The desire to be on sure ground is the relic of an authoritarian frame of mind. It's a relic of those times when people believed they would receive all that is essential through revelation from the Gods.

—Ernst Tugendhat, in Die Tageszeitung

Birthdays

Tomorrow I will turn forty-four years old. I have been referring to this occasion as the Hank Aaron Birthday in honor of one of my boyhood heroes.

On Sunday my wife and I had some friends and family over for a celebratory brunch. It was a very pleasant time. We had some laughs while we discussed the usual range of topics: Movies, embarrassing incidents from childhood (my wife's brother always evokes these stories, as he and his sister love to poke fun at each other and their mother), politics (there was a Republican in attendance, but we like him, and even he believes the present administration to be the worst in U.S. history), and books. People lingered for a few hours, which was nice; it doesn't inspire any confidence if they run out as soon as they are done eating.

I am blessed with many people who care about me. Between the family and friends I have here, the friends I have in Ontario, and my other friends around the world, I am a lucky man.

A word about Canada

I just spent a delightful week visiting some dear friends in Ontario, and I just want to note that I believe Canada is a wonderful country.