--A sobering editorial on the impact the next president could have on the Supreme Court.
--Speaking of the Supreme Court, it has become an occupying target.
--Speaking of occupying, who was Guy Fawkes and why do the protesters wear his mask?
*--A ballot initiative in Mississippi seeks to define any fertilized egg as a legal person.
--The Church of England met with News Corp. to discuss the phone hacking scandal.
--The world population is about to hit 7 billion. How big is that?
*--Can "zombie Jesus" serve as a source for legitimate theological reflection?
*--I agree that the science of the future should be networked.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 79
*--Chinese tweeters (or rather, sina-weibo-ers) won't be occupying Beijing anytime soon.
--Is Tim Tebow a Protestant saint?
--A list of 25 bible resources available online.
--Backwards world: might Justice Stevens be less liberal and Justice Thomas more liberal than we generally imagine?
*--NYPD apparently keeps files on those who change their names to or from "Arabic-sounding" names.
--Explanation of how the Citizens United decision harmed campaign finance laws.
--Peruse the oldest scientific journal.
*--Round-up of the status of laws targeting undocumented immigrants in various states.
--Is Tim Tebow a Protestant saint?
--A list of 25 bible resources available online.
--Backwards world: might Justice Stevens be less liberal and Justice Thomas more liberal than we generally imagine?
*--NYPD apparently keeps files on those who change their names to or from "Arabic-sounding" names.
--Explanation of how the Citizens United decision harmed campaign finance laws.
--Peruse the oldest scientific journal.
*--Round-up of the status of laws targeting undocumented immigrants in various states.
Assorted links, vol. 78 (Thomas hearings edition)
[In case you don't know about the Andrew Thomas disciplinary hearings, the basics are here, the formal complaint is here, and video recordings of the examination are here.]
*--PBS' show "Horizon" had very good pieces on the hearings before they began and after Thomas testified.
--Here is respondent Rachel Alexander's blog (see especially this gem, denouncing the proceedings).
*--Can't make it to the trial, but still want to know everything about it? Follow Arizona Republic reporter @yvonnewingett to be kept in the loop.
*--Besides Yvonne, another amazing reporter covering the hearings is the ABA Journal's senior writer Terry Carter. While we wait for his sure-to-be-amazing article, check out some of his past reporting here, here, and here.
--Also testifying: Joe Arpaio and David Hendershott.
--News about these hearings have been seen all over local TV (here, for instance), in the Washington Post, WorldNetDaily, Huffington Post, etc., etc.
*--PBS' show "Horizon" had very good pieces on the hearings before they began and after Thomas testified.
--Here is respondent Rachel Alexander's blog (see especially this gem, denouncing the proceedings).
*--Can't make it to the trial, but still want to know everything about it? Follow Arizona Republic reporter @yvonnewingett to be kept in the loop.
*--Besides Yvonne, another amazing reporter covering the hearings is the ABA Journal's senior writer Terry Carter. While we wait for his sure-to-be-amazing article, check out some of his past reporting here, here, and here.
--Also testifying: Joe Arpaio and David Hendershott.
--News about these hearings have been seen all over local TV (here, for instance), in the Washington Post, WorldNetDaily, Huffington Post, etc., etc.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 77
--Award for weirdest and dumbest Phoenix mayoral race campaign signs goes to... Stingray Sushi.
*--Excellent commentary from NPR on the NC-17 film rating.
--Words and paradoxes.
--My brother beat me to posting this (even though I found the link independently of him), but a giant Lego man washed up on the beach in Florida.
--What if the Supreme Court weren't the last word on constitutionality?
*--What would the happiest person in America be like? (Also, follow the embedded NYTimes link.)
--Moderate Islamists win in Tunisia.
*--As the headline asks, "Why does God love beards?"
--A new Australian program is helping to change public perception of greyhounds, taking them from fearsome to friendly.
*--Excellent commentary from NPR on the NC-17 film rating.
--Words and paradoxes.
--My brother beat me to posting this (even though I found the link independently of him), but a giant Lego man washed up on the beach in Florida.
--What if the Supreme Court weren't the last word on constitutionality?
*--What would the happiest person in America be like? (Also, follow the embedded NYTimes link.)
--Moderate Islamists win in Tunisia.
*--As the headline asks, "Why does God love beards?"
--A new Australian program is helping to change public perception of greyhounds, taking them from fearsome to friendly.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 76
--The mayor of D.C. wants $15 million to help repair the National Cathedral.
--Mendeleev pwns the last airbender.
*--Have you heard about the game show that tries to convert you to a new religion?
--Just over a month to go until the new Catholic Missal comes out.
--Some American Islamic scholars have issued a fatwa declaring the compatibility of being American and being Muslim.
*--Rush Limbaugh is at it again, this time cheering the Lord's Resistance Army....
*--A new Herman Cain ad is... strange?
--What will the future of Libya hold? Well, polygamy, for one.
--At least Harold Camping was half right this time around -- things were indeed quiet, but, once again, the world did not end on October 21, as he had re-predicted it would.
--Mendeleev pwns the last airbender.
*--Have you heard about the game show that tries to convert you to a new religion?
--Just over a month to go until the new Catholic Missal comes out.
--Some American Islamic scholars have issued a fatwa declaring the compatibility of being American and being Muslim.
*--Rush Limbaugh is at it again, this time cheering the Lord's Resistance Army....
*--A new Herman Cain ad is... strange?
--What will the future of Libya hold? Well, polygamy, for one.
--At least Harold Camping was half right this time around -- things were indeed quiet, but, once again, the world did not end on October 21, as he had re-predicted it would.
Assorted links, vol. 75
*--Winter is growing closer, which can only mean one thing: time to break out the beard hats.
--It looks like robots have once again bested humans, this time at solving Rubik's cubes.
*--A very important independent study on climate change has just been released, proving (unsurprisingly) that it is, in fact, real. Check it out, and be sure to follow the resources links to the time lapse video and two-page summary, at least.
*--A $1,000,000 prize was awarded to the team who created an oil spill cleaner-upper that works three times as well as the industry's state-of-the-art machines.
--On Republicans and the judiciary.
--The winner of the "Dance Your Ph.D." contest was announced -- go watch "Microstructure-Property relationships in Ti2448 components produced by Selective Laser Melting: A Love Story".
--A comparison of how the various iPhone cameras.
--And AntiSec strikes again, taking down the police this time.
--It looks like robots have once again bested humans, this time at solving Rubik's cubes.
*--A very important independent study on climate change has just been released, proving (unsurprisingly) that it is, in fact, real. Check it out, and be sure to follow the resources links to the time lapse video and two-page summary, at least.
*--A $1,000,000 prize was awarded to the team who created an oil spill cleaner-upper that works three times as well as the industry's state-of-the-art machines.
--On Republicans and the judiciary.
--The winner of the "Dance Your Ph.D." contest was announced -- go watch "Microstructure-Property relationships in Ti2448 components produced by Selective Laser Melting: A Love Story".
--A comparison of how the various iPhone cameras.
--And AntiSec strikes again, taking down the police this time.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 74
--Some researchers have claimed to find proof of the existence of a Yeti. Soon you may be able to study Yetis at the local university, too.
*--Want to go to Japan for free? Soon, you might be able to do so.
--Here's how the two stars of "The Princess Bride" look, 24 years later.
--A SWAT team raided the set of Brad Pitt's latest movie.
--Need a mask that is a creepily identical replica of your face? It can be yours for a mere $3920.
*--Did Portugal's history contribute to its decision to legalize same-sex marriage?
--What does a Buddhist military chaplain do?
*--And the Occupy Wall Street protesters marched a symbolic golden calf around.
*--Want to go to Japan for free? Soon, you might be able to do so.
--Here's how the two stars of "The Princess Bride" look, 24 years later.
--A SWAT team raided the set of Brad Pitt's latest movie.
--Need a mask that is a creepily identical replica of your face? It can be yours for a mere $3920.
*--Did Portugal's history contribute to its decision to legalize same-sex marriage?
--What does a Buddhist military chaplain do?
*--And the Occupy Wall Street protesters marched a symbolic golden calf around.
Assorted links, vol. 73
--A documentary about "Arrested Development" may be on the way.
*--Did you know that when the Apollo 11 astronauts returned to Earth, they had to first go through customs?
*--Shane Claiborne wonders if St. Francis might be occupying Wall Street if he were here today.
*--The Jewish Telegraphic Agency comments on the connection between the GOP and Israel.
--In an effort to combat stereotypes of Muslim women who wear the hijab as oppressed, voiceless, etc., the tumblr site "hijabisdoingthings" shows ordinary (hijab-wearing) women doing ordinary things.
--Looks like a (legislative) repeal of the repeal of same-sex marriage in California isn't in the cards for 2012.
--What happens when Amish theological divisions boil over? Why, beard- and hair-cutting assaults, of course!
*--Did you know that when the Apollo 11 astronauts returned to Earth, they had to first go through customs?
*--Shane Claiborne wonders if St. Francis might be occupying Wall Street if he were here today.
*--The Jewish Telegraphic Agency comments on the connection between the GOP and Israel.
--In an effort to combat stereotypes of Muslim women who wear the hijab as oppressed, voiceless, etc., the tumblr site "hijabisdoingthings" shows ordinary (hijab-wearing) women doing ordinary things.
--Looks like a (legislative) repeal of the repeal of same-sex marriage in California isn't in the cards for 2012.
--What happens when Amish theological divisions boil over? Why, beard- and hair-cutting assaults, of course!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 72
--You can read entire Dead Sea Scrolls online. This has to be the coolest online biblical studies tools I've seen in awhile.
--The writers of "Toy Story" are apparently working on a new film about ... Farmville?
--A helpful YouTube channel called "minutephysics" helps to give brief introductions to complicated physics ideas.
*--A virus attacked the computer of the U.S. drone fleet.
--IGN recently updated its list of the best Wii games. What do you think of its choices?
*--Very interesting article on the behind-the-scenes workings that led to the birth of the state of Israel.
*--This story also has been bothering me for awhile now (it isn't very new...). Should guns legally be allowed in churches? That question is actually far less important to me than the question of the theological rationale of why anyone would need to bring a gun to church. Of what is he or she afraid that God can't fix but a gun can?
--The writers of "Toy Story" are apparently working on a new film about ... Farmville?
--A helpful YouTube channel called "minutephysics" helps to give brief introductions to complicated physics ideas.
*--A virus attacked the computer of the U.S. drone fleet.
--IGN recently updated its list of the best Wii games. What do you think of its choices?
*--Very interesting article on the behind-the-scenes workings that led to the birth of the state of Israel.
*--This story also has been bothering me for awhile now (it isn't very new...). Should guns legally be allowed in churches? That question is actually far less important to me than the question of the theological rationale of why anyone would need to bring a gun to church. Of what is he or she afraid that God can't fix but a gun can?
Friday, October 7, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 71
*--A Swedish poet won the Nobel Prize in literature (read English translation of two of his poems here and here), the discoverers of dark energy won in science, one of the three winners of the prize in medicine died just before the award, and three women shared the peace prize for their nonviolent work advancing women's equality.
--An amazing story about the mother of the man who killed or wounded 10 Amish schoolchildren.
--America on why the Catholic Church should let girls be altar servers (and priests, too).
--Should have posted this awhile ago, but here is a Q&A on the Palestinian statehood bid.
--A Tennessee pastor asked his deacons to beat his gay son and stood by as they did. So sad.
*--A.S. Haley has written a useful Q&A about the legal wranglings in the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina.
*--How can you get recognized by the Royal Astronomical Society without being a Ph.D.-level astronomer? By playing Planet Hunters, of course! (See also: FoldIt.)
--An amazing story about the mother of the man who killed or wounded 10 Amish schoolchildren.
--America on why the Catholic Church should let girls be altar servers (and priests, too).
--Should have posted this awhile ago, but here is a Q&A on the Palestinian statehood bid.
--A Tennessee pastor asked his deacons to beat his gay son and stood by as they did. So sad.
*--A.S. Haley has written a useful Q&A about the legal wranglings in the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina.
*--How can you get recognized by the Royal Astronomical Society without being a Ph.D.-level astronomer? By playing Planet Hunters, of course! (See also: FoldIt.)
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 70
*--Can differences in the brain help explain political orientation?
--Need a job? NASA is hiring new astronauts.
*--This new book about secular apocalypticism sounds like an interesting read.
--What are your thoughts on the new Common English Bible?
*--The Supreme Court today heard arguments about one of the most important religions cases it has faced in a long while, which arose because of ... narcolepsy.
--Interesting short essay about Catholic hospitals and contraception.
--For those who still think that only Muslims can be violent, did you read about the mosque that was graffitied and burned, likely by Jewish extremists?
--Need a job? NASA is hiring new astronauts.
*--This new book about secular apocalypticism sounds like an interesting read.
--What are your thoughts on the new Common English Bible?
*--The Supreme Court today heard arguments about one of the most important religions cases it has faced in a long while, which arose because of ... narcolepsy.
--Interesting short essay about Catholic hospitals and contraception.
--For those who still think that only Muslims can be violent, did you read about the mosque that was graffitied and burned, likely by Jewish extremists?
Monday, October 3, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 69 (awesome things edition)
*--Arrested Development is coming back!
*--Enoch and Metatron star in a video game!
--Will Shortz opened up a table tennis club!
--America (Magazine) reports from the Occupy Wall Street protest (which has received support from Cornel West, George Soros, Russell Simmons, Alec Baldwin, Joseph Stiglitz, and Michael Moore).
*--Rob Bell is leaving Mars Hill to team up with "Lost" co-creator Carlton Cuse to create a new TV show called "Stronger".
--If only Justice Scalia were true enough to his words that he would indeed resign.... (See, for instance, paragraph 56 of John Paul II's "Evangelium vitae" here.)
--And what better way to bid farewell to departed loved ones than by stuffing their cremains into rifle bullets with which to take one final hunting trip?
*--Enoch and Metatron star in a video game!
--Will Shortz opened up a table tennis club!
--America (Magazine) reports from the Occupy Wall Street protest (which has received support from Cornel West, George Soros, Russell Simmons, Alec Baldwin, Joseph Stiglitz, and Michael Moore).
*--Rob Bell is leaving Mars Hill to team up with "Lost" co-creator Carlton Cuse to create a new TV show called "Stronger".
--If only Justice Scalia were true enough to his words that he would indeed resign.... (See, for instance, paragraph 56 of John Paul II's "Evangelium vitae" here.)
--And what better way to bid farewell to departed loved ones than by stuffing their cremains into rifle bullets with which to take one final hunting trip?
Assorted links, vol. 68
*--Quantum theory + Morgan Freeman + autotune = legit (and follow the embedded link for more). Also, this TED talk by Garrett Lisi on his "exceptionally simple" (read: "you only need a master's degree in mathematics to understand it") theory of everything is complicated but quite interesting.
*--The once and future Russian president Vladimir Putin is a man of action.
--Here's a fun game based on your own drawings.
--Whoops, look like The Onion went too far the other day....
*--What are those mainstays of pop songs and where do they come from?
--Awesome website to both waste time and learn new things. (For instance, Ivan [the tough 6'5" opponent in Rocky IV] is a real-life genius with an IQ of about 160 who speaks seven languages.)
--Another good website to check out, "for people who give a damn".
More to come. Enjoy!
*--The once and future Russian president Vladimir Putin is a man of action.
--Here's a fun game based on your own drawings.
--Whoops, look like The Onion went too far the other day....
*--What are those mainstays of pop songs and where do they come from?
--Awesome website to both waste time and learn new things. (For instance, Ivan [the tough 6'5" opponent in Rocky IV] is a real-life genius with an IQ of about 160 who speaks seven languages.)
--Another good website to check out, "for people who give a damn".
More to come. Enjoy!
I'm back :-)
Hey all. Sorry I haven't posted in awhile; I have a pile of interesting things, so I hope to get caught up soon!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 67
--Al-Qaeda has released a new video tape supporting the Arab Spring.
*--Pediatricians called out Michele Bachmann for her statements on the HPV vaccine.
*--Looks like I'm not the only one living at home.
*--Mormon women's sex lives improved when they read romance novels, and Mormon missionaries were asked to stop proselytizing on buses.
--The PCUSA may divest themselves of Caterpillar, Motorola, and HP due to their various business practices with respect to the Israel/Palestine conflict.
--America (the magazine) compares the GOP to a cult.
--It would be wonderful to see ecumenical progress on the Catholic-Orthodox front.
--Oklahoma's ban on sharia law had its hearing in the Tenth Circuit Court.
--North Carolina is being sued by the ACLU for allowing pro-life license plates while denying pro-choice ones.
*--Pediatricians called out Michele Bachmann for her statements on the HPV vaccine.
*--Looks like I'm not the only one living at home.
*--Mormon women's sex lives improved when they read romance novels, and Mormon missionaries were asked to stop proselytizing on buses.
--The PCUSA may divest themselves of Caterpillar, Motorola, and HP due to their various business practices with respect to the Israel/Palestine conflict.
--America (the magazine) compares the GOP to a cult.
--It would be wonderful to see ecumenical progress on the Catholic-Orthodox front.
--Oklahoma's ban on sharia law had its hearing in the Tenth Circuit Court.
--North Carolina is being sued by the ACLU for allowing pro-life license plates while denying pro-choice ones.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 66 (video game edition)
--Even though it's not coming out soon, at least Persona 5 is eventually coming out. Now if only I we knew more about Kingdom Hearts 3.... And on which system(s) will these be?
--Check out the evolution of video game graphics from 1991-2011.
--One person's thoughts on the 10 hardest Mario levels ever (though, to be fair, this was pre-Galaxy 2, which had some insane ones -- Grandmaster Galaxy, anyone?).
*--Have you heard of cosplay? Some of the costumes are so insane -- check out Cloud, Sephiroth, Zelda, Rikku, Prince of Persia, Midna, Jessie (from Team Rocket), Sora, and a Persona 4 group.
*--NPR talks video game music.
*--And a paopu fruit drink, keychain, and crocheted pillow.
--Check out the evolution of video game graphics from 1991-2011.
--One person's thoughts on the 10 hardest Mario levels ever (though, to be fair, this was pre-Galaxy 2, which had some insane ones -- Grandmaster Galaxy, anyone?).
*--Have you heard of cosplay? Some of the costumes are so insane -- check out Cloud, Sephiroth, Zelda, Rikku, Prince of Persia, Midna, Jessie (from Team Rocket), Sora, and a Persona 4 group.
*--NPR talks video game music.
*--And a paopu fruit drink, keychain, and crocheted pillow.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 65
--This infographic explains why we should be subsidizing solar rather than fossil fuels.
*--How do military operations get their code names?
--With so much shouting about Rowan not standing up to the "liberal" churches (or the "conservative" churches, depending on whom you ask), here's a nice outside perspective on his tenure as Archbishop of Canterbury.
--Shane Claiborne and Ben Cohen (of Ben and Jerry's) teamed up to protest militarism.
*--Religion at Burning Man.
--Iran inaugurated its nuclear program.
*--Can the disparate Palestinian groups unify, regardless of the outcome at the U.N.?
*--How do military operations get their code names?
--With so much shouting about Rowan not standing up to the "liberal" churches (or the "conservative" churches, depending on whom you ask), here's a nice outside perspective on his tenure as Archbishop of Canterbury.
--Shane Claiborne and Ben Cohen (of Ben and Jerry's) teamed up to protest militarism.
*--Religion at Burning Man.
--Iran inaugurated its nuclear program.
*--Can the disparate Palestinian groups unify, regardless of the outcome at the U.N.?
Assorted links, vol. 64 (fun edition)
--A breakdown of where people say "pop" vs. "soda" vs. "Coke".
*--The Kama Sutra is (perhaps unsurprisingly) the U.S.'s most downloaded book on Project Gutenberg.
--I remember reading some of these hard Encyclopedia Brown mysteries.
--What movies predict the future will be like.
--Championship breakdancing.
*--I want a glow-in-the-dark, AIDS-resistant cat...
*--...and also a palladium credit card.
*--The Kama Sutra is (perhaps unsurprisingly) the U.S.'s most downloaded book on Project Gutenberg.
--I remember reading some of these hard Encyclopedia Brown mysteries.
--What movies predict the future will be like.
--Championship breakdancing.
*--I want a glow-in-the-dark, AIDS-resistant cat...
*--...and also a palladium credit card.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
9/11 thoughts
I have been planning not to post about 9/11, since it seems to me
that all media has been single-mindedly focusing on it for awhile now.
But then I started to think of a few things, so lo and behold, a post,
with three sections: articles (neither the one-sided political
point-scoring ones nor the "where were you on 9/11/01" ones), thoughts
on "remembrance", and songs.
Articles: Though I have already previously posted some and I'm sure you have found some of your own, here are a couple more. This is perhaps the most incisive editorial about 9/11 I have yet read. This tells of the F-16 pilot ready to kamikaze her jet into flight 93. This tells of the astronaut who witnessed 9/11 from outer space. And this encyclopedia has most everything.
Remembrance: Though the word "remember" is nearly always contrasted with the word "forget", it can just as readily be contrasted with the word "dismember". To remember is to reconnect that which has been severed, to repair that which has been broken. The more Catholic-minded might consider Jesus' call to continue the Eucharist "in remembrance of me," effectively reconstituting his broken body in his Body, the unified Church (see further thoughts in this vein here and here). So in the midst of all the remembering (i.e., recollecting) 9/11, we ought to put at least as much effort in to remembering (i.e., restoring) what has been dismembered: faith in common humanity, peace, justice, trust in God's omnipotence, and love, to name only a few.
Music: A few pieces that might be worth a listen to commemorate the day. First, Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings", one of the most tragic pieces I have in my music collection. Second, John Tavener's haunting "Song for Athene", which was most famously performed at Princess Diana's funeral. Third, the hymn "Saint Patrick's Breastplate", binding virtues to oneself. And finally, John Adams' Pulitzer Prize-winning "On the Transmigration of Souls", written specifically to commemorate 9/11/01. Each of these pieces feel appropriate to me.
Articles: Though I have already previously posted some and I'm sure you have found some of your own, here are a couple more. This is perhaps the most incisive editorial about 9/11 I have yet read. This tells of the F-16 pilot ready to kamikaze her jet into flight 93. This tells of the astronaut who witnessed 9/11 from outer space. And this encyclopedia has most everything.
Remembrance: Though the word "remember" is nearly always contrasted with the word "forget", it can just as readily be contrasted with the word "dismember". To remember is to reconnect that which has been severed, to repair that which has been broken. The more Catholic-minded might consider Jesus' call to continue the Eucharist "in remembrance of me," effectively reconstituting his broken body in his Body, the unified Church (see further thoughts in this vein here and here). So in the midst of all the remembering (i.e., recollecting) 9/11, we ought to put at least as much effort in to remembering (i.e., restoring) what has been dismembered: faith in common humanity, peace, justice, trust in God's omnipotence, and love, to name only a few.
Music: A few pieces that might be worth a listen to commemorate the day. First, Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings", one of the most tragic pieces I have in my music collection. Second, John Tavener's haunting "Song for Athene", which was most famously performed at Princess Diana's funeral. Third, the hymn "Saint Patrick's Breastplate", binding virtues to oneself. And finally, John Adams' Pulitzer Prize-winning "On the Transmigration of Souls", written specifically to commemorate 9/11/01. Each of these pieces feel appropriate to me.
Assorted links, vol. 63
*--Who might be the next dictatorial coconut to fall?
--SlutWalk invades Morocco.
*--This awesome website keeps you up-to-date on movements going on throughout the world.
*--I've been reading several exciting things about the potential for an American Autumn. The one that I am most interested in seeing is Occupy Wall Street, scheduled for 9/17 (more here and here). Anonymous will be there.
--If Rowan Williams were to return to academia, here's how his replacement would be selected.
--People in Iran need our voices to achieve equal access to education. (Also, is Dwight Schrute narrating this?)
--Bishop Walter Righter, tried for heresy in The Episcopal Church, just died.
--SlutWalk invades Morocco.
*--This awesome website keeps you up-to-date on movements going on throughout the world.
*--I've been reading several exciting things about the potential for an American Autumn. The one that I am most interested in seeing is Occupy Wall Street, scheduled for 9/17 (more here and here). Anonymous will be there.
--If Rowan Williams were to return to academia, here's how his replacement would be selected.
--People in Iran need our voices to achieve equal access to education. (Also, is Dwight Schrute narrating this?)
--Bishop Walter Righter, tried for heresy in The Episcopal Church, just died.
Hacktivism
I am getting more interesting in the idea of hacktivism and the controversies surrounding it. Before you ask, no, I haven't done any hacking or illegal computing of any kind. As you may know from news reports, the two big-name groups are Anonymous and (the now-disbanded) LulzSec, who have done some work together under Operation AntiSec. It seems to me that the attacks they carry out are not legal (see here, here, and, most fully, here), though I am often sympathetic to their rationales. Using a variety of attacks, they have hit Sony (protesting the arrest of someone who had hacked them), MasterCard and PayPal (protesting their severing ties with WikiLeaks), and Arizona (protesting SB1070), among many others. Their DDoS attacks use Low-Orbit Ion Cannon to attack other sites. They have worried about being caught, and the eventual arrest of an alleged member after LulzSec called it quits led rapper Moses to pen this song. And joining is easy. But be warned: others will want to take you down of you get too involved.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 62
*--Might Rowan Williams be stepping down as the Archbishop of Canterbury in the near-ish future?
--This website parodies fundamentalist Christianity, but some of their lampooning is so good that it took a Google search for me to determine whether the views are real. Until I read a handful of articles, I thought it was serious, and even afterwards I still wasn't positive. Thankfully, the Atlantic and the NY Times came to the rescue.
--An essay about teaching Islam in post-9/11 America.
*--A serious breach of security in Egypt: the military government allowed protestors to invade the Israeli embassy. Mark my words, this is the beginning of a very bad spiral.
--I found a young-earth creationist institute that has an associated school with (non-accredited) bachelor's and master's degrees....
*--And here's a round-up of everything useful online about the proposed Anglican Covenant: a book (which I want to buy), Anglican Communion guide, Living Church guide, No Anglican Covenant guide, Church Times guide, and Executive Council guide.
--This website parodies fundamentalist Christianity, but some of their lampooning is so good that it took a Google search for me to determine whether the views are real. Until I read a handful of articles, I thought it was serious, and even afterwards I still wasn't positive. Thankfully, the Atlantic and the NY Times came to the rescue.
--An essay about teaching Islam in post-9/11 America.
*--A serious breach of security in Egypt: the military government allowed protestors to invade the Israeli embassy. Mark my words, this is the beginning of a very bad spiral.
--I found a young-earth creationist institute that has an associated school with (non-accredited) bachelor's and master's degrees....
*--And here's a round-up of everything useful online about the proposed Anglican Covenant: a book (which I want to buy), Anglican Communion guide, Living Church guide, No Anglican Covenant guide, Church Times guide, and Executive Council guide.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 61
*--(Alleged) temple prostitution, right here in Phoenix.
--Are you a hipster Christian?
--You can buy a Pope Benedict XVI teddy bear for a mere $325. Which I suppose is fine; Benedict does have a bear on his coat of arms, after all.
*--The anti-immigrant governor of New Mexico admits that her grandparents were undocumented.
--Some awesome nuns in Washington grabbed hoses to help fight a wildfire.
--An editorial on the intersection of patriotism and Christianity.
--Jan Brewer is dumb, again. This time, she is trying to take away benefits from domestic partners of same-sex employees, pretending that this will rescue the state from its budget crisis. But two courts in a row have now slapped this idiocy down.
--More on the "credible but unconfirmed" threat for the 10th anniversary of 9/11.
*--Rowan Williams reflects on 9/11 (don't forget, he was essentially right next door to the Twin Towers when they came down [cf. "Writing in the Dust"]).
--Are you a hipster Christian?
--You can buy a Pope Benedict XVI teddy bear for a mere $325. Which I suppose is fine; Benedict does have a bear on his coat of arms, after all.
*--The anti-immigrant governor of New Mexico admits that her grandparents were undocumented.
--Some awesome nuns in Washington grabbed hoses to help fight a wildfire.
--An editorial on the intersection of patriotism and Christianity.
--Jan Brewer is dumb, again. This time, she is trying to take away benefits from domestic partners of same-sex employees, pretending that this will rescue the state from its budget crisis. But two courts in a row have now slapped this idiocy down.
--More on the "credible but unconfirmed" threat for the 10th anniversary of 9/11.
*--Rowan Williams reflects on 9/11 (don't forget, he was essentially right next door to the Twin Towers when they came down [cf. "Writing in the Dust"]).
100th post :-)
Wow, this is my 100th blog post. When I first started blogging, I don't honestly think that I would have expected to make it this far, especially this fast. But I'm glad I have; it has been fun to write. What article(s) that have been posted have been your favorite? Are there topics that you want to see more postings about? Thanks for reading!
Assorted links, vol. 60 (Miller-McCune edition)
*--Breastfeeding mothers may be more aggressive than non-mothers or those mothers who do not breastfeed.
--Women's "gaydar" effectiveness may depend on where their are in their menstrual cycle.
--This idea of "predictive policing" reminds me of "Minority Report".
--Babies prefer Picasso to Monet.
*--Demining sounds like amazing and heroic work.
*--What is the extent of cigarette companies' free speech rights?
--An article on the importance of documenting endangered languages.
--Could we be seeing eco-driving in the near future?
--Women's "gaydar" effectiveness may depend on where their are in their menstrual cycle.
--This idea of "predictive policing" reminds me of "Minority Report".
--Babies prefer Picasso to Monet.
*--Demining sounds like amazing and heroic work.
*--What is the extent of cigarette companies' free speech rights?
--An article on the importance of documenting endangered languages.
--Could we be seeing eco-driving in the near future?
Assorted links, vol. 59
*--A very eye-opening article about the FBI's use of sting operations against Muslims who they fear might some day become terrorists.
--A nerdy but moderately funny web comic.
--The U.S. is apparently facing a "credible but unconfirmed" terror threat for the tenth anniversary of 9/11.
*--New polling data about beliefs in global warming by political affiliation.
--Here's how liberals, neocons, and libertarians are reflecting on the anniversary of 9/11, all in one place.
*--And a 3-dimensional printer, which is pretty awesome.
--A nerdy but moderately funny web comic.
--The U.S. is apparently facing a "credible but unconfirmed" terror threat for the tenth anniversary of 9/11.
*--New polling data about beliefs in global warming by political affiliation.
--Here's how liberals, neocons, and libertarians are reflecting on the anniversary of 9/11, all in one place.
*--And a 3-dimensional printer, which is pretty awesome.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 58
--A man accused a woman of stalking him after she called him 65,000 times in one year.
*--Fascinating article arguing that "in red America, families form adults; in blue America, adults form families".
*--GOP debate mini-roundup: Fox News thinks either Perry or Romney won (apparently); MSNBC thinks it was Paul or, if you discount that verdict citing his techno-savvy fan base, Romney. Huntsman wants the GOP to stop being anti-science, and Perry likened his (non-)scientific views to those of Galileo. Perry also received applause for executing more than 200 people (including one who was likely innocent).
*--Virginia's political maneuvering about the health care law hit the wall today, as the federal court of appeals declared that the state can't pass a law that contradicts a federal mandate and then use that contradiction to sue. Duh: any U.S. history student who studied McCulloch v. Maryland could tell you that federal laws trump state laws. Here are the Washington Post's and Fox News's takes on the ruling.
--A new Australopithecus fossil may tell us more about human evolution.
--Google bought Zagat.
*--Fascinating article arguing that "in red America, families form adults; in blue America, adults form families".
*--GOP debate mini-roundup: Fox News thinks either Perry or Romney won (apparently); MSNBC thinks it was Paul or, if you discount that verdict citing his techno-savvy fan base, Romney. Huntsman wants the GOP to stop being anti-science, and Perry likened his (non-)scientific views to those of Galileo. Perry also received applause for executing more than 200 people (including one who was likely innocent).
*--Virginia's political maneuvering about the health care law hit the wall today, as the federal court of appeals declared that the state can't pass a law that contradicts a federal mandate and then use that contradiction to sue. Duh: any U.S. history student who studied McCulloch v. Maryland could tell you that federal laws trump state laws. Here are the Washington Post's and Fox News's takes on the ruling.
--A new Australopithecus fossil may tell us more about human evolution.
--Google bought Zagat.
Assorted links, vol. 57
--Those Republican candidates know better than to buy into the ideas that humans might be causing global warming, or that such a thing even exists at all. Rick Perry especially, whose native Texas is facing a terrible wildfire after a drought, ought to know better.
*--Listen to this whole story about the San Francisco Giants' biggest fan, Billy.
*--Also, listen to this story about the newest way to harvest marijuana: naked, on horseback.
*--A good introduction to recent successes and challenges in Turkey.
--The Long War Journal is the place to read everything about the struggles in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, etc. that you won't read anywhere else.
--The recession is hitting anti-gay groups, too.
--The campaign for Palestinian statehood began today.
--And a drunk moose in Sweden got stuck in a tree. Yes, you read that right.
*--Listen to this whole story about the San Francisco Giants' biggest fan, Billy.
*--Also, listen to this story about the newest way to harvest marijuana: naked, on horseback.
*--A good introduction to recent successes and challenges in Turkey.
--The Long War Journal is the place to read everything about the struggles in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, etc. that you won't read anywhere else.
--The recession is hitting anti-gay groups, too.
--The campaign for Palestinian statehood began today.
--And a drunk moose in Sweden got stuck in a tree. Yes, you read that right.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 56
--What can the Postal Service do to prevent a default?
--Here's a good summary (with links) of the ties between Chick-Fil-A and anti-gay groups.
*--Interesting new polling data about the attitudes of Americans toward Muslims.
--Can the Afghani army prove itself to be just as Islamic as the Taliban claims to be?
--How will Rick Perry do in GOP primary debates?
*--What do you know about the "shadow war" of drone attacks?
*--Mars Hill pastor Mark Driscoll thinks Protestants are too wimpy and that pastors need to be tougher. You know, like go-ahead-and-punch-me-in-the-face tough.
--A nice, quick poem from Slate.
--Here's a good summary (with links) of the ties between Chick-Fil-A and anti-gay groups.
*--Interesting new polling data about the attitudes of Americans toward Muslims.
--Can the Afghani army prove itself to be just as Islamic as the Taliban claims to be?
--How will Rick Perry do in GOP primary debates?
*--What do you know about the "shadow war" of drone attacks?
*--Mars Hill pastor Mark Driscoll thinks Protestants are too wimpy and that pastors need to be tougher. You know, like go-ahead-and-punch-me-in-the-face tough.
--A nice, quick poem from Slate.
Assorted links, vol. 55
--An article about Jon Huntsman's work with and knowledge of China.
--Seven and a half years ago, the fastest super computer could perform 35.9 trillion operations per second. Today, the fastest supercomputer can perform 8162 trillion (that's 8.162 quadrillion) operations per second. This interesting Wikipedia article gives some idea of how these staggering numbers are calculated.
--Another book to add to the ever-growing list of defenses of hell against the likes of Rob Bell.
*--A new novel frames some of the questions about Islam in the minds of Americans since 9/11. Sounds like it's definitely worth a look.
--Relevant Magazine talks abstinence, and also Owl City.
*--Really good article on a display of 2nd/3rd century Buddhist art that is now on display in New York.
*--A Roman Catholic priest doubles as an official at the U.S. Open.
--Seven and a half years ago, the fastest super computer could perform 35.9 trillion operations per second. Today, the fastest supercomputer can perform 8162 trillion (that's 8.162 quadrillion) operations per second. This interesting Wikipedia article gives some idea of how these staggering numbers are calculated.
--Another book to add to the ever-growing list of defenses of hell against the likes of Rob Bell.
*--A new novel frames some of the questions about Islam in the minds of Americans since 9/11. Sounds like it's definitely worth a look.
--Relevant Magazine talks abstinence, and also Owl City.
*--Really good article on a display of 2nd/3rd century Buddhist art that is now on display in New York.
*--A Roman Catholic priest doubles as an official at the U.S. Open.
Assorted links, vol. 54
*--A new website allows Arabs, Muslims, and Sikhs to tell the stories of discrimination that they have faced since 9/11.
*--Today was the next in a long line of big court days in the Prop 8 case. Here are takes on the day from The Advocate, Towleroad, and the LA Times. A live blog of the hearing is here.
--The beginning of what ought to be an interesting week-long series of posts about marriage.
--Can the supercommittee work without the taint of lobbying special interests?
--Some of the challenges facing Afghanistan as the U.S. looks toward a military drawdown.
--Looks like some benefits may be returning to the domestic partners of gay and lesbian Arizona state employees.
*--Have you heard of Burning Man? Here is one RD writer's take on it, here is a picture of the event taken from space, and here are copious photos of the event itself throughout the years (which contain some nudity -- fair warning).
--Is fashion going 3-D?
*--Today was the next in a long line of big court days in the Prop 8 case. Here are takes on the day from The Advocate, Towleroad, and the LA Times. A live blog of the hearing is here.
--The beginning of what ought to be an interesting week-long series of posts about marriage.
--Can the supercommittee work without the taint of lobbying special interests?
--Some of the challenges facing Afghanistan as the U.S. looks toward a military drawdown.
--Looks like some benefits may be returning to the domestic partners of gay and lesbian Arizona state employees.
*--Have you heard of Burning Man? Here is one RD writer's take on it, here is a picture of the event taken from space, and here are copious photos of the event itself throughout the years (which contain some nudity -- fair warning).
--Is fashion going 3-D?
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 53
--The Maricopa County Republican party isn't happy that one of their own is about to go down in an ethics trial. (Must be that left-wing Bar Association's fault -- right, because Thomas surely didn't play any part in any wrongdoing....)
--If only this parody about Jesus taking the GOP to task for misrepresentation were true.
--Tea Party darling and debt-bashing congressman Joe Walsh knows a little something about the horrors of big debts... mostly because he owes $117,000 in unpaid child support.
*--Check out al Jazeera's take on GOP dominionism.
*--Would Rick Perry be happier living with the Confederate Constitution than with the American one?
--Some last ditch meetings are underway to try to circumvent Palestine's bid for statehood at the U.N.
*--Great take on the intersection of social justice and evangelism.
--Nothing says heavy metal like... quilting?
--If only this parody about Jesus taking the GOP to task for misrepresentation were true.
--Tea Party darling and debt-bashing congressman Joe Walsh knows a little something about the horrors of big debts... mostly because he owes $117,000 in unpaid child support.
*--Check out al Jazeera's take on GOP dominionism.
*--Would Rick Perry be happier living with the Confederate Constitution than with the American one?
--Some last ditch meetings are underway to try to circumvent Palestine's bid for statehood at the U.N.
*--Great take on the intersection of social justice and evangelism.
--Nothing says heavy metal like... quilting?
Assorted links, vol. 52
*--What's the best way for Prop 8 to go down? (Don't forget that today was the big day to argue about whether Prop 8's official proponents have standing to appeal.)
--How is Mitt Romney coming out of the South Carolina GOP Q&A looking like the most normal one? Now granted, I didn't watch this, but it sounds like Michele Bachmann didn't do so well there.
*--I am totally ready to watch this documentary about the Maine campaign to repeal LGBT marriage equality.
*--With advance apologies for the poor copy, as we approach 9/11, everyone should read this article from Harper's Magazine about the limits of remembrance.
--A Georgia church got an $80,000 winning lottery ticket in its collection plate. (And I love the security director's assertion that it must have come from someone outside the church, because no one in the church gambles.)
--An encouraging report of some good interfaith work in Syracuse.
--How is Mitt Romney coming out of the South Carolina GOP Q&A looking like the most normal one? Now granted, I didn't watch this, but it sounds like Michele Bachmann didn't do so well there.
*--I am totally ready to watch this documentary about the Maine campaign to repeal LGBT marriage equality.
*--With advance apologies for the poor copy, as we approach 9/11, everyone should read this article from Harper's Magazine about the limits of remembrance.
--A Georgia church got an $80,000 winning lottery ticket in its collection plate. (And I love the security director's assertion that it must have come from someone outside the church, because no one in the church gambles.)
--An encouraging report of some good interfaith work in Syracuse.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 51
*--US Catholic bishops are not at all happy with Health and Human Services' recent decision (which I noted earlier) to require insurance companies to provide contraception.
--A nice NY Times op-ed honoring teachers.
*--Thought-provoking article about the costs and benefits of enhancing security at federal buildings.
--Interesting essay about the the potential for spiritual renewal in the "New Normal". I also am now interested to read the Richard Rohr book he mentioned.
--Cool article about the broad, but diminishing, diversity of fencing.
*--A good overview of the Andrew Thomas hearing from the local PBS affiliate.
--A nice NY Times op-ed honoring teachers.
*--Thought-provoking article about the costs and benefits of enhancing security at federal buildings.
--Interesting essay about the the potential for spiritual renewal in the "New Normal". I also am now interested to read the Richard Rohr book he mentioned.
--Cool article about the broad, but diminishing, diversity of fencing.
*--A good overview of the Andrew Thomas hearing from the local PBS affiliate.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 50
[50th assorted links -- thanks for reading!]
*--South Korea was cyberattacked by North Korea (presumably).
--Mark Harris wonders if it is time to call a Special General Convention. Thoughts?
--A short and sweet rumination on contemplative prayer. Love his quote about what "thinking" is not.
--Does the GOP still care about social issues?
--What are the secrets to writing faster?
--Turkey and Israel still haven't gotten anywhere in their spat.
*--The Washington Post believes that the CIA has largely morphed into a killing machine.
*--Awesome explanation about the legality of fighting in a foreign war.
*--South Korea was cyberattacked by North Korea (presumably).
--Mark Harris wonders if it is time to call a Special General Convention. Thoughts?
--A short and sweet rumination on contemplative prayer. Love his quote about what "thinking" is not.
--Does the GOP still care about social issues?
--What are the secrets to writing faster?
--Turkey and Israel still haven't gotten anywhere in their spat.
*--The Washington Post believes that the CIA has largely morphed into a killing machine.
*--Awesome explanation about the legality of fighting in a foreign war.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 49
--Meet the man whose job it is to take down al-Qaeda.
*--Is a Cal State professor the leader of the infamous motorcycle gang Devils Diciples?
--Were Anonymous' DDoS attacks against PayPal and Mastercard out of bounds?
*--A vote on Palestinian statehood is expected at the U.N. general assembly later this month. Israel is preparing to deal with the outcome, the EU seems tight-lipped about it, and U.S. opinion is divided (as you might stereotypically expect): liberals are more supportive of the proposal, while conservatives generally are against it.
--More on Marcus Borg and "speaking Christian".
*--Check out this crazy chart about our economic status, as well as the others below it on the same page.
--Thoughts about the entire Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), blogged. Awesome.
*--Is a Cal State professor the leader of the infamous motorcycle gang Devils Diciples?
--Were Anonymous' DDoS attacks against PayPal and Mastercard out of bounds?
*--A vote on Palestinian statehood is expected at the U.N. general assembly later this month. Israel is preparing to deal with the outcome, the EU seems tight-lipped about it, and U.S. opinion is divided (as you might stereotypically expect): liberals are more supportive of the proposal, while conservatives generally are against it.
--More on Marcus Borg and "speaking Christian".
*--Check out this crazy chart about our economic status, as well as the others below it on the same page.
--Thoughts about the entire Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), blogged. Awesome.
Assorted links, vol. 48
*--Two interesting and worthwhile blogs to check out: the more conservative blog of Dave Wiegel and the more liberal blog of Ta-Nehisi Coates.
--It's like "The Year of Living Biblically" (another book in the long yet-to-read queue), but for women.
*--I finally made it through Rowan Williams' response (#58, here) to "A Common Word," which I posted the other day, and it is fabulous. It is 17 pages long, but well worth it. If nothing else, do yourself a favor and read the section spanning pages 12-14, which is basically a masterpiece.
--Some true thoughts on youth ministry.
--And finally, here is perhaps the most diverse blog about all the music and videos that you didn't even know you didn't know about.
--It's like "The Year of Living Biblically" (another book in the long yet-to-read queue), but for women.
*--I finally made it through Rowan Williams' response (#58, here) to "A Common Word," which I posted the other day, and it is fabulous. It is 17 pages long, but well worth it. If nothing else, do yourself a favor and read the section spanning pages 12-14, which is basically a masterpiece.
--Some true thoughts on youth ministry.
--And finally, here is perhaps the most diverse blog about all the music and videos that you didn't even know you didn't know about.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 47
--Here's another reminder that Islamophobia isn't confined to the United States.
*--Fascinating article about the nature of time.
--Cute pictures of heart-shaped graphs, known as cardioids.
--The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington has generously given $25,000 to the National Cathedral to help offset some of the repair costs. Here are the two (similar) reports from ENS and NCR.
--Looking at al-Qaeda's legacy, 10 years after 9/11.
*--Speaking about Italy, of which he is prime minister, Berlusconi said to an alleged extortionist, "I'm leaving this shitty country of which I'm sickened." But I guess that by now, people's expectations are pretty low, so maybe this isn't that surprising after all.
--Maricopa County paid out a $100,000 settlement to a judge for harassment by Sheriff Joe Arpaio and former County Attorney Andrew Thomas.
*--And I found a Mormon apologetics website, which for all its articles, doesn't seem rebut, or even address (so far as I can see) this infamous letter....
*--Fascinating article about the nature of time.
--Cute pictures of heart-shaped graphs, known as cardioids.
--The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington has generously given $25,000 to the National Cathedral to help offset some of the repair costs. Here are the two (similar) reports from ENS and NCR.
--Looking at al-Qaeda's legacy, 10 years after 9/11.
*--Speaking about Italy, of which he is prime minister, Berlusconi said to an alleged extortionist, "I'm leaving this shitty country of which I'm sickened." But I guess that by now, people's expectations are pretty low, so maybe this isn't that surprising after all.
--Maricopa County paid out a $100,000 settlement to a judge for harassment by Sheriff Joe Arpaio and former County Attorney Andrew Thomas.
*--And I found a Mormon apologetics website, which for all its articles, doesn't seem rebut, or even address (so far as I can see) this infamous letter....
Assorted links, vol. 46
[All good links this time, even though I can't star them all. Check 'em all out. :-)]
--Graphene -- the new chemical structure that is the way of the future.
*--Here's the data that demonstrates why same-sex marriage is inevitable, as well as a breakdown of the data by religious affiliation.
--To help combat the obfuscation of good science, here are some sites that clearly lay out the facts about evolution and global warming.
*--Check out the Center for Affirming Theology -- good stuff!
*--I love that they referred to "The Challenge of Peace" in this article contrasting the costs of Iraq and Afghanistan against things like food stamps and Amtrak.
--Pacifism is good...
--...and "typing in tongues" is just weird (see also: #typingintongues).
--Graphene -- the new chemical structure that is the way of the future.
*--Here's the data that demonstrates why same-sex marriage is inevitable, as well as a breakdown of the data by religious affiliation.
--To help combat the obfuscation of good science, here are some sites that clearly lay out the facts about evolution and global warming.
*--Check out the Center for Affirming Theology -- good stuff!
*--I love that they referred to "The Challenge of Peace" in this article contrasting the costs of Iraq and Afghanistan against things like food stamps and Amtrak.
--Pacifism is good...
--...and "typing in tongues" is just weird (see also: #typingintongues).
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 45
*--What was Sarah Palin like behind the scenes?
--Who wants to read this book about fonts with me?
*--Wow, just wow. The Pima County GOP is raffling off a Glock handgun as a fundraiser. Yes, like the gun that was used to shoot Pima County congresswoman Gabby Giffords. Wow.
--Two great ideas for social websites: SCVNGR (which I've used for awhile and enjoyed) and Hey, Neighbor! (which i just learned about, but seems really cool). But both need more people to join them before they can really take off. What do you think of them?
--The future of bananas appears to be somewhat uncertain.
*--Goodwin Liu was confirmed today as the California Supreme Court's newest justice. Why does this matter? Here are two reasons.
--And if only I weren't stuck in this postponed generation....
--Who wants to read this book about fonts with me?
*--Wow, just wow. The Pima County GOP is raffling off a Glock handgun as a fundraiser. Yes, like the gun that was used to shoot Pima County congresswoman Gabby Giffords. Wow.
--Two great ideas for social websites: SCVNGR (which I've used for awhile and enjoyed) and Hey, Neighbor! (which i just learned about, but seems really cool). But both need more people to join them before they can really take off. What do you think of them?
--The future of bananas appears to be somewhat uncertain.
*--Goodwin Liu was confirmed today as the California Supreme Court's newest justice. Why does this matter? Here are two reasons.
--And if only I weren't stuck in this postponed generation....
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 44
--Are you ready to eat meat that didn't come from an animal?
*--An easy-to-understand FAQ about the question of standing in the never-ending Prop 8 trial.
--Mormon author Joanna Brooks wants to ask these LDS-specific questions to would-be presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman.
*--Rowan Williams wrote this introductory piece about homosexuality in 1988. Ah, for some of that directness today....
*--Here is a very important modern interreligious document: A Common Word Between Us and You, offered by Muslim leaders to their Christian counterparts, to which many Christian leaders have responded. The document is a good starting point, and I am in the process of making my way through Rowan's engagement with and responses to it.
--And a list of things that you never knew had names. :-)
*--An easy-to-understand FAQ about the question of standing in the never-ending Prop 8 trial.
--Mormon author Joanna Brooks wants to ask these LDS-specific questions to would-be presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman.
*--Rowan Williams wrote this introductory piece about homosexuality in 1988. Ah, for some of that directness today....
*--Here is a very important modern interreligious document: A Common Word Between Us and You, offered by Muslim leaders to their Christian counterparts, to which many Christian leaders have responded. The document is a good starting point, and I am in the process of making my way through Rowan's engagement with and responses to it.
--And a list of things that you never knew had names. :-)
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 43
*--While certainly no longer prevalent, geocentrism isn't dead, either.
*--Did you know that there isn't presently evidence to support the visual/auditory/kinesthetic learning style trichotomy?
--Is the GOP against science?
--Is it fair to ask about political candidates' religious beliefs? (I think it is.)
*--A Relevant Magazine op-ed blog suggests that an obsession with modesty, like an obsession with immodesty, objectifies women.
--Also from Relevant, here are lists of their votes for six major issues that divide Christians and six things that can unite Christianity.
*--Did you know that there isn't presently evidence to support the visual/auditory/kinesthetic learning style trichotomy?
--Is the GOP against science?
--Is it fair to ask about political candidates' religious beliefs? (I think it is.)
*--A Relevant Magazine op-ed blog suggests that an obsession with modesty, like an obsession with immodesty, objectifies women.
--Also from Relevant, here are lists of their votes for six major issues that divide Christians and six things that can unite Christianity.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 42
--An openly gay Mormon is now an LDS church leader. Progress, or confusion?
--An expose on the key players in spreading Islamophobia in America.
--I must be ahead of the curve, because I bought Scott Kugle's book months before this interview came out. Alas, it still remains in the long queue of yet-to-be-read books....
*--Read and learn just a few of these cheat sheets of smart things to drop into casual conversations (don't overlook the fact that there are four addition pages of them!) and you will basically feel like a genius.
*--If you've ever watched a reality show like Project Runway or America's Next Top Model, then you should definitely listen to this fictional story from the past week's This American Life on NPR.
--Have you heard of the Constitution Party?
--An expose on the key players in spreading Islamophobia in America.
--I must be ahead of the curve, because I bought Scott Kugle's book months before this interview came out. Alas, it still remains in the long queue of yet-to-be-read books....
*--Read and learn just a few of these cheat sheets of smart things to drop into casual conversations (don't overlook the fact that there are four addition pages of them!) and you will basically feel like a genius.
*--If you've ever watched a reality show like Project Runway or America's Next Top Model, then you should definitely listen to this fictional story from the past week's This American Life on NPR.
--Have you heard of the Constitution Party?
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 41
*--Did animals at the National Zoo know the recent earthquake was coming before it arrived?
--Turns out that Fox News was scapegoating undocumented immigrants for starting Arizona's largest fire, despite the fact that two white U.S. citizens started it. Surprise, surprise.
*--Yet another al-Qaeda number 2 has been killed.
--The Rev. Al Sharpton is taking over as an anchor at MSNBC.
--Jews give Glenn Beck's rally in Jerusalem mixed reviews.
*--Have you heard about the ex-Protestant-esque, now Catholic-esque, drug traffickers who model themselves after the Knights Templar?
--More commentary and follow-up about the intersection of dominionism and (some strains of) Republicanism.
--Turns out that Fox News was scapegoating undocumented immigrants for starting Arizona's largest fire, despite the fact that two white U.S. citizens started it. Surprise, surprise.
*--Yet another al-Qaeda number 2 has been killed.
--The Rev. Al Sharpton is taking over as an anchor at MSNBC.
--Jews give Glenn Beck's rally in Jerusalem mixed reviews.
*--Have you heard about the ex-Protestant-esque, now Catholic-esque, drug traffickers who model themselves after the Knights Templar?
--More commentary and follow-up about the intersection of dominionism and (some strains of) Republicanism.
Assorted links, vol. 40
--How do you feel about a 9/11-themed wine, part of the profits of which go to 9/11 charities?
--Perhaps the elusive Higgs boson doesn't exist after all.
*--Is Ramadan helping the Libyan rebels win?
--Sri Lanka plans to conduct a census of its population... of elephants.
*--More evidence that the PC(USA) is following closely behind TEC about dividing over gay and lesbian clergy. Also, where do you suppose these ideas might have come from?
*--In a hopeful (if symbolic) step, the Israeli ambassador to the U.S. hosted an iftar dinner in his residence. :-)
--Perhaps the elusive Higgs boson doesn't exist after all.
*--Is Ramadan helping the Libyan rebels win?
--Sri Lanka plans to conduct a census of its population... of elephants.
*--More evidence that the PC(USA) is following closely behind TEC about dividing over gay and lesbian clergy. Also, where do you suppose these ideas might have come from?
"Leaders of the conference have floated such options as creating an informal network of traditional congregations and pastors, organizing regional groups of congregations -- what the church calls presbyteries -- that would be based not on geography but on social and theological leanings, or creating a 'new reformed body' -- that is, a new denomination."--And while on the subject of Christian conflict over sexuality, these United Methodists believe that they will have a better shot to change their denomination's policies next time around.
*--In a hopeful (if symbolic) step, the Israeli ambassador to the U.S. hosted an iftar dinner in his residence. :-)
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 39 (religion edition)
*--Eye-opening story about the racially-preferential enforcement of the honor code at BYU.
--Speaking of Mormons, here is the LDS church's head of public affairs' apologia for why he thinks Mormon doctrines and the traditional Christianity of the creeds are not at odds (which, to me, seems clearly to be nothing more than a perfunctory, surface-level bow to standard Christian terms, without any acknowledgement that Mormons radically redefine those terms to the point of being unrecognizable -- but maybe that's just me).
*--A fiery defense of evolution that claims that it is a mortal threat to Christianity altogether. Overblown?
*--You've heard of the Muslim Brotherhood, but what about their female counterparts, the Muslim Sisterhood?
--Speaking of Islamists, The Washington Post thinks that it is perhaps a good thing that they are participating in the post-Mubarak political processes in Egypt. The Economist agrees.
--An important introductory step in Islamic-Buddhist relations.
--Speaking of Mormons, here is the LDS church's head of public affairs' apologia for why he thinks Mormon doctrines and the traditional Christianity of the creeds are not at odds (which, to me, seems clearly to be nothing more than a perfunctory, surface-level bow to standard Christian terms, without any acknowledgement that Mormons radically redefine those terms to the point of being unrecognizable -- but maybe that's just me).
*--A fiery defense of evolution that claims that it is a mortal threat to Christianity altogether. Overblown?
*--You've heard of the Muslim Brotherhood, but what about their female counterparts, the Muslim Sisterhood?
--Speaking of Islamists, The Washington Post thinks that it is perhaps a good thing that they are participating in the post-Mubarak political processes in Egypt. The Economist agrees.
--An important introductory step in Islamic-Buddhist relations.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 38
*--Here's everything you need to know about Hurricane Irene.
--Here's a follow-up to the "polar-bear-gate" story (which seems to me to be blown completely out of proportion, given that it isn't even clear what led to his suspension).
*--Here's five unforeseen consequences of 9/11 for religion in American society.
--Here's everything you need to know about the International Anglican Liturgical Commission's recent meeting to discuss marriage: the official communique (from ACNS), the favorable British review, and the unfavorable British review.
--Here's Mark Silk's take on the judgment stating that if Catholic foster services in Illinois refuse to accept the state's civil unions, then they are ineligible for state contracts.
*--Here's a wonderful article about one reporter's introduction to the struggle for transgender equality -- with an amazing number of outside links to follow.
--Here's a follow-up to the "polar-bear-gate" story (which seems to me to be blown completely out of proportion, given that it isn't even clear what led to his suspension).
*--Here's five unforeseen consequences of 9/11 for religion in American society.
--Here's everything you need to know about the International Anglican Liturgical Commission's recent meeting to discuss marriage: the official communique (from ACNS), the favorable British review, and the unfavorable British review.
--Here's Mark Silk's take on the judgment stating that if Catholic foster services in Illinois refuse to accept the state's civil unions, then they are ineligible for state contracts.
*--Here's a wonderful article about one reporter's introduction to the struggle for transgender equality -- with an amazing number of outside links to follow.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 37
--Math concept of the day: sexy primes.
--As Steve Jobs retires as Apple's CEO, take a brief look back through his career at some of the many things on which he has patents.
--Do you know someone who is being abused? This lengthy but worthwhile blog post is definitely worth reading to help understand him or her better.
*--Since 9/11, there have been a surprising number of people whose curiosity about Islam has led them to convert.
*--What will it mean that astronomy is entering the time domain?
--Here's a new blog that you should be reading if you are interested in global warming (which I also added to the blogroll).
--And have you heard of unschooling, which is basically child-directed education taken to the extreme? What do you think about it?
--As Steve Jobs retires as Apple's CEO, take a brief look back through his career at some of the many things on which he has patents.
--Do you know someone who is being abused? This lengthy but worthwhile blog post is definitely worth reading to help understand him or her better.
*--Since 9/11, there have been a surprising number of people whose curiosity about Islam has led them to convert.
*--What will it mean that astronomy is entering the time domain?
--Here's a new blog that you should be reading if you are interested in global warming (which I also added to the blogroll).
--And have you heard of unschooling, which is basically child-directed education taken to the extreme? What do you think about it?
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 36
*--This Orthodox rabbi is playing an odd matchmaker, matching up gay men with lesbian women.
--A new NatGeo documentary looks at child evangelists -- I hope it will come to Netflix!
*--Supreme Court aficionado Jeffrey Toobin writes a long but fascinating piece for the New Yorker about the Court's silent conservative, Clarence Thomas, and his wife.
--Also, check out the New Yorker's take on candidate du joir, Rick Perry.
--Moses' story is now a Facebook game.
--Are you up on the Christian sports scene? Check out this story about the Charlotte Eagles.
--Word of the day: cryptomnesia.
*--And in case you didn't hear, the Virginia earthquake yesterday gave the National Cathedral a good shaking. Here is the link to the section of the Cathedral's page where they are updating the public on their status.
--A new NatGeo documentary looks at child evangelists -- I hope it will come to Netflix!
*--Supreme Court aficionado Jeffrey Toobin writes a long but fascinating piece for the New Yorker about the Court's silent conservative, Clarence Thomas, and his wife.
--Also, check out the New Yorker's take on candidate du joir, Rick Perry.
--Moses' story is now a Facebook game.
--Are you up on the Christian sports scene? Check out this story about the Charlotte Eagles.
--Word of the day: cryptomnesia.
*--And in case you didn't hear, the Virginia earthquake yesterday gave the National Cathedral a good shaking. Here is the link to the section of the Cathedral's page where they are updating the public on their status.
Assorted links, vol. 35
--The FCC has officially stricken the Fairness Doctrine from its books. Sad to say, but I don't think I can really remember a time in my life when the majority of the media portrayed anything fairly.
*--A summary of two years' worth of time spent with the Tea Party.
--Speaking of the Tea Party, might their obstructionism during the debt ceiling debate cost them? Some pollsters think so.
*--The Department of Health and Human Services will require insurance companies to grant women access to contraception, among other things, without copay (religious groups excepted).
*--NPR set off somewhat of a firestorm when a piece on Morning Edition appeared to accept an equivalency between the positions of those who were for and against ex-gay conversion therapy. Religion Dispatches had some things to say about that: here's an opinion from a straight man who went undercover to one of these camps, and here's an essay about how different groups measure the success of these therapies.
--The (supposed) hand of James "Boanerges" the Great is taking a vacation in Reading.
--And Jim Bakker is selling his own breakfast cereal.
*--A summary of two years' worth of time spent with the Tea Party.
--Speaking of the Tea Party, might their obstructionism during the debt ceiling debate cost them? Some pollsters think so.
*--The Department of Health and Human Services will require insurance companies to grant women access to contraception, among other things, without copay (religious groups excepted).
*--NPR set off somewhat of a firestorm when a piece on Morning Edition appeared to accept an equivalency between the positions of those who were for and against ex-gay conversion therapy. Religion Dispatches had some things to say about that: here's an opinion from a straight man who went undercover to one of these camps, and here's an essay about how different groups measure the success of these therapies.
--The (supposed) hand of James "Boanerges" the Great is taking a vacation in Reading.
--And Jim Bakker is selling his own breakfast cereal.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 34
[Lots of links today. I probably should have split this into two post, so sorry. I'll give you four or five highlights today instead of just two or three.]
--One way to boost young people's future prospects: longer school days.
*--Based on info from an admittedly small sampling of UCC pastors in Canada, here are 25 theologians whose works the pastors would recommend to people in their pews.
--Wow. Dominique Strauss-Kahn is off the hook and on his way. I still wonder if he's getting away with sexual assault.
*--A fascinating opinion piece arguing a position that I've been arguing for years now: that just because you wear a military uniform in no way guarantees that you are a hero.
*--Panelist have been selected for the attorney discipline case against Andrew Thomas.
--The new MLK monument opened on the National Mall.
--Bisexual men exist, Northwestern University says.
--What should the state do about polygamous/polyandrous/polyamorous relationships?
*--The Washington Post thinks we have nothing to fear from evangelical candidates like Rick Perry and Michele Bachmann, and that to call them "dominionists" is to misuse the term. But Religion Dispatches counters that the Post has missed the point. What do you think?
--One way to boost young people's future prospects: longer school days.
*--Based on info from an admittedly small sampling of UCC pastors in Canada, here are 25 theologians whose works the pastors would recommend to people in their pews.
--Wow. Dominique Strauss-Kahn is off the hook and on his way. I still wonder if he's getting away with sexual assault.
*--A fascinating opinion piece arguing a position that I've been arguing for years now: that just because you wear a military uniform in no way guarantees that you are a hero.
*--Panelist have been selected for the attorney discipline case against Andrew Thomas.
--The new MLK monument opened on the National Mall.
--Bisexual men exist, Northwestern University says.
--What should the state do about polygamous/polyandrous/polyamorous relationships?
*--The Washington Post thinks we have nothing to fear from evangelical candidates like Rick Perry and Michele Bachmann, and that to call them "dominionists" is to misuse the term. But Religion Dispatches counters that the Post has missed the point. What do you think?
Monday, August 22, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 33 (CSM edition)
[Introduction: It's been Christian Science Monitor day here. Check out these five recent articles.]
--Maybe it really is soon to be over in Libya. What comes next?
--Do you know about Fermat's Last Theorem? Not only is it a very important result in number theory, but perhaps more importantly, it sets the stage for the awesome musical Fermat's Last Tango.
--Politically motivated firings in Bahrain. Sad.
--Could Sarah Palin finally be getting into the race for the White House? Karl Rove thinks so.
--Will former IMF head Dominique Strauss-Kahn be able to have his rape charges dropped?
--Maybe it really is soon to be over in Libya. What comes next?
--Do you know about Fermat's Last Theorem? Not only is it a very important result in number theory, but perhaps more importantly, it sets the stage for the awesome musical Fermat's Last Tango.
--Politically motivated firings in Bahrain. Sad.
--Could Sarah Palin finally be getting into the race for the White House? Karl Rove thinks so.
--Will former IMF head Dominique Strauss-Kahn be able to have his rape charges dropped?
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 32
*--The dean of UC Irvine's law school thinks its all but inevitable that the Supreme Court will legalize same-sex marriage soon. I agree with his sentiments that Justice Kennedy is the swing vote, and that his record on LGBT issues is fairly positive. But who knows with the Court.... I hope the dean is right!
--The 2010 census, probably unsurprisingly, found a dramatic increase in the number of same-sex couples and parents over the 2000 census. You can find state-by-state data here for most states; I think the remaining ones will be posted on August 25th. Here is one South Carolina newspaper's take on this (non-)issue.
*--This long complaint against former county attorney Andrew Thomas is my most recent reading project, so I'm up to speed for his upcoming professional ethics investigation.
--Big doings in Libya; could this be the beginning of the end of the conflict?
--In contrast to the views of the Foreign Policy piece that I posted yesterday, this NY Times articles sees a growing militant presence in Nigeria.
--Tensions are on the rise between Israel and Egypt. Worrisome?
*--Interesting introduction to the work of the Bible Project, seeking to produce an authoritative scholarly edition of the Hebrew Bible.
--The 2010 census, probably unsurprisingly, found a dramatic increase in the number of same-sex couples and parents over the 2000 census. You can find state-by-state data here for most states; I think the remaining ones will be posted on August 25th. Here is one South Carolina newspaper's take on this (non-)issue.
*--This long complaint against former county attorney Andrew Thomas is my most recent reading project, so I'm up to speed for his upcoming professional ethics investigation.
--Big doings in Libya; could this be the beginning of the end of the conflict?
--In contrast to the views of the Foreign Policy piece that I posted yesterday, this NY Times articles sees a growing militant presence in Nigeria.
--Tensions are on the rise between Israel and Egypt. Worrisome?
*--Interesting introduction to the work of the Bible Project, seeking to produce an authoritative scholarly edition of the Hebrew Bible.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 31 (foreign policy edition)
[Introduction: All five of these (rather lengthy) links come from Foreign Policy magazine, and all are definitely worth the time. Check out this well-written and informative news source if you aren't already familiar with it!]
*--Will the South China Sea be the battleground of the 21st century?
*--Where are all the radical Islamist suicide bombers?
--Is it time to reign in the Pentagon for the sake of the economy and security of the U.S.?
--Can the U.S. move past beyond its history of massive debts?
--What does war look like through Hipstamatic lenses? (This is a five-part photojournalism piece, so don't miss the other four segments linked within this first article.)
Enjoy!
*--Will the South China Sea be the battleground of the 21st century?
*--Where are all the radical Islamist suicide bombers?
--Is it time to reign in the Pentagon for the sake of the economy and security of the U.S.?
--Can the U.S. move past beyond its history of massive debts?
--What does war look like through Hipstamatic lenses? (This is a five-part photojournalism piece, so don't miss the other four segments linked within this first article.)
Enjoy!
Assorted links, vol. 30
*--Are you a constituent of House Budget Committee chairman Paul Ryan (or, for that matter, Arizona's own Ben Quayle...)? If so, don't plan on seeing them during the August recess -- that is, unless you are ready to break out your wallet in order to do so. Thanks, "representatives".
*--A short op-ed that's interesting on a number of levels and definitely worth your time. Who wants to engage in the sort of reversed debate that she describes? I'm totally ready and think it's a great idea.
*--It appears to be surprisingly easy for investigators to elicit false confessions from innocent parties.
--A reflection from the (Roman Catholic) Archbishop of New York on external markers of faith.
--Another reflection from a Lutheran pastor on what is really responsible for the decline of mainline churches.
--Yet one more example of Muslims being singled out for different standards of treatment, this time regarding a proposed mosque in Georgia.
*--A short op-ed that's interesting on a number of levels and definitely worth your time. Who wants to engage in the sort of reversed debate that she describes? I'm totally ready and think it's a great idea.
*--It appears to be surprisingly easy for investigators to elicit false confessions from innocent parties.
--A reflection from the (Roman Catholic) Archbishop of New York on external markers of faith.
--Another reflection from a Lutheran pastor on what is really responsible for the decline of mainline churches.
--Yet one more example of Muslims being singled out for different standards of treatment, this time regarding a proposed mosque in Georgia.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Assorted links, vol. 29
*--I want a bouquet of these Little Prince roses, please. :-)
*--A stolen Rembrandt sketch turned up in an Episcopal church, apparently dumped off there.
--Sexism is alive and well, both in industry and in the church.
--Check out these stats on the Pentagon's spending over the last decade.
--This story will sicken you: a special-ed student in Missouri was forced to apologize to the boy who sexually assaulted her.
*--Michele Bachmann won the Ames straw poll the other day, followed closely by Ron Paul. For background, here are Huffington Post's FAQ and ABC News's FAQ about the straw poll, ever-insightful Nate Silver's predictions about post-Ames Iowa, US News and World Reports' ruminations on the poll's predictive power (or lack thereof), and the NY Times's summary article.
*--A stolen Rembrandt sketch turned up in an Episcopal church, apparently dumped off there.
--Sexism is alive and well, both in industry and in the church.
--Check out these stats on the Pentagon's spending over the last decade.
--This story will sicken you: a special-ed student in Missouri was forced to apologize to the boy who sexually assaulted her.
*--Michele Bachmann won the Ames straw poll the other day, followed closely by Ron Paul. For background, here are Huffington Post's FAQ and ABC News's FAQ about the straw poll, ever-insightful Nate Silver's predictions about post-Ames Iowa, US News and World Reports' ruminations on the poll's predictive power (or lack thereof), and the NY Times's summary article.
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