The time just flies...

'Twas an eventful weekend.

Benedict XVI gave his first mass today. I hope people give him more of a chance than they have been. The media loves to remind us of a few facts about the new Pope:

1. He's old!
2. He's really old, and possibly feeble and/or sick!
3. Even he has said he won't be pope for long.
4. He was in Hitler's Youth Army (which was a long time ago, so, you know-- he's old!)
5. He's conservative and set in his ways, which, consequently, is another trait of old people!

At mass today, Father Antonio reminded us that there's no need to fear Benedict XVI. He will lead as best he can for as long as he can. And whether you agree or disagree with his decisions (and really, wait until he does something before you make up your mind one way or the other), remember that he is leading from his conscience and his convictions. I think the world will warm up to him quickly. I pray that he works to restore some of the respect to the church that has been lost through scandal, and that he works to modernize certain aspects of the church while maintaining the foundation of the faith. That's a lot to do for anyone.

Here's what's coming on monkeywright.com (hopefully by the end of the week). Some thoughts on Pope John Paul II. A new look for the site. I can't decide whether to go all modern and cool, or keep the current look with a few tweaks. The book section will (finally!) be revamped with some new excerpts added. And, God willing, someone will give me some easy corkboard code to get my message board working again.

There's a few big changes coming up here in Los Angeles... and I'll tell you all about them soon enough when the time is right...

A new blog format...

To herald the arrival of a tweaked monkeywright.com... coming, as all things, SOON!

Just when you think everything is going fine...
I did my civic duty! I was a juror in an armed robbery trial. Now that my court-mandated gag-order is released, I shall tell all on my blog! SOON (Keep an eye on the Lost Angeles section. Go there now!) Here's a teaser:

Imagine the intrigue of NBC's Law & Order. Throw in a dash of mystery a la CSI. Add a dash of gritty street detectives from NYPD Blue. Sounds cool, doesn't it?

Well, this trial wasn't anything like that. It was cold in the courtroom. The attorneys weren't very exciting (the prosecutor kind of poo-poo'd all of the above mentioned shows -- say... new blog topic. What is the correct spelling of the past tense of poo-poo?).

Anyway, I served three days and made $45 plus mileage. Theres a good story to tell in there somewhere.

I'm getting sick of Los Angeles.

It is finished...
We are moved into the new apartment. And, as Madeline Kahn sang in Blazing Saddles... I'm tired. Of course, I'm tired for very different reasons. Today is a melancholy day. I had planned to put an entry in about my recent confirmation as a Catholic. Now, I have to think a little longer so that I can post my feelings about the passing of Pope John Paul II, a truly magnificent human being and an inspiration. A few months back, I was thinking about his declining condition, and how relentless and determined he remained to send his message. I will post a tribute soon...

In more inappropriate news...
I found a link to this picture off of Neil Gaiman's blog, and I think I need to do more caption contests. This logo comes from the doorway of a children's clinic. Let me beat you all to the punchline on one series of jokes... was the clinic funded by Michael Jackson? (or NAMBLA? or... insert random perv (no pun intended...)) Now you try! Let's hear some commercial taglines...


In other heartbreaking news...
Wrestlemania is taking place tomorrow here in Los Angeles. Such a wonderful cultural event, and I have to miss it. And tonight, the Hall of Fame ceremony. Nikolai Volkoff, the Iron Sheik, Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper, Cowboy Bob Orton all in one room... It's like a childhood dream. And I can't be there. *SIGH*