Archive | January 3, 2020
January 3, 2020  

Pope Francis, I Think, Is Ill & In Considerable Pain — Hence His Uncharacteristic Short-Temper.

by Anura Guruge

The SLAP felt around the World.

This, which happened on Wednesday, January 1, 2020, went viral.
The pope apologized the next day — since his theme for the early part of 2020 ‘preventing violence against women‘!
Yes, it was ironic — as only popes can manage.

Here is a YouTube video of the whole sorry incident.

Christmas Eve Mass December 24, 2019.

Watch around the 8- & 17-minute marks.

As a Vaticanologist (though not full time) I do keep an eye on this pope (who I picked, in 2010, in print, as the possible next pope).

The unfortunate slapping incident, in my opinion, wasn’t just a case of him being a grumpy old, 83-year old man. I think there is more to it than that.

He is getting old.

He has had bad feet since he was a teenager and has worn especially made, corrective/therapeutic shoes all his adult life. He also had a part of one of his lungs removed when he was in his early 20s.

He has always walked with a slight limp but it is significantly more pronounced now. Watch him on the Mass video above. Also notice how one of his feet stick out at an angle. I am sure he has pain issues to do with his leg, back or both. A few weeks ago there was a viral flap that he was wearing a pain-pump. The Vatican denied that and said it was a remote mike!

4-years ago his doctors wanted him to go on a diet. That didn’t work. He is larger now than at any other time in his papacy. That probably doesn’t help his feet.

So, I contend that this pope is in pain and his health may not be that good. I could, as ever, be wrong.

Related posts:
Check Category ‘religion’.
Search ‘cardinals‘, ‘consistory‘ & ‘pope‘.

by Anura Guruge

January 3, 2020  

Seems Incongruous That TWO Touring Test Cricket Teams, One In Australia The Other In South Africa, Come Down With The Flu.

by Anura Guruge

From Google News.

Google for more.

Click to ENLARGE.


Very well could be a total coincidence.

But, it struck me as curious and strange. Two touring teams, thousands of miles apart, getting hit with similar symptoms — affecting MULTIPLE KEY players.

Yes, of course, I am a confessed, professional cynic.

In both instances only the touring team affected — and multiple, key players at that. Home team untouched.

Yes, it could just be a fluke. Let’s hope so.

In cricket we have had match-fixing and at least one act of terrorism. We really don’t want germ warfare getting thrown into the equation!

Well, I am going keep an eye on this. So, watch this space. SMILE.

Related posts:
Check Category ‘cricket’.

by Anura Guruge

January 3, 2020  

Why BOTH The Australian & New Zealand Cricket Teams Are Wearing Black Armbands At The Sydney Test — The Bushfires.

by Anura Guruge

Click to access the Australian “Sporting News” original.

It was hard to miss with both sides wearing the black armbands.

Usually it is to mourn/mark the death of a famous national player or a family member of one of the players, e.g., to honor the death of 22-year old West Indian, Alzarri Joseph’s Mother in February 2019.

Well in this case it is different and I am NOT sure whether black is the right color.

Both teams, RIGHTLY, are honoring the fire and emergency crews that are fighting the horrendous bushfires burning all over Australia.

I am glad (and humbled) that the players are making this gesture. Bravo. Well done.

Just not sure that black is the right color.

Yes, there have been deaths and there will be more due these fires.

But, right now they are honoring those fighting the fires.

I would have preferred to see them wear another color, say red or orange.

Related posts:
Check Category ‘cricket’.

by Anura Guruge

January 3, 2020  

With January 1 On A Wednesday, 2020 Is A Good Year For EARLY Social Security Payments.

by Anura Guruge

Click to ENLARGE.

You need to be on Social Security to appreciate this. If not this will be of no interest, at all, at all.

Social Security is paid on Wednesdays starting with the 2nd Wednesday of the month — depending on your birthday. See bottom-left in the image. My birthday is on a 4th, so I get paid on the 2nd Wednesday. (Yes, some banks, like mine actually post it early, ready to be spent, on Tuesdays.)

With January 1, 2020 falling on a Wednesday the payment schedule is as good as it gets. It being a Leap Year helps too, though that is, alas, an illusion. SMILE.

Just thought you would like to know. Enjoy. Happy New Year.

Related posts:
Search on ‘Social Security‘.

by Anura Guruge

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