Famous castaways

Some amazing true stories.

The world's busiest crosswalk

The web is what you make if it

A super sweet video:

A map of where the 12 apostles died

Interesting! 

via Mark Shea

Is Your Religion Your Financial Destiny?

An interesting article about how much money followers of various religions make. Don't miss the graphic.

Does the Bible Say We Should Eat Grains?

I've seen tremendous health benefits after giving up most grains, so I found this post particularly fascinating. Wellness Mama answers the question: if grains are bad for some people, why are they emphasized in the Bible?

Man flies over Grand Canyon with personal jetpack

Finally, a working personal jetpack has been invented.

Five things that are worse than being in debt

Excellent post.

Don't be afraid to pray for the impossible

The inspiring story of a girl who prayed for her "hopeless" alcoholic mother.

Visiting the lonely

A very touching story from Fr. Jonathan Morris:

There are other moments of comforting God’s people, however, that do warm the heart. Just as I was leaving the hospice, I caught myself asking the nurse if there was anyone there who had no family or friends. She immediately pointed me to 6B. It was the half of room 6 occupied by a Mr. Harris. I took his hand and spoke in a loud voice. His eyes remained closed, his head down. After a few futile attempts to connect with him, I raised my voice even louder and told him he looked wonderful. I told him he was strong. I placed a Yankees cap on his head and laughed at him. With eyes still closed, and to my great surprise, he squeezed my hand with the grip of a twenty-year-old. A few minutes later he opened his eyes wide, recognized the collar, and asked one thing: “Did you come here, Father, just to see me?” “I did, Mr. Harris, I did.” He cried like a baby. More tears of joy. Comforting people in the throes of tragedy is sometimes a downer emotionally, and sometimes it feels good. It is always a blessing for my soul.

Read the rest of his interview with Kathryn Jean Lopez here.

How can you cultivate discipline?

Some great thoughts:

I asked my confessor recently what one could do to build up discipline in themselves. He suggested approaching the problem gently. First apply yourself to learning how to joyfully tackle the smallest and easiest of those tasks you dislike doing. Once you start to feel stronger, kick it up a notch and work on tackling ever-so-slightly more challenging things. We must train our wills. Over time, and with God’s grace, you will find a more disciplined individual staring back at you in the mirror.

Read the rest here:

A nun who is also an iPhone developer

Neat story.

Chasing a tornado

Some scary footage of the recent tornadoes in the South. (Prayers for all of those impacted!)