I’ve only recently begun watching silent films in earnest, and I find my interest in them grows with every one. I am fascinated by the ability of the actors and directors to tell a story with a minimum of words, delivered on “title cards.” You literally cannot look away from the screen, relying on the … Read more
In reference to Comedy Central’s latest low-bow to Islam, Ross Douthat writes: [T]here’s still a sense in which the “South Park” case is particularly illuminating. Not because it tells us anything new about the lines that writers and entertainers suddenly aren’t allowed to cross. But because it’s a reminder that Islam is just about the … Read more
One of the joys of growing up Mexican American was learning a lot of your religion at the supermarket. At the local grocery store in my childhood neighborhood, there could be found a generous selection of votive candles for sale, all with prayers in Spanish and English for all occasions and afflictions. San Lazaro, San … Read more
On Friday, Sky News reported that the Chinese government would be sterilizing 10,000 southerners over a period of four days to make sure local population quotas are met. (Today will be the fourth day.) Many are being sterilized against their will, and in some cases, government officials are imprisoning the elderly parents of those who … Read more
On Friday, Sky News reported that the Chinese government would be sterilizing 10,000 southerners over a period of four days to make sure local population quotas are met. (Today will be the fourth day.) Many are being sterilized against their will, and in some cases, government officials are imprisoning the elderly parents of those who … Read more
What did Fyodor Dostoevsky mean in The Idiot when one of his characters asserts, “Beauty will save the world”? Taken at face value, it’s a claim that beauty plays a role in the salvation of us all. There are quite a few Christians, of all denominations, who would respond to that claim with suspicion, if … Read more
In a move that’s depressing both for its cultural implications and for the naked desperation for relevance that it betrays, Archie Comics will be introducing its first “openly gay character” in September. According to the comic’s website, VERONICA #202 features the full-issue story, “Isn’t it Bromantic?” that introduces Kevin, Archie Comics’ first openly gay character. … Read more
In a move that’s depressing both for its cultural implications and for the naked desperation for relevance that it betrays, Archie Comics will be introducing its first “openly gay character” in September. According to the comic’s website, VERONICA #202 features the full-issue story, “Isn’t it Bromantic?” that introduces Kevin, Archie Comics’ first openly gay character. … Read more
In a move that’s depressing both for its cultural implications and for the naked desperation for relevance that it betrays, Archie Comics will be introducing its first “openly gay character” in September. According to the comic’s website, VERONICA #202 features the full-issue story, “Isn’t it Bromantic?” that introduces Kevin, Archie Comics’ first openly gay character. … Read more
Thanks to an old friend of Uncle Harry’s, several zoo animals are being shipped to his castle, free of charge. Mr. Moody prepares to welcome them, thinking they’re the key to attracting huge crowds. As always, these pages come from Catholic University’s online archive of Treasure Chest of Fun and Fact. A baby???
Speaking of beauty and botox, here’s an encouraging story from the NYT about how Hollywood is getting a little tired of plastic ladies with nylon hair. “I think everyone either looks like a drag queen or a stripper,” said Marcia Shulman, who oversees casting for Fox’s scripted shows. Some of this difference may have to … Read more
The emblematic conversion stories have traditionally emphasized drama. As Saul approached Damascus, intending to bring any who belonged to the Way to Jerusalem for judgment by the chief priests, “suddenly a light from heaven flashed about him. And he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you … Read more
To all those readers who love a good book sale: Just got a heads up from our friend John Barger over at Sophia Press about a great deal they have going on — but only until midnight tonight: Early last month, we received a loan to get back into print almost 40 of the excellent Catholic … Read more
My life is ridiculous. Do I need to tell you this, or can you reach that conclusion all on your own when I tell you that I am a homeschooling mother of eight who also works from home? Some days, the different roles I play meld seamlessly together. “Of course I can do this!” I … Read more
This past weekend, I made my first-ever visit to New York City. Margaret and her trusty iPhone (complete with the indispensable NY Subway App) shepherded me safely through the most bewildering urban landscape I have ever experienced (as well as the most bewildering one I will ever experience, I suspect). My reactions mostly alternated between “I’m really confused … Read more
You’ve probably noticed that those who receive Botox treatments seem to have trouble moving their… uh… faces. Well, according to ScienceBlogs, new research is suggesting that the popular procedure may affect not only the ability to express emotion physically, but also to feel emotion. Each year, millions of people use Botox to diminish wrinkles and … Read more
This evening at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, I will be giving a lecture — “On Beauty: A Speech to Its Religious Despisers.” Just so you don’t think I am being rude, the title was approved, even encouraged, by my host, Prof. Karen Swallow Pryor, the chair of the English and Modern Languages Department. It … Read more
Time for your Friday morning link round-up: Candidate Obama promised greater government transparency, but has he delivered as president? Sharon Theimer at the Huffington Post doesn’t think so. NASA celebrates Hubble’s 20th anniversary by releasing some stunning new pictures from the telescope. Woody Allen’s atheism: In an interview with Commonweal magazine, Allen talks frankly about … Read more
Napoleon Bonaparte was a man who liked having things his way. To that end, you might say, he set about remaking the face of Europe. Another of the things he liked having his way was the Catholic Church, and to that end he set about remaking the hierarchy in France. In negotiating a concordat … Read more
What movies best represent the seven virtues and the theological gifts? The Regina Coeli Academy in Philadelphia is putting together a list of recommended films for students. One of the founders, Barbara Henkels, asked me to put the word out for some recommendations, which I am delighted to do. Here is my preliminary list for the virtues: … Read more