expect in an Anne Tyler novel (it's her 19th): Lovable, socially awkward characters. Family ties ...

If you believe that all non-Christians are going to hell, then that means that not only would Hitler be there, but so would most of his victims.How could it be just for someone to go from the fires of Auschwit ...

According to the Associated Press, a 22-year-old student in Brazil claimed she was abducted and held hostage for 24 hours. She later confessed, saying: "she 'didn't want to upset her mother ...

According to CNN: Last year, Gideons International distributed more than 84 million printed copies of the Bible around the world to students, hospitals, members of the military and, of course, hotels, where they are a ubiquitous sight i ...

In a poignant first-person essay in today's LA Times, actor and director Ron Howard, who as a child played Opie on The Andy Griffith Show, tenderly remebers his mentor and friend Andy Griffith, who died T ...

The years between 2004's "Dear Heather" and his latest album "Old Ideas" have built Cohen’s status to a Zen guru presence. For weeks there has been anticipation about this new record n ...

LOS ANGELES — Mention the word “exorcism” to most people, and you get descriptions of levitating bodies, spinning heads, oozing green bile and hissing serpentine tongues. But don’t expect to see these eye-popp ...

There are certain speeches, songs, books, letters, laws, and axioms that Americans appreciate enough to argue about, says religion scholar Stephen Prothero. Abraham Lincoln’s “Get ...

This week's book reviews. 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 many ...

Duke Special writes for the areas of deep soul and the dreams of an arts community get aired on "Stargazers of The World Unite"; the hopes of justice and a new world order by the Occupy Movement chal ...

According to USA Today: Andy Griffith died this morning. Former UNC President Bill Friday says The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock actor died at his home in Dare County, North Carolina around 7 a.m. Friday, ...

Sadly, too much of today’s so-called “praise-and-worship” music sucks the humanity out of our adoration and contemplation, leaving us with a sugary synthetic salvation that’s all Easter lilies and neutered lam ...

"Sun Boxes" a solar powered outdoor art installation of music – life size Hot Wheels track earns World Record –belt buckle flask –summery fruit sculptures –man plays typewriter in symphony –realistic ...

We’ve reached the halfway point of the year, which means states across the nation are adopting a variety of new laws at state and local levels. While most of the new provisions and amendments were about taxes, ...

I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry, but it’s true. We’re 20 weeks into the Church Sign Epic Fails series and going strong. I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry, but it’s true. W ...

I lost my joy. I suspect there are a few of you who feel the same way. Not that you aren't happy, but there is this deep place of celebratory joy which you once knew that really doesn't come around m ...

Ed Spivey Jr. Like Jesus, I'm saving a lot of money on gas. THE FIRST BUG was a surprise, glancing off m ...

Danny Duncan Collum Microsoft was an extortionist, but Google is a pickpocket. FOR MORE THAN a decade Google ...

Gareth Higgins Three highlights from Full Frame are films that mingle mature cinematic craft with ethical depth. ...

crusader, CNBC financial broadcaster Rick Santelli, who suddenly began ranting on the air on Feb. 19, 2009, ...

Brittany Shoot Author and advice columnist Cheryl Strayed on writing and walking her way out of grief. WRITER ...

Calvin B. DeWitt Excerpt from Song of a Scientist: The Harmony of a God-Soaked Creation, by Calvin B. DeWitt ...

Joshua Witchger Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices, by The Welcome Wagon. Asthmatic Kitty Records. ...

Elizabeth Palmberg Resources to help you raise happy and engaged kids. Resources to help you raise happy an ...

Maritza Rivera "There is nothing casual / about casualties of war." There is nothing casual about ...

E. Ethelbert Miller A tribute to artist Elizabeth Catlett WHENEVER I entered a museum gallery and saw sculptu ...

When I heard Damion Suomi & The Minor Prophets for the first time, they were performing on the main stage at Wild Goose Festival 2012, opening up for established artists Jennifer Knapp and Phil Madeira. I had heard good things about them f ...

That about does it for us for the week. We send you off to the weekend with prayers for safety and blessings — and a bit of bacon-inspired poetry for the journey. That about does ...

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." ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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� ...

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 ...

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 ...

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... ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...