kyburg | SNARK MODE=ON

Seriously. You need to ask this more often, of just about everything you read about. Trust me on this.

Today's gems?

Speaking to a gathering of 350 U.S. bishops and nine cardinals, Benedict once again addressed the sex abuse scandal, saying it was a cause of "deep shame" for the church and an "evil" that has "caused enormous pain."

GUESS WHAT. I KNOW.

(Really. This is news? I'd like to know what useful purpose this serves, as the fellow speaking was part and parcel of the organization that participated as fully as any other member could have, during the period of time this "deep shame" was committed. Is it some kind of code for "I'm okay - you're safe now, okay?" Or is it reminding everyone that a Whole Lotta Dough has left the building (go check

docbrite for some recent impacts at the ground level, you can find others by Google) and this organization really can't fiscally support its authority anymore and Needs Your Help?)

I find this insulting. The real news is that the fellow says American religious tolerance is reducing all faiths to a lowest common denominator. (And y'all know what THAT is, right? Snark mine. All mine.) It's not his - therefore, it's inferior. That kind of thinking gets its own post some day. But I'm talking about something else entirely right now. Don't look over there. Look here - SHINY SHINY SHINY.

No. We gotta talk about how they're not gonna do the little children anymore. Again. Because...well.

AGAIN. Because well. Sexx0r. Somebody's gotta sell that soap.

Two things at work here. Watch for them.

As this guy points out, there is resistance to information that doesn’t mesh with our preconceived beliefs and brother, you gotta fight it.

Because that's how they get you. Say the things you're used to hearing...that you're comfortable with...and you'll click on those banner ads all day. Let the cookies bake on your hard drive. Welcome it in with a side of spam.

It's money if it works. But wait - that wonderful little site isn't selling advertising. Then what are they selling? You should be asking, neh?

Like this one. I have recently returned to the United States from Egypt where I was on a fact-finding mission to see what life is like for non-Muslims who live under Islam. Why? I went to Egypt because I wanted to learn what life would be like if our enemies and their allies succeeded in getting their way.

I'm pointed here as a tolerance alert.

It was nice of the guy to telegraph his punches that clearly. Checking the origin of the story, I find - OH. A very clearly slanted publication...selling advertising. Books. Seminars. RETREATS. YAY. (oh fuck me, donations....)

Belief is not at issue here. Being able to see when you're being sold is. And bunky, if you don't sense how BIG you're being sold with that, I need to sit you down and have a come to Jesus about snake oil and salesmen.

WTF is this shit. Ask it often. Of everything.

I KNOW. WE ALL KNOW.

Follow the money. That's all I usually have to do.

EDIT: I'm calling bullshit on this one too. For obvious reasons...and gee, spike in web traffic. Wonder why.