Here are some movies/documentaries that may be of interest to you.

13 Aug 23 The New York Times journalists Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor publish a report that exposes decades of sexual abuse allegations against powerful Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. Directed by Maria Schrader. Based on the New York Times and Book “She Said” by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey. NewYork, 2022: Universal Studios. 137 min. (“following one month of the report, 82 women accused Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault”. 13 Jul 23 Riceboy Sleeps. A Korean single mother raises her teenage son in the suburbs or 1990’s Canada, determined to provide a better life for him than what she left behind. Written and directed by Anthony Shim. Telefilm Canada, The Harold Greenberg Fund, BC. 2022. 122 min. 9 May 23 Kalinga (Care) The stories of several Filipino caregivers and nannies in Vancouver, that bear witness to their sacrifices as they struggle to reunite with their own children and families. Director/Writer: Kent Donguines. National Screen Institute. BC. 37 min. I did go see Barbie and men like it too. I would use this movie for educational purposes as well as entertainment. When I left the theatre I wondered how many countries would banish the movie. So far two have. I expect more where equality is an issue. What I enjoyed the most was the laughter of children in the audience when the Kens dance instead of fighting. When an entire theatre of children laugh with such delight it is the best music and medicine.

My Toshiba product. Did you know?

I was wondering what I was going to talk about today. More theology? Not today, perhaps later in the week. Psychology? Not today, planning seminars for October. IA intelligence? Not today. I have notes, but am in a sluggish mood. Why? Because it is muggy out and I turned off the air conditioning so I can get some fresh air in here since it will be my last day of bearable weather. Who knew it would make me sluggish? It could be the dampness or rain or both. Yup. I blame it on the weather. Or, can it be because I increased my exercises? YUp. Or can it be because I am simply tired? Yes, that’s it. I knew I could figure it out. So, what do I do when I am feeling sluggish? Complain of course. About politics? Not today. That is too much. I will tell you about my shopping experience. That’s it. I went to Home Depot and bought a “Smart” dehumidifier. They didn’t have much of a selection, so I bought the cheapest at $238.00. I do buy Japanese but do not buy Chinese, remember. I try not to buy anything from countries that spy on us. Guess what? A quick web check indicates that Japan sold 95% to China. Really? Anyhow, it is working quite fine. It is cute as well. I tried to register it on line with an American Company which allows you to register the product within 30 days. But, there is one little problem. It won’t let me register from Canada. I tried several times but it just won’t let me. So, I send an email to Toshiba and I am told by Singapore that I cannot register my product from Canada. So, I give it a few days because I am annoyed. So, today I examine all the paper work and call the States where the product was shipped from, I suppose. My call is answered and it is automated and asks how was my experience from 1 to 5. I give them a 1 because there is no zero. Then I am asked if the agent helped me and solved my problem. Guess what I gave them. Then I am asked if I would recommend the product. Care to guess again? Then it allows me to speak for 30 seconds and so I quickly tell them what happened and how I never got to talk to an agent and I was going to try one more time. I did and viola, I get an agent. What’s more she is efficient and professional with a tad of an accent and not American. I am talking to West Caldwell, NJ. Hey, maybe it is an American accent. What do I know? Unless they are far, far South, I can’t quite be sure. Naw, I can tell when it is Brooklyn. Enough already. I do love the American accent. It doesn’t have to be too south. I hear it in New York, as I said. So, I am assured as I give her all the info she requests that I am registered for my one year warranty. I only had to say the numbers and letters once and she was able to repeat it all correctly the first time (except for my email). That does not happen here people. I have to repeat and repeat and repeat. So, for that part I am impressed. However, I should have been able to register on line. How hard is it to put Canada in there and province? I mean I am buying a product from my American neighbour. It should be easy. The next day after I bought my product, I went to Canadian Tire and guess what? They had a much cheaper dehumidifier. Did I learn from this shopping experience? Yup. Will my dehumidifier last? Probably - but if not I will let Home Depot deal with it. I feel almost fully awake. I do want to talk about Artificial Intelligence. Some good stuff came my way from a session in the good all USA. Now, normally I find Americans quite fun but this time I was having fun and I was about the only one. They were such a serious bunch which is new to me. One asked the question what would I (meaning the world) want to see in the future from Artificial intelligence. I typed out “the perfect man” in the chat line. Guess what? Not one chuckle. Come on, isn’t that funny? Imagine the perfect man. Oh well. Good Talk. Mr Attitude is bugging me for food again. This guy eats like you wouldn’t believe and he has constant dry food, but no he wants gourmet food at least once a day and my choice for him twice a day (wet food). That doesn’t even count his treats. He’s 21 and eats for twice his size and attitude. You know what? I have a huge, and I mean huge beautiful dog, who moved in next door and she demands treats from me too. I am being controlled by the animals in my life. Help! Anyhow, it is coffee time. That might just do the trick. Later. Oh, today I asked Alexa if Artificial Intelligence is going to take over the world. She assured me that she is only trying to help. She does a good job too. The sun is coming out.......I am awake.

Hawaii has asked for prayers. Of course..........done!

It is with a breaking heart watching the devestation and suffering that has happened. Prayers and thoughts are with everyone there.

The Internet Murders www.silvaredigonda.ca

Francis was sitting at his back patio. He was feeding some poor cat. He had seen this one trying to get into his room, by the back window. The cat would perch on his windowsill and stare at him for hours while he was reading. He was very cute with two shades of browns and a tiny face that looked like a bat. He had two fangs that protruded. “What should I call you? Vampire?” Francis walked back towards the kitchen entrance. It was still too cold to sit out for long. He was waiting for one day when he could just sit on the back porch, without a coat. He suddenly felt like grilling on the BBQ. Yes he would do that in the summer, if it ever came. It was still freezing and it was the end of March. The sun was bright on most days, however, and that was welcoming for the spirit. The vampire kitty was forgotten as Francis wondered about the weather. He didn’t notice the little vampire following him into the house and entering the kitchen. He jumped up onto the table where there was cream for Mrs. Delany’s tea. Mrs. Delany screamed when she saw the bundle of fur, and the vampire fled running into Francis’ bedroom. “Oh my God in heaven! A big rat? What was that?” exclaimed Mrs. Delany. Francis began to laugh and laugh. For some reason the entire episode of the cat entering and jumping onto the table, and hearing Mrs. Delany scream, was the first time in a long time that anything struck him as funny. He laughed so hard that tears overwhelmed him. “Mrs. Delany. Please, some coffee for me and some of your lovely scones, and a bit of milk and some food for Holy Terror.” “Who is Holy Terror?” “The new member of our little family. You just met the little cat. I guess he needs a home and I do not think St. Francis would have kicked him out once he entered his home. What do you think Mrs. Delany?” Mrs. Delany did not like cats, especially in the house and never on a table. Fr. Francis was not a real saint, though he seemed to be, so many times. However, she had not heard Fr. Francis laugh in such a long time. God had sent Holy Terror to help him and who was she to argue with God. She would have to find out what they ate. In the meantime, there was some tuna …. She found an old soup bowl that was never used and poured some milk into it. She slowly bent to carefully place it on the floor. Fr. Francis moved quickly to help her. Excerpt From: Silva Redigonda. “The Internet Murders.”

Eschatology notes continues

God’s grace is victory over evil. Reality we are living now - each of these poles has eschatology reality in the Christian life. The very cross is a tension. Tension. Eschatology humanity is part of our reality. Traditionally, physically in focus. Abstract, talking about end of the world. Augustine’s restless heart - he anticipates that restlessness will be gone with eschatology. Lonergan four basic desires: (part of restless heart, Augustine). 1. Desire to know - will never be fulfilled in this world. Cannot quit asking questions. 2. Desire for rectitude (justice). Why did the person get the job? He didn’t deserve it. If I have something good, I want to do it. Everyone should have food; home. 3. Desire for happiness. 4. Desire for immortality. A time name after saints. Now donors, because they want to leave a legacy. We don’t think it is natural for death, full stop. This is anthropological - because raised more questions. Beatific Vision (part of restless heart, Augustine) All the questions that you have, will be answered in the Beatific vision. What we think is justice; God’s may be very different. The last will be first. Not all questions will be answered so we have this hope - one day…. To be continued with Ernst Block 1885- 1977

Peel Committee Against Woman Abuse. Continues……A Child’s Safety Plan and Violent Episode - Concludes and my concluding thoughts

Have your child choose a safe/room place in the house with lock and phone in the room. Have children get out of the room where the abuse is occurring. Emphasize the importance of being safe and that it is not the child’s responsibility to protect the mother. Teach your child how to call for help and not to do it in front of the abusive parent as it may place them at risk. Teach your child how to use a cell phone, or go to a neighbour. Teach them how to contact the police. Children should learn their full name and address. Pick a safe place to meet outside the home after the situation is safe. During a Violent Incident: Remind yourself of your emergency plan. Get out and call 911. Try to move to a space where the risk is lowest. Use your code name with your children so they can call for help. When or after you are assaulted call 911. Make as much noice as possible so neighbours may call police. I have taken the salient points above to address. Abusive partners may come across as very personable to others while they try to gather information. I cannot stress enough that the police are there to protect you. Often people who are abused are convinced by their abusers that the police cannot be trusted. They are trying to maintain their control. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask. This plan was designed by women for women. I help all people regardless of gender etc.....This plan can help anyone who needs it, even if it provokes thoughts. Last fall when I attended the men's conference, an American man spoke about his abuse suffered by his physician wife. When the police came they couldn't take it seriously and yet he was almost killed. The man was trembling as a result of the trauma he had sustained which I see more frequently in women. I told him that I take all forms of abuse seriously and that he should have complained about the police if they did nothing. He actually did afterwards. There has been some anti police attitudes within the last years and I have seen the damage it does. Police are there to enforce laws that society deems necessary for the safety of all. It can be difficult for emergency services to consistenly be exposed to the ugliness of what people do. That is why it is very important for them to step back and contemplate what is happening around them and themselves. Self care is so important. The police are consistently scrutinized and therefore they often feel pressure. There are so many out there who become emergency response people because they actually love people. I have been one of those. There is much to gain for criminals to convince others how horrible the police are. Abusers are criminals and domestic situations are very serious and very dangerous. If you see anyone being abused call the police. It can be very dangerous if you interfere. The police are trained how to deal with these characters. Remember that a parent is responsible for protecting their child and if the child is not protected than authorities need to be notified. As a therapist I am obligated and regulated to report child abuse. Surround your self with nature, take time to reflect your own future. Be mindful of the honeymoon effect which I have written about in the past. No one has the right to try to control anyone else. People are not property and neither are children.

Signing at Coptic Centre - Heads Up

I will be at the Coptic Centre 26 Aug 23 signing and selling books and of course getting close and personal, but not too close. If you are in Mississauga, why not come and say hello?