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The mainstream media have been speculating on how The Holy See might announce the passing of the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope John Paul II.

They've reported that mourners would wait for the light to go out in the Pope's Vatican apartment as the sign of his death. Or that the window shutters would be closed. Or the bells would peel in the church towers in Rome. Or the Vicar of Rome would announce his death. Or a bronze door might close.

The Vatican used e-mail. Reported the Associated Press:

Vatican Says Pope John Paul II Has Died

VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul II, the Polish pontiff who led the Roman Catholic Church for more than a quarter century and became history's most-traveled pope, has died at 84, the Vatican announced in an e-mail Saturday.

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No independent observers allowed: The Pinellas County Medical Examiner refused to let independent observers designated by the Schindler family view the autopsy of Terri Schindler Schiavo. This begs an answer to the question "Why?" but no reason was given for the refusal. However, unlike that of Adm Jeremy "Mike" Boorda, the autopsy results in Florida are a public document and will be made public. While the public won't be able to view photos, experts will be allowed to review tapes, pictures and tissue samples of the autopsy if requested by the family. The body of Mrs. Schiavo was cremated today.

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Is your pancake syrup made from maple furniture?: If you believe this report by National Public Radio's Robert Siegel broadcast April 1, 2005, it could be.