You’re no Mr. Smith.

Here's a few more of the postcards I made while visiting family over the holidays.


Don't read too much into them, they were done quickly without any pre-planning or much thought.

...that Daley shows some common sense.

Did Shrub hit his head? He's actually done something positive for the environment.

In the category, "things overheard in the locker room" two gentlemen were talking about common sense or the lack of it in our society. Specifically, how people drive so recklessly on the icy and/or snowy streets. We all know by now they don't salt like before, which maybe is another topic, still, some need to slow down.I sometimes wonder myself, why some are determined to act recklessly or take such risks in regards to their driving habits? Driving to fast for conditions I see quite often and my response is to stay in the right lane or simply pull over and let them past. How bout the drivers that open their doors in traffic (my personal pet peeve BTW). Another risk I'll never understand is when people drive after a night of drinking alcohol. God forbid an accident occurs, you're now not only dealing with the major headache of the accident and possible injuries to you or others, but dealing with a possible DUI. Even if you win the case, the legal cost is overwhelming.
So are you seeing this lack of common sense as others are or is it simply natures way of thinning the herd?

Ah, the poetic soul is enriched by the exploits of men whose names deserve chisled honor in the granite of human imagination!

Roland holds off the waves of Saracens for his Lord Charlemagne! Roland Burris holds off the disgust of millions!

One guy blocked a pass and Senator We had his pass to the Senate blocked! Epic!

Voila! Chansons de Rolande!


2215 The count Rollanz, when dead he saw his peers,
And Oliver, he held so very dear,
Grew tender, and began to shed a tear;
Out of his face the colour disappeared;
No longer could he stand, for so much grief,
2220 Will he or nill, he swooned upon the field.
Said the Archbishop: "Unlucky lord, indeed!"

CLXV

When the Archbishop beheld him swoon, Rollant,
Never before such bitter grief he'd had;
Stretching his hand, he took that olifant.
2225 Through Rencesvals a little river ran;
He would go there, fetch water for Rollant.
Went step by step, to stumble soon began,
So feeble he is, no further fare he can,
For too much blood he's lost, and no strength has;
2230 Ere he has crossed an acre of the land,
His heart grows faint, he falls down forwards and
Death comes to him with very cruel pangs.

CLXVI

The count Rollanz wakes from his swoon once more,
Climbs to his feet; his pains are very sore;
2235 Looks down the vale, looks to the hills above;
On the green grass, beyond his companions,
He sees him lie, that noble old baron;
'Tis the Archbishop, whom in His name wrought God;
There he proclaims his sins, and looks above;
2240 Joins his two hands, to Heaven holds them forth,
And Paradise prays God to him to accord.
Dead is Turpin, the warrior of Charlon.
In battles great and very rare sermons
Against pagans ever a champion.
2245 God grant him now His Benediction!
AOI.

CLXVII

The count Rollant sees the Archbishop lie dead,
Sees the bowels out of his body shed,
And sees the brains that surge from his forehead;
Between his two arm-pits, upon his breast,
2250 Crossways he folds those hands so white and fair.
Then mourns aloud, as was the custom there:
"Thee, gentle sir, chevalier nobly bred,
To the Glorious Celestial I commend;
Neer shall man be, that will Him serve so well;
2255 Since the Apostles was never such prophet,
To hold the laws and draw the hearts of men.
Now may your soul no pain nor sorrow ken,
Finding the gates of Paradise open!"

CLXVIII

Then Rollanz feels that death to him draws near,
2260 For all his brain is issued from his ears;
He prays to God that He will call the peers,
Bids Gabriel, the angel, t' himself appear.
Takes the olifant, that no reproach shall hear,
And Durendal in the other hand he wields;
2265 Further than might a cross-bow's arrow speed
Goes towards Spain into a fallow-field;
Climbs on a cliff; where, under two fair trees,
Four terraces, of marble wrought, he sees.
There he falls down, and lies upon the green;
2270 He swoons again, for death is very near.

CLXIX

High are the peaks, the trees are very high.
Four terraces of polished marble shine;
On the green grass count Rollant swoons thereby.
A Sarrazin him all the time espies,
2275 Who feigning death among the others hides;
Blood hath his face and all his body dyed;
He gets afoot, running towards him hies;
Fair was he, strong and of a courage high;
A mortal hate he's kindled in his pride.
2280 He's seized Rollant, and the arms, were at his side,
"Charles nephew," he's said, "here conquered lies.
To Araby I'll bear this sword as prize."
As he drew it, something the count descried.

CLXX

So Rollant felt his sword was taken forth,
2285 Opened his eyes, and this word to him spoke
"Thou'rt never one of ours, full well I know."
Took the olifant, that he would not let go,
Struck him on th' helm, that jewelled was with gold,
And broke its steel, his skull and all his bones,
2290 Out of his head both the two eyes he drove;
Dead at his feet he has the pagan thrown:
After he's said: "Culvert, thou wert too bold,
Or right or wrong, of my sword seizing hold!
They'll dub thee fool, to whom the tale is told.
2295 But my great one, my olifant I broke;
Fallen from it the crystal and the gold."

CLXXI

Then Rollanz feels that he has lost his sight,
Climbs to his feet, uses what strength he might;
In all his face the colour is grown white.
2300 In front of him a great brown boulder lies;
Whereon ten blows with grief and rage he strikes;
The steel cries out, but does not break outright;
And the count says: "Saint Mary, be my guide
Good Durendal, unlucky is your plight!
2305 I've need of you no more; spent is my pride!
We in the field have won so many fights,
Combating through so many regions wide
That Charles holds, whose beard is hoary white!
Be you not his that turns from any in flight!
2310 A good vassal has held you this long time;
Never shall France the Free behold his like."

CLXXII

Rollant hath struck the sardonyx terrace;
The steel cries out, but broken is no ways.
So when he sees he never can it break,
2315 Within himself begins he to complain:
"Ah! Durendal, white art thou, clear of stain!
Beneath the sun reflecting back his rays!
In Moriane was Charles, in the vale,
When from heaven God by His angel bade
2320 Him give thee to a count and capitain;
Girt thee on me that noble King and great.
I won for him with thee Anjou, Bretaigne,
And won for him with thee Peitou, the Maine,
And Normandy the free for him I gained,
2325 Also with thee Provence and Equitaigne,
And Lumbardie and all the whole Romaigne,
I won Baivere, all Flanders in the plain,
Also Burguigne and all the whole Puillane,
Costentinnople, that homage to him pays;
2330 In Saisonie all is as he ordains;
With thee I won him Scotland, Ireland, Wales,
England also, where he his chamber makes;
Won I with thee so many countries strange
That Charles holds, whose beard is white with age!
2335 For this sword's sake sorrow upon me weighs,
Rather I'ld die, than it mid pagans stay.
Lord God Father, never let France be shamed!"

CLXXIII

Rollant his stroke on a dark stone repeats,
And more of it breaks off than I can speak.
2340 The sword cries out, yet breaks not in the least,
Back from the blow into the air it leaps.
Destroy it can he not; which when he sees,
Within himself he makes a plaint most sweet.
"Ah! Durendal, most holy, fair indeed!
2345 Relics enough thy golden hilt conceals:
Saint Peter's Tooth, the Blood of Saint Basile,
Some of the Hairs of my Lord, Saint Denise,
Some of the Robe, was worn by Saint Mary.
It is not right that pagans should thee seize,
2350 For Christian men your use shall ever be.
Nor any man's that worketh cowardice!
Many broad lands with you have I retrieved
Which Charles holds, who hath the great white beard;
Wherefore that King so proud and rich is he."

CLXXIV

2355 But Rollant felt that death had made a way
Down from his head till on his heart it lay;
Beneath a pine running in haste he came,
On the green grass he lay there on his face;
His olifant and sword beneath him placed,
2360 Turning his head towards the pagan race,
Now this he did, in truth, that Charles might say
(As he desired) and all the Franks his race; --
'Ah, gentle count; conquering he was slain!' --
He owned his faults often and every way,
2365 And for his sins his glove to God upraised.
AOI.

CLXXV

But Rollant feels he's no more time to seek;
Looking to Spain, he lies on a sharp peak,
And with one hand upon his breast he beats:
"Mea Culpa! God, by Thy Virtues clean
2370 Me from my sins, the mortal and the mean,
Which from the hour that I was born have been
Until this day, when life is ended here!"
Holds out his glove towards God, as he speaks
Angels descend from heaven on that scene.
AOI.

Here's Senator 'We'! Ouis! Sing this ditty to the tune ofRawhide, Kids!

Roland, Roland, Roland - though the streams are swollen & etc.: "I intend to be sworn in"

Roland, Roland, Roland: "I will present myself to the Senate tomorrow afternoon or tomorrow morning"

Roland, Roland, Roland: "And should they turn me away, I will then proceed to leave"

Roland, Roland, Roland: "If that happens, my lawyers will decide on next course of action"



Keep Roland, Roland, Roland . . .Roland, Roland, Roland! Good Vitals, Gals and Kissin' are waitin' at the end of your Ride!

Instead of throwing your Christmas Tree into the garbage, please consider bringing in to one of the local parks listed below to have it chipped and turned into mulch. Free mulch will be available to city residents for pickup at these locations beginning Friday, 1/9. Please note that quantities of mulch available are limited and that other recyclables are not accepted at these locations.

For further information, contact Alderman Rugai’s Office at (773) 238-8766 or vrugai@cityofchicago.org.

Christmas Tree Recycling Locations:
Kennedy Park - 11320 S. Western
Mt. Greenwood Park - 3721 W. 111th St.

It looks like JPG magazine might be back from the dead (more accurately saved from impending death, but I really wanted to title this post "The Zombie JPG"). After my previous post, my friend Brady sent me an email with some interesting information: Apparently, the news on JPG's impending demise generated enough interest that some interested buyers came forward. According to the JPG blog, which you can access on their site, they "are hopeful that something can be worked out with a number of potential last minute acquirers who want to help the JPG community live on...The good news is that this interest has bought us a little more time, so we are now looking to keep the site open at least through next week".

If you're interested in following this more closely, a new blog, Save JPG, has just opened.

Meanwhile, I've found another photo blog that has the potential to be interesting. Aiming to combat the widespread belief that all emerging artists are young and fresh out of art school, Expiration Notice will showcase work by photographers worldwide over age 35 and with no current gallery representation. There's nothing up on their site at the moment, they are currently taking submissions for the first edition which will go live in February. I've submitted some work, specifically images from a series of cyanotypes made a couple of years ago of photos of architectural models (one of them is at the top of this post). I'll be sure to let you know if they use them.

Huge Hat Tip to Second City Cop - click my post title.


Police Officer John C. Knight
Chicago, IL Police Department
Age: 38, Tour Of Duty: 10 Yrs. Badge#: 5119
E.O.W. 9 January 1999
Cause Of Death: Gunfire

The 10 year anniversary of the untimely death of Officer John Knight is coming up Friday, January 9th. We are having a get together at the Stadium Club, 116th and Western, where all of John's friends can get together, enjoy some good food, and trade your favorite stories of working with him. Food is being donated by the bar owner, Danny Cullinan, and we are going with a "Feed the Kitty" system for paying for the refreshments (everyone drops $20 in the bucket by the bar, and the bartenders pull from there to pay for refreshments. If money runs out, the hat gets passed around for an extra $5- 10 to cover more refreshments and/or tips for the bartenders).

Count on a very good time, and please be kind to the people working there. They are always FANTASTIC to us.

Please contact Sgt Dawn Melchert (022 Tact) at 773-218-5066 to RSVP. We need to give the Stadium Club a good headcount to know how much food to prepare.

In her own little chirpy world...


All done now...

On November 5th Governor Rod Blagojevich publicly stated that we would begin the process to appoint a replacement to the U.S. Senate for President Elect Barack Obama.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2008

Governor Blagojevich Congratulates President-elect Obama and Discusses U.S. Senate Seat
To fill President-Elect Barack Obama’s Senate seat, Governor will use deliberate process to select suitable replacement

CHICAGO – After congratulating President-Elect Barack Obama on his decisive victory, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced today that he will take his time and use a diverse senior staff made up of key members of his administration who will assist him in selecting a suitable replacement for Obama.

“Last night’s victory was bittersweet for Illinois - as we gain a great President, we lose a great Senator. And it goes without saying that our next Senator has big shoes to fill. Because it’s important that the best person for Illinois is selected, I want to be clear that the calendar won’t dictate our search. Instead, I want to ensure that Obama’s successor will understand and fight for the needs of average Illinoisans,” Governor Blagojevich said.

Governor Blagojevich will be looking for candidates that will:

Support the President-Elect’s agenda for the people;
Effectively represent the interests of the state of Illinois in the U.S. Congress;
Work with my administration to achieve our shared goals of ensuring access to affordable healthcare, rebuilding Illinois’ infrastructure, improving the economic security and livelihoods of Illinois workers, and caring for our most vulnerable; and,
Prioritize the average Illinoisan who is too burdened by taxes and economic hardship.


The U.S. Constitution, 17th Amendment, provides that a state legislature may empower the executive of the state to make the appointment.

http://www.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=72&RecNum=7260

Yadda-yadda-yadda . . .

On December 9th Federal Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald ordered that Governor Rod Blagojevich be arrested at his home.

December 9, 2008 at 2:11 PM | Comments (123)
Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his chief of staff, John Harris, were arrested today by FBI agents for what U.S. Atty. Patrick Fitzgerald called a "staggering" level of corruption involving pay-to-play politics in Illinois' top office.

Blagojevich is accused of a wide-ranging criminal conspiracy, including alleged attempts by the governor to try to sell or trade the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by President-elect Barack Obama in exchange for financial benefits for the governor and his wife. Blagojevich also is accused of obtaining campaign contributions in exchange for other official actions.

Blagojevich was taken into federal custody at his North Side home this morning--one day shy of his 52nd birthday.At a news conference late this morning, Fitzgerald said Blagojevich "has taken us to a truly new low" and went on "a political corruption crime spree. We acted to stop that crime spree."

Fitzgerald also accused Blagojevich of attempting "to sell the U.S. Senate seat" that President-elect Barack Obama vacated.
Robert Grant, FBI special agent in charge of the Chicago office, said the arrest of Blagojevich should serve as notice that "business as usual will no longer be tolerated. That selling your office for personal gain is a thing of the past."

Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn today called on Blagojevich to step aside, at least temporarily, because the governor is "seriously impeded from carrying out his oath of office."

"I think that should certainly be considered by the governor today. I think he knows what he needs to do for the people," Quinn said at a news conference this afternoon.

Quinn would assume control of the governor's office if Blagojevich were to step aside under the Illinois Constitution.

Obama told reporters he was "saddened and sobered" by Blagojevich's arrest.

"I was not aware of what was happening," Obama said. "I had no contact with the governor or his office and so I was not aware of what was happening."Tribune Editor Gerould W. Kern said today that the newspaper delayed publishing some stories at the request of the U.S. attorney's office during the course of reporting on the accelerating investigation of Blagojevich.

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/12/source-feds-take-gov-blagojevich-into-custody.html

And Yadda-yadda-yadda . . .

On December 30th Gov. Blagojevich, as portrayed on Saturday Night Live & etc., appoints former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to replace President Elect Obama as U.S. Senator from Illinois.

Fitzgerald has not indicted Blagojevich. Governor Blagojevich has not yet been impeached. Roland Burris is the Senate Replacement according to the 17th Amendment of the United States Constitution and the Illinois Constitution.

United States Senator Roland Burris ( D. Illinois).

Now, just what a genius like Harry Reid will do between now and Tuesday when Congress returns to session should be fun to watch.

Reid released a Dec. 30 statement saying that Burris would not be seated.

"It is truly regrettable that despite requests from all 50 Democratic Senators and public officials throughout Illinois, Gov. Blagojevich would take the imprudent step of appointing someone to the United States Senate who would serve under a shadow and be plagued by questions of impropriety," the statement said. "We say this without prejudice toward Roland Burris' ability, and we respect his years of public service. But this is not about Mr. Burris; it is about the integrity of a governor accused of attempting to sell this United States Senate seat. Under these circumstances, anyone appointed by Gov. Blagojevich cannot be an effective representative of the people of Illinois and, as we have said, will not be seated by the Democratic Caucus."

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=6570544&page=1

President Elect Obama endorsed Roland Burris for Governor over Paul Vallas and Rod Blagojevich. Fitzy needs more time . . . you think?

Everything seems to be in order.

The Party of Ideas!

After having my morning java and reading the news (usually online, possibly another topic), I throw on some sweats and it's off to the gym. For those I see on a regular basis there, keep up the good work. For those of you thinking about starting an exercise routine, I can honestly say that working out for me has helped deal with the stress of the day, as well as helping me see a neighbor or two.I'm lost without my IPOD, for me it helps. My motivation is seeing my blood pressure drop and fitting into smaller sizes. I actually stumbled upon this website that has some good health tips and/or articles: starling fitness http://www.starling-fitness.com/archives/category/motivation/

What motivates you?

If you're seeking a reason to take a walk or join a gym, look at the picture below and it might be a motivator. No....this isn't me, but after eating all the holiday goodies it could of been.

The disappearance of neighborhood parking meters has an unintended effect: loss of bike parking. Have the parking meters you often use for locking up your bike disappeared, replaced by parking slip machines? It’s happening in a lot of neighborhoods, leaving few options for locking bikes. If this has happened to you in the city of Chicago, click here to request installation of bike racks where they’re needed.

Getting Through Tough Financial Times

The University of Illinois has a website that caught my attention regarding one's finances. Might help someone.

http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/toughtimes/food_dollar.cfm

After having my morning java and reading the news (usually online, possibly another topic), I throw on some sweats and it's off to the gym. For those I see on a regular basis there, keep up the good work. For those of you thinking about starting an exercise routine, I can honestly say that working out for me has helped deal with the stress of the day, as well as helping me see a neighbor or two.
I'm lost without my IPOD, for me it helps. My motivation is seeing my blood pressure drop and fitting into smaller sizes. I actually stumbled upon this website that has some good health tips and/or articles: starling fitness http://www.starling-fitness.com/archives/category/motivation/

What motivates you?
If you're seeking a reason to take a walk or join a gym, look at the picture below and it might be a motivator. No....this isn't me, but after eating all the holiday goodies, it could of been.

The other day I was having a conversation with a friend down the street talking about the pros and cons of north side vs. south side living. I wish that the south side had more good non-fast food restaurants and a higher percentage of businesses that do customer service right. The north side definitely has the edge there.

Few areas have the wealth of green space that we do, including parks, forest and house lots. We are abundantly blessed with parks. Ridge Park offers a variety of facilities and programs that are among the best of the city's parks.

I enjoy tasty Jamaican dinners from Kingston's. I'd love to see more small ethnic restaurants like Thai, Middle Eastern (Lebanese, Persian or other), Ethiopian, Vietnamese, etc. There are plenty of vacant spaces on 95th. Why can't we get more restaurants to fill them?

I wish I could find a hair salon in Beverly or nearby with a stylist I like who can actually do a good reasonably priced wash-and-go cut, not a high-maintenance do. If I were a woman of color, I'd have choices. For white women who don't do high maintenance hair, where are the options? I'm still going to my old salon in Evanston and planning to try Hyde Park next. If any readers have suggestions closer than Hyde Park, please respond in comments.

And don't get me started about movie theaters. Other than Beverly Arts Center and DOC Films in Hyde Park, I try to avoid going out to see a movie down here. Netflix has become my friend. Going to malls and mall theaters is my idea of hell.

For special occasions, we are doubly blessed by having both Koda and Cafe 103 here in the neighborhood. Few areas of the city have restaurants on this level, much less two of them. Our independent coffeehouses are a treat. Blue Moon is my favorite, as you might have guessed. To make it even better, we have Calabria and Beverly's Pantry for goodies to take home. Top Notch offers better burgers than most restaurants in the city for reasonable prices. Franconello's is delicious. I don't understand the lack of good pizza in Beverly. Barraco's may not be in Beverly, but it's close enough. Jimmy Jamm's pies make me sing. And I can't forget to mention Rainbow Cone. I miss their delicious ice cream while they're closed for the winter.

For learning and entertainment, we have both Beverly Arts Center and World Music Company - more than most neighborhoods. We have many fine independent retailers who understand customer service. County Fair gets a special mention there. I can't remember when I could honestly say that I looked forward to grocery shopping at a neighborhood store. County Fair has changed that for me, and I'd like to say thank you. Few neighborhoods have a seafood store like DiCola's.

I could go on longer, but you get the idea. There are plenty of north side places I miss that have no Beverly equivalent. There are many Beverly/Morgan Park places that have few north side equivalents and some have none. We may not have all of these great places in a compact area like Andersonville, but we have an abundance of unique and wonderful places that make Beverly special. The variety of architecture and gardens is amazing and beautiful. And it's all within easy bicycling distance in what I consider to be the most bike friendly neighborhood in the city.

We didn't care that it was 18F and windy on New Year's Day. There's a reason we call it the "weather be damned" ride.

The emerald ash borer has reached Cook County forests. The only thing that mitigates this news, IMO, is that ash varieties are a small fraction of the trees in our forests, and that the emerald ash borer only likes ash trees.

Oaks are a much higher percentage of our forest trees. Ash trees were heavily planted along city and suburban streets to replace elm trees destroyed by Dutch elm disease and other trees infested with the Asian longhorned beetle, which likes many different tree species.

Arianna Huffington - 'Gude Af-tar Nune! Beel Ay-arhs Hes Joyn'd Da Mony Gude and Tahlented Peoples uf My Blug. Beel Ay-arhs Hes Hed Mony Bed T'ings Sed a'bout Heem 'en Hees Wy-fe Bern-ahdeen. Na-ow det Press-a-dent O-bama hess ben Helected . .. Aye hef dis to say . . .Ay gamisou GEDDAOWDA MY SSSSSSSSPAISE!!! Fur Aye Tro -Haht Water on Alla Yew! .EEEEEYEIEEEEEE!

As to thialo , malakas poustis



Seth! Seth, vlakas! Cal dee Kops Hon 'Em! GEDOOWD! Fila mou to kolo !!!!!!!!!!!!!

( Photo of Two Political Yamheads - Chicago Sun Times)


'We are the Senator!'

WASHINGTON -- Roland Burris, being Roland Burris, put it to me this way Friday when we talked: "We are the senator."

We are? We are not impressed.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/blagojevich/index.html

It appears that not only is Roland Burris prone to the Royal/Papal We, a sure sign that an American is prone wearing crowns and gowns without the Mental Health Professionals in attendance, but also is another Lame Ranger: Todd Stroger, Junior Jones, Caroline Kennedy& etc.

Well, Milorad might have picked worse, but he sure as hell could not have selected a more worthy micro-head on which to place the Senatorial laurel wreath- which will fall down onto Roland the First's tiny shoulders sometime on Monday when he intrudes himself into the U.S. Senate.

Roland will pal up in short order, no doubt, with another Lame Ranger - Princess Caroline Kennedy .

A dead white guy, who went by the handle Sallust back in Roman Times, wrote a preface to his study of the Jugarthine War* and it is a pretty solid study of what solid people in political life need to understand.

Sallust is no Maya Angelou, but then again who is?


I. Mankind unreasonably complain of their nature, that, being weak and
short-lived, it is governed by chance rather than intellectual power;
for, on the contrary, you will find, upon reflection, that there is
nothing more noble or excellent, and that to nature is wanting rather
human industry than ability or time.

The ruler and director of the life of man is the mind, which, when it
pursues glory in the path of true merit, is sufficiently powerful,
efficient, and worthy of honor, and needs no assistance from
fortune, who can neither bestow integrity, industry, or other good
qualities, nor can take them away. But if the mind, ensnared by
corrupt passions, abandons itself to indolence and sensuality, when
it has indulged for a season in pernicious gratifications, and when
bodily strength, time, and mental vigor, have been wasted in sloth,
the infirmity of nature is accused, and those who are themselves in
fault impute their delinquency to circumstances. Emphasis my Own


If man, however, had as much regard for worthy objects, as he has
spirit in the pursuit of what is useless, unprofitable, and even
perilous, he would not be governed by circumstances more than he would
govern them, and would attain to a point of greatness, at which,
instead of being mortal,he would be immortalized by glory.


II. As man is composed of mind and body, so, of all our concerns and
pursuits, some partake the nature of the body, and some that of the
mind. Thus beauty of person, eminent wealth, corporeal strength, and
all other things of this kind, speedily pass away; but the illustrious
achievements of the mind are, like the mind itself, immortal.

Of the advantages of person and fortune, as there is a beginning,
there is also an end; they all rise and fall, increase and decay.
But the mind, incorruptible and eternal, the ruler of the human race,
actuates and has power over all things, yet is itself free from
control.

The depravity of those, therefore, is the more surprising, who,
devoted to corporeal gratifications, spend their lives in luxury and
indolence, but suffer the mind, than which nothing is better or
greater in man, to languish in neglect and inactivity; especially when
there are so many and various mental employments by which the highest
renown may be attained.

III. Of these occupations, however, civil and military offices,and
all administration of public affairs, seem to me at the present time,
by no means to be desired; for neither is honor conferred on merit,
nor are those, who have gained power by unlawful means, the more
secure or respected for it. To rule our country or subjects by
force, though we may have the ability, and may correct what is wrong,
is yet an ungrateful undertaking; especially as all changes in the
state lead to bloodshed, exile, and other evils of discord; while
to struggle in ineffectual attempts, and to gain nothing, by wearisome
exertions, but public hatred, is the extreme of madness; unless when a
base and pernicious spirit, perchance, may prompt a man to sacrifice
his honor and liberty to the power of a party.

IV. Among other employments which are pursued by the intellect, the
recording of past events is of pre-eminent utility; but of its merits
I may, I think, be silent, since many have spoken of them, and since,
if I were to praise my own occupation, I might be considered as
presumptuously praising myself. I believe, too, that there will be
some, who, because I have resolved to live unconnected with political
affairs, will apply to my arduous and useful labors the name of
idleness; especially those who think it an important pursuit to court
the people, and gain popularity by entertainments. But if such persons
will consider at what periods I obtained office, what sort of men[13]
were then unable to obtain it, and what description of persons have
subsequently entered the senate, they will think, assuredly, that
I have altered my sentiments rather from prudence than from indolence,
and that more good will arise to the state from my retirement, than
from the busy efforts of others.

Gaius Sallustius Crispus - The Jugurthine War





*Sallust's Jugurthine War is a brief monograph recording the war in Numidia c.112 B.C.. Its true value lies in the introduction of Marius and Sulla to the Roman political scene and the beginning of their rivalry. Sallust's time as governor of Africa Nova ought to have let the author develop a solid geographical and ethnographical background to the war, however, this is not evident in the monograph despite a diversion on the subject because Sallust's priority in the "Jugurthine War", as with the "Catiline Conspiracy", is to use history as a vehicle for his judgement on the slow destruction of Roman morality and politics.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sallust#Jugurthine_War*