Yes, I made it through college in slightly more than 4 years due to an excursion to a novitiate. I started out as a pre-pharmacy major. After taking organic chemistry, I switched my major to political science. Thus, I had many classes in science, math, philosophy, etc. It was a very well grounded liberal arts education.
Yesterday, I was trying to recall one tangible and useful thing I learned in college. I am sure I learned some. However, they could not have been too important if I cannot recall them. There is just one thing that I can recall.
In my first year, I took Introduction to Theater to satisfy one of the general requirements. The instructor was Arthur Ballet. Professor Ballet was a combination of Tony Randall and Charles Nelson Reilly. At that point, he had been teaching this class for nearly 30 years. The class was always filled to capacity (700 students). When I took the class, Ballet was getting up in his years and he was battling cancer. He knew that his time on earth was limited. As a result, he would often impart philosophical lessons.
One morning at the end of class, he was lamenting that many people choose not to explore new things. He said people should not worry about failing if they try things that might not "work out" or be enjoyable. He argued that every bit of progress that has been made is due to people that were not afraid to try new things or look at the same things from different perspectives. He then posed the question that sums up the most important thing I learned (and can recall) from college. In Professor Ballet's words - How often do we say, "I know what I like and I dont' like that" when what we really mean is "I like what I know and I don't know that"?
Friday, March 28, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Sistine Chapel Smoke Outlawed!
I was just reading a report from Catholic News Service about plans anti-tobacco activists have related to Pope Benedict's April visit to the U.S. The article can be found at: http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0801699.htm.
A couple of weeks ago, I heard someone say that smoking was banned in nearly every public place in Italy. When I traveled in Italy last year, people were smoking everywhere. Italians have a dramatically different persepctive on laws than we have in the U.S. For example, there are traffic signals in Italy. However, they are viewed more as suggestions than edicts. While the traffic signals may be green or red, Italians seem to always see them as yellow. The may slow down a bit, but there is no reason to stop. We don't do that in the U.S. Red means stop! If someone goes through a red light, numerous horns will sound.
So, the activists want the Pope to consider banning smoking in the Vatican. Unfortunately for them, such a ban would have little, if any, impact. People don't smoke in churches or other holy places in the Vatican. However, they puff like crazy in the outdoor public places. A ban won't stop this. Again, Italians would view the ban as a suggestion - not a mandate. This is just one of those many areas where the perspectives of people in the U.S. and people in Italy (and many other European countries) differ. These differences are part of the reason why there is a significant amount of tension between the Vatican and the U.S. church.
So, people in the Vatican will continue to puff away regardless of the efforts of the U.S. anti-smoking activists. I wonder if any studies have been done to determine the impact that second-hand Sistine Chapel papal election smoke has on the people that live in or near the Vatican.
A couple of weeks ago, I heard someone say that smoking was banned in nearly every public place in Italy. When I traveled in Italy last year, people were smoking everywhere. Italians have a dramatically different persepctive on laws than we have in the U.S. For example, there are traffic signals in Italy. However, they are viewed more as suggestions than edicts. While the traffic signals may be green or red, Italians seem to always see them as yellow. The may slow down a bit, but there is no reason to stop. We don't do that in the U.S. Red means stop! If someone goes through a red light, numerous horns will sound.
So, the activists want the Pope to consider banning smoking in the Vatican. Unfortunately for them, such a ban would have little, if any, impact. People don't smoke in churches or other holy places in the Vatican. However, they puff like crazy in the outdoor public places. A ban won't stop this. Again, Italians would view the ban as a suggestion - not a mandate. This is just one of those many areas where the perspectives of people in the U.S. and people in Italy (and many other European countries) differ. These differences are part of the reason why there is a significant amount of tension between the Vatican and the U.S. church.
So, people in the Vatican will continue to puff away regardless of the efforts of the U.S. anti-smoking activists. I wonder if any studies have been done to determine the impact that second-hand Sistine Chapel papal election smoke has on the people that live in or near the Vatican.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Thou Dost Protest Too Much
Six young people were arrested for disrupting Easter Mass at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago on Sunday. As an act of protest against the war in Iraq, the six people spilled fake blood on themselves and those surrounding them. For a related article from the Chicago Tribune, go to: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-iraq-protest-mass,0,5917182.story
Actually, I don't think these people were protesting too much. However, I question why they would use the Roman Catholic Church as part of their protest. The Vatican was very public and active in expressing strong opposition to any action by the United States in Iraq. I understand that they wanted to get publicity. Unfortunately for them, their action received little coverage nationwide. I wouldn't want to give them any ideas, but it would have been better for them to have staged a protest involving an entity that is related to Barack Obama. Had they have done so, ALL of the major media outlets would still be covering the results of their actions.
Actually, I don't think these people were protesting too much. However, I question why they would use the Roman Catholic Church as part of their protest. The Vatican was very public and active in expressing strong opposition to any action by the United States in Iraq. I understand that they wanted to get publicity. Unfortunately for them, their action received little coverage nationwide. I wouldn't want to give them any ideas, but it would have been better for them to have staged a protest involving an entity that is related to Barack Obama. Had they have done so, ALL of the major media outlets would still be covering the results of their actions.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
An Easter Swim
Well, with my mother and me cheering her on, my wife "swam the Tiber" yesterday. After several weeks of RCIA classes, she became a "card carrying Papist". Of course, this means that she should no longer vote in our elections since her allegiance is to a ruler based in Rome.
Actually, it was a very nice ceremony that went without a hitch (with the exception of the smoke from the incense setting of a smoke alarm - a situation that was immediately addressed by a quick-acting associate pastor). My wife's primary concern was that she would not know appropriate responses during parts of the ceremony. Fortunately, I was able to tell her that "Amen" was the proper response 75% of the time and that I would be standing next to her when she had to say something other than "Amen".
In spite of all the joking that can take place when a Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod member converts to Roman Catholicism, my wife seemed to be moved by the ceremony and felt different (in a positive way) after the ceremony than she did before the ceremony. Maybe there is something to all of this stuff!
Actually, it was a very nice ceremony that went without a hitch (with the exception of the smoke from the incense setting of a smoke alarm - a situation that was immediately addressed by a quick-acting associate pastor). My wife's primary concern was that she would not know appropriate responses during parts of the ceremony. Fortunately, I was able to tell her that "Amen" was the proper response 75% of the time and that I would be standing next to her when she had to say something other than "Amen".
In spite of all the joking that can take place when a Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod member converts to Roman Catholicism, my wife seemed to be moved by the ceremony and felt different (in a positive way) after the ceremony than she did before the ceremony. Maybe there is something to all of this stuff!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Remembering Black Friday
Last week, Edoardo Luciani passed away at the age of 91. Very few people would recognize the name. In fact, I didn't recognize the name at first. Eduoardo lived a pretty normal life - unlike his brother, Albino. Albino Luciani is better known to the world as Pope John Paul I.
The death of Edoarda Luciani brought back memories of an early Friday morning in September of 1978. I took our family dog out for a walk (actually, he took me out for a walk), grabbed the newspaper and got my cereal ready. Then, I read the headline - "POPE JOHN PAUL DEAD". I was completely devastated. This might seem strange, since I was young teenager. Pope Paul VI was the only Pope that I had ever known. He became Pope before I was born. Due to infirmities related to age, he had been pretty quiet in the final years of his pontificate. John Paul I seemed like a breath of fresh air - fairly young with a constant smile. He was my Pope - the first elected in my lifetime. All of the ceremonies related to his election were televised. Then, a few weeks later, he passed away, leaving the many "what if" questions.
A couple of years ago, I took my mother to a museum exhibit featuring items from the papacy. While walking through the exhibit, I came across the red hat of Cardinal Albino Luciani. It seemed like I was looking at a picture of a favorite relative that passed away many years ago. Last year, my wife and I visited St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. When touring the tombs of the popes in the crypt, we noticed that there were always mobs around the tomb of Pope John Paul II. While the tomb of John Paul I was just across the aisle, there were never any visitors.
On an increasingly regular basis, I have made it a point to ask Pope John Paul I to intercede on my behalf. He seemed like a very nice guy in life, so I don't see why that would be any different now. Plus, everybody and their mother is asking Pope John Paul II for assistance. John Paul I isn't nearly as busy.
The death of Edoarda Luciani brought back memories of an early Friday morning in September of 1978. I took our family dog out for a walk (actually, he took me out for a walk), grabbed the newspaper and got my cereal ready. Then, I read the headline - "POPE JOHN PAUL DEAD". I was completely devastated. This might seem strange, since I was young teenager. Pope Paul VI was the only Pope that I had ever known. He became Pope before I was born. Due to infirmities related to age, he had been pretty quiet in the final years of his pontificate. John Paul I seemed like a breath of fresh air - fairly young with a constant smile. He was my Pope - the first elected in my lifetime. All of the ceremonies related to his election were televised. Then, a few weeks later, he passed away, leaving the many "what if" questions.
A couple of years ago, I took my mother to a museum exhibit featuring items from the papacy. While walking through the exhibit, I came across the red hat of Cardinal Albino Luciani. It seemed like I was looking at a picture of a favorite relative that passed away many years ago. Last year, my wife and I visited St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. When touring the tombs of the popes in the crypt, we noticed that there were always mobs around the tomb of Pope John Paul II. While the tomb of John Paul I was just across the aisle, there were never any visitors.
On an increasingly regular basis, I have made it a point to ask Pope John Paul I to intercede on my behalf. He seemed like a very nice guy in life, so I don't see why that would be any different now. Plus, everybody and their mother is asking Pope John Paul II for assistance. John Paul I isn't nearly as busy.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
A Man Bites Dog Story
Well, New York Governor Eliot Spitzer is in a bit of a bind. I am always amazed that the coverage of situations involving married politicians making use of prositutes always focuses on the damage done to the career of the politician and what the political fallout might be. This guy cheated on his wife! He made a significant vow to her and he broke it. That is the story. Eliot Spitzer cannot be trusted because he broke that vow, not because he besmirched the office of the Democratic party.
Governor Spitzer's actions have brought a fresh perspective to political operations. As a politician, he paid a prostitute to perform services. Unfortunately, the inverse is how politics usually works.
Governor Spitzer's actions have brought a fresh perspective to political operations. As a politician, he paid a prostitute to perform services. Unfortunately, the inverse is how politics usually works.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Where East Meets West
Hidden from the eyes of the media, Pope Benedict XVI and Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople meet in the Vatican earlier this week. Rather than a choreographed event, the two leaders sat across from each other at a table and then went to a chapel to pray. This meeting is one of several signs that are evidence of the ongoing efforts of both the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church to seek futher collaboration. We are nowhere near the point of bringing up the "u" word. However, it appears that unity is the ultimate goal, even though it may not be realized for several generations.
As one reads reports of ongoing wars, potential wars, murders in rabbinical schools, etc., it is refreshing to hear that two incredibly influential organizations are taking "baby steps" towards collaboration after being at each others' throats for nearly 1000 years.
As one reads reports of ongoing wars, potential wars, murders in rabbinical schools, etc., it is refreshing to hear that two incredibly influential organizations are taking "baby steps" towards collaboration after being at each others' throats for nearly 1000 years.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
He Really Doesn't Have It Anymore
I have been fortunate to have been able to attend over 200 NFL games during my life. The single player that I have seen most often, due to the number of games he has played, is Brett Favre. About 10 years ago, my father began to inform anybody that would listen that "Brett Favre just doesn't have it anymore". Of course, Brett Favre kept leading his team to numerous victories after my father's initial claims. Still, whenever Brett Favre would throw an incomplete pass, I was always ready to hear that "Brett Favre just doesn't have it anymore".
My father passed away a couple of years ago. As I write this, I am reading reports that Brett Favre has admitted that, while he feels he can still play, he feels that he "just doesn't have it anymore". As usual, my father was right - even if it took a few years for Brett Favre and the rest of us to come to our senses.
My father passed away a couple of years ago. As I write this, I am reading reports that Brett Favre has admitted that, while he feels he can still play, he feels that he "just doesn't have it anymore". As usual, my father was right - even if it took a few years for Brett Favre and the rest of us to come to our senses.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
African Cheese
Every so often, I try to make it to Mass on weekdays, especially during Lent. Several months ago, I noticed a "new" participant in the daily Mass. Most of the time, the same people are at this Mass. They tend to be older and in my parish, they tend to be caucasian. The "new" guy was young and black.
Last week, I finally made it a point to introduce myself to him. I found out that he is from Tanzania. He is in the United States for two years. He was very pleased when I mentioned that the U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania is a friend of mine. He said the consulate was extremely helpful in helping him get a visa to come to the United States.
Of course, I wondered why a native Tanzanian would come to a midwestern state in the U.S. during our coldest and snowiest winter. The man told me that he was here to learn about dairy production. He is working on a large dairy farm in an effort to learn how to efficiently produce milk and other dairy products. His intention is to return to Tanzania and teach others how to efficiently run dairy farms so that his region can become more self-sustainable.
In a few years, keep an eye out for African cheese.
Last week, I finally made it a point to introduce myself to him. I found out that he is from Tanzania. He is in the United States for two years. He was very pleased when I mentioned that the U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania is a friend of mine. He said the consulate was extremely helpful in helping him get a visa to come to the United States.
Of course, I wondered why a native Tanzanian would come to a midwestern state in the U.S. during our coldest and snowiest winter. The man told me that he was here to learn about dairy production. He is working on a large dairy farm in an effort to learn how to efficiently produce milk and other dairy products. His intention is to return to Tanzania and teach others how to efficiently run dairy farms so that his region can become more self-sustainable.
In a few years, keep an eye out for African cheese.
Monday, March 3, 2008
A Steamy March
U.S. President George W. Bush is incompetent. Just ask John McCain and Mike Huckabee. They want nothing to do with him. My guess is that once he officially has enough delegates to be the Rebublican nominee, McCain will politely ask President Bush to stay out of his campaign.
George W. Bush is dangerous, especially to Catholics in Mosul, Iraq. Just ask the relatives and friends of Father Ragheed Ganni and Archbishop Paulos Rahho. Unfortunately, we cannot directly ask Father Ganni. He was killed along with three subdeacons while leaving the Church of the Holy Spirit last June. We cannot directly ask Archbishop Rahho. He was kidnapped outside of the same Mosul church a few days ago. The three people with him were killed. See the Catholic News Service story at:
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0801165.htm
See the ZENIT story at: http://www.zenit.org/article-21951?l=english
Yes, I have voted for Republicans in the past. However, I am pleased to report that I have not, nor would I ever, vote for George W. Bush for any leadership position. When Bush was rattling his sabre against Iraq in an effort to maintain control of that country's oil, nearly every diplomatic entity in the world, including the Vatican, was urging the President against an attack. In a blatant sign of a leadership vacuum, the President went forward with the attack. In the words of Dr. Phil, "How did that work out for ya?"
The Vatican warned that an attack would place Christians in the region in great peril. Unfortunately, the Vatican was right. The number of Christians in the region have greatly diminished and those that choose to stay do so at great risk. This is thanks to the foreign policy of our "Christian" President.
When Pope Benedict visits with President Bush in a little over a month, I hope His Holiness brings up the plight of Christians in the Persian Gulf region. I hope President Bush will admit that mistakes were made and will put forth a commitment to bring peace and safety to all of the people in the region, not just Christians.
George W. Bush is dangerous, especially to Catholics in Mosul, Iraq. Just ask the relatives and friends of Father Ragheed Ganni and Archbishop Paulos Rahho. Unfortunately, we cannot directly ask Father Ganni. He was killed along with three subdeacons while leaving the Church of the Holy Spirit last June. We cannot directly ask Archbishop Rahho. He was kidnapped outside of the same Mosul church a few days ago. The three people with him were killed. See the Catholic News Service story at:
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0801165.htm
See the ZENIT story at: http://www.zenit.org/article-21951?l=english
Yes, I have voted for Republicans in the past. However, I am pleased to report that I have not, nor would I ever, vote for George W. Bush for any leadership position. When Bush was rattling his sabre against Iraq in an effort to maintain control of that country's oil, nearly every diplomatic entity in the world, including the Vatican, was urging the President against an attack. In a blatant sign of a leadership vacuum, the President went forward with the attack. In the words of Dr. Phil, "How did that work out for ya?"
The Vatican warned that an attack would place Christians in the region in great peril. Unfortunately, the Vatican was right. The number of Christians in the region have greatly diminished and those that choose to stay do so at great risk. This is thanks to the foreign policy of our "Christian" President.
When Pope Benedict visits with President Bush in a little over a month, I hope His Holiness brings up the plight of Christians in the Persian Gulf region. I hope President Bush will admit that mistakes were made and will put forth a commitment to bring peace and safety to all of the people in the region, not just Christians.
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