The Big Change

No, not menopause - either male or female.  As evidence that I lead a happily mundane life, I watched the health care reform debate on C-SPAN.  I don't watch C-SPAN too often since it is sometimes too boring for even me.  However, the health care reform debate was pretty interesting.  During the debate, it became clear that the House Democrats did not have enough votes to pass the legislation without the 20 or so pro-life Democrats.  Thus, the pro-life Democrats were allowed to introduce a big change - an amendment that would prohibit federal funds from being used to pay for abortions.  I am certain a deal was struck where this amendment was put forward and approved with the understanding that there will be an effort to remove it when the legislation goes to the Senate.  Nevertheless, the debate on the amendment was what it should be - a discussion of issues:  Should abortion be covered in the bill?  If not, can states provide funding to cover abortions?  Should federal funding in any way be used to pay for abortions?  It was one of the few good debates I have seen on C-SPAN.

The "Curse" of the Cubs

What does the manager of the New York Yankees do a few hours after his team wins the World Series?  Click here to find out.  I think this may have more to do with Joe Girardi being a former Chicago Cub than with him being the current manager of the World Series champion New York Yankees.

Seeking a Presidential Pardon

On the drive to work recently, I noticed several law enforcement vehicles.  I assumed that they may have been part of a speed limit enforcement effort (aka:  speed trap).  As I kept driving, I noticed an increasing number of law enforcement officers and vehicles - perhaps up to 50.  I also noticed numerous barricades along the side of the highway.

A few hours after arriving at work, I had the "aha" expereince.  I noticed that traffic on one of the lanes of the highway in front of my office disappeared.  I then saw several police motorcycles drive by.  Then I saw it - the Presidential limosine.  Since it drove by on the far lane of the highway, I could not make out who the occupants were.  However, when they came by in the other direction a couple of hours later (I was prepared and waiting closer to the highway), I was able to spot President Obama in the back seat of one of the limosines.  This was the first time that I have seen a sitting (no pun intended) U.S. President.  I had always hoped that I would have had the opportunity to see a current U.S. President.  That hope was realized.

When President Obama drove by, I prayed that all elected officials clearly recognize the difference between being elected and serving the people.  So many politicians see the former as their goal and disregard the latter.

Bier Hier!

Even though we are still in October, it is a bit late for Oktober fest.  However, Beer City, USA, aka:  Milwaukee, may soon have a reason for a toast.  According to clockwork, rumors about the next Archbishop of Milwaukee have begun to heat up.  This always seems to be the case about six months (give or take a couple of weeks) after the archdiocese or diocese becomes vacant.  The Archdiocese of Milwaukee became vacant in mid-April when Archbishop Timothy Dolan became the leader of the Archdiocese of New York.  A recent article from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that was featured on the front page will certainly provide some heat to the rumors.  For what it is worth, I have the sense that the next Archbishop of Milwaukee will be Bishop Blase Cupich of the Diocese of Rapid City, SD.

Evolving Perspectives

I just came across a release from ZENIT news service reporting that several scholars aim to disprove Darwin's theory of evolution.  I will be the first to admit that I am no expert in creationism, Darwinism or intelligent design.  In spite of my ignorance, I cannot understand why the origins of man have to be explained by creationism OR evolution.  Why do these two concepts have to be mutually exclusive?  Many people in the creation camp will argue that man was created in the image of God.  What does God look like?  Is God a man or a woman?  What color hair does God have?  Is God white?  Perhaps the image of God has more to do with the qualities, rather than the physical appearance, of God.  Could it be that we were created with unchanging qualities that are very reflective of God?  Could it also be that our physical characteristics have changed over the years in response to our ever-changing environment?

The Other Dog

Another story about our beloved canine. Earlier this morning, we were out for our usual walk in the park. At this time of year, it is pretty dark during our walk. This morning, the light from the rising sun was just beginning to poke above the horizon. About halfway through our walk, I noticed another dog. We have come across other dogs in the park many times, but usually not at this early hour. The dog, still a distance away but in an open field, stopped in its tracks to look at my dog and me. I kept looking for the owner, but could not see another human. Then the dog began to move. That is when I noticed the big fluffy tail on the dog. In fact, the dog was not a dog - he or she was a fox. Due to the darkness and distance, I could not determine if the fox was of the grey or red variety. However, it was definitely a fox.

A Crowning Achievement

I spent a large part of today in the dental chair. After nearly a half-century of life, I now have my first dental crown. While the dentist ground away at a very old and large filling, I said the Rosary. I didn't pray that I would make it through the procedure - I knew I would. In addition to praying the Mysteries for today (Joyful, by the way), I ran through my usual litany of causes for prayers. The litany includes specific people with cancer, addictions, heart ailments and people recovering from surgeries and strokes. It sort of makes getting a new part of a tooth not such a big deal.

It still hurts, though!