Tears Stream Down

Please read this post, from a Catholic priest, stationed in Iraq. The soldier in me and the Catholic in me could only speak through tears.

What to Say When a Trooper Pulls You Over

It's not a sausage link, but Bacon is still in the family.

Stand-Up Presidential Polling

My pal, XWL at Immodest Proposals, has an absolutely hilarious vlog of comedian/magician Penn Gillette giving his presidential pick based on two nights of "polling" his own audience. It's probably about as scientific [and accurate] as anything Zogby could gather.

Warning: the joke he tells is offensive. And it's not good news for Senator Clinton, either.

Rethinking Original Sin and Blood Covenants

One of my favorites, The Anchoress, has been on a Lenten streak of great insight and humility. Today she writes about Adam and Eve's sin and brings in a completely new-to-me analysis:

Animals do not perceive their nakedness or try to protect their genitalia, but suddenly, Adam & Eve did. Evolution? Fruit? Whatever. What matters is that suddenly they knew more than they had known, and what they knew - what they suddenly understood - was that they were vulnerable.

Their awareness of their vulnerability might have led to their excuse-making, too. Until that point they had enjoyed a blissful relationship with the Creator - there would have been no reason to fear - and yet - suddenly attuned to their vulnerability, they feared enough to hem and haw and blame anyone else around, and aside from the serpent there was only each other.

Was the first sin, then, simple disobedience? That doesn’t really seem likely. Obedience, like anything else, must be learned.

Rather, I think the first sin was humanity not trusting in God but trying to guard themselves by hiding from him; humans covering themselves up both physically and metaphorically - with fig leaves and with the sloughing off of blame onto others - rather than revealing themselves and taking responsibility for their actions.

Then she goes on to compare this willing-ourselves-to-become-vulnerable to the Jewish covenant of circumcision and female virginity.

The entire post ought to be read. See if you don't catch your breath at some new insight, too.

Puns Galore

Thanks to Pastor Jeff for his latest contribution to my ongoing pun collection. It's especially apt to send to a Catholic woman on a Friday during Lent:

Two guys were out fishing on a lake when one of them dropped his wallet over the side of the boat. The man was amazed to see a carp swim by and snatch it up. Soon, another carp came up and stole it away, then a third joined in.The man turns to his friend and says, "That's the first time I've ever seen carp-to-carp walleting."

And, if you have a strong stomach for bodily fluid talk and don't mind a PG-13 rating, go over to my friend Annie's place and see what we've been spewing.

Blue Eyes Cryin' In the Rain

Today I noticed an article online about the one shared genetic mutation that created blue eyes about 6-10 thousand years ago. All blue-eyed people are related to this one genetic tweak. I thought it was interesting and forwarded the story to my blogfriend Annie because she's an editrix for a natural sciences journal and I was certain she had seen this already. Turns out, it was news to her. But here's the bloggy good part: she immediately wrote a complete post, linking to the article I lead her to, and then she infused another article in her analysis and then she wrapped it up with great insight. I guess I shouldn't be surprised at that because she's only made her living as a professional writer for a quarter of a century or so, but still...I'm somewhat awed.

Happy Birthday, Ann Althouse!

One of my favorite bloggers, and my favorite prof-blogger, is having a birthday tomorrow. What do you get the blogger who has everything? Links! Here's my favorite post of hers from recent memory. It was her photos and title that got me thinking of my old Army days. The conversation in the comments was lively and went in a direction even she probably didn't anticipate.

Many happy returns, Professor Althouse!

UPDATE: The good professor links to this, and insulting upwards takes a nice turn. Those of you with blogs, don't forget to link to your favorite Althouse post[s] on your blog. This includes you, Glenn Reynolds!

ANOTHER UPDATE: Instapundit succumbs to my powerful suggestion.

The History of Religion

Callimachus posted this a long time ago and I could never find it again, until he so kindly lead me to it. I play for the blue team and I found this quite interesting.



Thanks again, Cal!

Where Was...

...this guy when I needed him?

Hat tip: Tammy Bruce.

Laugh Again...

..with Gaffigan.




Hat tip to Poliblogger. Perhaps I should wrap my blog in bacon. You know, to improve it.

Respect Life Sunday

It's "Respect Life Sunday" and my friend Rachel, mother of five boys [her youngest, Henry, was just born a few months ago] writes at her blog Testosterhome*:

There is an interesting exchange people like to have with a pregnant woman. It goes something like this: Boy or girl? You don’t know? Well, as long as the baby is healthy, that’s all that matters.

Of course, a pregnant mother prays for her unborn child, for his health and wholeness, for a safe delivery. But I started to realize, after several of these exchanges – but what if it’s not? What if things don’t go smoothly? Is that really all that matters?

The truth is that with God’s grace, it would still be okay. A baby’s health is important, but it isn’t all that matters. What matters is Life.

As a mother who has seen her own child on the doorstep of death, I say to Rachel, "Amen, Sister friend." Life is more important than health.

*Tissue alert. Might not want to read it while wearing mascara.

Sweet Laughter

Thanks, Anchoress, for this. Anyone want a good laugh?

Livin' on the Edge

If you haven't noticed my friend Sippican Cottage on my blogroll, please do so now. He's in vintage form with his Bordeline Sociopathic Book for Boys, an answer to the recently published Dangerous Book for Boys.

He's happily married and a father to two boys and he's a furniture maker. That's right, folks, testosterone and power tools.

My Big, Fat, Muslim Wedding...

...photographed by my brother.

I'm often amazed at the places he's gone because of his skill with a camera. His talent with the camera is augmented by his ability to be around anybody comfortably. They relax with him and the images are amazing.

And, even though some of the traditions look a little different from the typical Western "white wedding," to proclaim unity in front of God and everyone, is the seed of marriage.

Guest-Blogging

I'm one of several guest bloggers for my friend Carol Platt Liebau. I mused about a Muslim Martin Luther yesterday and a Chelsea Clinton White House wedding today.

I think the gig will last for several more days. I'll keep ya' posted.

"The Happiest Days...

...are when babies come," according to Miss Melanie. And I agree.

I Like This Guy

This story about double-amputee Oscar Pistorius wanting to race against non-amputees in the 400 meter dash makes this mother of a single-amputee pleased. He also comes from South Africa, a country I have come to love, through my South African born sister-in-law. The human desire to test one's limits is inspiring. What's not to love?

Another Reason Why I Love Tony Snow

Oh, if only he had delivered this commencement address at my little college. He writes like a man who has come face-to-face with his own mortality. I think it gives you a fearlessness that is holy. I've seen it in my daughter, Annie. Thanks, Anchoress, for the hot link.

When (My) Worlds Collide

Today, while waiting on hold to speak with Michael Medved about the religious implications to Alito's nomination, he mentioned an article written by Ann Althouse in the New York Times Op-Ed. He described her as "liberal" law professor. As a faithful visitor of the Althouse blog, I know that she wouldn't describer herself thusly. After the commercial break, I told Michael I was her student [20 years ago, like that would matter] and that I believe she would characterize herself as a moderate. Proof? She voted for Bush last go-round. Medved conceded the point with his classic, "fair enough."

We went on to discuss the role, if any, Alito's religion had in his selection by Bush or in the potential challenges he would face because of it. If approved by the Senate, he will be the 5th Catholic to currently sit on the court, a first ever that the Catholics would be in the majority on the high court. Michael asked if that would bother me. I replied, "as a Catholic, I'd have to say 'no'." End of my call.

To close the loop, I searched an appropriate post at Althouse to mention the call and found that some liberals had called her a "conservative" because of the same Op-Ed, and then, committed a cardinal sin....FAILED TO LINK! Another Althouse commenter and blogger in his own right at Poliblogger held up the bloggy mirror. And now we have a glimpse at infinity.

Recent History Re: Women in the Law in Texas

I told Michael Medved that I thought the Harriet Miers' nomination smacked of affirmative action. After reading this letter from a contemporary of hers--now a judge in Texas--I am reminded of how recently it was much much much more difficult for women like me to become lawyers and take the "mommy track". I stand corrected and I thank my friend, Carol Platt Liebau, for having the class to post the letter from Judge Sharolyn Woods.