In [Nigeria's] largest city, Lagos, there are traditional, old-line churches. But there also are hundreds of banners and posters that invite worshipers to newer, smaller congregations. None is more unusual than this one — both Christian and Muslim.
The lectern holds both Quran and Bible. Invocations come loudly from both. … (text and video)
via February 13, 2009 ~ Chrislam | Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly.
…after centuries in which monasteries offered a chance of education and relief from the tough life of a peasant farmer on the Himalayan plateau, they now compete for youngsters who grew up with television, schools, the Internet and other job options. …
via Buddhism allure fading for young Tibetans – Express India.
Two centuries after the famed naturalist’s birth, more than 40 percent of Americans believe human beings were created by God in their present form, according to recent polls from Gallup and the Pew Research Center – a view impossible to reconcile with evolution propelled by natural selection.
Such creationist beliefs lack scientific merit, educators say, and in classrooms evolution reigns supreme. Opponents have tried an array of challenges over the decades, and the latest tactic recently scored its first major victory. It’s a tack that is changing the way the cultural battle over evolution is fought.
Glenn Greenwald writes in Salon that the “Liberal” media r-e-a-l-l-y aren’t. In fact, according to him, they’re pretty reactionary. (Links to some other good stuff, too. Check out the Bill Moyers interview.)
The New York Times’ David Brooks and Gail Collins had an online “conversation” with one another this week, and Brooks did an excellent job of explicitly demonstrating most everything that is relevant — and destructive — about the mentality of the standard Beltway journalist (h/t reader jm). In fact, much of what Brooks wrote about what he believes tracks almost completely the discussion I had with Jay Rosen on Bill Moyers’ show last week regarding the rot of the American political press. First, there’s this from Brooks:What I’m really annoyed by, though, is the withdrawal of Tom Daschle. What are we, a nation of virgins? . . .
Of course, Obama asked for all this with his cynical promise to ban lobbyists from his administration. There’s a word for lobbyists: experts. Some are sleazy and many are quite admirable, but the idea of trying to run Washington without them is absurd. … David Brooks reveals the mentality of the Beltway journalist – Glenn Greenwald – Salon.com
This morning I received an email from the Northern California ACLU saying, “In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, it’s time to show some love. … Love for the right to love and the right to marry.” The email goes on to urge me to “Tell 3 people about what it means to be LGBT, or to care about someone who is. …
Frankly, given my two marriages, both of which ended in divorce, I’m not sure whether it is an act of support or of sabotage to support the right of LGBTs to marry. But it’s their gig. … Marriage for All or None! – Hawley Roddick – Open Salon
The survey, conducted by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life, finds that people who are unaffiliated with a particular religion are the most likely (65%) to have a spouse or partner with a different religious background. Buddhists (55%) also are likely to be married or living with a partner with a religious background different from their own.
In contrast, the individuals least likely to marry or live with a partner outside their faith include Hindus (only 10% are married to or live with someone of a different religion), Mormons (17%) and Catholics (22%). …
The Dalai Lama, Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader, is considering appointing a regent to lead the Tibetan movement after his death until his reincarnation is old enough to take over.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article5217495.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1
This story is no longer just about lack of medical care. It’s far worse than sighting mold and mouse droppings in the barracks. Late last month the Army released data showing the highest suicide rate among soldiers in three decades. At least 128 soldiers committed suicide in 2008. Another 15 deaths are still under investigation as potential suicides. “Why do the numbers keep going up?” Army Secretary Pete Geren said at a Jan. 29 Pentagon news conference. “We can’t tell you.” On Feb. 5, the Army announced it suspects 24 soldiers killed themselves last month, more than died in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan combined.
But suicide is only one manifestation of the unaddressed madness and despair coming home with U.S. troops. …
For Homeless Folks, An Evening At The Beach Is No Picnic
The random beauty of Facebook’s “25 Random Things About Me” | Salon Life
Why the latest annoying Facebook trend might be one of the most inspiring Web crazes in years.
In case you care, here’s mine.
Dalai Lama to receive awards in Europe – www.phayul.com
Dharamsala, Feb. 7: Exiled Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama Saturday left Dharamsala, his exile hometown in northern India, to begin a four-day visit to Europe, where he will receive honorary citizenship of two cities in Italy, and a media prize in Germany. …
Docudharma has an excellent selection of WPA and other photographs from the Great Depression era, showing us what real work was like. Those who whine about laboring in air conditioning in front of keyboards — take note, and pray that this doesn’t happen to you.
One thing about the New Deal is that it was well documented. Some of the best photographers of the day were hired by Roy Stryker in the Farm Security Administration. Lewis Hine worked for the TVA/CCC.Pretty much every New Deal agency sent photographers out to document both the need for their activities, and also the results. There’s some terrific photographs which don’t have the artist identified. And I do mean artist.
