Word: polished
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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Relations had long been chilly between the one-billion strong Roman Catholic Church and the largest Orthodox Church (which claims 110 million adherents though perhaps less than 5% are regular churchgoers). There was little hope for major reconciliation during the 26-year reign of Pope John Paul II, a Polish native who was seen by Russian religious leaders as a threat for poaching faithful in its sphere of influence...
...Stanislaus Kostka, protesters are learning the mundane lessons of church occupation: Bring your own toilet paper. Dress warmly against the nave's meager heating. And no matter how just your cause, don't expect a decent night's sleep on St. Stan's hard wooden pews. Built by Polish immigrants in 1902 and named after a 16th century Polish Jesuit novice, the church is profusely decorated with statues, stained glass, mosaics and hand-painted biblical scenes; a depiction of the Black Madonna of Czestochowa is richly decorated with diamonds, pearls and other jewels donated by parishioners. Until last month...
...euro's 10th anniversary will see the euro zone take on a 16th member, Slovakia. Eight other central and East European countries have set the goal of joining within the next six years, including Poland, whose political establishment dropped its longtime opposition after a recent run on the Polish zloty. The euro has found some other unexpected converts too, thanks to the financial crisis. The Danes voted against joining the euro zone in 2000, but they are set to hold another referendum in March. Iceland - not even an E.U. member - is pondering "unilateral euroization" after seeing its krona plunge nearly...
...20th century was the widely respected Cardinal Bernardin Gantin of Benin, who died in May at the age of 86. Having once headed the powerful Congregation of Bishops, some thought Gantin could be an ideal candidate to replace John Paul, whose health was long suffering. But the durable Polish pontiff lived much longer than many predicted, and Gantin eventually retired back to Africa...
...Shrek the Musical doesn't really do the trick. It's pleasant enough but lacks the theatrical polish and imaginative leaps of the best Disney shows. And I think the letdown may have been inevitable...