Lewis failed to mention the equally surprising pertinence of superficially unrealistic elements in the Lord of the Rings. Here are a few that suggest the influence of 1914—1918: the sweeping surveillance of the Eye of Sauron, the moments when reality shifts into dream during those long marches, or into nightmare in the midst of battle,… Continue reading

American Catholics I think have been increasingly dismayed by the Vatican’s behavior over the past year. And I’m not referring simply to the Church’s slow response to the nightmarish sexual abuse scandal. Here’s Justin Katz, on the latest out-of-touch statement by a Vatican Cardinal….

Something for the boobs at Al-Jazeera to consider broadcasting: “Why didn’t you fight?” one Governing Council member asked Hussein as their meeting ended. Hussein gestured toward the U.S. soldiers guarding him and asked his own question: “Would you fight them?” From Jim Hoagland.

Too good to pass up.

According to today’s New York Times: In all of Cashman’s topspin and dropspin in trying to explain Pettitte’s departure during a conference call with reporters yesterday in the principal owner’s conspicuous absence, the general manager’s most telling words were: “I’m glad he’s in the National League. I’m glad he’s not in Boston.” You know it’s… Continue reading