I have to be honest, I don’t really understand this: The president’s Labor Day speech in Detroit featured an assertion that contained a number of warning signs that it might be an errant fact: “biggest middle-class tax cut in history.” [. . .] We decided to put the president’s claim to the test. We took an informal survey in our office and asked people what they thought the president’s statement meant. Everyone agreed he was claiming the biggest tax cut... Read more
Via Our Lady and the English Martyrs Church and the BBC, we can listen to the liturgy here. “The Lord be with you.” “And with your spirit.” It seems to go off without a hitch. I was interested in hearing the confiteor. I do love hearing a (blessedly brief) homily — and this one explains the importance of the changes, particularly that exchange highlighted above — in such a lovely, clipped accent. Listening to the new translations has had a... Read more
Later this month, we’ll be celebrating the release of Heather King’s latest book, Shirt of Flame: A Year with St. Therese of Lisieux, but while we wait in joyful anticipation for our copies to arrive, check out my interview with this wise and self-knowing author: Thérèse wrote under obedience. You sort of write under obedience, too, don’t you? In a sense, yes. I am not affiliated with any movement, organization, cause, politics, or institution other than the Church. But that... Read more
Over at First Things, I’m writing about Terry Pratchett, Sin, Chesterton and Assisted Suicide and referencing one of Julie Davis’ favorite exchanges his great book, Carpe Jugulum Having announced several years ago that he is dealing with early-onset dementia, Terry Pratchett, the celebrated author of scores of fantasy titles, most notably the marvelously wise and entertaining Disc World series, has—despite rumors to the contrary—staunchly maintained his atheist’s stance. Last year he declared that, having compared Genesis to Darwin, he found... Read more
Dear Mr. President; I understand you have a huge speech about job-creation coming up this week; the speech is so big, in fact, that it requires a venue that is somewhat out-of-the-ordinary for a simple policy speech. Some have suggested it is a do-or-die speech; that you’ll really have to convince the country that you have a plan, and not just a plan, but a bold one. And not just a bold one, but one that is actually feasible. Well,... Read more
Now that he is happily employed and done with his probie periodElder Son could not wait any longer to become betrothed to his beloved Kitty. Those two crazy kids have gone and gotten engaged! Yay! Everyone is very excited! My husband and I are a little dazed. We’re going to be in-laws! We’re going to maybe have grandchildren who are also not guinea pigs! We’re very happy over here. A new adventure! God bless them both! Read more
Never let it be said that the Catholic portal at Patheos is a predictable place. Currently featured in its columns and blogs: We’ve been anticipating the 9/11 Anniversary for a couple of weeks, by taking the Testimony of Two Towers, pondering the water and ash, remembering her secret heroes both priestly and canine, and we’re finding allusions to that terrible day in our own lives. And we’re not done with that topic. This week look for pieces on the anniversary... Read more
If Mark Steyn were not such a brilliant social analyst (here’s my take on his latest book, After America) then I would wish him to be recognized as the pre-eminent scholar and appreciator of the American Songbook. As much as I value his political stuff, I love when Steyn writes about the arts, and most particularly when he writes about music, where he is knowledgeable, funny and infectiously enthusiastic. For Labor Day, Steyn gives us two songs about labor, “Ol’... Read more
I love this — via the Deac Read more
I like this: Beautiful art is not just for cultural enrichment but is an important way to experience God and become aware of the human thirst for the infinite, Pope Benedict XVI has said. A sculpture, a painting, a poem or a piece of music can arouse a feeling of joy when it becomes apparent it is something more than just a chunk of marble, a canvas covered with colours, or words or notes on a page, he said. “It’s... Read more
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