For the Techno Savvy Catholic

I recently joined the "smartphone" bandwagon.  Although it is taking some time for me to learn to use (a fraction) of its features, I am finding myself more and amazed by the capacity that this tiny piece of technology holds.  Not only do I have the world at my fingertips but now it also fits in my pocket.

I am discovering that my phone has so many uses other than simply staying connected, or entertained.  One of my favorite new tools is the iBreviary application. With a simple touch on my screen I can read the daily mass readings or the litany of the hours.  And did you know that you can read Scripture on your smartphone as well?  It finally makes sense to me why the teen sitting next to me in mass last week was messing with his phone... He must have been following the liturgy!  (As an aside, it honestly is taking me some time to get over the shock of witnessing the faithful using these applications in a Church or during adoration.)

I was also deeply impressed while reading this article.  In response to predictions that smartphones and iPhones will soon become channels for the pornography industry, Steve Jobs replied that Apple products would provide "freedom from porn".  Jobs stated that “It’s not about freedom...It’s about Apple trying to do the right thing for its users. Users, developers and publishers can do whatever they like — they don’t have to buy or publish or develop on iPads if they don’t want to.”

Although it is still in question whether Apple can truly keep users from accessing pornographic sites, it was refreshing to hear such a popular corporate leader speak out against the subject.  I admire his strong stance against an issue that is so disruptive to marriages and society.

I did not splurge on an iPhone this time, but I will definitely remember this article in the future.  And, since I happen to be married to a member of the Apple cult, I might be a little more supportive of "investing" in an iPad one of these days.

Tweeting for Jesus

I was reading through my Summer issue of Faith and Family magazine, and came across an interesting article about the Pope's message for World Communication's Day from 2009.  In it, Pope Benedict XVI addressed the young "digital generation", and the increasing popularity of texting and social networking.  I decided to look up and read the message for myself.

I have to admit that I almost expected this message to be of a warning-nature of some kind, but instead it was more encouraging than anything.  Obvious benefits that he describes from technologies such as blogs, facebook, twitter, email include being able to stay in contact with family across great distances, helping students and researchers access documents, working collaboratively from remote locations, and producing new ways to learn and communicate. 

He discusses that what young people are drawn to more than just gadgetry, is the desire to know and to be known.  We desire communion with each other, and by reaching out and being open to others we fulfill "our deepest need and [become] more fully human".  Moreover, the Pope describes these technologies as a "gift to humanity" and encourages us to use them for a greater purpose; by promoting a culture of respect, dialogue and friendship. 

As Christians, we must use these technologies to promote respect and dignity of all human beings.  We should avoid using them to spread hate, intolerance, objectification, exploitation ect.

In addition, he mentions that we should take advantages of technology to share fruitful dialogue between people. With the click of a mouse we can communicate with people from other countries, cultures and faiths.  We should always be spreading peace, truth, beauty and goodness.  This concept reminds me of St. Maximillian Kolbe's mission to spread the love of God through modern tools like the media.  It is also what I hope Defining Beauty will continually reflect.

Lastly, the Pope discusses the idea of "friendship" and mentions that we should be aware of the casual term that "friend" has become in cyberspace ect.  He talks about how friendship is one of the highest achievements of human culture, and that although networking may faciliate some of our friendships, we should always keep our real relationships a priority over virtual ones.

He finishes with this beautiful message that I could not even put into my own words:

"I would like to conclude this message by addressing myself, in particular, to young Catholic believers: to encourage them to bring the witness of their faith to the digital world. Dear Brothers and Sisters, I ask you to introduce into the culture of this new environment of communications and information technology the values on which you have built your lives. In the early life of the Church, the great Apostles and their disciples brought the Good News of Jesus to the Greek and Roman world. Just as, at that time, a fruitful evangelization required that careful attention be given to understanding the culture and customs of those pagan peoples so that the truth of the gospel would touch their hearts and minds, so also today, the proclamation of Christ in the world of new technologies requires a profound knowledge of this world if the technologies are to serve our mission adequately. It falls, in particular, to young people, who have an almost spontaneous affinity for the new means of communication, to take on the responsibility for the evangelization of this "digital continent". Be sure to announce the Gospel to your contemporaries with enthusiasm. You know their fears and their hopes, their aspirations and their disappointments: the greatest gift you can give to them is to share with them the "Good News" of a God who became man, who suffered, died and rose again to save all people. Human hearts are yearning for a world where love endures, where gifts are shared, where unity is built, where freedom finds meaning in truth, and where identity is found in respectful communion. Our faith can respond to these expectations: may you become its heralds! The Pope accompanies you with his prayers and his blessing."

January 24 2009

Deal junkie

I've recently become a deal junkie scouring the internet for good deals on things we are planning to buy. Three of my favorite sites are Groupon and Jasmere and Zulilly. Groupon has you pick your city then shows you one good deal a day. Today's happens to be awesome: discounted tickets to the SeaLife Aquarium at Legoland in Carlsbad. I'll be picking up 4 tickets for us - Ella is obsessed with fish so we'll take her there for her birthday :) Jasmere also has one deal a day, but theirs ranges from coffee to sheets to reusable baggies. On top of selling discounted products, they also sell vouchers. For example, you would pay $20 for a $50 voucher at their featured retailer. Zulilly is all for moms and kids and sells clothes, gear, and toys at a discounted price. It's an awesome way to stock up on gifts for the year. Enjoy!

IPad, Apple's Baby

Today, I stumbled upon an amazing video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulV5LDwdn8Y

With the new IPad that recently came out, Apple has fallen into the world of new parents. With this ad, Apple talks about the adventures of a brand new baby, a REALLY BRAND NEW BABY! One that hasn't even been born yet!

How cool is that??? IPad is helping people relate even more personally to their unborn child and showing life at the VERY beginning!

The bond between the parents and the new baby is extremely important! The bond is even more strong between the baby and his or her mother! How exciting is it that Apple is helping families become closer even earlier now!!!!

Thank you Apple!!!!