everyone with real American manliness and a basic knowledge of military history knows that serious war efforts have never been derailed by such trifling matters as "communicable diseases"

announcing ILÚVATAR, my multi-billion dollar company which will specialize in the dismantling of all other idiotically tolkien-named entities, that they shalt see that no theme may be played that hath not its uttermost source in me, nor can any alter the music in my despite

and I said what about
breakfast at timpani's
she said I think that's
a really big drum

Pope: [is Catholic]; Trump & Vance: ‘Not like that’ [LONGREAD: hubris, hectoring, lies, and damned lies]

Can I just say what a surreal time it is to be an American Catholic, let alone an American Catholic deacon?

Longread on the (rather one-sided) beef between Trump/Vance and Pope Leo XIV:

as far as i can tell pope leo has never mentioned trump by name hes just like “killing people is wrong” or “concentration camps arent good” and theyre all taking it personally

Truly the best thing about West Virginia

"Goddamn it, Leo! You haven't made an arrest in months! I've had enough. Put your staff and mitre on my desk and get the hell out of here."

What do we think Trump's next move is here if he doesn't get distracted? Going after tax-exempt status of Catholic dioceses? Interfering with the appointments of bishops? Public loyalty oaths from his Catholic cabinet members?

Marge Simpson with a potato meme, where Marge is labeled “Pope Leo;” the potato is labeled “Crimes,” and the whole thing is captioned “I just think they’re neat.”

He just likes crimes, I guess.

In a lot of ways it seems like self-centered thinking is the only kind of thinking he knows. Illustrative of the idea that those souls in hell are there because they choose separation from God. He truly seems hell-bent.

There's something about this that is so hollow, so sad. At first I laughed at it as just another unhinged Trump post. But on further reflection, it really is just another post among thousands that show that he really has no understanding of what it is to value other people and their well-being.

Plagiarism and You(Tube) YouTube video by hbomberguy

You should give this one a try, it's not 45 minutes... It's 231 minutes.

Time for a profile picture change: change from a piece of art of one of my favorite people, Randy of Randyland fame, saying "struggles create new strength" to a picture of me carrying one of my two favorite people, my son. Seemed appropriate!

It turns out there is a way JD Vance can singlehandedly advance peace in the Middle East: Start campaigning for Netanyahu.

The Story of a Controversial Devotional Painting Most devotional art is old, formal, and sentimental. The painting I brought to church on Divine Mercy Sunday, a week after Easter, was none of these.

“Most devotional art is old, formal, and sentimental. The painting I brought to church on Divine Mercy Sunday, a week after Easter, was none of these.” —Joseph Michael Fino, CFR

www.plough.com/en/topics/cu...

“Let those who have weapons lay them down. Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace. Not a peace pursued by force, but through dialogue. Not with the desire to dominate the other, but to encounter them.” — Pope Leo XIV

Any recommendations? This was my third, after Slaughterhouse 5 and Cat's Cradle.

Just finished "Jailbird" by Vonnegut. What a strange book! I need to read more of his stuff.

Thanks Zach! I appreciate you and your perspective on things!

March, 19-21: God is a comedian A stiff drink is recommended

This is an excellent summary of the US War on Iran current situation.

I’m an existentialist and borderline absurdist and even I struggle with the current moment.

This summary is just fantastic.

Jesus when he comes back to Earth:

Gotta deck crawl before you can deck walk

you live in a boxcar *one time* and they call you "the boxcar children" forever

Cartoon. Person says to other person „We invented a robot that answers questions.“, adding, „we just have to feed it 10 baby giraffes a day“. The other person asks „But it answers the questions correctly?“ Person responds „Oh my goodness, no. No no no no no.“

Remember Garfield Minus Garfield? I feel like this version of Christianity is Bible Minus Jesus

Isaac Bashevis Singer being interviewed about the Super Bowl

In 1979, the “New York Times” asked Isaac Bashevis Singer if he planned to watch the Super Bowl.

I thought this was counter-programming for the half-time show? Are they not airing it at the same time?

I converted to Catholicism a couple weeks ago. Here’s what I think Jesus got wrong.

Ooo, I need to see that one. My favorite is Grand Budapest Hotel, but my appreciate for his movies in general is certainly growing.

Some of you never read watership down as a child and it shows