Every so often, I hear a phase that is truly quotable. I recently heard someone talk about their perspective on working at a facility that serves people with Alzheimer's. Their motto is: "If you can't add days to their lives, then add life to their days."
None of us can really add days to the lives of anyone. Sure, there are physicians that can use their skills to keep people from dying. However, are they really adding days to someone's life or just making sure they stay alive? Although it isn't the best of analogies, a criminal does not add days to the life of a person he could have killed but didn't. I know it may sound like a fine line, but I really do believe that no human can add days to the life of any other human.
So, while we can't add days to the lives of anyone, we sure can add life to they remaining days of everyone we meet. Start with the little things: Say hello to people, look them in the eye, wish them well, thank people, reply with "your welcome" when thanked, etc.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Juice Free Diet
Oh no! O.J. is back!
Here is what I know: O.J. and several other armed men broke into a Las Vegas hotel room. The room was occupied by some men that deal with sports memorabilia. They had possession of several items that once belonged to O.J. The football hall-of-famer took the items back. Several days later, he was arrested, jailed and is now awaiting arraignment.
I don't like to fast. I am one of those rather thin people that eats a ton of food - I need to do so to maintain weight. However, I am now on a "juice" free diet. Whenever coverage of the O.J. situation is on TV, I turn the channel. I don't read any reports related to O.J. in the newspaper or in magazines. I just don't care.
WWJD....We see merchandise with these four letters that signify the question "What Would Jesus Do?" My guess is that he would pray for O.J.'s soul - and that would be about it.
Here is what I know: O.J. and several other armed men broke into a Las Vegas hotel room. The room was occupied by some men that deal with sports memorabilia. They had possession of several items that once belonged to O.J. The football hall-of-famer took the items back. Several days later, he was arrested, jailed and is now awaiting arraignment.
I don't like to fast. I am one of those rather thin people that eats a ton of food - I need to do so to maintain weight. However, I am now on a "juice" free diet. Whenever coverage of the O.J. situation is on TV, I turn the channel. I don't read any reports related to O.J. in the newspaper or in magazines. I just don't care.
WWJD....We see merchandise with these four letters that signify the question "What Would Jesus Do?" My guess is that he would pray for O.J.'s soul - and that would be about it.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
The Daze of Wino and Roses
Can you believe it? Britney Spears is in trouble again. How do I know? Well, "news" about Britney's misteps is a dealy feature of television "news" shows.
Don't get me wrong - I feel sorry for Britney and those other people of her ilk. Paris Hilton and Nichole Ritchie have virtually no talent. Britney has a small amount of talent. Lindsay Lohan has some talent, especially when it comes to acting. However, all of the above have the misfortune of dealing with an insatiable appetite for being the center of attention. When they discovered that the limits of their talent could not maintain their place in the spotlight, they turned to other means such as neglecting children, getting drunk and driving, etc. I truly wish someone had the ability to set them on the right path. Unfortunately, they are surrounded by family members and handlers that wish to bask in the secondary light from the spotlights.
Although I pick on my wife for being out out it when it comes to modern culture, she does have moments of being way ahead of the popular culture curve. Several months ago, she told me about a singer of whom I had never heard. My wife heard one of her songs on a commercial. The singer's name is Amy Winehouse. She is a twenty-three year old English singer. Her voice is a remarkable combination of Ella Fitzgerald, Barbara Streisand (young version) and Martha (from Martha and The Vandelles). Amy writes her own songs and has become quite a sensation in Europe. Unfortunately, Amy is addicted to drugs and alcohol. She often performs on stage while under the influence (hence, the "Wino" nickname). She has more talent than Britney, Lindsay, Nichole and Paris combined. She likely uses drugs in an effort to get away from the growing spotlight - not to garner additional media attention. If she continues her current lifestyle, she won't live much longer.
My only hope is that a higher power can straighten out these young women. Even the ones with no talent deserve the opportunity to enjoy true happiness for themselves. Hopefully, Amy can get her life together and we will have the opportunity to enjoy her talents for years to come.
Don't get me wrong - I feel sorry for Britney and those other people of her ilk. Paris Hilton and Nichole Ritchie have virtually no talent. Britney has a small amount of talent. Lindsay Lohan has some talent, especially when it comes to acting. However, all of the above have the misfortune of dealing with an insatiable appetite for being the center of attention. When they discovered that the limits of their talent could not maintain their place in the spotlight, they turned to other means such as neglecting children, getting drunk and driving, etc. I truly wish someone had the ability to set them on the right path. Unfortunately, they are surrounded by family members and handlers that wish to bask in the secondary light from the spotlights.
Although I pick on my wife for being out out it when it comes to modern culture, she does have moments of being way ahead of the popular culture curve. Several months ago, she told me about a singer of whom I had never heard. My wife heard one of her songs on a commercial. The singer's name is Amy Winehouse. She is a twenty-three year old English singer. Her voice is a remarkable combination of Ella Fitzgerald, Barbara Streisand (young version) and Martha (from Martha and The Vandelles). Amy writes her own songs and has become quite a sensation in Europe. Unfortunately, Amy is addicted to drugs and alcohol. She often performs on stage while under the influence (hence, the "Wino" nickname). She has more talent than Britney, Lindsay, Nichole and Paris combined. She likely uses drugs in an effort to get away from the growing spotlight - not to garner additional media attention. If she continues her current lifestyle, she won't live much longer.
My only hope is that a higher power can straighten out these young women. Even the ones with no talent deserve the opportunity to enjoy true happiness for themselves. Hopefully, Amy can get her life together and we will have the opportunity to enjoy her talents for years to come.
Monday, September 17, 2007
The Best Pop Band of All Time
Being the youngest of five children, I grew up in a house that always had a radio on. I won't give away my age, but I barely remember The Beatles when they were still together. I grew up in a golden era of popular rock music - The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Billy Joel, etc. The 70s and 80s were full of very good and very bad music.
Although I am not trained in musical theory, I think I understand music pretty well. From the time I was very young, I had a good sense of what was good popular music and bad popular music. I also understood that there could be a huge demand for a bad song and little demand for a good song.
My experience growing up led me to study piano and, eventually, the organ (thanks to memories of "A Whiter Shade or Pale" while growing up). I have performed music in public for well over 20 years.
So, here it is. A gun is pointed at my head. If I don't reveal what I feel is the best pop/rock band of all time, the trigger will be pulled. I don't have to think for more than a millisecond. Quite obviously, the best pop/rock band of all time is ABBA. All four of the members were very good musicians prior to forming the group. Benny, the keyboard player, remains a musical genius as evidenced by his many musical successes after ABBA broke up. Bjorn, the guitar player, was and is a very good musician. Anni-frid, the brunette singer, was a well-known opera and stage vocalist in Sweden. Agnetha, the blonde singer, had a tremendous stage presence and wrote many songs.
Although each member of ABBA was a very good musician prior to forming the group, their collaboration produced an experience that was far greater than the sum of their parts. When you hear an ABBA song, you know it is ABBA. Part of the allure of ABBA is that we watched the group professionally and personally disintegrate. The progressive disintegration was reflected in some of their music. What started with "Waterloo" ended with "Should I Laugh or Cry" seven years and two divorces later. Over twenty years later, one doesn't listen to an ABBA song - one experiences an ABBA song.
The Beatles come close, but nobody compares to ABBA.
Although I am not trained in musical theory, I think I understand music pretty well. From the time I was very young, I had a good sense of what was good popular music and bad popular music. I also understood that there could be a huge demand for a bad song and little demand for a good song.
My experience growing up led me to study piano and, eventually, the organ (thanks to memories of "A Whiter Shade or Pale" while growing up). I have performed music in public for well over 20 years.
So, here it is. A gun is pointed at my head. If I don't reveal what I feel is the best pop/rock band of all time, the trigger will be pulled. I don't have to think for more than a millisecond. Quite obviously, the best pop/rock band of all time is ABBA. All four of the members were very good musicians prior to forming the group. Benny, the keyboard player, remains a musical genius as evidenced by his many musical successes after ABBA broke up. Bjorn, the guitar player, was and is a very good musician. Anni-frid, the brunette singer, was a well-known opera and stage vocalist in Sweden. Agnetha, the blonde singer, had a tremendous stage presence and wrote many songs.
Although each member of ABBA was a very good musician prior to forming the group, their collaboration produced an experience that was far greater than the sum of their parts. When you hear an ABBA song, you know it is ABBA. Part of the allure of ABBA is that we watched the group professionally and personally disintegrate. The progressive disintegration was reflected in some of their music. What started with "Waterloo" ended with "Should I Laugh or Cry" seven years and two divorces later. Over twenty years later, one doesn't listen to an ABBA song - one experiences an ABBA song.
The Beatles come close, but nobody compares to ABBA.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Deja Vu All Over Again
A few times a year, I experience situations and events that I feel I have experienced before. I know of many people who, like me, have had experiences with deja vu.
While walking my dog earlier this week, I noticed a fair amount of frost on the ground. I live in a very low part of a midwestern city. While the first frost was earlier than usual, we usually get it in September. The frost got me thinking about the various cycles of life. The temperatures will drop. Trees will lose their leaves. Snow will come. The outdoors will be seemingly dead for three months. Then we will see buds on trees and plants. Robins will return. The snow will melt. Trees and plants will become lush for several months while waiting for the first frost.
If you think about it, one could become really bored with this ongoing cycle. However, each cycle is always at least slightly different than all of the previous cycles. Even in warm weather areas, there are weather cycles. Tropical areas have rainy seasons and dry seasons. Each season is always different than all prior seasons.
Now, think about how this plays into Christianity. Christians believe that our time on earth is part of a cycle. We will then move to eternal life. Sometimes I question whether or not I want to be around forever - it could be very monotonous and tiresome. Then I think about the various cycles and seasons that I have experienced. Even though winter is cold, I always look forward to it. When I start getting sick of the cold and darkness, a strong hint of spring comes around. Something attractive is always right in front of us. When we reach it and experience it for some time, something else that attracts us pops up. Why would we expect the afterlife to be different?
While walking my dog earlier this week, I noticed a fair amount of frost on the ground. I live in a very low part of a midwestern city. While the first frost was earlier than usual, we usually get it in September. The frost got me thinking about the various cycles of life. The temperatures will drop. Trees will lose their leaves. Snow will come. The outdoors will be seemingly dead for three months. Then we will see buds on trees and plants. Robins will return. The snow will melt. Trees and plants will become lush for several months while waiting for the first frost.
If you think about it, one could become really bored with this ongoing cycle. However, each cycle is always at least slightly different than all of the previous cycles. Even in warm weather areas, there are weather cycles. Tropical areas have rainy seasons and dry seasons. Each season is always different than all prior seasons.
Now, think about how this plays into Christianity. Christians believe that our time on earth is part of a cycle. We will then move to eternal life. Sometimes I question whether or not I want to be around forever - it could be very monotonous and tiresome. Then I think about the various cycles and seasons that I have experienced. Even though winter is cold, I always look forward to it. When I start getting sick of the cold and darkness, a strong hint of spring comes around. Something attractive is always right in front of us. When we reach it and experience it for some time, something else that attracts us pops up. Why would we expect the afterlife to be different?
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Is God a Packer Fan?
The mighty Packers of Green Bay are preparing to re-enact the story of David and Goliath. This weekend, they play the New York football Giants. Howard Cosell hated the Packers because they beat his beloved Giants in an NFL championship game many years ago.
The Packers are a remarkable sports story. Green Bay is, by far, the smallest city to have a major sports franchise. During training camp, Packer players "adopt" children. This "adoption" involves the Packer player riding the "adopted" child's bike from the locker room to the practice field each day of training camp. Every day, the players wait for their respective children to arrive with their two-wheeled limo. The player rides a bike that is several times to small for him. The child runs at his side, carrying his helmet. At the end of training camp, the player gives some type of gift to his child. How can God not love such a situation?
My guess is that God does not care about the Vegas sports line. God does not have a favorite team, not even the Packers. However, God will use athletes as a means to bring joy to people's lives - not by their actions on the field, but by their actions during the daily bike rides from Lambeau Field to the Ray Nitschke practice field during July and August of each year.
The Packers are a remarkable sports story. Green Bay is, by far, the smallest city to have a major sports franchise. During training camp, Packer players "adopt" children. This "adoption" involves the Packer player riding the "adopted" child's bike from the locker room to the practice field each day of training camp. Every day, the players wait for their respective children to arrive with their two-wheeled limo. The player rides a bike that is several times to small for him. The child runs at his side, carrying his helmet. At the end of training camp, the player gives some type of gift to his child. How can God not love such a situation?
My guess is that God does not care about the Vegas sports line. God does not have a favorite team, not even the Packers. However, God will use athletes as a means to bring joy to people's lives - not by their actions on the field, but by their actions during the daily bike rides from Lambeau Field to the Ray Nitschke practice field during July and August of each year.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Moral Limbo: How Low Can One Go?
I just read a newspaper report describing an incident where a man sexually assaulted a cognitively disabled woman. The man approached the woman at a public bus stop while she was waiting for a bus to take her to work. It was mid-morning on a sunny weekday. He talked her into walking with him. She told police that she feared he would harm her if she did not go with him. She went with him and he harmed her, anyway. In addition to the psychological damage the man did to this woman, her physical injuries required surgical repairs.
As always happens is cases like this, many people question why a cognitively disabled woman is allowed to be in the community on her own. They argue that the "system" is at fault for allowing this woman to be out in public and open to predators.
Unfortunately, we live in a society filled with various predators. The rapist described above was going to assault someone. Unfortunately, he happened to come across the cognitively disabled woman. If he had not come across her, he would have found another vulnerable person on which to prey. The problem is not with the "system". They problem is a society that enables various types of predators (rapists, dicators, greedy corporations) to prey on our most vulnerable people - the poor, the elderly, the disabled.
As always happens is cases like this, many people question why a cognitively disabled woman is allowed to be in the community on her own. They argue that the "system" is at fault for allowing this woman to be out in public and open to predators.
Unfortunately, we live in a society filled with various predators. The rapist described above was going to assault someone. Unfortunately, he happened to come across the cognitively disabled woman. If he had not come across her, he would have found another vulnerable person on which to prey. The problem is not with the "system". They problem is a society that enables various types of predators (rapists, dicators, greedy corporations) to prey on our most vulnerable people - the poor, the elderly, the disabled.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Your Cheatin' Heart
One of the highlights of my life was having the opportunity to attend Super Bowl XXXI, the NFL championship game in which the mighty Packers of Green Bay stomped the New England Patriots. While the Packers won, that game proved to be a spring board to the revitalization of the New England Patriots. They were the last dynasty in the NFL. They were pure. It was difficult not to like them.
Until now. Coach Bill Belichek has admitted to having his staff film the defensive signals of other teams. At a recent game against the New York Jets, the video camera of a Patriot photographer was confiscated. The film in the camera contained images of the Jet coaches giving defensive play signals. The Patriots were caught red-handed. They are cheaters.
While many will suggest that the NFL is only a game and this is not a big deal (everyone must do it), it really does set a bad example. The Patriots are still a favorite to win the Super Bowl. They sell plenty of merchandise. Bill Belichek is seen as a coaching genius. Quarterback Tom Brady is the all-American boy. And they cheat. They take the shortcuts. It is a big deal not because of the impact cheating could have in the NFL, but because of the impact that not caring cheating has on society. Cheat on school tests. Cheat on your taxes. Cheat on your spouse. Who cares?
Until now. Coach Bill Belichek has admitted to having his staff film the defensive signals of other teams. At a recent game against the New York Jets, the video camera of a Patriot photographer was confiscated. The film in the camera contained images of the Jet coaches giving defensive play signals. The Patriots were caught red-handed. They are cheaters.
While many will suggest that the NFL is only a game and this is not a big deal (everyone must do it), it really does set a bad example. The Patriots are still a favorite to win the Super Bowl. They sell plenty of merchandise. Bill Belichek is seen as a coaching genius. Quarterback Tom Brady is the all-American boy. And they cheat. They take the shortcuts. It is a big deal not because of the impact cheating could have in the NFL, but because of the impact that not caring cheating has on society. Cheat on school tests. Cheat on your taxes. Cheat on your spouse. Who cares?
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
It's a Groove Thing
In sports, when an athlete is going through a very successful period, such as a baseball player getting several hits in a row, we say that he or she is in a groove. When that same player strikes out eight times in a row, we say that he or she is in a rut.
So, what is the difference between a groove and a rut? When I see a long mark left behind in a dirt road by a bicycle, is that a groove or a rut? Grooves and ruts seem to be the same thing. We call this same thing different names depending on whether ot not we perceive them as positive or negative.
We always have to classify things and people in the same way. How often do we hear completely different things about the same person from different people. Prior to meeting someone for the first time, someone who has already met them may inform us that we will not like the person because they are too stuck-up. Then when we meet the person, they seem to be very down-to-earth. It is all a matter of perspective.
It seems that the most influential people in history are difficult to classify. Sure, one can argue that Hitler was a crazy madman. He was certainly influential, but only for a short period of time. It will be interesting to see how people view his historical influence 100 years from now. What about someone like Jesus? Was he a knee-jerk liberal? Was he a conservative? Was he crazy? As a Christian, I find it very difficult to classify Jesus in the same way we classify other people. I think it is difficult for non-Christians to do the same in regards to Jesus. The normal rules we use to classify people don't seem to work when it comes to classifying Jesus.
So, what is the difference between a groove and a rut? When I see a long mark left behind in a dirt road by a bicycle, is that a groove or a rut? Grooves and ruts seem to be the same thing. We call this same thing different names depending on whether ot not we perceive them as positive or negative.
We always have to classify things and people in the same way. How often do we hear completely different things about the same person from different people. Prior to meeting someone for the first time, someone who has already met them may inform us that we will not like the person because they are too stuck-up. Then when we meet the person, they seem to be very down-to-earth. It is all a matter of perspective.
It seems that the most influential people in history are difficult to classify. Sure, one can argue that Hitler was a crazy madman. He was certainly influential, but only for a short period of time. It will be interesting to see how people view his historical influence 100 years from now. What about someone like Jesus? Was he a knee-jerk liberal? Was he a conservative? Was he crazy? As a Christian, I find it very difficult to classify Jesus in the same way we classify other people. I think it is difficult for non-Christians to do the same in regards to Jesus. The normal rules we use to classify people don't seem to work when it comes to classifying Jesus.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Let's Be Careful Out There
I work extensively with people that have special needs. It is very tough work. Although I do not have any family members with special needs such as a physical or cognitive disability, I have tremendous repsect for the many families that struggle to provide the highest quality of life possible for their family member with special needs.
When I talk with many people about what I do for a living, they usually make some comment that it is wonderful that people with special needs have people like me who care for them. I know that is is critical that people with special needs have someone, either a family member, a close friend or some other advocate, to continually look out for their best interests. Individuals and society often prey on vulnerable people.
However, the biggest contribution that I make to improve the lives of the people with whom I work is to be someone for whom they can care. Whenever we have severe weather, many of the special needs people with whom I work ask if I had any damage. If I sneeze or cough while talking on the phone, many will ask about my health. We all seek a general purpose in our lives. People with special needs are no different. If for no other reason, people with special needs are deserving of quality lives because they can and do care about other people.
When I talk with many people about what I do for a living, they usually make some comment that it is wonderful that people with special needs have people like me who care for them. I know that is is critical that people with special needs have someone, either a family member, a close friend or some other advocate, to continually look out for their best interests. Individuals and society often prey on vulnerable people.
However, the biggest contribution that I make to improve the lives of the people with whom I work is to be someone for whom they can care. Whenever we have severe weather, many of the special needs people with whom I work ask if I had any damage. If I sneeze or cough while talking on the phone, many will ask about my health. We all seek a general purpose in our lives. People with special needs are no different. If for no other reason, people with special needs are deserving of quality lives because they can and do care about other people.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Let The Election Begin
Who will it be? Hilary? Rudy? Barack? Fred?
Who cares about THAT election! Last month, several Cardinals that have been on the various lists of papabile made lengthy trips to the United States. Secretary of State Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone spoke to the Knights of Columbus. Franc Cardinal Rode of Slovenia made several stops in the good ol' USA, as did Oscar Cardinal Rodriguez Maradiaga of Honduras. While these leaders may not be "campaigning" to be the next Pope, it is helpful to have your name be familiar to the English language media. Karol Cardinal Wojtila made trips to the USA in the mid 70s.
With that background, here is my short list, in no particular order, of papabile Cardinals:
Secretary of State Tarcisio Cardianl Bertone - he is the #2 man at the Vatican. He is about the right age, 72, if a conclave is held in the next few years. The fact that he does not speak English could work against him.
Christoph Cardinal Schonborn - he is the Cardinal Archbishop of Vienna. He comes from an aristocratic family. At 62, he may be a bit young right now. However, if the next conclave is a few years away, he should be a strong contender. He has made headlines with his comments on intelligent design. The fact that he is from old Europe could work against him given that the current Pope is German.
Oscar Cardinal Rodriguez Maradiaga - he is from Honduras. He speaks several languages, is very dynamic and is a pilot. For those that think it is time for a Pope from Latin America, he could be the prime candidate. At 64, he is close to the right age. He has been in the headlines recently for being the object of some of Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez's scorn.
Angelo Cardinal Scola - is the Patriarch of Venice. Two recent Popes, John XXIII and John Paul I serve in Venice. He gets a significant amount of press coverage in the European media. He travels extensively in Europe and gives many interviews. He is 65.
Daria Cardinal Castrillon Hoyos - is from Columbia. He has served in several curial positions, including the Congregation for the Clergy. He is well-known and resepected by the clergy world-wide. While a curial insider, he has maintained stong ties with South America. He is 78 years old. He may not be a strong candidate for much longer.
Jorge Cardinal Bergoglio - is the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. He can serve as the standard bearer of those that want an Italian Pope and those that want a South American Pope. He was given consideration at the last conclave. He could be a compromise candidate as he is neither a conservative nor a progressive. He is a 70-year old Jesuit.
Although he will not receive any, Audrys Cardinal Backis (pronounced botch-kiss) of Vilnius should be given serious consideration. He has extensive experience in the Vatican diplomatic corps and know the world wide Church very well. In his role as a pastor, including as a bishop and archbishop, he has worked diligently to build hospitals, schools, soup kitchens, seminaries and convents. He works well with the media and speaks several languages. He seems to have the perfect blend of adminsitrative and pastoral skills and experience. He is 70 years old.
There you have it - my early effort to handicap the next conclave. The biggest factor may be age. There will likely be some Cardinals that still believe that the best age of a newly-elected pope is around 67-73. A Pope in that age range would likely be around for a few years, but not too many.
Who cares about THAT election! Last month, several Cardinals that have been on the various lists of papabile made lengthy trips to the United States. Secretary of State Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone spoke to the Knights of Columbus. Franc Cardinal Rode of Slovenia made several stops in the good ol' USA, as did Oscar Cardinal Rodriguez Maradiaga of Honduras. While these leaders may not be "campaigning" to be the next Pope, it is helpful to have your name be familiar to the English language media. Karol Cardinal Wojtila made trips to the USA in the mid 70s.
With that background, here is my short list, in no particular order, of papabile Cardinals:
Secretary of State Tarcisio Cardianl Bertone - he is the #2 man at the Vatican. He is about the right age, 72, if a conclave is held in the next few years. The fact that he does not speak English could work against him.
Christoph Cardinal Schonborn - he is the Cardinal Archbishop of Vienna. He comes from an aristocratic family. At 62, he may be a bit young right now. However, if the next conclave is a few years away, he should be a strong contender. He has made headlines with his comments on intelligent design. The fact that he is from old Europe could work against him given that the current Pope is German.
Oscar Cardinal Rodriguez Maradiaga - he is from Honduras. He speaks several languages, is very dynamic and is a pilot. For those that think it is time for a Pope from Latin America, he could be the prime candidate. At 64, he is close to the right age. He has been in the headlines recently for being the object of some of Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez's scorn.
Angelo Cardinal Scola - is the Patriarch of Venice. Two recent Popes, John XXIII and John Paul I serve in Venice. He gets a significant amount of press coverage in the European media. He travels extensively in Europe and gives many interviews. He is 65.
Daria Cardinal Castrillon Hoyos - is from Columbia. He has served in several curial positions, including the Congregation for the Clergy. He is well-known and resepected by the clergy world-wide. While a curial insider, he has maintained stong ties with South America. He is 78 years old. He may not be a strong candidate for much longer.
Jorge Cardinal Bergoglio - is the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. He can serve as the standard bearer of those that want an Italian Pope and those that want a South American Pope. He was given consideration at the last conclave. He could be a compromise candidate as he is neither a conservative nor a progressive. He is a 70-year old Jesuit.
Although he will not receive any, Audrys Cardinal Backis (pronounced botch-kiss) of Vilnius should be given serious consideration. He has extensive experience in the Vatican diplomatic corps and know the world wide Church very well. In his role as a pastor, including as a bishop and archbishop, he has worked diligently to build hospitals, schools, soup kitchens, seminaries and convents. He works well with the media and speaks several languages. He seems to have the perfect blend of adminsitrative and pastoral skills and experience. He is 70 years old.
There you have it - my early effort to handicap the next conclave. The biggest factor may be age. There will likely be some Cardinals that still believe that the best age of a newly-elected pope is around 67-73. A Pope in that age range would likely be around for a few years, but not too many.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
The Tangled Web We Weave
I'm old.
How do I know? A person half my age showed me how to update the website where I work. Even though she wrote out exactly how to update the site, it took me a fair amount of time to make some simple changes. She probably could have made the changes in about 1/4th of the time it took for me to make the same changes. Nevertheless, I worked my way through the process and enjoyed a positive outcome.
Also, the fact that I feel such a huge sense of accomplishment for updating the website indicates that I am an old man. I can only imagine how may parents felt when they figured out how to use a calculator or when my grandmother figured out how to use the microwave oven.
Now that I think about it, I am not too far from being eligible to be a member of AARP. I keep getting older and they keep lowing the age for membership eligibility. My age and their age requirement are getting to be very close! Should I ever become an AARP member, perhaps I will volunteer to work on their website.
How do I know? A person half my age showed me how to update the website where I work. Even though she wrote out exactly how to update the site, it took me a fair amount of time to make some simple changes. She probably could have made the changes in about 1/4th of the time it took for me to make the same changes. Nevertheless, I worked my way through the process and enjoyed a positive outcome.
Also, the fact that I feel such a huge sense of accomplishment for updating the website indicates that I am an old man. I can only imagine how may parents felt when they figured out how to use a calculator or when my grandmother figured out how to use the microwave oven.
Now that I think about it, I am not too far from being eligible to be a member of AARP. I keep getting older and they keep lowing the age for membership eligibility. My age and their age requirement are getting to be very close! Should I ever become an AARP member, perhaps I will volunteer to work on their website.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
258 Steps to Reach Heaven
Last week, I had the opportunity to stop by one of my favorite places, Holy Hill (http://www.holyhill.com/). Holy Hill is located about 35 miles notheast of Milwaukee.
I have been to Holy Hill several times in recent years. I never took advantage of the opportunity to climb the stairs to the top of one of the church's towers. Since the day was very clear (and very warm), I figured I would make my way to the top of the tower. 258 steps later, I enjoyed a magnificent view of the rural area that surrounds Holy Hill. Through the light haze, I could barely make out the tall buildings in downtown Milwaukee. There was a light breeze that provided relief after the long climb.
To my surprise, it was a bit more taxing on my near middle-aged body climbing down than climbing up. After reaching the ground floor where I started, I made my way over to the friar that was greeting visitors near the main facility entrance. I proudly told him that I counted 258 steps to the top of the bell tower. He informed me that he use to make the climb on a regular basis. However, wisdom now led him to take the elevator up to the main level of the church. This saves one over 100 steps. At that point, my spirit likely resembled the Hindenburg crashing to the ground in New Jersey.
I took me an hour our so to get over the sting of the friar's comments. He certainly meant no harm. After some thought, I came to the conclusion that he was right about wisdom. Had I taken the elevator, I would have been in a better position to focus on the magnificent view at the top of the bell tower rather thinking that I was perspiring quite a bit and trying to catch my breath.
While the 258 steps up led to a magnificent view, the 258 steps down lead to a valuable morsel of wisdom.
I have been to Holy Hill several times in recent years. I never took advantage of the opportunity to climb the stairs to the top of one of the church's towers. Since the day was very clear (and very warm), I figured I would make my way to the top of the tower. 258 steps later, I enjoyed a magnificent view of the rural area that surrounds Holy Hill. Through the light haze, I could barely make out the tall buildings in downtown Milwaukee. There was a light breeze that provided relief after the long climb.
To my surprise, it was a bit more taxing on my near middle-aged body climbing down than climbing up. After reaching the ground floor where I started, I made my way over to the friar that was greeting visitors near the main facility entrance. I proudly told him that I counted 258 steps to the top of the bell tower. He informed me that he use to make the climb on a regular basis. However, wisdom now led him to take the elevator up to the main level of the church. This saves one over 100 steps. At that point, my spirit likely resembled the Hindenburg crashing to the ground in New Jersey.
I took me an hour our so to get over the sting of the friar's comments. He certainly meant no harm. After some thought, I came to the conclusion that he was right about wisdom. Had I taken the elevator, I would have been in a better position to focus on the magnificent view at the top of the bell tower rather thinking that I was perspiring quite a bit and trying to catch my breath.
While the 258 steps up led to a magnificent view, the 258 steps down lead to a valuable morsel of wisdom.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Trust in Dogs
My wife and I enjoy the companionship of a lovable and loving dog. Our dog is an eight-year old English Cocker Spaniel. Although he is very friendly, he is definitely not the "sharpest knife in the drawer". He constantly tries to climb trees (no easy feat for a dog) in order to catch the squirrels that he thinks are in nearly every tree. Neverthess, we love our dog very much.
I just don't know how to tell him that my wife and I are not leaving him any inheritance in a trust. We have tried to keep from our dog the news of Leona Helmsley leaving $12 million in trust to her dog, Trouble. Our dog is a very jealous animal. My wife and I don't have $12 million to give to our dog. Even if we had $12 million to leave behind, various charities would get most of the money. Our dog doesn't need much - Milk Bones, water and an old steering wheel cover are all he needs.
In all seriousness, it is disturbing that someone would leave so much money to care for a dog when there are so many people going without the basic necessities of life. The dog will have an opulent home, well-paid attendants and gourmet food. Many people, including children, have no home, nobody to care for them and no food.
Hopefully, Trouble will make arrangements for any leftover funds from his trust to go to people in need. As a dog, he undoubtly has more compassion than his former human owner.
I just don't know how to tell him that my wife and I are not leaving him any inheritance in a trust. We have tried to keep from our dog the news of Leona Helmsley leaving $12 million in trust to her dog, Trouble. Our dog is a very jealous animal. My wife and I don't have $12 million to give to our dog. Even if we had $12 million to leave behind, various charities would get most of the money. Our dog doesn't need much - Milk Bones, water and an old steering wheel cover are all he needs.
In all seriousness, it is disturbing that someone would leave so much money to care for a dog when there are so many people going without the basic necessities of life. The dog will have an opulent home, well-paid attendants and gourmet food. Many people, including children, have no home, nobody to care for them and no food.
Hopefully, Trouble will make arrangements for any leftover funds from his trust to go to people in need. As a dog, he undoubtly has more compassion than his former human owner.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Simply Talk the Talk
I apologize for missing a day of posting. Two days ago, I lost my connection to the internet at home. Much to my dismay and surprise, the internet connection at work (from a different provider than at home) also went down. I am usually pretty even-keeled. However, I was going crazy without internet access - primarily due to not being able to send or receive e-mails at work.
I continue to be a huge fan of e-mail. While I agree that communicating by e-mail is not as personal as talking with someone in person or on the phone, it does usually require the sender to put more thought and structure into what he or she writes in an e-mail. My work position involves a significant amount of contact with people who would talk to me all day. Using e-mail dramatically reduces the number of times that I have to cut people off in person or on the phone.
The absence of an internet connection forced me to communicate with many people over the phone for the past couple of days. Somewhat surprisingly, it was not nearly as dreadful as I thought it would be. Many people were surprised to hear my voice. It was nice to "go back in time" to where the latest technical advance was a cell phone. I was forced to communicate with people in a more personal setting where I didn't have the control that I have in an e-mail exchange. It wasn't a bad experience.
Having shared those thoughts, I am overjoyed to once again have internet access at home and work. I am once again able to communicate with a larger number of people - although in much shorter e-mail exchanges rather than phone calls. Still, every so often, it is nice to return to a simpler way of doing things.
I continue to be a huge fan of e-mail. While I agree that communicating by e-mail is not as personal as talking with someone in person or on the phone, it does usually require the sender to put more thought and structure into what he or she writes in an e-mail. My work position involves a significant amount of contact with people who would talk to me all day. Using e-mail dramatically reduces the number of times that I have to cut people off in person or on the phone.
The absence of an internet connection forced me to communicate with many people over the phone for the past couple of days. Somewhat surprisingly, it was not nearly as dreadful as I thought it would be. Many people were surprised to hear my voice. It was nice to "go back in time" to where the latest technical advance was a cell phone. I was forced to communicate with people in a more personal setting where I didn't have the control that I have in an e-mail exchange. It wasn't a bad experience.
Having shared those thoughts, I am overjoyed to once again have internet access at home and work. I am once again able to communicate with a larger number of people - although in much shorter e-mail exchanges rather than phone calls. Still, every so often, it is nice to return to a simpler way of doing things.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Mama Mia
While waiting in line to check out at the grocery store earlier today, I lamented over the fact that The Weekly World News is no longer published. I had relied on that esteemed periodical to inform me about who was an alien and who was not. While looking over the magazine section by the checkout, I noticed that People has a special issue about the 10th anniversary of the death of Princess Diana and LIFE has a special issue about the 30th anniversary of the death of Elvis.
I was reminded of a talk radio program I heard about a week ago. The host was discussing why people remember exactly where they were when they heard that Elvis and Princess Diana died. He wondered why none of the callers could remember where they were when Mother Teresa died. (Today is the 10th anniversary of her death.) The host seemed to imply that the priorities of society are a bit mixed up when we put so much effort into remembering the deaths of celebrities, but do very little to remember the deaths of saints.
I would argue the opposite - the fact that we put so much into remembering the deaths of people like Princess Diana, Elvis and JFK shows that we have our priorities in order. There are common elements to the lives and deaths of these three people. In spite of being very wealthy, powerful and famous, they struggled with personal demons. At times in their lives, the seemed to rise above those struggles to do some amazingly unselfish things. Then, without warning, they died at young ages.
So many people remember their deaths because they grieve for what could have been. Would Princess Diana have finally found stability and love in her life? What would JFK have accomplished in two full terms in the White House? What would have happened in Vietnam? Would Elvis still be singing in Las Vegas? We don't grieve for the loss of what these people did while they were living. We grieve for the loss of what they could have done if they did not die so young.
What more could Mother Teresa have accomplished in her life? Every fiber of her being sought to provide love and care to forgotten people. She accomplished so much in her long life. When she died, we had a sense of fulfillment.
In some strange ways, society shows glimpses of having priorities in proper order.
I was reminded of a talk radio program I heard about a week ago. The host was discussing why people remember exactly where they were when they heard that Elvis and Princess Diana died. He wondered why none of the callers could remember where they were when Mother Teresa died. (Today is the 10th anniversary of her death.) The host seemed to imply that the priorities of society are a bit mixed up when we put so much effort into remembering the deaths of celebrities, but do very little to remember the deaths of saints.
I would argue the opposite - the fact that we put so much into remembering the deaths of people like Princess Diana, Elvis and JFK shows that we have our priorities in order. There are common elements to the lives and deaths of these three people. In spite of being very wealthy, powerful and famous, they struggled with personal demons. At times in their lives, the seemed to rise above those struggles to do some amazingly unselfish things. Then, without warning, they died at young ages.
So many people remember their deaths because they grieve for what could have been. Would Princess Diana have finally found stability and love in her life? What would JFK have accomplished in two full terms in the White House? What would have happened in Vietnam? Would Elvis still be singing in Las Vegas? We don't grieve for the loss of what these people did while they were living. We grieve for the loss of what they could have done if they did not die so young.
What more could Mother Teresa have accomplished in her life? Every fiber of her being sought to provide love and care to forgotten people. She accomplished so much in her long life. When she died, we had a sense of fulfillment.
In some strange ways, society shows glimpses of having priorities in proper order.
Monday, September 3, 2007
If I Could Be Like Mike
Those of you that have read some of the earlier posts know that I was once a novice with a religious order. As a novice, you are pretty low on the hierarchical totem pole of a religious community. We had to live an extremely austere lifestyle - we didn't even have cable television!
At that time, I was a huge fan of professional wrestling. Call it one of my vices. I liked professional wrestling for what it was - campy entertainment. The only way for me to see any wrestling was on cable TV. Not having cable television in the novitiate made it impossible for me to keep up on the storylines of the World Wrestling Federation and the National Wrestling Alliance.
One night during dinner, I mentioned to one of the senior members of the community that I missed the opportunity to watch wrestling. About a week later, he approached me and said he wanted to discuss something with me after dinner. I knocked on his door and he invited me into his living area. He had two recliners in his room - both facing the TV. He sat in the bigger one and invited me to sit down in the other chair. When I sat down, he turned on the television and, lo and behold, there were the WWF gladiators battling in the squared circle! He even gave up watching some of his favorite shows. This was a very friendly gesture on the part of Father Michael.
Every Monday night, we would meet at the same time to watch wrestling. We would talk about all sorts of things during the commercials. Eventually, we would talk about all sorts of things and watching the wrestling became a secondary activity. It got to the point where having the television on disrupted our weekly visits.
Father Michael was somewhat of a lonely soul. Due to his age and declining physical health, he could no longer serve as a parish pastor (which he loved to do). He would visit area nursing homes at the same time each week to say Mass for "the ladies" - the term he used for his nursing home congregations.
I maintained a close friendship with Father Mike for several years after I left religious life. He continued to serve "the ladies" and would occasionally help out when a parish priest went on vacation. On one of his journeys to help a parish on a weekend when their pastor was gone, Father Michael lost control of his car and crashed. He died instantly. Though it was less than two miles, the drive from my home to his funeral seemed to last forever.
Several days after the funeral, the leader of the religious community asked me to stop by. He led me to Father Michael's living quarters. Knowing that Father Michael and I were close, the superior told me that I could have any one item remaining in Father Michael's room. I took a framed print of the famous scene where a young Franciscan is painting a portrait of a Cardinal. The Cardinal is asleep in a chair. The young friar is struggling to paint a portrait of a Cardinal full of vitality. That painting was right above the television set in Father Michael's room. I spent hours looking at it while visiting with Father Michael. It now hangs in my house in a prominent space. I look at it every day and think of Father Michael.
At that time, I was a huge fan of professional wrestling. Call it one of my vices. I liked professional wrestling for what it was - campy entertainment. The only way for me to see any wrestling was on cable TV. Not having cable television in the novitiate made it impossible for me to keep up on the storylines of the World Wrestling Federation and the National Wrestling Alliance.
One night during dinner, I mentioned to one of the senior members of the community that I missed the opportunity to watch wrestling. About a week later, he approached me and said he wanted to discuss something with me after dinner. I knocked on his door and he invited me into his living area. He had two recliners in his room - both facing the TV. He sat in the bigger one and invited me to sit down in the other chair. When I sat down, he turned on the television and, lo and behold, there were the WWF gladiators battling in the squared circle! He even gave up watching some of his favorite shows. This was a very friendly gesture on the part of Father Michael.
Every Monday night, we would meet at the same time to watch wrestling. We would talk about all sorts of things during the commercials. Eventually, we would talk about all sorts of things and watching the wrestling became a secondary activity. It got to the point where having the television on disrupted our weekly visits.
Father Michael was somewhat of a lonely soul. Due to his age and declining physical health, he could no longer serve as a parish pastor (which he loved to do). He would visit area nursing homes at the same time each week to say Mass for "the ladies" - the term he used for his nursing home congregations.
I maintained a close friendship with Father Mike for several years after I left religious life. He continued to serve "the ladies" and would occasionally help out when a parish priest went on vacation. On one of his journeys to help a parish on a weekend when their pastor was gone, Father Michael lost control of his car and crashed. He died instantly. Though it was less than two miles, the drive from my home to his funeral seemed to last forever.
Several days after the funeral, the leader of the religious community asked me to stop by. He led me to Father Michael's living quarters. Knowing that Father Michael and I were close, the superior told me that I could have any one item remaining in Father Michael's room. I took a framed print of the famous scene where a young Franciscan is painting a portrait of a Cardinal. The Cardinal is asleep in a chair. The young friar is struggling to paint a portrait of a Cardinal full of vitality. That painting was right above the television set in Father Michael's room. I spent hours looking at it while visiting with Father Michael. It now hangs in my house in a prominent space. I look at it every day and think of Father Michael.
Cold Hard Proof That God Exists
Several weeks ago, after having a new water heater installed in our home, the automatic ice cube maker in our freezer stopped working. Now, I like things simple. I prefer the standard blue ice cube trays that NEVER fail to produce wonderful uniform ice cubes. However, my wife was pretty frantic about the situation.
Well, given that the ice cube maker stopped working after our water was temporarily shut off to install the water heater, I checked the water flow in the tube that goes from the water supply beneath our kitchen sink to the freezer. It looked to me like water was flowing properly. I even took apart the back of the freezer to make sure that the little water pump to the ice cube maker was functioning. It looked OK to me, but I am no mechanical expert. I then gave up for a couple of weeks.
We functioned well without the ice cube maker. In fact, we endured a heat wave. One day, my curiosity got the best of me. I shut off the freezer and removed the ice cube maker. My intention was to let it defrost and then replace it in the freezer. It sat in the kitchen sink for nearly a day. Then, while drying it off, I noticed that the device looked jammed. The part that turned to force the ice cubes out was off kilter. So, I gently bent some of the plastic parts back to where I thought they should have been. I replaced the ice cube maker in the freezer and went outside to mow the lawn in very hot and humid conditions.
About an hour later, my wife came running out of the house looking like she had just won the Megabucks lottery. She informed me that the ice cube maker was working.
I am a complete putz when it comes to mechanical aptitude. So, the fact that I was able to get the ice cube maker working without breaking it or electrocuting myself is proof that God exists.
Well, given that the ice cube maker stopped working after our water was temporarily shut off to install the water heater, I checked the water flow in the tube that goes from the water supply beneath our kitchen sink to the freezer. It looked to me like water was flowing properly. I even took apart the back of the freezer to make sure that the little water pump to the ice cube maker was functioning. It looked OK to me, but I am no mechanical expert. I then gave up for a couple of weeks.
We functioned well without the ice cube maker. In fact, we endured a heat wave. One day, my curiosity got the best of me. I shut off the freezer and removed the ice cube maker. My intention was to let it defrost and then replace it in the freezer. It sat in the kitchen sink for nearly a day. Then, while drying it off, I noticed that the device looked jammed. The part that turned to force the ice cubes out was off kilter. So, I gently bent some of the plastic parts back to where I thought they should have been. I replaced the ice cube maker in the freezer and went outside to mow the lawn in very hot and humid conditions.
About an hour later, my wife came running out of the house looking like she had just won the Megabucks lottery. She informed me that the ice cube maker was working.
I am a complete putz when it comes to mechanical aptitude. So, the fact that I was able to get the ice cube maker working without breaking it or electrocuting myself is proof that God exists.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Time In a Bottle
At Mass this weekend, the priest gave a homily that lasted six minutes. I do not carry a time piece with me during Mass and there is no clock in the church. I know the homily was six minutes because as soon as the priest ended his homily, an elderly parishoner two rows behind me "whispered" to her fellow parishoner, "That was six minutes. That's better than the fifteen minutes last week."
I wonder if this parishoner has children and grandchildren. If she does and they come to visit her, I wonder is she times their visits. If a grandchild stops by for a quick visit of, say, fifteen minutes, does she chide the grandchild for staying too long? Does she say that the goal of the next visit is six minutes?
Maybe I am too impatient with people that complain about how much time Mass takes. I am a church musician. Whenever there is a special event at Mass, such as a baptism, the priest always asks that I cut the verses short on the hymns so that the Mass will not last over sixty minutes. If it does, the priest ALWAYS hears about it. It is usually elderly parishoners that complain. One could argue that they have less time remaining than younger people and want to get the most out of their remaining time. Apperently, getting the most out of their time does not inlude attending a Mass that lasts sixty-one minutes.
I wonder if this parishoner has children and grandchildren. If she does and they come to visit her, I wonder is she times their visits. If a grandchild stops by for a quick visit of, say, fifteen minutes, does she chide the grandchild for staying too long? Does she say that the goal of the next visit is six minutes?
Maybe I am too impatient with people that complain about how much time Mass takes. I am a church musician. Whenever there is a special event at Mass, such as a baptism, the priest always asks that I cut the verses short on the hymns so that the Mass will not last over sixty minutes. If it does, the priest ALWAYS hears about it. It is usually elderly parishoners that complain. One could argue that they have less time remaining than younger people and want to get the most out of their remaining time. Apperently, getting the most out of their time does not inlude attending a Mass that lasts sixty-one minutes.
Christmas in September
For some strange reason, one of my favorite Christmas songs is "Snoopy's Christmas" by the Royal Guardsmen. The song tells of the story where the Red Baron is about to shoot Snoopy down. The Red Baron motions for Snoopy to land behind enemy lines. When Snoopy lands, he and the Red Baron share a toast in honor of Christmas as the bells in the surrounding villages ring. At the end of their meeting, the wish each other a Merry Christmas and depart knowing they will likely see each other again under different circumstances.
While the song is fictional, the theme of the song is not. I just finished watching the movie "Joyeux Noel". The movie is about the World War I Christmas cease fire that takes place among French, Scottish and German regiments in 1914. When a German soldier that happens to be a famous tenor sings "Stille Nacht", the Scottish soldiers join in with their bagpipes. The French troops applaud. The German singer brings a Christmas tree and places it in the middle of "no man's land", the area between the three regiments. Nobody shoots him. The leaders of each of the regiments cautiosly walk out to meet with each other. They declare a cease fire for Christmas. All of the troops then enter "no man's land" and enjoy striking up friendships with their "enemies". I won't give away more of the story. There are some surprising twists. I would highly recommend renting the movie. It is based on a true story. If you rent the movie, make sure to watch the interview with the director that is included as a special feature.
While the song is fictional, the theme of the song is not. I just finished watching the movie "Joyeux Noel". The movie is about the World War I Christmas cease fire that takes place among French, Scottish and German regiments in 1914. When a German soldier that happens to be a famous tenor sings "Stille Nacht", the Scottish soldiers join in with their bagpipes. The French troops applaud. The German singer brings a Christmas tree and places it in the middle of "no man's land", the area between the three regiments. Nobody shoots him. The leaders of each of the regiments cautiosly walk out to meet with each other. They declare a cease fire for Christmas. All of the troops then enter "no man's land" and enjoy striking up friendships with their "enemies". I won't give away more of the story. There are some surprising twists. I would highly recommend renting the movie. It is based on a true story. If you rent the movie, make sure to watch the interview with the director that is included as a special feature.
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