The Cologne Cathedral

Some interesting info:

Construction began in 1248, but by 1560, political changes had taken place, and funds dried up. So all construction stopped until 1842.

There was a massive wooden crane on top of the south tower, that had already sat there for 150 years, when construction stopped. So the crane remained there until 1842. This crane became the symbol of Cologne and it dominated its skyline for 400 years. The timescales are mind-boggling. Entire generations lived and died, for four centuries, looking up at an idle construction relic from, even for them, ancient times.

Read the rest (and see pictures) here.

Replacing "should" with "could"

A powerful little tip.

Cleaning for a Reason

A great idea for a charity: a free cleaning service for people undergoing chemotherapy.

One of the darkest places on earth

This article introduced me to the concept of a Dark-Sky Park. Interesting.

10 Rules of Engagement for Catholics on the Internet

This is excellent.

Top 10 Unsolved Mysteries - this time with the right link

Oops! I posted the wrong link last time. Here's the right one. Great stuff.

9 surprising energy drains

A good list.

A cupcake rosary

Impressive (and very yummy looking)!

via Margaret in Minnesota

5 Ways To Create A Calm Home

Some good tips.

Do you have offline stress disorder?

Interesting.

via Mike Elgan (Twitter)

A futuristic fan with no blades

Cool.

Implanted defibrillator saves soccer player after heart attack

Wow!

Mature audience: Woman describes performing abortion while pregnant herself

A horrifying but illuminating read. (Warning: graphic descriptions of an abortion.)

Self-control and obedience: the important difference

This is one of the best posts I've read in a while, written by a Catholic mom struggling with fear in the midst of hyperemesis gravidarum.

You're hanging out with your kids...but are you really present?

Some good, challenging thoughts. An excerpt:

According to Ms. Brody, too many parents today are literally ignoring their infant and toddler-aged children, even though they may be walking or standing right beside them. How?

She reports seeing mothers and nannies all over her neighborhood tuning into their cell phones, Blackberrys and iPods. Though they might be technically spending "time" with their children, they're clearly distracted -- and missing out on a golden opportunity to nurture and invest in the young lives of those they love.

Read the rest here.

Pope holds up 12th century monk as model for Christians in a frenetic world

An inspiring message.

A glimpse inside ultra-luxury airline travel

Wow.

Cold vs. flu

A chart explaining the differences between colds and the flu. Here's a handy flowchart as well.

On OB/GYN converts her practice to NFP-only

An inspiring story of an OB/GYN who decided to change her practice to reflect her values -- even at the risk of losing business.

Taking the week off

I'll be offline all week. Have a great week, everyone!

Couple's Love Survives Iron Curtain

A neat love story.

Video footage of Anne Frank found

Neat.

Miniature earth

A fascinating video about what global demographic trends would look like if the earth only contained 100 people.

via Czech Chat