FRIDAY'S COLLECTION
+ California grew by 6% between 2000 and 2004. Our county, Stanislaus County, was eighth fastest growing in the state, with a population increase of 51,358 people to 498,355 (11.5 percent). Merced County was sixth, adding 26,451 people for 237,005 (12.6 percent).

+ Around the country much of the growth is occurring in exurbs. Two of the fastest growing counties in the nation are in South Dakota (!) where the cost of living is relatively reasonable. Half of the growth counties are in places with harsh winters. The shift seems to be driven by the high cost of housing in the cities. Will the high cost of gas eventually off-set things?

+ Uwe Siemon-Netto is interviewed on the CT website. He shares his views on history. It turns out that after years as a distinguished journalist he enrolled in seminary at the age of 50 and then went on to do a PhD. As I said a few days ago Dr Siemon-Netto is an interesting character -- and read.

+ Siemon-Netto thinks that German Cardinal Josef Ratzinger, who will be 78 tomorrow, might already have an absolute majority in the conclave electing the next pope -- although a 2/3 majority is required. This prospect has captured the imagination of at least some ecumenicists.

+ This month marks the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. There is a big commemoration ceremony planned for NYC. Meanwhile the genocide in Sudan continues.

+ Don and Cat called and invited us to visit them. Unfortunately, I don't think that my Southwest bonus miles will get us to Soldotna, Alaska. It sounds like things are beautiful up there right now.