1,000 = 1.000
0.36 = 0,36
Sunday, August 25, 2013
French Lesson #2
For our second French lesson, like our second German lesson, we will be learning our numbers!
In French, like German, the commas and periods are switched.
1,000 = 1.000
0.36 = 0,36
1,000 = 1.000
0.36 = 0,36
German Lesson #2
This week, for our second German lesson, we will be learning numbers. Hopefully all of you paid attention to the alphabet lesson because that will come in handy later.
Next lesson, we will learn how to do simple math in German.
Helpful Hint - In German, the periods and commas are opposite how we use them in English. For example, 1,000 in German is 1.000 while 0.20 in German is 0,20.
Helpful Hint - In German, the periods and commas are opposite how we use them in English. For example, 1,000 in German is 1.000 while 0.20 in German is 0,20.
Scientific Breakthrough in Schizophrenia
Recently, a group of psychologists released an article in Neuron describing what has been termed as a scientific breakthrough in regards to schizophrenia. In this article, Dr. Lena Palaniyappan, described how she and her team of researchers have found what may possibly be the cause of delusions and other psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations, in schizophrenic patients.
The psychotic symptoms exhibited by schizophrenic patients has, through this research, been linked to a so-called faulty brain switch that enables the mind to switch between objective reality and their inner thoughts. Objective reality is how we see the world through our own mental filters and is shaped by our past conditioning. This switch between the insula and the lateral frontal cortex, when functioning properly, is what allows humans to switch from inner thoughts to what is happening around them. When the switch isn't properly functioning, as in schizophrenic patients, the mind's inner voice becomes reality for the affected person. That is, they begin to hear and see things in their reality that in a normal functioning person, is kept strictly inside the mind.
The insula is the part of the brain where our inner thoughts and fantasies take place. It is kept in check by the lateral frontal cortex. In the study, drug use was also shown to disrupt the lateral frontal cortex's ability to keep the insula in check. That is, those who used recreational drugs such as marijuana, also experienced hallucinations and delusions because of the disruption between these two key components of the brain.
Another conclusion from this particular study is that the researchers believe that schizophrenia occurs because of underdevelopment of the brain while in the womb and during early childhood. Studies conducted comparing the brains of schizophrenic patients and healthy individuals, researchers discovered that the insula in schizophrenic patients have smooth, folding patterns covering this particular region of the brain. This particular appearance of the insula gives the impression that the insula is underdeveloped.
This study concluded that whereas normal patients can swift effortlessly from their insula to their lateral frontal cortex, those with schizophrenia cannot. They exhibit little to no control over their lateral frontal cortex.
With the findings of this study, it is believed that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be the best method of treatment for those with schizophrenia. This form of treatment, which is about to go into its early trial stages, uses magnetic pulses to stimulate malfunctioning brain regions. It may possibly be able to the stimulate the malfunctioning 'switch' between the insula and frontal lateral cortex. With further testing, it is possible that there may soon be an effective, side-affect free treatment for schizophrenic patients.
Currently, only 20 percent of those with schizophrenia, which is the most common, severe psychological disorder in the world, make a full recovery. If TMS is successful, it is believed that the successful recovery of schizophrenic patients will become more common.
Links:
Article Published in Reuters
Psych Central Article
 |
| A Map of the Brain |
The psychotic symptoms exhibited by schizophrenic patients has, through this research, been linked to a so-called faulty brain switch that enables the mind to switch between objective reality and their inner thoughts. Objective reality is how we see the world through our own mental filters and is shaped by our past conditioning. This switch between the insula and the lateral frontal cortex, when functioning properly, is what allows humans to switch from inner thoughts to what is happening around them. When the switch isn't properly functioning, as in schizophrenic patients, the mind's inner voice becomes reality for the affected person. That is, they begin to hear and see things in their reality that in a normal functioning person, is kept strictly inside the mind.
 |
| The Insula |
The insula is the part of the brain where our inner thoughts and fantasies take place. It is kept in check by the lateral frontal cortex. In the study, drug use was also shown to disrupt the lateral frontal cortex's ability to keep the insula in check. That is, those who used recreational drugs such as marijuana, also experienced hallucinations and delusions because of the disruption between these two key components of the brain.
Another conclusion from this particular study is that the researchers believe that schizophrenia occurs because of underdevelopment of the brain while in the womb and during early childhood. Studies conducted comparing the brains of schizophrenic patients and healthy individuals, researchers discovered that the insula in schizophrenic patients have smooth, folding patterns covering this particular region of the brain. This particular appearance of the insula gives the impression that the insula is underdeveloped.
 |
| An Underdeveloped Toddler Brain |
This study concluded that whereas normal patients can swift effortlessly from their insula to their lateral frontal cortex, those with schizophrenia cannot. They exhibit little to no control over their lateral frontal cortex.
With the findings of this study, it is believed that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be the best method of treatment for those with schizophrenia. This form of treatment, which is about to go into its early trial stages, uses magnetic pulses to stimulate malfunctioning brain regions. It may possibly be able to the stimulate the malfunctioning 'switch' between the insula and frontal lateral cortex. With further testing, it is possible that there may soon be an effective, side-affect free treatment for schizophrenic patients.
 |
| TMS Treatment |
Currently, only 20 percent of those with schizophrenia, which is the most common, severe psychological disorder in the world, make a full recovery. If TMS is successful, it is believed that the successful recovery of schizophrenic patients will become more common.
Links:
Article Published in Reuters
Psych Central Article
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
German Lesson #1
The other language that I think is just amazing is German or Deutsch as they like to call it! Now, I don't speak German, but my lovely friend, Cassie, does! She's going to be helping me with these posts since she speaks German herself.
The lesson for today is similar to the for French - the German alphabet. And for added fun, there is also a German alphabet song.
The lesson for today is similar to the for French - the German alphabet. And for added fun, there is also a German alphabet song.
French Lesson #1
So, I've recently developed a scary obsession with French. It's a beautiful language and it's considered one of the most cultured in the world! Everyone loves the French. What isn't there to love about France? There are cafes, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Versailles, and so much more!
Anyway, I thought I would share some French with you guys at least once a week. It really isn't a hard language to learn once you get the basics down! Today's lesson will be an easy one: the French alphabet. Here's a little youtube clip of the French alphabet!
So, practice that alphabet tonight and tomorrow we will do numbers!
Anyway, I thought I would share some French with you guys at least once a week. It really isn't a hard language to learn once you get the basics down! Today's lesson will be an easy one: the French alphabet. Here's a little youtube clip of the French alphabet!
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's Family Portraits
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge recently released two new family portraits that had been taken at the Duchess of Cambridge's parents' home and snapped by her parents. The portraits are a royal first in their informality - making the royal couple seem just like everyone else. What do you guys think of the new family portraits?
 |
| Kate, Will, George, Luppo, and Tilly |
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Angels vs. Humans
There is a misconception among many people that when you die, you become an angel. This isn't true. I understand where this urban legend comes from. One has only to look at television or children's books to understand why so many people believe this lie.
For starters, how many television shows have you watched were a person dies, goes to Heaven, and gets their wings? I know that I have seen plenty of shows, a lot of cartoons, and some movies where the instant a person dies, they either become an angel or have to earn their spot as an angel. This isn't the case.
Humans do not become angels. According to the Bible, only one human has ever become an angel. Not only do humans not become angels, but angels do not look like humans. Books and television like to make us believe that angels and men have the same features, but we do not. Angels are more in touch with their godlike powers; in fact, they are referred to as semi-gods with God being the head. Angels have different proportions than humans - the most noticeable being that their heads are bigger.
The second problem with this notion is that there are no female angels. Popular culture has led us to believe that angels are women, but they aren't. Anyone who has ever read the Bible knows that, while Zechariah 5:9 alludes to possible female angels, it cannot be confirmed. The rest of the Bible; however, makes a point that angels are only male.
I don't understand why our culture has such a fascination with wanting to be angels. We find out in the Book of Revelations that humans are God's favorites and the reason for Lucifer's failed rebellion and subsequent fall from Heaven. Why would you want to be an angel when you are already God's favorite?
Links:
Online Bible
| A Depiction of Michael the Archangel |
For starters, how many television shows have you watched were a person dies, goes to Heaven, and gets their wings? I know that I have seen plenty of shows, a lot of cartoons, and some movies where the instant a person dies, they either become an angel or have to earn their spot as an angel. This isn't the case.
Humans do not become angels. According to the Bible, only one human has ever become an angel. Not only do humans not become angels, but angels do not look like humans. Books and television like to make us believe that angels and men have the same features, but we do not. Angels are more in touch with their godlike powers; in fact, they are referred to as semi-gods with God being the head. Angels have different proportions than humans - the most noticeable being that their heads are bigger.
| Lucifer in his Angel Form |
The second problem with this notion is that there are no female angels. Popular culture has led us to believe that angels are women, but they aren't. Anyone who has ever read the Bible knows that, while Zechariah 5:9 alludes to possible female angels, it cannot be confirmed. The rest of the Bible; however, makes a point that angels are only male.
| Pop Culture's Version of Angels |
I don't understand why our culture has such a fascination with wanting to be angels. We find out in the Book of Revelations that humans are God's favorites and the reason for Lucifer's failed rebellion and subsequent fall from Heaven. Why would you want to be an angel when you are already God's favorite?
 |
| An Artist's Version of Lucifer After Being Cast From Heaven |
Links:
Online Bible
Monday, August 12, 2013
Roman Catholicism vs. Eastern Orthodoxy
Everyone it seems is familiar with the Roman Catholic Church - it is after all, the largest Christian church in the world with 1.2 billion followers. Few; however, have heard of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Fewer still know that the Eastern Orthodox Church, whose followers are known as Orthodox Catholics, is a Catholic church or how it differs from the Roman Catholic Church.
The Eastern Orthodox Church came to be following the Great Schism in the eleventh century and now is the world's second largest Christian church with around 300 million followers.
The Great Schism between the East and the West as it has come to be known, occurred because Eastern Catholics did not wish to follow the Western pope who resided in Rome. To Eastern Catholics, the Pope was a foreigner and they could not relate to him. They didn't understand why he should be allowed to be the head of their church. The main problem with this was that the Eastern Catholics had more loyalty to their own patriarchs than they did the Pope.
The second issue between the East and the West was that the Eastern churches did not speak Latin as the Western churches did. In the East, Greek ruled the churches. This became a problem for the bishops when the Eastern bishops spoke only Greek while the Western bishops spoke only Latin.
In time, there would be a Decree of Florence which would separate the Catholic church into the Eastern and Western halves. The two which have come to be known today as the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.
Though the Eastern Orthodox Church is a Catholic church, don't let that fool you. Orthodox Catholics and Roman Catholics do not follow the same practices. To put it in simple tones, the Orthodox Church is almost a combination of Catholicism and Protestantism.
Apostolic Succession
Apostolic Succession is almost like a family tree. It is the belief that bishops can trace their lineage back to the first apostles - those who followed Jesus. Apostolic Succession is a crucial part of both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.
Both churches believe that Apostolic Succession is crucial in proving the continuity of the Church from Jesus Christ. The only difference is those which the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church ordain. There is; however, a mutual agreement between both churches to recognize the validity of one another's ordinations.
Composition of the Bible
The Orthodox Church and Roman Catholic Church both agree with the composition of the Bible that they use. Both churches accept all 39 Old Testament books and 27 New Testament books. Unlike Protestants, both churches also agree with the validity and teach a set of books that are not found in the original Hebrew scripts and are known as Deuterocanonicals. Translated into English, this means a second canon of scripture.
Qualification for Clergy
Orthodox Catholics and Roman Catholics differ greatly on whom they deem to be qualified to serve in their clergy.
Orthodox Catholics, like Roman Catholics, believe that all priests and bishops must be male. Unlike Roman Catholics, the Orthodox Church allows for deaconesses. The Orthodox Church allows its priests and deacons to marry before they are ordained, though not after. Like the Roman Catholic Church, their bishops must remain celibate.
The Roman Catholic Church believes that all clergy must be male with no exceptions. Their priests and bishops, unless converted to Roman Catholicism from the Eastern Orthodox Church or the Anglican Church, must be celibate.
Significance of the Eucharist
The Eucharist, the taking of bread and wine, is important in both churches. While both churches believe that during the Eucharist, the bread and wine turn into the body and blood of Christ, the way in which this happens differs between the two churches.
In Eastern Orthodoxy, the priest calls down the Holy Spirit upon the bread and the wine. They then turn into the body and blood of Christ in ways that are considered a divine mystery.
In the Roman Catholic Church; however, the priest invokes the Holey Spirit and through Transubstantiation while acting in the person of Christ, changes the wine and bread into the body and blood of Christ.
Distribution of the Eucharist
Both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church believe that only those who are members of the church can partake in the Eucharist. The way they distribute it amongst their members, differs.
In Orthodoxy, both the bread and wine are given to all the members present. In the Roman Catholic Church, the congregation only takes the bread while the priest receives the wine. It is becoming more common in the Roman Catholic Church; however, for the whole congregation to receive both the bread and wine.
Holy Spirit
The Eastern Orthodox Church believes that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity and proceeds from the Father alone as in the Nicene Creed. The Father sends the Spirit at the intercession of the Son. Therefore, the Son is an agent only in the procession of the Spirit.
The Roman Catholic Church believes that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son.
Marriage and Divorce
The Orthodox Church believes that marriage is a mystical union between man and woman. While divorce isn't common the Orthodox Church, it is normally only granted because of adultery though there are a few other exceptions.
The Roman Catholic Church believes that marriage is an unbreakable contract between a man and a woman. Divorce is not granted unless there is a canonical impediment in which case annulments are granted.
Assumption and Immaculate Conception of Mary
The Orthodox Church believes that Mary experienced a physical death, but rejects the Immaculate conception, the belief that God protected Mary from sin. The Orthodox Church believes that the guilt of original sin is not transmitted from one generation to the next, which obviates the need for Mary to be sinless.
The Roman Catholic Church has not yet decided if Mary experienced a physical death or if it believes with the Immaculate conception.
Position of Mary Within the Church
The Orthodox Church refers to Mary as Theotokos, meaning God-bearer. In Orthodoxy, it is believed that Christ was a God in human form. Mary is first amongst the saints and, according to the church, forever virgin.
In the Roman Catholic Church, Mary is referred to as Mother of God rather than Theotokos and it is believed that at various times in history, she has shown herself in apparition form. Here she is also first amongst the saints and forever virgin.
Authority of the Pope
The Orthodox Church considers the Pope to be the Bishop of Rome. He has no jurisdiction over the Orthodox Church as it is believed that the Roman Catholic Church needs to be reformed. In Orthodoxy, the Pope's authority is no greater or lesser than that of the other bishops in the Orthodox Church.
The Roman Catholic Church considers the Pope to have supreme authority over the church as he is the head of the church on earth and the spiritual successor of St. Peter.
Papal Infallibility
The Orthodox Church rejects the idea of papal infallibility. The believe that the Holy Spirit acts to guide the church through councils though these councils are not infallible.
The Roman Catholic Church believes that the Pope is infallible when acting through the Holy Spirit, he defines a doctrine on faith and morals that the whole church is to follow. This is considered a dogma and must be upheld by all those of the Roman Catholic faith.
Purgatory
The Orthodox Church recognizes an intermediate state between earth and Heaven; however, it believes that cleansing and purification happen during this life, not in purgatory.
The Roman Catholic Church believes that purgatory is a place of cleansing and preparation for Heaven as well as a place where punishment for sins is given.
Sacraments
Both churches believe that there are seven sacraments and the list is the same for both. The list is not fixed in the Orthodox Church and is known as Mysteries instead of Sacraments. It is fixed in the Roman Catholic Church. The Seven Sacraments are:
Saints
Both churches believe that a special group of holy people may be venerated. They believe that these people may act as intercessors between God and Man and be invoked in prayer. The Roman Catholic Church, unlike the Orthodox Church, require at least two verifiable miracles to occur due to intercession of a person before they are considered for sainthood.
Salvation
In Orthodoxy, it is believed that salvation is faith working through love and should be seen as a life long process. The ultimate aim is to obtain union with God. This is done through living a holy life.
The Roman Catholic Church believes that we are saved by grace which is initially given through Baptism and maintained through the sacraments.
Importance of the Scripture
The Orthodox Church believes that tradition is the source of divine revelation. The Scripture forms the oral part while the writings of saints and decisions of ecumenical councils are also part of it.
The Catholic Church says that the Scripture and tradition which are interpreted by magisterium of the Church are the source of divine revelation.
Worship and Liturgy
The Orthodox Church believes spirituality is centered around the Divine Liturgy. Worship is normally in the vernacular though Greek is sometimes used.
The Roman Catholic Church centers worship around Mass. Following the Vatican II council, worship is allowed in the vernacular though Mass is still mostly in Latin.
Though there are a lot of differences between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church, there are still a lot of similarities as well.
Links:
Official Website of the Vatican
Official Website of the Orthodox Church in America
 |
| The Vatican |
The Eastern Orthodox Church came to be following the Great Schism in the eleventh century and now is the world's second largest Christian church with around 300 million followers.
 |
| The Eastern Orthodox Church |
The Great Schism between the East and the West as it has come to be known, occurred because Eastern Catholics did not wish to follow the Western pope who resided in Rome. To Eastern Catholics, the Pope was a foreigner and they could not relate to him. They didn't understand why he should be allowed to be the head of their church. The main problem with this was that the Eastern Catholics had more loyalty to their own patriarchs than they did the Pope.
The second issue between the East and the West was that the Eastern churches did not speak Latin as the Western churches did. In the East, Greek ruled the churches. This became a problem for the bishops when the Eastern bishops spoke only Greek while the Western bishops spoke only Latin.
In time, there would be a Decree of Florence which would separate the Catholic church into the Eastern and Western halves. The two which have come to be known today as the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.
Though the Eastern Orthodox Church is a Catholic church, don't let that fool you. Orthodox Catholics and Roman Catholics do not follow the same practices. To put it in simple tones, the Orthodox Church is almost a combination of Catholicism and Protestantism.
Apostolic Succession
Apostolic Succession is almost like a family tree. It is the belief that bishops can trace their lineage back to the first apostles - those who followed Jesus. Apostolic Succession is a crucial part of both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.
Both churches believe that Apostolic Succession is crucial in proving the continuity of the Church from Jesus Christ. The only difference is those which the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church ordain. There is; however, a mutual agreement between both churches to recognize the validity of one another's ordinations.
Composition of the Bible
The Orthodox Church and Roman Catholic Church both agree with the composition of the Bible that they use. Both churches accept all 39 Old Testament books and 27 New Testament books. Unlike Protestants, both churches also agree with the validity and teach a set of books that are not found in the original Hebrew scripts and are known as Deuterocanonicals. Translated into English, this means a second canon of scripture.
Qualification for Clergy
Orthodox Catholics and Roman Catholics differ greatly on whom they deem to be qualified to serve in their clergy.
Orthodox Catholics, like Roman Catholics, believe that all priests and bishops must be male. Unlike Roman Catholics, the Orthodox Church allows for deaconesses. The Orthodox Church allows its priests and deacons to marry before they are ordained, though not after. Like the Roman Catholic Church, their bishops must remain celibate.
The Roman Catholic Church believes that all clergy must be male with no exceptions. Their priests and bishops, unless converted to Roman Catholicism from the Eastern Orthodox Church or the Anglican Church, must be celibate.
Significance of the Eucharist
The Eucharist, the taking of bread and wine, is important in both churches. While both churches believe that during the Eucharist, the bread and wine turn into the body and blood of Christ, the way in which this happens differs between the two churches.
In Eastern Orthodoxy, the priest calls down the Holy Spirit upon the bread and the wine. They then turn into the body and blood of Christ in ways that are considered a divine mystery.
In the Roman Catholic Church; however, the priest invokes the Holey Spirit and through Transubstantiation while acting in the person of Christ, changes the wine and bread into the body and blood of Christ.
Distribution of the Eucharist
Both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church believe that only those who are members of the church can partake in the Eucharist. The way they distribute it amongst their members, differs.
In Orthodoxy, both the bread and wine are given to all the members present. In the Roman Catholic Church, the congregation only takes the bread while the priest receives the wine. It is becoming more common in the Roman Catholic Church; however, for the whole congregation to receive both the bread and wine.
Holy Spirit
The Eastern Orthodox Church believes that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity and proceeds from the Father alone as in the Nicene Creed. The Father sends the Spirit at the intercession of the Son. Therefore, the Son is an agent only in the procession of the Spirit.
The Roman Catholic Church believes that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son.
Marriage and Divorce
The Orthodox Church believes that marriage is a mystical union between man and woman. While divorce isn't common the Orthodox Church, it is normally only granted because of adultery though there are a few other exceptions.
The Roman Catholic Church believes that marriage is an unbreakable contract between a man and a woman. Divorce is not granted unless there is a canonical impediment in which case annulments are granted.
Assumption and Immaculate Conception of Mary
The Orthodox Church believes that Mary experienced a physical death, but rejects the Immaculate conception, the belief that God protected Mary from sin. The Orthodox Church believes that the guilt of original sin is not transmitted from one generation to the next, which obviates the need for Mary to be sinless.
The Roman Catholic Church has not yet decided if Mary experienced a physical death or if it believes with the Immaculate conception.
Position of Mary Within the Church
The Orthodox Church refers to Mary as Theotokos, meaning God-bearer. In Orthodoxy, it is believed that Christ was a God in human form. Mary is first amongst the saints and, according to the church, forever virgin.
In the Roman Catholic Church, Mary is referred to as Mother of God rather than Theotokos and it is believed that at various times in history, she has shown herself in apparition form. Here she is also first amongst the saints and forever virgin.
Authority of the Pope
The Orthodox Church considers the Pope to be the Bishop of Rome. He has no jurisdiction over the Orthodox Church as it is believed that the Roman Catholic Church needs to be reformed. In Orthodoxy, the Pope's authority is no greater or lesser than that of the other bishops in the Orthodox Church.
The Roman Catholic Church considers the Pope to have supreme authority over the church as he is the head of the church on earth and the spiritual successor of St. Peter.
Papal Infallibility
The Orthodox Church rejects the idea of papal infallibility. The believe that the Holy Spirit acts to guide the church through councils though these councils are not infallible.
The Roman Catholic Church believes that the Pope is infallible when acting through the Holy Spirit, he defines a doctrine on faith and morals that the whole church is to follow. This is considered a dogma and must be upheld by all those of the Roman Catholic faith.
Purgatory
The Orthodox Church recognizes an intermediate state between earth and Heaven; however, it believes that cleansing and purification happen during this life, not in purgatory.
The Roman Catholic Church believes that purgatory is a place of cleansing and preparation for Heaven as well as a place where punishment for sins is given.
Sacraments
Both churches believe that there are seven sacraments and the list is the same for both. The list is not fixed in the Orthodox Church and is known as Mysteries instead of Sacraments. It is fixed in the Roman Catholic Church. The Seven Sacraments are:
- Baptism
- Confirmation (known as Chrismation in Orthodoxy)
- Eucharist
- Holy Orders
- Holy Unction
- Holy Matrimony
- Penance (Confession)
Effect of the Sacraments
Both churches believe that the Sacraments convey grace to those who are worthy and participate in them.
Saints
Both churches believe that a special group of holy people may be venerated. They believe that these people may act as intercessors between God and Man and be invoked in prayer. The Roman Catholic Church, unlike the Orthodox Church, require at least two verifiable miracles to occur due to intercession of a person before they are considered for sainthood.
Salvation
In Orthodoxy, it is believed that salvation is faith working through love and should be seen as a life long process. The ultimate aim is to obtain union with God. This is done through living a holy life.
The Roman Catholic Church believes that we are saved by grace which is initially given through Baptism and maintained through the sacraments.
Importance of the Scripture
The Orthodox Church believes that tradition is the source of divine revelation. The Scripture forms the oral part while the writings of saints and decisions of ecumenical councils are also part of it.
The Catholic Church says that the Scripture and tradition which are interpreted by magisterium of the Church are the source of divine revelation.
Worship and Liturgy
The Orthodox Church believes spirituality is centered around the Divine Liturgy. Worship is normally in the vernacular though Greek is sometimes used.
The Roman Catholic Church centers worship around Mass. Following the Vatican II council, worship is allowed in the vernacular though Mass is still mostly in Latin.
Though there are a lot of differences between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church, there are still a lot of similarities as well.
Links:
Official Website of the Vatican
Official Website of the Orthodox Church in America
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Shark Week 2013
 |
| 2013 Shark Week Promotion |
Shark Week is amongst us! Kicking off Sunday, August 4 with Megalodon: The Monster That Lives, a fictional film about the possible existence of a prehistoric Megalodon in today's waters, Discovery Channel's ever famous Shark Week is back in full swing.
So far this year, Shark Week has talked about Megalodons and Voodoo Sharks as well as interested a new talk show, Shark After Dark, which is aired live and discusses the new shows aired during the day. On top of the new shows, old classics like Air Jaws and its many sequels, as well as the MythBusters: Jaws have aired.
There have been plenty of shark attack reenactments as well and a show dedicated to teaching what to do in case of a shark attack and how to avoid one. Like always, Shark Week is dedicated to educating the world about sharks in an effort to show that sharks are not as dangerous as we think they are. In fact, humans kill more sharks than sharks kill humans.
 |
| A Great White Attacking a Seal |
With the third day into Shark Week, I would say that this year has been just as great as previous ones. What do you think of Shark Week 2013?
Links:
Discovery Channel Shark Week
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