The passage by the Legislature of a bill to alter radically and forever humanity’s historic understanding of marriage leaves us deeply disappointed and troubled.
We strongly uphold the Catholic Church’s clear teaching that we always treat our homosexual brothers and sisters with respect, dignity and love. But we just as strongly affirm that marriage is the joining of one man and one woman in a lifelong, loving union that is open to children, ordered for the good of those children and the spouses themselves. This definition cannot change, though we realize that our beliefs about the nature of marriage will continue to be ridiculed, and that some will even now attempt to enact government sanctions against churches and religious organizations that preach these timeless truths.
We worry that both marriage and the family will be undermined by this tragic presumption of government in passing this legislation that attempts to redefine these cornerstones of civilization.
Our society must regain what it appears to have lost – a true understanding of the meaning and the place of marriage, as revealed by God, grounded in nature, and respected by America’s foundational principles.”
A wide ranging commentary and dialogue on the media, politics, today's headlines and the popular culture. Always fresh and new every day! Now celebrating our second decade and more than 28 million page views. Nationally recognized, widely quoted, newsworthy, noteworthy.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
NY Bishops 'Deeply Disappointed, Troubled'
The following is a statement from Archbishop Timothy Dolan and the bishops of New York State:
Michelle: 'Surreal' Mandela Meeting 'Like Thanksgiving'
Upon meeting Nelson Mandela in Africa, First Lady Michelle Obama was beyond awestruck.
In fact, she describes meeting Mandela as "surreal."
It has occurred to me that "surreal" is a word that's thrown around a lot these days. In fact, it's used almost as frequently as "awesome" and often seems to be used interchangeably with that word.
But what does "surreal" really mean?
The dictionary describes "surreal' as marked by the intense irrational reality of a dream. The emphasis are mine. The word comes from the art form known as surrealism: "the principles, ideals, or practice of producing fantastic or incongruous imagery or effects in art, literature, film, or theater by means of unnatural or irrational juxtapositions and combinations."
But why would this meeting be in any way irrational or incongruous? Michelle Obama is First Lady. It's perfectly rational and normal for her to be meeting people of this caliber from all over the world.
And why would it be dreamlike? It might understandably be a dream come true. But that doesn't necessarily make it dreamlike.
Furthermore, how is it that anything that's "surreal" would be like the most commonly-celebrated American holiday, Thanksgiving? How many surreal Thanksgivings have you had?
Anyway, here's an excerpt on Michelle's comments from Politico::
In fact, she describes meeting Mandela as "surreal."
It has occurred to me that "surreal" is a word that's thrown around a lot these days. In fact, it's used almost as frequently as "awesome" and often seems to be used interchangeably with that word.
But what does "surreal" really mean?
The dictionary describes "surreal' as marked by the intense irrational reality of a dream. The emphasis are mine. The word comes from the art form known as surrealism: "the principles, ideals, or practice of producing fantastic or incongruous imagery or effects in art, literature, film, or theater by means of unnatural or irrational juxtapositions and combinations."
But why would this meeting be in any way irrational or incongruous? Michelle Obama is First Lady. It's perfectly rational and normal for her to be meeting people of this caliber from all over the world.
And why would it be dreamlike? It might understandably be a dream come true. But that doesn't necessarily make it dreamlike.
Furthermore, how is it that anything that's "surreal" would be like the most commonly-celebrated American holiday, Thanksgiving? How many surreal Thanksgivings have you had?
Anyway, here's an excerpt on Michelle's comments from Politico::
First lady Michelle Obama flies back into D.C. early Monday from her weeklong goodwill tour of Africa, and Sunday she told ABC’s “This Week” of a “surreal” meeting with statesman Nelson Mandela and the trip’s effect on her two daughters.
Obama met Mandela without her husband, President Barack Obama, who did not travel to Africa, but was surrounded by the 92-year-old former South African president’s family, an environment she described as “surreal,” “powerful” and “sort of like Thanksgiving Dinner.”
Asked by ABC’s David Muir what she said to Mandela, who led South Africa from the yoke of racial apartheid to become its first black president, the first lady said: “I told him you cannot imagine how important your legacy is to who I am, to who my husband is, I just said thank you, thank you, thank you."
Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0611/57797.html#ixzz1QR6HX8pMMy recommendation: Let's chuck the word "surreal" for awhile. Let's give it a rest.
Christie Won't Support Gay Marriage. And This Is News?
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie went on Meet The Press and was asked if he would sign a gay marriage bill if it came to his desk.
Christie said "no."
For the life of me, I can't understand why the media are trying to turn this into a major story.
It's not.
Christie's views on this subject have always been clear: He supports civil unions but not gay marriage. He believes marriage defines a relationship between one man and one woman. That's it.
Chris Christie made this very clear during his campaign for the office he now holds. And as many times as Christie has been asked about this, the answer has always been the same: no.
Chris Christie is quick to point out that he's vehemently opposed to discrimination based on sexual orientation. He supports equal rights and benefits for gay partners in civil unions and all other rights accorded to gay people. It's just that he draws the line at marriage.
Marriage is for one man and one woman,
Oh, I know that New York State recently lagalized gay marriage and that's thought to be a Big Deal.
But Christie's hardly out of step. As I understand it, New York state is only the sixth state to legalize gay marriage. That leaves 44 other states that haven't legalized it.
Like more than a few states, New Jersey permits legally-sanctioned civil unions. New Jersey took the lead on this and until very long ago such a move was thought to be enlightened. Now, in some people's minds, it's no longer enough.
But in Chris Chritie's world "no" means no.
If the State Legislature of New Jersey feels that strongly about legalizing gay marriage, they can do it. They'll simply have to gather enough votes to override Governor Christie's veto.
BTW: With all of the issues facing the State of New Jersey (not the least of which is the state's dire fiscal predicament) it would seem illogical if this became a defining issue in the upcoming legislative races or in the next gubernatorial campaign. But this issue seems to be all wrapped up in passion and emotion (not logic) and key Democrats such as Senate President Steve Sweeney are already seeking to placate angry liberals by doing mea culpas about any doubts they might have had about gay marriage in the first place. So, expect this to be a rallying point for those on the left.
And, as Obama seeks to solidify his base while facing what appears to be a tough re-election battle, expect
him to move closer to supporting gay marriage as well -- he's already signaled as much.
To people like Sweeney and Obama and the Cuomos "no" can actually mean maybe or even yes.
But Chris Christie has thus far refused to operate that way.
What part of NO don't you understand?
Christie said "no."
For the life of me, I can't understand why the media are trying to turn this into a major story.
It's not.
Christie's views on this subject have always been clear: He supports civil unions but not gay marriage. He believes marriage defines a relationship between one man and one woman. That's it.
Chris Christie made this very clear during his campaign for the office he now holds. And as many times as Christie has been asked about this, the answer has always been the same: no.
Chris Christie is quick to point out that he's vehemently opposed to discrimination based on sexual orientation. He supports equal rights and benefits for gay partners in civil unions and all other rights accorded to gay people. It's just that he draws the line at marriage.
Marriage is for one man and one woman,
Oh, I know that New York State recently lagalized gay marriage and that's thought to be a Big Deal.
But Christie's hardly out of step. As I understand it, New York state is only the sixth state to legalize gay marriage. That leaves 44 other states that haven't legalized it.
Like more than a few states, New Jersey permits legally-sanctioned civil unions. New Jersey took the lead on this and until very long ago such a move was thought to be enlightened. Now, in some people's minds, it's no longer enough.
But in Chris Chritie's world "no" means no.
If the State Legislature of New Jersey feels that strongly about legalizing gay marriage, they can do it. They'll simply have to gather enough votes to override Governor Christie's veto.
BTW: With all of the issues facing the State of New Jersey (not the least of which is the state's dire fiscal predicament) it would seem illogical if this became a defining issue in the upcoming legislative races or in the next gubernatorial campaign. But this issue seems to be all wrapped up in passion and emotion (not logic) and key Democrats such as Senate President Steve Sweeney are already seeking to placate angry liberals by doing mea culpas about any doubts they might have had about gay marriage in the first place. So, expect this to be a rallying point for those on the left.
And, as Obama seeks to solidify his base while facing what appears to be a tough re-election battle, expect
him to move closer to supporting gay marriage as well -- he's already signaled as much.
To people like Sweeney and Obama and the Cuomos "no" can actually mean maybe or even yes.
But Chris Christie has thus far refused to operate that way.
What part of NO don't you understand?
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Sinatra's Salacious Secrets - But Only Till 1954
It's a tome of a book.
At more than 700 pages you would think that James Kaplan's big new book on Sinatra entitled Frank, The Voice would cover the entirety of Sinatra's life.
That's what I thought.
But I didn't bother to read the book jacket very carefully. This book only covers the years from 1915 to 1954. It chronicles Sinatra's rise and fall and then his amazing comeback via his Oscar-winning performance as Maggio in From Here To Eternity. The book proves the truth of an old saying: A setback is nothing more than a setup for a comeback.
I've lived that saying -- but that's another story.
And wow, did Sinatra have to work for his comeback. Still, his then-wife, the ravishing Ava Gardner really helped him to achieve his goal.
But Frank and Ava were just too much alike -- and too combustible. True, they were very much in love and their love was passionate. Yet, it was not to be. The fights were legendary and invariably involved wandering eyes, vivid imaginations and petty jealousies. She was so beautiful and alluring to men and he was so charismatic and attractive to women that they just couldn't seem to trust one another.
The stress of being one of the most famous couples in the world also got to them.
Was Ava an alcoholic? She could through them back alongside any man, that's for sure. She could match most men one-for-one. Was Frank bipolar? Even though the term didn't exist then, his mood swings were huge. He was volcanic one moment and sullen and introspective the next. He had to take downers late at night and uppers when he finally awoke in the afternoon.
Ava once said that the problems between the two of them were not in the bedroom. Rather, she explained the problems arose "on the way to the bidet."
Indeed, they were both said to be remarkably adept sexually, if only by virtue of their endowments. And those endowments allowed them to gain a good deal of early experience in the boudoir before they even hooked up. Ava was undeniably voluptuous and Frank, though relatively short and pencil-thin, was big in just the right place.
In this book there's a story about a reporter peppering Ava backstage during one of Frank's performances at a point in his career when Frank was hard-pressed to fill the seats in even a medium-sized auditorium.
"What do you see in him, Ava?" The reporter asked. "He's just a 119-pound loser."
"Yeah," Ava answered, "but he's 19-pounds of c - - k."
That was enough to silence the reporter.
And in early 1950s America, no reporter could print such a quote.
Anyway, it wasn't until I was more than 550 pages into this book that I realized that it only covered the first portion of Sinatra's life. I have a habit of picking up a book and reading the first 20 or 30 pages and if I like it, I just keep reading. I never look to see how many pages it has and I never jump ahead or skip pages.
I've always been this way with every book I've ever read ever since I was a child.
So, I was worried for the author because I could tell that I was about three-quarters of the way (or more) through the book and Kaplan was still chronicling the events of 1952. I should have known.
I presume that Kaplan will produce another volume. I hope so. He's a damned good writer.
Oh, here's another interesting fact from the book: While she was married to Sinatra, Ava Gardner slept with director John Farrow who was then directing her in one of her films. Farrow was the father of Mia Farrow who later hooked up with Sinatra for a notorious May-December pairing. So, Sinatra eventually married the daughter of one of his wife's lovers.
Ahhh . . . . . Hollywood!
At more than 700 pages you would think that James Kaplan's big new book on Sinatra entitled Frank, The Voice would cover the entirety of Sinatra's life.
That's what I thought.
But I didn't bother to read the book jacket very carefully. This book only covers the years from 1915 to 1954. It chronicles Sinatra's rise and fall and then his amazing comeback via his Oscar-winning performance as Maggio in From Here To Eternity. The book proves the truth of an old saying: A setback is nothing more than a setup for a comeback.
I've lived that saying -- but that's another story.
And wow, did Sinatra have to work for his comeback. Still, his then-wife, the ravishing Ava Gardner really helped him to achieve his goal.
But Frank and Ava were just too much alike -- and too combustible. True, they were very much in love and their love was passionate. Yet, it was not to be. The fights were legendary and invariably involved wandering eyes, vivid imaginations and petty jealousies. She was so beautiful and alluring to men and he was so charismatic and attractive to women that they just couldn't seem to trust one another.
The stress of being one of the most famous couples in the world also got to them.
Was Ava an alcoholic? She could through them back alongside any man, that's for sure. She could match most men one-for-one. Was Frank bipolar? Even though the term didn't exist then, his mood swings were huge. He was volcanic one moment and sullen and introspective the next. He had to take downers late at night and uppers when he finally awoke in the afternoon.
Ava once said that the problems between the two of them were not in the bedroom. Rather, she explained the problems arose "on the way to the bidet."
Indeed, they were both said to be remarkably adept sexually, if only by virtue of their endowments. And those endowments allowed them to gain a good deal of early experience in the boudoir before they even hooked up. Ava was undeniably voluptuous and Frank, though relatively short and pencil-thin, was big in just the right place.
In this book there's a story about a reporter peppering Ava backstage during one of Frank's performances at a point in his career when Frank was hard-pressed to fill the seats in even a medium-sized auditorium.
"What do you see in him, Ava?" The reporter asked. "He's just a 119-pound loser."
"Yeah," Ava answered, "but he's 19-pounds of c - - k."
That was enough to silence the reporter.
And in early 1950s America, no reporter could print such a quote.
Anyway, it wasn't until I was more than 550 pages into this book that I realized that it only covered the first portion of Sinatra's life. I have a habit of picking up a book and reading the first 20 or 30 pages and if I like it, I just keep reading. I never look to see how many pages it has and I never jump ahead or skip pages.
I've always been this way with every book I've ever read ever since I was a child.
So, I was worried for the author because I could tell that I was about three-quarters of the way (or more) through the book and Kaplan was still chronicling the events of 1952. I should have known.
I presume that Kaplan will produce another volume. I hope so. He's a damned good writer.
Oh, here's another interesting fact from the book: While she was married to Sinatra, Ava Gardner slept with director John Farrow who was then directing her in one of her films. Farrow was the father of Mia Farrow who later hooked up with Sinatra for a notorious May-December pairing. So, Sinatra eventually married the daughter of one of his wife's lovers.
Ahhh . . . . . Hollywood!
Patricia Merbreier, AKA "Mrs. Noah," Passes Away At 86
"Send your pictures to dear old Captain Noah..."
As a child growing up in the Philadelphia area, I couldn't help but watch Captain Noah and His Magic Ark. It was almost mandatory.
Sadly, Patricia Merbreier, our beloved Mrs. Noah, has passed away.
From the online story at Philly.com:
As a child growing up in the Philadelphia area, I couldn't help but watch Captain Noah and His Magic Ark. It was almost mandatory.
Sadly, Patricia Merbreier, our beloved Mrs. Noah, has passed away.
From the online story at Philly.com:
Patricia Merbreier, 86, beloved by children for decades as television's "Mrs. Noah," died Thursday night after a prolonged illness.
Along with her husband, W. Carter Merbreier, she cohosted the long-running program Captain Noah and His Magical Ark.
Captain and Mrs. Noah (as they referred to each other even in their personal lives) invited scores of newsmakers and celebrities onto their program, which ran from 1967 until 1994. Among those guests were Elvis Presley, Charles Barkley, Jim Henson, Jon Stewart, the Phillie Phanatic, Frank Purdue, and Martina Navratilova.
Though the stars came out to shine on the unsinkable Ark, the program's bread and butter were vintage cartoons and rough-hewn puppets. While the extravagantly side-burned Captain was on the bridge, Mrs. Noah worked below decks as the puppeteer bringing to life a mischievious cast of supporting characters that included Wally the Walrus, Mumwup the Monster, and Maurice the Mouse.
The good captain and his lovely wife entertained children for well over 25 years. We've lost a Philly TV icon and she will be missed.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Christie To NJ Dems: Stop Playing Budget Games
Today, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie released the following statement:
“The proposed budget from the Democrats is just more of the same unrealistic, pie in the sky, fantasy budgeting they brought to New Jersey for the eight years before we arrived. Instead of continuing to put New Jersey on strong fiscal footing, this proposal reaffirms the Democrats’ commitment to job-killing tax increases and an unrepentant addiction to spending. New Jerseyans are the most over-taxed citizens in America and they want us to reduce spending and make government smaller. This proposal only serves to denigrate all of the hard choices made over the last year that broke from decades of state government spending money that just doesn’t exist.
“New Jerseyans know better and aren’t going to fall for the same spend at any cost mentality that got us into a fiscal mess in the first place.”
“The proposed budget from the Democrats is just more of the same unrealistic, pie in the sky, fantasy budgeting they brought to New Jersey for the eight years before we arrived. Instead of continuing to put New Jersey on strong fiscal footing, this proposal reaffirms the Democrats’ commitment to job-killing tax increases and an unrepentant addiction to spending. New Jerseyans are the most over-taxed citizens in America and they want us to reduce spending and make government smaller. This proposal only serves to denigrate all of the hard choices made over the last year that broke from decades of state government spending money that just doesn’t exist.
“New Jerseyans know better and aren’t going to fall for the same spend at any cost mentality that got us into a fiscal mess in the first place.”
Christie Certifies Total Funds For Budget
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie today certified the total funds available to be appropriated for the Fiscal Year 2012 State Budget. The certification fulfills the constitutional obligation of the Governor to provide an official revenue statement identifying the total amount of revenue on hand and anticipated which will be available to meet appropriations during Fiscal Year 2012.
The Governor’s certification reflects a total of $29,640,697,000 in revenue available for the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget, and $696,366,000 in undesignated fund balances, resulting in a combined total of $30,337,063,000. These figures comport with the May 17 budget hearing testimony of state Treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff.
“As required under our state Constitution and consistent with budget testimony delivered to the Legislature by the state Treasurer, I am submitting a certification of available revenue that is both realistic and achievable,” said Governor Christie. “Following modest revenue estimates that are based in reality is the only responsible course to avoid the same type of panicked, mid-year cuts that have plagued overly optimistic budget projections in prior years. That is our limit and our guidepost in developing a responsible, balanced and constitutional state budget.”
Under Article VIII, Section II, Paragraph 2 of the New Jersey Constitution, the Governor has the exclusive responsibility to certify revenues available to support a constitutional balanced budget.
The Governor’s certification reflects a total of $29,640,697,000 in revenue available for the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget, and $696,366,000 in undesignated fund balances, resulting in a combined total of $30,337,063,000. These figures comport with the May 17 budget hearing testimony of state Treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff.
“As required under our state Constitution and consistent with budget testimony delivered to the Legislature by the state Treasurer, I am submitting a certification of available revenue that is both realistic and achievable,” said Governor Christie. “Following modest revenue estimates that are based in reality is the only responsible course to avoid the same type of panicked, mid-year cuts that have plagued overly optimistic budget projections in prior years. That is our limit and our guidepost in developing a responsible, balanced and constitutional state budget.”
Under Article VIII, Section II, Paragraph 2 of the New Jersey Constitution, the Governor has the exclusive responsibility to certify revenues available to support a constitutional balanced budget.
Peter Falk 'Columbo' Dies At 83; Details
Peter Falk seemed born to play the role of Columbo on the TV series of the same name. But the fact is that he was a multi-talented actor who even played classic roles and was a standout in live drama.
Word out of Hollywood is that Falk has died at 83. He died peacefully in his sleep.
Falk became famous for his shambling manner and rumpled raincoat as detective Lt. Columbo.
Falk earned two Oscar nominations in the early '60s and won an Obie (an off-Broadway honor) for his performance in Eugene O'Neill's "The Iceman Cometh".
But who can forget him as that polite, raincoat-wearing, Peugeot-driving Los Angeles police detective who always wanted to know "just one more thing."
That line became so popular that Falk used it as the title of his memoir.
The character, which originated with "Columbo" writers and producers William Link and Richard Levinson, was given a unique spin by the actor.
"Before we ever had a script or anything, I was attracted to the idea of playing a character that housed within himself two opposing traits," Falk told CNN's Larry King in 2005. "On the one hand (he was) a regular Joe, Joe Six-Pack, the neighbor like everybody else. But, at the same time, the greatest homicide detective in the world. Now that's a great combination, and you can do a lot with that combination."
Here's an excerpt from Falk's story as reported by CNN:
Word out of Hollywood is that Falk has died at 83. He died peacefully in his sleep.
Falk became famous for his shambling manner and rumpled raincoat as detective Lt. Columbo.
Falk earned two Oscar nominations in the early '60s and won an Obie (an off-Broadway honor) for his performance in Eugene O'Neill's "The Iceman Cometh".
But who can forget him as that polite, raincoat-wearing, Peugeot-driving Los Angeles police detective who always wanted to know "just one more thing."
That line became so popular that Falk used it as the title of his memoir.
The character, which originated with "Columbo" writers and producers William Link and Richard Levinson, was given a unique spin by the actor.
"Before we ever had a script or anything, I was attracted to the idea of playing a character that housed within himself two opposing traits," Falk told CNN's Larry King in 2005. "On the one hand (he was) a regular Joe, Joe Six-Pack, the neighbor like everybody else. But, at the same time, the greatest homicide detective in the world. Now that's a great combination, and you can do a lot with that combination."
Here's an excerpt from Falk's story as reported by CNN:
Peter Michael Falk was born in New York City on September 16, 1927, and raised in Ossining, New York. After military service, he earned a master's in public administration and went to work for the Connecticut State Budget Bureau in Hartford as an efficiency expert.Click here to read more on this story.
"I was doing exactly what I was born not to do," he wrote in his memoir.
However, Hartford had a small theater troupe, and Falk immediately joined, which led to participation in other companies. Within a couple years -- while still working as a civil servant -- he was set to play Richard III at a summer workshop in Westport when, he says, a statement from acting teacher Eva Le Gallienne changed his life.
As Le Gallienne upbraided him for his chronic lateness -- he had to drive 45 minutes from Hartford every week -- Falk confessed that he wasn't really an actor. "Well, you should be," Le Gallienne replied, and that was enough for Falk to quit his job.
Video: Christie Gets Interrupted By 'Singers'
During New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's Town Hall meeting in Fair Lawn on Wednesday, the Governor was interrupted by a group of "singers" who apparently were not singing a song that was favorable to the Governor.
Note how Governor Christie handles the situation.
Christie Files Many New Appointments
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie yesterday filed the following nominations and direct appointment with the State Senate and Secretary of State’s Office. The Governor’s nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the State Senate.
NominationS
Beauty
Nominate for appointment Angela Pantaleone (Robbinsville, Mercer)
Capital City Redevelopment Corporation
Nominate for appointment Tracey D. Syphax (Trenton, Mercer)
new jersey historic trust
Nominate for appointment Kenneth Alan Miller (Morristown, Morris)
Nominate for appointment Cynthia B. Martin (Summit, Union)
government records council
Nominate for appointment Steven F. Ritardi, Esq. (Mendham Township, Morris)
DIRECT APPOINTMENT
Casino Rep
Appoint Robert F. Griffin (Linwood, Atlantic)
On Tuesday, June 21, 2011, Governor Christie also filed the following direct appointments with the Secretary of State’s Office.
New Jersey Veterans’ Hospital Task Force
Public Member - Veterans Health Care Services
Appoint Brigadier General Frank Carlini, Ret. (Bordentown, Burlington)
Public Member - Veteran Leader
Appoint Richard A. Pitman (Linwood, Atlantic)
Appoint Eugene J. O’Grady (Barnegat, Ocean)
Appoint Robert W. Looby, RPA (Pittstown, Hunterdon)
Appoint Bernard Epworth (Marlton, Burlington)
Appoint Colonel Debra Ellen Burr (Toms River, Ocean)
Appoint Isaac J. Rucker (Galloway, Atlantic)
Appoint James F. Donahue (Ocean City, Cape May)
Appoint Vincent Deprinzio (Cape May Court House, Cape May)
Public Member - NJBIA
Appoint Diana M. Pitman, RN (Vineland, Cumberland)
Public Member - NJHA
Appoint Miklos F. Losonczy, MD, Ph.D. (Yonkers, New York)
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