Ricky Gervais and the Angel/Retard Dialectic

Apparently there’s a new show on Netflix called Derek. I haven’t watched it. Who has time to watch that sort of thing in between parenting, working, writing, cooking, cleaning, gardening, sports, cooking shows, and all the other things that fill up my life. Apparently, though, it features a lead character who is unbelievably good and … Continue ReadingRicky Gervais and the Angel/Retard Dialectic

Barilla and Bigotry (and a Down Syndrome Diet)

Here is a complete list of the foods my son eats: Preferred foods: Pretzels, Cottage Cheese, , Craisins, Fig newtons and similar cookies, noodles (penne and rotini), blueberries (his favorite thing!), cheerios (honey nut), applesauce, oatmeal, yogurt Emerging foods: Saltines, Graham crackers, cereal bars, melon. Of those, only oatmeal and noodles are “hot” foods. And … Continue ReadingBarilla and Bigotry (and a Down Syndrome Diet)

Cardinal’s Law (A corollary of Godwin’s Law) – The Church, Sex Abuse, and Online Discussion

Every time I write about Catholicism, a certain set of commentators immediately invoke the child sex abuse scandals regardless of the issue at hand. This is particularly true if you say something positive about any aspect of the church. Given Pope Francis’ well-publicized and generally well-received comments, especially by people generally opposed to the church … Continue ReadingCardinal’s Law (A corollary of Godwin’s Law) – The Church, Sex Abuse, and Online Discussion