Since this is the day we're supposed to think about these things, I'm going to feature an album from The Ancient Star-Song that's a favourite of mine: Choose Life, from the School Sisters of Notre Dame (in Mankato, MN.) Since the album dates from 1976, I would think that, when they recorded the title track …
Strange Bedfellows: Liberals and Muslims
On the first day of this decade, one Muslim extremist broke into the apartment of Danish political cartoonist Kurt Westergaard, whose “Muhammad-in-a-bomb” cartoon’s publication in Jyllands-Posten ignited another round of rage in the Islamic world. Westergaard joins Salman Rushdie, Geert Wilders and others who are forced to live underground because they have drawn the ire …
Going Rogue in Combat Boots, Indeed
This piece is one of the best pieces I have seen in a long time on the state of the U.S., and where we might be heading: Angry and desperate veterans and mercenaries already conditioned to violence, merging with "tea baggers" and other alienated groups, could one day form our own Freikorps units, rioting for …
Katharine Jefferts Schori and the Bois Caïman Ceremony
In the midst of all of the conservative dancing in the streets about Scott Brown's victory in Massachusetts, the tragedy unfolding in Haïti continues to require both prayer and assistance. It isn't without controversy either; we're still batting about Pat Robertson's remarks about a pact with the Devil and its consequences. There's no doubt that's …
Continue reading "Katharine Jefferts Schori and the Bois Caïman Ceremony"
The Most Litigated Tax Issues
From Rubin on Tax, the IRS' "top ten": Collection due process hearings; Summons enforcement; Trade or business expenses; Gross income; Accuracy-related penalties; Frivolous issue penalties; Actions to enforce federal tax liens or to subject property to payment of tax; Failure to file penalty and estimated tax penalty; Family status issues; and Relief from joint and …
Mercy Chefs Update: Going to Haiti
This update from Mercy Chefs' director Gary LeBlanc: Last night as I called for prayer, Mercy Chefs was contacted by long-time relief partner Tim Wylie with Parakletos International to assist in Jacmel Haiti 40 miles south of Port Au Prince. The city was equally devastated but has received no assistance. Mercy Chefs is planning to …
When Nations are Riskier Than Corporations
I never thought I'd live to see the day, but here it is, from David "Spengler" Goldman: “For the first time, the market has started to price in a bigger probability of default among industrialised countries than among investment grade companies. More specifically, it now costs more to insure the combined risk of default of …
Continue reading "When Nations are Riskier Than Corporations"
J. Vernon McGee on the Second Temptation
For those of you who have forgotten, the second temptation is this: And the Devil led Jesus up, and showing him in a single moment all the kingdoms of the earth, said to him: "I will give you all this power, and the splendor of them; for it has been given into my hands and …
Prosecutorial Abuse: Martha Coakley and the Amirault Case
I never thought I'd link to the Daily Kos, but here it goes: If you don't remember the Amirault case, you're probably sleeping better at night. The pre-school child-abuse witch hunts of the 80's remain an indelible blot on any history of justice and reason in this country. The Amiraults were at the center of …
Continue reading "Prosecutorial Abuse: Martha Coakley and the Amirault Case"
Church of God National Bishop Killed in Haitian Earthquake
From here: Church of God Haitian overseer Elysee Joseph and three from a Canadian delegation have died as a result of the devastating earthquake which took place in Haiti on January 12... Dr. Joseph was a leading pastor and had served the church as national overseer on two occasions. He is survived by his wife …
Continue reading "Church of God National Bishop Killed in Haitian Earthquake"
Positive Infinity 