Pope Benedict XVI’s new book out today. In it he rejects the notion of Jesus as a political revolutionary whose name should be used in support of violent us-against-them upheavals. He also powerfully argues against the anti-Semitic idea that the Jewish people are to be held responsible for the death of Jesus. Jesus of Nazareth – Holy Week: From the Entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection is published by Ignatius Press.
   
Book looks at impact of Vatican II on Catholics. So how does the sequel compare to the original?

MRC’s Brent Bozell accuses media of downplaying murders of U.S. airmen by Muslim extremists. Was Charlie Sheen really a bigger story?

Is Glee family friendly? The
premise of high school outcasts finding their voice in a glee club
sounds downright wholesome but the Parents Television Council says the
execution is a different story. An actual family-appropriate dramedy,
for instance, probably wouldn’t feature Gwyneth Paltrow as a teacher who
lap dances in front of her students while opening her shirt and singing
“Do You Wanna Touch Me.”

Pop star’s face reportedly to adorn condom wrappers.
About 10,000 of them apparently will be given away during Kesha concerts. According to the report, condom distribution during the singer’s performances actually isn’t a new thing. She’s quoted as telling a radio interviewer in 2009 “If you come to a live show, it’s a sensory assault. You will leave
covered in sweat, beer, glitter, and, just maybe, you’ll get a special
edition Kesha condom.” Quipping, “If it breaks, you have to name you
daughter or son after me.” Or, maybe, she’ll just be named in a product liability lawsuit.

Big Hollywood focuses attention on work of Christian music artists. They may make good music but don’t go to their shows expecting free condoms.

PTC protests ABC’s Good Christian Bitches. The busy TV watchdog group (which recently played a major role in convincing advertisers to pull support for MTV’s sexually-provocative youth drama Skins) is front and center among the groups opposed to the would-be series’ crass and insulting title.
The pilot is based on a book of the same name and some
speculate the title will be changed if it’s actually picked up by the
network. Okay, but why do they actually have a second “B” word series in development?

White House wants NPR funding increase. They’ve got to be kidding.

Does the Oscar triumph of The King’s Speech represent the triumph of traditional conservative values in Hollywood? One LA Times writer thinks so. While “triumph” might be a strong word, the tide is turning.

Pilot Casting: 

Terry O’Quinn joins cast of ABC’s Hallelujah. The actor who played John Locke on the faith-themed Lost hooks up with another faith-themed pilot, this one about a small town locked in a battle between good and evil.

Michael Chiklis joins cast of Vince Uncensored. With his family-friendly No Ordinary Family likely facing the axe, the former Commish and Shield star is jumping aboard the Conan O’Brien-produced CBS sitcom pilot about a guy who, after a life-altering experience, decides to take a more honest approach to life.