• James Kushiner of Touchstone Magazine's Mere Comments blog talks about his annual retreat at an Orthodox monastery in southern Michigan. I never knew it was there. Do they accept visits from non-Orthodox? It's my firm intention to find out.
• I am a secret and embarrassed fan of the television show Project Runway. It's a little morality play all dressed up in charmeuse satin. You want to learn about how and when to accept advice, how to be an effective leader of a group of competitors, why it's worth cultivating resilience in the face of obstacles, how to mesh creativity and efficiency? It's all in there. And, for you men out there, the models are tres attractive.
• If I hadn't watched the Grammy Awards, I would have missed a terrific Gospel number with the gravely-voiced Mavis Staples and a new rap star Kanye West singing his winning hit Jesus Walks. Who knew?
• Let's not forget the ongoing transformation in Iraq, spotlit by the recent very successful election. The 60% turnout should shame the United States where a drizzle convinces voters that catching Oprah is more important than voting for president. Even the United Nations was impressed: 'Using the term "incredible" several times, the chief United Nations electoral official who led the team giving technical aid and advice for Iraq's national poll on Sunday said today she was "extremely pleased" . . ."I have participated in many elections in my life," Carina Perelli, chief of the UN Electoral Assistance Division, told a news briefing in New York. "This was probably one of the most moving elections I have ever seen because it was basically people making a very dignified, peaceful demonstration that the will of the people has to be heard."' Thank God, thank God.
• Matthew at Shrine of the Holy Whapping believes that there's yet more fun to be had. In justice to Catholics of Eastern European origin, he propounds giving St. Cyril's day the attention it allegedly deserves. However, he seems to be running into some resistance. "My idea to attempt to cash in on the Apostles to the Slavs by selling tee-shirts saying "Kiss Me, I'm Croatian," died an unfortunate death somewhere along the line. Why should the Irish have all the fun? Everyone is Slavonic on St. Cyril's day!." My only question is: what color do you dye the Chicago River?

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