it burns: “The Obama administration is making a big stink about Israeli settlements on the West Bank, but you know what causes a lot more radical anti-American sentiment in the Muslim world? Lady Gaga, argues Bret Stephens of the Wall Street Journal .” [Newser]

but Congress killed it. I love this sort of stuff: “GENEVA – The world’s largest atom smasher conducted its first experiments at conditions nearing those that existed just after the big bang, breaking its own record for high-energy collisions with proton beams crashing into each other Tuesday with three times more force than ever before.” [MSNBC]

What a maroon: “California Senate candidate Carly Fiorina (R) sent a letter to her supporters yesterday in honor of the first night of the Jewish holiday of Passover, which she described as a time where ‘we break bread and spend time with our families and friends.’” [TPM]

“Carrie Prejean isn’t just opposed to gay marriage, she’s also opposed to paying more than $64,000 to the “Christian-focused” PR firm who helped her out, this according to a new lawsuit. The group — A. Larry Ross Communications — claims Prejean contacted them back in April, 2009 and logged “hundreds of hours” helping Prejean spread her “biblically correct” message.” [TMZ]

When it comes to charges of covering up for child sexual predators in the Catholic church, that there are some who will defend the indefensible, with any argument they can muster, probably surprises few. And when charges are leveled against the current Pope, the sophistry of his defenders can stretch the bounds of absurdity to the breaking point. Consider the following quote from a piece by Ratzinger apologist George Weigel:

The New York Times made available on its own website the supporting documentation for the story. In those documents, Cardinal Ratzinger himself does not take any of the decisions that allegedly frustrated the trial. Letters are addressed to him; responses come from his deputy.

Oh, the evil happenings that were taking place right under the future Pontiff’s nose without his blessed knowledge or holy acquiescence! If only somebody of moral rectitude and the wisdom of foresight had been there at the time to warn the good Cardinal of the wicked actions of his deputy, this whole unfortunate mess could surely have been avoided.

(Via Andrew Sullivan)

1. “Someone should paint a target on her back.”

2. “Next time you see her bus, pull it over and deliver a message for me.”

3. “People like her should be taught a lesson.”

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“It might have been scary for you, or at the very least uncomfortable. But because of your efforts we have an amazing head start with a large percentage of delegates elected being Mike Lee Delegates or leaning heavily that way.” [Campaign email]