To keep you amused, in case I disappear again

Ah, well…if you’re reading this post, it means my phone/internets are out again and you’re reading an emergency “just to keep you interested and amused” piece I’ve arranged to post automatically in just such a circumstance. Never let it be said I don’t think of you guys!

Heard about these possible terrorists? Me neither. It sucks when my computer is down. But then again, Ed Morrissey’s computer hasn’t been down and he’s noting the missing headlines, too.

One definition of “chutzpah”, or some kind of shift for future engagement, but I don’t want to be cynical. It could simply be a move to get out in front of a story. Or not.

Amy Welborn is shifting a bit, as well – heading blogwise into another direction. I find I am also directing the blog in a different direction, or I am trying to and hoping to.

Also shifting, Crisis Magazine is putting out it’s last dead tree issue in September ’07, and will then produce online. The announcement by editor Brian Saint-Paul (a lovely fellow with whom I’ve been fortunate enough to correspond) announces it here:

…since the writing is so clearly on the wall, we are making a move while we still control our own financial and apostolic destiny…September will mark the final print edition of crisis Magazine. Beginning on September 1, crisis will move entirely online, in an expanded format. It will have the same features, reviews, and columns (in addition to several new items that we never had room for in the magazine).
[…]

September 1, we’ll be launching a mega-site called www.InsideCatholic.com…Each day, we’ll be rolling out new articles, columns, and investigative reports. We’ll also have weekly Web videos— everything from short pieces explaining or defending some Catholic belief to longer documentaries. These will be high-quality videos and well worth your attention.

The centerpiece of the new site will be a group blog—a kind of online diary where a dozen writers debate and discuss the issues of the day.

That last will be something along the lines of NRO’s The Corner, I’m thinking. I’m also thinking that we’ll be see more and more magazines making similar moves within the next year, or – for the political rags – soon after January 2009. Good luck to Crisis in their new endeavor. It’s been a great cover-to-cover read these past few years I’ve subscribed.

Abortion is simplifies almost nothing, no matter what you’ve heard. And Siggy expands on Shrinkwrapped’s thoughts.

A year and a bit out of the elections, how much do you know about former presidents? How much do you want to know? Jeanette’s Cafe Nette can help you out a bit.

Bernard is back to writing A Certain Slant of Light. Although he and I disagree strongly on some issues, he’s always one of my favorite blogfolk.

This is becoming a very troubling trend.

Worst Jesus Praise Song Ever. Really. That’s execrable. H/T Junkyard Blog. 95% of all “praise music” and 98% of all Catholic “hymns” written since 1972 are just shudder-inducing. Most of what is played at mass these days serves as useful penance and not much else.

Deacon Tony takes a look at what sorts of religious orders are flourishing and which are committing institutional suicide. H/T Li’l Bro Thom. I’ll have more nun-updates in the coming weeks, and Deacon Greg has some here. Lots of good stuff happening.

This once more, because it’s just too brilliant not to see again.

Learning to love the 2nd Amendment even if it’s only because you hate George W. Bush. Whatever it takes.

As a parent I can relate.

Julie at Happy Catholic offers up some laughs and – inspired by her – Deacon Greg adds a laugh-out-loud post of his own.

I don’t know who Pharmadaddy is but he loves opera and tells you why. And because I do, too, and I’m likely off-line, I give you this wonderful clip from the Metropolitan Opera’s Figaro starring Fleming, Bartoli, Terfel and (my favorite of all Counts) Croft, in the comic finale to the second act – enjoy!

And a little Bryn here, for Gayle and Fausta!

Linked below: I bought the pedal exerciser when we came home from vacation with me realizing that I need to move more than blogging/writing/editing allows. Now I pedal while I read and rather like it. And boy were my arms weak! This inexpensive little machine is worth the price. And Odd Thomas – enjoyed it very much on vacation. How can I not enjoy a book narrated by a flapjack-flipping medium who drives around with the ghost of Elvis riding shotgun? I recommend both to you.