Free Republic

A Spanish actor who has played Jesus in a city’s Easter parade for 20 years has been kicked out of the role — and says it is because he is gay. Ramon Fossati has been a longtime fixture in the Valencia ceremony, but has been banned from participating until 2019 after wearing a one-shoulder frock and giving fake “blessings” as the risen Christ last year. The Junta Mayor Semana Santa Marinera, which oversees organization of the parade, also accused the actor of “ostentation and parody” while throwing kisses to the crowd. …

Although famed musical composer Irving Berlin thought them lovely enough to write a sonnet, nowadays few women are donning Easter bonnets. In fact, you're more apt to see wrinkled khakis and rumpled polo shirts than pressed suits and pastel pumps at church on Sunday. While Easter Sunday has traditionally been the day to show off your new spring finery, America has become a nation that dresses down, and not just on "casual Fridays" in the office.

<p>You remember Bernie. Back in 1984, he drew fear - or admiration - as the "subway vigilante," a revenge-of-the-nerds-type figure who shot and injured four minority youths he believed were trying to mug him on the train. He was acquitted of attempted murder, but spent eight months in the can for an illegal weapons conviction.</p>