The Jig

We Are ND!

Mom and Steve do an Irish Jig. I'm not sure why...I think this was the day we were supposed to beat USC. Lou, where are you?

-CHC

A winning hand!

Nice Cut!

Nora shows us her winning Euchre hand. What a victory!

-CHC

A Thanksgiving Picture

Walter, Leah, Steve, and Nora

Welcome to LAX

The Longest Security Line In History

How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb

It's been a long time since I really looked forward to a cd release. I've been waiting for this one for a while, and let me tell you that it was well worth it. It is already available on the I-tunes music store, and wow. Just wow. Now I know what I'm listening to on the plane ride home.

See you in Michigan!

-chc

The Clean-Up

Terry Sweeps

Here is the solid evidence that we do clean the convent (Oops, I mean parish center) after our events.

An Early Thanksgiving Feast!

From the left: Nabor, Dora, and Ingrid enjoy the turkey dinner.

The YAM Thanksgiving party was a huge success. Thanks to everyone who helped out with the planning and set up.

Don't worry. Contrary to popular belief, there have been no reported cases of food poisoning.

-chc

What? You have to cook the turkey?

An audio post about getting ready for Thanksgiving...

John Michael Talbot Concert

I just got back from an outstanding John Michael Talbot concert that was sponsored by one of our local parishes. It was quite a show, and we had a good turnout from St. Finbar people.

He played a lot of general songs that everyone knew, then did some of his most popular ones. I even recognized a couple of things from the tapes (yes, tapes) we had years ago. He must have one of the most calming voices in the world, and it was a prefect concert for me after a busy day at work.

-chc

Another Win

Go Irish!

Here is a picture with Andy, Jennifer, and Sean after a game. We thought we would be cool and walk around downtown Burbank with some school spirit.

Celebrity Sighting...Almost

I haven't really seen many famous people since I've been out here. Either I'm not in the right place at the right time, or I don't recognize them. More than once I've had a friend say, "Did you see ______ back there? How could you have missed him/her?"

Case in point. Yesterday Mandy Moore walked right by me. She must have come within a foot of where I was sitting, but I was busy talking to someone and didn't even look up. After she was long gone someone said, " You didn't even notice Mandy Moore, did you?"

My response: "What, she was here?"

Sorry Steve, I'll give her your number next time...

-chc

What is with those Red States?

I've been hearing it over and over again for the past few days. What is wrong with the people in those red states? How can they be so dumb? They've all been brainwashed by the Evangelical Christians and the far right. Don't they know that the rest of the world wanted Kerry to win?

If you find yourself seriously pondering any of the above statements, I ask you to also consider this: The people in those red states voted their conscience, just like everyone else. They're opinions are just as educated and as those on our "enlightened coastlines." They are not brainwashed any more than those who buy into a liberal agenda.

Living in LA for the past year I've begun to really notice the great divide between conservative and liberal ideologies. Many of the people I've talked with simply can't understand how anyone in their right mind could vote for Bush. They can't comprehend that the worldview of most Americans is different from their own.

Lets call it the "Red State Worldview." It's not a crazy rant put forth by the far right to brainwash the masses. It's the belief system held by most Americans. It's a system that values life and liberty and that upholds the freedom of religion and speech. It champions the American Dream and the noble work ethic that allowed millions of immigrants to find a better life. I don't even think my friends in the great blue state of California can disagree with this.

So where's the problem again?

-chc

A Great Trip

Has it already been two weeks since I made a trip back to South bend for the BC game? I guess it has.

I had a great time visiting my family and old roommates, and it was awesome to be back at ND for the weekend. Pictures will follow as soon as I get them developed. I need to finish the roll first so don't count on them anytime soon. Dad posted a great picture under the "bill" link--I hope mine come out that well.

Besides having a great time visiting everyone, the other exciting news is that I got bumped on my way back to LA. Just for the trouble of jumping on a bus instead of a plane (South Bend to Chicago), I've got a free round trip ticket anywhere in the continental US. My family has kindly reminded me not to loose this voucher like I did that last one. I swear I put that other one in a really safe place. I think the Leprechauns must have stolen it.

-chc