In more ways than one. Regarding the ongoing hysteria over Park51 (formerly Cordoba House, and referred to perjoratively as the Ground Zero Mosque), NYTimes columnist Maureen Dowd takes a step back to look at the behavior of people Going Mad in Herds -- all because certain right wing opportunists have found a way to provoke fear for their own profit. On the same topic, Anne Barnard describes the emotional journey of Feisal Abdul Rauf, the peaceful Muslim Imam who first envisioned the community center in lower Manhattan. Food for thought.
On a very different note, check out this link to a user-friendly population graph. If you uncheck the "U.S." box, then check the state of your choice, you'll be shown the change in population in that state over the past thirty years, as well as the current number of residents. If you go further and check another state (or two, or ten), you can compare population trends between those states (lines are color-coded). The graph will adjust the visual scale to accomodate states with large and small populations. Perhaps because I've lived in or visited every state but four, this is a fun exercise.
Lastly, here's a brief video showing kids playing with giant bubbles on a sunny day at the beach -- kids of all ages, I might add. (Click on any image to enlarge.)
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