You must watch Karen Armstrong’s TED talk on religion, compassion, the active side of belief, and the Golden Rule. Now. No really, go watch it right now. It’s not that long. In fact, watch it right here:
Once you’re done with that, watch Mark Bittman’s talk on what’s wrong with what we eat. It’s not as negative as the title would lead you to believe, and it provides good rules of thumb when considering “healthy” food.
Ok, this makes my pagan heart happy: my friend Raven has opened a new store in Madison, WI called Ravenworks. 
It features lots of pretty, pretty, shiny and happy one-of-a-kind, hand made things for everyday use, ritual, whatever. Also, books and music — including Legacy!.
You read that right. Steven Pinker thinks so and I’m inclined to agree with much of his reasoning. “We’re Getting Nicer Every Day” is an html version of a pdf, so a bit messy, but you can always download it if you prefer…
My dad, Norman Weibel, who is an American Legion chaplain and does weddings in California’s Inland Empire has a new website! Beware the music (it can be turned off at the bottom of the page).
Those of you with an interest in things Chinese and para-Chinese (I’m looking at you. Ahem.) might be interested in reading the blog that anthropologist David K. Jordan has been maintaining while spending a semester teaching in Asia. It’s chock full of linguistic and religious observations, all with that pleasant snarkiness that DKJ has mastered.