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?

He chooses.