Pope John Paul II

On April 2, 2005 millions and millions of people were in sorrow as they received the news that Pope John Paul II had died. He had been the pope for 25 years and was love, admired, and respected through out the world. For many he was much more than a "pope." The following is an article that summarizes the pontificate years (1978-2005) of John Paul II.

THE PONTIFICATE YEARS
1978
On 16 October Cardinal Karol Wojtyla is elected successor to Pope John Paul I and takes the name John Paul II, the 264th Pope of the Catholic Church .

1981
8 February John Paul II meets with Rome's Chief Rabbi, Elio Toaff.13 MayAt 5.19 pm a young Turk, Alì Agca, makes an attempt on the Pope's life. Severely wounded, the Pope is operated on for six hours at Rome's Gemelli hospital.

1982
13 MayBefore the statue of Our Lady of Fátima, John Paul II recites the Act of Consecration and Entrustment of the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.7 JuneAudience with President of the United States of America, Ronald Reagan.15 SeptemberAudience with Yasser Arafat.19 OctoberMeeting with the President of the Italian Republic, Sandro Pertini.

1983
11 DecemberMeeting with the Evangelic-Lutheran community in Rome.

1984
18 FebruaryAgreement between the Holy See and the Italian Republic on the revision of the Lateran Concordat: new Concordat signed

1985
19 FebruaryAudience with Israeli Prime Minister, Simon Peres.27 FebruaryAudience with the Foreign Minister of the USSR, Andrei Gromyko.30 MarchWorld Youth Day in Rome.17 NovemberPersonal message from the Pope to Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbaciov for the Geneva summit.

1986
19 FebruaryAudience with the President of Lebanon, Amin Gemayel.13 AprilJohn Paul II makes a visit to Rome's main Synagogue.

1987
13 JanuaryAudience with the President of the Council of the People's Republic of Poland, Wojciech Jaruzelski.

1988
27 MayAudience with the President of the United States of America, George Bush.1 DecemberOfficial visit of the President of the USSR, Mikhail Gorbaciov.

1991
15 JanuaryLetters to the President of the United States, George Bush and to the President of Iraq, Saddam Hussein in an attempt to avert the Gulf War.31 OctoberJohn Paul II receives in audience the Pontifical Academy of the Sciences and is presented with the conclusions reached by the "Commission for the Study of the ptolemaic-copernican Controversy", which was instituted by John Paul II on 3 June 1981 to "provide to the world of science and culture the long-awaited response in merit to the case of Galileo Galilei ".

1992
John Paul II is taken into Rome's "Gemelli" hospital for diagnostic tests.A tumour is found and, having been given the Sacraments, the Holy Father undergoes an emergency operation.The tumour is benign.

1993
9 JanuaryAt Assisi: Special Prayer meeting for peace in Europe, especially the Balkans.

1994
17 MarchAudience with the Israeli Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin.7 AprilConcert held in the Vatican for the commemoration of the Shoah, in the presence of John Paul II and Chief Rabbi of Rome, Elio Toaff.2 JuneAudience with the President of the United States of America, Bill Clinton.8 OctoberWorld Meeting of Families with the Holy Father honoring the International Year of the Family

1995
4 SeptemberThe Holy See sends a delegation, for the first time headed by a woman, Mary Ann Glendon, to make an address to the 4th UN Conference on Women in Beijing, held 4 - 15 September 1995.

1996
20 JanuaryState visit of the President of France, Jacques Chirac.19 NovemberAudience with the President of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cuba, Fidel Castro Ruz.

1997
24 MarchOpening presentation of the Holy See Internet site.16 JuneLetters to the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and to the President of the Palestinian Authority, Yasser Arafat for the Middle East peace process.24 JuneLetter on religious freedom to the President of the Russian Federation, Boris Eltsin.

1998
18 JuneAudience with the President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.

1999
2 MayBeatification of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina in St. Peter's Square.28 OctoberIn St. Peter's Square, the closing of the Inter-religious assembly "On the threshold of the III millennium: collaboration among the different religions".24 DecemberThe start of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000: Opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica.

2000
13 MayAt the end of the Beatification ceremony at Fatima of Francesco and Giacinta Marto, Cardinal Angelo Sodano announces that the "third part" of the secret of Fatima will be made public. The Message of Fatima will be published in its entirety on 26 June 2000.5 JuneAudience with the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin.13 JuneJohn Paul II expresses his satisfaction for the clemency granted to Alì Agca by the President of Italy during the jubilee year.9 JulyVisit to the Roman prison Regina Coeli to celebrate the Jubilee in Prisons.3 SeptemberBeatification of 5 Servants of God, among which are Pope Pius IX and Pope John XXIII.17 OctoberVisit of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and of H.R.H. Prince Philip , Duke of Edinburgh

2001
Following the terrorist attacks of 11 September and during the war in Afghanistan, the Pope before the Angelus, invites Catholics to a day of fasting for peace (14 December 2001) and invites leaders of the world's religions to a Day of Prayer for Peace in the World in Assisi (24 January 2002) .

2002
24 January Day of Prayer for Peace in the World at Assisi, with members of Churches and ecclesial communities and with representatives of other religions. 14 NovemberVisit to the Italian Parliament in a public session held in the Palace of Montecitorio, Rome.

2003
5 MarchIn occasion of Ash Wednesday, celebrates the day of fasting for the cause of peace, above all in the Middle East. In the weeks to follow, the Pope meets numerous authorities and makes pressing appeals to avoid the danger of war in Iraq.

Computers/health effects

In recent years, the popularity of computers and the internet has increased. Computers are even required in many schools and universitites. Even if they aren't required, students still need them for research, email, and/or to write a document. Although computers are agreat advancement in technology, they do have their negative side. The following is an article I found on the internet about the effects of children working at a computer station that is not properly designed for them.

Sitting Right from the Start
Good Computer Ergonomics for Children
By Rick Allen, DC
At least 70 percent of America's 30 million elementary school students use computers. As a result of this increased usage, doctors of chiropractic are treating more young patients suffering from the effects of working at computer station the are either designed for adults or poorly designed for children. Many children are already suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic pain in the hands, back, neck and shoulders. These are harmful physical effects that can last a life-time.

What Can You Do?
-Position the computer monitor so the top of the screen is at the child's eye level.
-Make sure the chair at the workstation fits the child correctly. A back cushion, small pillow, or rolled-up towel can be placed in the small of the child's back for added support.
-Wrists should be in a neutral position while typing or using the mouse.
-The child's knees should be positioned at a right angle. If necessary, use a footrest.
-Reduce eyestrain by making sure there is adequate lighting and no glare on the screen.
-Limit your child's time at the computer -- no more than _ hour without a break.
-Have your child take stretch breaks every 15 minutes.
-Your child's muscles need adequate hydration to work properly and avoid injury -- four 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Soda, juices and other sweet drinks are not a substitute.
-Urge your child's school or PTA officials to provide education on correct computer ergonomics and to install ergonomically correct workstations.
-Ask Dr. Allen for further information. He would be happy to come to your child's school to provide ergonomic evaluation and education. Chiropractic care can help alleviate your child's pain and help prevent further injury.

turning point

After spending the weekend with my family and being away from the university for a couple of days, I am now back with a new vision or perspective of college. I spent a lot of time with my parents and siblings talking about life in general. I realized they all expect the best of me and because of this, I need to try to put my problems aside and not let them interfere with my student life. Although it will not be easy, I am determined to fight all barriers in order to prove to myself and others that I can be a responsible and assiduous student.

three more days...

I haven't seen my family for three months, but it feels a lot longer. I have never lived away from my parents before, so this has not been an easy experience for me. However, in three days I will fly to Charleston, South Carolina (where my brother goes to college) and finally get to spend time with my family. I am really looking forward to this weekend because it has been long since I have spent time with my entire family at the same time. My parents got divorced when I was nine years old, so the entire family only gets together in special events such as graduation. Also, my siblings are all older than me and are already in college so I only got to see them in Thanksgiving, Christmas, and during the summer. I am also looking forward to this weekend because I believe this weekend will help me get back together and will motivate me to do better in school. Althought I am 18 and should be able to do things on my own, I sometimes need the motivation of my family.

People go in and out of people's lives. Some take everything with them leaving nothing behind, but others leave a part of them in your life. Those people that leave your life leaving something behind can be a stranger, a fellow classmate or worker, a friend, a family member...It does not matter how close the person is to you or how long you have known them for. Some people you know for years and do not teach you anything, others you talk to for a couple of minutes and teach you things you would not be able to learn in a lifetime...Sometimes you do not even have to meet the person. By just hearing about their life story, your life will take a sudden turn.
A couple of months ago I was having dinner with my mother and stepfather and my mother was telling us a story about how this women was telling her a story about this other women who was going through an insuperable battle with cancer. She went on telling my mother how sad the women was, how much she needed her family's support. Believe it or not this women ended up being my mother's aunt. My mother knew she was sick but had no idea it was that bad. When I heard this story the only thing I wanted to do was get in the car and drive to my mother's aunts house. I wanted to give her the company and support she needs. I wanted to help her but there was nothing I could do. This made me realize how one's life can change in a second, how complete happiness can turn into horror in a second...This women is part of my family but since we live hours away from each other I have only seen her a couple of times in life and all when I was very young. Despite the distance, her story changed my life...She was one of those people that go in your life for a reason and when they leave, they leave a part of them with you.

the mystery of life

Have you ever sat down and just tried to figure out the purpose of your life? A few years ago I would constantly ruminate on this subject and for some reason always ended up crying. I did not understand why we all have to go through such exciting and such horrifying situations in life when it is all going to be gone whtn we least expect it. My family, my friends, my experiences...Everything I have learned and achieved in life, it will eventually disappear with my death. However, one day I realized it does not necessarily have to leave with your soul. We are all here to make a difference, in the world or just in someone's life, but we are all here for a reason. Enjoy life. Laugh. Cry. Smile. Learn. Help others. Help yourself. Live your life to the fullest...that is what we are here for.

These past weeks....

The past weeks in my life have been bad, they can only be described in one word: horryfying. I started off the school year very well. I was looking forward to college and to making new friends. The first weeks were perfect. My classes were going well and I was loving the new life. However, my life took a sudden turn. Everything changed. Something occurred that took all the positive attitude in me and changed it into a negative one. I have not been able to get back into that positive attitude. I do not know if it is because I don't have my family here with me, or if it is because it is just too hard for someone my age to handle. Whatever it is, it is bothering me. I want to enjoy this new chapter in my life, I don't want anything to get in my way of achieving my dreams.

Love is defined as "a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person." For me, love is much more than this. It is much more than liking someone becausew of their gorgeous visage or "hot" body. Many people confuse love with lust. Love is not only the sexual desire, it is an emotional desire. It is caring for someone as if they are part of you....When one feels the need to help someone at all times, when one feels the need to be next to someone's side in the good and bad times, when one lets that person go because one knows that their happiness is somewhere else...then, one can be sure that is love.

I believe everything should be faught for. If one wants something, one should strive to achieve it. Becuase of this, I have never liked lottery. I believe it is unfair for someone to receive such huge amount of money because of a fortuitous win. I admire people that go from having nothing to being successful. These are the kind of people that deserve winning such great amount of money. I believe everyone is capable of being successful in life; all they need is great motivation.

My project

I have been thinking of what I will be writing and teaching about for many days now. It has not been easy because I am interested in many things such as psychology and fashion. However, I have decided that my topic will be "eating disorders."
Eating disorders is something I have always been very interested in since I suffered from one myself. Many young girls are suffering from eating disorders, be it anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. The media is a major cause of these eating disorders. Teenagers look up to celebrities and many celebrities themselves are teenagers. People do not realize anyone can suffer from an eating disorder. When girls see their role models losing an excessive amount of weight, they believe that is the right way to look and therefore, end up doing the same thing.
I believe this is a topic everyone should know about since it is affecting so many today. Because of this and my interest in the topic, I will be researching more information on eating disorders and then teaching what I already know and what I have learned while researching on the topic.

Blogging Experience

When we first began blogging I did not know what to expect from it. I thought I was not going to like it since I would be writing for a grade. However, I have enjoyed blogging. I used to only like writing letters but I have learned to enjoy writing on different topics. I believe blogging is a good way to improve one's writing skills and to have one's thoughts well organized.

Free Writing

I am the youngest of my family and the "contumacious" child. I have always been the rebel in my family. When I was younger I would constantly get home very late in the night without letting my parents know where I was. To make things worse, I was going out with a guy much older than me. My parents disliked him and refused to let me be with him but ofcourse, I did not pay attention to what they said. I was with him for two years but ended up breaking up. Guess what? My parents were right all along. He wasn't the guy for me. Now I know I was wrong all along but I do not regret it because going through that experience taught me many things and made me who I am today.

contumacious: stubbornly perverse or rebellious; willfully and obstinately disobedient.

Free Writing

It is incredible how someone can change your life in just a second. Someone you don’t even know can teach you such valuable things in such a small amount of time…

It was ten to seven o’ clock and I was in bed trying to go to sleep when I suddenly realized I had to be at the Green Center at seven o’ clock. All freshmen were told that they had to attend the activity. I got there with two of my friends, not very excited about the situation since I was very tired from not sleeping the night before. We sat down and in a short time, the speaker was introduced. His name was Mark. He began saying he wanted to see what type of class we were so he began asking questions like “who has been so drunk that when they wake up the next day they don’t remember how they got back home?” or “who has waken up one day and wondered who is laying down next to them in bed?” The room was a total chaos. All students were raising their hand, laughing, and screaming. All of a sudden Mark asked something like “who has been drinking with three of their best friends and at the end of the night ended up killing them in a car accident?” The room was silent. Mark was accused of killing his three best friends, spent three years of his life in jail, and since then went around the United States telling people about this day.

Watching his video and the pictures of the accident, listening to the story and listening to him express what he learned from this experience, made me realize many things about life. We all criticize our lives and fight with our friends and families, when we should actually be living each day to the fullest and always letting each person you care about know how you feel about them.