Monday, August 27, 2012

Children of the Rosary

The Children of the Rosary
 
 
The "Children of the Rosary" is a newsletter/blog founded and written by Catholic teens for Catholic teens.  They describe the purpose of their publications as being: "...to have fun with, teach, evangelize, and unite ourselves with other Catholic youth around the globe."
 
Their website is cool and professional in appearance, a pleasant change of pace from the all-too-common gaudy, home-made looking sites.  They regularly post stories, articles, and information concerning Catholic youth and theology.  Though the site is brand-new (only about a month old, I believe), they've mananged to compile a good amount of information which continues to grow steadily.  Outside of apologetics, the site also has a "Comics" and "Jokes" section, and entertaining videos often find their way into the regular articles.
 
The newsletter is as full of variety as the website, including hand-drawn art, riddles, reflections, and prayers.  As of right now, you can view the newsletter from the site or have it e-mailed to you.  Eventually, they would like to print is as well.
 
I would encourage all of my readers to check out this wonderful resource.  I've thoroughly enjoyed exploring past issues and the recently updated site, and know that you all will as well.
 
Thanks to the team at "Children of the Rosary" for seeking to provide Catholic teenagers with a fun, reliable resource filled with faith and fun.
 
You can visit the "Children of the Rosary" website at http://cotrnewsletter.blog.com/.  You can sign-up to receive e-mails under "The Newsletter" tab.  Thanks to Corey and the other teens for their patience, and for promoting me on their site as well!  May God bless them as they continue to do God's work!

Upcoming...

As you all have most likely guessed, I've been up to my neck with things to do, and hence this blog has been neglected.  The promised report on illegal immigration is still in the works, and will be published this week.  But, I wanted to take the time to promote a website/newsletter beforehand, so you all will have something to read when I'm not posting! :)  Thank you for your patience and God bless!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

A Slight Delay for an Important Issue

Hello All!

Just wanted to let you know that the "Tidings Tuesday" post is going to be delayed to Thursday.  I am working on a big article in illegal immigration, and do not want to post it without having time to do the proper research, as this issue is extremely important.

Thank you for your patience!

St. Maximillian Kolbe, pray for us!

Monday, August 13, 2012

Closer

Closer- Josh Groban
Classical/Vocal/ Pop
2003

Josh Groban's CD "Closer" is unique: along with having the typical vocal pieces in the romance languages, it also has some very beautiful, pop-like English songs and the occasional religious number, all adding up to a very enjoyable CD.  "My Confession" is a compelling song about someone who has been running from God for too long, and is now "on [his] knees, confessing".  His version of "You Raise Me Up" is my favorite take on this song so far, being grand and very dramatic.  "Remember When it Rained" might be my favorite on the disc, being a reflection on turning to God in desperation, when all seems lost.  The "exotic" pieces are lovely, "When You Say You Love Me" is romantic, and "Never Let Go" is inspirational.  Josh Groban's voice is incredible, and this CD is perfect for when one finds himself tired of the junk on the radio or simply wants to listen to something different.
Possible Concerns:
Overall, the CD is fine. No bad language, sensual imagery, or negative messages.  The song "Broken Vow" is about a woman leaving her husband for another man, and him asking himself why he let it happen.  Near the end of the song, Josh Groban sings: "I'd give away my soul to hold you once again, and never let this promise end."  In context, this statement is obviously a culmination of this poor man's despair over having lost the love of his life, but still, this line is not the best. 

I asked for this CD after seeing Josh Groban in the Ignatius catalog, and have been thoroughly enjoying it since receiving it.  I recommend this to everyone, as I think the majority of people, no matter what their normal musical preferences are, could enjoy this CD.

Have a CD, song, or artist you want me to review?  Leave me a comment and maybe the next "Music Monday" will be the review you were hoping for!

Cover image from Wikipedia

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Bringing It Back!

Hello Dear Readers!

I know I have been way behind in my news reports and media reviews, so I'm bringing back the blog "schedule" that I used for a little while last year with some slight modifications.

Here is the schedule layout.  The dark green and dark pink days are days that alternate each week, meaning one week I do a music review, the next a movie review, etc, while dark blue days are every week:

Music Mondays (I review an album or a handful of single songs)
Tidings Tuesdays (I relay the facts concerning a recent news story and then comment on it)
Witty Wednesdays (I share a quote from a Catholic figure and write a short reflection on it)
Theatrical Thursdays (I review a movie)
Free Fridays (My day off- no posts this day unless necessary)
Saintly Saturdays (I share the "Cliff-Notes" version of the life of a Saint or "Blessed" and why they are important in our lives today)

Sunday is a day of rest, and I plan to spend it that way, unless a special feast day or news flash requires attention.  Hopefully I will stick to this for a while, and you all will enjoy it.  I think it will help my posts become more varied, hence having "something for everyone", along with restoring the original purpose I had in mind when I created this blog.

Anyway, this will start next week.  I realize that I do not have a book review day in the schedule; I will post literary reviews on days when I do not have another post scheduled, yet still have the time to write. And if eventually you feel you would rather have a regular book day than one of the days above, comment and let me know.

May God bless you during the rest of this week!  Stay cool!