Popular Culture

22 December 2003


Freedom Tower Fails as a Memorial
The biggest Manhattan real estate question of the last two years has been how to fill the hole left by the destruction of the World Trade Center. The tale of the architectural squabbles, the court case over the insurance (two planes, two buildings, one act of terrorism?), and the endless consultation with the public have proven to be good filler for the local papers during slow news days. Friday of last week, though, the final plans for the site were unveiled. And while it is an improvement over the Twin Towers, but then, they were rather ugly, and it still does too little as a memorial. For more, click here.

Headscarves, Skullcaps, Crosses and Foreskins
Last week, French President Jacques Chirac decided that a ban on headscraves, skullcaps and crucifixes in French schools was a good idea, and Dr. Abdul Hamid Othman, who advises the Malaysian Prime Minister on religious affairs, suggested that non-Muslims should be invited to celebrate their circumcisions with their Muslim friends. God himself is probably laughing at His creation's ability to miss the point entirely. Click here to read on.

Judge Bans Sick from Court Room
Regular readers will know of the antipathy this corner of cyberspace has for the arbitrary and unaccountable judiciary around the world. Yet, when one of them gets it right, fairness demands its acknowledgement. Circuit Judge Gloria Bahakel has a sign up in her courtroom in Jefferson County, Alabama, that tells those with cold and flu symptoms to stay out. Judge Bahakel's example should be common practice. Click here to read more.