Photo by Charles Buchanan (The Associated Press)

Jesus is watching over Kinston, N.C., natives say, by way of some cruciform Trumpet Vines.  The Word-made-plant gained nationwide attention two weeks ago when it was spotted on a utility pole 90 minutes east of Raleigh.  Some people see it as a warning sign, some as a sign of hope.  But most people, like me, probably just get a little chuckle out of it.

And if you think that this is something only Bible-Belted papers deem newsworthy, think again.  The original story came through the AP wire and was picked up by the New York Times, The Washington Post, and MSNBC, among other prestigious media outlets.

Thanks, Dad, for sending me the article!