Book Review: The Seville Communion

I was reading a follow-on book which had a plot concerning the Vatican's special services arm. It wouldn't be the first I've read about such a thing, in fact it was one of the cloak and dagger topics which made me a fan of David Morrell's book series as well. Anyway, the story centers around an old dilapidated church in Seville; an old parish priest; a tanned heiress; and a hack attack on the Pope's computer.

Some interesting items about the church was that the old parish priest was using the Latin for celebrating mass -- something that was changed in Vatican II during Pope John Paull II's tenure.

Recently though, the new pope caused a stir in the news:

clipped from www.msnbc.msn.com

VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI, in a decree issued on Saturday, authorized wider use of the old Latin mass and told the world’s 1.1 billion Roman Catholics that his nod to Church traditionalists was nothing to be afraid of.

The decree met with mixed reaction from Catholics, ranging from concern among liberal lay groups to a wary welcome from schismatic traditionalists. Two cardinals who had warned about restoring the old rite supported the way the Pope had done it.

One prominent Jewish leader criticized the revival of a prayer for the conversion of Jews, saying the old text was “insensitive ... insulting” and said it could set back the historic reconciliation between Catholics and Jews.

Personally, being an ex-Catholic myself I do appreciate the solemness of Latin. That is, if you have the appreciation for old languages and the images of Indiana Jones in the back of your thoughts (yes, there's a new flick with ol' Harry Ford coming out this year!).

To make matters worse, Papa Ratzi (thanks for the joke Carmen!) goes on and rocks the boat more a week later by probably damaging the relations of the Catholic faith with other Christian denominations:

clipped from www.msnbc.msn.com

LORENZAGO DI CADORE, Italy - Pope Benedict XVI has reasserted the universal primacy of the Roman Catholic Church, approving a document released Tuesday that says Orthodox churches were defective and that other Christian denominations were not true churches.

Benedict approved a document from his old offices at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith that restates church teaching on relations with other Christians. It was the second time in a week the pope has corrected what he says are erroneous interpretations of the Second Vatican Council, the 1962-65 meetings that modernized the church.

One step forward for traditional catholics, two steps back from world peace. Is this to be Chatholic Jihaad?

Good job man. Duh.


---------------------------

I'm also testing my new Clipmarks plugin for Firefox on this post. Its got a few bugs, but workable. Now anyway ...

Means another walk today ....

Based on the new device settings (its 30-inches per stride at 200 Lbs. of weight), here are this evening's stats:

6,324 steps
2.99 miles
369 Kcalories
60:02 minutes

I'm still wondering that stride and weight is correct, I've not measured in a long while for weight. Will try another stride measurement when I get time.

A walk a day ....

Based on the new device settings (its 30-inches per stride at 200 Lbs. of weight), here are this evening's stats:

6278 steps
2.96 miles
367calories
60.01 minutes

Apparently, walking is almost equivalent to jogging. There's more cardio stress in the latter though and my system isn't ready for that endurance feat yet (I tried it and it left me breathless one time).

Time to cool the house. It was cooler today than yesterday, but then the sun wasn't shining as much. I don't mind, its not too bad. Even thought it would rain, but a drop or two just on the way home.

Walking the Distance

I just got me a talking pedometer yesterday at Target. Figured that since my evening exercises are almost regular enough then its time to measure my improvements.

Based on the device default settings (I think its 60-inches per stride at 60 Lbs. of weight), here are this evening's stats:

3341 steps
3.26 miles
48 calories
0.57 minutes


Not bad for the distance. It was really a surprise :-)

To top it all off, prior to walking I'd done three-(3) games of bowling before dinner at Mary Callendar's with Joe and Laura.

Now to cool off, kick back, and relax.

Fortune, thats how the cookie crumbles

I've blogged about a few other cookie fortunes in the past. Here are a few that are so un-canny! Hmm ... "zipzeezoxzeezabadezooks!" (that last magic word is some trivia for you readers).

The very act of believing creates strength of its own.

A baby can swim before it can walk; just imagine what you are capable of.

Keep up the good work. You soon will be rewarded financially.

An unexpected payment is coming your way!

Now is the time to call loved ones at a distance. Share your news.

Investigate new possibilities with friends. Now is the time! (eBay?)

Use your abilities at this time to stay focused on your goal. You will succeed.

You will soon be the guest of a person you admire.

Now is a good time for a new collection or hobby. (coins?)

Do not let great ambitions overshadow small successes.

The next full moon brings an enchanting evening.

You will make many changes before settling down happily. (life, today)

Some nice padding!

I should have tested the pedometer today as soon as it was bought. 'Could swear I walked all of Target for almost an hour looking at random items.

Anyway, part of today's purchase (it was Ryan's idea/fault to go) were two-(2) plush pillows, a set of hangers, and finally a lamp for Mig's room. :-)