I’m thinking of starting a new game, called Instapundit acu tetigisti, whereby every time one spots Glenn Reynolds managing to succinctly “touch the matter with a needle” on any issue (and he does it a lot) one must take a shot of espresso, or grab a cup of favorite coffee. Today, I sat at my desk with a cup of espresso (a double, actually) clicked on Instapundit, which is how I start my day, and read this: CLARENCE PAGE: WHAT’S... Read more
A while back I received a review galley of Judith Dupre’s upcoming book, Full of Grace, Encountering Mary in Faith, Art and Life and although the proofs were in black and white, and there was no cover graphic, I could tell this book was going to be a substantive exposition on Mary in all of the ways we understand her, and a feast for contemplative eyes, as well. Full of Grace will be released on November 2, but today I... Read more
Busyness has made me remiss in letting you folks know about Patheos’ Religion and Faith Book Club, which is currently discussing Stephen Prothero’s God is Not One, with a nifty tie-in to the PBS-series, which is also looking at the book. Sadly, neither the book nor the series has crossed my path, simply because of a lack of time, but you’ll want to check out the sites and reviews, I think. Speaking of reading, Halloween is coming up. Check out... Read more
Esteban Rojas, the 18th miner rescued Over at Deacon Greg’s place: We sit here in our living rooms and offices, sipping coffee and checking e-mails, and hour after hour, another one emerges, up a long dark hole, to a shaft of daylight, and there are cheers and tears — and then something more. Something that moves even the most hardened heart. The world is blinking back tears as we see it, again and again. One man, breathing his first fresh... Read more
Every once in a while, a writer reads a line and then sits back and shakes her head in jealous admiration, saying, “boy, I wish I’d written that!” James Taranto of the Wall Street Journal looks at the left’s confused obsession with “branding” and the NY Times’ stubborn insistence on spinning elite condescension and ruinous policies as a failure of the governed to be smart enough to understand how great things are, and writes: If the Coca-Cola Co. had been... Read more
Benedict Speaking on Hildegard of Bingen, 09/08/10 English and Welsh bishops are urging Catholic parents to dress their children as saints this Halloween. At first consideration, that might not seem too remarkable. But when one takes into account how timid Catholics have been in the UK in recent years, perhaps it is remarkable indeed. Perhaps the Halloween suggestion reflects some of the first fruits of Pope Benedict XVI’s recent visit to England and Scotland. British journalist Paul Burnell writes: Since... Read more
(Source) Yesterday, I wrote a little about the rampant bullying that is driving too many gay teenage boys and straight teenage girls, to suicide. Today, I look at how that can be, after whole generations have heard the “tolerance” messages since their cradles, and suggest one surprising step that the church could take, in order to teach the world how to actually walk all that talk. USA Today has picked the piece up, with predictable emphasis. I notice that in... Read more
Over the weekend, I mentioned to someone that I hate the tv ad for the Chrysler Town and Country–the one where a little boy is being chased by bullies; he dives into the open hatchback of a waiting minivan, and his mother–who apparently knows her son is the target of bullies, but parks some distance away from school–then smiles as he makes his escape and the hatchback slowly closes behind him. Still smiling, and oblivious to the fact that thwarted... Read more
Just got the order form for the Norbertine Nuns Christmas Wreaths in my email. I do love these nuns, but I wish they’d embrace technology just a little and set up a website for their wreaths, which are spectacularly fresh and fragrant and last beautifully throughout the season! I mean, this is kind of cute: Call or e-mail us to inquire about (or to place an early order for) a Christmas wreath made by the Norbertine Sisters! (661) 823-1066 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (661)... Read more
The unemployment numbers are looking pretty dismal and bleak, aren’t they? A while back, I was praying for someone’s job intention when it turned into a meditation through the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, which adapt themselves perfectly and powerfully to the feelings of abandonment, isolation and exposure that those suffering a job loss can experience. The folks at Our Sunday Visitor wondered if I could adapt that post, after some revision, to a pamphlet that could help prayer groups,... Read more
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