"Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus."

 

I have photographic evidence, but nevermind, I won't publish it here.  Somehow Santa Claus came into being.  Somehow, the gifts show up every year.  Year after year.  There is a part deep inside each of us that rejoices in giving without expecting anything in return.  Just to see the look on someone's face when you know that you gave just the "right thing".

 

 

Happy Holidays.

 

"When employing the military in battle, a victory that is long in coming will blunt their weapons and dampen their ardor.  If you attack cities, their strength will be exhausted.  If you expose the army to a prolonged campaign, the state's resources will be inadequate.

 

When our weapons have grown dull and spirits depressed, when our strength has been expended and resources consumed , then the feudal lords will take advantage of our exhaustion to arise.  Even though you have wise generals they not be able to achieve a good result.  Thus in military campaigns I have heard of awkward speed but never seen any skill in lengthy campains.  No country has ever profited from protracted warfare.  Those who do not thoroughly comprehend the dangers inherent in employing the army are incapable of truly knowing the potential advantages of military actions."

 

- Sun Tzu, The Art of War (circa 530 BC). [Translation & copyright by Ralph D. Sawyer]