Random

✽ It appears that the HANTRU1 fiber optic submarine cable has now connected the Marshall Islands to the internet. Since Pohnpei connects off an extension from the Marshalls they will benefit, too. It's a start! The rest of Micronesia waits. ~ link

✽ Even if the Pope was out of the loop on the sexual abuse cases, and not culpable, it really does not set well when he describes the accusations as "petty gossip." At the very least he is out of touch, which is understandable given the extremely hierarchical and parochial nature of the papal office. ~ link

✽ "Christian warrior" militia? I don't think so. Yesterday we talked about Jesus riding on a donkey colt when he made his royal entrance -- symbol of peaceful intentions. This was in contrast to the warrior kings who would ride into conquered cities on their mighty steeds.

✽ "Giving away $1m+ in prizes as a way of getting people into church, is like attracting fat people to a gym with donuts. Donuts r the problem." ~ JR Vassar

✽ "The New Global Middle Class: A Cross-Over from West to East" ~ link

✽ The people in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania have a warped sense of humor. (Melissa Heck sent me the link.) ~ link

✽ Arizona students may soon be able to test-out of high school. ~ link

✽ No shortage of hate! Jews in the southern Swedish city of Malmo have experienced more hate crimes. They say that they're rising out of the Muslim community. (Jim Stanley-Erickson sent me the link.) ~ link

✽ Monkey see, monkey do... Guam takes a lot of legal cues from California. Now they're looking at the legalization of pot, too. ~ link