Dean's World is proud to host this week's Carnival of the Vanities.

What is Carnival of the Vanities, you ask?

Carnival of the Vanities is a weblog collaboration. Every week, webloggers are invited to pick a single article that each of them has written, and submit it to the carnival. The idea is that the weblogger is sharing something he's particularly proud of, and would like to get more attention. It's a way for webloggers to promote their work, and a way for you to discover new webloggers, or just enjoy a plethora of articles on various subjects.

Each week, a different weblogger hosts the Carnival. Last week, the host was Cut On The Bias. Next week, the host will be Drumwaster's Rants. The Carnival was created by Bigwig of the Silflay Hraka weblog. Bigwig is always looking for new bloggers to host the carnival, so be sure to drop by his blog and drop him a note if you're interested in playing host.

Now, on to this week's entries, published in the order in which they were submitted:

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In The Intellectual Property Myth, Jeff Medcalf argues that intellectual property is an illusion and that, while there is a need to protect creators in order to promote useful arts and sciences, the law is increasingly getting out of control.

Ever wonder at the lives of the wild creatures that live in your neighborhood? In Riki's Story, Bill of Prairiepoint tells some poignant tales that reminded me of some of the creatures in my neighborhood. Even if you live in a big city, I'll bet you have similar memories.

In A Few Of My Favorite Things, Alexander Nathan of Brain Fertilizer discusses many of his favorite Science Fiction books, and asks you to share your thoughts.

Doug Payton of Considerettes discusses the history of the ballistic missile defense proposal and how it's gone from being opposed by most Democrats to favored by most of them.

Kevin Aylward of Wizbang explains the hot new trend in community redevelopment efforts known as "Smart Growth." In Smart Growth In Loudoun County, VA (Or How To Piss Off All Of The People All Of The Time) - Part I he discusses how one Virgina county began to embark on such a well-intentioned program, and the surprising(?) results.

At Tales From a Yeti Suit, the Yeti receives a lesson from a Russian dancer on how to get European women to seduce him, and answers with a hearty roar.

Justene Adamec of Calblog writes in Synchronicity of how a school pal's life and Jane Austen came together. It's funny how life works that way, isn't it?

Laurence Simon has written a political parody song inspired by the recent discovery of arms being smuggled to Palestine.

James Joyner of Outside the Beltway is rather skeptical about the terrorism alert system. Read his thoughts and see if you agree.

Madeleine Begun Kane parodies the Bush administration and Christie Whitman's resignation in Christie Whitman Went To Town.

In Mr. Rogers Lied: You Aren't Special, Michele Catalano shares a commencement speech for recent graduates that you probably won't be hearing at your local high school.

The Inscrutable American has written about how we can use free trade as a tool in the war on terrorism.

Ravenwood reports on how America's second oldest university, the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia will be cahnging its name. Proponents of the change say that bearing the name of two English royals who sponsored colonialism is offensive to some.

MT Politics has another amusing parody song: The Instapundit Song.

Frank J. at IMAO gives us A Frank Guide to Homeland Security Alert Levels that certainly had me chuckling. How about you?

In Feminists Are Damned If They Do, Damned If They Don't, Trish Wilson attacks "right wing anti-abortion zealots" and defends feminists from criticisms that they don't give enough attention to women's health issues in the third world.

Steve of Little Tiny Lies writes about Surprising New Allies in the War on Terror: Al Qaeda's Second-String Strategists. It's a parody that may have more than a little truth to it.

John Ray says that now Australia has stamped out illegal immigration, they should get tougher on legal immigration too.

The salty-mouthed Grouchy Old Cripple shares the rules for reading a web log and, perhaps more important, for how not to leave comments.

Silent Running's Tom Paine brings us a plea for tolerance, respect and diversity from a much maligned group of Americans. Yes, it's time to take a stand, stop the media bias, and speak out for dignity, equality and freedom for the misunderstood undead-american community. Support your local Vampire!

In Furry Little Beasts, Joanie discusses sex and weblogging.

In Diversity' and Viewpoint Discrimination,, John Rosenberg uses a pending Supreme Court case to discuss race and religious sects.

Jack Cluth recently bought a kitten for his wife. He asked his readers to name the kitten. After much discussion, the winning suggestion was announced. Feel the power of the kitten!

Wendy McElroy examines Sabastian Haffner and psychology of cooperation at The Watchtower, a new group blog dedicated to monitoring "Homeland Security."

Just when you think you know it all, children remind you of what you have forgotten. In The Dandelion Clue Club, Anton shares a wonderful day where he had just such a reminder.

In Saving Hollywood, the Mudville Gazette shows how even casual relationships between people can often have surprising results.

Lisa Thompson discusses the joys of swimming through life, from the childhood pools and salty tumult of the Pacific, to swimful prayer in Tomales Bay.

Blogger Rabbit's stats have dropped significantly (even by his standards). Less people are coming than ever which means there's even more email which has never been sent and never received. Join us now for another installment of the Blogger Rabbit mailbag, where you get to read answers to questions no one even asked!

Loretta S. compares the current Scott Peterson case with the 1979 conviction of a Green Beret, Jeff McDonald, for the murder of his wife and two children. There were a lot of uncanny parallels.

In He's Still An Idiot, James DiBenedetto discusses one of his favorite people: Richard Cohen.

The proprietor of Fragments from Floyd is last summer's self-appointed BugMan of the Blogosphere. This week, Fred remembers arthropods he has known, and wonders if entomologists are made or born.

Kelley of Suburban Blight writes on The Abortion Issue.

Viking Pundit explains why he believes Democrats Will Lose Big in 2004. Is he premature, do you think?

Ever feel overwhelmed, depressed, and like the world is coming down around your ears? Then maybe you can relate to this: Dark Night of the Soul... Or Something to That Effect. Yup, despair can be pretty darn funny, at least if you're Peter P.

Robin Goodfellow writes this week about the emergence of 'Lefty Coyote'. Any relation to Wile E., do you think?

In Making Whoopie, Solonor's Ink Well discovers some great culinary delights.

Venomous Kate, true to her name and with much salty language, tackles the subject of readers who expect too much from bloggers, and reminds people why bloggers blog.

In Let's Be Careful Out There, But Let's Not Get Crazy, Kevin McGehee discusses ways to be safe on the road, and the limits of the law.

Rick DeMent's Long Weekend Madness discusses the problems that rampant commercialization of holidays can cause. And reminds some conservatives that this is not a new phemonenon.

In My Pen Pal, Courtney excerpts a letter she recieved from a British
soldier. His friend had just died in an explosion. She asks readers to please leave a message of support for Bob and all the troops who are still putting their lives on the line for us.

Graham Lester would like to introduce himself to you, and touches on several interesting issues while doing so.

Over at Arguing With Signposts, Bryan S. has some pithy advice for the Publishers of Typepad. Hint: vaporware is bad business strategy.

While the Carnival of the Vanities has published works by a harp seal before, it's never published anything by a turkey. Until now that is; Goebbels the Turkey writes to let us know about "a recent website that i found that might just change the way some people use the internet and i think it would be important for people to know about this website and to spread the word." I'm happy to oblige.

In Mrs. Fox, A Broad remembers an old, old friend, and how much happiness contacting them again can bring.

Carnival host Dean Esmay discusses his religious evolution as an agnostic who respects religious people in God and Man In Dean's World.

In Zimbabwe: Whitey's Fault, Sasha takes on apologists for dictator Robert Mugabe.

And finally, the incomprable Judith Weiss publishes the story of a young American who meets Salam Pax and many other Iraqis, taking lots of incredible pix.

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Thanks to all who participated. And thanks to Bigwig for the honor of allowing me to play host this week!