Uncategorized – Page 317 – Tom Faranda's Folly

How I voted

September 24, 2025November 9, 2005 by Tom Faranda

Yesterday there was an election in Westchester County, NY for three county-wide offices, as well as judgeships, etc. I voted on two (or was it three?) different lines, and did one write-in. I did not vote on any of the major party lines – Dems or Repugs – and haven’t in years. I have differences … Read more

Latest read – “The Secret Identity of the Beloved Disciple”

September 24, 2025November 6, 2005 by Tom Faranda

Is actually a re-read of a book by the title of “The Secret Identity of the Beloved Disciple.” It is about the identity of the author, or at least the source of the fourth Gospel, the Gospel of John. It was written in 1992 by Joseph A. Grassi , and I probably first read it … Read more

Althouse on Judge Alito

September 24, 2025November 2, 2005 by Tom Faranda

Yesterday there was an op ed in the NYT about Alito by Ann Althouse, a Law professor at the University of Wisconsin. Here’s the op ed. Separated at the Bench – New York Times She has an interesting weblog and has written a bit of commentary on misunderstandings regarding Alito rulings, for instance on the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). If you are interested and have a few minutes, she’s worth reading. Althouse A link to her site is also listed on my "blogroll."

As a bonus, to read the reasonable and balanced editorial in yesterday’s Washington Post on the Alito nomination, go here: A New Nominee

Hey! I figured out how to post a picture.

September 29, 2025November 1, 2005 by Tom Faranda

How about that! This is my favorite picture of Brigid, Joe (to Brigid’s right), and Tim (guy with curly hair) taken in April in Jamaica. The boys had never been to Jamaica and we figured it was time to show them where we’d met and gotten married. We had not been back in 25 years! I took the picture at Dunn’s River Falls (that’s the background). It was a great trip, which took us back to the town of Mandeville, in the center of the Island, at 2,000 feet in elevation. We were both working there in the late 70’s (teaching). We met February 17, 1978, when Brigid crashed a party at my house.

Latest column by my neighbor, author Sue Konig

September 24, 2025October 30, 2005 by Tom Faranda

We have this very interesting and charming neighbor, Sue Konig. She’s a writer and recently published a very witty book, Amazon.com: Books: Why Animals Sleep So Close to the Road (and Other Lies I Tell My Children) which I’ve been giving as a gift to many of my friends. A nice breezy, funny book. We … Read more

I played rugby with Patrick Fitzgerald

September 24, 2025October 29, 2005 by Tom Faranda

UPDATE: Here’s my March 7th post, after the Libby decision Tom Faranda’s Folly: The Libby case and the prosecutor Yup. The federal prosecutor who indicted "Scooter" Libby, and whose face was all over the newspapers and TV today, played rugby in the late 80’s with my club, OMEX. He played in the … Read more

Poor Harriet Miers, Part Deux

September 24, 2025October 27, 2005 by Tom Faranda

On October 14th I posted "Poor Harriet Miers" – the link is here – http://tomfaranda.typepad.com/folly/2005/10/poor_harriet_mi.html and I said "It seems a certain type of ideological conservative would rather get in a titanic political battle over ideas and agendas – even if it means losing – then simply picking up another chip on the table." And … Read more

Latest book read “the Doors of the Sea”

September 24, 2025October 23, 2005 by Tom Faranda

Most recent read is “The Doors of the Sea” subtitled, “Where Was God in the Tsunami?” It’s written by an Eastern Orthodox theologian, David Bentley Hart. And it’s a fine work that demands careful reading. I read and then re-read it. It is short (109 pages), lyrical and literary. The title tells it all. Hart’s … Read more

Scientists mad at Dalai Lama – NYT

September 29, 2025October 20, 2005 by Tom Faranda

Some neuroscientists are claiming the Dalai Lama is making unsubstantiated claims (unsubstantiated by their scientific method) for the value of meditaion. Here’s an excerpt. I probably inadvertently violated copyright laws by publishing the picture so don’t tell the AP. The link to the full article is below. “Next month in Washington, the Dalai Lama is … Read more

Hussein trial article by John F. Burns in NYT

September 24, 2025October 20, 2005 by Tom Faranda

This is an excellent article, even though it’s two days old. Burns is a great writer, I think he’s the Times best reporter. Hussein Goes on Trial Wednesday, and Iraqis See a First Accounting – New York Times It sets up the trial. Th NYT may ask you to register with them (if you haven’t already) to access the article, but it’s free and easy.