The Anchoress

Don’t dress your black cat up in a pink tutu.

Not even metaphorically.

Sorry for the silence over here but my site has been having some serious problems, partly due to attack, partly due to other issues, and I’ve been down a lot. My hosting service thinks they’ve got a handle on it, now. Let us pray!

Here is a little reward for putting up with it:

Jack: You are both a disgrace to the Donaghy name!
Jack’s Dad: It’s pronounced “Don-a-fee,” you lace-curtain half-an-Englishman!
Jack: When I think of all the things that I’ve been holding inside me that I wanted to say to you… [raises fists] Well now I’m gonna let “Saint Patrick” and “Saint Michael” DO MY TALKING FOR ME!
Jack’s Dad: [raises fists] You’ll have to get through “Tip O’Neill” and “Bobby Sands” first!
Eddie Donaghy: You call those fist names?! [raises fists] Say hello to “Bono” and “Sandra Day O’Connor!”
Jack: Those are the stupidest fist names I’ve ever heard.

~30 Rock, Episode 1.17, “The Fighting Irish”

Ahhhh….brings back memories…(H/T Shrine of the Holy Whapping)

I confess I’ve never seen the show, and I don’t know that the humor is “art” exactly, but the definition of art is so fluid, it may not matter.

Speaking of art, Julie at Happy Catholic is wondering why a sculpture of a balloon animal and Michelangelo’s Pieta can both be reckoned as art, when they seem to require very different levels of skill and imagination.

Gerald at Closed Cafeteria was on the same bugaboo on the same day, and made a very similar and simple comparative point. Gerald has an awfully good eye (his photographs are wonderful), and his comparisons are jarring. One does not have to be an “enemy” of modern or abstract art to wonder when you draw the line and say “whitewashing a canvas and calling it art does not count.”

But then again, it has always been up to the artist to declare what constitutes “art.” This year we’ve learned that your used feminine products can be exhibited, if that’s all you have to say about yourself. But then again, as long as there are people willing to pay for it…

Finally, I think this kid Kierra should take Mrs. Conyers’ place: she’s got her head on straighter than many adults. Including, probably sometimes, me.

Blogging reactions to the papal visit:

The National Catholic Register has a great slideshow and lots of thoughts, you’ll like it. (Via)

Deacon Greg Kandra quotes USA today’s wholly positive take on the pope’s visit. Keep scrolling; Greg was at Yankees Stadium and has posted some terrific pictures and gives his take on the day.

The NYTimes Benedict Blog which had good writers but a rather clunky feel, has final thoughts. Liked this closer especially on the face of the pastor.

Brian Saint-Paul quotes The New York Daily News: He came, he spoke, he conquered

Hugh Hewitt says this nation of Zacchaeuses got a week-long tutorial on its blessings and its duties.

At Couric & Company blog: “Ben-eh-dee-toe! Ben-eh-dee-toe!”

In his “toughest market” the Boston Globe is very positive.

Terrific, don’t-miss commentary by Alejandro Bermudez.

Gayle Miller says There is nothing “interim” about this pope.

Domenico Bettinelli wants to know how blogs affected your appreciation of the papal visit.

Miss Kelly writes from her experience at Yankee Stadium. Did you see all the Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist there? I did!

MCJ Bloghorn has an Episcopalian perspective.

Fr. James Martin A Surge of the Heart

Wizbang has caption contest winners

Cobb writes not specifically of Benedict but of lapsing.

Causa Nostrae Laetitiae has lots, keep scrolling.

My own ending piece - on Benedict being the last 20th century man.

Benedict kept repeating the loveliest of the Old Testament blessings: The Lord Bless you and Keep You/The Lord lift his countenance upon you and give you peace” - Deal Hudson writes on Benedict’s own face.

And some Dartmouth and MIT students get together and sing the blessing beautifully, here:

For cryin’ out loud, Michelle Malkin is not Bill Maher - not even close - not even in the same time-zone, and I think that is a silly charge to make - one that over-reacts in precisely the same way that some feel Michelle over-reacted.

But I can understand why some were unhappy with her post on “Open Borders and the Catholic Elite”, which echoed SOME the sort of cynical crap I’ve seen in nasty emails when I have dared to go against “the base” on illegal immigration. I was very sorry to read, “Open borders benefit Catholic churches looking to fill their pews and collection baskets,” and “Catholic elites can afford to harangue us about our perceived lack of “humanity…”

I completely agree with Michelle that America remains “the most generous and welcoming nation in the world to those who line up and play by the rules,” and I despise the sort of Catholic who runs around pointing fingers and screeching “heretic, heretic!” at another. I also agree with her that the issue urgently needs addressing and realistic solutions; where we part is more in method and means than in meaning. I was disappointed to read some of what she wrote, but Michelle has strong opinions and she’s certainly entitled to speak them. We do not all, always and at all times, have to agree.

Where people disagree on this issue, their disagreement should be permissible without rancor or venom. My own position on the illegal immigration - that we need to enforce the borders, but also to create a sort of Ellis Island West and that we cannot ever forget the humanity of these people - is pretty much in line with the bishops, and I can tell you that it is not motivated by a desire to “sit asses in the pews,” as some have accused me. I think it would be odd indeed to hear clergymen (or the pope) suggest anything less than - first and foremost - concern for the well-being of the human person, and then for the practical and political solutions. And I would suggest I am far from being a member of the “Catholic Elite,” whatever that means.

Hell, I liked the Gregorian Chant mixed with tribal rhythms that upset some Catholics a few says ago!

The illegal immigration issue has not been particularly well served by breathlessness. It needs to be addressed. Every day the need becomes more pressing…and nothing is happening on that front. I don’t think much will until people on every side can manage to take a breath and find some common ground. That should not be impossible. But the rhetoric surrounding illegal immigration is sometimes a bit much - even out of control - as one can see in ANY comments section of ANY blog that covers it.

(H/T American Digest)

Yes, I said the site would be “wall-to-wall” Benedict for the duration of his visit. I may throw in a video here or there - or something just to refresh myself, but if you’re looking for All Things Benedict, this is where we’re at so far - I’ll be writing more later.

Benedict Gets Big at Nationals Stadium (He seemed Bunyunesque!)

The Pope on the Sex Abuse Issue (A first-look at Benedict’s address to his bishops following Vespers. Includes some personal stuff.)

Benedict’s serious call for seriousness (His brief address at the WH packed a big punch for a little piece.)

US sees a very different pope (Not quite the salivating rottweiller we’d been told to expect.)

This Peter is a lot like Paul (links to Mark Shea’s excellent and insightful piece.)

Benedict is so shy! (Looks at the pontiff’s body language at Andrews AFB.)

“Deeply Ashamed” Benedict and the Priesthood (His remarks en route.)

The press and Benedict (The man and the narrative.)

The Reality of Benedict and Benedict & Islam; a supernatural gambit (a recent piece at Pajamas Media, and one from last year.)

BEST PICTURES: This gallery has awesome pictures of all the proceedings. (H/T to Opinionated Catholic who is doing his own extensive coverage, even about how the pope waves weirdly)

Live EWTN here.

More coming up, meanwhile, don’t forget to look into The Deacon’s Bench, Whispers in the Loggia, Amy Welborn, American Papist and the other great Catholic bloggers I have in my blogroll for additional perspectives and usually much more knowledgeable writing than you can get here.

My piece comparing and contrasting the press’ dire predictions about Pope Benedict XVI with the reality of the man is up at Pajamas Media today.

As if making my point for me, Newsweek has two pieces on Benedict, both falling rather heavily “pro” Benedict and “con” Benedict - I think perhaps the press is past understanding that balance means “a little bit of both.” The first piece, by George Weigel, I recommend to you because although it glows for Benedict, it also gives you an excellent sense of how deeply this pope may effect our age. The second, by Lisa Miller is your basic predictable condescension about how Benedict does not “connect” with Catholics…except for all the ones who love him, especially the young, but since they’re probably living in the woods with Barack’s “bitter” gunslingers, they don’t matter, do they?

Funnily enough, Sissy Willis manages to look at Benedict and Barack. You’ll like!

Related: Quis Custodiet Ipsos Custodes

Lots of good stuff over at Pajamas Media, btw, there besides my poor effort. Bill Bradley has two piece ups, both on “Bittergate”, with the second looking at how Obama’s stunning elitism will be used against him, Mohammed Fadhil says the Iraqi government has a golden opportunity if they’ll take it, and Glenn and Helen are talking to Michael Yon.

H/T Julie

You Are a Walnut

You are down to earth and genuine. Responsible and practical, you are a grown up in all aspects of your life. You probably eat a healthy diet and get enough exercise. And while you’re not wild, you’re not boring either. You’re actually very deep and interesting.

I don’t know about that nut thing, but my eyes are hazel-green!

Your Eyes Should Be Hazel

Your eyes reflect: Intellect and sensuality What’s hidden behind your eyes: Subtle manipulation

I recently asked if anyone had tried the Mystic Monk’s Chocolate Mint Coffee, and Mrs. Falconer’s Cabana Boy has come through:

I got both the Colombian medium roast and some of the chocolate mint flavored coffee. Both are absolutely delicious. They’re perfectly roasted without the slightest hint of bitterness. Being a huge fan of Colombian coffee, I’ve tried several brands, and Mystic Monk beats them all. As for the chocolate mint, it’s a very smooth coffee — like the Colombian medium roast, it is utterly devoid of bitterness, and the mint is subtle. It’s great with just a touch of creamer, but just between you and me, I can’t wait to get some Bailey’s Irish Cream to put in it.

Hmmm…is Mrs. Falconer’s Cabana Boy Irish? Let me recommend back to him the Monk’s “Irish Creme” blend which is pretty rich and tasty, too. It’s so Irish Creme-y that one doesn’t even need the cordial!

So, now I am convinced and will try the Chocolate Mint, but I will reiterate: the Mystic Monk Dark Roast is the greatest cup of coffee I’ve ever had, bar none!

The blood count is in the pits again and I’m ordered to rest up a bit. Yes, a bore. I’ll have to get a laptop one of these days.

Meanwhile Kate and Kathy are the latest bloggers to be attacked in the war against free speech. Yes, a war. I’ve pitched in with a donation; if you can hit their paypal buttons and help them defray what look like looming lawyer bills, and a long fight (think of all the conservative-leaning bloggers who can be shut up by the fear of financial ruin!) do help them out.

I’m sure you’re tired of me singing the praises of the Mystic Monk Coffee (click the ad in the right sidebar) but we just received a shipment of our favorites and it included a sample of the Dark Roast blend, which I was wary about since “dark roast” in some brands will too often mean (as Ralph Wiggims would say): “it tastes like burning!”

Happily, this is not so with the Mystic Monks - whatever the voodoo that they do so well, they’ve managed to create a Dark Roast that had my husband raving so much that I had to try it too, and I loved it! My new “favorite” of the unflavored coffees!

Has anyone tried the chocolate mint coffee yet? I admit I am curious…verrrrry curious!