from , JAKE S. ( :

The line is from the USA Declaration of Independence, mainly credited to Thomas Jefferson with input from Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. Though (and you might ask Heidi) it might have been adopted from a document for the United Netherlands — who did what the USA did, only earlier.

As for your scoffing at less encumbered lives (so called primitive tribes), I am ashamed of you, John. How egocentric can you be? Until you have lived that life, you have no idea. You might actually be much healthier if you dined on beetles and grubs or had to hunt/gather your dinner rather than order it.

Let’s put it this way… without all the support systems of so-called civilized life you would be worse off that those idiots on “Survivor.” Don’t disparage what you don’t understand.

I’m not certain who else may have said “all men are created equal” but I’ve heard the names of a few that have said it before (Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, etc.). The thing is — and people all over the world, including the country that was founded upon the idea, make this mistake — it says that all men are CREATED equal, not that all men remain equal. That would just be stupid (not to mention a pile of equine fertilizer)! Your father wasn’t born with the ability and knowledge to make a brilliant piece of furniture, Derek wasn’t born knowing more about computers than you, and you weren’t born making fun of the French! You each learned this vital skills as you grew up (well two out of three isn’t bad! *LOL*).

Acknowledging that all men are created equal just paves the way for opportunity and choice, not equal outcome. The final result rests with each of us. And you shouldn’t sell yourself short. Not everyone can do what you do, even if you don’t believe that yourself! Consider this: if you view your own accomplishments as less than they are, are you doing anything significantly different than the journalists who portray third world natives as noble and all of us living in first-world countries benefiting from western civilization as somehow lacking? (And you’re right; they do that.)

*stepping down from my soapbox now*

I’m not scolding or anything, just trying to give one short, mature (read: “old”! ) American lady’s perspective!

Terri

Gary’s mum

I haven’t written in awhile, but have read all the blogs. Oh boy do I know what you mean about trying to do simple things on the computer/printer. Lots of BAD names were said, but with patience, I was able to figure out most of them and it was simply because I didn’t read the directions.
I have to say that I am jealous for the first time today when you said you have the autographed picture of Tony and Pussy from the Sopranos. Oh, how I miss that program and watch the re-runs whenever I can. My family is Italian and some of the comments they make are so original that it is almost like they watched my family in action and Nonna was doing the directing. Oh! Without all the murders of course, but the dinners, wine, and the importance of family even if Uncle Tony is in the Olive Oil business!! *yea, right*
Love the pictures of the casino. I am sure I contributed to the decor from my last cruise.

Big day tomorrow!!! Your show is going to be on about the Cruise Director thingy.

Ciao, Kathleen

P.S. Saw the Bucket List this past week. Wonderful movie!!!

You have never met our 20 year old son, but if you mention the word “Flowrider” to him…he will blush.

Schlitterbaun is a huge waterpark outside of San Antonio, Texas. We were there last June for a week and our son did indeed decide he was ready for the flowrider.

He had never tried it before and as we were about to leave the park, he decided to give it a go. He is 6′ 4″ and not very coordinated.

While our son is a brilliant Chemical Engineer student with a full academic scholarship, let’s just say that good ole’ common sense is not his strong suit.

Also, his swimming trunks was not his “strong suit” that day when he lasted about 2 seconds on the board before the water shot the board, he and his swim trunks up to the holding area…unfortunately, not all at the same time!

So a word of caution, use common sense and make sure your swimming trunks are on securely before attempting this!!

Linda (Mom of your friend ~still walking 4 miles a day~ DJ)

My wife and I spent one of the most romantic weeks of our lives in Lerici thirty years ago this summer. It is spectacular. I will never forget eating dinner al fresco under the lights in the town square. It is everyones postcard vision of what a small Italian town on the Mediteranean should be.

Captain Pagano and the other crew who are from Lerici are very lucky people. Please pass along our regards….wish we were there!