i have not watched it, but i am glad to hear that she is standing up for her faith. i really enjoyed the book written by her son. and speaking of religious matters, John, how do you feel- what is your take- on the word Bono said at the awards ceremony? now, i only heard about it on the news, so i don't know if it was lately or not, but i would like to hear what you have to say on the matter. you always think of something i don't....

I enjoyed Jay Bakker's book as well.

As for Bono, my take is pretty simple. Language is very cultural, and from what I understand, in Ireland the F-word is more commonly acceptable than it is here, just as shag is more acceptable here than in England. Bono made the statement when asked about it that he uses it in casual conversation and that he didn't mean to offend anyone who was watching the ceremony.

My take on "cussing" in general is that I prefer to call those words "strong language" rather than "bad language." The idea of a word that is so bad it has no acceptable use seems silly to me, but it does make sense that some words are powerful and should be used sparingly. ;)

interesting. i knew you would have a unique- or at least uniquely put- view. you always say things gentlely...but i do think there are words that have come to be unacceptable. and yes, it is now the culture views it, but still....for example, the "n" word is highly offensive to most people. and then, in america we have shag carpet...i wonder if there is a word we find offensive that is used for a common object like that in another culture....

Great example. And really, I think the "n word" is more offensive than the "f word." It's something I'd be much less likely to say, and I would never use it about or towards a person. I don't drop either in conversation.