tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52873262011-04-21T21:35:02.930-04:00Jefferson's SpiritA daily weblog by Mark Furnish,
furnishesq@hotmail.com
Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.comBlogger751100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1090031605534791952004-07-16T22:33:00.000-04:002004-07-16T22:57:24.616-04:00Thank God for Mom and Dad. . . .
RHAPSODY Link
Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1084583141081833792004-05-14T20:56:00.000-04:002004-05-14T21:06:34.440-04:00The Answer is "Yes"
In those days, we had 550 priests," the Rev. Edwin B. Broderick (former Bishop of Albany, NY) said. "What are you going to do, go down to every rectory at midnight and check to see if the priests are alone? Or if there are little boys around? They all take a vow of celibacy."
-- Albany Times Union 5/14/04
Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1084503474220339492004-05-13T22:53:00.000-04:002004-05-13T23:06:02.493-04:00Picking and Choosing
I get a kick in the pants over those Catholics who lecture others about being a cafeteria Catholic. For those dear readers who do not know what a cafeteria Catholic is, it is the term given by some Catholics to other Catholics who do not agree with a specific church teachings. In other words, follow all Catholic teachings, every single one, or don't call yourself Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1084415089207387062004-05-12T22:24:00.000-04:002004-05-12T22:34:55.140-04:00Which Historical Lunatic Are You?
I am the most similar to the crazy Roman Emperor Caligula!
Clink on the link below the picture to find out who you are most similar to! Then, e-mail me at furnishesq@hotmail.com with your result.
I will post all the results at a later date!
How fun!
Which Historical Lunatic Are You?From the fecund loins of Rum and Monkey.Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1084134707256294952004-05-09T16:31:00.000-04:002004-05-09T16:37:03.716-04:00You Are Not A Man of God
The Magdalene Sisters
Last week, the dismissal of my lawsuit against the Diocese of Rochester, New York and Bishop Matthew Clark was upheld by the 4th Department Appellate court. They reasoned that I knew I was being molested by O’Neill at 12 and should have told someone. This runs counter to experts of sexual abuse who know it takes years, often decades before a Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1078630741926290982004-03-06T22:39:00.000-05:002004-03-06T22:46:33.826-05:00There Goes My Hero. . . He's Ordinary
Today I did something I normally do not do – I went to the movies by myself.
I saw Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. I was moved. It’s a powerful movie.
I do not know what I believe when it comes to Jesus Christ, the Gospels, and the divinity. The only thing I am sure of today is that my spirituality is growing.
I believe in a power greater Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1076435102228115482004-02-10T12:45:00.000-05:002004-02-10T12:59:43.343-05:00Clergy Sex Abuse Victims Don't Need Pep-Rallys From the Dioceses
Letter to Bishop Howard J. Hubbard -- Roman Catholic Bishop of Albany, NY February 9, 2004
Most Reverend Howard J. Hubbard
Bishop, Diocese of Albany
Pastoral Center
40 North Main Avenue
Albany, NY 12203
Today's pep-rally in your support is simply not something Jesus would do, sanction or tolerate. The same is true of last Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1075406452149340652004-01-29T15:00:00.000-05:002004-01-29T15:02:27.483-05:00This is not a doctored photo. . .
Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1074870286941493042004-01-23T10:04:00.000-05:002004-01-23T16:11:16.950-05:00
The Almighty, who gave the dog to be the companion of our pleasures and toils, hath invested him with a nature noble and incapable of deceit.-- Sir Walter Scott
Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1072202955231151402003-12-23T13:09:00.000-05:002003-12-23T13:20:42.716-05:00What is Christmas About?
Christmas is about pens and pencils.
When you are shopping during the Christmas season have you ever just taken a second and looked around you? What the heck are we doing? People are fighting for parking spots and yelling and screaming at each other in the process. The stores are packed. Credit cards are being run through machines at incredible rates. Customers Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1072127861646889632003-12-22T16:17:00.000-05:002003-12-22T16:19:53.733-05:00Watch out Ebenezzer -- Another Christmas Ghost
I love ghost stories -- the news story below is probably a hoax. They swear it is not. I must admit, it's a little freaky.
Enjoy.
Cameras capture Hampton Court 'ghost'
Saturday, 20 December , 2003, 18:15
London: Hampton Court Palace in southwest London has always been at the centre of contention for ghostly activities. Although, never Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1072121562382311482003-12-22T14:32:00.000-05:002003-12-22T14:37:32.466-05:00This Will Be Our Little Secret. . .
My wife and I just came back from a vacation in Orlando, Florida. We love amusement parks and particularly love Walt Disney World (we spent out honeymoon there.) For this vacation we split our time between Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
For those who care about such things, Universal is well worth the trip. It has some of the best thrill rides Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1071868576852497502003-12-19T16:16:00.000-05:002003-12-19T16:23:28.890-05:00When Cell Phones Go Bad. . .
Did you ever have an embarrassing moment in your life? The kind in which you just want to crawl into a hole and hide?
I hate those moments. Thankfully they are few and far between.
But it just happened to me. Let me tell you about it.
My wife and I rarely fight. Sure, we bicker all the time but an actual drag out screaming match happens very rarely and Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1071511141831368212003-12-15T12:59:00.000-05:002003-12-15T16:20:41.780-05:00Kudos to Lauryn Hill
"I realize some of you may be offended by what I'm saying, but what do you say to the families who were betrayed by the people in whom they believed?"
Lauryn Hill has a lot of integrity -- and much courage. I wish wish most practicing Catholics had her moral compass. . .
US singer blasts Catholic Church at Vatican Christmas concert
US hip-hop singer Lauryn Hill Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1070378145759363792003-12-02T10:15:00.000-05:002003-12-02T10:16:23.310-05:00Post Script
This article was recently in the Toronto Globe and Mail seems I am not the only one. Sad really. . .
Ferry bad place
The good news is that Torontonians are getting an exciting new car ferry. The bad news is it's going to Rochester
By JAN WONG
Saturday, November 29, 2003 - Page M1
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- People in this beleaguered city on the south shore of Lake Ontario are Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1069708802968313652003-11-24T16:20:00.000-05:002003-11-24T16:42:42.983-05:00Time Can Change Me, But I Can't Change Time
As each year passes, and I continue to grow older, one lesson in particular comes up time and time again; things change. What you know and love today may very well be gone tomorrow. And that, dear reader, is just a fact of life.
I was again reminded of this lesson a few weeks ago when I went back to my hometown of Rochester, NY to surprise my Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1069610790132283262003-11-23T13:06:00.000-05:002003-11-23T13:06:59.013-05:00
Let the Word Go Forth. . .
40 years ago, my political hero and idol, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was shot dead in the streets of Dallas.
JFK was not, by any stretch of the imagination, a perfect man. But his words and ideals encouraged us to strive and fight for something greater than ourselves. JFK reminded us that anything worth doing should be done "not because it is easy, but because it is Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1065127284200713842003-10-02T16:41:00.000-04:002003-10-02T16:44:13.306-04:00Peace Offering
Eric Luper e-mailed the following olive branch to Jefferson's Spirit today:
Here is a haiku I found for you:
Thomas Jefferson
Testy Jefferson:
Kill that Hamilton bastard!
Or just maim him good
Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1065021689521811492003-10-01T11:21:00.000-04:002003-10-01T11:21:29.460-04:00Historical (and Beloved) Mechanicville, NY
If this was the 18th century I would have to challenge Eric Luper to a duel. In his recent blog posting he attacked the fine history, and in so doing, the fine people of Mechanicville, NY. You can read it here.
So I am glad we aren't in the 18th Century because I would be scared. Shooting bullets at someone isn't exactly something I enjoy. Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1064851411668116812003-09-29T12:03:00.000-04:002003-09-29T12:43:14.253-04:00Stones Thrown, Glass Breaking, Film at 11
This is Bishop Matthew Clark -- the Roman Catholic Bishop of Rochester, New York. This is the man who failed to warn my family (or anyone else's family) that there were known pedophile priests living in my parish and throughout the Diocese of Rochester. This man failed to warn my family that overnight trips with Robert O'Neill was not a good idea. Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1064506385671706902003-09-25T12:13:00.000-04:002003-09-25T12:13:05.676-04:00Bite Me Tiger
Tiger Woods is a jerk.
This summer, the PGA held their tournament in my hometown of Rochester, New York. Tiger was there and acted like a complete and total prick to the public.
One guy patted him on the back. Tiger turned to him and told him "If you do that again I will put a five iron down your throat."
Very nice Tiger.
He also threw a tantrum and refused to sign Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1063854747060694852003-09-17T23:12:00.000-04:002003-09-17T23:22:33.070-04:00Down At Our Rendezvous. . .
John Ritter died last week from an “undisclosed heart condition” -- actually, his blood was being pumped so hard into his artery that the blood caused it to rip open, killing him. Tragically, this condition isn’t rare. It can happen to anyone of us. It is impossible to predict or detect. Once the artery rips, you have about 24 hours before you die. Please don’tMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1063763446097907272003-09-16T21:50:00.000-04:002003-09-16T21:57:57.560-04:00The Loneliness of the Black Coffee Drinker
I drink my coffee black.
Black -- as in nothing but coffee in my cup.
No milk.
No sugar.
No sugar substitute and no non-dairy creamer.
I dont need chocolate sprinkles in my coffee, nor do I need nutmeg -- let alone cinnamon.
Simple, but so hard for people to comprehend.
Everytime I order coffee I order it black. Everytime I order (black) Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1063649878723562862003-09-15T14:17:00.000-04:002003-09-15T14:39:41.816-04:00Sink or Swim, or Moby Dick is My Muse
Whale Watching is a tough sport.
Very tough.
In fact, it is enough to make you sick.
Last week my wife and I vacationed in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It was highly recommended to us that we travel to Provincetown (a wonderful place at the very tip of Cape Cod) and take a whale watching excursion in the Atlantic Ocean.
Having never seen a whale outside Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1061848523389188832003-08-25T17:55:00.000-04:002003-08-25T17:55:23.470-04:00Of Course I Will Post This Marianne
Dear Mark,
Your emotional expression on Geoghan's murder brought tears to my eyes. I'm with YOU. I do not share the radical views on either side. I did not wish him a violent death, but I did wish his victims a chance for them to confront their molester. On the other hand, it upsets me to hear Bishops and some parishoners assume that God will receive Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1061754711279489892003-08-24T15:51:00.000-04:002003-08-24T16:17:33.990-04:00O Simon Magus! O disciples of his!
Miserable pimps and hucksters, that have sold
The things of God, troth-plight to the righteousness,
Into adultery for silver and gold;
For you the trump must sound now - you are come
To the bag: the third bowge (pit) has you in its hold...
-- Dante's Inferno
Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1061486399046882712003-08-21T13:19:00.000-04:002003-08-21T13:19:59.180-04:00You're So Vain, You Probably Think This Blog is About You. . .
Over the weekend I went to the Saratoga Horse Racing Track in Saratoga Springs, New York. It was a beautiful day spent with some fantastic friends. If you have never been to the Saratoga races let me paint the picture for you:
It is a 100 year old horse racing track which runs races only 5 weeks out of the entire year. Some of Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1061401711041575662003-08-20T13:48:00.000-04:002003-08-20T13:48:30.936-04:00Wichita Lineman
It has been almost two years since the horrific events of September 11, 2001 but its impact on me did not manifest itself until last week.
Osama, it took you two years to get to me; but you did.
And that pisses me off.
Let me explain:
Last Thursday I had to drive over 200 miles to another city for a business trip. I was on the interstate and listening to talk radio. It Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1061315499101245772003-08-19T13:51:00.000-04:002003-08-21T12:22:51.370-04:00Damn, It Feels Good To Be a Gangster
We will never forget what you did. . .
Shame on you
Law and the lawBOSTON (MA)
Boston Phoenix
BY KRISTEN LOMBARDI
IT’S BEEN CALLED the worst case of child molestation in modern times. Ever since the clergy-sex-abuse scandal dominated headlines last year — exposing a staggering number of child molestations by priests and an appalling pattern of cover-ups Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1060187396995878682003-08-06T12:29:00.000-04:002003-08-06T12:30:24.170-04:00All Roads Lead to Rome -- or -- No Matter Where You Go, There You Are
My wife and I went hiking the other day in the Adirondacks. It is one of our favorite things to do. For me, hiking is a form of meditation. It takes you away from the stimulus and the stresses of daily life and puts you in touch with the quiet beauty of nature. The only thing that matters on a hike is navigating your way Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1060127430678388522003-08-05T19:50:00.000-04:002003-08-05T19:53:49.900-04:00Don't Call it a Comeback, I've Been Here for Years (or a few months at least. . .)
Dear Loyal Reader of Jefferson’s Spirit,
I’m back! The last time we met I was stuck with a flat tire in a parking garage. . .
And from the lack of posts here, I am sure some of you assumed I have been stuck there ever since. AAA is slow, but it isn’t that slow! Many of you have harped and yelled at me to Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1057202498309147472003-07-02T23:21:00.000-04:002003-07-02T23:29:26.906-04:00Searching for Zebras in the Land of Horses
Today after work I attempted to drive my Chevy Blazer out of the parking garage to go home. I do this everyday. However, as I drove out of my parking spot I heard the distinctive “thump, thump, thump” of a flat tire. The passenger side rear wheel was flat and, upon closer examination, a nail was sticking out of the tire.
I called my wife, who Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1057113509592065072003-07-01T22:38:00.000-04:002003-07-03T00:56:49.990-04:00Ode to Joy, or, The Road Less Traveled
I read an interesting article today. It seems that Beethoven’s famous Ninth Symphony, one of his most famous, baffles musical experts. Why? Because it is just . . . well, it is just plain different than other symphonies.
In the opinion of musical critics it doesn’t sound like any other symphony before or since. It simply doesn’t work like Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1056604668523980492003-06-26T01:17:00.000-04:002003-06-26T01:20:04.860-04:00It's Nice to Be Important, But It's More Important to Be Nice
One of my favorite sayings is “The graveyard is full of irreplaceable people.”
How is that for perspective?
If you are anything like me, you spend a great deal of your life fretting over how important you are and how the world would probably spin off its axis into oblivion if anything were to happen to interfere with your busy Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1056518344032588402003-06-25T01:19:00.000-04:002003-07-03T01:01:21.440-04:00At the Races
No one can accuse me of not being well rounded. On Monday I could be at a cocktail party chatting to a transsexual, on Tuesday having dinner at a summer home on Lake George discussing speed boats with a Republican, on Wednesday be at a potluck dinner in an inner-city church basement, have a business lunch in Manhattan on Thursday and, on days like today, going to a demolition Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1056421725359187392003-06-23T22:28:00.000-04:002003-06-23T22:33:42.510-04:00I Call This One. .
Last September I was involved in a horrific car accident. I was driving my Chevy Blazer SUV and making a left hand turn on a busy intersection.
As I made the turn, I heard my wife scream and then:
BAM!
A motorcycle hits my SUV and the driver flies into the air and onto the pavement.
Horrific.
As he lay on the pavement my wife and I jump out of our truck to see if he Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1056314036047228602003-06-22T16:33:00.000-04:002003-06-22T16:36:31.486-04:00
The Tao of Who?
I am reading a lot lately. I really enjoy the eastern philosophy of Tao. Tao is the belief that Things are what they Are. That’s it. Period. Simply, Things are what they are.
I don’t know about you, but I spend a great deal of my time wishing that Things could be different. or Things could be better or Why did Things turn out the way they did?
Taoism tells us this Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1056232241168636612003-06-21T17:50:00.000-04:002003-06-21T17:52:29.223-04:00If You Donated Money to a Roman Catholic Diocese This Year, Shame on You
I am getting tired of people making excuses for the Catholic Child Molestation Crisis. Those who refuse to admit there is a problem, or "that it isn't happening in my church" I have news for you:
Your faith is tainted.
"All it takes for horror to survive is for good men to do nothing"
I have no apologies for these Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-1055550445430971762003-06-13T20:27:00.000-04:002003-06-13T20:27:25.196-04:00The Train Ride
As I write this I am on a train en route from New York City to Albany. The Hudson River and the New Jersey Palisades are the view outside my window. I always enjoy train rides. It is a very comfortable mode of transportation, and you can get a lot of work done – or you can just sit and relax.
The best train ride I ever took was with my wife in Europe. We took a train trip Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-950135232003-05-28T20:41:00.000-04:002003-05-28T22:19:42.000-04:00Courage
Today my Mom did something for me that was emotionally difficult for her to do. Yet she gritted her teeth and did it anyway. She was terribly drained afterward; but she made a real impact on someone who should have been motivated to do something on the subject long before my Mom talked to him today.
Thank you Mom
It reminds me that we have a lot more strength than we gives Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-949665422003-05-27T21:34:00.000-04:002003-05-27T21:51:55.000-04:00Drip, Drip, Drip. . .
As loyal readers to Jefferson’s Spirit already know, my cat McKinley is quite sick with a liver disease. She is stable, but far from healthy.
A part of her treatment is an I.V. drip of saline solution every day to insure she does not become dehydrated. It is an awful experience.
I have to hold her down securely while my wife inserts the needle in her back and Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-949194632003-05-26T21:54:00.000-04:002003-05-27T16:25:19.000-04:00At the Movies
Most of the time here at Jefferson’s Spirit we write about life and its meaning; you know, philosophical stuff. And you dear readers (which there are now 500 of you) seem to enjoy it. But all work and no play makes the staff here at Jefferson’s Spirit dull writers.
So as a rare treat, I thought I would write about some movies I watched over the four days I had off for Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-948806002003-05-25T22:58:00.000-04:002003-05-25T22:58:33.016-04:00God Bless the Assholes. . .
When people speak badly of you, you should respond in this way: Keep a steady heart and don't reply with harsh words. Practice letting go of resentment and accepting that the other's hostility is the spur to your understanding. Be kind, adopt a generous standpoint, treat your enemy as a friend, and suffuse all your world with affectionate thoughts, far-reaching and Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-948447362003-05-24T21:54:00.000-04:002003-05-24T22:00:33.000-04:00At the Turning Point
Surrender of British General Burgoyne to Amercian Forces at the Battle of Saratoga.
I was at the Saratoga Battlefield in Stillwater, New York today. The Battle of Saratoga was considered the turning point in the American War for Independence. It has an interesting story.
You see, up until this point, the colonists fighting against Great Britain failed to win a major Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-948127062003-05-23T22:59:00.000-04:002003-05-23T23:15:35.000-04:00You and Me Baby Ain't Nothing But Mammals -- or How I Failed to See the Forest
My dog Jefferson is silly.
Every morning as I get ready for work she becomes utterly devastated. She is sad and melancholy. Every evening when I come home from work she is ecstatic – she barks and cries and demands a hug. She acts as if she was never going to see me again.
Silly puppy.
She makes herself sadMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-947699272003-05-23T00:01:00.000-04:002003-05-23T00:03:16.000-04:00I've Got a Secret
Taking your secrets to the grave will kill you.
Do you own a credit card? They are so horribly convenient. You take what you want, and all they do is take a plastic card from you. It seems so painless.
Painless, until the bill comes due. And then, dear reader, it is time to pay the piper. And sometimes the price is steep and painful.
That is like secrets. We can onlyMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-947173702003-05-21T23:02:00.000-04:002003-05-21T23:52:53.000-04:00Beware the Fury of a Patient Man
(As a child something protected me; and it still gives me strength today. . .)
Something happened in my childhood that should not have happened. It was terribly wrong and has affected my life in ways that I do not even comprehend yet. It happened by people that knew it was going on and knew it was wrong, and yet stood by and did nothing to prevent it; nor do Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-945583462003-05-18T21:59:00.000-04:002003-05-18T22:15:24.000-04:00You Deserve a Break Today...
Dear Loyal Reader:
As you already know, the staff here at Jefferson's Spirit (mainly, me) has not written a new article for over eight days! I promise you that the lack of new material will not be a common occurence.
You may be asking yourself "where, exactly, dear writer, have you been?"
Good question.
Quite simply, I have been so overwhelmed with life Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-941745832003-05-11T21:13:00.000-04:002003-05-11T21:16:50.000-04:00I Am So Outta Here. . .
Last week Michael Jordon, probably the greatest basketball player of all time, was fired from his management position with the Washington Wizards. He went into a meeting, told he was no longer needed and after a bitter argument left the facility.
That had to have been humiliating.
And it got me thinking, dear internet surfer; sometimes it is best to walk away from Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-941298172003-05-10T22:42:00.000-04:002003-05-10T23:17:08.000-04:00Here I Come to Save the Day. . .
In the past few months I have done a lot of soul searching (as you, loyal reader, have been privileged to witness) and I have come to a realization:
I like being the hero. In fact, I am addicted to it. And if I keep it up I will eventually break down.
Ever since I can remember I have been an overachiever. Try out for the team, take the hardest class, runMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-940864242003-05-09T22:48:00.000-04:002003-05-09T22:49:40.000-04:00It Tastes Great on French Fries and Cleans Floors
This is the Tao panting of the Vinegar Tasters.
Here is the run down:
The vinegar the men taste represents life.
One man tastes the vinegar and, noting the bitterness, grimaces.
One man tastes the vinegar, notes the bitterness, but hoping for something that tastes better in the future, remains passive, neutral and expressionless.
Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-940302732003-05-08T23:29:00.000-04:002003-05-08T23:29:22.820-04:00No Pepper Games Allowed -- Please!
A quick McKinley update – an ultrasound shows it is not cancer, or any other mass, in her liver. While she is not out of the woods yet – our reasons to hope improved today. She is sluggish and weak, but she is taking food.
This has been, without a doubt, a shit week. I would even go so far to say it has been a shit month.
Sigh. . .
I will discuss Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-939680042003-05-07T23:28:00.000-04:002003-05-07T23:28:58.590-04:00Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-939614842003-05-07T21:25:00.000-04:002003-05-07T23:18:41.000-04:00Q: Do You Know What St. Francis is the Patron Saint For?
McKinley is resting comfortably after her biopsy today. She actually ate some food. The results won't be available until tomorrow afternoon. They will be what they will be. She seems content today -- and for right now that's all I want.
I don't know about you -- but I need something inspirational. Here are the words of a beautiful songMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-938976602003-05-06T21:17:00.000-04:002003-05-06T21:32:13.000-04:00A Prayer for Nine Lives
Today has been a terrible day.
My cat McKinley has been diagnosed with liver trouble. In the course of one week she has lost an incredible amount of weight and no longer eats. As of yesterday, she no longer could even drink water without throwing up. She is only 7 years old.
Tomorrow we bring her back to the vet for a ultrasound and a liver biopsy. They want to see Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-938355042003-05-05T21:27:00.000-04:002003-05-07T23:11:00.000-04:00Goodbye Old Man
I am sad. The Old Man left New Hampshire this weekend. The Old Man of the Mountain is a natural rock formation in the State of New Hampshire which bore an uncanny resemblance to a human face. Tragically, it collapsed Saturday evening.
You say you never seen a picture of the Old Man? You most likely have. Take a look at the New Hampshire State Quarter. That’s the Old Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-937626182003-05-04T17:39:00.000-04:002003-05-10T23:28:53.000-04:00Buy the Book
Yesterday I went to a used book store and bought a ton of books. I love used book stores. This one even had a cat roaming lazily up and down its aisles. It was a great way to spend a sunny afternoon.
The next time you are tempted to go to a fancy chain book store, consider taking the time to drive to a sleepy little town that has a used book store (used book stores always seem toMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-937287202003-05-03T22:11:00.000-04:002003-05-05T21:04:09.000-04:00Keep the Faith
This is one of my favorite paintings. It is L'Angelus by Jean-Francois Millet. It is located in the Musee d'Orsay in Paris.
The painting shows two poor farm workers taking time out in the afternoon to say a prayer. If you look closely in the background you can see a church steeple -- that is probably tolling . You can tell these two people are not well to do; their clothes Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-936824852003-05-02T21:32:00.000-04:002003-05-05T21:04:52.000-04:00Socrates Weeps
Someone died this week. Because of his death I think the world will be a darker place; but what he taught me will shine on. I can name only a handful of teachers that made a real impact in my life. My contracts law school professor was one of them. Tragically, he passed away this week.
He was not, by any stretch of the imagination, the friendliest guy in the world. Those whoMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-936333862003-05-01T23:34:00.000-04:002003-05-01T23:34:03.270-04:00Pave Paradise and Put Up a Parking Lot
Today I was trying to leave a parking lot. I needed to back out, but a car was blocking my way out. The passenger of that car was off buying a newspaper nearby. The driver, seeing that I needed to back out, did absolutely nothing. He knew I had to wait for him to move but did not seem to care. (He could have easily moved to let me out) So I had to waitMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-935644202003-04-30T20:48:00.000-04:002003-04-30T20:48:17.523-04:00April Showers Bring May Flowers
I have about a 25 minute commute, one way, to work. Late April means nice weather, and nice weather means road construction. My ride into work is littered with construction slow downs and detours. One long stretch of road, which has been riddled with potholes, was stripped and roughed down today. This road is now filled with ragged strips and bumps. In a few Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-934993422003-04-29T20:45:00.000-04:002003-04-29T21:11:48.000-04:00Step Right Up. . . -- It's Carnival Season!
The summer is almost here! Today I drove by a shopping mall that had recently set up a traveling carnival. I love those things. Old, decrepit amusement park rides, taken down, stored in rickety old trucks, moved to the next location, and put up again. This process happens two, maybe three, times a week. I love it. Every time I go on one of those Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-934319942003-04-28T20:22:00.000-04:002003-04-28T20:25:11.000-04:00Thank You India
I have been working very hard on being grateful for what I have been given in this life. This is particularly hard for me because I tend to look at life as a glass half empty. I always have. But what I fail to realize most of the time is that I should be grateful that I even have half a glass of water. Some don’t even have that.
And for those dying of thirst in the desert Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-933699142003-04-27T21:28:00.000-04:002003-04-29T21:02:01.000-04:00Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You, Ask What You Can Do For Your Country
I heard an interesting news story today. It seems the former Governor of New Jersey and current head of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was using EPA staff to conduct her own personal errands. She even had a memo written on what staff could and could not say when she asked them how they were.
Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-933210692003-04-26T21:41:00.000-04:002003-04-26T22:04:00.000-04:00Time Out For Trivia -- Presidential Style
I like to collect things related to the Presidents. It is a hobby of mine. I read a lot of presidential history. I am always learning something new.
For instance: Did you know we had a gay president? James Buchanan who served from 1857-1861. His lover was Rufus King who was sworn in as Vice President in 1853 in the Franklin Pierce administration.Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-932753652003-04-25T22:41:00.000-04:002003-04-25T22:41:58.086-04:00Little Things Mean A Lot
Kidney stones hurt. No. That is an understatement. Kidney stones are excruciatingly painful. When you have one that is trying to pass through your kidney, you can understand why some people call for the services of Dr. Kevorcian when they are suffering from a terminal illness. Yes, kidney stones hurt that much.
Now you would think that something so painful would Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-932181722003-04-24T23:24:00.000-04:002003-04-26T21:53:09.000-04:00You Say Tomato, I Say Toronto -- Let's Call the Whole Thing Off. . .
Poor Toronto. I mean, how embarrassing! In one week Toronto went from being a very pleasant and beautiful international city in the Province of Ontario, Canada to the disease infested capital of North America! It became the city equivalent of the kid who is sent home with a massive case of head lice. Eewwww. . .
I think Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-931548432003-04-23T23:32:00.000-04:002003-04-23T23:38:31.000-04:00I'll Gladly Pay You Tuesday For A Hamburger Today, or, Catholic Guilt
Today was one of the busiest and most stressful days I have had in quite awhile. That is saying quite alot because lately most of my days are like this. Yet, dear internet surfer, I sit here at my computer at 11:00 at night with a severe case of writer's block.
There is no reason why I shouldn't be able to fill up a lot of Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-930625642003-04-22T15:04:00.000-04:002003-04-22T22:18:01.000-04:00Watch your Head
The other day Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs took a 90 mile an hour fast ball to his head. The impact was so hard that it shattered his batting helmet. Yet as dramatic as this sounds, he was perfectly fine. A neurological exam after the game showed no signs of head trauma.
Last week, Dr. Richard Atkins, of low-crab diet fame, slipped on a bit of ice in a parking lot as he wasMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-930103412003-04-21T19:23:00.000-04:002003-04-21T19:58:47.000-04:00Was it Something I Said?
I have recently come to an observation about life; it is close to impossible to go through a day without offending at least one person. The only way not to offend someone would be to not come into contact with anyone; but I don’t think that would work either. Somebody would be offended that you didn’t reach out to them.
People get offended for a whole host of reasons.Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-929413792003-04-20T15:04:00.000-04:002003-04-21T19:55:15.000-04:00How I Ruined the Ruins
I hate Sundays. I always have. I think it has something to do with the fact that my weekend is over and I have to go back to work on Monday. This doesn’t make any sense when you think about it. I ruin one entire day, Sunday, to lament over the fact that the next day will require me to sacrifice my freedom for about 8 hours to work. And the strange thing about it is Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-929120652003-04-19T21:50:00.000-04:002003-04-21T14:19:28.000-04:00Man's Best Friend -- International Style
This past October my wife and I went to Paris. It was incredible. (Well, the Mona Lisa was a bit overrated, but that’s just me) I think I could live there. I really do.
My wife and I walked a street on our way to Notre Dame, overlooking the Seine, which consisted entirely of pet shops. Every store was full of puppies in glass cages that stared out atMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-928683982003-04-18T22:28:00.000-04:002003-04-20T23:11:21.000-04:00“I’ve seen better days,
I’ve been the star of many plays. . .”
Today is Good Friday. I am not “religious” in the Church sense of the word, but I think the Bible tells some interesting stories –and some great lessons. The story of Good Friday is my favorite.
Let’s be honest. It was a bad day for Jesus. And I like that. For the majority of the Gospels, Jesus is either performing some Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-927857452003-04-17T12:31:00.000-04:002003-04-17T12:31:54.326-04:00A chocolate waffle cone, no sprinkles please
This weekend was the first beautiful spring day we have had in the frigid northeast United States, so I took my dog for a long walk. I took her to a very large, old victorian cemetary that are common in older cities. It was a beautiful walk. And It got me thinking. . .
I love old cemetaries. They were designed for the living to enjoy as parks. (Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287326.post-927541452003-04-16T22:54:00.000-04:002003-04-20T23:00:55.000-04:00So this is my blog. This is my first post. So this is like Chapter One. And the strangest thing is that now that I have started this thing, I have no ideas to write about.
Why the name Jefferson’s Spirit?
Well for one I like Thomas Jefferson. He was an interesting guy and had a lot of good ideas. He was a good writer as well. He wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05551954143089559907noreply@blogger.com0