"As recent headlines would suggest, states and localities are increasingly under threat of ransomware assaults like the one on Atlanta in late March. But when it comes to the financial ramifications, the cheapest part of the whole affair is the ransom itself.
"In the case of Atlanta, hackers demanded $51,000 in Bitcoin.
Officials have not said whether they paid the ransom or not, but in the
days following the March 22 attack, Atlanta entered into emergency contracts worth $2.7 million to help restore the city's computer network.
"What's more, much of the system is still down. The city still can't
collect water and sewer payments online. These kind of delays add up,
says S&P Global Ratings analyst Geoff Buswick. 'The longer it goes
on,' he says, 'the more [likely Atlanta is to] waive fees or take other
measures. So the question becomes how long can they go without being
able to collect revenue normally.'
"Atlanta is far from the only government to be attacked. . . ."
A recent article in Governing Magazine reported on the increasing costs and concerns facing local and state governments as they address issues of information technology security.
To access the complete article, please visit:
Governing: As More Governments Get Hacked, Concerns Grow Over Mounting Costs (4 MAY 2018)
05 May 2018
Thank You, Lord
Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of the Birmingham Oratory and other oratories throughout the world.
K. V. Turley on J. R. R. Tolkien and the Birmingham Oratory
"Arriving in Birmingham, England's second city - population in its
metropolitan area in excess of 3 million people - I was dismayed to find
that the city did not possess a Tourist Information Centre. Not a
formal one, at any rate - there is an informal one in the City Library
though. It was there I asked for information on the 'Tolkien Trail.'
"The answer I received only increased my dismay: 'Is that in Birmingham?'
"Although Tolkien was born in South Africa, the family hailed from Birmingham. And it was to Birmingham that the 4-year-old Ronald and his younger brother, Hilary, and their mother, Mabel, retreated in 1896 when Tolkien’s father died. Tolkien was to grow to adulthood in England's second city. Eventually, he left Birmingham for the trenches of the Great War, and, later, for Oxford, but it was Birmingham as much as anywhere that shaped him. This much is often remarked upon. What is less well-known is how much a part the Birmingham Oratory, founded by Blessed John Henry Newman in 1849, played in Tolkien's early life."
In a recent commentary, writer K. V. Turley reflected on the effect the Birmingham Oratory played in the life of author J. R. R. Tolkien, author of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion.
To access Mr. Turley's complete post, please visit:
National Catholic Register: Blogs: K. V. Turley: J.R.R. Tolkien and the Birmingham Oratory (3 May 18)
"The answer I received only increased my dismay: 'Is that in Birmingham?'
"Although Tolkien was born in South Africa, the family hailed from Birmingham. And it was to Birmingham that the 4-year-old Ronald and his younger brother, Hilary, and their mother, Mabel, retreated in 1896 when Tolkien’s father died. Tolkien was to grow to adulthood in England's second city. Eventually, he left Birmingham for the trenches of the Great War, and, later, for Oxford, but it was Birmingham as much as anywhere that shaped him. This much is often remarked upon. What is less well-known is how much a part the Birmingham Oratory, founded by Blessed John Henry Newman in 1849, played in Tolkien's early life."
In a recent commentary, writer K. V. Turley reflected on the effect the Birmingham Oratory played in the life of author J. R. R. Tolkien, author of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion.
To access Mr. Turley's complete post, please visit:
National Catholic Register: Blogs: K. V. Turley: J.R.R. Tolkien and the Birmingham Oratory (3 May 18)
Reflection Starter from Albert Camus
"What the world requires of the Christians is that they should continue to be Christians." - Albert Camus
04 May 2018
Saint Florian
Saint Florian, whose feast day is today (4 May), is the patron saint of firefighters.
Not much is known about St. Florian. He was a high-ranking officer in the Roman army and was stationed in Noricum (now part of Austria) when he was martyred for the faith. Among his other duties, he was in charge of one of the Roman army’s firefighting units.
For more information:
Catholic Online: St. Florian
San Diego Paramedics: The Patron Saint of the Fire Service - St. Florian
Wikipedia: Saint Florian
Not much is known about St. Florian. He was a high-ranking officer in the Roman army and was stationed in Noricum (now part of Austria) when he was martyred for the faith. Among his other duties, he was in charge of one of the Roman army’s firefighting units.
For more information:
Catholic Online: St. Florian
San Diego Paramedics: The Patron Saint of the Fire Service - St. Florian
Wikipedia: Saint Florian
Rhode Island Independence Day
Today, 4 May, the State of Rhode Island is celebrating Rhode Island
Independence Day, a commemoration of the state's independence from Great
Britain on 4 May 1776.
This year is the 242nd anniversary of the Rhode Island General Assembly's declaration of independence from the British crown.
Fore more information about Rhode Island Independence Day, please visit:
This Day in History: May 4, 1776 - Rhode Island declares independence
Rhode Island Secretary of State: The May 4, 1776, Act of Renunciation
This year is the 242nd anniversary of the Rhode Island General Assembly's declaration of independence from the British crown.
Fore more information about Rhode Island Independence Day, please visit:
This Day in History: May 4, 1776 - Rhode Island declares independence
Rhode Island Secretary of State: The May 4, 1776, Act of Renunciation
The Fuel That Keeps One Priest Going
Father Al Scott of Long Beach, California, may be 85 and retired, but his passion and energy for Jesus and the Church serve as a model for people less than half his age. Among other things, he celebrates Mass at various churches, visits convalescent homes, feeds the homeless with the Missionaries of Charity, works with men from a local rescue mission, takes a weekly class at Cal State Long Beach, exercises six days a week, and practices a daily holy hour that includes prayer, meditation, and Eucharistic adoration.
During an interview with me on Christopher Closeup, I asked Father Al what keeps him going. He said, "My motto is, 'I don't want to exist; I want to live.' Some people die at 30, but they're buried at 80…I made a choice…I want to keep going until the Lord says it's time. My bags are packed, but so far He hasn't [called] me. That's why I'm plunging ahead and doing my part to light that candle and not curse the darkness."
Father Al is particularly fond of that idea, which is why he has supported The Christophers for a long time. He receives 100 copies of our Christopher News Notes 10 times a year and hands them out to prisoners during jail visits, to people he meets in the bank or when out shopping, and to penitents who come to him for Confession. "[I want to] let people know," said Father Al, "that the way we're living is so negative and depressing that we need to light candles and not just sit around and curse what a rotten world it is. We have to do something positive." That positivity is a natural part of Father Al's personality: "God gave me the grace to look at the bright side of life. Not to be Pollyanna, but…to want to do my part to make things a little better. I enjoy what I'm doing, it gives me energy, too. It feeds…the Lord's grace in me."
Another one of Father Al's mottoes is, "Some people invest their money in stocks and bonds, real estate, gambling, etc. But I invest in people, especially the discarded and forgotten people." That belief stems from his time at Loyola High School in Los Angeles where he took part in an outreach program that led him to teach Catholicism to young Hispanic children in a poor area of town. He relished the experience of giving and sharing, and has made it a point to do so in various ways ever since.
One of his most rewarding efforts is monthly visits to convalescent homes with a group of fellow volunteers (including an Elvis impersonator) who play music and sing with the residents: "We tell them, 'You maybe can't get up and do the things you used to do, but you're still an important person and we love you and care about you.'" Looking back on his priesthood, Father Al concludes, "I taught high school for 35 years. I had been involved with Parish Ministry even [then], and I loved to preach, to share the word of God. I'd prepare homilies and try to give examples, stories, illustrations that inspired people. I feel God calling me where I am. I love doing what I'm doing, so the whole combination of outreach and an hour of prayer every day…Tie that all together with what I'm doing, it makes things happen. That's the fuel that keeps the fire burning."
This essay is a recent "Light One Candle" column by Tony Rossi, Director of Communications, The Christophers; it is one of a series of weekly columns that deal with a variety of topics and current events.
Background information:
The Christophers
During an interview with me on Christopher Closeup, I asked Father Al what keeps him going. He said, "My motto is, 'I don't want to exist; I want to live.' Some people die at 30, but they're buried at 80…I made a choice…I want to keep going until the Lord says it's time. My bags are packed, but so far He hasn't [called] me. That's why I'm plunging ahead and doing my part to light that candle and not curse the darkness."
Father Al is particularly fond of that idea, which is why he has supported The Christophers for a long time. He receives 100 copies of our Christopher News Notes 10 times a year and hands them out to prisoners during jail visits, to people he meets in the bank or when out shopping, and to penitents who come to him for Confession. "[I want to] let people know," said Father Al, "that the way we're living is so negative and depressing that we need to light candles and not just sit around and curse what a rotten world it is. We have to do something positive." That positivity is a natural part of Father Al's personality: "God gave me the grace to look at the bright side of life. Not to be Pollyanna, but…to want to do my part to make things a little better. I enjoy what I'm doing, it gives me energy, too. It feeds…the Lord's grace in me."
Another one of Father Al's mottoes is, "Some people invest their money in stocks and bonds, real estate, gambling, etc. But I invest in people, especially the discarded and forgotten people." That belief stems from his time at Loyola High School in Los Angeles where he took part in an outreach program that led him to teach Catholicism to young Hispanic children in a poor area of town. He relished the experience of giving and sharing, and has made it a point to do so in various ways ever since.
One of his most rewarding efforts is monthly visits to convalescent homes with a group of fellow volunteers (including an Elvis impersonator) who play music and sing with the residents: "We tell them, 'You maybe can't get up and do the things you used to do, but you're still an important person and we love you and care about you.'" Looking back on his priesthood, Father Al concludes, "I taught high school for 35 years. I had been involved with Parish Ministry even [then], and I loved to preach, to share the word of God. I'd prepare homilies and try to give examples, stories, illustrations that inspired people. I feel God calling me where I am. I love doing what I'm doing, so the whole combination of outreach and an hour of prayer every day…Tie that all together with what I'm doing, it makes things happen. That's the fuel that keeps the fire burning."
This essay is a recent "Light One Candle" column by Tony Rossi, Director of Communications, The Christophers; it is one of a series of weekly columns that deal with a variety of topics and current events.
Background information:
The Christophers
Reflection Starter from Helen Keller
"The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of tiny pushes of each honest worker." - Helen Keller
03 May 2018
Bishop Tobin on Good Things About May
"The month of May has finally arrived, bringing with it a potpourri of
special blessings. So, here are a few reflections on 'Five really good
things about May.'
"First is the improving weather the month ushers in, an occurrence that is especially welcome this year since winter, like an overbearing and obtrusive house guest, stayed around way too long. I saw a weather report that said that when we finally hit 70 degrees last week, it was the latest date for that achievement in thirty years!
"With May comes more sunshine, longer days, and warmer weather. So nice to get outside for gardening, sports, walking or just sitting on the porch after we’ve been held hostage inside by the cruel winds of winter for so many months. Doesn't it feel good, refreshing, to put away the winter clothes, return the patio furniture and grill to their rightful places, and exchange storm doors with screens?
"We know that every season is a gift of God with its own charms, but I strongly prefer summer, and spring is the doorway to summer.."
In a recent commentary, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on some good things about the month of May, including the number of positive, joyful events (some religious, some secular) that take place in this month (including Mother's Day and Memorial Day) and the Church's devotion to our Blessed Mother (highlighted this month in a special way).
To access Bishop Tobin's complete essay, please visit:
Without A Doubt: Five Really Good Things About May (3 MAY 18)
"First is the improving weather the month ushers in, an occurrence that is especially welcome this year since winter, like an overbearing and obtrusive house guest, stayed around way too long. I saw a weather report that said that when we finally hit 70 degrees last week, it was the latest date for that achievement in thirty years!
"With May comes more sunshine, longer days, and warmer weather. So nice to get outside for gardening, sports, walking or just sitting on the porch after we’ve been held hostage inside by the cruel winds of winter for so many months. Doesn't it feel good, refreshing, to put away the winter clothes, return the patio furniture and grill to their rightful places, and exchange storm doors with screens?
"We know that every season is a gift of God with its own charms, but I strongly prefer summer, and spring is the doorway to summer.."
In a recent commentary, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on some good things about the month of May, including the number of positive, joyful events (some religious, some secular) that take place in this month (including Mother's Day and Memorial Day) and the Church's devotion to our Blessed Mother (highlighted this month in a special way).
To access Bishop Tobin's complete essay, please visit:
Without A Doubt: Five Really Good Things About May (3 MAY 18)
Reflection Starter from Ralph Waldo Emerson
"You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
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