Jack’s Winning Words 1/31/07
“Life is like a tin of sardines. We’re all looking for the key.” (Alan Bennett) I go to a barber shop where one of the barbers believes that eating sardines every day is the key to a long and healthy life. What do you believe is the key to life? Go to the blog and share it. BTW, how long has it been since you opened a can of sardines? ;-) Jack
FROM P.O. IN DETROIT: I just realized that I've never purchased or eaten a sardine in my entire life --- probably time to step out there and have a new experience!
FROM REV. JOHN IN MICH: "The Breath of Life"
FROM REV. JOHN IN MN: GOOD GENES AND EVERYTHING IN MODERATION.
FROM REV. DAVE IN OR: My Love, Wanda, eats them when I'm not at home!
FROM FRIEND, GENIE: I don't know for sure about THE key but I believe A key to a long and healthy life is good out-loud laughter .. and lots of it!. If you can't muster up a laugh, a smile is a good start (keeps those lines in your face going up instead of down). Now that I'm thinking about it, a good cry is also very beneficial to healthy longevity ! Sardines sound good to me too. Maybe we should keep our hearts and our sardine tins open to live a long and healthy life !
FROM L.P. IN MICH: I was the story time leader at VBS this last summer and we did the lesson with the bursting nets of fish and Jesus cooking fish on the shore. So I read that sardines were among the fish commonly eaten by people of that region so I brought in a can of sardines as a prop. The youngest classes didn't know what sardines were. They wanted me to open the can and show them but I figured that would likely end badly so I didn't . I'm not sure if I've ever used a sardine key, though Dad eats sardines regularly.
FROM B.S. IN FLORIDA: HI, start out with good Swedish DNA. Then live in a clean air environment, clean water, clean food, and like my Pa said a lo ng time ago, "Get a yatch (lot ) when you are young, because when you are old, itwill not happen", Pa you were so right. Damn.
FROM THE MOLINE DISPATCH 6/10/07: 1857 -- 150 years ago: A loafer, name unknown, was up before Justice Swander yesterday for stealing sardines from Burdett And Sanger.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Jack’s Winning Words 1/31/07
“Life is like a tin of sardines. We’re all looking for the key.” (Alan Bennett) I go to a barber shop where one of the barbers believes that eating sardines every day is the key to a long and healthy life. What do you believe is the key to life? Go to the blog and share it. BTW, how long has it been since you opened a can of sardines? ;-) Jack
“Life is like a tin of sardines. We’re all looking for the key.” (Alan Bennett) I go to a barber shop where one of the barbers believes that eating sardines every day is the key to a long and healthy life. What do you believe is the key to life? Go to the blog and share it. BTW, how long has it been since you opened a can of sardines? ;-) Jack
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Jack’s Winning Words 1/30/07
“I do not want the peace that passeth understanding. I want the understanding which bringeth peace.” (Helen Keller) Do you understand what Helen Keller is saying in these words? Then, pax vobiscum! I had a chance to visit HK’s home a couple of years ago and read some of her writings that were preserved there. She was truly a remarkable woman. I also picked up a quarter with her image on it. ;-) Jack
FROM J.L. IN MICH: She is my favorite writer. I deeply admire her strength and fortitude and wisdom. She was extraordinary! I remember watching her on some programs when I was very little. Also, the movie with Ann Baxter and Patty Duke "Miracle Worker" is one of my all time favorite movies.
FROM REV. JOHN IN MICH: Ah! Some more rationalism to trump the scriptures!!!
FROM S.H. IN MICH: I want the understanding of what the words pax vobiscum mean. I know peace that passeth understanding and have also experienced time-after-time after facing a problem and found it resolved understanding which brought me peace. One is eternal, one is temporal. Would like to understand what Helen Keller was saying.
(NOTE) Translation of Pax Vobiscum: Peace be with you.
“I do not want the peace that passeth understanding. I want the understanding which bringeth peace.” (Helen Keller) Do you understand what Helen Keller is saying in these words? Then, pax vobiscum! I had a chance to visit HK’s home a couple of years ago and read some of her writings that were preserved there. She was truly a remarkable woman. I also picked up a quarter with her image on it. ;-) Jack
FROM J.L. IN MICH: She is my favorite writer. I deeply admire her strength and fortitude and wisdom. She was extraordinary! I remember watching her on some programs when I was very little. Also, the movie with Ann Baxter and Patty Duke "Miracle Worker" is one of my all time favorite movies.
FROM REV. JOHN IN MICH: Ah! Some more rationalism to trump the scriptures!!!
FROM S.H. IN MICH: I want the understanding of what the words pax vobiscum mean. I know peace that passeth understanding and have also experienced time-after-time after facing a problem and found it resolved understanding which brought me peace. One is eternal, one is temporal. Would like to understand what Helen Keller was saying.
(NOTE) Translation of Pax Vobiscum: Peace be with you.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Jack’s Winning Words 1/29/07
“Money will buy a fine dog, but only kindness will make him wag his tail.” (Sent Jim B.) Try some kindness today and see what will happen. Our dog, Tiger, used to show his happiness by barking, or by sitting up and begging. He was especially happy to get a piece of birthday cake. Do you have any favorite dog stories? ;-) Jack
“Money will buy a fine dog, but only kindness will make him wag his tail.” (Sent Jim B.) Try some kindness today and see what will happen. Our dog, Tiger, used to show his happiness by barking, or by sitting up and begging. He was especially happy to get a piece of birthday cake. Do you have any favorite dog stories? ;-) Jack
JEANNE WRITES: This is a timely message for me. After several years without a dog, I got one Wednesday from the humane shelter. He is a beautiful 2 year old bichon/shih tzu mix, named Snoopy. You may be sure I am kind to him and I think we bring happiness to each other.
FROM BOB IN FL: We had rabbits and Matt tip toed out to feed them because we had them on the lawn until a neighbor dog scared the hell out of one ( and it's life too ) and then Julie asked one day,"Is that Blackie on the plate? I think a like statement is what made my Pa give up trying to feed the family with rabbit.
MORE FROM BOB IN FL: Hi, after rereading this e-mail, I remembered one time as a kid I was abandoned by my Aunt Laura. She used to come and get me as soon as school was out and I worked my tush off every day of the week. on the farm. Thank God we had to go to church on Sunday. WEll Aunt Laura used to drive into Kenosha on select days and go to help Grandma and I would go along. Except for this time, I was too far away to hear Aunt Laura calling me, so she took off be-4 I got to the car. So I sat down and cried, well Deacon was the farm's dog, and he came over and started licking my face, and then cuddled up. He assuaged my angst.
FROM P.O. IN DETROIT: No, but we had a cat whose favorite foods were potato chips with onion dip and tea!
Friday, January 26, 2007
Jack’s Winning Words 1/26/07
“If you do what you should not, you must hear what you would not.” (Unknown) I’ve often wondered just who are the UNKNOWN authors. But I don’t have to wonder about the meaning of many of their truisms. I’ve lived them out, and maybe you have, too. Think about the one for today and how it might be applied to certain situations. ;-) Jack
FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OH: I used to wonder who great quotemaker Anon was. He was very prolific on the quotes website I frequented a few years ago. I assumed he was another French philosopher like Helvetius. Helvetius wrote, “Virtue has many preachers, but few martyrs.” This goes well with Anon’s “Success has many fathers, failure is an orphan.”
“If you do what you should not, you must hear what you would not.” (Unknown) I’ve often wondered just who are the UNKNOWN authors. But I don’t have to wonder about the meaning of many of their truisms. I’ve lived them out, and maybe you have, too. Think about the one for today and how it might be applied to certain situations. ;-) Jack
FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OH: I used to wonder who great quotemaker Anon was. He was very prolific on the quotes website I frequented a few years ago. I assumed he was another French philosopher like Helvetius. Helvetius wrote, “Virtue has many preachers, but few martyrs.” This goes well with Anon’s “Success has many fathers, failure is an orphan.”
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Jack’s Winning Words 1/25/07
“Those who in quarrels interpose, must often wipe a bloody nose.” (Unknown) To know when and where in get involved is not always easy. There are a variety of circumstances when we have to decide whether or not the bloody nose is worth it. It’s not always an easy choice. ;-) Jack
FROM PO IN DETROIT: Gosh, no --- especially with adult children --- but I'm proud to say I'm learning!! (Life is so much fun!)
FROM REV JD IN MN: PACIFISM SOUNDS WONDERFUL, BUT IT DOESN'T DEAL WITH THE REALITY OF SIN.SONETIMES A BLOODY NOSE IS THE LESSER OF TWO EVILS.
“Those who in quarrels interpose, must often wipe a bloody nose.” (Unknown) To know when and where in get involved is not always easy. There are a variety of circumstances when we have to decide whether or not the bloody nose is worth it. It’s not always an easy choice. ;-) Jack
FROM PO IN DETROIT: Gosh, no --- especially with adult children --- but I'm proud to say I'm learning!! (Life is so much fun!)
FROM REV JD IN MN: PACIFISM SOUNDS WONDERFUL, BUT IT DOESN'T DEAL WITH THE REALITY OF SIN.SONETIMES A BLOODY NOSE IS THE LESSER OF TWO EVILS.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Jack’s Winning Words 1/24/07
“The gods, too, are fond of a joke.” (Aristotle) This famous Greek philosopher is known for developing a study of God. Evidently he conceived of a God who had a sense of humor. Can you think of examples showing that quality? ;-) Jack
FROM JC IN HK: Is it true that Luther didn't care much for Aristotle?
FROM JAN IN MICH: I often think that my son Paul is an expression of God's sense of humor. My oldest son, Ben, was born requesting broccoli and brussel sprouts. When other people's children wouldn't eat vegetables, I thought (but, of course, never said out loud), "They must be doing something wrong. Children naturally love vegetables!" And so God gave me Paul. Does salsa count as a vegetable?! Paul is our "son for fun" in many ways. ;-) I had a college professor who said that Jesus' use of hyperbole was a form of humor. The class was part of Harvard's Moral Reasoning program; it was called, "Jesus and the Moral Life."
FROM LK IN OH: He must have a sense of humor or we would not have been created.
“The gods, too, are fond of a joke.” (Aristotle) This famous Greek philosopher is known for developing a study of God. Evidently he conceived of a God who had a sense of humor. Can you think of examples showing that quality? ;-) Jack
FROM JC IN HK: Is it true that Luther didn't care much for Aristotle?
FROM JAN IN MICH: I often think that my son Paul is an expression of God's sense of humor. My oldest son, Ben, was born requesting broccoli and brussel sprouts. When other people's children wouldn't eat vegetables, I thought (but, of course, never said out loud), "They must be doing something wrong. Children naturally love vegetables!" And so God gave me Paul. Does salsa count as a vegetable?! Paul is our "son for fun" in many ways. ;-) I had a college professor who said that Jesus' use of hyperbole was a form of humor. The class was part of Harvard's Moral Reasoning program; it was called, "Jesus and the Moral Life."
FROM LK IN OH: He must have a sense of humor or we would not have been created.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Jack’s Winning Words 1/23/07
“I am not ashamed to confess that I am ignorant of what I do not know.” (Cicero) Marcus lived over 2000 years ago and is considered to be one of the greatest Roman philosophers. And he was not ashamed to admit his ignorance, nor should we. There’s always something new to learn. What will it be today? Isn’t it interesting that Scarface Al Capone’s headquarters was the Chicago suburb of Cicero? ;-) Jack
FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OH: I’d say ignorance is rarely a problem, pride is the problem.
FROM REV JD IN MN: LORD GIVE ME AN OPEN MIND. A CLOSED MIND IS THE HEIGHT OF IGNORANCE.
FROM ML IN ILLINOIS: holy smokes! i always fess-up to my misinterpretations-oh heck-my mistakes. it keeps me honest and open to the corrections of my life journey. sometimes the path needs a good "compass rose" to keep me going in the right direction!
WHERE DID THE EXPRESSION, HOLY SMOKES, COME FROM? the OED has this from Sir John Beaumont, dated about 1627: “Who lift to God for us the holy smoke / Of fervent prayers”. The idea here is the old one of a burnt sacrifice or incense being a metaphor for the carrying of one’s prayers up to heaven. There are several such references in the Bible, including the Book of Revelation: “And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand”. But I can’t trace any continuity of usage between the two examples quoted above, nor to the later exclamation. What is certain is that it has nothing to do with the puffs of smoke that appear during the election of a new Pope.
“I am not ashamed to confess that I am ignorant of what I do not know.” (Cicero) Marcus lived over 2000 years ago and is considered to be one of the greatest Roman philosophers. And he was not ashamed to admit his ignorance, nor should we. There’s always something new to learn. What will it be today? Isn’t it interesting that Scarface Al Capone’s headquarters was the Chicago suburb of Cicero? ;-) Jack
FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OH: I’d say ignorance is rarely a problem, pride is the problem.
FROM REV JD IN MN: LORD GIVE ME AN OPEN MIND. A CLOSED MIND IS THE HEIGHT OF IGNORANCE.
FROM ML IN ILLINOIS: holy smokes! i always fess-up to my misinterpretations-oh heck-my mistakes. it keeps me honest and open to the corrections of my life journey. sometimes the path needs a good "compass rose" to keep me going in the right direction!
WHERE DID THE EXPRESSION, HOLY SMOKES, COME FROM? the OED has this from Sir John Beaumont, dated about 1627: “Who lift to God for us the holy smoke / Of fervent prayers”. The idea here is the old one of a burnt sacrifice or incense being a metaphor for the carrying of one’s prayers up to heaven. There are several such references in the Bible, including the Book of Revelation: “And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand”. But I can’t trace any continuity of usage between the two examples quoted above, nor to the later exclamation. What is certain is that it has nothing to do with the puffs of smoke that appear during the election of a new Pope.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Jack’s Winning Words 1/22/07
“All rising to great place is by a winding stair.” (Francis Bacon) I saw St. Joseph’s Miraculous Winding Stair in Santa Fe. It was truly interesting, but not as interesting as the twists and turns of my own winding stair. I look forward to the next turn and eventually to the final turn. Keep climbing expectantly! ;-) Jack.
FROM BS IN FL: My uncl jake was an ambulance driver in WWI and married a nurse from N.J., and brought her home to Kenosha after the war. They lived with Grdma and Gpa, and so they had a winding staircase builtinto the house so Aunt Ann could get upstars with out goping to the out side stairs. That winding staircase was a disaster waiting to happen. It did when preganant Aunt Ann slipped and fell down to the bottom of the staircase and unfortunatley aborting, and had a bad back all her life, and n o more children. So much for winding staircases in our family. Damn.
The Winding Miraculous Stairs In the late 19th century, the sisters of the Academy of Our Lady of Light of Loretto in Santa Fe, New Mexico (in the southwestern part of the United States of America) engaged Mexican carpenters to construct a gothic chapel modelled upon the Sainte-Chapelle of Paris. Conceived by the architect Mouly, this structure was built in five years at a cost of $30,000. When completed, it was 74 feet long, 25 feet wide, and 84 feet high.
The structure was almost completed when an error, or an omission, was noticed. There was no means to ascend to the choir loft at the back of the chapel! Several expert carpenters were called to the scene, but they all answered the same: that on account of the height of the loft it was impossible to build a staircase -- it would take up too much space in the nave (the main body of the chapel). As a result, it would be necessary to use a ladder to access the loft or completely rebuild the loft.
Naturally, the Sisters were disappointed, but they were not daunted. They decided to entrust this humanly insoluble dilemma to Saint Joseph, whose feast was drawing near. They began a novena in his honour.
On the last day of the novena, a gray haired man leading a donkey and carrying a tool chest stopped at the Academy. He asked to speak with Mother Magdalene, the superior in charge of the convent at that time, and offered to build the stairs. Delighted, Mother Magdalene accepted his offer immediately.
The construction of the stairs lasted about six months. Certain Sisters who were present at the work site remarked that the mysterious worker had used only a saw, a T-square, and a hammer. They remembered seeing tubs of water filled with pieces of soaking wood. Where he obtained the lumber for the stairway they did not know. The local lumber yard had no record of any purchases for the wood used. When Mother Magdalene looked for the worker to pay him, he was nowhere to be found! A reward was offered, but no one claimed it.
Why is it called miraculous? The completed work is a circular staircase of thirty-three steps consisting of two complete spirals (720°) without any central support. The top rests against the loft; the foot rests on the floor below where the entire weight seems to be supported. Wooden pegs take the place of nails.
During the course of the years, architects and builders from numerous foreign countries have inspected this architectural wonder. They all marvel to see how the stairs still remain standing and in place after more than a century in spite of daily use.
Several experts in building material affirm that the curved stringers had been installed with precision. The wood is spliced in seven different places on the inside and in nine different places on the outside, with each piece forming a perfect curve. Moreover, this wood is of a hard variety which is not native to New Mexico; its origin is still a mystery.
Some people, having climbed the stairway to the choir loft, say that they seem to feel a slight vertical springiness when they ascend or descend, as if the two 360° turns were taken out of a large coiled spring.
Was Saint Joseph the builder of this magnificent miraculous staircase? The Sisters of the Academy of Loretto are certain that the stairs were the response to their confident prayers to Saint Joseph, the glorious spouse of Our Blessed Lady, the model of workers and the consoler of the afflicted. If it was not him, then who was the mysterious carpenter who, with a few basic tools, constructed this unsolved mystery?
“All rising to great place is by a winding stair.” (Francis Bacon) I saw St. Joseph’s Miraculous Winding Stair in Santa Fe. It was truly interesting, but not as interesting as the twists and turns of my own winding stair. I look forward to the next turn and eventually to the final turn. Keep climbing expectantly! ;-) Jack.
FROM BS IN FL: My uncl jake was an ambulance driver in WWI and married a nurse from N.J., and brought her home to Kenosha after the war. They lived with Grdma and Gpa, and so they had a winding staircase builtinto the house so Aunt Ann could get upstars with out goping to the out side stairs. That winding staircase was a disaster waiting to happen. It did when preganant Aunt Ann slipped and fell down to the bottom of the staircase and unfortunatley aborting, and had a bad back all her life, and n o more children. So much for winding staircases in our family. Damn.
The Winding Miraculous Stairs In the late 19th century, the sisters of the Academy of Our Lady of Light of Loretto in Santa Fe, New Mexico (in the southwestern part of the United States of America) engaged Mexican carpenters to construct a gothic chapel modelled upon the Sainte-Chapelle of Paris. Conceived by the architect Mouly, this structure was built in five years at a cost of $30,000. When completed, it was 74 feet long, 25 feet wide, and 84 feet high.
The structure was almost completed when an error, or an omission, was noticed. There was no means to ascend to the choir loft at the back of the chapel! Several expert carpenters were called to the scene, but they all answered the same: that on account of the height of the loft it was impossible to build a staircase -- it would take up too much space in the nave (the main body of the chapel). As a result, it would be necessary to use a ladder to access the loft or completely rebuild the loft.
Naturally, the Sisters were disappointed, but they were not daunted. They decided to entrust this humanly insoluble dilemma to Saint Joseph, whose feast was drawing near. They began a novena in his honour.
On the last day of the novena, a gray haired man leading a donkey and carrying a tool chest stopped at the Academy. He asked to speak with Mother Magdalene, the superior in charge of the convent at that time, and offered to build the stairs. Delighted, Mother Magdalene accepted his offer immediately.
The construction of the stairs lasted about six months. Certain Sisters who were present at the work site remarked that the mysterious worker had used only a saw, a T-square, and a hammer. They remembered seeing tubs of water filled with pieces of soaking wood. Where he obtained the lumber for the stairway they did not know. The local lumber yard had no record of any purchases for the wood used. When Mother Magdalene looked for the worker to pay him, he was nowhere to be found! A reward was offered, but no one claimed it.
Why is it called miraculous? The completed work is a circular staircase of thirty-three steps consisting of two complete spirals (720°) without any central support. The top rests against the loft; the foot rests on the floor below where the entire weight seems to be supported. Wooden pegs take the place of nails.
During the course of the years, architects and builders from numerous foreign countries have inspected this architectural wonder. They all marvel to see how the stairs still remain standing and in place after more than a century in spite of daily use.
Several experts in building material affirm that the curved stringers had been installed with precision. The wood is spliced in seven different places on the inside and in nine different places on the outside, with each piece forming a perfect curve. Moreover, this wood is of a hard variety which is not native to New Mexico; its origin is still a mystery.
Some people, having climbed the stairway to the choir loft, say that they seem to feel a slight vertical springiness when they ascend or descend, as if the two 360° turns were taken out of a large coiled spring.
Was Saint Joseph the builder of this magnificent miraculous staircase? The Sisters of the Academy of Loretto are certain that the stairs were the response to their confident prayers to Saint Joseph, the glorious spouse of Our Blessed Lady, the model of workers and the consoler of the afflicted. If it was not him, then who was the mysterious carpenter who, with a few basic tools, constructed this unsolved mystery?
Friday, January 19, 2007
Jack’s Winning Words 1/19/07
“Deal with the consequences of your actions, ‘cause life ain’t no video game.” A similar follow up: “We don’t live in a comic book! This is the real deal.” (Ikkaku, Hosaka and Kawabata) It has been reported this week that scientists have moved the Doomsday Clock closer to midnight. Something’s got to change. Even our personal life ain’t no video game. ;-) Jack
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: If life was a video tape, would you fast forward to see what happens? Or just sit back and enjoy the show?
FROM JL IN MI: "Not even the Son knows the hour!"
FROM JD IN MN: IT'S TO BAD THAT POWER CRAZED POLITICIANS AREN'T HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS. JESUS WEPT OVER JERUSALEM, THERE IS MUCH MORE TO SADDEN US TODAY. WE HAVEN'T LEARNED MUCH AND STILL CONTINUE ON OUR DESTRUCTIVE WAY. THE ATOMIC CLOCK IS CLOSE TO MIDNIGHT BUT LIKE LUTHER I WILL PLANT MY APPLE TREE TODAY.
FROM SH IN SF, MI: Wow. This is heavy duty stuff today. Actually Peter taught us this little hymn when he was with us for worship at the Fountains Assisted Living Home:
Grace, grace, God's Grace Grace that will pardon and cleanse my sins.
Grace, grace, God's Grace Grace that is greater than all my sins.
Think I'll just do my assignment on principles of design today, wash the dishes, cook the meals, vacuum, clean wherever, all my usual responsibilities and let the clock tick. Theologically speaking, does the Bible say anything about Jesus coming again before the Doomsday or is the Doomsday supposed to happen first before He Comes again?
FROM JC IN HK: The sky is always falling in Geneva.
“Deal with the consequences of your actions, ‘cause life ain’t no video game.” A similar follow up: “We don’t live in a comic book! This is the real deal.” (Ikkaku, Hosaka and Kawabata) It has been reported this week that scientists have moved the Doomsday Clock closer to midnight. Something’s got to change. Even our personal life ain’t no video game. ;-) Jack
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: If life was a video tape, would you fast forward to see what happens? Or just sit back and enjoy the show?
FROM JL IN MI: "Not even the Son knows the hour!"
FROM JD IN MN: IT'S TO BAD THAT POWER CRAZED POLITICIANS AREN'T HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS. JESUS WEPT OVER JERUSALEM, THERE IS MUCH MORE TO SADDEN US TODAY. WE HAVEN'T LEARNED MUCH AND STILL CONTINUE ON OUR DESTRUCTIVE WAY. THE ATOMIC CLOCK IS CLOSE TO MIDNIGHT BUT LIKE LUTHER I WILL PLANT MY APPLE TREE TODAY.
FROM SH IN SF, MI: Wow. This is heavy duty stuff today. Actually Peter taught us this little hymn when he was with us for worship at the Fountains Assisted Living Home:
Grace, grace, God's Grace Grace that will pardon and cleanse my sins.
Grace, grace, God's Grace Grace that is greater than all my sins.
Think I'll just do my assignment on principles of design today, wash the dishes, cook the meals, vacuum, clean wherever, all my usual responsibilities and let the clock tick. Theologically speaking, does the Bible say anything about Jesus coming again before the Doomsday or is the Doomsday supposed to happen first before He Comes again?
FROM JC IN HK: The sky is always falling in Geneva.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Jack’s Winning Words 1/17/07
The winter ice storm knocked out my cable yesterday.
“If we had no winter, the spring would no be so pleasant. If we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would no be so welcome.” (Anne Bradstreet) We are in the midst of ice, snow and cold. While we have power, many others do not. Adversity comes in a variety of ways. I wish for springtime in your life. ;-) Jack
The winter ice storm knocked out my cable yesterday.
“If we had no winter, the spring would no be so pleasant. If we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would no be so welcome.” (Anne Bradstreet) We are in the midst of ice, snow and cold. While we have power, many others do not. Adversity comes in a variety of ways. I wish for springtime in your life. ;-) Jack
Monday, January 15, 2007
Jack’s Winning Words 1/15/07
“The time is always right to do what is right.” (MLK, Jr) To know what is right is something you learn in a variety of ways. Maybe it’s from a parent, a teacher, a friend, a book or an experience. Where did your system of values come from? How about your sense of knowing the right time? ;-) Jack
FROM A JUDGE IN MI: HOW ABOUT? TO DO JUSTICE IS EASY---TO DO WHAT IS FAIR IS HARDER.
“The time is always right to do what is right.” (MLK, Jr) To know what is right is something you learn in a variety of ways. Maybe it’s from a parent, a teacher, a friend, a book or an experience. Where did your system of values come from? How about your sense of knowing the right time? ;-) Jack
FROM A JUDGE IN MI: HOW ABOUT? TO DO JUSTICE IS EASY---TO DO WHAT IS FAIR IS HARDER.
FROM SH IN MI: Happy Martin Luther King, Jr.,s Day. Glad you are quoting this preacher man that has had such an impact on all of us personally and as a country. In thinking about your questions, I believe my sense of values comes from the Bible and the teaching of the values is mediated by all the people in my life, primarily parents and preachers/pastors but also everyone else whom God puts us together. Sometimes the teaching comes even through the mediation of a person's death. I always wonder whether people choose to surrender and give their Souls to Christ in eternity or whether Christ beckons them and finally they are joyfully powerless to do anything but die and go to the mansion He has for them. Martin Luther King, Jr., was killed. What happens then? His whole life as I find out more and more about it mediates teaching of the Bible/values to me. I only guess and I know I also strongly hope that stuff I actually do do comes about through the Holy Spirit telling me what is the right time to do stuff. When I feel very cowardly, I remember that Luther said to "sin boldly" and that seems to give me courage to do something that I intuitively believe is the right thing to do.
FROM A FRIEND IN NYC: My father has a saying that he drummed into us when we were young, and now we kid him about it (even though we acknowledge we’ve passed it along to our own children!): “It’s never wrong to do the right thing.”
Friday, January 12, 2007
Jack’s Winning Words 1/12/07
“Wrong ideas, like sour notes, don’t get better as they get louder.” (The Country Parson) What’s the parson talking about? The church choir? Blowhards, in general? Politicians? You and me? Let’s try to make sweet music today. ;-) Jack
FROM ML IN IL: this is great commentary on the sad situation that we are in in iraq. may i refer to my response to ww the other day-we need to look past tomorrow to see what consequences our actions will have. i pray for peace.
FROM BS IN FL: Please send this to Mr Bush., or maybe send it to his Ma and ask her to forward it.maybe he'll listen to her
“Wrong ideas, like sour notes, don’t get better as they get louder.” (The Country Parson) What’s the parson talking about? The church choir? Blowhards, in general? Politicians? You and me? Let’s try to make sweet music today. ;-) Jack
FROM ML IN IL: this is great commentary on the sad situation that we are in in iraq. may i refer to my response to ww the other day-we need to look past tomorrow to see what consequences our actions will have. i pray for peace.
FROM BS IN FL: Please send this to Mr Bush., or maybe send it to his Ma and ask her to forward it.maybe he'll listen to her
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Jack’s Winning Words 1/11/07
“He who is slowest in making a promise is most faithful in its performance.” (Rousseau) I wonder is Rousseau ever made a New Year’s resolution. Have you gotten around to goal setting for 2007? If not, and when you do, the WWs say that you will really follow through. Promise and faithful are interesting words. ;-) Jack
FROM JL IN MI: Yes, I kept every resolution I made in 2006....in my dresser drawer!
“He who is slowest in making a promise is most faithful in its performance.” (Rousseau) I wonder is Rousseau ever made a New Year’s resolution. Have you gotten around to goal setting for 2007? If not, and when you do, the WWs say that you will really follow through. Promise and faithful are interesting words. ;-) Jack
FROM JL IN MI: Yes, I kept every resolution I made in 2006....in my dresser drawer!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Jack’s Winning Words 1/10/07
“If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.” (JFK) Have you noticed the diversity in your community…religious, ethnic, political, economic, and racial? Personally, I like diversity. I wonder if the Native Americans liked it. What’s your take on this? ;-) Jack
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: For all the Lovey-Dove sentiments in the media and popular culture scientists have proven over and over again conclusively; people are most comfortable with people that are similar to them.
Diversity for diversity’s sake is code in the work place and education for this is going to cost more. For example: We need diversity and a director of diversity. Instead of forgetting the differences we have race pimps exacerbating the differences for profit and press.
We are teaching our children to Balkanize our nation with politically correct drivel and racial counting and numbering at schools and colleges. After the strife of the 60’s (which I did see a bit of) to integrate our schools, in Columbus we now have an Afro-Centric school, fully funded by tax payers. This is progress?
Apparently, many racial groups don’t really care about integration, but about special treatment. We have gone from demand for equal treatment to demand for special treatment.
I HAVE A DREAM…that one day people will pursue diversity by ignoring it; that a man would be judged by his words and ideas—not the political bias that feeds his inborn need for something for nothing. So long as we embrace the differences instead of the similarities the problem will continue to expand.
“If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.” (JFK) Have you noticed the diversity in your community…religious, ethnic, political, economic, and racial? Personally, I like diversity. I wonder if the Native Americans liked it. What’s your take on this? ;-) Jack
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: For all the Lovey-Dove sentiments in the media and popular culture scientists have proven over and over again conclusively; people are most comfortable with people that are similar to them.
Diversity for diversity’s sake is code in the work place and education for this is going to cost more. For example: We need diversity and a director of diversity. Instead of forgetting the differences we have race pimps exacerbating the differences for profit and press.
We are teaching our children to Balkanize our nation with politically correct drivel and racial counting and numbering at schools and colleges. After the strife of the 60’s (which I did see a bit of) to integrate our schools, in Columbus we now have an Afro-Centric school, fully funded by tax payers. This is progress?
Apparently, many racial groups don’t really care about integration, but about special treatment. We have gone from demand for equal treatment to demand for special treatment.
I HAVE A DREAM…that one day people will pursue diversity by ignoring it; that a man would be judged by his words and ideas—not the political bias that feeds his inborn need for something for nothing. So long as we embrace the differences instead of the similarities the problem will continue to expand.
CLARIFICATION FROM JON: I think you misunderstood my rant. It is not against diversity but against the hypocritcal stance that government can cure the problem.
MORE FROM JON: I have a very dear-to-me friend that is Muslim and he knows more about the Bible than most of my Baptist friends. My perception is Catholics know less Bible than most other persuasions.
As far as those of different political persuasions that is harder. I met a fellow in Los Angeles at a book conference that is as far left as I am far right (though everyone thinks they are moderate) we have great conversations and enjoy each others company. We considered writing a book called "From Left to Right," in it we would debate the 10 big right v left issues, such as abortion, taxation, states rights, etc. Since he presents himself so well and I respect him, I learn from his point of view. We have neither one converted the other, but we have discovered that we have more in common than we have apart.
FROM SH IN MI: My husband and I are friends with some Presbyterians here and we belong to a small group called Sojourners with these same people. Anyway we meet once a month to discuss justice and faith issues, etc. At one of the meetings they presented a video which demonstrated scientifically the value of diversity in our world. It seems if you have a field of all one thing, it is very, very vulnerable to failure when any adversity of the weather or soil or anything happens. But if the field contains diversity, there is huge chance that there will be success in food, etc., growing in it to benefit humankind. Evidently the potato famine in Ireland (that caused so many people to have to immigrate) was the result of the Irish concentrating on only one type of potato instead of growing all the kinds of potatoes they had traditionally cultivated. If I remember it correctly, the video showed two plots of land over time to demonstrate that one did get pretty raggedly looking, whereas the other one was sturdy and fertile-looking all through. I myself believe in diversity and fight for diversity. Always appreciate that your quotes come from such a diverse peoples.
FROM ID: I love diversity. The only thing stopping people from embracing diversity is insecurity. If people had enough faith to be able to hold on to their convictions while allowing others to hold on to their own, even though they are different, we could learn a lot from one another instead of fearing one another.
I am sure the Native Americans were ok with it until the pioneers found themselves uncomfortable with a lifestyle that they interpreted as a threat to their own, and then decided to eliminate what they feared. This fear thing, driven by insecurity, is a terrible prohibitor to JFK's vision.
FROM ML IN IL: you would like to walk the streets of grayslake. it has become a more colorful place. still has a long way to go, but the gates have been opened. i hope it continues to remain unlocked.
...as for the native americans, i am sure that their thoughts on diversity changed radically when the "white man" came and helped themselves to this "unclaimed land".
i guess we must be mindful to look past tomorrow when we pre-determine the consequences of our actions.
FROM REV JD IN MN: I GREW UP IN THE BRONX WITH MUCH DIVERSITY, BUT WOULD NOT WANT TO LIVE IN A SYSTEM IN WHICH ONE GROUP DECIDED WHAT WAS GOOD FOR THE REST.
FOLLOW UP FROM JD: MY DAYS IN THE BRONX WERE A FAR CRY FROM THE TWIN CITIES. THERE WAS A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF JEWISH PERSONS,IN FACT MY HIGH SCHOOL WAS 70% JEWISH. BELIEVE ME EDUCATION WAS A PRIORITY AND MY HIGH SCHOOL OFFERED 6 LANGUAGES. WE HAD FEW BLACKS AND I NEVER KNEW A MUSLIM. WE HAD GERMANS, ITALIANS, POLES, IRISH AND A FEW SCANDINAVIANS. I HAVE NEVER BEEN A YANKEE FAN, AND WAS THE ONLY KID IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD THAT ROOTED FOR THE N.Y. GIANTS.
FROM THE PHARMACIST IN FL: I agree with you, we need diverse opinions on many subjects. I thanked a black lady for electioneering for a black man. She asked why and my reply was,"We need every ethnic group in our community to be represented in government, it is important for everyone to be heard, especially minority groups."
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Jack’s Winning Words 1/9/07
“When facing impossible situations, sometimes it’s in your best interests to retreat.” (Confucius) Confucius was a Chinese thinker and social philosopher who lived over 2500 years ago. His ancient views have relevance, even today, in the world scene and in inter-personal relationships. ;-) Jack
FROM FM IN WI: Maybe you should forward this 'winning word' to the people writing Bush's address scheduled for tomorrow night, the 10th of January!
FROM LK IN OH: Maybe GW should declare victory in Iraq, again, and immediately withdraw everybody. Just like Sen. George Aiken of Vermont had suggested re: Viet Nam.
“When facing impossible situations, sometimes it’s in your best interests to retreat.” (Confucius) Confucius was a Chinese thinker and social philosopher who lived over 2500 years ago. His ancient views have relevance, even today, in the world scene and in inter-personal relationships. ;-) Jack
FROM FM IN WI: Maybe you should forward this 'winning word' to the people writing Bush's address scheduled for tomorrow night, the 10th of January!
FROM LK IN OH: Maybe GW should declare victory in Iraq, again, and immediately withdraw everybody. Just like Sen. George Aiken of Vermont had suggested re: Viet Nam.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Jack’s Winning Words 1/8/07
“We have to fight them daily, like fleas, those many small worries about the morrow, for they sap our energies.” (Etty Hillesum) Etty was a young Jewish girl from the Netherlands who kept a diary during WW2. She died in Auschwitz in 1943. You can see how her words relate to her situation. Do they have meaning for you? Those little worries can really bug a person, can’t they? ;-) Jack
FROM GS: First Scripture I learned was Matt. 6:34
MATTHEW 6:34: Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day.
I have this underlined in my Bible ;-) Jack
IN HIGH SCHOOL WE USED TO HAVE THIS CHEER (Jack)
THERE AIN’T NO FLEAS ON US.
THERE AIN’Y NO FLEAS ON US.
THERE MAY BE FLEAS ON THE REFEREES,
BUT THERE AIN’T NO FLEAS ON US.
“We have to fight them daily, like fleas, those many small worries about the morrow, for they sap our energies.” (Etty Hillesum) Etty was a young Jewish girl from the Netherlands who kept a diary during WW2. She died in Auschwitz in 1943. You can see how her words relate to her situation. Do they have meaning for you? Those little worries can really bug a person, can’t they? ;-) Jack
FROM GS: First Scripture I learned was Matt. 6:34
MATTHEW 6:34: Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day.
I have this underlined in my Bible ;-) Jack
IN HIGH SCHOOL WE USED TO HAVE THIS CHEER (Jack)
THERE AIN’T NO FLEAS ON US.
THERE AIN’Y NO FLEAS ON US.
THERE MAY BE FLEAS ON THE REFEREES,
BUT THERE AIN’T NO FLEAS ON US.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Jack’s Winning Words 1/5/07
“Tomorrow, tomorrow, not today, all the lazy people say.” (German Proverb) I need to cut this one out and post it, except for the word, lazy. I feel more comfortable being called, a procrastinator. How about the song from Annie: Tomorrow? Do you have any comments about putting things off until tomorrow? ;-) Jack
FROM MS IN WF: Can I get back to you on that?
Song: Tomorrow Lyrics[ANNIE]
The sun'll come out TomorrowBet your bottom dollar That tomorrow There'll be sun! Just thinkin' aboutTomorrow Clears away the cobwebs, And the sorrow 'Til there's none! When I'm stuck a day That's gray, And lonely, I just stick out my chin And Grin, And Say, Oh! The sun'll come outTomorrow So ya gotta hang on 'Til tomorrow Come what may Tomorrow! Tomorrow!I love ya Tomorrow! You're alwaysA dayA way!
FROM JL IN MI: My daughter Kimberly would work on a report 3 weeks before it was due and get an A and Andy would work on a report 5 minutes before it was due, and get an A. Life is funny like that isn't it? I tend to do things as needed.
FROM DAZ: Didn't Scarlet say--- I'll do it tomorrow , for tomorrow is another day.
FROM JD IN MN: MY TAX RETURN. I DON'T MIND PAYING, BUT GETTING TO IT DRIVES ME CRAZY.
FROM JH IN BG: This is a good one.... I just bought one of my nephews a shirt that said
"Procrastinators United will meet tomorrow"...
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Words, even “prevaricator” goes down smoother than the more succinct “liar.”
FROM SH IN SF: I'm usually so busy with a lot of things that I keep putting off doing housework until tomorrow. I know the German Hausfraus don't do that. They arise every morning and start sweeping off the front steps.
FROM FM IN WI: my main shortcoming is that I frequently an unable to put things off until tomorrow. I wish I could be more patient - more willing to deal with the evil of one day without crowding in more and more. When there is something before me, I tend to do it now - unfortunately permitting things, at times, to get in the way of relationships. Thanks again for your words - cause a person to think and reflect! I did put off for a day responding! Maybe I'm learning in my old age!
“Tomorrow, tomorrow, not today, all the lazy people say.” (German Proverb) I need to cut this one out and post it, except for the word, lazy. I feel more comfortable being called, a procrastinator. How about the song from Annie: Tomorrow? Do you have any comments about putting things off until tomorrow? ;-) Jack
FROM MS IN WF: Can I get back to you on that?
Song: Tomorrow Lyrics[ANNIE]
The sun'll come out TomorrowBet your bottom dollar That tomorrow There'll be sun! Just thinkin' aboutTomorrow Clears away the cobwebs, And the sorrow 'Til there's none! When I'm stuck a day That's gray, And lonely, I just stick out my chin And Grin, And Say, Oh! The sun'll come outTomorrow So ya gotta hang on 'Til tomorrow Come what may Tomorrow! Tomorrow!I love ya Tomorrow! You're alwaysA dayA way!
FROM JL IN MI: My daughter Kimberly would work on a report 3 weeks before it was due and get an A and Andy would work on a report 5 minutes before it was due, and get an A. Life is funny like that isn't it? I tend to do things as needed.
FROM DAZ: Didn't Scarlet say--- I'll do it tomorrow , for tomorrow is another day.
FROM JD IN MN: MY TAX RETURN. I DON'T MIND PAYING, BUT GETTING TO IT DRIVES ME CRAZY.
FROM JH IN BG: This is a good one.... I just bought one of my nephews a shirt that said
"Procrastinators United will meet tomorrow"...
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Words, even “prevaricator” goes down smoother than the more succinct “liar.”
FROM SH IN SF: I'm usually so busy with a lot of things that I keep putting off doing housework until tomorrow. I know the German Hausfraus don't do that. They arise every morning and start sweeping off the front steps.
FROM FM IN WI: my main shortcoming is that I frequently an unable to put things off until tomorrow. I wish I could be more patient - more willing to deal with the evil of one day without crowding in more and more. When there is something before me, I tend to do it now - unfortunately permitting things, at times, to get in the way of relationships. Thanks again for your words - cause a person to think and reflect! I did put off for a day responding! Maybe I'm learning in my old age!
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Jack’s Winning Words 1/4/07
“Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window.” (Peter Drucker) Drucker used one word to describe himself: Observer. He observed lessons of the past and applied them to the realities of today. He found that it worked in business. I predict that it can work in your life and mine, too. That’s my observation. ;-) Jack
“Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window.” (Peter Drucker) Drucker used one word to describe himself: Observer. He observed lessons of the past and applied them to the realities of today. He found that it worked in business. I predict that it can work in your life and mine, too. That’s my observation. ;-) Jack
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Jack’s Winning Words 1/3/07
“Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out.” (John Wooden) I just finished watching a tribute to Steve Yzerman former captain of the Detroit Red Wings hockey team. He gave credit for his “success” to his coaches and to his teammates. When I think about sports figures I’ve watched thought the years, he is the best. In your life in general, who do you consider to be the best? ;-) Jack
“Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out.” (John Wooden) I just finished watching a tribute to Steve Yzerman former captain of the Detroit Red Wings hockey team. He gave credit for his “success” to his coaches and to his teammates. When I think about sports figures I’ve watched thought the years, he is the best. In your life in general, who do you consider to be the best? ;-) Jack
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Jack’s Winning Words 1/2/07
“No one can be ideally successful until he has found his place. Like a locomotive, he is stronger on the track, but weak anywhere else.” (Orison Swett Marden) New Year’s resolutions are like the track for a locomotive. Maybe it’s better to call them goals. What is it that you want to accomplish this year? ;-) Jack
“No one can be ideally successful until he has found his place. Like a locomotive, he is stronger on the track, but weak anywhere else.” (Orison Swett Marden) New Year’s resolutions are like the track for a locomotive. Maybe it’s better to call them goals. What is it that you want to accomplish this year? ;-) Jack
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