Miscellany

First, I want to thank Dr. Thursday for helping out here, and for starting on What's Wrong, which I anticipate to be a great discussion starter.

This is always a tough time of year: school starts, and I homeschool; the art fairs continue on till October (and even November this year) and I am the artist assistant and general all-around framer for a very busy artist, plus this year I'm learning podcasting from scratch (golly, there's a lot to it), trying to keep up on the home, van (130,000 miles and still going...erm, not-so-strong!), family events, etc.

Funny story:

We're reading Romeo and Juliet out loud, my ninth grader and I, and we just finish the balcony scene where they've pledged their undying love for each other and the nurse calls for Juliet, so we stop reading. My daughter puts the book down and just says, "Kids!" A moment passes, and we both burst out laughing. It was just so spot on, good comedic timing, and an apt summary of what had just taken place. And she's 14 who made this assessment. When I was 14, all I could see was the romance.

So, the big news is, our first podcast is up on iTunes, thanks to YOU wonderful supporters here. Thank you so much. I have to say, I still have much to learn, but podcasting is really fun. I'm having a good time when my computer isn't crashing. To hear the first episode (only 8 1/2 minutes long) check it out here.

Have a wonderful weekend! (I'll be at an art fair.)

The Flag of Earth

An alert reader thought you might be interested in The Flag of Earth, since it sounds Chestertonianly like the Flag of the World.

Thanks, Michael P.

Following Us on Twitter?

I noticed today, with the blog update, that we have 24 followers here--Hi everyone! THANKS!! for being here with us.

We're Twittering too, and I've got 78 followers, how amazing is that? Maybe it's easier to follow on Twitter. Certainly quicker with the 140 character limit.

Sometimes, I think about what the next "Twitter" will be. Will Chesterton be able to keep up????

Art Livingston to Speak in Chicago

Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore, 7419 W. Madison St., Forest Park. (708) 771-7243.

May 9, 2 p.m.: G.K. Chesterton Society will host lecturer Arthur Livingston presenting "The Yeoman Farmer in the Old South."

Dr. Thomas Dillon of TAC

The American Chesterton Society mourns the loss of Dr. Thomas Dillon of Thomas Aquinas College in California. Dr. Dillon died in a tragic car accident while traveling in Ireland.

Fr. Jaki Obits

Seton Hall University
New York Times
From the Pontifical Academy of Sciences

A Very Blessed and Happy Easter to you

May this Easter be a peaceful and hopeful time for you and your family.

I am struggling with bronchitis, but I'm on the mend now that I have antibiotics.

And since I won't be sitting next to you in church this Sunday (and you wouldn't want me to, I have the worst sounding cough!), may I wish you a virtual "Kiss of Peace" and say

Peace be with you, Blessed Easter!

Madonna Admonished to Leave the Fence Up

At the hearing, the Malawi judge, Esme Chombo, quoted Chesterton.

Thanks to Roy Moore for additional info:

I found this report from the London Daily Mail on Madonna's failed attempt - so far - to adopt a second Malawian baby. The lady judge who is handling the case -- who denied Madonna's request for adoption -- zinged the arrogant pop star with this statement. Which, BTW, includes a delightful quote from the Mighty Gilbert:

The law, she (the judge) said in her ruling, stated that an adoption could not be permitted to anyone who was not resident in Malawi, noting that Madonna had jetted in just days prior to Monday's hearing.

'The issue of residence, I find, is the key upon which the question of adoption rests, and it is the very bedrock of protection that our children need; it must, therefore, not be tampered with.

'As wisely put by G. K. Chesterton: "Don't ever take a fence down until you know the reason why it was put up."'

Loome Has a Blog!

Check it out.

Peter F. says: I esepcially like the pictures, and the motto, "Saving Western
Civilization... One Book at a Time"

Tales from the Quotemeister

Yesterday was the first time in 13 years (since we instituted the Quotemeister online) that I did not get an inquiry as to the source of “The Great Gaels of Ireland” quote.

Superbowl

Who are you rooting for?

I don't really follow football, but we do have a yellow terrible towel in our house.

Figuring out why I like Chesterton

I like Chesterton. I suppose, in some sense, it is a personal preference. In another sense, it is quite practical. In a third sense, it is totally impractical.

Reading Chesterton will probably not make one rich. Although it could contribute to one's happiness, a far greater reward.

Reading Chesterton will probably not make one famous. Unless one's name is Dale Ahlquist and repeatedly shows his face on EWTN. But for the rest of us: no fame.

Reading Chesterton will not help your health. In fact, there are many Chestertonian arguments on the merits for and against cigar smoking, wine drinking, steak eating and other various perilous activities. Reading Chesterton will probably not contribute to your fitness, unless you download some podcasts and listen to them on the treadmill. Which some people actually do. Really.

However, Chesterton will be your gatekeeper, a worthy occupation for an old dead man. He will teach you how to think. He will help you exercise the old white matter upstairs.

Thinking may lead to lifestyle changes. Belief changes. Monetary changes (such as working to get out of debt). Job changes (such as becoming self-employed). Pet changes (such as obtaining a cow, donkey or other domestic beast of burden).

Why do you like Chesterton? Has reading Chesterton changed your life in any way?

Happy, holy, blessed Thanksgiving, everyone

Peace.

Back From Rome...

I want to thank Dr. Thursday for his fun posts while I was away. Don't you think he did a great job?

I know you want to see some pictures of Rome, so here's a start.
1. The Pope, an unexpected visit on Wednesday to the Pope's general audience. No tickets, but we had front row seats when he came around in the popemobile (no longer in bullet proof glass, I might add.)
2.St. Peter's at night.
3.From the dome of St. Peter's--with a rainbow, quite beautiful.
4. Our family, at Cardinal Este's villa in Tivoli.

I'm leaving you temporarily in the able hands of Dr. T.

We are leaving today for Italy. I am not taking any communication devises with me due to the fact that most of them won't work over there anyway. Not without a lot of trouble, anyway.

So, no computer, cell phone, etc. Just our family, and Rome. Sounds nice.

Pray for us on our journey. I will be bringing the whole ACS with me, and praying for all of you at St. Peter's where we will be attending mass.

Meanwhile, you may enjoy some extra posts from the wonderful mind of Dr. Thursday. I know I leave you in good hands.

I'll be home November 19, and will post when I am over the jet lag. Take care, everyone!

A New Minute Mystery is at Upstage

Check out the Mystery Challenge and try to solve it if you dare.

The Resurrection of Rome

As I am about to embark on a family journey to Rome, I thought it appropriate to read The Resurrection of Rome, as suggested to me by fellow blogger and Chestertonian, Dr. T.

All I can say so far is that I am reading it.

A Chestertonian Wedding

A little birdie has told me that two Chestertonian young people, who have attended ChesterCons in the past, are engaged!

Congratulations Sheila and John!!!!

I'm already planning the Chestertonian wedding. Bun throwing and tossing contests, clerihew contests, poetry reading toasts, etc.

An E-mail from a Concerned Reader to Dale

Dale recently received this email in his box:

Dear Mr. Ahlquist:

On your recommendation I read Orthodoxy. I can not say that I learned much new; however had I read it forty years ago I would have been saved the trouble of earning two doctorates.

Sincerely
Larry V.

This is a real letter.

Traveling

I'll be heading to the Old and Ancient Traditional Site of the Annual Chesterton Meetings, Minneapolis, tomorrow. This is how we will refer to it in the future, since we won't be there any longer. Next year, in Jeru...sa... I mean, Seattle.

If any of you Minnesotans want to stop by the Uptown Art Fair, come see us on Hennepin (booth 428).