Penguins, Butterfly and Open Thread

We haven’t had an open thread in a while, so go at it.  Be charitable and at least as amusing as the penguins chasing the butterfly.

Service Economy

One often hears polemics against the fact that our country is now dominated by the “service economy”. It is one of those phrases that gives a strong impression, yet is oddly difficult to pin down.

If I may be indulged in an open-ended post:

1) How would you define the “service economy”? (with examples)

2) Is the service economy new, or merely expanded/changed, versus what you would consider a more traditional time? (Whether that is 100 years ago or 500 years ago.)

3) Is it a problem that the service economy is so large, and if so why?

Dog Lullaby

We haven’t had an open thread in a while, so go at it.  Besides, I have been looking for an excuse to post the above video.  My wife and I could have used this type of assist 19 years ago after our twin boys were born!

Whistling Dog Open Thread

We haven’t had an open thread in a while.  Besides, I’ve been itching for an excuse to post the whistling dog video.

Alfred E. Obama Open Thread

What! me worry?

¡No se puede!

(Biretta Tip: Lucianne)

Off Topic

We don’t do this too often, but judging from the number of off topic discussions that have erupted in some of the threads recently, I decided that some of our commenters might enjoy a post where they could discuss what interests them.   The usual blog rules regarding charity and not engaging in personal attacks apply.  Otherwise, this forum is yours, so long as the topics, broadly speaking, relate to the Church and/or the US.

Government Funded Health Care Open Thread

In light of Zach’s stellar posting which generated over 240 comments ranging from anarchism to Oscar Romero and which inspired a posting by Michael Denton.  These comments, although informative to a certain extent, may have detracted from the original intent of the posting.  Henceforth in regards to said activities being done on Zach’s posting concerning Representative Chris Smith, I am starting a new tradition here at American Catholic, the open thread.

So feel free to comment to your hearts delight that isn’t related to any other postings on this website.

The comments policy is still in place so don’t forget to treat each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Enjoy.