Current Events

Category Archives: Current Events

LifeTeen.com Blog

Beauty According to Beyonce

By | May 15, 2012

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A couple of weeks ago Beyonce was given the title of “World’s Most Beautiful Woman” from People Magazine. I feel like once you’ve got that award in your back pocket you can either:

  • A) Finally allow yourself to wear sweatpants all the time (at which point you wouldn’t actually have a back pocket), or
  • B) Gaze at yourself in the mirror for endless hours and let your pride shoot up like jack’s beanstalk.

No really, congrats Beyonce, you are gorgeous and have cleared up any confusion about how far I have to go to reach the plane you exist on.

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LifeTeen.com Blog

Why Dan Savage is Wrong: A Christian Response

By | May 2, 2012

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At a conference for High School journalists, Dan Savage gave a talk that was supposed to be about anti-bullying. Instead it was anti-Christian. As he began to talk about the “bullish*t” of what can be found in the Bible, many Christian students stood up and walked out on him – a move he later called “pansy-assed.” Here’s the video. It’s about three minutes, but be forewarned there is some swearing going on in it (not suitable if kids are nearby). The video has gone viral since being posted three days ago, the vast majority of people giving it a “like.” [...]

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LifeTeen.com Blog

Why I Hope We Devour the Hunger Games

By | March 26, 2012

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Okay, listen. I really like the Hunger Games. I could not put the first book down this summer and so of course at the first minute of Friday the 23rd, at 12:01am, I was sitting in a theater to see the movie. “But it’s about teens killing each other!!!” This is the reaction a lot of adults have. (At least that’s what my parents said.) Yes it is about killing. And it’s terrible. It’s horrific.

See, this movie is not supposed to be about glorifying killing. The two main characters, Katniss and Peeta, are horrified that they have to participate in the Hunger Games and fight to the death, much like Roman gladiators. Though the governing body, the “Capitol”, finds it enjoyable, the majority (except for three districts) of the population is appalled by these games year after year.

But I found some very inspiring themes in this story . . .

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Video

Life Teen Interview with Republican Presidential candidate Rick Santorum

By | March 2, 2012

Presidential Candidate Rick Santorum interviewed by Life Teen

Last week I had the pleasure of interviewing Rick Santorum, a Catholic politician running for President of the United States. While Catholics have successfully and faithfully servered in all areas of society, the office of President has only been occupied by one Catholic, John F. Kennedy.

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LifeTeen.com Blog

Not Cool, Nicki Minaj

By | February 13, 2012

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Dear Nicki Minaj,

I want to begin by letting you know that I don’t know much about you. I don’t listen to your music. I don’t know your background, and I even had to look up how to spell your name. I think you performed at the Super Bowl this year, but last night, watching the Grammy’s, was probably my first real introduction to you. And if it’s important to make a good first impression, with me, you failed.

To say that I was offended by your performance is an understatement, and I really don’t want to go back and re-live it again, so I’m not going to get into any specifics. What I do want you to know is something all of us Catholics believe.

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LifeTeen.com Blog

What If I Told You The Truth

By | January 13, 2012

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Editor’s Note: Can you see the truth through the Religion vs. Jesus debate? We’re praying for you as you talk about this issue and the viral video with your friends. We loved how well Peter Kreeft articulates this question about “church” in his book Before I Go: Letters to Our Children about what Really Matters. Here is the truth, boiled down to the basics without any fancy distractions. “What’s the Big Deal about Church? Why is she so important? Because she is how we know Jesus. She tells us (by her teaching), shows us (by her saints) and feeds us [...]

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LifeTeen.com Blog

“I Boldly Beg You to Pray for Our Service Men and Women”

By | December 21, 2011

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I boldly beg you to pray for our servicemen and women, veterans and all their families. Christmas is the occasion when we remember the Gift of the Father to us. Each of us tries to respond by giving something we have received to those in need. Those who serve our country in uniform need and deserve our prayers.

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LifeTeen.com Blog

Fun Activities for Your Christmas Break

By | December 14, 2011

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! (Or so I’ve heard about 1000 times a day on my radio.) But seriously, who doesn’t love this time of year? Advent calendars are up, Christmas decorations are all over and the first semester of school is winding down. While that means finals are coming up, it also means that Christmas Break is right around the corner. Whether you’re going on vacation or staying home this Christmas, grab a delicious cup of eggnog and read on as I break down my top 5 favorite Christmas break activities.

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LifeTeen.com Blog

Life Teen Staff Picks: Breaking Dawn

By | November 18, 2011

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I just want to be sure we’re clear – I’m not on “Team Edward” or “Team Jacob.” But because Breaking Dawn is coming out today, here’s a hilarious spoof that SNL did. I thought you might enjoy this. If you don’t get it – maybe it’s time to read some classics.

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LifeTeen.com Blog

'Til Death Do Us Part?: Kim & Kris vs. Danny & Annie

By | November 9, 2011

If you’ve been “Keeping up with the Kardashians” you know that Kim is getting divorced. She and Kris Humphries have been married 72 days. I’ve done the math for you and it’s not even three months! It leaves the question in my mind, “Is true love possible? Is it real? Can two people stay together ‘til death do us part’?” See for yourself. Take a look at this real couple, Danny and Annie, and their 27 year love story; and believe God has something amazing planned for your life. (Jeremiah 29:11)

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LifeTeen.com Blog

What the Hallow is Going On?

By | October 31, 2011

Consider our current American culture. Pornography is the highest-grossing industry in America, by far, eclipsing the gross revenues of all professional sports and major television networks. The highest-grossing movies amongst American teenagers over the past several years have been “slasher” horror films, followed by sex “comedies” at a close second. Music becomes more profane and suggestive. Video games become increasingly violent and graphic. Divorce rates climb. The gay marriage debate continues to grow in intensity. Well over forty-five million babies have been legally killed since 1973.

In the face of all this insanity stands the Roman Catholic Church. Right?

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LifeTeen.com Blog

Is Your Halloween Costume Sexy?

By | October 28, 2011

It was 1999 and I had just entered my freshmen year of high school. The first school dance of the year was quickly approaching so I had to wear the perfect outfit. My goal was to look sexy because that’s what I thought I had to do to compete with other girls and to get attention from guys. The truth is I desperately wanted guys to find me attractive because I wanted to feel beautiful.

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LifeTeen.com Blog

Miracles Happen: The Untold Story of the Chilean Miners' Rescue

By | October 19, 2011

Sometimes I find myself itching for a good miracle story. And I know I can just open the Bible for one but sometimes I find myself asking, “Lord, how about a good modern day miracle story on the news tonight?” It’s kind of a bad attitude to have because after all, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” (John 20:29)

When I heard this miracle story it blew my mind! It’s about Pope Benedict’s role in the rescue of the Chilean miners, whose one-year anniversary we observed last Thursday. Check it out …

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LifeTeen.com Blog

Catholic in the NFL: A Philip Rivers Interview

By | September 21, 2011

Earlier this year I had the opportunity catch up with fellow Catholic, NFL Quarterback and 3-time Pro Bowler, Philip Rivers of the San Diego Chargers at the Catholic Men’s Fellowship Conference in Phoenix. Read along as we discuss faith as an NFL player, the importance of Mass and the Sacraments, temptation, Natural Family Planning and trash-talking as a Christian. Even if you’re not a football fan, you NEED to read this.

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LifeTeen.com Blog

Pope Benedict's Prayer at World Trade Center

By | September 11, 2011

Editor’s Note: While there are many reflections, testimonies, and stories about the tragedies that occurred on 9/11/2001, we wanted to share with you a prayer. This special prayer occurred when Pope Benedict XVI visited the United States. His time spent at Ground Zero in New York City helped bring healing to the people of New York, as well as Catholics world-wide. As you reflect upon the events of 9/11, take time to pray with the Holy Father to pray for peace among our world.

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LifeTeen.com Blog

"Nothing Will Separate Us": 10 Years After 9/11 With Donna Killoughey Bird

By | September 10, 2011

On this the 10th anniversary of 9/11, we wanted to share with you the beautiful story of one of our friends and former employee, Donna Killoughey Bird and honor the memory of Gary, her husband.

Gary was the only person from Arizona to die in the World Trade Center on 9/11. I sat down with Donna this week to ask her about the book and her story. I was so moved by her witness of the grace in her life and the healing she’s received. Her story is one of deep pain, but also of profound joy in the celebration of Gary’s life. I was touched by her willingness to share with me, and with all of you.

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LifeTeen.com Blog

Pretty Little Liars: Are Lies Ever Pretty or Little?

By | September 7, 2011

Pretty Little Liars is over for the summer and I was one of the 3 million people who tuned in last week to see what would happen to Aria, Hanna, Emily and Spencer.

I’m not quite sure what we’ll do now without that slice of drama and suspense on Tuesday night. Maybe Teen Mom will suddenly become suspenseful. I can see it now: “Boy or girl?” “What’s it going to be?” “Will the name be A or Jenna?”

No, but seriously, of all the things I could say about Pretty Little Liars, there’s just one thing that’s been on my heart: those poor girls!!!

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LifeTeen.com Blog

I witnessed the Beatification of JPII

By | June 28, 2011

I knew as soon as this Beatification was announced I couldn’t miss it. The opportunity to witness one of the great Saints of our time become blessed was something of a lifetime achievement.

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LifeTeen.com Blog

Lessons Learned from the NBA Playoffs

By | June 7, 2011

I’ve been a huge sports fan for all of my life. I’m pretty sure I was born wearing a glove and dribbling a basketball. There aren’t many things that excite me as much as a good game of baseball, basketball, football, or hockey. I’ve played them. I’ve coached them. I’ve watched them. And this year, even though my Phoenix Suns didn’t make it, I’ve been really into the NBA Playoffs. 16 teams make it, but only one will remain, holding the Larry O’Brien Trophy at the end. In my opinion it’s the best reality show on television, not just for the excitement, but for the little things you can learn along the way. Here are 5 lessons I’ve learned from this year’s NBA Playoffs.

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LifeTeen.com Blog

The End is Coming…at some point: Rapture and Catholicism

By | May 19, 2011

A few months ago, I first heard the news that the world would come to an end on May 21st, 2011. It really bummed me out because I had big plans this year for Memorial Day. But since then, I’ve heard it more and more and I bet you have too. It seems this idea started a while back, when a small Christian group from Oakland, CA stated that May 21st, 2011 would be the end of the world. The prediction was based on their founder, Harold Camping, and his creative Biblical mathematics in which he calculated the exact date [...]

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