The author beloved of Pagans, Gnostics, Discordians, and geeks everywhere is apparently in dire need of financial assistance. Robert is in extremely poor health (he is dying of post polio syndrome) and is having trouble taking care of rent, helth care, and basic neccessities. Information on how to help and regular updates are available on his website.

Religious discrimination

A dental assistant is suing her employer, alleging she was let go after refusing to study Scientology. Another woman is suing after she was fired for refusing to sing "Happy Birthday" to strangers, citing her beliefs as a Jehovah's Witness.

The Pentagon of Wiccanism?

Blogger Fallon Glenn has some advice for the media when covering pagans and pagan events, so you, too, can avoid labelling the sacred symbol of 'Wiccanism' a 'pentagon,' (or worse) or refer to the Wiccan 'reed,' as well as avoiding some other common blunders- like conflating Paganism with the anarchist movement.

Perversions of censorship

The crusade to blame Harry Potter books for a host of evils is still going strong, but this is the first time I've seen the adventures of a boy wizard blamed for school shootings. But what really took a major capacity to endure public embarassment was one father's attempt to censor Farenheit 451, during, of all times, Banned Books Week.

Visalia Freemasons have been disinvited from a cornerstone ceremony after a local crank alleges cult activity. (Hat tip)

Tree executed for witchcraft?

The Indonesian government's attempts to avoid cutting down a giant banyan tree during road construction has backfired. After rumors were started that the tree was spared because it possessed magic powers, a group of Muslims set out to prove the hundred year old tree powerless- by whacking it apart.

Links

Nifty: Theatre of the world: mystical Prague

Weird: What does Jesus smell like?