MORE SUNSHINE LESS AUTISM?

LINK to online version

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 36 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism, an increase of 317% since 2000, with boys 4 times more likely to be diagnosed than girls.

The CDC notes a variety of possible causes including better detection, more screening, and the expansion of the diagnosis to include a “spectrum” of behaviors. But the cause that stands out to me is: “Environmental factors, such as air pollution, viral infections, vitamin D deficiencies, gut inflammation, and exposure to toxic chemicals.”

I know that I am out of my lane writing about this issue since I am not a medical or mental health authority. However, I am a father of two sons, both of whom are now adults, and both of whom have been living with autism since their childhoods. So I’ve been researching causes and cures for most of their lives.

Certainly, better detection has led to an increase in diagnoses, but 1 in 36 and an increase that gets exponentially steeper every year? No. Something else is going on, and I choose to believe it’s environmental. If nothing else, it’s the one thing I can do something about, at least for my own children.

As an aside, I’m not going to go down the vaccine rabbit hole, however, I believe no stone should be left unturned, and vaccines, or at least the increase in the number of vaccines (now more than 50 by age 18) as well as the increase in the number of shots per visit, should be studied as environmental factors.

It would seem to me if we are going to “follow the science,” then we should examine environmental factors apart from other factors and look for things which demonstrate a similar rate of increase and at least begin with a correlation.

Two environmental factors which caught my attention - probably because they are two things I can do something about - are Vitamin D deficiencies and gut inflammation.

As we know, Vitamin D, the best kind, is made in our skin via sunlight. And there is no question that children today, especially in the United States where autism rates are the highest in the world, have, for a couple of decades now, become an increasingly indoor population. In fact, we all have.

We can attribute much of our children’s preference for indoors to video games and the like, however, there is also the fact that sunlight has been demonized.

An initial google of the words “children” and “sunlight” and you will see the words “harmful UV rays” and “protect” in almost every first sentence. However, a deeper dive will turn up advice like this from Medical News Today:

“Of all the health benefits of sunlight, initiating the process of producing vitamin D in the body may be the best known. When UVB rays hit human skin, they interact with the 7-DHC protein there to produce vitamin D3.”

And there’s this for us older folks:

“Researchers have noted a link between exposure to the sun and lower blood pressure levels, with reduced death rates from cardiovascular issues.”

Moving on to “gut inflammation,” this is the one which most interests me since one of my sons also suffers with Crohn’s disease.

In researching my son’s conditions, I discovered that it is not uncommon for persons who suffer with autism, ADHD, and other “brain” conditions to also suffer gut issues, a fact which has given rise to the growing literature relative to the “gut-brain connection."

Recently, I came across articles about how low-carb, high (animal) fat diets showed promise in treating autism. Here’s some excerpts from “Ketogenic Diet for Autism: Is It Effective?” as posted at RainbowTherapy.org:

- A recent meta-analysis that considered both animal and human studies found promising evidence supporting the use of the ketogenic diet as a therapeutic option for autism spectrum disorder.

- The ketogenic diet has been found to have neuroprotective effects and may impact the core symptoms of autism through multiple mechanisms. One of these mechanisms is its anti-inflammatory effects.

- Emerging research suggests a connection between gut health and autism, and the ketogenic diet has shown potential in modulating the microbiota and promoting a healthier gut environment.

- The diet’s potential to positively impact cognitive function, inflammation levels, and behavioral regulation in individuals with ASD presents an exciting avenue for further exploration. 

I may explore this more in future columns. Meanwhile, let’s get our kids more sunshine and cut the carbs.

Tim Rohr has resided in Guam since 1987. He has raised a family of 11 children, owned several businesses, and is active in local issues via his blog, JungleWatch.info, letters to local publications, and occasional public appearances. He may be contacted at timrohr.guam@gmail.com   

TIC TOC, TIC TOC !!!

 (Posted by Frenchie)

Unlike the sand glass, that a few of us still use to time the cooking of our eggs, most people prefer the allegory of the clock's tic toc to illustrate the time that goes by. Some would add reluctantly .

A week ago today, many of us attended the official intronisation of our New Archbishop: Ryan Jimenez.

As I noted earlier, the new leader of our local Church, said and did all the right things. I observed that we should wait and see what actions, decisions, positions he would take in the coming days and weeks to address (or not) some of the issues that have plagued us for years.

Let us not fool ourselves, the problems are numerous and complicated, and bringing a satisfying solution to them is a sizeable challenge. This blog has identified these issues over the years, and closely monitored the attempts to solve them. (in some cases, to sweep them under the rug)

The largest problem taken on by Archbishop Byrnes during his tenure, had been addressing the victims of the years of sexual abuses, going back to then Bishop Flores and throughout the corrupt reign of Apuron. In order to address this monumental challenge, the Archdiocese initiated the process of Bankruptcy, which came to a tentative close in our federal court not long before Archbishop Byrnes became physically incapable to continue what he had started. The dossier was followed in the interim by the Vatican appointed Apostolic Administrator in the person of Fr Concovar, who discreetly and diligently continued that ungrateful work.

This is where we stand as a new shepperd takes over the challenge.

Tim Rohr, myself and several other contributors have underlined over the past few years, that one of the major challenges that Archbishop Byrnes failed to address was in fact a corner stone of all the other issues currently facing us. Yes the Archbishop had put a moratorium on the NCW, yes he had engaged in reaching out to the victims of the Clergy, yes he did reach out to several of the Catholic groups around the island, and reorganized many of the parishes. Sadly one thing he did not address, or at least head on, was the remaining in power of what some consider as the deep state of our Archdiocese. Certainly some of the most egregious actors like Cristobal or Lirch ran away, one was defrocked. But the core of the administration of the Archdiocese has remained the same.

The same people that eagerly and zealously covered up for Apuron, stayed in power, and never faced the consequences of their actions or lack thereof.

Following the Assumption of Mary celebrations, Archbishop Jimenez reached out to the media the following Friday. Upon being asked about the Church reaching out to sinners, lapsed Catholics, drug addicts, sex addicts and divorced people, Archbishop Jimenez gave a typical church of nice answer, that could have been delivered by Pope Francis, without explaining, what needs to happen for these people to save their souls. 

Pressed further about some of the appointments at the Chancery, we found that Fr Crisostomo was kept in his position as delegate to the Clergy.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle the British physician turned novelist, famously had his hero, Sherlock Holmes, the genial fictional detective and crime fighter, explain how he solved the clue of one of his mysteries by noting" it is not what he did, but what he did not do"

So far, this is not what Archbishop Ryan has done, but what he has NOT done. He has not taken a strong position on the blinding sins of our secular leaders. (Archbishop Byrnes had taken the first steps, to warn Gov. Lourdes Leon Guerrero-Cook, on her advocacy for the infanticide of babies). So far until now he has kept the same individuals in charge at the Chancery and in position of decisions.  Granted, he has only been officially in his role for a single week, but in reality he has been working in the background for months. The honeymoon I am afraid will be quite short, if he goes that path. 

Tic Toc, Tic Toc

Santa Maria Kamalen pray for us.

FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A FLY ON THE WALL

 (Posted by Frenchie)

First I hope that you all were able to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption, which for the first time in many years, was officially a day of obligation, thanks to a decision by then Archbishop Byrnes. I had always found it strange that Guam was not celebrating the Feast of the Assumption of Mary like the large majority of Catholic countries around the world.

Unless you have been living under a rock, the novelty of this year's celebration was that our New Archbishop Ryan Jimenez was also going to officially be intronized in his functions, on that most blessed day. The symbolism of this was blown over many Catholic heads, and spirits who had been lobotomized by more than 3 decades of Apuron's failed leadership and corruption.

I decided to arrive about an hour and a half prior to the opening of the celebrations. Only to find that the Cathedral was already quite full by the time I arrived, unusual as it has been over the last 10 years. Every attendee was given a High Quality glossy program and a prayer card upon arrival. The Tone was definitely set. I found a comfortable seat, with a very good venue to observe the proceedings and the attendees.

My first observation was that despite a decent presence of male faithful, the large majority of people within the Cathedral was female, many of whom had worn their best attire and mantillas. Confirming a worldwide trend in the attendance of Catholic services.

Seats had been reserved on both side of the Altar and behind it for members of the Clergy and the visiting Bishops and Archbishops, as well as for religious orders representatives.Room was also reserved for secular representatives of the different branches of the Government and the Military, in the front rows of the Basilica.

As I mentioned prior, many of the ladies attending the celebrations wore their best outfits and participated positively in the cheerful atmosphere within. This was in contrast with some of the outfits worn by many of the men attending. Beside the usual Hawaiian shirts worn by many, the disparity of outfits worn was striking. It went from formal business attire, to poorly ironed polo shirt, most mothers would frown upon for such an event. 

The overall atmosphere prior to the ceremony was cheerful, yet reserved and reverent, except for the Spanish/Italian contingent of the NCW and their Catechist, which kept talking and gesturing in agitated ways, specially the group of teens and preteens brought along, who apparently have no idea what the word reverence means. Enough said, except that if it is the kind of fruits this tree is producing, we have a major problem. 

The first official secular representative to arrive, was Mayor Alig of Piti, who was representing the council of Mayors. He wore a dark colored Hawaiian shirt which was stylish and subdued, beside having a slimming effect. Slowly members of the Judiciary trickled in: Associate Justice Carbullido arrived in coat and tie, accompanied by his spouse. Soon Judge Lamorena III joined in dressed in a short sleeve tan shirt which looked as if it had been ironed in the mouth of a camel. The Maga Haga showed up in a somewhat elegant outfit with the first man a her side, also wearing suit and tie. They were closely followed by the Lt Governor and his spouse. Finally the Chief of Police showed up, barely on time, wearing an awful looking Hawaiian Shirt, that made him look as if he finished his shift at the Jamaican grill. A chamoru version of a keystone cop, what a disgrace.

The volunteers of the Cathedral all wore their usual white shirts, and were very pro active, guiding worshipers efficiently and quietly to the few seats available, and assisting the officials to their assigned seats.

The Governor, Lt Governor and their respective husbands  were soon joined by the Speaker of the Senate, the Vice Speaker, the US Delegate and significant other. Other Senators were spotted around the crowd, notably Free Mason Joe San Augustin, Senator San Nicolas aka Santa Claus, wearing his now famous red outfit, but also Senator Taitague, with an original ensemble, former Senator and current candidate Tony Ada was among his fellow knights of the Equestrian Order of Jerusalem, in a risplandant white cape, his charming spouse, just a few feet away. Senator Jesse Lujan, for his part sat with the filipino contingent, wearing his usual casual sport outfit.Most other Senators shone by their absence, which in itself is not surprising looking at the likes of Fisher, Perez, and other rabid anti Catholics. Most Republican candidates were sadly missing, probably thinking they do not wish to court the Catholic voters, disappointing, but not surprising.

If we could use one word for the ceremony, it probably would be pageantry, something the Church used to know how to do, which for this occasion was revived. Hopefully not for the same reasons as Apuron, but rather to emphasize the Sacred, which used to be at the center of the Catholic rituals.

Several lessons can be drawn from this celebration, and official proceedings: Archbishop Ryan appears to be a consummate political individual, with a sense for symbolism, and an acute reading of the crowd he addresses. Like him or not, he certainly is not somebody to take lightly. He displayed a lot of charm and flexibility, but you can sense a level of cold determination. The question being: shall he use it for good, or shall he be another politician in sheep's clothing. Only time will tell.

Another quick observation during the readings, the homily and the eucharist, was the reactions or lack thereof by certain noted individuals. The Speaker, and the Vice Speaker followed the ceremony with obvious intent and reverence, while the delegate a former seminarian himself was very much in communion with the process. Tony Ada was also very focused, as well as senator Taitague. When it came to Lourdes L. Guerrero Cook, she was quite aloof for the most part, even if she expressed a miraculous smile on a couple of occasions during the Archbishop homily, her husband seemed more in tune that she ever appeared to be. Finally a small ray of hope....The Lt Governor, Josh Tenorio was certainly the best and most appropriately dressed for the occasion, (he looked the part of professional politician) and his companion while less formal, wore very appropriate outfit. Most importantly, while many have pointed to their sinful situation, they both appeared to be in total communion with the ritual and very respectful of the proceedings, and genuinely worshiping, which gives us a glimmer of hope regarding the saving of their respective souls.

Last but certainly not least, the obvious decision by Archbishop Ryan to invite, and successfully welcome most of his brother Bishops, from the Oceania region, was impressive, with the Bishops of both Honolulu and San Jose CA in attendance, plus a Cardinal from Portugal who seem to be one of his mentor. This was certainly a show of political power, for the faithful of our Archdiocese, letting us know he is appreciated within the Church. The large contingent of priests from Chalan Kanoa and the Philippines was also well noted, with a similar message.  We definitely have a archbishop who will have to be part of the local equation on many levels.  Judging by the high number of visitors from Saipan, he made strong and lasting contact while there.

On another subject, the secretary for the nunciature, who represented the Pope for the occasion, while young and energetic, appear to be well aware of the many dossiers of our archdiocese. He conveyed on a personal level, that our nuncio is making strong progresses on the mental level, following the devastating stroke he suffered last year, while his physical progresses are more limited and challenging. Please keep him in your prayers, as he worked very hard to address Guam's numerous issues.

The Neos did spend a good amount of time and charm to try to gain brownie points during the party following the ceremony. You cannot blame them for trying. At least they work hard at it.

Monsignor James, looked in control, as the master of ceremonies, even if he looked tired and slow at time.

Reading a crowd can be revealing of many attitudes and agendas, specially when you know the record of the participants. This was highly educative and indicative of some of the positions taken already by the local actors. Lets keep our eyes and ears open, and watch with close attention, how our Catholic Archdiocese will continue in this 21st century.

AND WE'RE CONCERNED ABOUT PAGANS IN PARIS?

LINK to online version

So the news is about the mocking of Christianity at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. It may surprise some readers but I don’t care. In fact, I might say it was even “deserved.”

But before I go there, there is the question as to whether or not critics jumped to conclusions about what appeared to be a reenactment “in drag” of the Last Supper as immortalized in paint by Leonardo Da Vinci.

According to the ceremony creator, David Jolly, the scene in question was not meant to imitate the Last Supper but “to do a big pagan party linked to the gods of Olympus” and “promote tolerance of different sexual and gender identities.”

The alleged “Last Supper” was not the only seeming biblical parody. Jolly also staged what appeared to be the worship of a golden calf and a horse and rider right out of the last pages of the Book of Apocalypse.

To “flesh” out the bacchanal, Jolly, according to the AP, mixed in performances of  “a practically naked singer painted blue (who) made thinly veiled references to his body parts; a blonde-bearded drag queen (who) crawled on all fours to the thumping beat of ‘Freed From Desire,’ and “the tail end of an intimate embrace between two men who danced away, hugging and holding hands.”

And then there was Marie Antoinette’s guillotined head sitting in the window of the same building where the condemned Marie awaited her execution.

What any of this has to do with the Olympics, I don’t know, but all seems to be well in the “City of Love” because Jolly and his pals were reportedly doing nothing more than having a jolly good time, albeit in the spirit of the French Revolution. Anyway, Jolly said he was sorry if anyone was offended.

Now, to my point. Let’s assume that Jolly and his pals intended to mock Christianity, and, given the scene at issue, to mock specifically the Catholic belief in the Sacrament of the Eucharist. While I’m all for condemning sacrilege, how much worse is what a bunch of wild pagans did on the shores of the Seine than what most U.S. Catholics believe and do - at least according to polls.

I’m not preaching anything personal here, so don’t shoot the messenger. Following are some direct quotes from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (“CCC”) relative to tough moral teachings contrasted with what Catholics actually believe and do. I would say again “at least according to the polls,” but most serious Catholics know these facts to be true.

On abortion, the CCC teaches that “abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law…(and is) an abominable crime.” (CCC 2271). Meanwhile, a 2019 Pew Research poll reports that only one in ten Catholics believe abortion is wrong in all cases, and, President Biden, a Catholic who 49% of Catholics voted for and who is the most strident pro-abortion president ever, continues to receive communion with impunity. (By the way, the same is true of our local governor.)

On homosexual acts, the CCC teaches that such acts are "acts of grave depravity…and under no circumstances can they be approved.” (CCC 2357) However, according to Pew: “ in the United States, about six-in-ten Catholics (61%) said… that they favor allowing gays and lesbians to marry.” And recently, the current pope has muddied the waters further by authorizing blessings for “couples of the same sex.” (Fiducia supplicans III.)

On contraception, the CCC teaches: “every action which, whether in anticipation of the conjugal act, or in its accomplishment, or in the development of its natural consequences, proposes, whether as an end or as a means, to render procreation impossible is intrinsically evil.” (CCC 2370) But, according to Pew: “Just 15% of Catholics say that using contraception is morally wrong.”

And then there’s Guam, perhaps the most Catholic place in the world per capita, with also - per capita, the Catholic world’s worst record of the sex abuse of minors by Catholic authorities from the bishop to grade-school teachers.

Finally, it’s ironic that many Catholics are upset about what appeared to be a mocking of the scene wherein Christ institutes the Sacrament of the Eucharist, when, according to Pew, only one-third of U.S. Catholics believe in the sacramental presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist: that Jesus Christ is fully present, body, blood, soul and divinity in the consecrated species (bread and wine).

And we’re concerned about pagans in Paris?

Tim Rohr has resided in Guam since 1987. He has raised a family of 11 children, owned several businesses, and is active in local issues via his blog, JungleWatch.info, letters to local publications, and occasional public appearances. He may be contacted at timrohr.guam@gmail.com   

By Tim Rohr

Many Christians, and especially Catholics, are unaware of what this article demonstrates. Most of us are caught up in the media narrative that is focusing only on the modern atrocities perpetrated by both sides.

And because there is the name "Israel," we semi-consciously are equating the modern state of Israel to the Israel of the Bible. This article demonstrates why we, as Christians, cannot do this. I'd encourage you to read it carefully. 

AGAINST CATHOLIC ZIONISM

"For orthodox Christians, in no way can the establishment of a modern State of Israel be confused with the fulfillment of the promises given to Abraham because Jesus is the true fulfillment of those promises. To say otherwise would be akin to heresy, the denial of a doctrine. It would deny Jesus fulfilled the Law [Torah] and the Prophets. As fulfillment of the Law and Prophets, we speak of Israel being reconstituted and not of Israel being replaced in supersessionism."

FULL ARTICLE