Raymond's Blog

Raymond's Blog tag:www.raymondarroyo.com,2008:/blog//2 2008-05-30T03:25:57Z Movable Type 3.34 Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Golden Sellout tag:www.raymondarroyo.com,2008:/blog//2.23 2008-05-30T03:23:07Z 2008-05-30T03:25:57Z

First a confession: I love the Indiana Jones movies. I grew up on the franchise and as a kid owned a brown fedora and bullwhip. Now you know. Today, having seen the first three films on DVD, my sons have their own brown fedoras and a bullwhip. So when they heard that a new Indiana Jones film was being released, the boys begged to see it. I was only too happy to comply with their request. Another dad and myself signed our kids out of school early and took them down to the local Regal Cinema to be there on the opening day of “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” (Yes, we contributed to the $127 million dollar haul.) This was no routine trip to the Cineplex. This was a pilgrimage; a chance for the old guys to share their boyish excitement with the young-uns-- to show them what old fashioned summer movies were like. The boys wore their fedoras and we settled in the dark waiting for the excitement to begin. It never did. In fairness, the boys were mildly interested in a jungle jeep chase sequence. A swarm of killer ants that devoured a mean Commie also made them put aside the Skittles for a nanosecond. But aside from that, my sons were literally tipping over from boredom. Indiana Jones is one of those iconic American characters that we need today. Cut from the cloth of John Wayne and Humphrey Bogart, Dr. Jones is an unapologetic male: a good guy who is sure of himself and his culture. He is both brash and educated—a solver of riddles who can pop bad guys in the mouth, outsmart the fascists, and still get the girl. But something was missing from this adventure. When it was over, it felt as if we hadn’t seen an Indiana Jones picture at all. National Treasure 2 was a better film. Oh, Harrison Ford was there doing a fine job as an elder, more resigned Indy, but the old magic around him was absent. The first problem was the time period. 1957 is a far cry from the glamour and mystique of the 1930’s. And having an Indiana Jones movie begin in NEVADA with strains of Elvis’ “Hound Dog” in the background is probably not a good idea. And who’s choice was it to have Alvin and the Prairie Dogs show up in the opening scene? In retrospect it was as if George Lucas (the producer who is credited with the absurd story) and director Stephen Spielberg were more interested in paying tribute to their hits of yesteryear than reviving one of America’s great movie franchises. Imagine random scenes from American Graffiti (which Lucas directed in 1973), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (Spielberg’s 1977 film), and Jaws (Spielberg,1975) with Indiana Jones wandering about and you pretty much have a sense of this film. Despite the promise of a few scenes between Harrison Ford and Karen Allen (as Indy’s old love Marion Ravenwood), there is little humanity here for audiences to hold on to. Yeah, Indiana Jones is still snapping his whip and throwing out cocky asides. He tips his hat to nuns and is obviously the Indy we know from better days; but lost in this ridiculous storyline, even die-hards will have trouble caring about him. Once the space ship takes off from the Aztec temple, it is all but impossible to watch. The character is so out of place in this milieu, Spielberg and Lucas may as well have ended the film with Indy, Marion, and their love child walking into Al’s Diner for a burger. Fonzie, Richie Cunningham, Laverne and Shirley could have been sharing milkshakes in a nearby booth just to complete the excitement. Heck, wait another 20 years and in the next installment, Indy and Marion can go on a senior’s Princess Cruise with Captain Stubing and special guest star, Carol Channing. Whatever Indy was searching for (and after sitting through this graphic laden nightmare I still am not at all certain what that was) I don’t think he found it. Neither did we. As I write this my sons are wearing their fedoras in the backyard, spinning adventures far more exciting than the muddled Indiana Jones disaster abusing screens everywhere. Save your money and watch the kids in the yard. They’re more believable, and unlike these filmmakers, they love Indiana Jones for more than the box office riches he can deliver. Raymond Arroyo is the New York Times Bestelling Author of “Mother Angelica” and host of the EWTN Newsmagazine “The World Over Live.” www.raymondarroyo.com COME SEE US IN WASHINGTON tag:www.raymondarroyo.com,2008:/blog//2.22 2008-05-17T02:10:15Z 2008-05-17T02:18:46Z

There have been lots of e-mails asking about attending one of The World Over Live broadcasts. For those of you traveling to Washington DC this summer and staying over on a Friday night, this is your chance. All you have to do is give us a weeks notice by dropping us an e-mail at worldoverdc@yahoo.com. In the subject line be sure to put the date that you will be joining us and the number of seats you would like us to reserve for you. Seating is limited so contact us as soon as you can. We have some great guests scheduled for the summer months that I know you will enjoy in person. Looking forward to seeing you. Raymond Papal Visit Wrap tag:www.raymondarroyo.com,2008:/blog//2.21 2008-04-23T22:00:52Z 2008-04-23T22:17:56Z

Honestly, I have something of a papal hangover. After intensely focusing on the papal travels this past week I am in a bit of a daze--day after day of live coverage will do that to you. As I recover, I...

The Green Pope" and a good wrap up of the papal visit, "What the Pope Accomplished." Also of note is Bill McGurn's piece from Tuesday's Wall Street Journal, "The Pope and the President." Bill is going to be my guest on the World Over this week - so be sure to join us. We'll wrap the papal visit and provide some analysis. If you don't have EWTN, you can watch on line at www.ewtn.com. Come back and see us soon. Raymond]]> SEE THE WORLD OVER LIVE IN WASHINGTON DC tag:www.raymondarroyo.com,2008:/blog//2.20 2008-04-04T14:43:39Z 2008-04-04T15:52:42Z

Some wonderful news to report: The World Over Live will soon be broadcasting from the John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington DC each Friday night. The lights are finally in our new studio. You can certainly watch the show on EWTN live, but now, when you are next in DC, you can come experience the World Over in person. Seating is limited, so to insure that we have a seat for you, drop us an e-mail at worldoverdc@yahoo.com. Tell us what Friday you would like to come, and how many people will be in your party. We'll send you a confirmation and see you in the studio. Get ready to see all that is "seen and unseen." Can't wait to seeyou all at our new broadcast home. Thanks for dropping by. Yours, Raymond World Over Live Moves Studio to Washington DC tag:www.raymondarroyo.com,2008:/blog//2.19 2008-03-13T13:09:40Z 2008-03-13T13:10:59Z

It has been a crazy Spring. I want to thank the many of you who continue to e-mail and all of my friends who have purchased "Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons" as Easter presents. Mother's teachings are always in season. We are in the midst of a massive move. 'The World Over Live' is relocating to Washington DC. This week the set was moved up permanently from Birmingham to our new home at the John Paul II Cultural Center. It will give new life to the show and I think give us an opportunity to do some incredible things. I hope some of you will come be a part of our live studio audience and experience the program in person. More on what we're planning soon... To break it in properly, the new studio will be our anchor location for the DC portion of Pope Benedict's visit from April 15-18th (in fact the Pope is actually coming to the building.) Then we will be off to New York for the second half of the visit. Father Richard Neuhaus and Carl Anderson of the Knights of Columbus will be joining me for what is sure to be an incredible event. Make sure to watch EWTN for complete coverage of the Papal visit, and keep it here for the latest backstage news. Thanks for dropping in, Raymond The Birth of Christ & The Word of Promise Release tag:www.raymondarroyo.com,2007:/blog//2.18 2007-11-05T16:37:56Z 2007-11-05T16:46:05Z

So glad you stopped by... I can hardly believe that Christmas is almost here. It has certainly been a crazy Fall. Several projects that I have been working on for years, suddenly are being unveiled at nearly the same time. Firstly, I am thrilled by the reaction you all have had to the book I edited for Mother Angelica and her sisters: "Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality." It is a wonderful collection of her wit and profound wisdom. It is the perfect inspirational stocking stuffer this Christmas. I hope Mother lands under your tree this year... or at least her book does. Another project that I am really excited about is: "The Birth of Christ." This musical gem by Andrew T. Miller explores the Christmas story as never before and has already shown its power to create peace and brotherhood in Dublin, where it was recorded. Each year I hear complaints that there is nothing on television at Christmas that reflects the true nature of the season. Well, I don't want to hear that this year. Along with the composer, Andy Miller, I have produced a piece that will musically enchant your family, and truly lift your spirits this season. "The Birth of Christ" premieres on PBS this Christmas and is available, unabridged, from Sony Classics. Make sure to call your local public television programmer and remind them that the program is available to them from WLIW in New York--and tell them you want to see it! We hope you will support this important work. Finally there is "The Word Of Promise," a dramatic audio Bible that I produced for Thomas Nelson which features the most wonderful cast. The eternal Word has never sounded so good. The original score, incredible sound effects and moving performances makes this Bible irresistible. Visit the official site (the link is on my homepage) and listen to the Scriptures come alive. Thank you for visiting, and check in regularly. Yours, Raymond Mother Angelica's Take On The Traditional Latin Mass tag:www.raymondarroyo.com,2007:/blog//2.17 2007-07-18T17:56:31Z 2007-07-18T17:58:10Z

Thanks for visiting the site. I know many of you have dropped by in recent days to read my piece on the Pope's decree concerning the Latin Mass. Several of you have asked what Mother Angelica thinks of the Old Rite of the Mass. Well wonder no more. As it turns out I had included a quote from Mother commenting on the traditional Roman Rite of the Mass in "Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality." Here is the quote. And there is much more where that came from. Hope you are having a great summer. Yours, Raymond" THE TRADITIONAL ROMAN MASS Latin was the perfect language for the Mass. It’s the language of the Church, which allows us to pray a verbal prayer without distraction. See, the purpose of the Mass is to pray and to be associated with the crucifixion and with that glorious banquet that we partake of in Holy Communion. He is there. But so much is spoiled in the vernacular. During the Latin Mass you had the missal if you wanted to follow it in English. It was almost mystical. It gave you an awareness of heaven, of the awesome humility of God who manifests Himself in the guise of bread and wine. The love that He had for us, His desire to remain with us is simply awesome. You could concentrate on that love, because you weren’t distracted by your own language. You could go anywhere in the world and you always knew what was going on. It was contemplative because as the Mass was going on you could close your eyes and visualize what really happened. You could feel it. You could look to the east and realize that God had come and was really present. The way it is today with the priest facing the people, its something between the people and the priest. Too often it’s just some kind of get-together and Jesus is all but forgotten. THE EUCHARIST Every time I receive the Eucharist it is more God in me. The Lord Himself said, “If you do not eat the flesh of the son of Man you will not have life in you.” Your capacity to receive grace grows each time you accept His Body and Blood. If you give God a pint jar, you can’t expect him to put the ocean in it. The Eucharist broadens your ability to receive grace. - From "Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality" (Doubleday) Decree on Latin Mass WSJ Article tag:www.raymondarroyo.com,2007:/blog//2.16 2007-07-13T13:15:17Z 2007-07-13T20:47:52Z

Thanks for stopping by. There has been so much confusion about what Pope Benedict's intention was in issuing his recent Decree on the Latin Mass. Here's what I think is happening, from the Wall Street Journal. For the unedited version...

Wall Street Journal. For the unedited version (which makes a few critical points), click here. Thanks for dropping in and see you soon. Raymond ]]> China and the Latin Mass tag:www.raymondarroyo.com,2007:/blog//2.15 2007-07-04T19:43:43Z 2007-07-04T19:52:13Z

Hope everyone is having a grand summer. So many of you are reading the paperback of my biography of Mother Angelica... in fact just the other day someone wrote to me complaining that I had caused her to be sunburned. Apparently she started reading the book at the beach and didn't want to put it down. Advice: read the book indoors or under shelter please! Wanted to give you a heads up of what we'll be discussing on the World Over this week. Father Robert Sirico of the Acton Institute is joining me to talk about entrepreneurship, but we'll also be discussing the Pope's recent letter to China, the democracy march that took place this week in Hong Kong, and the forthcoming Papal document on the Latin Mass. Hope you can join us. The show premieres at 8PM Eastern Time on EWTN this Friday night. More later.... Raymond A Chinese Cardinal Meets the Real Bush tag:www.raymondarroyo.com,2007:/blog//2.14 2007-06-21T13:35:53Z 2007-06-21T13:38:37Z

Raymond's exclusive report on private White House meeting mentioned in Bob Novak's Column. Read it HERE!...

HERE!]]> Mother Angelica's Little Book Bestseller tag:www.raymondarroyo.com,2007:/blog//2.13 2007-06-14T15:53:23Z 2007-06-14T15:54:15Z

Hey Gang, I have some great news. Months after "Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality" was released, the book is still holding firm on bestseller lists. This week Publisher's Weekly has Mother's book as number 9 on the Religious Bestseller List. It is simply amazing, and all due to your devotion to the book. Thank you and may you find great inspiration on those pages. And just in time for Summer: Mother's biography is now available in softback at your local bookstore. Go pick up a copy and take Mother along on vacation. The audio versions of both books are also available for those long drives. Have a great summer. Raymond May, 2007 tag:www.raymondarroyo.com,2007:/blog//2.12 2007-04-30T20:03:52Z 2007-04-30T20:04:35Z

While traveling out west a few weeks ago a lady approached me at an event. She told me that there was one line she heard Mother Angelica say that left a deep impression upon her. It was: "Don't let anyone take away your peace. God gives you many beautiful gifts, but perhaps none is as precious, or as beautiful as your peace." As we approach Mother's day, I am thinking of the amazing way that Mother Angelica has mothered millions around the globe with her wit and compassionate practicality. She teaches us the importance of keeping things in perspective and the value of faithfulness. So this Mother's day I hope you'll give your mother my mother--or at least her "Little Book of Life Lessons." And some news: "Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons" is now available as an audio book from St. Anthony Messenger and the softback edition of "Mother Angelica," the biography hits bookstores on May 15th from Doubleday. More later. Looking forward to seeing you on the road (check out the events lineup for my latest schedule). Yours, Raymond Thanks & Happy Easter tag:www.raymondarroyo.com,2007:/blog//2.11 2007-04-03T17:33:44Z 2007-04-03T17:56:05Z

Holy Week, 2007 As Easter nears I wanted to first thank all of you for the outpouring of affection and support you have shown me during the last few months. It has been such a joy to meet some of...

Holy Week, 2007 As Easter nears I wanted to first thank all of you for the outpouring of affection and support you have shown me during the last few months. It has been such a joy to meet some of you in person during the book tour. And I am particularly touched by the way people have been sharing "Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality" with others. The other day I was dashing through an airport and there was a lady reading the book, weeping. At this sacred time of year, it seems appropriate to give Mother's words of hope and humor to those who need them most. Thank you all. May you and yours have a peaceful and blessed Easter. Talk to you soon... Yours, Raymond MOTHER ANGELICA'S SPIRITUAL TREASURE TROVE LANDS ON NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER LIST! tag:www.raymondarroyo.com,2007:/blog//2.10 2007-03-26T15:24:19Z 2007-03-26T16:01:33Z

New York Times Best Seller List: Download file Well, we've nearly done it. This week "Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons.. " premieres at number 8 on the New York Times Best Seller List. First of all, thank you...

Download file Well, we've nearly done it. This week "Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons.. " premieres at number 8 on the New York Times Best Seller List. First of all, thank you for making the book the raging success that is has become. Every day I receive wonderful letters from readers touched by Mother's wisdom and moved by her instruction. The book has been classified as an "Advice Hardcover", which is one of the most competitive lists of all. So even though we are in the top ten, the book has to be in the top 5 to count as a formal bestseller! (Don't ask me why--only the NYT knows). I hope you'll help us push the book up the list and over the top this week. The presence on the list will make the little book more visible and attract a whole new readership. With Easter coming and Mother's Day in the wings, Mother's Little Book is a gift that I know will bring joy and hope to whomever reads it. Thanks again for all your support. Yours, Raymond ]]> Great News tag:www.raymondarroyo.com,2007:/blog//2.8 2007-03-19T21:23:39Z 2007-03-20T13:58:11Z

Thanks to everybody for making "Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons..." such a success. It is among the top 10 bestsellers at some of the major book outlets and well on its way to breaking the New York Times list. To that end, if you haven't yet gotten the new book, go out and do so. It makes a fantastic Easter gift. You can order it by clicking on the links above or by visiting your local bookstore. In the meantime I look forward to meeting you personally while on tour. My visits to Detroit, Buffalo and Rochester were amazing--as was the incredible book launch party in DC. So many wonderful people came out to say hi. Be sure to drop in to our "Photo Gallery" for some personal pictures of those events. Hope to see you soon (particularly you folks near Cleveland) and happy reading... Yours, Raymond