Hannah Arendt

Since then it has turned out, and this fact speaks for the stability of the amalgamation, that wherever one of the elements of the Roman trinity, religion or authority or tradition, was doubted or eliminated, the remaining two were no longer secure. Thus, it was Luther's error to think that his challenge of the temporal authority of the Church and his appeal to unguided individual judgment would leave tradition and religion intact. So it was the error of Hobbes and the political theorists of the seventeenth century to hope that authority and religion could be saved without tradition. So, too, was it finally the error of the humanists to think it would be possible to remain within an unbroken tradition of Western civilization without religion and without authority.
-"What is Authority?" in Between Past and Future. (128)

Texas Rangers All Star Break 2012

We have reached the All Star Break, the ceremonial mid season, and the Rangers still lead the Angels by four games. It doesn't seem like it. Also, they are tied with the Yankees for the most wins in the Majors, and only have one more loss than the pinstripes. The pitching should only get better from here out. Derek Holland made his first start back from the DL and was solid. Colby Lewis and Alexei Ogando are due to come off soon. The hitting is starting to pick up, although it is coming from the bottom of the order. Last night the Twins felt it was better to intentionally walk David Murphy rather than face him. Napoli is not getting many hits, but he is drawing a lot of walks. The last two nights the Rangers came from behind to beat the Twins 4-3. I don't know about momentum but it is certainly a better feeling than if they came up short in either one.

A Musical Fourth 2012

Wednesday was the ninth annual A Musical Fourth at The Chapel of the Cross. Once again, it was very well attended. New numbers this year included Shenandoah, America from West Side Story, and The Old Church. From an organization standpoint the most notable change was the transition of choir directors from Dr. Paul Thomas to Ms. Andrea Thomas. She brought a lot of energy to the performance with her directing.

Texas Rangers July 6 2012

The Rangers are still in first place although  losing three in a row to the White Sox did not help. There are eight Rangers going to the All Star game with Yu Darvish being chosen by the fans as the last one. I keep hoping they will turn it around. The pitching staff should be healthy soon but what has happened to the hitting?