The Common Good

Results for Culture

QUIRK: CNN Wins Race to Incorrectly Report on Health Care Decision
Originally Posted: 06/29/2012 - 1:20pm | Type: Blog

From The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: "The Supreme Court rules on the Affordable Care Act, and CNN races with Fox News to see which news organization will be the first to report the great decision." ...

QUIRK: Affordable Care Cat
Originally Posted: 06/28/2012 - 4:18pm | Type: Blog

The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. Now, take a little time to celebrate by smiling along with the latest Internet meme craze, "affordable care cats." Curre ...

Afternoon Links of Awesomeness: June 27, 2012
Originally Posted: 06/27/2012 - 4:49pm | Type: Blog

Nick Offerman reads more tweets from young female celebrities — Amy Poehler answers odd questions in front of a large audience — 10 nerdy bathrooms — Star Wars family car decals — Ira Glass on Car Talk reruns ...

Top 10 Nora Ephron Moments: A Sojo Staff Tribute
Originally Posted: 06/27/2012 - 4:30pm | Type: Blog

Sojo staff’s top 10 Nora Ephron golden nuggets. The Sojo staff loves Nora Ephron. We already have up a contributor’s beautiful tribute to her life HERE . But we wanted to share ...

For Nora Ephron
Originally Posted: 06/27/2012 - 12:57pm | Type: Blog

Ephron brought us joy. She was a keen observer of the human condition, of living, growing older, and facing death with grace. She advised us not to postpone our joy. There are som ...

Afternoon Links of Awesomeness: June 26, 2012
Originally Posted: 06/26/2012 - 4:28pm | Type: Blog

A load of links to counter those mid-week blues... a video of Wild Goose performers Damion Suomi and the Minor Prophets -- an Arrested Development art show -- Alec Baldwin interviewed by Terry Gross -- lists o ...

QUIRK: 'Harry Potter Theme' Performed on Water Glasses
Originally Posted: 06/26/2012 - 2:30pm | Type: Blog

Perhaps you’ve tried to circle the rim of a wine glass with your finger to create some high pitched tones (often times I’d be scolded for doing in in restaurants). Well, in this video, you can take a look at a ...

In the Stacks, June 25, 2012
Originally Posted: 06/25/2012 - 4:02pm | Type: Blog

This week's book reviews of interest. Among my must reads are the Sunday New York Times Book Review and other book reviews I come across in various media outlets. There a ...

Links of Awesomeness: June 20, 2012
Originally Posted: 06/20/2012 - 4:31pm | Type: Blog

Watch the new trailer for the Monsters Inc prequel, Monsters University. Plus a man with no legs climbs Mt. Kilimanjaro and CNN streams a new documentary on Bruce Springsteen. Read these in today's Links ...

In the Stacks, June 20, 2012
Originally Posted: 06/20/2012 - 10:21am | Type: Blog

This week's books of interest. Among my must reads are the Sunday New York Times Book Review and other book reviews I come across in various media outlets. There are too ...

QUIRK: Pizza Vending Machines
Originally Posted: 06/20/2012 - 9:31am | Type: Blog

Pizza in a vending machine? That’s right! The franchise Let’s Pizza is opening up an office in Atlanta later this year, which means that their infamous pizza vending machines shouldn’t be too far behind. ...

Religious Groups Vie for Internet Space in Domain Name Grab
Originally Posted: 06/19/2012 - 4:24pm | Type: Blog

Religious groups have long vied for prime parcels of land, planting churches on town squares and monasteries amid isolated mountains. But now they’re targeting real estate in a less tangible sphere: cyberspace ...

Afternoon Links of Awesomeness: June 19, 2012
Originally Posted: 06/19/2012 - 3:43pm | Type: Blog

Seven summer camp movies to set the tone for your summer adventures — watch the craft of making flamenco guitars — children spraying dads with a hose — people behind their cereal mascot — new track from Child ...

Why It Matters Whether a Toy is Thin and Sexy (Or Not)
Originally Posted: 06/19/2012 - 11:34am | Type: Blog

Every toy/image transformation does some basic variation on the theme of “thin down and sex up.” So the ‘t hinner-and-sexier evolution ” series is kind of winding down, as there ...

Afternoon Links of Awesomeness: June 18, 2012
Originally Posted: 06/18/2012 - 3:53pm | Type: Blog

Duck flash mob takes over a street in China – Pictographic rock band posters –Jack McBrayer learns insults at a hot dog shop – and San Diego's annual dog surfing tournament. See these and more in today� ...

'Study Drugs' Point to Greater Social Failure
Originally Posted: 06/18/2012 - 11:24am | Type: Blog

Beyond urging our kids to mortgage a large chunk of their futures away, it seems we’re compromising their health and perhaps mental well-being for the sake of some horse race that may or may not actually be re ...

Afternoon Links of Awesomeness: June 15. 2012
Originally Posted: 06/15/2012 - 2:47pm | Type: Blog

Happy Father's Day Weekend! Here's a few tips from children on how to be a good dad. Plus... "That's my dad" hash tags with Jimmy Fallon –emergency dance technician storms New York Cit ...

Links of Awesomeness: June 14, 2012
Originally Posted: 06/14/2012 - 4:41pm | Type: Blog

Cats in the NBA -- Story Corps' animated short -- Inforgaphic of Jack White -- and more nonsense from Conan O'Brien. See these in today's Links of Awesomeness... ...

FIRSTS: “Lord, Why Did You Make Me Black?”
Originally Posted: 06/14/2012 - 1:49pm | Type: Blog

Our administrative assistant remembers the first time she heard the poem "Lord, Why Did You Make Me Black?" as part of our FIRSTS series. I was thirteen years old, a fre ...

QUIRK: New Research Finds Healthy "Miracle Molecule" in Beer
Originally Posted: 06/14/2012 - 1:17pm | Type: Blog

Scientists recently discovered a “miracle molecule” that is found in beer could prevent obesity. Scientists recently discovered a “miracle molecule” that is found in beer could pr ...

Gifts with Conscience for Dads and Grads
Originally Posted: 06/14/2012 - 11:53am | Type: Blog

Looking for a last-minute gift for Fathers Day or a graduate? Here's a few suggestions of unique gifts that keep on giving. Looking for a last-minute gift for Fathers Day or ...

Links of Awesomeness: June 13, 2012
Originally Posted: 06/13/2012 - 4:05pm | Type: Blog

The girl with the mobile garden dress -- cover songs by Iron & Wine -- kid reacts to first sip of root beer -- art from wine stains -- and Conan teaches first-graders how to sing the Chicago blues. See the ...

FIRSTS: A First Look at Townes Van Zandt
Originally Posted: 06/13/2012 - 1:02pm | Type: Blog

This is the first post in a series called FIRSTS, where some of us take a look at classic works of art, music, film and literature for the first time. We hope that a fresh perspective on these influential pop- ...

QUIRK: Michelle Obama Joins Pinterest
Originally Posted: 06/13/2012 - 11:19am | Type: Blog

Michelle Obama's new pinterest page gives a fun look at what life is like for the Obama's. Though some content comes from the Obama campaign, she signs many of the posts herself -- giving a direct wo ...

Supreme Court Tosses ‘Christian Candy Cane’ Case
Originally Posted: 06/12/2012 - 4:58pm | Type: Blog

WASHINGTON --- An appeal over Christmas sweets turned bitter on Monday (June 11) when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the so-called “Christian candy cane” case. The case out of Texas has become a rallying point for conservative Christians con ...

Afternoon Links of Awesomeness: June 11, 2012
Originally Posted: 06/11/2012 - 3:59pm | Type: Blog

Inception is re-imagined in LEGOS – time lapse photos from the International Space Station –the Museum of Endangered Sounds –Jim Henson Co. to adapt Frog and Toad –80s awkward family photos – and Celebrity Goo ...

QUIRK: Meet Your 'Tweeple'
Originally Posted: 06/11/2012 - 12:10pm | Type: Blog

Ever wondered what your tweets would look like if they were a person? No, neither had we. But Mashable today reports on a new tool called Tweepify that “turns your Twitter activity — how often you tweet, followers-to-following ratio, etc. — ...

Prometheus: Promises Much, But Fails To Deliver
Originally Posted: 06/08/2012 - 4:41pm | Type: Blog

Sadly, the film I was ready to see was not the one I saw. It’s a little over 12 hours since I walked out of the movie theater, as the seemingly never-ending credits of Prometheu ...

‘True Blood’ Sinks its Teeth into Religion and Politics
Originally Posted: 06/08/2012 - 4:43pm | Type: Blog

In its fifth season — which happens to coincide with a U.S. presidential campaign —"True Blood," returning Sunday, explores political maneuverings. On HBO's &qu ...

Afternoon Links of Awesomeness: June 8, 2012
Originally Posted: 06/08/2012 - 4:22pm | Type: Blog

Friend-of-Sojourners, singer-songwriter Jason Harrod, records a new version of "This Land is Your Land" -- Mrs. Doubtfire imagined as a horror film -- the best of Fred Armisan on Portlandia -- Regina ...

QUIRK: Geez Goes 'Overboard' on a Christian Singles' Cruise
Originally Posted: 06/08/2012 - 3:34pm | Type: Blog

Oh those cheeky Canadian Christians are at it again! In its summer issue, Geez Magazine sends a reporter under cover on a Caribbean cruise for "Christian singles." Hilarity (and outrage) ensues. ...

Afternoon Links of Awesomeness: June 7, 2012
Originally Posted: 06/07/2012 - 4:18pm | Type: Blog

Andy Samberg's PSA on cannibalism -- behind the scenes look at The Hobbit -- The Atlantic's Puppy Cam and scientific survey -- and Japan's Wan Wan Dog Circus. See these and more in today's ...

QUIRK: Mister Rogers Remix
Originally Posted: 06/07/2012 - 2:20pm | Type: Blog

If you grew up watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, then this video may give your day a little extra cheer. In this new remix, engineered by Symphony of Science’s John Boswell for PBS Digital Studios, the man ...

In the Stacks, June 7, 2012
Originally Posted: 06/07/2012 - 10:57am | Type: Blog

This week's books of interest. Among my must reads are the Sunday New York Times Book Review and other book reviews I come across in various media outlets. There are too ...

Afternoon Links of Awesomeness: June 6, 2012
Originally Posted: 06/06/2012 - 4:29pm | Type: Blog

Europe is the home to a few new world records . First, a German man holds his breath underwater for 22 minutes and 22 seconds. Second, people in Poland launch 12, 740 paper lanterns into the air simultaneously.   Last week Andy Samberg ...

Princess Pop Tarts and LEGO Waffles: The Dangers of Marketing Food to Children
Originally Posted: 06/06/2012 - 4:28pm | Type: Blog

There is a dangerous marketing strategy when it comes to food and our children. No, it’s not “sugar” or “fat” or even promotions of “low sugar” or “low fat." Most of the food-marketing ploys aimed at kids ...

QUIRK: President Obama sings "Call Me Maybe"
Originally Posted: 06/06/2012 - 9:59am | Type: Blog

In this clever mashup, the POTUS gives a new take on Carly Rae Jespen's radio hit "Call Me Maybe." While it may not be as endearing as his rendition of Al Green's "Let's Stay Toge ...

Blessing of the Artists: What Is Your Gift?
Originally Posted: 06/06/2012 - 9:30am | Type: Blog

“It’s my privilege actually to use the incense for you as a sign of your dignity and to connect the gift that you have from above with heaven, because that’s truly where it comes from." ~ Father Eamon O&# ...

Afternoon Links of Awesomeness: June 5, 2012
Originally Posted: 06/05/2012 - 4:26pm | Type: Blog

An award winning new short starring Kevin Spacey -- the most extroverted city in the U.S. -- Wilco releases free e-book -- The Daily Show's coverage of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee -- Jason Schwartzma ...

Afternoon Links of Awesomeness: June 4, 2012
Originally Posted: 06/04/2012 - 4:38pm | Type: Blog

Novelists set down the typewriter and pick up the paintbrush -- cross stitching electrical circuts -- beautiful photos of colored ink underwater -- Improv Everywhere strikes again with a car alarm stunt -- Pul ...

A Theology of America's Zombie Apocalypse
Originally Posted: 06/04/2012 - 6:15am | Type: Blog

It seems that America is on the verge of a zombie apocalypse.From movies to video games, Zombies are the big ticket these days. The undead top the media charts, gnawing and clawing their way into the forefront ...

Church Sign Epic Fails: Volume XVI
Originally Posted: 06/03/2012 - 2:08pm | Type: Blog

Sweet 16 and never been theologically on point. Got some good ones this week. Enjoy. Sweet 16 and never been theologically on point. Got some good ones this week. Enjoy. ...

Afternoon Links of Awesomeness: June 1, 2012
Originally Posted: 06/01/2012 - 3:52pm | Type: Blog

A batch of the best new audio and visual stimulation. Roman Mars' podcast explores the craft of Trappist beer -- nature-loving artist trades the electronic equipment for some earthy sounds — Andrew Bird&# ...

QUIRK: New York, the Nanny State and the Impending Demise of the Big Gulp
Originally Posted: 06/01/2012 - 2:01pm | Type: Blog

If New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg gets his way, Big Gulps and any other super-sized sugary soft-drinks will go the way of smoking at the Oyster Bar and Times Square peep shows and trans-fat-deep-fried c ...

New, Improved Terrorists!
Originally Posted: 05/30/2012 - 9:11am | Type: Magazine Article

Ed Spivey Jr. Even al Qaeda can use rebranding. EVERYONE CAN USE a fresh start from time to time. When Enco a ...

Chasing the Wild Goose
Originally Posted: 05/30/2012 - 9:13am | Type: Magazine Article

Cathleen Falsani Scripture teaches that the Spirit of God was in that still, small voice. But every now and again the Spirit arrives with ...

New and Noteworthy
Originally Posted: 05/04/2012 - 2:00pm | Type: Magazine Article

Julie Polter Jumped In: What Gangs Taught Me about Violence, Drugs, Love, and Redemption — Corporations Are Not People: Why They Have Mor ...

The Boss's Musical Indictment
Originally Posted: 05/22/2012 - 3:05pm | Type: Magazine Article

Danny Duncan Collum Springsteen sings what politicians won't say: We were robbed and the thieves have escaped justice. ...

Art With a Brutal Heart
Originally Posted: 05/22/2012 - 3:55pm | Type: Magazine Article

Gareth Higgins The best parts of the Disney worldview look like the eschatological images in a Martin Luther King Jr. speech; the worst m ...

Chronicling Belief's Strange Wonders
Originally Posted: 05/04/2012 - 2:00pm | Type: Magazine Article

Brittany Shoot Sweet Heaven When I Die: Faith, Faithlessness, and the country in Between by Jeff Sharlet. WIT ...