Tuesday, May 03, 2011

Seventy-Two Virgins

One of the more bizarre beliefs of those who worship the more extreme versions of a particular religion is that if they are "martyred" in the service of their beliefs, they will be rewarded in paradise with the devoted attention of seventy-two virgins. Or seventy-two golden raisins, whatever*. Not quite so clear to me is how this is of any benefit to women who are "martyred" in the service of their beliefs ... do they get seventy-two beefcakes, or seventy-two pieces of some other fruit?

Well, some people will take just about anything on faith. Considering that, I thought I'd share with you today this wonderful piece by Steve Martin from 2007 - Seventy-Two Virgins. I think my favorites are Numbers 11 and 72. Special thanks to my old (by which I mean beautiful, cherished and long-standing, not old, of course) friend Kerrie for pointing this out to me.

That's all for now ... I'm still celebrating.

Have a good day. More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo

* Considering Osama bin Laden's burial at sea, is he getting seventy-two sturgeons?


4 comments:

Mike said...

Nice link to the 72 virgins. But you know that cartoon in the middle of the article? Did you know if you hit refresh you get a new cartoon? I looked at about 50 cartoons before giving up.

The Mistress of the Dark said...

I feel sorry for the poor sea life that might just nibble on Bin Laden.

KathyA said...

Are there 72 virgins? Twenty? Okay 1??

Maybe it was 72 vegans???

Anonymous said...

Maybe it was 12 slightly used sorority girls?