When confronted with a sense of loss, I think it's important to recognize the fact that you had something good and to be grateful for it.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
寂しい
So right now it's in between school years over here. At high schools, every year there are personnel changes. Most teachers don't stay at a single school for more than a few years, so there are constant moves and transfers. Anyway, one of my favorite teachers to work with just left, so I'm a feeling a little down. She is an older, motherly woman, always very patient and quick to laugh. I learned a lot from her and she made my transition here a lot easier.
Monday, March 30, 2009
"Dialoguing" with Mr. Obama
My respect for Professor Hadley Arkes continues to grow. Over at the Catholic Thing, Dr. Arkes proposes that Fr. Jenkins and Mr. Obama live up to their words and concede to a debate. The gauntlet is thrown, but the real question is whether or not anyone will take notice. It would probably be too inconvenient for them to.Have a read here.
More appeasement and selling out our own?
I don't know if this has been getting much coverage at home in the States, but apparently two US reporters arrested in North Korea are about to stand trial for illegal entry and "hostile acts." Have we heard the US State Department issue any statements or contest the fact that US citizens are being tried in a crazy country for vague crimes? I guess this is another example of our wish to let North Korea be. I guess being a US citizen doesn't carry the implications it once did.
De-baptization or something
The anti-theist movement strikes again.
From the group that brought you bus signs proclaiming that there's no God come: Certificates of Debaptism. What better way to apostacize than with an obnoxious campaign and a piece of paper (to really prove that you're no longer one of those brainless religion-lovers; too bad it's not wallet-sized)?
Oh well, it's their eternity.
The decline of academia
A school in England is now offering a Masters program in Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter.
"For $6,275 Birmingham City University in the U.K. will teach students how to blog, set up podcasts and make the most of the social media websites for marketing."
Wow - seems like a slap in the face to people who invest the time and money in a real subject of study. I could understand a class or two on such internet websites and applications, but a Masters program? I would say this kind of "expertise" should warrant a certificate at best.
Latest ND Coverage
Over at your local AmP, as usual.
Bishops Lynch and Morlino have added their voices to the chorus of protests over Notre Dame's invitation to President Obama to deliver this year's commencement speech and receive an honorary law degree. Bishop Lynch's statement isn't as strong as som of the others have been, speaking of "uncivil" and "venomous" rhetoric from our side. I'm quite sure what he's referring to in that regard - I haven't seen much that I'd consider disrespectful, although perhaps there have been some uncharitable characterizations of Fr. Jenkins. Then again, what do you expect when someone is perceived to be a sellout?
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Condoms sometimes ok, says bishop
Coverage over at American Papist.
He doesn't exactly contradict the Pope, but this doesn't exactly seem like he's falling in step, either. Seems kind of akin to a child asking one parent for something and getting a "no," then going to the other and getting a "we'll see." Although in this the two "parents" aren't exactly of equal authority.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Head to head about ND
Dueling editorials, with commentary from Fr. Z. I sincerely wonder whether Dr. Kmiec actually believes all these things he says about Obama (I mean, it's ridiculous to what extent he defends the man); I guess I can't imagine him being such an ardent Obama-supporter otherwise, but it's also difficult for me to understand how such an intelligent man can distort logic so.
Hmmm...back to appeasement?
It appears the story has changed with the N. Korean rocket launch.
The US now says it's not going to do anything. Awesome. Japan is only going to shoot it down if it looks like debris will fall into Japan. So apparently no one is going to call N. Korea on this, even though they're in violation of a UN resolution and Iran is aiding them in this endeavor. Appeasement is such an easy policy, isn't it? It's a great message to send, that these countries we fear so much to upset can do as they like, as long as it doesn't directly affect us at the moment. I bet this will be one of those moments we look back on with 20/20 vision in the future, when North Korea has long-range missile capabilities.
More ND Coverage
Get it at American Papist.
Archbishop Dolan of NY and Cardinal DiNardo of Galveston-Houston have released statements on the Notre Dame scandal.
And hat tip to American Catholic, which has coverage Bishop Aymond of Austin's response.
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