“If anybody wishes to understand me”, he continued, “they must listen to my music; if anybody wishes to know my ‘philosophy’ then they can read any of the Church Fathers; if anybody wishes to know about my life, then there are things that I wish to keep closed… unlike our friend John [Tavener]!”–Arvo Pärt, quoted here; via WAWIV Read more

A DAY FOR THOSE WHO DIED BY O.D. Read more

WHY CAN’T A MAN STAND ALONE? WHY CAN’T AN ALIEN BE JUST WHAT IT SEEMS? The friend I mentioned in my previous post about Attack the Block sent me a really good email clarifying her point. Because there’s one very specific plot spoiler, I’ve posted it over at the spoilerous blog, but the main point is: “…[T]he kids, like the audience, imagined they were in a different kind of movie, and that turned out to be a disastrous mistake.” They... Read more

IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN, BABY: Some scattered notes on that Christopher Roberts talk (I’ve ordered his book, as well). * CR argues that Augustine speaks, against several other early Christian theologians, for the body and for sex difference as a feature of our life in Eden, not a precursor or foreshadowing of the Fall. For him, to have a sexed body is to have a vocation. * CR: Progressive theology of marriage separates creation and redemption–for progressive, pro-gay-marriage theologians,... Read more

Celibacy is a sign that intercourse between men and women is not compulsory–that sex is a gift, not a law or a right. –Christopher Roberts, here; more on this in a moment Read more

NO ALIEN INVASION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION! Last night I saw Attack the Block with a couple friends, and I absolutely, relentlessly loved it. It does exactly what it promises–aliens attack a British housing project, working-class/underclass community bands together to save their home–and does it with tons of energy and heart. It’s sort of sf/horror/comedy, and real comfort food, giving you every cliche of its genres but giving them to you with style and love. Demi-spoilers in what follows. I was really... Read more

“ON WAR, GUILT, AND ‘THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.’“ Via PES. Read more

8 TINY THINGS THAT STOPPED SUICIDES. Read more

“BABY SQUID, BORN LIKE STARS.” Mesmerizing. Via the Rattus. Read more

MY DRUNK KITCHEN: VODKA/LATKE! You have no idea how happy this makes me. Read more