Blogging Around: The "My Favorite Reading from the Week" Edition

Stations
One of the most evocative set of images for meditating on Stations of the Cross that I've seen ... all from Paula's photos of weeds. Truly creative. Much thanks to ExPat for pointing me toward her blog.

Is One Man's Faith Another's Superstition?
An excellent, thoughtful article from today's Wall Street Journal. I hadn't seen this issue mentioned about the Pope's trip to Africa and I really appreciated the reminder of the real reason we encourage others to encounter Christ. So often we get bogged down in answering specific objections or answering relativistic objections, which is the essence of the premise being discussed in the article. No. It is simpler than that. It is because, as Pope Benedict says:

... it is no injustice to "present Christ to them and thus grant them the opportunity of finding their truest and most authentic selves, the joy of finding life.

When Does Life Really Begin?

[...]

2. Do many scientists say the research could lead to advances in treating Alzheimer’s? And, if they do, is that accurate? Let’s go to this 2004 Washington Post story headlined “Stem Cells An Unlikely Therapy for Alzheimer’s:”

But the infrequently voiced reality, stem cell experts confess, is that, of all the diseases that may someday be cured by embryonic stem cell treatments, Alzheimer’s is among the least likely to benefit.

The story goes on to explain why scientists weren’t eager, during the restrictive Bush administration, to correct the “distortion”:

“To start with, people need a fairy tale,” said Ronald D.G. McKay, a stem cell researcher at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “Maybe that’s unfair, but they need a story line that’s relatively simple to understand.”

You can read much more about how the media — and some willing scientists — hyped the Alzheimer’s claim without benefit of any science to back up the claims.

One of the best stories I've ever read pointing out the need to analyze what we read, not just accept what the media doles out.

Is Mexico Safe?

Years ago when I lived in New York City I received a phone call one night from my mother, who sounded very upset.

“Are you OK? Is your house on fire? Are you safe?”

I didn’t know what she was talking about. I was totally fine. It turned out mom was watching the nightly news on TV.

Yes, there were riots going on in Brooklyn. Yes, buildings were on fire. Yes, people were killed and others hurt. It was all happening miles away from where I lived. I knew nothing about it. But my mother had the impression that all of New York City was at war.

That phone call taught me two important lessons I’ve never forgotten. First, the news has the power to amplify and distort reality. Second, most people accept as fact anything they read in a newspaper or see on television.

Recent reports of drug “wars” in Mexico are not necessarily untrue, but they look at a small part of the canvas and make people think they are seeing the whole picture. As a full-time resident of Mexico since 1997 I would like to suggest to my readers that they are being misinformed.

The Truth About Mexico is a blog by expats living in Mexico that is devoted to pointing out we shouldn't believe everything we hear about Mexico being crime-riddled and unsafe. This story makes the point well.

How to Talk to Your Co-Workers About Your Faith

How to be yourself at work, without making other people angry

First of all, concentrate on working hard for the first 3 months after you start a job. Your ability to to raise your colors in the workplace is conditional on your ability to do your job well. ...

Secondly, never fight about work-related conflicts. Your job is not the means by which you will make your mark on the world. You make your mark solely by being an ambassador for Christ. Never sour a work relationship by arguing. State your reasons, and document your dissent. Christianity isn’t about you. Or climbing a corporate ladder.

Let me be clear: With respect to your Christian commitment, your pride, popularity and reputation are expendable.

The Wintery Knight has a plan. And it's a darned good one.

Masters of SciFi and Horror Podcast Begins
I think that speaks for itself. Did I mention that they're beginning with John W. Campbell? 'Nuff said. SFFaudio has the scoop.

Books About Creepy Houses That Must Be Explored
From Flashlight Worthy Books comes this great reading list. Having surprised myself by noting that I have read all but two books on the list, I can tell you that these are some great picks. Dive in!

Thumbs Up
Planned Parenthood tried to silence a teen's pro-life rap music as he stood in vigil outside an abortion clinic. They called police twice and each time the police officers stood behind the teen. Read it here. Via New Advent's link page which is a daily read for me.

Eating Food That's Good for You, Organic or Not
Mark Bittman reminds us that adding more fruit and vegetables to our diet is a good thing even if it isn't organic (which isn't always what we think it is). Via Tigers & Strawberries.

Confession and the Pacifiers

It is an uncomfortable moment when the lies you tell yourself to excuse your sins are dragged out into the light and exposed for what they are. Knowing that I would have to explain my actions to another human being made me realize the uncomfortable truth: I had stolen. And, given the fact that three months had already passed without me making it right, it is unlikely that I would have ever remedied my actions, all the while telling myself that I hadn't done anything wrong because one day I would make it right.

The discomfort of this newfound awareness of my sin motivated me to break through the morass of my laziness and lies ...

Jen hits it out of the park again. Go read it.