12-02-2009 This is Father Ishmael. I know; it seems like a misnomer. When he became a Brother, he was given this name because his mother was Catholic and his father was Muslim. His work as a Priest has an emphasis on evangelizing. He recently returned from Algeria (where it is illegal to evangelize). I could have listened to this man talk through the night. I'm convinced he is s living saint. I've never heard a perspective like his on the relationship between the "Children of Abraham". He had spent three years in awe of the hunger among the young people of Algiers. Yet all they know of Christianity is what Hollywood presents. What they hate about our western culture is our apparent disregard for God. Father Ishmael was teaching in an Islamic University. Those who knew he was a Priest were deeply moved when they learned that he spends two hours per day in adoration. The bottom line of his talk tonight....It is human nature to be attracted to what is good and to love. So here I am at home now, our President on the television speaking about "strategies" against "those who use violence". If Father Ishmael is right, we are barking up the wrong tree by fighting fire with fire. I don't know what the answer is, but I'm convinced our leaders haven't found it yet either. I don't think Islam will be moved by the strong arm of the Western world, but only by a people who make their love for God apparent to the world. People who are called to prayer five times per day will only be moved by a loyalty to God that parallels their own. (I hope that nobody finds this commentary offensive. It's not intended to be. I was just so drawn in by Father Ishmael's unique experience.) Anyway....off my soap box now. Thank you every body for your comments on "Lifestyles of the Penniless and the Ordinary". Further exploration with Tiny is forthcoming. It may not be the most amazing photography in the world. But I'm on a mission to have some fun.

12/01/2009 Welcome to Lifestyles of the Penniless and the Ordinary. I'm Tiny, your host. Join me as I embark on an exclusive exploration of the DiCarlo's fireplace mantle where we will discover the dying jade plants and the permanent home of Saint Joseph. We may even get a look at what's in the basket. So put on your exploring paws and let's start touring.