1. Lion of Zion raises an interesting question about whether or not there is a mitzva of Bikur Cholim for a non-jewish patient in a hospital. I think not, but if there is eiva involved, it might be wise to take a moment to visit, despite there being no specific mitzva....

2. Tzedek-Tzedek's latest post is about a concept called Tag Mechir.

3. Michael Sedley brings a fascinating story of Rav Kook to describe what the rabboonim considered proper protests against Chilul Shabbos.

4. The Zoo Rabbi spent the day with a Beluga whale. Great picture.

5. Shearim accuses the National Religious of hating the haredim wrongly. While her defense is that there are various groups all called haredi, and the NR don't differentiate when they dislike the actions of one group, she fails to mention that in NR there are also various groups and communities within making up the whole NR society.