This week I’m trying something a little different.
Less random facts and more commentary.
The Opening of Disneyland.
The Landing on the Moon.
Henry Ford, Adolf Hitler and Tony Bennett.
Giant Rubber Ducks, Llamas and Microwaves
Lots of Music Artists
are all mentioned in…
What Happen Last Week and Year in Life.
Monday July 17, 2023
Day 198: The Day of the Lord — The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – YouTube
Day 198: Reconciliation with God — The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – YouTube
Here’s What Happen Last Week and Year in Life.
1674 – Isaac Watts is born. (July 17, 1674 – November 25, 1748) If you don’t recognize his name perhaps you recognize one of his hymns. Songs you sing in church such as When I Survey the Wondrous Cross“, and “Our God, Our Help in Ages Past“. Or most notably at Christmas time “Joy to the World“. The “Godfather of English Hymnody” wrote about 750 hymns. It’s an offer a church can’t refuse.
1955 –Walt Disney the creator of Mickey Mouse and the first full length animated movie, Snow White, opens a amusement park named after him. Disneyland opens its doors to the world in Anaheim, California on July 17, 1955. This is the same year Tolkien published the concluding book in the Lord of the Rings trilogy called The Return of the King and the same year Marty McFly went back in time and meet his parents.
2023
Taylor Swift is the first female artist with 4 Billboard Top 10 albums at once : NPR
Today marked the birth of Watts and a record for Swift and a departure for Brazilian jazz and bossa nova pianist João Donato(August 17, 1934 – July 17, 2023) from Rio Branco.
At the weekend box office..
Then there’s this Ducky Story
World’s Largest Rubber Duck coming to Maryland (wmar2news.com)
Llama drama: Escaped llama found blocking traffic, standing in middle of road – Boston 25 News
-
Quote of the Day
Ambrose Little@software_dad (July 17, 2023)
Some of y’all are way too easily triggered by the clear teaching of the Church. But interestingly only about certain teachings.
Tuesday July 18, 2023
USA: Saint Camillus de Lellis, Priest
Day 199: Times for War — The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – YouTube
Day 199: The Sacrament of Forgiveness — The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – YouTube
Here’s What Happen Last Week and Year in Life.
1723 – Yesterday we brought you the hymns of Watts and today we bring you the music of Bach. Johann Sebastian Bach leads the first performance of his cantata Erforsche mich, Gott, und erfahre mein Herz, BWV 136, in Leipzig on the eighth Sunday after Trinity.
1870 – The First Vatican Council decrees the dogma of papal infallibility.
1925 – Adolf Hitler publishes Mein Kampf. This is the same year that Charlie Chaplin releases his comedy masterpiece ‘The Gold Rush’. Chaplin was born on April 16, 1889 and lived until December 25, 1977. Hitler was born 4 days later on April 20, 1889 and lived until April 30, 1945.
2023
In the wonderful Pro-Life state of Texas,
The governor of Texas has ordered Texas troopers to push back migrants into Rio Grande River and ordered not to give water amid soaring temperatures, report says | CNN.
Since the end of World War II, historians and artists alike have been fascinated by the brilliant, enigmatic J. Robert Oppenheimer, the theoretical physicist who led the Manhattan Project laboratory that developed the atomic bomb. Beginning as early as 1946, documentaries, television miniseries, plays, books, graphic novels, feature films and even an opera have explored the scientist’s life, work and legacy. In recent years, however, much of that complexity has been reduced to a single popular image: the broken genius, haunted by his own invention, reciting a line from the Bhagavad Gita in a 1965 NBC News documentary. “Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds,” Oppenheimer intones.
-
Quote of the Day
James Martin, SJ@JamesMartinSJ (July 19, 2023) Gospel: Guides in the Holy Land often note that almost all the towns from Jesus’s time are thriving (Jericho, Nazareth, Bethlehem, Cana, etc.) The only ones in ruins today are the three Jesus cursed for their lack of faith: Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum (Mt 11). Just sayin.
Wednesday July 19, 2023
Day 200: Egypt, Assyria, and Israel — The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – YouTube
Day 200: The Confession of Sins — The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – YouTube
Here’s What Happen Last Week and Year in Life.
1894 – Percy Spencer (July 19, 1894 – September 8, 1970) a man who affects our lives still today in 2023 was born. He invented Chief Mike or the microwave oven (d. 1969) the same year we landed on the moon.
1942– George Washington Carver (c. 1864 – January 5, 1943) although born into slavery became an American agricultural scientist, inventor and genius who promoted alternative crops to cotton and methods to prevent soil depletion. Henry Ford (July 30, 1863 – April 7, 1947) was the founder of Ford Motor Company and chief developer of the assembly line technique of mass production. On this day the two legends met where they worked on creating synthetic rubber to help compensate for wartime rubber shortages during World War 2.
July 19th is also a good day to start the olympics.
1952 – Opening of the Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland.
1980 – Opening of the Summer Olympics in Moscow.
2023
There is a winner in the Taco Wars
Taco John’s gives up its ‘Taco Tuesday’ trademark after a battle with Taco Bell : NPR
A Limit to “Love Your Enemies”?
@Sophisticated-sophie (July 19,2023) I’m a survivor of trafficking as a child, and I struggle with this every day. When I heard about Nassar’s attack, my first thought was, “Good, now can that guy go stab my abusers a little bit?” I caught myself and said a prayer. St. Bakhita is my confirmation saint because I admire her ability to love and forgive her kidnappers and traffickers. Thank you for addressing this very hard topic, Father. I’m praying for you.
-
Quote of the Day
(((Simcha Fisher)))@SimchaFisher (July 19, 2023)
3 year old: Is Jesus dead?Me: Nope! He died but then he came back to life, and now he is alive forever.
3 year old: I wonder if he dream.
Me: Wow, me too.
3 year old: I fink he dream ’bout werewolves.
Thursday July 20, 2023
Saint Apollinaris, Bishop and Martyr
Day 201: Keys to the Kingdom — The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – YouTube
Day 201: The Confessor’s Role — The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – YouTube
Here’s What Happen Last Week and Year in Life.
1903 – Henry Ford was not content to occupy one historical footnote this week. His Ford Motor Company shipped out its first automobile in the same year the Wright Brothers made the first successful airplane flight. Pope Leo XIII (b. 1810) also died on this day. He was at the first Vatican Council.
1944 – During World War II Mein Kampf author Adolf Hitler survives an assassination attempt led by German Army Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg who was portrayed by Mission Impossible 7 star Tom Cruise in the film Valkyrie (2008).
1969 – American Apollo 11 Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin make history by becoming the first humans, that we know of, to land on the Moon in the Sea of Tranquility. The video talks about the Apollo 11 connection to why we have microwaves in our homes. Also did you know that Buzz Aldrin Took Holy Communion on the Moon? But NASA Kept it Quiet | HISTORY
2021 – American businessman Jeff Bezos becomes the first person from Amazon to fly into space on the anniversary of the first moon landing aboard his fancy shmancy New Shepard NS-16 operated by his very own private spaceflight company Blue Origin.
2023
Barbie’s star-studded lineup takes inspiration from real Barbies who were ahead of their time. Since the doll’s debut 64 years ago, in March 1959, Barbie has served as an evolving commercial embodiment of the American woman. Created by Ruth Handler, co-founder of toy company Mattel alongside her husband, Elliot Handler, and Harold Matson, Barbie was named after the Handlers’ daughter, Barbara. Whereas most dolls of the era looked like the young children who played with them, Barbie was a woman. Mattel marketed her as a doll that young girls could use to act out a grown-up’s life. As a sweet voice sings in Barbie’s first television commercial, “Someday, I’m going to be exactly like you. Til then, I know just what I’ll do: Barbie, beautiful Barbie, I’ll make believe that I am you.”
When Barbie Broke the Glass Ceiling | Arts & Culture | Smithsonian Magazine
On Aug. 4, Tampa-based Shevin McCullough will join Catholic singer-songwriter Father Rob Galea — a Malta native now serving in Australia’s Diocese of Sandhurst — on the WYD central stage in Lisbon, Portugal. With Pope Francis in the audience, the duo will debut their single “Emmanuel Forever,” featuring McCullough’s hip-hop rhymes and Father Galea’s melodic vocals.
Florida recording artist ready to bring ‘Emmanuel Forever’ to World Youth Day – OSV News
-
Quotes of the Day
Reason & Theology@ReasonTheology (July 20, 2023) I find it shocking that we have reached a point when Catholics are livid that someone has shown the pope has NOT taught heresy and is NOT an idol worshiper. It’s as if…they need the pope to be a heretic for some reason…
Lila Rose@LilaGraceRose (July 21, 2023)
Men can’t be women, women can’t be men.There are only two genders.
Sex belongs within marriage.
A unique, individual life begins at conception.
All humans are made in the image of God.
Every life is a gift.
Matt Swaim@mattswaim (July 21, 2023)
A concept as simple as the Ice Cream Sandwich should not have the right to be as delicious as it isAnd yet it is
Friday July 21, 2023
Saint Lawrence of Brindisi, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Day 202: God’s Judgment — The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – YouTube
Day 202: How Confession Heals — The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – YouTube
Here’s What Happen Last Week and Year in Life.
230 –Long before Pope Benedict XVI resigned his papal throne, Pope # 18 who was called Pontian, who succeeded Pope # 17: Urban I, became the first pontiff to resign office.
This day marks some historic days in the Old West.
1865 – In the year that the Civil War ended, in the market square of Springfield, Missouri, Wild Bill Hickok shoots and kills Davis Tutt in what is regarded as the first western showdown.
1873 – Several years later at Adair, Iowa, Notorious western outlaw Jesse James and the James–Younger Gang pull off the first successful train robbery in the American Old West.
1925 –Days after Hitler publishes his best selling book in Dayton, Tennessee, a verdict is reached in the Scopes Monkey Trial. High school biology teacher John T. Scopes is found guilty of teaching human evolution in class and fined $100.
1969 – Yesterday they landed on the moon. Today at 02:56 UTC, astronaut Neil Armstrong becomes the first person to walk on the Moon, followed 19 minutes later by Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin.
1979 – Jay Silverheels, (May 26, 1912 – March 5, 1980) a Mohawk actor who played Tonto in the iconic The Lone Ranger series, becomes the first Native American to have a star commemorated in the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As of today the writers and actors of Hollywood are on strike.
2023
Tony Bennett@itstonybennett (July 21, 2023) Tony left us today but he was still singing the other day at his piano and his last song was, “Because of You,” his first #1 hit. Tony, because of you we have your songs in our heart forever.
Tony Bennett (August 3, 1926 – July 21, 2023)
May his soul and all the souls of the departed rest in peace.
For the sake of his sorrowful passion, Have Mercy On Us
Paul McCartney@PaulMcCartney (July 22, 2023) Very sad to hear that Tony Bennett has died. He was a special singer and a good friend. I was privileged to work with him on a few occasions and he was always a wonder to behold. Thanks Tony for the joy you brought to our world. Love Paul
Movies Opening
Oppenheimer
Barbie
Saturday July 22, 2023
Saint Mary Magdalene
Day 203: Rejoice in the Lord — The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – YouTube
Day 203: The Purpose of Indulgences — The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – YouTube
Here’s What Happen Last Week and Year in Life.
Today is a good day for merry ol England.
1598 – William Shakespeare‘s play, The Merchant of Venice, is entered on the Stationers’ Register. By decree of Queen Elizabeth, the Stationers’ Register licensed printed works, giving the Crown tight control over all published material.
1833 – The Slavery Abolition Act passes in the British House of Commons, initiating the gradual abolition of slavery in most parts of the British Empire.
Meanwhile in France
1894 – The first ever motor race is held in France between the cities of Paris and Rouen. The fastest finisher was the Comte Jules-Albert de Dion, but the “official” victory was awarded to Albert Lemaître driving his three-horsepower petrol engined Peugeot.
1934- Actor Bill Bixby, (My Favorite Martian, Incredible Hulk) is born. (d. 1993)
1955– Not long after Disneyland opened future Disney actor and Spider-Man Villain Green Goblin Willem Dafoe (Finding Nemo, Finding Dory, Togo) was born.
1973
The Supreme Court of the United States delivers its decisions in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, legalizing elective abortion in all fifty states.
The crew of Apollo 17 addresses a joint session of Congress after the completion of the final Apollo moon landing mission.
2023
A diaper company has released an ad celebrating the beauty of life. EveryLife specializes in baby products, including diapers and wipes, and prides itself on providing “premium products for every baby. Because every baby is a miracle from God who deserves to be loved, protected, and supported,” according to its website.
Pro-life diaper company releases ad celebrating ‘every miracle from God’ | Catholic News Agency
Country Music Star Jason Aldean’s Controversial New Song
-
Quote of the Day
William C. Michael on FB (July 22, 2023) The Catholic Church is not found on social media channels, where individuals promote their own ideas. It’s found in monasteries, convents, and churches at scheduled times of worship, where people come together to obey God’s commandments and worship as the Church teaches.
Sunday July 23, 2023
SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
The Third Annual World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly
Day 204: Zephaniah’s Warnings — The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – YouTube
Day 204: Summary of Sacrament of Reconciliation — The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – YouTube
Here’s What Happen Last Week and Year in Life.
1903 – Things are looking good for Henry Ford as The Ford Motor Company sells its first car.
1926 – The shape of things to come for Hollywood comes into focus as Fox Film buys the patents of the Movietone sound system for recording sound onto film.
1982 – Outside Santa Clarita, California, actor Vic Morrow and two children are killed when a helicopter crashes onto them while shooting a scene from Twilight Zone: The Movie.
1989 – Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter, Weird Al) is born.
1995 – Comet Hale–Bopp is discovered; it becomes visible to the naked eye on Earth nearly a year later.
2010 – In the Week that started off with Watts and Bach, English-Irish boy band One Direction is formed by judge Simon Cowell on The X Factor (British series 7), later going on to finish at third place. It would go on to become one of the biggest boy bands in the world, and would be very influential on pop music of the 2010s.
2015 – NASA continues doing extraordinary things this week as it announces the discovery of Kepler-452b by Kepler.
2023
President Biden will designate a national monument at three sites in honor of Emmett Till and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley — both of whom served as catalysts for the civil rights movement.
Biden is expected to sign a proclamation on Tuesday, which will be the 82nd anniversary of Till’s birth.
Biden designates a national monument honoring Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley : NPR
-
Quote of the Day
Father Jim Sichko@JimSichko (July 23, 2023) Pope Francis in his 2016 designation called for the missionaries “to preach about mercy, and to pardon even those sins reserved to the Holy See.” Mercy, the pope said, “is the bridge that connects God and man, opening our hearts to a hope of being loved forever, despite our sins.”
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In