The best thing I’ve seen all week I defy you not to laugh. Read more

GODSTUFF THE CONTAGIOUS AUDACITY OF HOPE: OBAMA ’08 Riding the Green Line el train to the Loop in Chicago earlier this week, the most extraordinary thing happened to interrupt the otherwise sullen monotony of my cold morning commute. At a stop in the middle of the city’s West Side, four people boarded the train and buffeted the other passengers with a burst of joyful energy. “OBAMA!” one of them, a smiling older woman with her hair tied back in a... Read more

The Dude Abides: Remix Phone’s ringin’, Dude. Thank you, Donny. Read more

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi has died THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a guru to the Beatles who introduced the West to transcendental meditation, died Tuesday at his home in the Dutch town of Vlodrop, a spokesman said. He was thought to be 91 years old. “He died peacefully at about 7 p.m.,” said Bob Roth, a spokesman for the Transcendental Meditation movement that the Maharishi founded. He said his death appeared to be due to “natural causes, his age.”... Read more

Grateful Dead for Obama OK, this is just too cool. Bobby, Mickey and Phil held a press conference and concert in San Francisco Monday to rally support for Barack Obama’s presidential run. REUTERS reports: Saying Barack Obama embodies political hope absent since Robert Kennedy was slain 40 years ago, three surviving members of the Grateful Dead rock band reunited on Monday for the first time in four years to back the presidential candidate. “Every few generations a guy like this... Read more

More Obama endorsements: YAYS! GARRISON KEILLOR ENDORSES OBAMA Garrison Keillor, host of public radio’s “A Prairie Home Companion,” has endorsed Democratic Sen. Barack Obama for president, Obama’s campaign announced Sunday. “I’m happy to support your candidacy, which is so full of promise for our country,” the best-selling author and humorist wrote in a letter declaring his support. “Seven years of a failed presidency is a depressing thing, and the country is pressing for a change and looking for someone with... Read more

TODAY IN GOD:RELIGION NEWS BITES FOR YOUR SNACKING PLEASURE EDITOR’S NOTE: It’s baaaaaa-aaaaaaaack!After a months-long absence while GG completed the book manuscript for Sin Boldly, our mostly-daily religion-and-spirituality news blog is back. Please for to enjoy … Clinton, Obama found faith in the Land of Lincoln The Democratic presidential race is down to two senators with roots in the state of Illinois. And although Barack Obama wasn’t born in the state, it was in the land of Lincoln that both... Read more

Chicago Sun-Times endorses Obama Some of the best bits: We like that this man of faith believes in something bigger than himself. He told the Sun-Times that he believes all people — Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists — know the same God. “I am a Christian,” he told us. “I have a deep faith. I believe that there are many paths to the same place.” He speaks powerfully of his faith and manages not to alienate nonbelievers. This man can get... Read more

It. Is. Finished. Hallelujah! God Girl has turned in the manuscript for Sin Boldly: A Field Guide for Grace.And there was much rejoicing. YAYS! Read more

When Aidan smiles . . . . . . nothing else matters. “Peace begins with a smile.”— Mother Teresa Read more