I read about the London Zoo exhibit featuring humans sometime a week or two ago. I intended to write about it, but never did. Someone else has done the job, and done so well. Thus, I highly suggest that you read this Arlington Catholic Herald article.^[1] Ms. Bonacci is correct, it is ironic that in many ways this exhibit actually serves to contrast humanity from the animals that we normally populate our zoos with. For, truly, what other species would we have to concern ourselves with the modesty of, or provide mental stimulation for?

[1] Ms. Mary Beth Bonacci. “Humans: The Latest Exhibit at the Zoo” Arlington Catholic Herald (online) 2005-09-08. http://www.catholicherald.com/bonacci/05mb/mb050908.htm

A landlord is suing a pair of restaurateurs for refusing to occupy his building.^[1] The pair, who are Jehovah’s Witnesses, refuse to do so because of consistent and numerous reports that the building is haunted. They claim that their faith requires they avoid a haunted building; regardless, I cannot say I blame them. Even if entirely untrue, this sort of reputation would quite conceivably have an effect on their business. The owner apparently offered to have an exorcism performed, but that, being a Catholic rite, was not considered sufficient or acceptable to the pair.

Overall, my reaction is that this is bizarre.

[1] The Associated Press. “What’s Worse, Being Sued — or Haunted?” The Associated Press via law.com 2005-09-12. http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1126256710546&rss=newswire

It appears^[1] that the estimates of thousands dead in New Orleans were grossly inaccurate. The death toll, as the flood waters recede, is currently at about 200. Thank goodness that most people seem to have gotten out or been rescued.

It does raise an important point though, that we need to take the panic reports interlaced with political agendas with a grain of salt when we hear them. When the emphasis appears to be how to blame the President for his [lack of] response, it could be the reports are too quick to believe bad news.

[1] Mr. Brett Martel. “Hopelessness Begins to Lift in New Orleans” Associated Press via apnews.myway.com 2005-09-12. http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050912/D8CIM1K80.html