Literature is better than any self-help book. Judges have used it to help and educate offenders. There are even literary alternative sentencing programs for low-level offenders.

The University of Virginia started a program at a local correctional facility teaching Russian literature. It's been a success, helping the offender see the moral aspects of living. One inmate said that at the end of each class, he "he felt like a human being again." Read More >

After being denied a run for prom queen at his high school by district officials, gay student Coy Villasenor cried foul: “I wear foundation, I fill in my eyebrows, I take care of myself how a female should. . . . I’ve had hair down to my chest for four years. I donated it. I wear tight pants. I was considered a girl. So if that wasn’t good enough for them, then I think, I just think they’re making it up.” Read More >

It's been a while since I posted a bleg, but here's a quick one: My essay on C. S. Lewis is a finalist in an essay competition over at Book Riot. If you'd like to vote for it, just go to the page and click Like on the top left side. Thanks!

In an open letter to the President, Franklin Graham states that he thinks his father's organization was targeted after announcing its support for traditional marriage.

Centurion Jason Kanz has written a great blog post about his experiences in the program. "If you choose to do this," he writes, "I promise you will never look at the world in the same way again. And that is a good thing."

You still have time to apply for the 2013-14 Centurion class -- the deadline has been extended to May 24. Go here to find out how to get involved!

Kermit Gosnell gave up his right to appeal in exchange for life in prison.

Recently I wrote a post about an alarming development in the military. I reported on how both small media outlets and (later) major media published “statements” from different sources indicating that various branches of the military or the Department of Defense might change policy and/or enforcement of policy to discourage “proselytizing” in the armed forces. The issue has caused a firestorm, especially among evangelicals and conservatives. Here is an update:

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"Da Vinci Code" author Dan Brown has a new book, "Inferno," coming out today. In response, the Telegraph's Michael Deacon has written one of the funniest satires I've ever read in my life. ("Renowned author Dan Brown got out of his luxurious four-poster bed in his expensive $10 million house and paced the bedroom, using the feet located at the ends of his two legs to propel him forwards.") Don't miss it!

In related news . . . Read More >

It's not every day you stop off to pick up some meds and encounter a member of the British royal family, but that's what happened last Friday when I visited Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda last Friday. Prince Harry was just leaving after visiting America's wounded warriors, many of whom are treated at Walter Reed. (Photo below the cut.)

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Tweet from Bucks County Courier Times columnist JD Mullane just now: "Phila abortionist Kermit #Gosnell guilty 1st degree murder in 3 of 4 babies."

Stand by for more.

Update: From Atlantic Wire: "Tara Murtha of Philadelphia Weekly reports that Gosnell was found not guilty of murder of the fourth baby, but was also found guilty of involuntary manslaughter of one [of] his adult patients. Each of the first-degree murder charges could earn him the death penalty."

From Elizabeth Scalia on Facebook: "Local reports -- Gosnell shook his head, seemingly stunned; appeared near tears as he was led away. Death penalty could apply. . . . Gosnell was also convicted on hundreds of lesser charges ranging from infanticide to running a corrupt organization."

Like most other Americans, I've been following the shocking story of the three young Cleveland women who were kidnapped and held hostage for a decade. There were terrible details of how one of these women was impregnated at least five times, and was starved and punched in the stomach by her rapist/kidnapper in a successful effort to kill these babies. Read More >

As a longtime fan of Dorothy Parker, I was excited about Ellen Meister's new novel, "Farewell, Dorothy Parker," which brings the acerbic "New Yorker" writer back as a ghost doling out advice to a modern young woman. That is, I was excited until I picked the novel up and leafed through it one day in the bookstore. Read More >

Since life is short, hurry up and get serious about spiritual disciplines. That's the thought that came to me on hearing of the death of the inestimable philosopher-pastor Dallas Willard today.

May God grant his family peace.

I can recommend his books "The Spirit of the Disciplines" and "The Divine Conspiracy." Neither book is light reading; however, they're both very important reading, as Willard challenges Christian complacency and ennui. You might place one or both at the top of your reading list.

Here's Colson Center President Alan Terwilleger at Patheos's Catholic Channel, talking about why Cardinal Dolan won this year's award and describing his acceptance speech.

The first trailer for the November film has just been released (below the cut). If you haven't yet read Christy McDougall's review of the books for Youth Reads, go take a look! Read More >