ROSS DOUTHAT ON CHUCK COLSON. Read more

“INTENSE SCENES: A cat is on the toilet and screeches“ (via IP; warnings for violence, language, puppet sexuality and crucifixion, and Neil Patrick Harris) Read more

A MUCH SHORTER SUMMARY OF THAT LAST POST: It’s okay to convert because you see the space around God. (Similar to the space around Gossamer!) Read more

WHAT A RESURRECTION REALLY FEELS LIKE: Some thoughts about a particular moment in philosophical and spiritual struggle where many people seem to get kind of stalled. I hope I can write about this without sounding like I think this describes everyone who considers himself or herself to be seeking and not finding. This is more like, “What I describe here may resonate with some of you,” not, “I know why you haven’t Seen the Light yet.” So: Sometimes, especially when... Read more

O TELL ME THE TRUTH ABOUT LOVE: I find that a lot of people, both gay and not, ask me questions which boil down to, “How should I understand gay relationships which are obviously loving?” This can be phrased as, “How do you feel, as a Catholic, about my relationship with my boyfriend?” (although I don’t know why my personal feelings should really matter!) or “How should I view my brother’s partner?” or, something I addressed in that Commonweal piece,... Read more

LITTLE SHIVERS: Short movie reviews, mostly of B-horror. Pontypool: Canadian town’s destruction by zombie virus chronicled by its weird local radio station. This does a really good job at making the threat scary without showing you too much. If you like the high-concept summary, “Language is a virus which makes people zombies,” you will probably like this; if the premise leaves you cold I’m not sure the movie will work for you. I really liked it. The one jarring moment... Read more

Recently I asked my sober priest friend Monsignor Richey how I’d know if I was making any spiritual progress. The pious urge to pray many hours a day? I was thinking. Guru status? He pondered for a moment. “If crazy people aren’t afraid to come up to you and talk… that’s a pretty good sign,” he said.–Heather King, Parched Read more

WATCH MIT STUDENTS PLAY TETRIS ON A BUILDING. Read more

ALL MEN ARE [REDACTED] EQUAL. Read more

Paulina was surprised. “Why, but you too are clinging to a straw! A couple of weeks ago, you explained to me at great length that you were absolutely sure to win at roulette, and then you rushed away because I stared at you as if you were insane. Or perhaps you were joking then? No, I remember very clearly that you were absolutely serious, and it didn’t sound like a joke at all.” “That’s true,” I said dreamily. “Even now,... Read more