Freemasonry is a post-collegiate mostly-all male fraternity dedicated to the social development of the member to form a broader sense of the self and their community.
I thought this would be of interest to readers, politics aside.
You can catch the full documentary on Current TV (still in rotation as of the date of this publication), but for this post I wanted to explore a clip from The Mormon Candidate which speaks to the Mormon tradition of swearing “Masonic oaths”.
This tradition, taken in the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, was abandoned in 1990, and was part of the taking a covenant with God in a ritual held in the Mormon Temple.
For those in the know, the ordinance penalties bear striking similarities to Masonic oath traditions which this clip from The Mormon Candidate discusses.
In the clip Church Elder Jeffrey R. Holland agrees that Romney took the ordinance vows (pre-1990) which have similarities to the Masonic rituals in relationship to its pledge toward God.
While it was not the swearing of an oath, Holland says “We do not have penalties in the temple, we used to…the vow that was made was regarding the ordnance, the ordnance of the temple…its similar to a Masonic relationship.”
His oath, Holland says, was “that he [Romney] would not tell anyone about his personal pledge to the Lord.” Something that Holland opines about any religious candidate “…any religious candidate…who has a relationship to God has made a pledge of some kind to God, there should be some kind of loyalty to God, or what kind of God is that?”
Prior to 1990, those vows were accompanied with penalty oaths recognizable to any Mason around the world in their Masonic context which seem to have parallels to past Mormon ritual signs and penalties.
Most of those scholars suggest that while a few gestures and grips don’t go far enough to bridge the gap between Freemasonry and Mormonism, some Mormons find that Joseph Smith adopted the Masonic rituals for the Mormon endowment integrating many of the broad stroke ideas and subtle articulations of the Fraternity like the points of fellowship, the grips, signs and penalties. And why not? Many of those in close association with Smith, at the time of his founding of the faith tradition, were Freemasons.
Yet, the road between Masonry and Mormonism are fraught with ideological landmines and eschatological paradigms. It makes for an interesting exercise to explore the links between Masonry and Mormonism along with their parallels and differences akin to the perennial quest to answer which came first, the chicken or the egg.
The take away from this for me is that Mormonism likely adopted some Masonic elements and attributes into the creation of the religious tradition. While still without complete agreement, this seems to be the prevailing opinion between scholars who suggest that Mormonism is a continuity of the Mormon and Masonic traditions with differences in the meaning of the activity. Certainly, the church Elder sees the similarities, a fact which he openly agrees with.
If you can catch The Mormon Candidate on Current TV, I think it will give you a bird’s eye view of Romney’s faith behind the politics at the intersection of religious observance on the road to the White House.
Update – You can watch the full video, while it’s on YouTube, below.
This should be filed under the material culture of Freemasonry, the validity of which is open to interpretation. Yet, the video illustrates the story itself.
The footage comes from the Usain Bolt’s DJ Challenge channel on YouTube within which the Olympic medalist talks about his love of music from a 2010 spot for the 2010 Singapore Olympic Games.
In the video, at about 10 second mark, you can see his sporting of a gold Masonic ring with a red jewel and a gold square and compass in the center.
It’s been a topic of conversation in the Godlike Productions conspiracy internet forum which is where I noticed the 2010 video being bantered about a week or so ago. It was a topic of a photo of the athlete published in a 2010 piece in Jahkno! asking if Bolt was a Freemason then as the same ring is clearly shown on his pinky.
Needless to say, its made for a cavalcade of suggestive connections to the Illuminati, Lady Gaga, Jay-Z, and the hip hop underground of secret societies and world domination.
Yet, after a brief search on the web, all that seems to come to the surface are mentions of Bolt’s success because he is a Freemason, world domination from Freemasons, and how the Illuminati is running the world through actors like Bolt nothing readily comes to the surface about his affiliations. So, I file this one under the material culture of Freemasonry as another example of Masonry in the world.
Every now and then I take an elderly friend home from my Masonic lodge (I’ll pick them up as well). If they need help getting into the house, I do so. If I am just dropping them off, I make sure they get inside the front door before I leave. For friends who are away from home on vacation or business, I check their houses at night to make sure everything is alright. If they ask me, I pick up their newspapers in the driveway as well as the mail. If they need to be dropped off at the airport or picked up, I’m glad to oblige. On a few occasions I have mowed the lawns for my neighbors when it got too long and someone failed to cut it. Every now and then I am called upon to help move something heavy at a neighbor’s house or assist in some awkward task, such as helping my neighbor get her gravely ill husband back into bed after he had fallen out. All of these acts are appreciated and not taken for granted by my acquaintances. I certainly do not expect any recognition or compensation for this other than they reciprocate in kind. However, most respond by remembering to buy me a good cigar which I certainly appreciate. I do not consider this an imposition as they are good friends and neighbors.
I am not sure where I learned to be a good neighbor, probably from emulating my parents who did likewise over the years. As I was growing up in the various communities throughout the United States there was always a sense of community, that you kept an eye out for your neighbor and helped out where needed. During the Great Snow of Chicago in 1967, the roads were clogged with snow. Adults and kids helped clear driveways, and checked on neighbors to make sure they were alright. Some would take sleds and trudge to the grocery stores to pick up basic food supplies, not just for themselves but many others as well. Everything closed down during that storm, including schools, businesses, transportation, etc. I have never seen anything quite like it since. This resulted in some of the best block parties as the neighbors were determined to socialize as opposed to being trapped in their houses.
Disasters, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and flooding, seem to bring out both the best and worst in us in this country. Sure there are those who loot and take advantage of emergency services unnecessarily, but most of us seem to be more than willing to lend a helping hand in the face of disaster, be it in distributing food and supplies, fixing a roof, using a chainsaw, clearing debris, offering transportation services, helping people find shelters, tending to pets, donating clothing, or whatever. How we respond is truly admirable. Such response represents our compassion for humanity.
I only wonder why it takes a disaster to behave this way and why we are not like this the rest of the year. Many people today believe volunteerism is for chumps and won’t extend the most basic courtesies to their neighbors, be it nothing more than a simple greeting. I fear though, common courtesy is no longer common, nor is it being taught by parents. I do it, not because of my parents or anyone else. I just realized it is the right thing to do, and believe it or not, it is not costly or painful. I certainly do not feel like a “chump” when I volunteer my services, and feel sorry for those who do not as they will never realize the benefits of cooperation.
As I write this, I am reminded of the old Frank Capra movie, Meet John Doe, starring Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck, where a grassroots movement is started to promote good citizenship. A John Doe philosophy then spreads like wildfire across the nation, and clubs sprang up to promote the concept of being a good neighbor. It may sound naive, but maybe we need some more John Doe Clubs to again learn to “Be a better neighbor.”
Keep the Faith!
Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.
Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 30 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com
On Saturday, August 4th, Grand Master Jerry Sears of the Mt Olive Grand Lodge Ancient York Masons was shot and killed in the front of the Grand Lodge building. His murder came just hours before the start of a convention of Masons that Sears himself had organized for his grand Lodge organization.
It’s not likely that the story will be heard far beyond the few local outlets or the Masonic internet websites that have reported it (though several National news agencies have picked up the stories), not because Sears is an African American, but because the branch of Masonry that Sears had leadership over is considered by most (if not all of mainstream American Masonry) as ‘clandestine’, meaning its operation has not been chartered by the self declared only Grand Lodge of the state, in this instance the Grand Lodge of Michigan, located 128 miles from Detroit in Alma Michigan who themselves have their own elected Grand Master.
In the news story, it reports that Sears was “shot once in the neck shortly before 3:30 p.m. in front of the building in the 14800 block of Fenkell” It was further reported that Sears was not robbed, nor was it known if he had has “cross words” with anyone prior to his murder. The Mt Olive Grand Financial Secretary, Barry Short, was quoted as asking “Who could do such a heinous thing to such a nice person? He would help everybody.”
Sadly, this crime went unseen as no witnesses have been found, nor any leads received.
The shooting did receive some local attention as reported on MyFox Detroit in a local story, a video from which you can see here.
Many miles away, further tragedy that will likely escape the eyes of most is a recent vandalism that occurred outside and on a “historic Masonic Lodge in North Portland.” The vandalism, consisting of racial epithets, swastikas and lynching depictions, appeared some time in the night of August 6th on the Sons of Haiti Masonic Temple, an “unrecognized”, or clandestine, Masonic Lodge (an interesting history of which can be found on a Sons of Haiti website). The Sons of Haiti are not under the jurisdiction of the declared Grand Lodge of Oregon which resides in Forest Grove, about 25 miles west of Portland.
Reported on Oregon Live, Racist graffiti found on wall of historic North Portland Masonic Lodge, the vandalism was directed against the “last remaining black-owned properties on [a] post-gentrified Mississippi Avenue” in Portland. The lodge, owned by John Bryant, is reported as being the Most Worshipful St. Josephs Grand Lodge A.F.&A.M. The lodge, responsible for many charitable activities including feeding the homeless and providing school supplies for those in need, is a local pillar of the community which makes a crime like this that much more heinous.
Yet, still it happened and with that sentiment of gentrification which comes on the heels of, as The Oregonian reports, an influx of young white people who in recent years have moved into the neighborhood.
Needless to say, locals have expressed shock at the vandalism questioning the crime as being very “un-Portland.” Bryant, however, in a move to “make people aware of what’s happening” has opted to keep the vandalism up until this weekend when efforts will be made to remove it.
One local, on a Tumblr post, said in seeing the vandalism “what with all the greenery and Portlandia putting Portland in a happy-go-lucky, if not incredibly naive light, people tend to forget what lies beneath here. Portland is essentially a blue city in a redneck state, there is an incredible amount of underlying (when not made aggressively apparent) racism and bias running in the very veins of this place.”
So what do these stories have to do with ‘Regular’ Freemasonry?
In both instances to those in the know, the lodges are clearly unaffiliated with the declared official Grand Lodge of the state, yet still seem to be operating at a level free and clear of the need to be recognized. Further, both stories are not prefaced by saying that the lodges with which the crimes were committed were clandestine or unrecognized but as regular as any other Masonic Lodge. Clearly, in both instances, the lodges were very recognized by the news media and likely to those who read, or saw, the report which was simply about the [Free] Masons and the crimes committed against them.
Hopefully, what these stories can convey is a sense of Brotherly Love and Affection for our fraternal family which exists beyond the fine print of recognition and lives at the very seat of our ideals. With an ever diminishing social awareness, Masonry of any stripe will be Masonry to the rest of the world and not some small slice of a larger fraternal pie. Internally, it should be seen that way too.
Collectively, we form a Masonic Chain of Union and what affects one within our ranks effects all of our ranks.
Indeed, our hearts go out to these Masonic organizations. While the divide of recognition may put them at arms length from the so called regular lodges, their pain should be our pain and should bare the same sense of disgust and sympathy for the crimes made against the whole body of Freemasonry.
BRYCE ON MANAGEMENT – Don’t leave home without it.
Travel used to be fun and carefree; you grabbed your tickets, got on the airplane and off you went. Thanks to terrorists though, the TSA, and the dangerous world we now live in, it has become quite complicated. I have done my fair share of traveling over the years and learned a few things along the way, such as how to organize a trip with a minimum of headaches. Below is a checklist I use to mentally prepare myself. Now, I’m finally putting it to paper to perhaps make travel planning a little easier for others. This checklist is not designed to help you order tickets, only how to prepare for the trip after you have made the purchase decision. It will also not cover the items you can or cannot carry on to an aircraft (see the TSA for guidelines). If you have a concern or question, either contact the TSA or your airline carrier. Aside from this, these suggestions will hopefully simplify your trip and make it more enjoyable. I have listed my suggestions in alphabetic order:
AIRLINE COURTESY LOUNGES – Most major airlines offer private lounges available on a membership basis. They offer comforts for the weary traveler, including beverages, snacks, privacy, television, Internet access, comfortable chairs for catching a few winks of sleep, clean washrooms, and sometimes showers. If you are going to be traveling extensively, it may be wise to purchase a membership. Don’t want to join on an annual basis? Most airlines have a 30 day membership available or pay as you go. If you have a rough and rugged road to travel, it may very well be worth it. Contact your airline for details.
AIRLINE TICKETS – Make sure you have your seat assignments in advance. If you have certain food requirements, notify the airline in advance, not on the day of departure. Boarding passes can still be obtained at the airport but most people prefer printing them in advance on their computer, usually 24 hours in advance. Print two copies, just in case. TRAVEL INSURANCE may be wise if you are planning an expensive trip where there is a possibility your travel plans may change. As for me, I typically avoid it under normal circumstances.
AIRPORT – get there early. TSA usually creates unGodly security lines where you are seemingly strip searched. Wear comfortable shoes you can quickly slip in and out of, and socks to avoid the germs awaiting you in the security screening area. Avoid wearing or carrying anything metallic, particularly coins, lighters, or anything else. Try not to dress like a Huckleberry thereby indicating you’re an inexperienced traveler to be taken advantage of by charlatans.
AUTOMOBILE, PREPARATION – If you are going on a lengthy trip by automobile, be sure to have your car’s tires, brakes, and oil checked, and possibly have it tuned up. An ounce of prevention now, may save you headaches later on.
BALLOT – If you will be gone during election time, be sure to request an “absentee ballot” from your local board of elections.
BATTERIES – make sure all of your batteries for your electronic devices are charged or replaced. It might not be a bad idea to bring extra batteries if you are going to be gone for an extended period.
BILLS, PAYING THEM IN ADVANCE – if you are going to be gone for an extended period of time, try to have your bills paid in advance so that you will not be in arrears upon your return. If necessary, have someone you trust pay bills for you, or utilize electronic payments.
CALL HOME – upon your arrival, let your loved ones back home know that you have arrived safely, either by telephone, instant message, or e-mail.
CAMERA – Are you planning on taking pictures during your trip? Make sure your digital camera is fully charged and ready to use. Don’t forget the charger and any other cords and attachments. I typically purchase a book of photos of the country I’m visiting (the local photographers are much better than I am).
CAR RENTAL – It pays to make reservations well in advance, not to mention shop around and look for specials. I tend to use reputable firms with airport shuttles as opposed to hitching a ride to East Podunk to pickup a car. Beware of insurance coverage; I tend to get minimum coverage but it is your choice. (Also see “International Driving Permit”).
CASH – do not take an inordinate amount of hard cash with you. If you are robbed, it will be impossible to replace. Take enough cash for taxis or shuttles, tipping, basic “walking around” money, and perhaps a drink or something to eat along the way.
COMPUTER – If you are planning on taking your laptop, be sure you will have Internet coverage. As with the telephone, check on available coverage.
CONCIERGE – a hotel concierge can be your best friend if you treat him/her right. Let them know what your interests are and ask for their advice regarding restaurants, tourist attractions, transportation, and currency exchanges. Sometimes they may point you in the wrong direction, particularly if an outside firm is paying them a commission for every tourist they send their way. Develop a good rapport with them if possible and they will, in general, treat you right.
CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS – alert your credit/debit card companies of your travel plans. Such companies may refuse the processing of transactions from a faraway location (including within the United States). In addition, write down your credit/debit card numbers and customer service telephone numbers and keep them in a safe place. This can be invaluable if you lose your wallet or purse and need to cancel them (and get new ones).
CURRENCY EXCHANGE – try to have some local currency with you before you arrive, for use with taxi drivers, tipping, etc. You can obtain such currency through a bank, but it may be better to get it at an airport if you have some time between flights. While at your destination, check with the hotel’s concierge or front desk on how to exchange money. Make sure you are getting the correct rate, realize that not everybody necessarily will charge you the same rate. Sometimes black market rates are better than those offered by the banks. For the latest rates, check HERE.
ELECTRICAL CONVERTERS – not everything runs on the American electrical system, including plugs. Fortunately, there are inexpensive adapter plugs available for you to plug-in an American electrical device. Radio Shack provides a fine TUTORIAL on this subject.
E-MAIL, AUTO RESPONSES – If you are going away for awhile, do not write a default e-mail response such as, “I’ll be away on vacation from DATE to DATE”; Translation: “Hello burglars, the house is deserted, come and get it.” Frankly, it’s nobody’s business where you are. Try something like this instead, “I’m away from my office right now, please contact John Doe if you require immediate support, (telephone number and e-mail address).” If possible, periodically check your e-mail while you’re on the road and answer critical messages.
EMBASSY – It may be wise to write down the telephone number and address of the local American embassy or consulate. Click HERE for a listing. (Also see “Police”).
ENTERTAINMENT – you may be traveling for hours. Either plan on getting plenty of sleep during your journey or take something to occupy your time, such as a book, magazine, portable DVD player, laptop computer, or some other electronic device. On airplanes, observe the proper decorum for using such devices.
FLASH DRIVE – Don’t want to lug around a laptop with you? Put a lot of your data on a simple flash drive which you can carry in your pocket. Rarely do I take a laptop with me anymore. Instead, I keep important documents, email addresses, and web bookmarks on my flash drive. You may also want to scan your passport, driver’s license, tickets, and traveler checks and maintain them as JPG or PDF files on your flash drive (as opposed to photocopying such items as mentioned under “Photocopying.” I also make active use of GOOGLE DOCS/DRIVE for documents, graphic presentations, and more, which I can easily access from any computer. Using this same rationale, I also check my e-mail using such things as GOOGLE GMAIL or YAHOO! MAIL.
HOTEL BUSINESS CARD – You can obtain such cards from the front desk or concierge. Take more than one. They are particularly useful for finding your way back to your hotel. If you are in a place where you do not understand the language, just hand the taxi driver the card and he’ll get you home.
HOTEL ROOM KEY, LEAVE AT THE FRONT DESK – this is a custom most Americans cannot seem to grasp. By leaving your key with the front desk, you do not have to worry about losing it or having it stolen (plus it is one less thing to carry with you).
INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT – if you are planning on driving an automobile overseas, obtain an International Driving Permit in advance. In addition to allowing you to drive, it also makes a handy form of identification. You can obtain such a permit on the Internet or at AAA. It would also pay to familiarize yourself with local rules of the road, and ROAD SIGNS.
JET LAG – if you are traveling to distant lands, try to adjust your sleep patterns accordingly. For example, when I’m traveling to the Orient, I try to get as much sleep as possible on the aircraft to get myself on the time zone of my destination. Just remember, it is easier to adjust as you chase the sun (going from East to West) and harder when you chase the moon (West to East).
LOCAL CUSTOMS – familiarize yourself with local customs, such as greetings, forms of address, dressing for occasions, and tipping.
LUGGAGE – Try to pack lightly thereby minimizing additional baggage charges. If you are planning on shopping, take an extra collapsible bag for such sundries. Be sure that all bags have attached identification tags, including your name and address. Some people also add their mobile telephone number and e-mail address thereby expediting contact with you in the event of lost luggage. I have also found it useful to add luggage straps which keeps the bag together in the event the locks break by reckless baggage handlers. Because many bags look alike, it may pay to put something colorful on it so you can spot it easily on the luggage carrousel, perhaps a ribbon, a rag, or some tape. If you need to take unusual items such as golf clubs, fishing poles, etc. contact the airlines and ask for their advice on how to best pack them. As to carry-ons, keep it simple and small enough to fit under the seat in front of you (in case the overhead compartments are full).
MAPS – obtain in advance a map of the destination you will be visiting. Bookstores, Hotels, AAA, and other travel agencies have a plethora of them available, not to mention what you can find on the Internet. Study the map before you arrive so you know where you are going.
MEDICATION – obviously you want to bring sufficient amounts of your medications, but it is the unexpected you should take into consideration, such as coming down with a cold, motion sickness, and indigestion (particularly if the local cuisine doesn’t agree with you).
NEWSPAPERS AND MAIL, HOLDING – newspapers left on a driveway is an invitation for thieves to rob your house. Either arrange to have someone pick them up for you or have them stopped. Leaving the mail in your box may expose important papers to thieves as well. Want to stop your mail, either call or visit your local post office.
NOTIFY a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member that you will be gone and to keep an eye on your residence. Also notify the local police.
PASSPORT – You simply cannot travel without a passport anymore, be it by ship or airplane. Driver Licenses may suffice in North America but the preferred method is to carry a passport with you at all times. You can apply for a passport at a local post office (call them first) or check ON-LINE. If you haven’t traveled in a while, check the expiration date of your passport, maybe it is time to renew. (Also see “Visas”).
PETS – If you are leaving your pets at home while you are traveling, make reservations to have them boarded or have a friend or family member take care of them. If you are taking your pets with you, check with the airlines about traveling restrictions and possibly shots. Also be sure to contact the hotel regarding their policy on pets.
PHOTOCOPY YOUR PASSPORTS, TICKETS AND TRAVELER’S CHECKS and hide them in the lining of your luggage or some other safe place. Losing such items overseas can be a painful experience. (Also see “Flash Drive”).
POLICE – It might not be a bad idea to get the telephone number of the local police and carry it with you, in case of emergency of course. No, not everyone uses “911” for emergencies; the British use “999” and other European countries use “112.” (Also see “Embassy”).
RESIDENCE, CLOSING IT UP – make sure you have timers on lights in strategic areas of the house so it doesn’t give the appearance it is deserted. Give consideration to lawn maintenance or snow removal while you’re away. Also, make sure your heating or air conditioning is set at a minimal level so that you do not waste electricity (and money). It’s also a good idea to turn off plumbing, particularly to toilets. Should the lines burst or leak you can be left with an expensive mess. And of course, make sure all of the windows and doors are locked and major appliances turned off.
SUNDRIES – purchase travel sized toiletries in advance, including clothes detergent if necessary to wash your socks. In all likelihood, you won’t like the prices overseas. Make sure you bring sufficient medications with you. Also, if you are so inclined, take a small bottle of booze. I can assure you, it will be a lot cheaper than the hotel’s mini-bar. Also bring a sufficient amount of tobacco. Better yet, you can buy such things at the Duty Free shops either at the airport or on your airplane. If you are not sure, ask the airlines regarding allowances you can purchase.
TAXIS AND SHUTTLES – Make sure you have a plan for getting from the airport to your final destination, such as your hotel. If you are going by taxi, be sure to ask how much it will cost BEFORE you get into the cab. Otherwise you might wind up on an expensive joy ride.
TELEPHONE – If you are planning on taking your cell phone or smart phone, it might be wise to see if you will have any connecting coverage at your destination. Check with your carrier and also be sure to understand any special connecting fees. Sometimes it is preferable to take a prepaid telephone card with you instead.
TRANSLATION – obtain a pocket dictionary and learn some basic words and phrases, such as “Please,” “Thank you”, “How much?”, and “Where can I find…” Make a simple cheat sheet of common expressions, such as on an index card, and carry it with you. There are also some smart phones that now have translation “apps” available for download. Familiarize yourself with how they work before you go.
TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS – ask your family and friends about favorite places to visit at your destination if they have been there, including sightseeing, restaurants, and do’s and don’ts.
TRAVELERS CHECKS – in this age of credit/debit cards, the use of travelers checks have diminished. However, I have always found them to be a universally acceptable form of payment. You can obtain travelers checks from your bank, AAA, or other financial institutions.
TRIP SHEET – write out your travel agenda, along with the name of the hotel(s) you will be staying at, their address, telephone, e-mail and web addresses. Also include your travel itinerary complete with flight numbers and departure/arrival times and dates. This is useful not only for yourself, but provide a copy for your loved ones.
VISA – if you are traveling overseas, you may need an entry visa which can typically be obtained from an embassy. For a listing of country requirements. Some countries may also require you have certain shots which you can either get from your doctor or a medical clinic. Specific paperwork is required which is commonly attached to your passport. When getting such shots, be sure to take your passport with you. (Also see “Passport”).
VOICE MAIL – As with the “E-mail” response, do not leave a voice message indicating you are away. Also, periodically check your messages.
WEATHER – check the forecast for your destination and pack clothes accordingly. Don’t forget the portable umbrella.
MASONS – If you are planning on visiting a Lodge overseas, try to make contact with the Lodge in advance. You can usually find Lodges listed on the Internet, either individually or through their Grand Lodge. Ask about dress codes, schedules, and decorum. Be sure to bring your Dues Card and brush up on the “Tyler’s Oath” of your jurisdiction.
Hopefully you will find this checklist helpful in planning your next trip. If I have overlooked something, please be sure to drop me a line with your suggestion. Now for the hard part of the trip: enjoy yourself! Bon voyage Y’all!
Keep the Faith!
Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.
Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 30 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com
Every now and then I take an elderly friend home from my Masonic lodge (I’ll pick them up as well). If they need help getting into the house, I do so. If I am just dropping them off, I make sure they get inside the front door before I leave. For friends who are away from home on vacation or business, I check their houses at night to make sure everything is alright. If they ask me, I pick up their newspapers in the driveway as well as the mail. If they need to be dropped off at the airport or picked up, I’m glad to oblige. On a few occasions I have mowed the lawns for my neighbors when it got too long and someone failed to cut it. Every now and then I am called upon to help move something heavy at a neighbor’s house or assist in some awkward task, such as helping my neighbor get her gravely ill husband back into bed after he had fallen out. All of these acts are appreciated and not taken for granted by my acquaintances. I certainly do not expect any recognition or compensation for this other than they reciprocate in kind. However, most respond by remembering to buy me a good cigar which I certainly appreciate. I do not consider this an imposition as they are good friends and neighbors.
Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of 
Travel used to be fun and carefree; you grabbed your tickets, got on the airplane and off you went. Thanks to terrorists though, the TSA, and the dangerous world we now live in, it has become quite complicated. I have done my fair share of traveling over the years and learned a few things along the way, such as how to organize a trip with a minimum of headaches. Below is a checklist I use to mentally prepare myself. Now, I’m finally putting it to paper to perhaps make travel planning a little easier for others. This checklist is not designed to help you order tickets, only how to prepare for the trip after you have made the purchase decision. It will also not cover the items you can or cannot carry on to an aircraft (see the TSA for guidelines). If you have a concern or question, either contact the TSA or your airline carrier. Aside from this, these suggestions will hopefully simplify your trip and make it more enjoyable. I have listed my suggestions in alphabetic order: