Christopher Hitchens has throat cancer

The brazen and embattled atheist, Christopher Hitchens, author of God Is Not Great and a recent memior, has been diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus. The survival rate for such cancer is disheartening (the five-year relative survival rate is well under 50%, even for cases where the cancer is localized [see American Cancer Society report]).

Also in the above-linked report are recommendations for prevention, which read like an inverse to-do list of Hitchens' daily regimen. The heavy-set, enfant terrible is known for leading an indulgent lifestyle with plenty of drinking and smoking.

That said, his public stance against all forms of religious zealotry has been nothing short of heroic. God, LLC wishes him the best possible recovery.

Repent Christians. Repent Now.

Six-story-tall "Touchdown" Jesus burns to the ground in Monroe, Ohio, after being struck by lightning. I've embedded the official press release above, but there's all sorts of junk floating around the web:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/us_and_canada/10321466.stm

The Shack: Didn't read it.

Continuing on in my as-of-late curatorial role, I bring you more spotty coverage.

The Shack: Wanted to read and review it, but didn't. Keep seeing it at Freddie's and am aware that it has made quite the splash in believer circles and among those pining. But, alas, time sinks elsewhere.

And now, thanks to this splendid review, my desire to read it is abated!

Thanks, Slate:
http://www.slate.com/id/2255741/

I, Anonymous. You, Polygamist.

An underpowered attempt at finding a tasty Mother's Day morsel, yielded this bittersweet Mother's Day message found at a Texas polygamy blog:

5/13/2007
Anonymous said...

I love you mom wherever you are! I believe that by my growing emotionally stronger and following my own conscience instead of following you know who I am honoring you even though you may not agree today. I forgive you for turning your back on me because I know how you are influenced by the people around you and there are some powerful personalities in your circle. If there is ever anything I can do to help, I hope you remember me. You know where I live.

---

Jesus Meal SUPER-SIZED!

The Jesus meal keeps getting bigger!

This is last week's news and kind of a stupid story!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8580146.stm

HE IS RISEN!

Solaris: A Green Lullaby

Just revisited what has surely become one of my all-time favorite movies, Solaris (Tarkovsy, 1972). Reasons for loving this movie are myriad—among them are its calming and self-assured rhythms and transparent Philosophical themes. For contemplative types, even those who generally avoid sci-fi like yours truly, few movies are so satisfying.