Quote of the Day - Theodore Roosevelt

The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it.

Theodore Roosevelt

Tribute to King Fish

Tim Salmon

This weekend marks the end of the career of a longtime Angel, Tim Salmon. Kudos to a class act who was there during the lean years but also during the lone World Series Championship in 2002. Salmon created the fish bowl where he donated a block of 100 seats for disadvantaged children. It is estimated that he ended up allowing hundreds of thousands of kids to see baseball games. Hopefully he'll be able to get one more home run for a total of 300 for his career.

Quote of the Day - Proverbs

Where there is no vision, the people perish.

Proverbs 29:18

Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Address

You may have figured out that I am a big Abraham Lincoln fan. Well, I went to the Lincoln Memorial again today and as always, I take a long time to read his 2nd Inaugural address. This is perhaps one of the best political speeches by an American ever made. I have taken years to think about why it is so powerful and meaty. Lincoln accurately captures the sign of the times in just a few words. Here you go:

At this second appearing to take the oath of the presidential office, there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first. Then a statement, somewhat in detail, of a course to be pursued, seemed fitting and proper. Now, at the expiration of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of the great contest which still absorbs the attention, and engrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented. The progress of our arms, upon which all else chiefly depends, is as well known to the public as to myself; and it is, I trust, reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all. With high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured.

On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago, all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war. All dreaded it--all sought to avert it. While the inaugeral [sic] address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving the Union without war, insurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it without war--seeking to dissole [sic] the Union, and divide effects, by negotiation. Both parties deprecated war; but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive; and the other would accept war rather than let it perish. And the war came.

One eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the Union, but localized in the Southern part of it. These slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. All knew that this interest was, somehow, the cause of the war. To strengthen, perpetuate, and extend this interest was the object for which the insurgents would rend the Union, even by war; while the government claimed no right to do more than to restrict the territorial enlargement of it. Neither party expected for the war, the magnitude, or the duration, which it has already attained. Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with, or even before, the conflict itself should cease. Each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding. Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces; but let us judge not that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered; that of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has his own purposes. "Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!" If we shall suppose that American Slavery is one of those offences which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through His appointed time, He now wills to remove, and that He gives to both North and South, this terrible war, as the woe due to those by whom the offence came, shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a Living God always ascribe to Him? Fondly do we hope--fervently do we pray--that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue, until all the wealth piled by the bond-man's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash, shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said "the judgments of the Lord, are true and righteous altogether"

With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan--to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.

Video of the week - Boys of Summer

It is starting to feel like Autumn is it not? How about something a little lighter?

This song by Don Henley is a classic yet the underrated video deserves recognition too. I love the black and white and even the choice of the kid on drums. The video screens in the background shoot us across timelines and contrast the past and present. It is all very subtle and poetic. Boys of Summer

Quote of the Day - Abraham Lincoln

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.

Abraham Lincoln

Quote of the Day - Change

Think of managing change as an adventure. It tests your skills and abilities. It brings forth talent that may have been dormant. Change is also a training ground for leadership. When we think of leaders, we remember times of change, innovation and conflict. Leadership is often about shaping a new way of life. To do that, you must advance change, take risks and accept responsibility for making change happen.

Charles E. Rice, CEO of Barnett Bank

Quote of the Day - John Maxwell

The first step to leadership is servanthood.

John Maxwell

Old Rag and the Shenandoah's

I went camping in the Shenandoahs this last weekend with a group of friends. Despite the rain on Saturday morning, it was tons of fun. On Sunday Stephen, Chris, and I went and hiked Old Rag Mountain which I have been wanting to do for the last year. The first half was a brutal 2 1/2 hour hike uphill with a rock scramble. This is probably the most strenuous hike I have ever done. However, getting to the top was quite a satisfying feeling. Thanks to Stephen who is almost always willing to take pictures!

The City Church Washington DC

There's a new church in town. I've been attending the City Church of Washington DC. It meets on Thursday nights at 7 PM.

Quote of the Day - George S. Patton

General George S. Patton

If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking.

Video of the Week - The Unusual Suspect

You may have heard of Stephen Baldwin's story but here he is in person with Matt Lauer on the Today show (Follow the link and click on the video, Internet Explorer required). I also recommend reading the excerpt from his book. He is definitely a different man.

Video of the week - A Well Kept Secret

Here's to the U2 fans and to those who are not. You have probably heard this song quite a bit but do you know what it is really about? This time, listen to Bono's toast beforehand and think about the lyrics again. Who is he talking to?

How long to sing this song?