ST. BLOG’S PARISH: Apparently I’m the “parish philosopher to defend us from the Randians when they come a-callin’.” Heh! I’m reminded of that scene from “History of the World Part I,” with the philosophers in the unemployment line… “Did you bull$#@! last week?” “…No.” “Did you try to bull$#@!?”

So anyway, just wanted to get that off my chest. Here, have some random links. I’ve got a lot more stuff for you in a bit.

It’s Zorak’s birthday!

If life gives you lemons… make capitalism. (More on this soon!)

There’s a multi-blog discussion of salvation and reprobation (are some born to endless night?) going on. Good stuff, very meaty. I recommend starting here and working back and forward as desired.

Here’s a “Catholic Page for Lovers” that’s just bursting at the seams with good stuff.

On a different note, here are some good, reader-friendly thoughts about the wishful-thinking proposal to make DC a federal tax-free zone. (Link via Tepper.)