I think Ratzinger is more a placeholder pope than anything else -- he is 78, so even if his health is good, we'll probably get another new pope in the next decade. Maybe the forces for change within the church decided to wait until they could elect a pope who wouldn't be transitional. Or maybe there just aren't enough forces for change. I can't really say.

In any case, Mal is adorable. He looks so alert and person-like.

Wasn't that part of the plot of Godfather III?

Maria, I'm sorry, too (and I suspect my apologies need to go out to JZ, as well).

Thanks everyone.

No apologies necessary, Heather. I heard it that way too.

Wearing tall hats, a man could trip and have an accident.

For the longest time, conspiracy theories floated about regarding JPI's death. It's only in recent years the Vatican finally disclosed he had a heart attack.

Jess, the only consolation I have is his age. Perhaps I'm being optomistic, but I think that the cardinals chose him for this reason. No more 20+ year papacies, and allow some distance between the cult of personality that seems to have sprung up around JPII and the next reformer.

edit: Godfather x-postyness.

I did not know this! I was just joking around and being a heathen. Maria, I hope that happens.

Maria, I hope that happens.

I don't wish death upon the man--at least a death before his time. BUT, subterfuge and assassinations are not unknown in the Vatican. Sometimes morality finds the doors of power slammed in her face. A selective conscience was many a cardinal's friend.

I meant, should he reach an end within the next few years that the next guy be more vital and less frightening. Not that he should take a long walk off a short dais.

The detective just called me back. I finally feel like I've been able to do something.

Hee! Erika's changed my whole outlook on murder! Sorry I misunderstood.

I took the day off work today. I probably shouldn't have, but DAMN, I am so glad I did. Oh, and for anyone who was worried--all four cats were safe at home when I got back from work yesterday, so no harm done. Phew!

Jen, yay and more yay for your fabulous date! I'm really happy for you. I tried OKCupid myself, but there weren't many people on it from Western Mass, and most of those were college students--not so much my thing. (Generally, I don't like to date anyone younger than me. It's a thing.) Can't remember what all three of my adjectives were, but I know one was "seaworthy".

Also I got another tattoo.

brenda, in the dream or in real life?

Raquel, you've got a beautiful kid there. Good to see you, however briefly!

The detective just called me back. I finally feel like I've been able to do something.

I'm glad he called, vw. I don't know the specifics of the situation, but I hope he was helpful, and I hope the situation is resolved quickly and easily.

Re: the Pope, I'm confused about how they're named. What is it about Ratzinger (is that really his name? wow) that he gets named Benedict XVI? I mean, why wasn't he John Paul III?