Fun With Statistics

Deltoid continues the ongoing debate over the reliability of the Lancet study on Iraqi deaths caused by the invasion.

The statistical discussion is fascinating, but it does require your full attention if you're (like me) not someone who analyzes stats on a regular basis.

O Jerusalem

Beliefnet has a new trailer up for the screen adaptation of O Jerusalem. The movie portrays the establishment of the State of Israel and the fighting that accompanied it through the eyes of two friends, one Arab and one Jew.

I just hope it's a more accurate and balanced depiction of these events than what was found in Exodus.

Orthodox in America

The New Republic has an interesting article about the growth of the Antioch Orthodox Church in America, mainly fueled by Evangelical converts seeking a more traditional spiritual experience.

It is compelling to see a church who's patriarchate is based in Damascus and has traditionally been made up of Middle Eastern Christians, attract a more diverse following. According to the article, the Antioch Church has been more open to different cultures than other Orthodox denominations like the Greek or Russian Churches.

Link.

Opus on Islam

On his website, cartoonist Berkeley Breathed reports that two of his upcoming Opus strips are being pulled by various papers, including the Washington Post. The reason appears to be because the strips deal with Islam in someway. If that is the case, it might be that the papers want to avoid the controversy that arose in Denmark after a paper published several cartoons depicting Muhammed. I would suspect that the editors don't want to deal with a bunch of reader complaints over a "comic".

I do look forward to checking out Breathed's strips when they come out to see what all the fuss is over. In my opinion he is one of America's most talented cartoonists and it was great to see him return to work after a long absence.

(Via Comics Reporter)

"Masked" Premieres Off-Broadway

I just came across the news that "Masked", an Israeli play about the intifada, has recently made its American debut. I have to confess, I'm unfamiliar with the material, but still curious about the response it will receive.

I Heart Pink

I never guessed she would go into Dixie Chicks territory.

Arab <> Democracy

An interesting study looks at correlations between the words in the names of countries and how democratic they are. Unfortunately, countries with the word Arab in them don't look so good. It 'll be great day when the opposite trend can be found.

Popstars Take on Terrorism

A collection of Pakistani singers have put together a song denouncing Islamic terrorism. It consciously evokes comparisons to songs like America's "We Are the World" anthem from the 80s. While it's not going to change the world and may be preaching mostly to the people already agreement with the message, it's still a step forward in promoting religious tolerance.



(Via BeliefNet)

Anarchy At The Superbowl

One of the highlights of the Superbowl commercials was seeing the newest trailer for V for Vendetta.

It didn't really have the same effect as the Apple 1984 commercial, but it was a nice continuation of that anti-authoritarian spirit.

The Settler Population Has increased?

According to survey by Peace Now reported in Ha'Aretz, the settler population in the West Bank increased in 2005. All this despite the pullout of settlements from Gaza.

First Hamas wins in the recent elections and now this. Resolution becomes even farther away.