Morning Linkage

The amazing depth and extent of anti-Semitic hatred in the Islamic world - and why it threatens every American - We already knew about the depth and extent of the hatred, but it's always good to remind ourselves anyways.

From the spiritual world:

Well you won't die laughing. It's deadpan humour only as Church bans jokes at funerals - (link requires registration) It's in Ireland, but it just goes to show how far we've slipped if they feel they need to ban inappropraite behavior at funerals. Personally, I like the Celebration of Life idea better than the morbid, depressing funeral, but that's just me.

Lawton woman burns apartment to get rid of ghost - In keeping with the spiritual theme... Apparently the ghost lived in her bathtub, so she torched to entire place. There's no accounting for some people....

Man Accidentally Killed When Posing As Piñata For Kids - You should just instinctively know that it's never a good idea to put a rope around your neck and stand on something like a chair. Never.

France to ban "symbols of stereotyping", introduce customer service - Ah, if only it were true....

Close encounter with a US diplomat - US Ambassador to Egypt David Welch "discusses: issues with Al-Ahram weekly. Actually, it's not much of a discussion as he pretty well takes them apart. Great read!