4th Sunday of Advent
Christmas Eve
Catholic News of the Day
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem has issued his annual Christmas Message of Peace, this year emphasizing that "our fundamental need is for Peace, Justice, and Freedom".
Benedict has issued a message on the Major Issues of 2006.
There is a modern Virginal Pregnancy at the Chester Zoo in northern England. While parthenogenesis is quite common in amphibians and lower reptiles, this is the first case of parthenogenesis to be scientifically recorded in Komodo Dragons, which are the most intelligent, largest, and most advanced species of Reptiles on the planet.
In anthropological news, Nativity scenes and Creches in Spain have an extra figurine... "El Cagañer" or "the great defecator" is a popular (though pooping!) figure in the Catalonia region.
This is part of an entire series of feces-related festivities for the holiday season - it is also popular to share pastries shaped like feces and have piñatas that are beaten in the hope that they will "defecate out" (to put it politely) candies and gifts.
JKRowling has announced the name of Book Seven of the Harry Potter septology: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Even though a release date has not been made public, the book is already #1 on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.de! (At the time of my writing this, the Room of Requirement door on JKR's site is still open!)
In sad Christmas news, more US Soldiers and Iraqis have been killed in the war. Pray for the peace of thier souls and their families at this especially difficult time.
In mixed Christmas news, a school boy's death brings new life to at least seven people.
In happy Christmas news, some people are bringing the spirit of the Holiday to real life.
The oldest Hockey stick in existence has just sold for $2.2 million (Canadian) - which is $1.9 million US.
In other sports news, the Vatican may be fielding a Soccer team soon...
In Bethlehem this year, Holy Day celebrations have been markedly low key due to concerns about violence. Bishop Raymond Field has issued a message to his flock to make parishoners aware of the "plight of Christians in Bethlehem".
For those whose families live far away, there is a new technology that may allow them to have meals together more often!
Speaking of virtual technology... a new web site allows Iranian Jews to mourn according to traditional Jewish customs.
In space news, scientists have been learning from White Dwarves how our own Solar System may die one day (a few billion years in the future, of course!)
Benedict XVI has issued a statement reminding all Catholic faithful to "defend Christmas against materialism" by not falling for the common pitfall of "sometimes seek tempting but illusory shortcuts to happiness." This is quite ironic given that a report released on the 22nd states that embezzlement is rampant in US Dioceses... in that 85% of US Dioceses have reported embezzelment within the past five years!
And if all this news has been stressful for you, scientists report that you just need to grab the hand of your significant other and enjoy a good embrace!
Peace and Blessings!
Benedict has issued a message on the Major Issues of 2006.
There is a modern Virginal Pregnancy at the Chester Zoo in northern England. While parthenogenesis is quite common in amphibians and lower reptiles, this is the first case of parthenogenesis to be scientifically recorded in Komodo Dragons, which are the most intelligent, largest, and most advanced species of Reptiles on the planet.
In anthropological news, Nativity scenes and Creches in Spain have an extra figurine... "El Cagañer" or "the great defecator" is a popular (though pooping!) figure in the Catalonia region.
This is part of an entire series of feces-related festivities for the holiday season - it is also popular to share pastries shaped like feces and have piñatas that are beaten in the hope that they will "defecate out" (to put it politely) candies and gifts.
JKRowling has announced the name of Book Seven of the Harry Potter septology: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Even though a release date has not been made public, the book is already #1 on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.de! (At the time of my writing this, the Room of Requirement door on JKR's site is still open!)
In sad Christmas news, more US Soldiers and Iraqis have been killed in the war. Pray for the peace of thier souls and their families at this especially difficult time.
In mixed Christmas news, a school boy's death brings new life to at least seven people.
In happy Christmas news, some people are bringing the spirit of the Holiday to real life.
The oldest Hockey stick in existence has just sold for $2.2 million (Canadian) - which is $1.9 million US.
In other sports news, the Vatican may be fielding a Soccer team soon...
In Bethlehem this year, Holy Day celebrations have been markedly low key due to concerns about violence. Bishop Raymond Field has issued a message to his flock to make parishoners aware of the "plight of Christians in Bethlehem".
For those whose families live far away, there is a new technology that may allow them to have meals together more often!
Speaking of virtual technology... a new web site allows Iranian Jews to mourn according to traditional Jewish customs.
In space news, scientists have been learning from White Dwarves how our own Solar System may die one day (a few billion years in the future, of course!)
Benedict XVI has issued a statement reminding all Catholic faithful to "defend Christmas against materialism" by not falling for the common pitfall of "sometimes seek tempting but illusory shortcuts to happiness." This is quite ironic given that a report released on the 22nd states that embezzlement is rampant in US Dioceses... in that 85% of US Dioceses have reported embezzelment within the past five years!
And if all this news has been stressful for you, scientists report that you just need to grab the hand of your significant other and enjoy a good embrace!
Peace and Blessings!
