commission,” said Commission Chair A. Harold Datz. “The Commission will complete nearly 60 evaluations of candidates for the 15 open seats on Common Pleas Court and Municipal Court, which has been an enormous undertaking, involving hundreds of interviews by the investigative division and careful review, consideration and deliberation by the Commission. We appreciate all of the hard work of the Commission.”

The following judicial candidate was found “HIGHLY RECOMMENDED” for election to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania:

            Anne E. Lazarus                     Highly Recommended

The following judicial candidates, listed alphabetically, were found “HIGHLY RECOMMENDED” for election to the Court of Common Pleas:

Abbe F. Fletman                     Highly Recommended
Christopher Peter Mallios, Jr.            Highly Recommended
Kai N. Scott                            Highly Recommended
           
                       
The following judicial candidate was found “HIGHLY RECOMMENDED” for election to Municipal Court:

                        Christopher Peter Mallios, Jr. Highly Recommended


The following judicial candidate was found “RECOMMENDED” for election to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania:

                        Kevin M. Dougherty              Recommended


The following judicial candidate was found “RECOMMENDED” for election to Superior Court:

                        Alice Beck Dubow                  Recommended


The following judicial candidates, listed alphabetically, were found “RECOMMENDED” for election to the Court of Common Pleas:

                        James F. Berardinelli               Recommended
Lucretia Clemons                    Recommended
James C. Crumlish, III            Recommended
Michael Fanning                     Recommended
Vincent Giusini                       Recommended
Daine A. Grey, Jr.                  Recommended
Anthony George Kyriakakis  Recommended
Thomas Martin                       Recommended
Christopher I. McCabe           Recommended
Vincent Melchiorre                 Recommended
Brian T. Ortelere                     Recommended
Ourania Papademetriou          Recommended
Kenneth James Powell, Jr.      Recommended
Stella Ming Tsai                      Recommended
Betsy Jo Wahl                          Recommended


The following judicial candidates, listed alphabetically, were found “RECOMMENDED” for election to Municipal Court:

                        Michael Fanning                     Recommended
Vincent Giusini                       Recommended
Roger Gordon                         Recommended
Matthew Kent Perks              Recommended
Joffie C. Pittman                     Recommended


The following judicial candidates, listed alphabetically, were found “NOT RECOMMENDED” for election to the Court of Common Pleas:

Franklin A. Bennett, III          Not Recommended
Deborah D. Cianfrani              Not Recommended
Scott DiClaudio                      Not Recommended
Vincent W. Furlong                 Not Recommended
Sharon Williams Losier           Not Recommended
Edward W. Louden, Jr.           Not Recommended
Jon Marshall                           Not Recommended
Tracy Brandeis Roman           Not Recommended
Zachary C. Shaffer                  Not Recommended
Dawn M. Tancredi                 Not Recommended                


The following judicial candidates, listed alphabetically, were found “NOT RECOMMENDED” for election to Municipal Court:

Franklin A. Bennett, III          Not Recommended
Christian DiCicco                   Not Recommended
Sharon Williams Losier           Not Recommended
Tracy Roman                          Not Recommended
Gary S. Silver                          Not Recommended
           

Additional names and ratings will be announced soon.  The full list of ratings should be available toward the beginning of May.

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Sinatra Exhibit Contains Priceless Artifacts






2015 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Frank Sinatra.
Accordingly, there will be exhibits, concerts, festivals and commemorations throughout the year.
But one of the biggest celebrations is already underway at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center. It's an exhibition called Sinatra: An American Icon and it contains an extraordinary collection of Sinatra artifacts and memorabilia collected by his children.
Just a few of the items on display are shown above, from top: Sinatra's Oscar for the song The House I Live In (That's America To Me); Sinatra's black fedora; three of his many Grammy Awards; his Golden Globe Award for his role in From Here To Eternity (for which he also won an Oscar) and a special Congressional Gold Medal awarded posthumously -- a rare honor from the United States Congress.
The exhibit is free and runs through September 4.
Sinatra: An American Icon showcases 100 years of Sinatra legacy and was curated by the GRAMMY Museum® at L.A. LIVE, in collaboration with The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and the Sinatra Family. Sinatra: An American Icon, presented in cooperation with the Sinatra Family, Frank Sinatra Enterprises and the Frank Sinatra Collection, USC School of Cinematic Arts, also features never-before-seen photos, family mementos, rare correspondence, personal items, artwork and recordings.
Photographs copyright 2015 by Dan Cirucci.