Jilli, was Alexia wearing *green*? I thought she didn't do green?

She does green if it's a silk velvet J.Peterman overdress, apparently.

And possibly actual food. I can't believe I'm getting all emo over my thwarted plans for a Three Musketeer.

Awww, I'm sorry. And I think thwarted plans for sugary crap are totally worth getting all emo over.

I can't wait to see all the foamy pictures but I have to wait until I'm at home.

I ran across stupidity that's so ....amusing... that I had to share it with everyone. It's in a letter to the editor, I'm trying to write up a reply.

I was surprised and somewhat dismayed to notice that you have chosen to rename the {local paper's} "Religion" page and now call it "Faith." Perhaps your editors are unaware that the word "faith" applies most appropriately to Christianity, and hardly to other religions such as Judaism, Islam or Buddhism. Christianity centers on faith in the miracle of the resurrection of Jesus. Without such faith there is no Christianity. Thus, faith, is an exclusive, not an inclusive, term referring to the dominant religion in our society.

Other religions, to my knowledge, do not have the requirement that one believe, or have faith in, miracles. Judaism, for example, requires that one follow the commands of God, and takes the existence of God as a given. Faith is not an issue. Jews know that God exists because the world exists and God is its creator. "What does the Lord require of thee . . ." is the central question for Jews, not, "Do you believe, do you have faith?"

Certainly the {local paper} wishes to continue to be inclusive of all religions. I know you had good intentions, but under the circumstances, I think that it would best if you were to return to the word "Religion" on Saturdays.

My reply is going to be something slightly more polite that: Perhaps, Mr Letter Writer, doesn't know how to use a dictionary and therefore does not know that the word faith has several meanings. The dictionary defines faith as (definiton here). Certainly, Mr. Letter Writer should have consulted a dictionary before writing such a silly letter.

I have faith that he's an idiot.

The...hell?

That is a seriously seriously bizarre letter.

Judaism, for example, requires that one follow the commands of God, and takes the existence of God as a given. ... Jews know that God exists because the world exists and God is its creator.

Um, yeah. And that (a) is completely different from having faith exactly how again? and (b) is completely different from the Christian take on creation and God's existence as its creator exactly how?

Shorter translation: I woke up this morning with a tetch, a gripe, and a grump, and by God (in whom I believe without faith) I am going to find something in the world to attach them to and vent them on, no matter how silly it makes me look.

On the other hand, he's at least civil about it. Which is more than a lot of people can manage when discussing such subjects.

Not that Mr. Letter Writer is correct. But he at least deserves a polite reply (which you've said you'll give him, so I'll stop there).

I'm completely baffled as to why the paper even printed it, unless they wanted to provoke a reaction. The paper is far from conservative (they get accused of being liberal all the time) and just recently finished up a multi part series on Hinduism.

But this is the reply I've written to him, any critques are welcome.

I was surprised to read Mr. ____ letter on Tuesday. Perhaps he is unaware that words have several different meanings and the definitions of faith can apply to many situations, things, people and ideas, both secular and religious.

“Faith” is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as “ 1. Belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of something or someone. 2. Loyalty or allegiance 3 a. Belief and trust in God b. Religious conviction c. A system of religious beliefs. Thus, in this situation the “Faith” section refers to the final part of the third definition – systems of religious beliefs. Other uses, include “I have faith in the government”, “I have faith in the police”, “We have faith in you”. And, of course, the very act of believing in God is faith.

Certainly, Mr. Had good intentions, but under the circumstances, perhaps it’s best if he were to consult a dictionary before writing letters to the editor.

I like the last line, askye!

Awww, I'm sorry. And I think thwarted plans for sugary crap are totally worth getting all emo over.

Thankfully, they broke us for lunch right after that. So I had overpriced Bank of America Tower food. Whee?

Okay, I also snagged a Top Pot and a double short nonfat from Starbucks. And books at Elliott Bay, discounted on account of juror status.

None of these things are ridding me of the Crud and Woozy, but they do make Crud and Woozy more entertaining.

Thanks! I'm trying to gentle mock and squelish my desire to write "ARGH!! Stop making Christians sound like ignorant arrogant jerks!"

Sorry you are feeling bad and dealing with jury duty.