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By Diogenes ( articles ) | Nov 25, 2005

I've had occasion previously to call attention to New York Times religion reporter Ian Fisher's curious habit of silently helping himself to the work of other journalists. During the World Youth Day in August, he pasted two chunks of John Allen's reportage into his own stories, with only minor and trivial adjustments. Of course, it's been known for some time that the Times plays by a unique set of rules.

Last Tuesday, in anticipation of the Vatican's Instruction, Andrew Sullivan delivered himself of this bit of fashion-mag tittering:

THE POPE AND PRADA: Have you seen those fabulous Prada red shoes? He looks like Judy Garland in the Wizard of Oz. And his ditching of the historical tailors that have historically dressed popes? The pontiff has even taken to wearing Gucci sunglasses, and padded quilt jackets.

No comment necessary. But check out Brother Ian's take on the papal wardrobe in this morning's article:

This being Italy, and the papacy being an Italian institution, fashion should not go unmentioned: a somewhat dowdy, professorish man has taken to stylish sunglasses and bright red shoes made by Prada.

I'd never heard the name Prada before Sullivan's mention of it, but apparently it rings bells in the circles to which he wants to communicate his malice. And Ian Fisher's too.

Memo to Fisher: If you can't kick the habit, stick with John Allen. He'll take you farther in the long run.