Nick's 2009 Christmas Album
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Andy gave his list of 2009 favorite Christmas songs, so I'll do the same.
1. O Holy Night - Josh Groban
This is my favorite Christmas song and Josh Groban's recording is currently my favorite. I wish I could sing this like he does.
2. Go Tell It On The Mountain - James Taylor
His style really shines through in this great song.
3. The Christmas Can-Can - Straight No Chaser
I, like most people, fell in love with SNC after their 12 Days Of Christmas video that went viral a few years ago. This song of their 2009 album Christmas Cheers is very funny and pokes fun at everything that Christmas shouldn't be about.
4. The Prince of Peace - Trans Siberian Orchestra
Not the kind of song you expect of when you think of TSO. The album version of this song is good. But when I heard it live by a man (very likely the one in the video below) it blew me away.
6. Jesus, Light of the World - Third Day
Christmas Offerings is my current favorite Christmas album and has been for a few years now. Every song is great, and the originals are as well. I also love their version of O Come All Ye Faithful.
7. Jingle Bells - Frank Sinatra
I love this s-o-n-g. I don't know why, but sometimes the classics are classics for a reason. Sinatra's Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas is an all time favorite as well, but my girls love this one.
8. Linus and Lucy - Vince Guaraldi
It would not be the Christmas season without this classic TV show. Though the whole album is fantastic.
9. Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! - Dean Martin
I remember starting to listen to Dean Martin in college and didn't associate this song with him until Andy took be to a Bills game against Miami in December and it did what it was supposed to and started snowing and they played this song. I'll never forget that game. Ricky Williams ran for 200 yards, but the Bills won led by their then hero Drew Bledsoe.
10. Jesus Child - Denver and the Mile High Orchestra
Sing Alleluia! Praise the Lord! Jesus Child is born today! Can't get out of my head. Timeless Christmas is a decent album if you like the big band-swing style.
11. Winter Wonderland - Harry Connick Jr.
An awesome solo piano instrumental from the When Harry Met Sally soundtrack.
12. The Spirit of Christmas - Ray Charles
It's probably best known for it's appearance in Christmas Vacation, when Clark is locked in the attic watching old movies. One line though baffles me: "I was sitting by the fireside, taking a walk through the snow."
13. Silent Night - Josh Groban
Nice and simple. Simply beautiful.
If you read this, post your favorite songs for this Christmas Season!
Posted bypiscotikus at 9:21 PM 0 comments
Labels: Christmas
Thanksgiving
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
After recounting the many blessings of the previous year, President Lincoln petitioned his countrymen: "I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens."
Posted bypiscotikus at 9:29 PM 0 comments
Planned Parenthood Director Quits and Joins Pro Life movement
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Abby left after watching a fetus "crumble" while being sucked out of
his mother's uterus.
Leading up to this was the increased pressure not to 'plan' families,
rather to make more money by performing more abortions.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,571215,00.html
Posted bypiscotikus at 10:59 AM 0 comments
Boo-urns Simpsons
Sunday, October 11, 2009
So I heard that Marge Simpson will be 'posing' for an upcoming issue of Playboy. That sucks because I like the Simpsons, but this is not a good decision. Admittedly Playboy says they are trying to lure in younger readers; and the Simpsons claim it's to promote their 20th anniversary. Young men (and women) do not need to begin to look at porn which is addictive and usually demeans women. This gives them an opportunity to be reeled in. It's a shame.
Posted bypiscotikus at 9:23 PM 0 comments
Logos Bible Software Givaway Continues
Check it out and enter for October!
http://bible.logos.com/content/giveaway#content=giveaway
Posted bypiscotikus at 9:05 PM 0 comments
Logos Bible Software Givaway
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Logos Bible Software is giving away a ton of great items! ($11,000 worth!)
Check it out:
http://bible.logos.com/content/giveaway#content=giveaway
They've also added some Catholic material recently (though I'd love Ignatius titles to port over... Think Scott Hahn):
Logos Bible Software for Catholics
Posted bypiscotikus at 9:15 PM 0 comments
Back at it... again
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Ok, I'm PO'd because of the Bills last night, so that gave me the motivation to work out tonight. I'm back using My Fitness Coach for Wii. I really like it. I'm not thrilled that it thinks I only burned 125 calories, as I was working my butt off for 30 minutes, but what are you going to do? Something is better than nothing.
I haven't decided if I'll run tomorrow or not. It depends on if I can go up to bed NOW! My biggest challenge with running is getting to bed early enough the night before. My wife hasn't been able to run because our 7 week old doesn't let her sleep through the night, and I admit, I'm not really being a big help when he gets cranky overnight.
But we have our challenge, to run a 5K. To get into shape and live healthier. Wish us luck, and pray for me, that I am selfless enough give her every opportunity I think I deserve to find the time to exercise. I can be extremely selfish that way.
I'll keep you posted.
Posted bypiscotikus at 9:05 PM 0 comments
Labels: fitness
Don't Drink the Kool Aide
Monday, August 17, 2009
Funny video/song found at 4marks.com
I tried to embed but couldn't stop it from autoplaying, so here's the link:
http://www.4marks.com/VID0001547YPSY
Posted bypiscotikus at 8:47 PM 0 comments
Cardinal Arinze cautions Asian bishops against false inculturation, liturgical dance
http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=3793
Posted bypiscotikus at 11:29 AM 0 comments
From today's Mass...
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Watch carefully how you live,
not as foolish persons but as wise,
making the most of the opportunity,
because the days are evil.
Therefore, do not continue in ignorance, but try to understand what is
the will of the Lord. Eph 5:15-17 from today's second reading.
Posted bypiscotikus at 7:10 PM 0 comments
Couch to 5K Week 3 Complete
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Some of you may know that I have been starting to run a little every
week. It started as a friendly bet with my wife one afternoon when she
mentioned wanting granite countertops. I said "If you can beat me in a
5K then I'll buy you granite countertops."
Me and my big mouth.
So I started www.coolrunnings.com Couch to 5K program. I had been
doing some exercise recently in the form of Wii's My Fitness Coach
which is a great 'game'. So when I started running it was easier than
last summer.
Well now I've completed 3 weeks and tomorrow or Monday (depending on
if the baby decides to be born or not) I take a stab at week 4. Which
to me looks daunting. I have to jog 3 minutes then 5 minutes and
repeat. Up until now I've only had to jog 3 minutes max. I'm a little
nervous. It also probably doesn't help that I've been eating like crap
lately either.
Oh, what's that? Yes. I did start while my wife was pregnant. Is it
fair? No probably not, but I have my excuses. Maybe I'll share them
later. Until then we're still waiting on baby #3. That's more
important than anything else right now.
Posted bypiscotikus at 9:43 PM 0 comments
4-1=
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Africa! Or so my 2 year old says. Quite cute. If I have time later
I'll write about the "chip".
Posted bypiscotikus at 6:57 AM 0 comments
Help Priests for Life
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Read and act to keep abortion out of any health care reform bill.
http://www.priestsforlife.org/blog/?p=716
Posted bypiscotikus at 8:06 PM 0 comments
Building Better Families by Matthew Kelly
Saturday, July 18, 2009
I recently finished Matthew Kelly's book Building Better Families. Matthew is not yet married (though engaged last I read in a newletter; sorry ladies) so his view of family function or dysfunction in today's world is different than the view that a seasoned parent's view might be. The message in Building Better Families really is no different from any other Matthew Kelly book. If you've not read Matthew Kelly, then I encourage you to pick up The Rhythm of Life. His main message is that we need to become the best-version-of-ourself. In Building Better Families, Kelly applies this principle to our children. Do we as parents try and better ourselves? If not, our children will see that and do the same. Do we want the best for our children? Sure, what parent does not? Yet time and time again, as Kelly points out, that is not how we raise our children. Raising children is hard enough. Doing it in this culture of consumerism and immorality is even harder. Kelly challenged me by bringing up the issues we face in this culture. More specifically the barage of filth that is flung at our children. I hope to be a better dad because of what has been shown to me. I recommend you read Building Better Families and become a better parent.
Posted bypiscotikus at 9:12 PM 0 comments
Labels: Book Review
Quotable
Monday, June 29, 2009
"Parenting is not for wimps" - Erma Bombeck
Posted bypiscotikus at 9:20 PM 1 comments
Pope Benedict XVI on Corpus Christi
Friday, June 12, 2009
With commentary from Father Z.
Posted bypiscotikus at 6:08 PM 0 comments
Show a Podcaster Some Love Thursday!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
On Podcast Answer Man episode 114, Cliff Ravenscraft of GSPN.tv was speaking with Wayne Henderson about "Showing a Podcaster Some Love".
Basically podcasters promoting podcasters.
I'm not yet a podcaster, though I hope to be one someday, but I thought I'd share a couple of my favorite podcasts.
Check them out and give them great reviews on iTunes.
- The Daily Breakfast with Father Roderick.
If you don't listen to this Podcast, what rock do you live under? Father Roderick answers questions about the Catholic faith and discussed food, TV, movies, video games and just about anything else. Check out www.sqpn.com
- The Podcast Answer Man with Cliff Ravenscraft.
Fr. Roderick mentioned this Podcast one day and I've been hooked ever since. Cliff podcasts for a living and is always ready to help out anyone with questions on how to Podcast. Check out www.podcastanswerman.com
Posted bypiscotikus at 9:52 PM 0 comments
Labels: Podcasts
Would I be a martyr?
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Sometimes I take things for granted. A lot of the time actually. But this week we had the feast days of some martyrs, Justin and Charles Lwanga, and a quick homily by the Chaplain where I work gave me something to think about.
He was talking about how Justin simply said no to burning an offering to an idol. He stood his ground and it appeared to be so easy for him to simply be martyred than to betray God. Wow! Stop and think about that.
Then the priest mentioned Dr. Tiller and asked the question, "Where was his pastor?" How come no one at his church questioned his being an usher? The man who personally killed babies for a living was allowed to be an usher in his parish? Why? Why did no one question him? Look how easy it was for St Justin to stand up for his faith, why didn't anyone in his parish?
Yes we need to set a good example, but we are in times were something needs to be said. We cannot be silent anymore.
So then I thought about myself. It's not easy being a Catholic and a pharmacist. I rationalize things all the time. I have stood up more and more for my faith, but if push comes to shove would I allow myself to be fired? Is my job more important than my faith? Is my life? Didn't Jesus die for me?
How about you? Would you die for Christ?
He died for you.
Posted bypiscotikus at 9:22 PM 0 comments
Labels: Catholic, Martyr, Pharmacist
Happy and Blessed Easter
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Christ is risen! Christos Voskres!
I hope everyone has a blessed Easter!
Posted bypiscotikus at 9:06 PM 0 comments
Obama Administration to Rescind Conscious Rule
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Visit Freedom2care.org and respond to the Department of Health and Human Services (proposedrescission@hhs.gov) by April 9th.
Posted bypiscotikus at 8:41 PM 0 comments
CatholicVote.com video
Monday, February 09, 2009
Posted bypiscotikus at 7:40 AM 0 comments
99 Balloons [A video about life]
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Posted bypiscotikus at 9:00 PM 0 comments
Abortionist Pleads for Money
Friday, January 16, 2009
From Dawn Eden.
http://dawneden.blogspot.com/2009/01/abortionist-seeks-donors-to-fund.html
Posted bypiscotikus at 10:32 PM 0 comments
