Today on Kresta - August 18, 2009

Talking about the "things that matter most" on August 18

LIVE FROM THE IOWA STATE FAIR WITH KWKY - DES MOINES CATHOLIC RADIO

3:00 – Kresta Comments

3:15 – The Obama Administration and DOMA
The U.S. Justice Department filed a brief in a suit challenging the Defense of Marriage Act, with the administration going on record as favoring repeal. The Justice Department brief, filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, also rejected arguments put forward by conservative groups on the importance of marriage for child-rearing as a justification for the act's ban on federal recognition of same-sex unions. Is the Obama administration on the same page with DOMA? Gary Bauer has the answers.

3:25 - Robert Novak (1931-2009)
Robert Novak passed away this morning after battling a brain tumor. The Catholic journalist was a centerpiece in Washington journalism and political reporting for 50 years. In his memoirs released in 2007, he cuts to the chase, beginning this memoir with his first in-person encounter with Joseph Wilson, in the green room of NBC's Meet the Press in 2003. Wilson and his wife, Valerie Plame, would eventually form the center of a major career-jeopardizing controversy for Novak, who was blunt in his immediate low opinion of the man. And that characteristic bluntness reigns throughout the book as he recalled 50 years of political reporting. We replay the interview Al did with Novak upon the release of his memoirs.

3:45 – A Taste of Heaven
Part travel guide, part cookbook, A Taste of Heaven is a delightful survey of the fine food and drink made by Catholic religious orders in America, Belgium, France, and Germany. From positively scrumptious beer and cheese to some of the richest chocolate on earth, the treats presented in this book are heavenly indeed, and author Madeline Scherb beautifully captures the heart and spirit of the holy work that goes into producing them. With vivid descriptions of the monasteries, their fascinating histories, and helpful advice for travelers on getting there and getting the most out of their visit, this book will serve as an invaluable guide. Madeline is our guest.

4:00 – Kresta Comments

4:20 – Faith Finances
Are you one of the millions of Americans that are treading water in a vast sea of debt? Are you perhaps struggling financially? Are you ready for change? Tom Zordani illustrates, through the use of Scriptural principles, how to improve your situation forever. He uses a step-by-step approach that mixes powerful biblical principles with proven secular techniques to positively transform any financial situation. Faith Finances will have you looking not only at your checkbook differently, but the Good Book as well.

4:40 – Heart of the Assassin
Heart of the Assassin is the culminating novel in Robert Ferrigno’s post-apocalyptic trilogy, following Prayers for the Assassin and Sins of the Assassin. Key leaders are planning to reunite the U.S., long divided into an Islamic Republic and a Christian Bible Belt. Elite Muslim warrior Rakkim Epps’ wife, Sarah, believes the path to reunification lies in retrieving a relic of Christ’s cross kept in a safe room beneath Washington, D.C., an area long looted by scavengers known as zombies who are willing to risk contamination from nuclear fallout in order to retrieve and sell treasured items. Also interested in reuniting America is the Old One, a 150-year-old despot who has achieved near immortality through genetic engineering. Robert joins us.

5:00 – Memories of Robert Novak
Robert D. Novak, 78, an influential columnist and panelist on TV news-discussion shows who called himself a "stirrer up of strife" on behalf of conservative causes, died today at his home in Washington of a brain tumor first diagnosed in July 2008.Mr. Novak's "Inside Report" syndicated column, shared for 30 years with the late Rowland Evans, was important reading for anyone who wanted to know what was happening in Washington. Mr. Novak and Evans broke stories about presidential politics, fiscal policy and intra-party feuds. Their journalism, which reported leaks from the highest sources of government, often had embarrassing consequences for politicians. We talk to Raymond Arroyo who worked for Bob Novak.

5:20 - Robert Novak (1931-2009)
Robert Novak passed away this morning after battling a brain tumor. The Catholic journalist was a centerpiece in Washington journalism and political reporting for 50 years. In his memoirs released in 2007, he cuts to the chase, beginning this memoir with his first in-person encounter with Joseph Wilson, in the green room of NBC's Meet the Press in 2003. Wilson and his wife, Valerie Plame, would eventually form the center of a major career-jeopardizing controversy for Novak, who was blunt in his immediate low opinion of the man. And that characteristic bluntness reigns throughout the book as he recalled 50 years of political reporting. We replay the interview Al did with Novak upon the release of his memoirs.