35th ReUnion

“Bury me on my face,” said Diogenes; and when he was asked why, he replied, “Because in a little while everything will be turned upside down.”
Charlotte Yonge, The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers, Diogenes Laertius, c. 200 A.D.

“In the bosom of one of those spacious coves which indent the eastern shore of the Hudson, at that broad expansion of the river denominated by the ancient Dutch navigators of the Tappan Zee, and where they always prudently shortened sail and implored the protection of St. Nicholas when they crossed, there lies a small market town or rural port which by some is called Greenburgh, but which is more generally and properly known by the name of Tarry Town.”
Washington Irving, Opening lines, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”

He who will not when he may, may not when he will.
Latin Proverb

Money is a good servant, but a poor master.
Pierre Bonhours

Timeline: 07:42 October 12, 2012.

We are at that time of our life where some of us have kids in college, or kids who will soon enter college, or kids who are embarking on early careers of their own. I was thinking about a wonderful story Tommy Scordato told me at our last Reunion, apropos of this somewhat weighty time for us and our kids, a time of decision.
As he told it, he was a junior in high school or thereabouts, and needed to make up his mind regarding choosing the right college, vis a vis a viable career path: in other words, he knew his Dad to be a very practical man, who might frown on an expensive liberal arts degree leading to a vague Promised Land known as “Business”.
Sure enough, Tommy was sitting at the kitchen table one fine Sunday morning, and his Dad sat down and asked: “So Tommy, what do you want to do when you grow up?” Tommy, having given it at least some thought, answered: “A Forest Ranger, Dad.” Mr. Scordato: “Good. Here’s 50 cents, go down to the deli and get the Sunday Times for me, would you?” Tommy, relieved to have gotten off so easily walked down to the Oregon Deli, and did what he was told. “Here’s the paper, Dad.”
“Thanks. Now”, said Mr. S., “go to the Help Wanted section, and circle for me all of the entries for ‘Forest Ranger'”. Tommy of course found zero ads for ‘Forest Ranger’. “Now” says Mr. S., “Please circle all of the ads for ‘Engineer'”. Tommy did so, and found dozens. “How many jobs are out there for ‘Forest Ranger’, Tom?” “None, Dad”. “And how many Engineers are wanted Tommy?” “47, Dad.” “Good. You’re going to be an Engineer, Tommy”.
Tommy went to The Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Buzzards Bay, MA. Captained the MMA Buccaneers Lacrosse Team. Got his degree in Energy Systems Engineering. Did very well for himself. (And he listened to his Dad).

One man in a thousand, Solomon says,
Will stick more close than a brother.
And it’s worth while seeking him half your days
If you find him before the other.
Nine hundred and ninety-nine depend
On what the world sees in you,
But the Thousandth Man will stand your friend
With the whole round world agin you.
Rudyard Kipling. The Thousandth Man.