“I read the news today, oh boy ...” (Saints Bonaventure and Henry II Edition)

Today, the reformed Roman calendar remembers Saint Bonaventure, the Franciscan and Doctor of the Church from the 13th century, who died on this day in 1274. This day had been assigned to the Holy Roman Emperor of the early 11th century -- that would be Saint Henry II -- until the 1969 calendar reforms, when the latter's feast was moved (back) to the 13th, which was the day of his death.

When you look at it that way, it all makes sense. Meanwhile, elsewhere on planet Earth:

• Lithuania is known for its basketball team, which has gained a sort of cult status in the European realm of the sport, what with that "Deadhead" thing they've got going on and all. In another shot at innovation for the former Soviet "republic," the mayor of its capital city is determined to measure the happiness of its inhabitants. (Reuters)

• Meanwhile, the citizens of Mother Russia may be a little too happy, or at least having too much fun, if Patriarch Kirill of Moscow has his way. (Radio Free Europe - Radio Liberty)

• It was the English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner which included the famous line: "Water, water, every where, nor any drop to drink." That could change, if approximately five-eighths of the world's surface were to become potentially potable. (Gajitz.com)

• Most of us have heard of the recent plane crash earlier this month at San Francisco International Airport. Some of the names of the flight crew, "Sum Ting Wong" and "Wi Tu Lo" among others, were actually confirmed by Federal authorities before someone figured out the obvious. (Deadspin.com)

• And finally, with all the news about anti-Catholic legislation regarding health care plans and same-sex marriage, some of the faithful may be looking for a place of voluntary exile, where nearly everyone is Catholic. There are five tiny nations from which to choose. No, Vatican City is not one of them, unless you're a cleric, or you work there. (CatholicVote.org)

And that's all the news that fits. As the week goes on, stay tuned, and stay in touch.