I kind of feel guilty saying this, but here goes.

[SeanQuinn]

In a Catholic school, where PJP and Pope Benedict now sit side-by-side on each chalkboard, I've really realized.

Pope Benedict's face is just really weird. Maybe it was a bad pose or something, but it looks like a snarl. I'll see if I can find the picture in question.



It's just a weird look, I know.

But it was kind of funny.

[SeanQuinn]

1. Also, I'm reassuring my support.

I've given Pope Benedict my full support, so this is just posted as a "Heh."-ish post.

I'm not a GD poster who thinks he's a bad choice. He'd not have been MY choice, but that's why I'm not a Cardinal.

[DemBones DemBones]

2. He'd benefit from coaching by a media consultant.

We're so inundated with images of "perfect" people that we can't help but notice when someone isn't "perfect" looking and doesn't know his best camera angles. John Paul II had a lot of theatrical skills from his younger days and he used them well. Benedict XVI seemed pretty scared at his first appearance, I thought.

That looks like a snapshot taken on the balcony the day he was elected so I imagine a better official portrait will be forthcoming. I mean, he IS wearing a fuzzy hand and camera on one shoulder! ;-)

[SeanQuinn]

5. Agreed. Did you hear the Michelle Pfeiffer story?

Might as well tell it. In the early 90s, Harper's Weekly ran a story about Esquire Magazine that had Michelle Pfeiffer on the cover with the words: Perfect in Every Way. Harper's got a hold of the picture of Pfeiffer and the photo's retouching was through the roof.

[Spider Jerusalem]

3. He DID have a stroke in 1991.

That might have some lingering and slight effect on his facial expression.

[SeanQuinn]

4. Ah, that makes sense. n/t