On Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 July, a meeting was held of the Council of Cardinals for the Study of Organisational and Economic Problems of the Holy See, presided over by Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. Particularly noteworthy was the visit on Wednesday 3 by the Holy Father Francesco, who addressed the speakers and engaged in a brief dialogue, reiterating the aims and purpose of the Council and inviting the continuation of periodical meetings.
Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi, president of the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See, presented before the Council first the report on the consolidated financial statement of the Holy See for the year 2012 and subsequently that of the Governorate of Vatican City State.
The consolidated financial statement for the Holy See for the year 2012 closes with a profit of € 2,185,622, due mainly to good performance in financial management.
The most significant categories of expenditure are those regarding the cost of personnel,(2,823 persons), means of social communication considered in their entirety, and the new property taxes (IMU) which resulted in an increase in expenditure of € 5,000,000 compared to the previous year's figures.
The administration of the Governorate is autonomous, and independent of contributions from the Holy See. Through its various offices, it supervises requirements related to the administration of the State. The 2012 financial statement closes with a profit of € 23,079,800. The Governorate employs a total of 1,936 persons.
Peter’s Pence, the contributions offered by the faithful in support of the Holy Father’s charity, passed from USD 69,711,722.76 in 2011, to USD 65,922,637.08. Contributions made pursuant to canon 1271 of the Code of Canon Law - i.e., the economic support offered by ecclesiastical circumscriptions throughout the world to maintain the service the Roman Curia offers the universal Church - passed from USD 32,128,675.08 in 2011 to USD 28,303,239.28 in 2012, a reduction of 11.91%.
Further contributions to the Holy See on the part of the Institutes of Consecrated Life, Societies of Apostolic Life and Foundations passed from USD 1,194,217.78, in 2011, to USD 1,133,466.91, with a reduction of 5.09%. In total, therefore, there has been a decrement of 7.45% compared to the total in US dollars recorded in 2011.
The Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR), as it does each year, offered the Holy Father a significant sum in support of his apostolic and charitable ministry. For 2012 this was a sum of € 50,000,000.
The Cardinal Fathers reflected on the data presented in the financial statements, acknowledged the positive results attained, and encouraged the reform necessary to reduce costs through the simplification and rationalisation of existent bodies, as well as more careful planning of the activities of all administrations. The Members of the Council expressed their deep gratitude for the support given, often anonymously, to the Holy Father’s universal ministry in spite of moments of economic crisis, and encouraged the continuation of this good work.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Christie: Remember Military On The Fourth
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie today issued the following statement on the Fourth of July:
“Today, we come together to celebrate our independence and the principles of freedom and democracy upon which our nation was founded. As we celebrate with our loved ones, let’s take a moment to honor the brave men and women of our military, our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedom here at home. Whatever else separates us, we are all Americans first, and stand united by the tremendous pride we have for our country. I wish all New Jerseyans a safe and happy Fourth of July.”
“Today, we come together to celebrate our independence and the principles of freedom and democracy upon which our nation was founded. As we celebrate with our loved ones, let’s take a moment to honor the brave men and women of our military, our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedom here at home. Whatever else separates us, we are all Americans first, and stand united by the tremendous pride we have for our country. I wish all New Jerseyans a safe and happy Fourth of July.”
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
The Joys of The Beguiling Crepe Myrtle
What a joy it is to be here once again in South Carolina's dreamy, seductive Low Country -- here amidst the live oaks, the magnolias, the Spanish moss and the welcoming palmetto trees.
And let's not forget the vivid crepe myrtle.
Crape myrtle is a flowering tree with multiple large, showy flower particles in electric colors that sizzle across the branches-pink, purple, red-violet, and white. Crape myrtle is a broad-crowned deciduous tree that is variable in size, averaging about 20 to 25 feet, but potentially taller. Dwarf forms are also available.
In these parts, crepe myrtle is almost as abundant as kudzu -- and it's a lot prettier.
Often multistemmed, crepe myrtle has smooth, sculptured gray bark that gently exfoliates, showing multishaded underbark. The bark looks almost petrified. But the tree is very much alive, especially this time of the year.
Dappled shade allows for the growth of complementary ground covers beneath its leaf canopy. The petals are crinkled, like crepe paper, and appear recurrently through the warm-weather months.
The Common Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) from China and Korea, was introduced circa 1790 to Charleston, South Carolina, in the United States by the French botanist Andre Michaux. In the wild the species is most often found as a multi-stemmed large shrub, but two hundred years of cultivation has resulted in a huge number of cultivars of widely varying characteristics. Today it is possible to find crape myrtles to fill every landscape need, from tidy street trees to dense barrier hedges all the way down to the ast-growing dwarf types.
Crepe myrtle is just one of the reasons to visit beautiful Hilton Head and environs.
The others?
Well, stay tuned . . .
World's Cutest Dog Gets Ready For The Fourth
Now, THIS Is the way to get ready for the 4th of July.
And this is why it's our very favorite holiday.
All you have to do is enjoy it!
Photo of Moose, the incredible Wonder Dog copyright 2013 by Adam Cirucci.
Little Me, Fella, Irma In Encores 2014 B'way Lineup
The 2014 season of New York City Center’s Tony Award–winning Encores! series will open with Little Me directed by John Rando and starring Christian Borle (“Smash,” Peter and the Starcatcher) on February 5, 2014. The season will continue with The Most Happy Fella, directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw and starring Shuler Hensley (Oklahoma!, The Whale), followed by Irma La Douce, directed by John Doyle. Encores! Music Director Rob Berman will helm all shows.
Little Me, Neil Simon’s first musical, is the story of the glamorous Belle Poitrine, a self-invented celebrity who has spent her life in pursuit of wealth, culture and social position. Her seven oddball lovers are played by one actor: seven plum roles, from an innocent college boy to an octogenarian lecher to the dying king of a tiny European country that doesn’t seem to exist. The Encores! production will star Christian Borle.
Based on the novel Little Me: The Intimate Memoirs of that Great Star of Stage, Screen and Television/Belle Poitrine, by Patrick Dennis, Little Me has a book by Neil Simon, music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Carolyn Leigh. The original production starred Sid Caesar as Belle’s seven love interests. It opened at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on November 17, 1962 and ran for 257 performances. Songs include “I've Got Your Number,” “Real Live Girl”and “The Other Side of the Tracks.” Little Me will run February 5 – 9.
The Most Happy Fella, Frank Loesser’s most ambitious and romantic musical, tells the heart-stopping story of a love triangle between an aging Napa Valley farmer, a young waitress and a handsome, restless ranch hand. The Most Happy Fella will star Shuler Hensley.
The Most Happy Fella is based on the play They Knew What They Wanted by Sidney Howard. Ithas a book, music and lyrics by Frank Loesser. Loesser’s score displays an astonishing range –ardent operatic numbers stand side by side with Broadway show-stoppers – and includes “Somebody Somewhere,” “My Heart Is So Full of You,” “Big D” and “Standing on the Corner.” It opened at the Imperial Theatre on May 3, 1956 and ran for 676 performances. The Most Happy Fella will run April 2 – 6.
(HISTORICAL NOTE: The Most Happy Fella was revived by the New York City Center Light Opera at City Center for a limited run of 16 performances from February 10 through February 22, 1959.)
Encores! breaks the mold with its first musical not written on American soil with Irma La Douce, the tale of a Parisian lady of the evening and the law student who falls in love with her. It has music by Marguerite Monnot and English book and lyrics by Julian More, David Heneker and Monty Norman.
After a three-year run in Paris, an English-language version of Irma La Douce, directed by Peter Brook, enjoyed tremendous success first in London and then on Broadway. Itopened at the Plymouth Theatre on September 29, 1960 and ran for 524 performances. The score produced one standard, “Our Language of Love,” and also features “The Valse Millieu” and “Dis Donc.”Irma La Douce will run May 7 – 11.
Little Me, Neil Simon’s first musical, is the story of the glamorous Belle Poitrine, a self-invented celebrity who has spent her life in pursuit of wealth, culture and social position. Her seven oddball lovers are played by one actor: seven plum roles, from an innocent college boy to an octogenarian lecher to the dying king of a tiny European country that doesn’t seem to exist. The Encores! production will star Christian Borle.
Based on the novel Little Me: The Intimate Memoirs of that Great Star of Stage, Screen and Television/Belle Poitrine, by Patrick Dennis, Little Me has a book by Neil Simon, music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Carolyn Leigh. The original production starred Sid Caesar as Belle’s seven love interests. It opened at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on November 17, 1962 and ran for 257 performances. Songs include “I've Got Your Number,” “Real Live Girl”and “The Other Side of the Tracks.” Little Me will run February 5 – 9.
The Most Happy Fella, Frank Loesser’s most ambitious and romantic musical, tells the heart-stopping story of a love triangle between an aging Napa Valley farmer, a young waitress and a handsome, restless ranch hand. The Most Happy Fella will star Shuler Hensley.
The Most Happy Fella is based on the play They Knew What They Wanted by Sidney Howard. Ithas a book, music and lyrics by Frank Loesser. Loesser’s score displays an astonishing range –ardent operatic numbers stand side by side with Broadway show-stoppers – and includes “Somebody Somewhere,” “My Heart Is So Full of You,” “Big D” and “Standing on the Corner.” It opened at the Imperial Theatre on May 3, 1956 and ran for 676 performances. The Most Happy Fella will run April 2 – 6.
(HISTORICAL NOTE: The Most Happy Fella was revived by the New York City Center Light Opera at City Center for a limited run of 16 performances from February 10 through February 22, 1959.)
Encores! breaks the mold with its first musical not written on American soil with Irma La Douce, the tale of a Parisian lady of the evening and the law student who falls in love with her. It has music by Marguerite Monnot and English book and lyrics by Julian More, David Heneker and Monty Norman.
After a three-year run in Paris, an English-language version of Irma La Douce, directed by Peter Brook, enjoyed tremendous success first in London and then on Broadway. Itopened at the Plymouth Theatre on September 29, 1960 and ran for 524 performances. The score produced one standard, “Our Language of Love,” and also features “The Valse Millieu” and “Dis Donc.”Irma La Douce will run May 7 – 11.
Ready For the Fourth? It'll Cost You More!
Just look how the prices of everything has gone up since Obama took office in 2008! Happy Fourth!
101 Reasons To Love America!
Happy Birthday, America!
In no particular order, this is our own rather subjective list of 101 reasons to love America.
You can feel free to add or subtract from this list or create your own list. America gives you the freedom to do that -- and a lot more:
1) Our constitution. The thread that holds us together and the bulwark of democracy.
2) Our federal system of 50 states, each distinctive, each free and independent but united as well.
3) The Liberty Bell. Forever flawed though nonetheless inspiring and eternal.
4) The Founding Fathers and what they wrought. They risked their lives, property, fortunes and sacred honor.
5) American summers, for summer is surely America's season.
6) Old glory, our flag -- proud, bright, brash and always flying high.
7) In God We Trust. Our ensuing faith in Him and His destiny for us.
8) Baseball. While football may be America's sport, baseball remains its pastime. There is a difference.
9) The 4th of July. Our birthday and our touchstone.
10) Free elections. The right to choose the leaders that we want.
11) Jazz. America's unique musical art form.
12) Those who served. Our veterans, protectors of our freedom.
13) The American Red Cross. There when we need them.
14) Our free enterprise system. A model for the entire world.
15) Country music. The hip-slapping spirit of America.
16) Hollywood. Tinseltown and its gift to the world -- movies.
17) The Statue of Liberty. May her torch always be held high.
18) Walt Disney. The gift of imagination and wholesome entertainment from an American genius.
19) Our military --every branch and everyone who serves.
20) The Grand Canyon. In a word, breathtaking.
21) The great American novel. From the great white whale to The Great Gatsby, keep spinnin those tales!
22) Freedom to worship, Our many houses of faith all across the land.
23) The Interstate Highway System. Thank you, President Eisenhower.
24) Our first responders, brave and steadfast.
25) Small towns. Where America's heart beats true.
26) Television. For better or worse, it reflects us and epitomizes the popular culture.
27) Our farmers. Keeping the agrarian spirit alive and the horn of plenty full.
28) Broadway. The Great White Way, and all that it represents and all the hustle and bustle that surrounds it.
29) American cars (and our love affair with the car). Even after tough times US auto industry can never be counted out.
30) Coca-Cola. The drink that IS America.
31) Las Vegas. Vegas, baby, Vegas!
32) Thanksgiving. A uniquely American holiday and the kickoff of our buying season.
33) The Rocky Mountains. America's sturdy backbone.
34) Neighbors and neighborhoods. Our real time, real people link in a high-tech age.
35) Our national park system. Even with those pesky rangers, it's a joy.
36) Our two-party system. It’s seen better times but it still works.
37) Apple pie. Yummy, yummy!
38) Gospel music. Expressing faith, love, joy and anguish.
39) The Gateway Arch. A soaring, inspiring welcome to America's frontier.
40) Cowboys. The soul of our wanderlust.
41) Elvis Presley. The King is on the premises.
42) McDonald's -- every one of them and every diner and roadside eatery in between.
43) Flowering gardens. Roses and marigolds and azaleas and magnolias and all those other beautiful flowers and all the people who help make them bloom.
44) Our volunteer spirit -- from Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys right up to the present day.
45) Those who gave their all. All those who died protecting our freedoms, many buried on foreign soil. And all POWs and MIAs. We shall never forget.
46) A free press. We love them. We hate them. We curse them. We praise them. But where would we be without them?
47) The blues. Sad, sultry, soulful.
48) Andy Warhol. He made the ordinary extraordinary.
49) Starbucks. Keeping us alert and ready.
50) Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey. Still the greatest show on earth!
51) Big Sur and the entire California coast, from top to bottom.
52) Free public libraries. Learn, baby, learn!
53) Our system of higher education -- especially our great public universities.
54) The legacy of Norman Rockwell. The man who showed us the best in ourselves.
55) Texas. Big. Bold. Proud. American.
56) Ferris wheels. From the 1893 Chicago World's Fair till now, still enchanting.
57) The Kentucky Derby. The legendary run for the roses.
58) Mount Rushmore. Our history wrought mammoth.
59) The Smithsonian. Endlessly fascinating and free.
60) NASA. To the moon and beyond.
61) The Super Bowl. A bowl full of partying in an otherwise dull month.
62) The South. Lush land of tall tales, spirited music, colorful characters and firey history.
63) Hot dogs. Plump, juicy and smothered with your choice of dressings, garnishes, condiments, whatever . .
64) Home sweet home. The house you live it; your land, your property, your domicile.
65) The Great Lakes. Can you name all five of them?
66) Grandma Moses. The modern-day mother of primitive American art.
67) Marilyn Monroe. Defying convention, she made America sexy once and for all.
68) The Mississippi. Mighty from top to bottom and everywhere in between.
69) The Indy 500. Vrrroooomm, vrrrrroooomm!
70) The great wits. From Mark Twain to Will Rogers to Dorothy Parker to Art Buchwald to Erma Bombeck to P. J. O'Rourke.
71) The heartland. From Ohio to Iowa, where ordinary, everyday America thrives.
72) Blue jeans. On the farm, in the city and everywhere else.
73) "God Bless America." The people's anthem that Irving Berlin wrote just for us.
74) Independence Hall. Where it all began.
75) The Lincoln Memorial and the man it celebrates. The ultimate monument to the single most compelling figure in American history.
76) Rock 'n roll (aka rock). Rhythm 'n blues, jazz, honkey talk, soul, gospel -- all rolled into one.
77) The West. Where our restless spirit was born.
78) Sneakers. From PF Flyers, Keds and Chuck Taylor Converse to a $13 billion a year industry, we love 'em.
79) The Drudge Report. Because we need to know.
80) Barbecue. Beef or pork, wet or dry, hot or sweet, it's America.
81) The Washington Monument. The highest point in the capital and a fitting tribute to the father of our country.
82) Alaska and Hawaii. Our exotic and adventurous extremes.
83) Uncle Sam. When he calls, be sure to answer.
84) The Stars and Stripes Forever, and all of those great Sousa marches and their Sousa bands.
85) Native Americans. This land is their land.
86) Chicago architecture. Art that we live in, work in, play in; a living lesson in soaring beauty; a skyline to emulate.
87) Walt Whitman. "I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear . . . "
89) Motown. The irrepressible sound of a lively, searching soul.
90) New Orleans. A sassy, saucy, scintillating survivor.
91) Rugged individualists, gadflies, iconoclasts, muckrakers and all those who afflict the powerful. Charge onward!
92) Harly Davidson. Still the king of the road.
93) Geeks. Zuckerberg, Jobs, Wozniak, Gates and the whole damned Silicon Valley.
94) Comics and comic books. From zany dimwits and lovable losers to iconic super heroes.
95) Truckers and truck stops. Keep on Rollin!
96) New England. Lobster, chowder, rugged seacoasts and cherished traditions.
97) Scientific pioneers. The searchers, the discoverers, the trailblazers and all those who make the breakthroughs that enrich and lengthen our lives.
98) American fashion. From Ralph and Tommy and Donna and Vera. From Seventh Avenue to the world.
99) New Jersey. The distinctive state that gave us Sinatra and The Boss and taught us all how to be wise guys.
100) Willie Nelson. Is there anyone he hasn't sung with or any genre of music he hasn't yet recorded?
101) The American Dream. A better life for our children and our children's children. Always, our best days lie ahead.
Copyright 2013 by Dan Cirucci.
Copyright 2013 by Dan Cirucci.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Mary Pat Honors 'Operation Beachhead' Founders
Continuing her efforts to recognize everyday New Jerseyans doing remarkable things in their communities, First Lady Mary Pat Christie today honored Michael Ricci, founder of Operation Beachhead in Sea Girt, as her 21st New Jersey Hero. Ricci, a combat-decorated veteran who served in Vietnam and sustained permanent injuries, began Operation Beachhead three years ago as a means to bring adventurous and challenging therapy activities to disabled U.S. military veterans. This year, the surf clinic program has expanded to include people with disabilities.
“I applaud Michael for shining a light on our disabled veterans,” said Mrs. Christie. “Whatever their injuries, physical or emotional, Operation Beachhead is providing a structured, yet unique therapeutic experience for these courageous New Jerseyans. Even more inspiring is how this program has grown to include individuals with disabilities, further demonstrating Michael’s commitment to enhancing the lives of others. I am proud to name him a New Jersey Hero.”
Ricci, who has a Master’s Degree in Counseling, has guided veterans for over 30 years on issues of substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder and has been active with disabled veterans organizations throughout the years.
Under the watchful eyes of the Sea Girt lifeguards and assisted by trained instructors and volunteers, each “storming the surf” event can accommodate up to ten participants. Activities include surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, boogie boarding and sailing.
“I live in a constant state of awe and wonder, along with a thankfulness of my life for all the gifts I have been given. Operation Beachhead is one of those gifts,” said Michael Ricci, founder of Operation Beachhead. “It gives me great joy to share this extraordinary present with the participants and many volunteers. I consider myself a vessel, and would not be able to do this without the countless volunteers, friends and family, all who are so supportive. This recognition will mean a great deal to Operation Beachhead as it will increase awareness to our communities and to those that can benefit from our unique program, giving all who partake a sense of Adventure, Inspiration, and Recreation. Thank you for honoring me with this award today.”
Upcoming “storm the surf” events include a Lyons VA Beach Day for disabled veterans of the Lyons campus on July 13, 2013 and Active Duty Beach Day on July 27, 2013 for active duty military members. Both events will be on the beach in Sea Girt.
For more information about Operation Beach Head, visit http://opbeachhead.org/.
New Jersey Heroes is an initiative of First Lady Mary Pat Christie that showcases the positive and unique ways people and organizations are impacting New Jersey and their communities. To nominate a hero, go to http://newjerseyheroes.org and follow the application instructions and submit the person you believe is a true New Jersey Hero.
“I applaud Michael for shining a light on our disabled veterans,” said Mrs. Christie. “Whatever their injuries, physical or emotional, Operation Beachhead is providing a structured, yet unique therapeutic experience for these courageous New Jerseyans. Even more inspiring is how this program has grown to include individuals with disabilities, further demonstrating Michael’s commitment to enhancing the lives of others. I am proud to name him a New Jersey Hero.”
Ricci, who has a Master’s Degree in Counseling, has guided veterans for over 30 years on issues of substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder and has been active with disabled veterans organizations throughout the years.
Under the watchful eyes of the Sea Girt lifeguards and assisted by trained instructors and volunteers, each “storming the surf” event can accommodate up to ten participants. Activities include surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, boogie boarding and sailing.
“I live in a constant state of awe and wonder, along with a thankfulness of my life for all the gifts I have been given. Operation Beachhead is one of those gifts,” said Michael Ricci, founder of Operation Beachhead. “It gives me great joy to share this extraordinary present with the participants and many volunteers. I consider myself a vessel, and would not be able to do this without the countless volunteers, friends and family, all who are so supportive. This recognition will mean a great deal to Operation Beachhead as it will increase awareness to our communities and to those that can benefit from our unique program, giving all who partake a sense of Adventure, Inspiration, and Recreation. Thank you for honoring me with this award today.”
Upcoming “storm the surf” events include a Lyons VA Beach Day for disabled veterans of the Lyons campus on July 13, 2013 and Active Duty Beach Day on July 27, 2013 for active duty military members. Both events will be on the beach in Sea Girt.
For more information about Operation Beach Head, visit http://opbeachhead.org/.
New Jersey Heroes is an initiative of First Lady Mary Pat Christie that showcases the positive and unique ways people and organizations are impacting New Jersey and their communities. To nominate a hero, go to http://newjerseyheroes.org and follow the application instructions and submit the person you believe is a true New Jersey Hero.
Neon Museum Hosts 'Stardust Showgirls' Panel
On Thursday, July 11, the Neon Museum of Las Vegas will host a "Times of the Signs: Stardust Showgirls" panel discussion. The discussion is open to the public but reservations are required in advance. “Times of the Signs” programs take place in the famous Neon Boneyard and consist of illuminating lectures, panel discussions, presentations or performances.
This special evening will commemorate the 55th anniversary of the opening of the Stardust Hotel & Casino. Opening on July 2, 1958, the Stardust was famous for its lavish French-style production show Lido de Paris, which ran until 1991 and was then replaced by Enter the Night, an updated production show with Broadway-styled theatrics.
Panelists participating include former Enter the Night showgirl-turned-attorney Akee Levin; Joyce Marshall Moore, oral historian, University of Nevada Las Vegas and Lisa Gioia Acres, historian and author, College of Southern Nevada. Dr. Michael Greene, professor, Department of Social Sciences, College of Southern Nevada will moderate the evening’s discussion.
The evening will begin with a meet-and-greet with the panelists for Neon Museum members only at 6:15 p.m. The program will begin promptly at 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be available in the La Concha reception area.
Space is limited and attendees must RSVP in advance by emailingRSVP@neonmuseum.org or by calling (702) 387-2820 (callers are asked to leave their name and how many tickets they will need). Admission is a suggested donation of $5 per attendee.
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