MSI Press Blog

  Jack resting in a warm and comfy place Yesterday morning, one-eyed, super resilient Jack was sunning himself on the cat porch like a small, benevolent emperor. By evening, he had transformed into a tragic Victorian poet. His nose was damp, his energy low, and he retreated first into a comfy cat bed and then under the bed in the master bedroom to contemplate the fragility of life. Naturally, I assumed the worst. Naturally, he refused treats. Naturally, I began mentally drafting a eulogy. Cats have a gift for collapsing into existential despair at the first hint of a sniffle. Jack, usually a steady and unflappable soul, spent the entire day in one spot, staring into the middle distance like a cat who had seen too much. He purred when I checked on him, but only in the weary, world‑weary way of someone who wants gentle affection and absolutely no sudden movements. I considered steam therapy. I considered calling the vet. I considered whether eucalyptus tabs were safe (they are n...

  Every Lent, the same question surfaces at dinner tables and parish gatherings: Why fish? Why does the Church ask Catholics to abstain from meat on Fridays, yet allow salmon, shrimp, or a tuna sandwich? The answer is older—and more meaningful—than most people realize. 1. It begins with Friday itself For Christians, Friday is the day of the Passion. It’s the weekly remembrance of Christ’s crucifixion. From the earliest centuries, believers marked Friday with some form of penance. Not dramatic gestures—just a small, steady act of self‑denial that kept the memory of Christ’s sacrifice close to daily life. 2. Meat meant feasting In the ancient Mediterranean world, meat wasn’t an everyday food. It was celebratory—weddings, festivals, victories, homecomings. To give up meat was to give up something rich, festive, and symbolic of abundance. Abstaining from it became a quiet way of stepping back from celebration and entering a posture of humility. Fish, by contrast, was ordinary food. It ...

  Constipation isn’t glamorous, but neither is sitting around waiting for relief, and it definitely interferes with my workouts. I have not found medicines to be all that helpful. Well, perhaps they are somewhat helpful, but I would rather do whatever it takes to avoid the need for medicine. I’ve learned that sometimes the best medicine isn’t in a bottle — it’s in your sneakers, your yoga mat, or even your living room floor. 🏃 Why I Move Your intestines are muscles too. When the rest of your body moves, those inner muscles get the hint: time to contract, time to push, time to clear the path . I think of it as giving my digestive system a gentle nudge. 🧘 My Go‑To Moves Morning Walks : A brisk 20 minutes around the block wakes up my gut as much as my brain. Wind‑Relieving Pose : I lie on my back, hug my knees, and breathe. Yes, it looks silly. Yes, it works. Twists : Seated or lying down, gentle torso twists massage my colon like a secret weapon. Deep Squats : Not just for ...