Leave it to the Smithy to find a nugget like this. Being the non-Betty Crocker that I am, I’m proud to say that I’m familiar with this recipe. (Of course whether you find it tasty is an altogether different issue).
“Here is a recipe for producing medieval philosophy: Combine classical pagan philosophy, mainly Greek but also in its Roman versions, with the new Christian religion. Season with a variety of flavorings from the Jewish and Islamic intellectual heritages. Stir and simmer for 1300 years or more, until done.” Paul Vincent Spade, in the Stanford Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Following a long-standing tradition, the two presidential candidates, Barack Obama and John McCain, came together to attend the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation dinner in New York. For a bit of history on the foundation, as well as the dinner, I’ve copied a few paragraphs from the foundation’s website:
Founded by His Eminence, Francis Cardinal Spellman in 1946, to honor the memory of Alfred Emanuel Smith, New York’s renowned Governor and patron of the “Little People”, the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation supports and aids the poor, sick, and underprivileged of the Archdiocese of New York, regardless of race, creed, or color.
On the history of the dinner:
Although both his state and his country generously honored Alfred E. Smith after his death in 1944, the most unusual and notable memorial to him has been an ongoing series of black-tie dinners. Sponsored by the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation, these annual fêtes were initiated by then-Archbishop (later Cardinal) Francis J. Spellman of the Archdiocese of New York in 1945. Since that time the Foundation has raised millions of dollars for healthcare causes.
Cardinal Spellman, capitalizing on the fact that Governor Smith died in the month of October (the peak of election season), used the dinner to remind later generations of Smith’s extraordinary public career and unique role in political history by securing the participation of the leading political figures of those later generations. Over the years, the dinner has attracted the cream of modern American politics: the list of speakers and attendees reads like a who’s who of the political landscape.
In the early years of the dinner’s existence, this event might have been the only time some of these candidates would share a dais during the entire campaign. By 1960 the Al Smith dinner had truly reached its zenith as “a ritual of American politics,” in the words of Theodore H. White. Many of past dinners have generated front-page news items as a result of the program, i.e. joint appearances of opposing presidential nominees.
While commendatory references to Smith and his actions were once common, by chance or by design, many of the addresses at later dinners have taken on a lighter tone. Indeed, the occasion has evolved into something of an opportunity for speakers – particularly ones whose mien is typically quite serious – to show, through quips and slightly irreverent humor, that they can poke fun at a political issue, an opponent, or themselves.
I have to say that this year’s roasting speeches were extremely entertaining. Both candidates were witty, respectful, and really, really funny.
My beautiful, brilliant and extremely delightful daughter, Ashley, has recently been showing signs of a budding philosopher (as well as a budding ballerina, a budding botanist, and a budding comedian). Below are some of the more philosophical comments and inquiries that she has posed recently:
(1) Application of the principle of non-contradiction. How so? We use a timer that we call a “dinger” when we put her in “time-out” for disciplinary purposes. Our dinger recently bit the dust, and we have yet to replace it. A few days ago, I needed to put her in time-out, and after doing so realized that we still are without a dinger. So I told Ashley that I would be the dinger, seeing that she was protesting that without a dinger she didn’t or couldn’t possibly stay in time-out. Right before I left the room, Ashley, with a very serious look on her face said, “How can you be the dinger? You are the momma?”
(2) Am I my body? Before turning out the lights and saying goodnight, we often ask Ashley what her job is, that is, we pose the question, “what are you supposed to do?” To which she answers, “Stay in bed and go to sleep.” Lately, we’ve had a difficult time getting her to stay in bed, as she likes to explore in her toy box and make up all kinds of imaginary worlds, which each get their own song and characters. So we’ve added, “show us with your body that you will stay in bed”-meaning show us with your actions not just your words. To this, Ashley asked, pointing to her toe, “Is this my body?” “Yes,” we said. Then she pointed to her elbow, “is this also my body?” “Yes,” we answered. Ashley looked puzzled, as if she wanted to ask, “shouldn’t we then say bodies, and not body?” or “how many bodies do I have?” Then she touched the bedpost and asked, “Is this my body?” “No,” we replied. Pointing back at herself, she asked, “Am I my body?” Pretty good question for a three-year old.
Joel at sacra doctrina has a nice (not to mention funny) post on rational animality that interacts with the Denys Turner series that I posted not long ago. While you’re visiting his blog, check out his post on all souls–provocative, thoughtful, and as always irenic.
To lighten things up a bit, I thought I’d post a little humor. Some time ago, I came across someone’s creative and absolutely hilarious work called, The Philosophy of Kissing. Ben Myers at Faith and Theology offered his delightful variation, The Theology of Kissing. The creativity continues with a new variation from the Sci Fi Catholic. I am not familiar with all of the writers that he mentions; however, I wanted to honor his contribution and add one of my own, viz., a musical variation.
Classical
A Bach kiss: Well-ordered, well-structured, and exhibits an arpeggiated preference.
A Beethoven kiss: Comes with great emotional expression, though occasionally hindered by mood swings.
A Rachmaninov kiss: Extremely passionate, moving, and fully embodied.
Jazz
A Duke Ellington Kiss: Very smooth, very soulful, and always emphasizing the second and fourth beats.
A Miles Davis Kiss: Feels kind of modal, and he might just turn his back on you.
An Eric Dolphy Kiss: Somehow it feels like an imposter.
A Richie Beirach Kiss: Full of mystery, romance, and dynamism–its never the same kiss twice.
Leave it to the Smithy to find a nugget like this. Being the non-Betty Crocker that I am, I’m proud to say that I’m familiar with this recipe. (Of course whether you find it tasty is an altogether different issue). 
