Did You Know? & Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson Library.

A Decalogue of Canons for Observation in Practical Life

Never put off till to-morrow what you can do to-day.
Never trouble another for what you can do yourself.
Never spend your money before you have it.
Never buy what you do not want, because it is cheap; it will be dear to you.
Pride costs us more than hunger, thirst, and cold.
We never repent of having eaten too little.
Nothing is troublesome that we do willingly.
How much pain have cost us the evils which have never happened.
Take things always by their smooth handle.
When angry, count ten, before you speak; if very angry, a hundred.
(Randall, Henry S. The Life of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 3. New York: Derby & Jackson, 1858, p. 525.)

The Times, They Are. . .

A Changin'



As the events of our town's recent controversy over school prayer have wound down, and the graduation came and went just like it has for 101 years, I've been pondering what really happened. Two thoughts come to mind that seem unrelated, but somehow connect to me. Maybe me only.

The valedictorian had it right, the times are changing. What I'm thinking probably has no relevance to her intention in quoting Dylan. As a Christian, we should be seeking change. Isn't that why Jesus was sent to earth? Wasn't God displeased with what was going on and the leaders that were leading? Christ is the light of the world and sent as a beacon to direct us down the correct path. Which means we were going down the wrong path. So maybe what was happening in our burg was and is going in the wrong direction.

Maybe the Christian church, and the Christians within that church, need to think about the path we are on. Aren't we to show the "light" of God and Christ? Are we doing that? Maybe we need change the path we are on. I'm not talking new programs, new music, new buildings, or new doctrine. Do we really believe that God sent Christ to show us a new way to live? Then let's act upon that new direction.

Secondly, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's." I'm not thinking of the question of a tribute or tax to Caesar, or the thought that those that follow man-made directions and do no follow God, including Caesar, eventually will be judged. I'm a simpler man.

Let the things of the world, that are worldly, be controlled by the world. If we truly believe that God allows men to govern, then let them decide things of the world. Remember the Latin quote attributed to Jung? Vocatus atque non vocatus, Deus aderit(Called or not called, God is present). God is there, even if humans don't acknowledge His presence. Does anyone really think that a rule or law preventing prayer will really stop prayer?

The bigger picture that seems to have been missed is the image and substance of God, Christ and Christians as it was presented. Are we not all heading down the wrong path, sinning, in our own way? What makes us different than the world? We have claimed we sin and have accepted the sacrifice of Christ and His blood has cleansed us, that is the change that Jesus brought and we have accepted it. Don't we want others to see and claim the same? Would you follow the example that was presented in board meetings and at graduation? Do you want to follow the person that threatened the school board with "more trouble" if the board decided to cancel the prayer? Or the person that yelled out and interrupted the graduation? Or the people praying to their God to bless and keep safe these young people that are moving onto new places, new tasks, and confrontions with new dangers.

A Bit O' This, A Bit O' That

Long ago and sort of far away. September 2002, the last game of the year Astros versus Giants at PacBell Park. Watching BP from the fences near McCovey Cove. The two shortest in this picture are now the tallest.




I also think of this man when I think of baseball.






Still a nice place to work.





I've been reading The Grapes of Wrath lately. Great book and another story of people mistreating people. This is a car from the real Great Depression, though it is a bit like what Annie thinks we drive here at the 'Zoo.


The red truck is gone, or will be tomorrow. After Brad's unfortunate contact with another vehicle, it was best, or at least the less time consuming, to part ways. Bon Voyage, Roja Grande.



A few of Old Man River and the children.










And Thank You! to the woman that makes it possible.




Vaya con Dios mijos, mija y mi amor.

I'm Feeling a Bit Like a Dinosaur Today

This set of quotes is from a former baseball play that was drafted and received a bigger bonus than Mickey Mantle. Actually became quite a politician.

"I am a trial lawyer.... Matilda says that at dinner on a good day I sound like an affidavit.

You campaign in poetry. You govern in prose.

Most of us have achieved levels of affluence and comfort unthought of two generations ago. We've never had it so good, most of us. Nor have we ever complained so bitterly about our problems.

We believe in encouraging the talented, but we believe that while survival of the fittest may be a good working description of the process of evolution, a government of humans should elevate itself to a higher order.

We believe in only the government we need, but we insist on all the government we need.

There are few things more amusing in the world of politics than watching moderate Republicans charging to the right in pursuit of greater glory."

All from Mario Cuomo


The second piece here is an essay some would call a rant or diatribe. If we truly believe in freedom of speech and are searching for the truth, then we need to read and listen to both sides. Not just the side we believe at this moment.

Old Man River. . .

Just got older. Take your pick.



A. Lost a bet

B. Hot weather made him do it

C. Nothing better to do on a Sunday evening

D. Oops! coverup

E. Spending the summer living like Gandhi

For Today: Thomas Mann

A writer is somebody for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people.

Love stands opposed to death. It is love, not reason, that is stronger than death. Only love, not reason, gives kind thoughts.

Opinions cannot survive if one has no chance to fight for them.

We are most likely to get angry and excited in our opposition to some idea when we ourselves are not quite certain of our own position, and are inwardly tempted to take the other side.

All from Thomas Mann, 1875 - 1955