Dinner last night

In the wake of President's inauguration, we were sitting around the dinner table last night when my son, age 7, asked me what state I was born in. "Ohio", he said. He got a big grin and said, "You could be the President." He then asked Kirsten, "What state were you born in?" She replied, "Ohio, too." He got a little sheepish and said "You couldn't be the President." Kirsten was taken aback and asked "Well, why not?" Asher replied, "You're not old enough. You have to be thirty-five."

Kids.

Final Words from the Movie "Patton"

In recent days, I have more than once thought of the final words from the movie Patton. For those of you that have not seen the segment, it features a voiceover by George C. Scott, speaking in his role as General George S. Patton. I have wondered whether the quotation is true or apocryphal, although less and less so. Nonetheless, I usually recall its words in times of frenzied, unbridled enthusiasm for any individual. It seems particularly poignant on the inauguration of a new President of the United States and the departure of the outgoing President.

"For over a thousand years, Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honor of triumph: a tumultuous parade. In the procession came trumpeteers, musicians and strange animals from conquered territories, together with carts laden with treasure and captured armaments. The conqueror rode in a triumphal chariot, the dazed prisoners walking in chains before him. Sometimes, his children, robed in white, stood with him in the chariot or rode the trace horses. A slave stood behind the conqueror, holding a golden crown and whispering in his ear a warning—that all glory is fleeting."

1 Peter 1:24-25

Meetings

I also found this article about meetings in the NY Times today. I serve on a variety of committees and boards and the groups that embrace these concepts (often, the governmental ones, surprisingly) are the best run. Definitely food for thought anyone who "meets".

Reducing Cardiovascular Risk

There was a health piece in the NY Times that reviewed some not so new thinking on reducing cardiovascular risks. The importance of lifestyle modifications can not be understated. After quitting smoking, the other dietary and exercise plans mentioned were great.

The Mayo Clinic Healthy Pyramid including the Mediterranean format are also excellent resources for anyone wishing to make a diet change like this.