In the first modification of its kind, Japanese researchers have inserted a gene from the human liver into rice to enable it to digest pesticides and industrial chemicals. The gene makes an enzyme, code-named CPY2B6, which is particularly good at breaking down harmful chemicals in the body. Environmentalists say that no one will want to eat the partially human-derived food because it will smack of cannibalism. But supporters say that the controversial new departure presents no ethical problems and could bring environmental benefits. This continues the heated debate over Frankenfood, a term applied to the use of genetically modified organisms in food production, common in the US but largely frowned upon in Europe.

Frankenstein Foods: GM Industry Puts Human Gene into Rice, GNN.tv

Japanese company SolidAlliance has released its GhostRadar, a portable ghost detector/USB memory drive that can detect electromagnetic fields, as well as sense body heat.The company even has a forum on its website where people can report their parapsychological findings. For those who like an alternative, there is an old-school electromagnetic field meter available from Trifield for $179.

Electromagnetic fields have been known to alter perception by affecting the brain. People in areas with high EM concentrations sometimes experience hallucinations or have eerie feelings that go away when they leave the place. This has led some parapsychologists to propose that these fields may be ghosts or some other spirits, in turn sending them on ghosthunts for hotspots of EM activity in search of evidence. Now you can be a ghosthunter too. Who you gonna call?

GhostRadar, SolidAlliance.
TriField Natural EM Meter, TriField

St. Malachy, a.k.a. Maolmhaodhog ua Morgairm, Maol Maedoc, and Malachy O’Morgair. Born in 1094 at Armagh, Ireland. Died November 2, 1148 at Clairvaux. He was the first Irish saint to be canonized by the pope, Clement III in 1190. He was reported to posses many powers, including levitation, healing (by laying on hands), and clairvoyance. He even correctly predicted the date of his death (though theoretically anyone could make a self-fulfilling prophecy like that, if they really want to).

While on his way to the Vatican to assume the post of papal legate of Ireland, he fell into a trance and had a vision of the 112 papal reigns from the succesor to Innocent II- Celestine II - through to the last pope, identified as Peter of Rome. Each pope was assigned a short description, rather than a specific name. However, these mottoes seem to refer at different times to family names, birthplace, coat-of-arms, or office held before papacy (e.g. Pius II, who reigned for only 26 days in 1503, was described De Parbo Homine - from a little man - his family names was Piccolomini, Italian for “little man”; Clement XIII, connected with the state of Umbria, whose emblem was a rose, Rosa Umbriae, Rose of Umbria). He presented the manuscript to Pope Innocent II, but it was forgotten until 1590.

The Last 10 Popes

1. Ignis ardens, The Burning Fire. PIUS X. 1903-1914. This Pope showed a burning passion for spiritual renewal in the Church.

2. Religio depopulata, Religion Laid Waste. BENEDICT XV. 1914-1922. During this Pope’s reign saw Communism move into Russia where religious life was laid waste, and World War I with the death of millions of Christians who were carnage in Flanders Field and elsewhere.

3. Fides intrepida, Unshaken Faith. PIUS XI. 1922-1939. This Pope faced tremendous pressure from fascist and sinister powers in Germany and Italy, but he was an outspoken critic of Communism and Fascism which enraged Hitler.

4. Pasto angelicus, An Angelic Shepherd. PIUS XII. 1939-1958. This Pope had an affinity for the spiritual world and received visions which have not been made public. Peter Bander says Pius XII “has emerged as one of the great Popes of all time,” and he “was in the truest sense of the word an Angelic Pastor to the flock…”

5. Pastor et nauta, Pastor and Mariner. JOHN XXIII. 1958-1963. John was a pastor to the world, much beloved, and the Patriarch of Venice. The connection to “mariner” is thus remarkable.

6. Flos florum, Flower of Flowers. PAUL VI. 1963-1978. Paul’s coat-of-arms depicts three fleurs-de-lis, corresponding to Malachay’s prophecy. His coat of arms included three fleurs-de-lis (iris blossoms).

7. De medietate lunae, Of the Half Moon. JOHN PAUL I. 1978-1978. John Paul I was elected Pope on August 26, 1978, when there was a half moon. He reigned 33 days, that is, about one month, when he died, although many think he was murdered. He was the 109th Pope - is “De Medietate Lunae” (Of the Half Moon). The corresponding pope was John Paul I (1978-78), who was born in the diocese of Belluno (beautiful moon) and was baptized Albino Luciani (white light). He became pope on August 26, 1978, when the moon appeared exactly half full. It was in its waning phase. He died the following month, soon after an eclipse of the moon.

8. Labor solis, The Labor of the Sun. JOHN PAUL II. 1978-2005. Pope John Paul II was the most traveled Pope in history. He circled the globe numerous times, preaching to huge audiences everywhere he went. He survived an assassination attempt. He has written a book which has enjoyed a large circulation. Like the sun which never ceases to labor and provides light daily, this Pope has been incessant. He was born on May 18, 1920. On that date in the morning there was a near total eclipse of the sun over Europe. Prophecy - The 110th Pope is “De Labore Solis” (Of the Solar Eclipse, or, From the Toil of the Sun). Like the sun he came out of the East (Poland).

9. Gloria olivae, The Glory of the Olive. The Order of St. Benedict has said this Pope will come from their order. It is interesting that Jesus gave his apocalyptic prophecy about the end of time from the Mount of Olives. This Pope will reign during the beginning of the tribulation Jesus spoke of. The 111th prophesy is “Gloria Olivae” (The Glory of the Olive). The Order of Saint Benedict has claimed that this pope will come from their ranks. Saint Benedict himself prophesied that before the end of the world his Order, known also as the Olivetans, will triumphantly lead the Catholic Church in its fight against evil.

10. Petrus romanus, PETER THE ROMAN - This final Pope will likely be Satan, taking the form of a man named Peter who will gain a worldwide allegiance and adoration. He will be the final antichrist which prophecy students have long foretold. If it were possible, even the very elect would be deceived. The 112th prophesy states: In persecutione extrema S.R.E. sedebit Petrus Romanus, qui pascet oues in multis tribulationibus: quibus transactis ciuitas septicollis diruetur, & Iudex tremêdus iudicabit populum suum. Finis. “In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church there will reign Petrus Romanus, who will feed his flock amid many tribulations; after which the seven-hilled city will be destroyed and the dreadful Judge will judge the people. The End.”

Papal Prophecies, Crystalinks.com
Prophecies of the Popes, Wikipedia.org

A.D. 1139, Saint Malachy O’Morgair, Archbishop of Armagh, Ireland, wrote down a list of 112 future Popes, each followed by a short phrase in Latin (except for the last one, who gets a lengthy apocalyptic description). Much has been made of this, since most popes have taken the names suggested in the prophesy (albeit, it is possible that the well-known existence of the prophecy makes it a self-fulfilling one). I could bore you with eariler examples, but seems it would be more fun to check out the new pope.

Benedict XVI, Malachy’s motto: Gloria Olivae, the glory of the olive. The olive branch is one of the symbols of St. Benedict (which led some to suspect that he’d be a Benedictine), hence the choice of name is clear. But that’s not all, Joseph Ratzinger was born April 16, the feast of St. Benedict Joseph Labre the Holy Pilgrim; Joseph, Benedict, weird. The olive branch, of course, is the symbol of peace, Benedict XVI chose Pax, peace, as his papal motto. Perhaps an omen, on the opening day of the conclave Cyprus elected a Turkish president who’s trying to bring together the two sectors, the Cyprus flag has two olive branches. Interestingly, some suggested that the prophecy referred to St. Benedict the Black (the Moor), patron saint of African Americans, thereby implying that this pope would be black. However, St. Benedict himself wasn’t Black. Some just mistook the Italian il moro to mean he was a Moor.

Soon, based on the prophecy and Mt 17:1-8, Benedict XVI will suggest that three buildings be builit in Jerusalem: a temple, a church and a mosque, to make the city a place of love and worship. He will work towards world peace, but ultimately fail. Soon after he dies, World War III will break out. This should take place circa 2010. The next pope is the last one mentioned in Malachy’s prophecy.

So we have a new pope now, neat. Here’s some info from the Vatican website peppered with commentary.

Joseph Ratzinger, Prefect of Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Dean of the College of Cardinals. Born on 16 April 1927 in Marktl am Inn, Germany. So, he just celebrated his 78th and three days later he’s elected pope. Son of a police officer, he grew up in Traunstein and was called into the auxillary anti-aircraft service in the last months of WWII. According to the US Airforce website, the Fifteenth AF (composed of 80 B-17’s and B-24’s) bombed Traunstein on November 15, ‘44, so it’s probably American planes Pope Benedict was gunning, but then again they were dropping bombs on him. Besides, there hasn’t been a good warrior pope since Julius II, and we already have a warrior president. He studied philosophy and theology (hey, like me!) at the University of Munich and at the higher school in Freising. Ordained priest in 1951, he got a doctorate in theology in 1953 with a thesis called "The People and House of God in St. Augustine’s doctrine of the Church". 1959-69 he taught dogma and fundamental theology in a couple German universities. 69- he was the Vice President and professor of dogmatic theology and of the history of dogma at the University of Regensburg. At age 35 he became a consultor at Vatican Council II. At 49, Paul VI made him Archbishop of Munich and Freising. A few months later, Paul VI made him Cardinal. After various honors, he was elected Vice Dean of the College of Cardinals, 6 November 1998, and Dean on 30 November 2002, and Pope on 19 April 2005. Here’s what he had to say:

Urbi et Orbi Blessing (for the city and for the world)

Dear brothers and sisters, after our great Pope, John Paul II, the Cardinals have elected me, a simple, humble worker in God’s vineyard. I am consoled by the fact that the Lord knows how to work and how to act, even with insufficient tools, and I especially trust in your prayers. In the joy of the resurrected Lord, trustful of his permanent help, we go ahead, sure that God will help. And Mary, his most beloved Mother, stands on our side. Thank you.