North Korea

The United States is taking recent threats by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea seriously.  The DPRK, or North Korea, has communicated it is a state of war with South Korea and the United States.  Kim Jong Un, the 30 year old leader of North Korea, is threatening to attack United States bases in Korea and in other places in the Pacific. 

Kim Jong Un is using the recent military exercises conducted by the United States and South Korea as a catalyst to rally his nation behind the idea of being the victim of the aggressions of their neighbors and America.  The propaganda deployed by the North Korean government is shocking but effective with the people of North Korea.

The threats from North Korean’s head of state is nothing new.  Kim Jong Un’s father and grandfather have been saber rattling about the United States and South Korea since the armistice was reached in the 1953, ending the fighting of the Korean War.  While the threats are nothing new, the variables have changed.  Kim Jong Un is young and unpredictable.  His inexperience in world affairs concerns leaders in our state department and Pentagon.  In addition, North Korea, while still lacking the necessary technology to launch an attack on the United States, their nuclear and warfare technology is far more advanced than it was a year ago.

While the United States and South Korea are preparing for potential attacks, they are trying to figure out what North Korea wants and how they can put an end to the rhetoric.  The recent statements from Kim Jong Un can be for a number of reasons including:

1.        An attempt to coerce the South Koreans and the United States to provide additional aid the North Korea

2.       Demonstrating North Korea’s resentment and anger towards the United Nations about recent sanctions against North Korea due to their unauthorized nuclear weapon testing

3.       An attempt to distract the North Korean people from their current economic struggles and give them some national issue to rally behind

4.       A desire to show strength to his people and over compensate for his lack of age and experience

The most tragic part of the story is the plight of the people of North Korea.  Since the government controls access to information, the people do not understand the realities of the world outside of the DPRK.  They truly believe everything they hear from the government and the lies about the United States.  These are people who are starving.  They lack the basic needs of survival.  Instead of the government investing in their people, they continue to invest in warfare technology.   

What do you think about the threats from North Korea?  How should the United States respond?  How should the United States respond if North Korea attacks South Korea or a United States base in Asia?

New York Soda Ban

On Tuesday of this week New York City was set to implement a new mandate passed down from Mayor Michael Bloomberg eliminating the sale of sugary drinks in quantities greater than 16 ounces in restaurants, movie theaters, and other food service establishments.  At the last hour a New York Supreme Court justice struck down the law, but the mayor vows to fight the appeal.

This is just one of a series of city ordinances the mayor has implemented dealing with public health issues.  Earlier in his term he has pushed to disallowed smoking in restaurants and bars in the city, banned the distribution of food containing artificial trans-fats and the posting of calorie counts at chain restaurants.  His rationale is to look out for the well being of the citizens of New York City.  The fact is that 60% of adults and 4 of 10 children in New York City are overweight.  It is the definition of a health crisis. 

While the obesity rate for New York City is 24% among adults, which is below the national average of 35%, the trend for adults contracting Type 2 Diabetes is outpacing the nation.  According to the Huffington Post, the United States pays $245 billion each year battling Type 2 Diabetes. 

According to Mayor Bloomberg, “It would be irresponsible not to try to do everything we can to save lives.”

The Supreme Court of New York struck down the ordinance calling it "fraught with arbitrary and capricious consequences".  Some of the difficulties with the ban include establishments run by the state, not the city, would not have to abide by the ruling.  For example, because 7-11 is monitored by the state of New York, it does not fall under the city’s jurisdiction.  Therefore, the sale of Big Gulps would not be affected.

Mayor Bloomberg has vowed to continue this fight in spite of the court’s ruling.  He is committed to doing whatever he can to improve the overall health of New York City, by whatever means available to him as mayor.

What do you think about the ban of sugary drinks in New York?  Is Mayor Bloomberg acting responsibly or is he over-extending the powers of his job and violating peoples’ right to choose?  Do you think obesity is an issue in our country?  If so, does the government have a responsibility to do something about it?  

Sede Vacante - "The Chair is Empty"

How would you like to have a job where 1.1 billion people have a vested interest in the decisions you make and the direction you set?  Where world leaders from every continent are cooperating or not cooperating as you try to influence the spirituality of their people.  A job that was first occupied by one of Jesus Christ’s best friends.  The head of one of the largest religions in the world that is trying to maintain its sense of identity and purpose in an ever changing world.  This is the job of the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. 

On February 28, 2013, the Catholic Church enters the time of Sede Vacante, meaning “the chair is empty”.  Sede vacante represented the time between Popes.  Unlike the government of the United States, which is never without a president, the Catholic Church will have a period of at least 15 days without a leader.  Even as I am writing this, the Vatican is awaiting the remaining 5 Cardinals to join the other 110 to begin Conclave.

Prior to Conclave the College of Cardinals may have some pre-meetings to get to know one another and discuss the needs of the Catholic Church in 2013.  Once Conclave begins the entire process is top secret.  Construction is underway on the Sistine Chapel to install a false floor to hide anti-bugging devices, the installation of stoves to burn the ballots each day, and insure all accommodations are in place for the Cardinals. 

The 115 Cardinals are sworn to secrecy during Conclave.  They will be taken to and from the chapel by bus and stay sequestered during the process.  They will not have access to the news, internet, or any other communication device. 

On the first day one vote is allowed.  Each Cardinal writes the name of the person they select on a slip of paper.  The votes are tallied.  If someone receives two-thirds of the votes, they are asked if they would accept the position, what name they choose, and the ballots are burnt, sending white smoke through the chimney to notify the world of the new pontiff.  If no one receives the required two-thirds, debate, voting and prayer continues.  Up to four votes may be conducted each day.  There is no limit to the amount of time the Cardinals may take to decide the next Pope.  That being said, no Conclave has gone over 5 days since 1831.  It took the College of Cardinals 3 days to decide on Pope Benedict.

While any single, Catholic male is eligible to become Pope, more than likely the man chosen for the position will be one of the 115 Cardinals.  While there is not a clear cut favorite, many are expecting one of the following to be next in line: 

Cardinal Peter Turkson from Ghana

Cardinal Angelo Scola from Italy

Cardinal Marc Ouellet from Canada

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone from Italy

Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco from Italy

Cardinal Leonardo Sandri from Argentina

What do you think of the process to elect the Pope?  What qualities do you think are necessary to be a good choice for the Catholic Church?  What do you think are some of the biggest issues facing the Catholic Church and the next Pope?  

Michael Jordan Turns 50

On Sunday, February 17, Michael Jordan turned 50.  By many if not all he is considered the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.).  He was incredible to watch play.  His physical, mental and emotional abilities were unrivaled.  He forever changed the game of basketball, not to mention to world of sports through his relationship with Nike.  

He was a six time NBA champion, 10 time NBA scoring leader, 6 time NBA finals MVP, 5 time NBA MVP, 11 time All-Star, 2 time Olympic Gold Medalist, and NCAA National champion in addition to many other honors. 

To become the Greatest of All Time did not just happen by accident.  It required constant practice and dedication to refine his craft.  Whenever he reached one pinnacle, he would look for the next challenge.  He was always trying to elevate his game.  He similarly worked to elevate the game of his teammates. 

His willingness to overcome obstacles has allowed him to become awesome.  If I may reference the Kid President, where would we be in Michael Jordan had quit?  No Space Jam.  He didn't quit ever improving himself or his game. 

 

Whether it is sports, school, career, family, we all get the chance to be awesome and become the Greatest of All Time at something.  What do you want to be the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) at?  How will you share your gifts to make the world awesome and inspire others?  

What a Week

This was a crazy week in the news.  There are so many stories I am having a hard time deciding which one to choose from.  Below are a summary of my top four:

Pope Benedict XVI Resigns

Pope Benedict has decided to retire after 8 years of service.  At the age of 85 he no longer feels as though he can completely fulfill the duties of the Papacy.  This breaks a 600 year tradition of the Pope serving until death.  The news of his chosen retirement has sparked many questions.  We may be witnessing the start of a new tradition of the Pope retiring instead of dying in office.  He has set the date of February 28 as his last.  The speculation of who the next Pope will be extensive until the Cardinals meet to elect the new Pontiff.

The State of the Union

The President’s annual message to Congress was delivered on Tuesday evening.  This is the time for the President to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year and set the presidential direction for the coming year.  With our current economic situation, many Democrats and Republicans were supportive and critical of the president’s ideas about how to best support the continued growth of our nation’s economy.  I have not read the complete text, but I did read about money dedicated to fixing bridges and roads in addition to a proposed increase in minimum wage.  In addition to the economy, the President addressed other matters of foreign affairs, including North Korea (see below).

Christopher Dorner, former LAPD, is thought dead after massive manhunt

Christopher Dorner, a former member of the LAPD, has been at large for the past week.  After being released from his position as a police officer, this former Naval reservist vowed to bring revenge on the police force and their families for his firing.  He killed the daughter and fiancé of a former co-worker last week.  After evidence indicting Dorner was found, a manifesto was discovered on Facebook in which he listed the names of his potential victims.  For the past week he has committed numerous crimes over and above murder.  On Tuesday evening he was allegedly found in a cabin in the mountain resort of Big Bear.  A shootout occurred between police and Dorner which resulted in an additional death and injury of San Bernardino officers.  Eventually, Dorner’s cabin caught on fire.  The police are still investigating to ensure Dorner was in the building at the time. 

North Korea Third Nuclear Test

On Monday evening, North Korea conducted its third nuclear weapons test.  The U.S. Seismological Department detected an earthquake with a 5.1 magnitude in the mountains of North Korea.  Later it was discovered and confirmed to be a nuclear tests carried out by the North Koreans.  North Korea is a communist state.  It is estimated that at least 25% of the country’s children live in absolute poverty.  One of the contributing factors is North Korea’s continued investment in nuclear warfare instead of investment in the necessities for its people.   This test was held against the direct wished of the United Nations and their biggest ally, China.  North Korea has continued to invest in weapons of mass destruction in order to defend itself against the cruel treatment and ongoing aggression of the United States.  Although many experts agree it will be sometime before North Korea will possess the ability to launch an attack against the United States, with each test they get one step closer.

Have you heard of any of the above stories?  What about the stories interests you?  Which story do you think is the most important and why?  

Super Bowl Commercials

Chances are if you did not watch the Super Bowl you have heard about the commercials.  Super Bowl commercials have taken on a life of their own.  They have become bigger than the game itself for many people.  I must admit, even I, who turns the channel every time a commercial airs, was anxious to watch the new batch of advertisements to Super Bowl XLVII.

Advertising during the Super Bowl is a gamble.  You have to hope that the cost of the ad will pay off with the increase in business.  History has shown the commercials work, but even then there are only a few companies that can afford to spend $3.8 million on one 30 second advertisement.  But companies like Budweiser, Doritos, and  Go Daddy.com seem to ante up each year.

While the commercials and the budgets have gotten bigger, many are beginning to question whether the advertisements still meet the family entertainment the Super Bowl tries to promote.   As the years have progressed the ads have become closer to PG-13 to R rated than PG. 

I have attached a link to the commercials below.  Go down about half way down the page and you can view all of them.

 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/03/super-bowl-commercials-2013-watch_n_2612632.html?1359944906#slide=2056906

The commercial at the top was my favorite, followed by the Budweiser commercial with the Clydesdale. 

Which commercial was your favorite and why?  What is your reaction to the cost of a 30 second commercial?  Do you think it is worth it?  What do you think about the content of some of the commercials?  Have the commercials become to risqué?  

Catholic Schools Week

This week is Catholic Schools Week in Boise and across the United States.  It is a time to celebrate and appreciate the opportunity to attend a Catholic school.  Catholic schools have a long and interesting history in our country.  Almost simultaneously Catholic schools originated from Franciscan missionaries in Florida and Jesuit in the middle colonies.  As the United States progressed from colonies to states, the school’s needs and objectives evolved.

In the years following the American Revolution, the country, being predominantly Protestant, structured the schooling and curriculum on the teachings of the Protestant Church.  This was at times done at the expense of the Catholic children looking for and education.  In response to the threats of prejudice, Catholic Church leaders decided to start their own schools to ensure a proper education founded in the beliefs of Catholics.

Between the 1830s and the 1960s, the number of schools and students increased.  By around 1965 Catholic schools in America reached its all time high with more than 12,000 parochial schools.  In addition, close to 50% of all Catholic children attended a Catholic School.  In 2006, the number of schools is about half of that and the percentage of Catholic children attending Catholic schools is closer to 15%.  Although this may seem like a significant drop, about 40% of all Catholic schools have a waiting list for incoming students and the needs in suburban areas continues to be high.

In Boise, we are truly blessed to have 4 parochial schools and a Catholic high school.  It seems appropriate this year’s theme for Catholic Schools Week is “Faith, Academics, Service”.  We are lucky to be part of a school which embraces our faith as we establish high academic standards and promote a community focused on providing service to others.    

What do you think about your Catholic education?  What would or do you say to people about St. Joe’s?  What are your favorite things about the school?  What would you like to see changed or improved on in the future?