Bernstein Promises To Be A "Hands-On" FA Chairman

(AFP) David Bernstein said he expected to play a role in deciding the future of under-pressure England manager Fabio Capello after being nominated as the new chairman of the Football Association (FA).

The board of English football's governing body announced Bernstein, an ex-chairman of Manchester City and the current chairman of Wembley Stadium, the 90,000-seater venue in northwest London where England play their home matches, as their unanimously approved candidate on Wednesday

Bernstein, 67, will take over as chairman if his appointment is endorsed by an FA council meeting on January 25.

The FA stuck with Capello, whose contract is due to expire after Euro 2012, despite England's poor display at this year's World Cup in South Africa where the Italian's side crashed out in the second round.

Many previous FA chairmen have been figureheads but Bernstein, asked if he would be involved with Fabio Capello and the England players, told Sky Sports: "Certainly with Fabio Capello.

"I agreed with the people who interviewed me that the chairman of the FA needs to be involved with major decisions concerning the England set-up."

As for whether he would decide Capello's future, Bernstein added: "I didn't say that, that's a board matter generally but I will be involved in deciding his future for sure."

Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein had been the favourite for the FA chairmanship as officials sought a high-profile leader following England's failed bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

But nominations committee chairman Phil Gartside said Bernstein was "the outstanding candidate for the role".

Bernstein is set to succeed acting FA chairman Roger Burden, who withdrew as a candidate for the permanent position following England's failed World Cup bid because he said he "could not trust FIFA", football's global governing body.

Sebastian Coe, who led London's successful bid to stage the 2012 Olympic Games, insisted it was vital Bernstein improved the FA's relations with FIFA.

"I think it's very important when the (English) game takes stock, it identifies those people that they can get into senior and key positions in FIFA and in the international game," Coe, an advisor to the England 2018 team, said.

"The advantage we (London) had when we were bidding for the Games is that actually a number of us were insiders," the double Olympic champion added.

Bernstein was coy about England's relations with FIFA, saying: "I'd rather duck that at this stage. I assure you I won't duck it in the longer term."

His mix of business and football experienced made Bernstein, an accountant who is on the boards of several British companies, an attractive candidate for the post of FA chairman.

Bernstein was City chairman for five years during which time the now Premier League club moved from Maine Road to Eastlands and has been Wembley chairman since 2008.

David Triesman, a former British government minister, resigned as FA chairman in May after a newspaper reported he had told a former aide Spain could drop its attempt to host the 2018 World Cup if rival bidder Russia helped bribe referees at this year's edition.

A subsequent FIFA probe "found no indication there is any basis to the allegations".

Spain won this year's World Cup, with Russia winning the right to stage the 2018 tournament.

Anelka, Henry To Forfeit World Cup Bonuses

(AFP)Nicolas Anelka and Thierry Henry are set to agree to forfeit the bonuses they were due to be paid for France's disastrous World Cup campaign, sports minister Chantal Jouanno said Wednesday.

The two strikers had been the only two members of the squad not to have done so in the face of public outrage over what happened in South Africa in the summer.

"It's been sorted out and they are set to agree," Jouanno said as she came out of a cabinet meeting.

FFF president Fernand Duchaussoy announced last month that the 23-man France squad had agreed to forfeit their bonuses linked to the use of their image rights at the tournament in South Africa.

"A lot of them have signed, it's moving forward," Duchaussoy had said.

Chelsea striker Anelka is currently serving out an 18-match ban after being sent home in disgrace from the World Cup after a foul-mouthed tirade at then coach Raymond Domenech leading to his teammates' infamous training strike.

"We haven't discussed it particularly. If there's the slightest hope it's more on Henry's side. Anelka, it would amaze me if he gives in," the source added.

Henry, France's all-time leading scorer, played a substitute's role at the World Cup and is now playing in the United States with the New York Red Bulls.

Domenech was sacked after overseeing France's first-round exit but Duchaussoy said the terms of his dismissal did not include an agreement to renounce his bonus, and they "could not prevent him" receiving it.

"He hasn't received them (bonus), but we can't use them," added the FFF boss.

Iran Coach Eyes 2011 Asian Cup Triumph

(AFP) Iran coach Afshin Ghotbi said on Wednesday that he hopes to pilot his side to glory in the 2011 Asian Cup finals and what would be a first title in 35 years.

The draw in the Asian Cup 2011 to be played in Qatar from January 7 to 29 groups Iran, the Asian powerhouse from the late 1960s through the 1970s, with current Asian Cup champions Iraq, North Korea and the United Arab Emirates.

"We are there for victory, we are trekking on this path and we will act professionally. Our aim is the championship but I am not promising anything," Ghotbi told a Tehran press conference, his last as coach of Team Melli.

"Now all Iranians have to keep the tempo in backing the team... it is their children playing for glory... to achieve the title after more than three decades," he said.

Ghotbi, who will part with Team Melli after the Qatar finals, said that he has planned a 10-day training camp in the host nation, with whom Iran will play a pre-tournament friendly on December 28. A second has been pencilled in against Angola on January 2.

"I have assembled a team based on the players' being football-smart, team-minded, and having an instinctive ambition for the title," Ghotbi said, when asked why some recent caps had failed to make the squad.

However, both Javad Nekounam and Masoud Shojai of Spanish La Liga club Osasuna have made the shortlist.

Iran's opening game in Qatar will be against holders Iraq on January 11.

Ghotbi said: "I cannot say that Iraq is the hardest game we face, but our people have to recall that even Spain lost its first match in the 2010 World Cup, so people have to keep on backing the team throughout the tournament.

"It is very important for us to make it to the knock-out round after playing the first two matches... The days are long gone when you knew who was going to win the championship before the finals had started."

Iran has a current FIFA ranking of 66, which puts it behind Japan, South Korea and Australia. The country won the Asian Cup in 1968, 1972 and 1976, and hosted the continent's biggest football event in 1968 and 1976.

A Life and Death Quiz

How much do you know about heaven and hell?

        In these final years of the second millennium, people speculate more than ever on the end times... and what will follow. How much do you know about the end of the world, Christ’s Second Coming, heaven and hell? Begin with No. 1 and follow the directions.

1. The traditional “last things” are heaven, hell, death, and what

a. Judgment. (Go to 14)

b. Infinity. (Head for 42)

2. Right. That’s the traditional name of the “good thief” who was crucified next to Jesus. After scolding the other thief for taunting Our Lord, Dismas asked Jesus to remember him when Christ came into the kingdom. Jesus answered, “Today you will be with Me in paradise” (Lk. 23:43). Now move on to 23.

3. Yes. Hell – Gehenna in Scripture – was described as having “the unquenchable fire” (Mk 9:43), but what makes it hell is eternal separation from God. Now move to 24.

4. Let’s stay in purgatory just a bit longer. What’s the difference between purgatory and hell?

a. The souls in purgatory are still in union with God. (Go to 17)

b. Purgatory’s clock is ticking. Just like the world, it will come to an end. (Move to 34)

5. According to the catechism, “the Church also commends alms giving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead.” Historically, some Church members abused indulgences and incorrectly claimed what?

a. An indulgence can also be applied to oneself while living. (Head for 35)

b. It’s possible to buy a person out of hell. (Move to 38)

6. No Return to 24.

7. No, that was the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. Return to 23.

8. The Church also teaches there is “particular judgment” for each of us at the moment of death. At that time, our souls will be headed for where?

a. Heaven or hell. (Go to 22)

b. Heaven, hell, or purgatory. (Move to 37)

9. No, the males in this flock weren’t separated Rams, ewes, and lambs are all sheep. Return to 20.

10. According to Scripture, this person is certainly in heaven.

a. Dismas. (Go to 2)

b. Joseph (Move to 40)

11. Jesus tells the story of the Final Judgment in Matthew 25. Those who helped the poor and needy in this life were helping Christ. Those who ignored them were ignoring Our Lord. The first group – the sheep – belong on God’s right. The second – the goats – go to the left. The “sheep” receive heaven; the “goats” go to hell. Now go to 8.

12. The Church’s teaching on hell certainly isn’t “in limbo.” Who’s one human being we know for certain is in hell?

a. Judas (Go to 16)

b. We don’t know. (Head for 28)

13. No, it isn’t just an idea some Catholics came up with. Return to 32.

14. Yes. The Church teaches a general judgment will take place after Christ’s Second Coming, or Parousia. Now head for 20.

15. Wrong. And thank God it’s true. Return to 18.

16. Sometimes we assume Judas or some horrible dictator or serial killer is in hell, but only God can judge. Only God knows. Return to 12.

17. Both answers are correct. The souls in purgatory are still in union with God, even if it is an imperfect union. Also, just as a soul’s time is limited in purgatory, purgatory’s time is limited. The Church teaches it will exist only until the Last Judgment. Now head for 32.

18. Here’s your last question. Is it true that each of our bodies will also rise from the dead and be reunited with our souls at the end of time, after the Final Judgment?

a. No way. That’s common misunderstanding. (Go to 15)

b. Yes, yes, yes! (Head for 26)

19. No. Sorry. Back to 27, please.

20. In Jesus’ parable about the Final Judgment, the sheep are at God’s right hand. What are at God’s left?

a. The rams. (Go to 9)

b. The goats. (Head for 11)

21. As long as we’re tackling thorny issues, let’s examine limbo. What does the catechism have to say about that?

a. It was a false teaching. (Go to 31)

b. Nothing. (Move to 41)

22. Sorry. That list is incomplete. Return to 8.

23. Mary’s assumption into heaven – body and soul – is the only declared exercise of papal infallibility. After consulting with all the bishops of the Church, which pope made this declaration when?

a. Pope Pius IX in 1854. (Go to 7)

b. Pope Pius XII in 1950. (Move to 30)

24. There was a famous Italian poet noted for writing about hell. Who was he?

a. Macchiavelli. (Go to 6)

b. Dante. (Go to 29)

25. Yes. And they’re right – and wrong. It’s in the Catholic Bible but not the Protestant Bible. The reference to purgatory – to the living praying for the dead – is found in 2 Maccabees 12:46. That’s an Old Testament book that Protestant denominations don’t include in their Bible. Now head for 5.

26. How about that? When we say in the creed we believe in the resurrection of the body, we don’t just mean Jesus on Easter. All the dead will rise, the catechism explains (no.998). Now head for 43)

27. In the Apostle’s Creed, we say Jesus descended into hell. What do we mean?

a. The gates of heaven weren’t open until Jesus rose on Easter Sunday. (Go to 19)

b. Jesus went where dead people went. (Move to 36)

28. That’s right. We don’t know. Now head for 39.

29. Yes. This 14th century writer’s Divine Comedy tells the story of a journey through hell, purgatory, and heaven. Now move on to 27.

30. Yes, though the Feast of the Assumption was celebrated by Christians as early as the seventh century. Now head 18.

31. Sorry. Return to 21.

32. “All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified,” explains the "Catechism of the Catholic Church,” are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. The Church gives the name purgatory to this final purification...” (nos. 1030, 1031). What’s a main reason Protestant teaching doesn’t agree with that?

a. The Catholic Church “invented” it. (Head for 13)

b. It’s not Bible-based. (Go to 25)

33. You’re not even warm. Return to 39.

34. Both answers are correct. The souls in purgatory are still in union with God, even if it is an imperfect union. Also, just as a soul’s time is limited in purgatory, purgatory’s time is limited. The Church teaches it will exist only until the Last Judgment. Now head for 32.

35. While still alive, an individual can gain indulgence for himself or herself or for a soul in purgatory. So, this statement is a correct claim regarding indulgences. Return to 5.

36. That’s right. Traditionally, we use the English word hell in that prayer, but it doesn’t refer to what we generally mean by hell. Hell comes from the Teutonic word hela, which means a hidden or covered place. It would be used to refer to a pit, for example, or a dungeon, or a hole. A more accurate team would be lower regions or wherever it was people went after they had died. Now head for 10.

37. Yes. Though purgatory isn’t as commonly talked about (or written about) in recent years, the Church has never stopped teaching that it exists. Now head for 4.

38. You’re right, this statement is an incorrect claim. Indulgences were unfortunately bought and sold to raise money or peddled as get-out-of-hell-free cards for anyone living or dead. It was a scandal that furthered the Protestant Reformation. But, as the Church explains in the catechism, an indulgence is a “remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven.” So nothing can really be bought or sold with regard to Redemption. Now move to 21.

39. Where did we get the idea hell had fire?

a. From Scripture. (Go to 3)

b. From the Hebrew word for hell, which is almost the same as the one for flame. (Move to 33)

40. No. Though we guess he is, Scripture doesn’t say so. Return to 10.

41. Traditionally, limbo was considered the destination of infants who died prior to being baptized. The name comes from the Latin limbus, meaning edge or border. It was thought these souls weren’t in hell or heaven, but on the edge. Theologians have speculated on its existence but the Church has never officially defined it, and it’s not mentioned in the catechism. Now head for 12.

42. No, you’ll have to guess again. Return to 1.

43. When is the Parousia when all this is going to happen? In apostolic times, some people thought Jesus would come again before they died. At the end of the first millenium, others thought the end of the world was at hand. Now, as we approach the year 2000, people are making that claim again.

But we don’t know when Christ will be coming again. It could happen today; it could happen eons from now. What Jesus did tell us is to be prepared for our own death and for the end of time (Mt. 24: 36-51). We “know neither the day nor the hour’) (Mt. 25:13), but by choosing to love and serve God and our neighbor here and now, we ultimately choose heaven.

Quatrains

Millennium I Century 2

Decade I Year 1

Boots, leather and activities related to it will become popular and set trend

Forever be a fashion trademark done among men of each other

Synthetic, fashion forward statement will become a fad

among straight men and women aware of themselves

will be seen as attractive as ever by what they act, wear, say and eat among heterosexual.

Though there is a growing number of homosexuals who mostly likes leather, heterosexual remain still.

All is equal in love and affair.

Year 2

A growing number of gays not bisexual will be felt among the early starters.

Engage in amorous activities but averting disease not spreading and contaging

Will not actively engage in the way of the flesh

Practice the leather trademark, express gayness without being morally wrong & socially unaccepted

Year 3

The days are gone for the glory of prawns

Spawning are averted and breeding has stopped

Trouble has created but not for long

Fine breed emerges out of the dried and dead

Year 4

The monkey laughs while the daffodils are flying,

Out in the meadows they fly beautifully and into the ocean

Monkeys try to catch them but no luck went home crying

Fighting, treachery and murdering between them

Resulting in loss and tragedy

Year 5

The signature specimen does not reflect on the document

It results to chaos, violence and anxiety

Crisis arises and the leader had a hard time resolving

Its a lesson they learned and promise won’t do it again

Year 6

The crooked who laughs and insults shall take its beating

The mob will mock at her and stoned her

Severely injured and dying she will mention her last message

Regrets, hapless but relief reigns soon thereafter

Year 7

The turtle country in the Far East shall see its damnation

It is condemned, punished until the jerks are eradicated

Crisis, extraordinary phenomena, disasters shall all takes pace

When the ground is stained by their blood and all is remains are their ashes, peace will rule over.

Year 8

The rule of blood and royal purple shall cause terror

Chaos and violence is inevitable, betrayal of the weak illegitimate takes place

Execution in shock surprises all then horrifying event takes place

The abandoned, the old and weak remains crying and speechless

Year 9

The long haired with the suit shall blow his sharp sword

The purse and legitimate will be hit but unharmed

Will avenge by the blow and defeat the long haired.

Will shave him and bald-headed

Year 10

Meager and bigger, blood thick

AIDS, HIV and other incurable diseases has now cure

Strange lifestyle occur and though weird still funny and nice

Dream on and imagination will be a reality.

Barack Obama Signs Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy Repeal

WASHINGTON (AP) – Declaring that members of the military will no longer be asked to lie, President Barack Obama fulfilled a campaign promise Wednesday and signed a landmark law repealing the ban on gay men and women serving openly in the armed services.

     "This is a good day," a beaming Obama said. "This is a very good day."

The service chiefs must complete implementation plans before lifting the old policy — and they must certify to lawmakers that it won't damage combat readiness, as critics charge.

But the signing ceremony was a breakthrough moment for the nation's gay community, the military and for Obama himself. The president vowed during his 2008 campaign to repeal the law and faced pressure from liberals who complained he was not acting swiftly enough.

For Obama, it was the second high-profile bill signing ceremony within a week. On Friday, he signed into a law a tax package he negotiated with Republicans that extended Bush-era tax rates for two more years, cut payroll taxes and ensured jobless benefits to the unemployed for another year.

The two events, however, could not have been more different in tone.

The tax deal divided Democrats and forced Obama to accept extensions of tax cuts for the wealthiest, a step he had promised to not take. With Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell at his side, Obama seemed dutiful and subdued.

The signing of the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell" had the feel of a political rally. Speaking in the Interior Department's auditorium, Obama appeared in his element as shouts of "Thank you, Mr. President!" interrupted him.

Obama hailed the "courage and vision" of Defense Secretary Robert Gates and praised Gates and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen, who advocated changing the 17-year-old policy.

"No longer will tens of thousands of Americans in uniform be asked to live a lie, or look over their shoulder in order to serve the country that they love," Obama said.

Quatrains

Millenium I Century 1

Decade X Year 1
The rise of information power and hail to the wind
Your day has come to prove your worth
Anything useful and beneficial shall use you
Everything on land and sea can be free and the wind shall rule divine




Year 2
From sea will come a great power and meet by land on the halfway
Astonish a land so freaking disturbed and unprepared
The power of discovery shall find formula will see amazing result
Retreat be taken if harm has been ensured


Year 3
The boom, the gloom and the doom emerge all
The real power and real failure shall rise and bane
The masses will be taken by either of the fortress
Clashes will continue until the weak dissolves




Year 4
In the year of so much glory and fame,
Wicked and stupid and ignorant shall be insane doubling it number
In addition, possession and the souls of the weak
in faith and pervert shall be taken away by the demon
Glory to the wise, the learned and the open minded


Year 5
Gallipoli will admire and kneel before you Estrella,
Droves of people will come and live with you
The Danes and the Welsh try to conquer you
Everyone loves you and everything has been done to help you.


Year 6
The quagmire quadrant will be a puzzle
The tricky shrewd problem if answered correctly shall bring wealth and prosperity
It will give doom or death to those who fail to answer it correctly
It is required for everyone who will undergo a test of his fate.


Year 7
The pluck of a string gives sound to events unfolding
The daffodils flying in the cool lonely airs seems suggesting the feeling
The mist in the early dawn brings a rebirth of the forsaken one.
Brings astonishment, innovation and wander brings auspicious benefits.


Year 8
Years before a century, creepy inventions shall bring both horror and amazement
When the dead will rise, act, thinks, feels and say he does when lived before
Frankenstein of the modern times will become a reality
Need not be mortified but glorified, enjoyed and proved beneficial




Year 9
A decade or two, warfare of arms and materials will be a thing of the past,
forever gone & forsaken
Enemies will fight by the word of mouth, insults and embarrassment.
Psychologically, the war of the mouth will harm but temporary
Truce or cordiality will be afforded by both parties.
Dancing and singing will happen once the war ends


Year 10
Anything paper will be a trend, essential and luxury
The wheel of fortune has finally rolled, and is unfolding
The wealthy dreams of being poor becomes the poor, beggar and the indigent,
the poor dreams of being rich becomes affluent, influential and wealthy
The swift of justice brings the sweet fruit of labor and perseverance

A Test On The Blessed

How well do you remember the Beatitudes?

   What’s the secret to becoming a better person, a person who continues to grow spiritually? There’s no secret. Jesus tells us how in Matthew 5:1-12 – the Beatitudes. How much do you know about these keys to leading a fuller Christian life? Begin with No. 1 and follow the directions.


1. Let’s start with an easy question. How many Beatitudes are there?
a. Ten. (Go to 21)
b. Eight. (Head for 34)


2. The seventh Beatitude has to do with making peace while the eight reminds us about what?
a. Following God’s will can cost us. (Head for 9)
b. Be honest in all things. (Go to 27)


3. In the fifth Beatitude, Jesus says those who show mercy will receive mercy. At Mass, when do we publicly agree to the deal Jesus is offering?
a. The Our Father. (Move to 8)
b. The Nicene Creed. (Head for 26)


4. You’re right. That’s another name for the kingdom of God. Matthew is the only Evangelist to use “kingdom of heaven” – following the Jewish custom of showing deep reverence by avoiding saying (or writing) God’s name. Now head for 25.


5. Yes. Does that sound familiar? It should. We’re back where we started. The first and last Beatitudes have the same pledge from Christ: the kingdom of heaven. Now head for 43.


6. What’s promised to “the clean of heart” ?
a. They will see God. (Head for 15)
b. They will be called children of God. (Go to 39)


7. Right. Not prime real estate, but “the land of milk and honey”. Salvation and eternal life. And no property taxes on it. Now head for 19.


8. Every time we say “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” To the degree that we forgive – show mercy – to others, we ask God to have mercy on us. Now move on to 6.


9. That’s right. In the last Beatitude, Jesus has a promise for those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Now move on to your final question, 38.


10. Sorry. “They will be filled.” Return to 41.


11. That was a long answer! Let’s try a short one. What are the “poor in spirit” promised?


a. The kingdom of heaven. (Go to 4)
b. They will be comforted. (Move to 33)


12. No, that sounds more like self-righteousness. Return to 18.


13. Both answers are correct. Where Matthew has “poor in spirit,” Luke writes simply “poor”. And where Matthew has eight Beatitudes, Luke has only four. Scripture scholars consider Luke’s first three “authentic” and believe the fourth comes from the early Church. Matthew has added four based on Psalms. Does this mean Matthew’s aren’t genuine? Of course it doesn’t. The verses reflect what Jesus taught, what the crowds heard, even if we don’t know, for example, if He was on a mount or a plain. Despite the differences between the two Evangelists’ writing, Jesus’ message is the same. Now move on to 11.


14. Oh, no. Return to 25.


15. Good for you. Now head for 30.


16. Correct. Each Beatitude describes a condition or way of behaving (hungering and thirsting for righteousness, being merciful, being pure of heart) and what particular grace that hardship will bring. Now go to 24.


17. Yes, the word means to both console and to invite to a banquet. Jesus is inviting to his table those who mourn. But that word means even more. It can also be translated as encourage, excite, or urge. Those who mourn can become God’s helpers – can become witnesses to the truth Jesus is teaching. Those who mourn can have their hearts set on fire with God’s love. Now go on to 41.


18. The fourth Beatitude, a la Matthew, is gentler, more lenient, than Luke’s. Luke writes of those who are now “hungry”. Period. Matthew’s version refers to those who “hunger and thirsts for righteousness”. What does righteousness mean?


a. Strongly convinced of our own goodness. (Head for 12)
b. Living in accordance with God’s will. (Move to 23)


19. No, Jesus isn’t telling the clean of heart they’re going to have visions here on earth. Return to 30.


20. Yes, but our word meek doesn’t really describe the virtue Jesus was praising. In Scripture, the Greek praus – meaning meek or gentle – referred to a person who had a positive attitude toward God and others, not to someone with no self-esteem or backbone. Jesus wasn’t saying “Blessed are the wishy-washy.” Now move on to 32.


21. No. Return to 1.


22. Ultimately. The Beatific Vision – the blessed, happy sight – is seeing God. That immediate knowledge of God is heaven. Now go on to 2.


23. Correct. When St. John Chrysostom (c. 347- 407) wrote about this Beatitude, he said righteousness is the “the whole of virtue” – following God’s will is following all virtues. And, he noted, we aren’t supposed to merely work at being righteous but “hunger and thirst” for it. Now go on to 3.


24. The Gospel of Luke has a similar list of Beatitudes from Jesus’ “Sermon on the Plain” (6:20-49). That version has:


a. Half as many Beatitudes. (Go to 13)
b. Less “wiggle room” for us when it comes to poverty. (Head for 37)


25. When Matthew explains those who mourn will be comforted, he uses the Greek word paraklein. That does, indeed, mean console, but it also means:


a. Wreak vengeance on one’s enemies. (Head for 14)
b. Invite to a banquet. (Go to 17)


26. No. Return to 3.


27. No, that would be the Eighth Commandment about not bearing false witness. Return to 2.


28. How can we be happy if we are poor, if we are mourning, if we are persecuted?


a. Jesus said for every hardship involved in serving God, there is also a blessing. (Head for 16)
b. Jesus was not speaking in literal terms. (Go to 42)


29. Following the Beatitudes is a path to holiness but, no, that isn’t what the word itself means. Return to 40.


30. But what does “see God” mean?


a. Be blessed with visions of Our Lord. (Move to 19)
b. Get to heaven. (Head for 22)


31. Yes. It comes from the Latin beatitude, which means happiness. Some translations of the Bible use “blessed” while others say “happy”: happy are those who mourn, happy are the meek, and so on. Now head for 28.


32. Someone who is meek in the biblical sense isn’t a person who never gets angry. Rather, he or she knows when to get angry and how to get angry. Jesus described Himself as “meek and humble of heart” (Mt. 11:29), but He could get angry. An example is when He drove the money changers from the Temple in John 2:15. So what’s in store for those who practice this virtue? The earth. That means:


a. The Promised Land. (Go to 7)
b. Real estate. (Head for 36)


33. No, it’s those who mourn who will be comforted. Return to 11.


34. That’s right. Ready for a harder one? Move on to 40.


35. No. Return to 38.


36. You’re kidding. Right? Return to 32.


37. Both answers are correct. Where Matthew has “poor in spirit”, Luke writes “poor”. And where Matthew has eight Beatitudes, Luke has only four. Scripture scholars consider Luke’s first three “authentic” and believe the fourth comes from the early Church. Matthew has added four based on the Psalms. Does this mean Matthew’s aren’t genuine? Of course, it doesn’t. The verses reflect what Jesus taught, what the crowds heard, even if we don’t know, for example, if He was on a mount or a plain. Despite the differences between the two Evangelists’ writing, Jesus’ message in the same. Now move on to 11.


38. What is that promise? What’s in store for those who are persecuted?


a. “Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Move to 5)
b. “They will be consoled.” (Go to 35)


39. No, those are the peacemakers. Return to 6.


40. What does the word beatitude mean?


a. It means holy. (Move to 29)
b. It means happy. (Go to 31)


41. The third Beatitude says who will inherit the earth?


a. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. (Head for 10)
b. The meek. (Move to 20)


42. No. The Church teaches that Jesus meant exactly what He was saying. Return to 28.


43. When the Church celebrates All Saints Day on November 1, it uses the Beatitudes for the Gospel reading at Mass. That only makes sense. Our saints are those among us who have lived these eight keys to holiness and true happiness.
       Let’s close by paraphrasing the Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraphs 1716, 1718): Beatitudes are at heart of Jesus’ preaching. They respond to the natural desire for happiness. This desire is of divine origin: God has placed it in the human heart to draw humankind to the One who alone can fulfill it.

Answers To Can You Identify These Biblical Fathers?

1. h 2. l   3. f  4. e 5. c 6. a. 7. k 8. j 9. g 10. b 11. d 12. i

Philippines Most Stunning Victory in Soccer Football Happened in AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 in Vietnam

        The Philippines stunning upset over ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup Defending Champion Vietnam last Tuesday, December 8, 2010 is the most shocking upset in the history of southeast Asia's football. In what could have been the most exciting match of the tournament, the Philippines' winning over Vietnam 2-0 is the most celebrated and winningest victory of the country in an international football tournament. In a country where boxing is the most watched by Filipinos and basketball is the most played anywhere and football the world's most popular sport is ironically a shadow sport in the country where there is a lack of support and funding, the Philippines winning gain the attention of no less than the President Benigno Aquino III himself that he gave his presidential approval to their performance and gaining the attention of Filipinos. Philippines' draw against Myanmar in the final game of Group B will see Philippines for the final four competing against each other for the first time in the AFF Suzuki Cup. Seven of the players are native of Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo and the rest are either foreign born Filipinos or native of other cities and provinces. The team will be leaving tonight, December 14 and will seek action on the semifinals round of the home and away game against Indonesia in Jakarta on December 16, 2010

He Who Laughs Lasts

Some US Congressmen were given a history test. These were some of the most outrageous answers:


1. Where is Ancient Egypt?
Answer: Ancient Egypt is in the Sarah Dessert. It is inhabited by mummies who write in hydraulics.


2. Who are the Greeks?
Answer: The Greeks are a highly sculptured people. The Greeks gave us myths. A myth is a female moth.


3. Who is Socrates?
Answer: He was a famous Greek philosopher who died from an overdose of wedlock.


4. Who is Moses?
Answer: Moses climbed Mt. Cyanide to get the Ten Commandments. He died before arriving in the Promised Land, which is Canada.


5. Who is King Solomon?
Answer: Solomon had three hundred wives and seven hundred porcupines. Some guys are just luckier than others.


6. Who is Joan of Arc?
Answer: She was burned to a steak until she was well done.


7. Who is William Shakespeare?
Answer: He is the most famous writer of the Renaissance. He wrote tragedies, comedies, and hysterectomies.


8. Who is John Milton?
Answer: John Milton wrote Paradise Lost. Then he lost his wife, so he wrote Paradise Regained.


9. Who is Miguel Cervantes?
Answer: He wrote Donkey Hote.


10. Who is Sir Francis Drake?
Answer: He circumcised the world with a 100-foot clipper.


11. Who is Abraham Lincoln?
Answer: He is American’s greatest Precedent. He was born in a log cabin which he built with his own hands.


12. Who is Benjamin Franklin?
Answer: He discovered electricity by rubbing two cats backwards as he declared “a horse divided against itself cannot stand.” He died of electrocution.


Take time to smile and laugh. Joy is a foretaste of heaven.

Miss Earth 2010: My Favorites For The Earthly Throne Part 1/5

     The eyes of the world are focused on one destination. Get ready to experience a fiesta of all things beautiful as we travel to exotic Vietnam. Here, the most gorgeous women across the planet are gearing up for the opportunity of a lifetime. They come from all parts of the globe to compete for one chance, one title and nothing will stand on their way. At the end of the night, one of them will become Miss Earth. Live this Saturday, December 4, 2010 at VinPearl Land Resort, Nha Trang, Vietnam, its Miss Earth 2010. Wearing their swimsuits, let's meet my favorites for the crown.

The Mythical Five

1. Slovenia - Ines Draganovic

2. Denmark - Sandra Vester

3. Norway - Iman Kerigo

4. Puerto Rico - Yeidy Bosques

5. India - Nicole Faria

Miss Earth 2010: My Favorites For The Earthly Throne Part 2/5

X-Factor Threat

6. Venezuela - Maria Angela Bonanni

7. Italy - Ilenia Arnolfo

8. Ecuador - Jennifer Stephanie Pazmino

9. Australia - Kelly Louise Maguire

10. Chile - Pamela Soprani Reyes