"In 1994, when he was convalescing at Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic hospital after hip replacement surgery, the pope reassured the masses from his hospital window: 'I've never been so examined in my life, from top to bottom. I didn't even know such organs existed.'

As with the current health crisis, the question of whether the pope would be forced to step down was an issue back then. He dealt with the question with humor, joking with his surgeon about the church law that would let him resign if he became incapacitated. 'Doctor, neither you nor I have any choice. You have to cure me because there is no room for a pope emeritus,' he said."

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• A list of 4-star movies coming up on television
• A thorough compilation of online movie reviews. Always my first stop when I'm going to a movie or renting.
• A quick scriptural meditation -- updated daily.
• Latest monologue zingers from Leno, Letterman, et al.
• Random lists . . . I don't know how to describe this. Check it out for yourself.
• A compilation of past Superbowl commercials.
• The best test of your covetousness level I can imagine.
• A good case for simplifying your work style. From Jugglezine, Herman Miller's excellent online work/life magazine.
• The best way to cook poultry.
• A guide to picking a marriage counselor.
• And finally, a treat for those of you much younger than I.

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• James Kushiner of Touchstone Magazine's Mere Comments blog talks about his annual retreat at an Orthodox monastery in southern Michigan. I never knew it was there. Do they accept visits from non-Orthodox? It's my firm intention to find out.
• I am a secret and embarrassed fan of the television show Project Runway. It's a little morality play all dressed up in charmeuse satin. You want to learn about how and when to accept advice, how to be an effective leader of a group of competitors, why it's worth cultivating resilience in the face of obstacles, how to mesh creativity and efficiency? It's all in there. And, for you men out there, the models are tres attractive.
• If I hadn't watched the Grammy Awards, I would have missed a terrific Gospel number with the gravely-voiced Mavis Staples and a new rap star Kanye West singing his winning hit Jesus Walks. Who knew?
• Let's not forget the ongoing transformation in Iraq, spotlit by the recent very successful election. The 60% turnout should shame the United States where a drizzle convinces voters that catching Oprah is more important than voting for president. Even the United Nations was impressed: 'Using the term "incredible" several times, the chief United Nations electoral official who led the team giving technical aid and advice for Iraq's national poll on Sunday said today she was "extremely pleased" . . ."I have participated in many elections in my life," Carina Perelli, chief of the UN Electoral Assistance Division, told a news briefing in New York. "This was probably one of the most moving elections I have ever seen because it was basically people making a very dignified, peaceful demonstration that the will of the people has to be heard."' Thank God, thank God.
• Matthew at Shrine of the Holy Whapping believes that there's yet more fun to be had. In justice to Catholics of Eastern European origin, he propounds giving St. Cyril's day the attention it allegedly deserves. However, he seems to be running into some resistance. "My idea to attempt to cash in on the Apostles to the Slavs by selling tee-shirts saying "Kiss Me, I'm Croatian," died an unfortunate death somewhere along the line. Why should the Irish have all the fun? Everyone is Slavonic on St. Cyril's day!." My only question is: what color do you dye the Chicago River?

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