This page has been assembled especially for : The Todd "Children" (The Todd Squad -- pictured here, in 1996) and for "The Todd family"; PLUS our extended family From: John (JNT) and Phyllis (PJT) Todd

...... John.. ......... Amy.. . .....Mary Alton . .. Tom David

Click HERE for Alphabetical SUBJECT List Click HERE -- to send email letter to JNT & PJT at "terrific-tabs.com"

 

A new "tablet" is being added, frequently -- something that is either philosophical, profound, "religious", Biblical, or poetic -- something that will have "pertinence" to knowledge, wisdom, spiritual understanding, growth, and maturity -- for members of our "family" (plus our "family" of relatives and "friends", who may want to "look in"). On some occasions, we may also include our own personal ideas, remarks, notions, feelings, and interpretations -- whenever that seems, to us, to be appropriate. Start here -- and "scroll" down. The most recent date of "posting" on this page begins just below. AND.... see links to "Pop's Wisdom II", and "Pop's Wisdom III" at top of this page.

4-16-99 - Think about this Bible verse, from Psalm 16 -- when you awaken during the night. Pay attention; and try to realize that God may be instructing you, or re-molding and re-directing you -- as you lie awake, and as you contemplate your existence. Psalm 16: 7-8 (Moffatt) -- "I bless the Eternal for His counsel -- for teaching me during the very night. I keep the Eternal before me, at all times. With Him so near, I cannot fail." Same (NIV) "I will praise the LORD, who counsels me. Even at night, my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my tongue rejoices. My body also will rest secure."

A Poem -- in Memory of a Father (Words to a song -- sung by an "Irish tenor") 3/24/99 The tears have all been shed, now. We've said our last goodbye. His soul's been blessed; and he's laid to rest -- And it's now I feel alone. He was more than "just a father" -- A teacher....... my best friend. He can still be heard, in the tunes we shared -- When we play them, on our own. (Refrain) I never will forget him -- For he made me hear what I am. Though he may be gone, the memory lingers on; And I miss him -- The "old man". As a child, he'd take me walking By mountain, field, and stream; And he'd show me things, not known to kings -- And secrets, between him and me. Like the colors of the pheasant As he rises in the dawn. And how to fish -- and make a wish Beside the holly-tree. I thought he'd live forever He seemed so big and strong; But the minutes fly, and the years go by For a father and his child. Then, suddenly, when it happened, There was so much left unsaid -- No second chance, to tell him thanks For everything he's done. Refrain

12-24-98 - An interesting quotation to think about, from a TV ad: "Everything you respond to, has already happened."

12/23/98 A frequently repeated remark, by Mr. Hugh Comer, in 1956, during his introductions to his Sunday-School lessons -- and re-stated at the close of each Sunday-School lesson: "Where are you going -- and what will you do when you get there?"

12-14-98 The following "Toddian Axiom" is being posted today -- for the "Todd Squad" to cogitate. I will make additional comments, soon. "The more you give away -- the more you take away."

11-13-98

The following axiom was recently quoted on a news program: "If you accept -- you teach." When I heard this quotation, my first thought related to the "rearing" of children. If a child is allowed to "get-away-with" misbehavior -- that is, if the parent "accepts" a juvenile malfeasance -- then the "child" is thereby "taught" that the parent will not respond with an authoritative form of discipline, or "punishment". Similarly, one can readily extrapolate this concept -- from dealing with "children"-- to consideration of more "mundane" matters -- such as the necessary discipline imposed by a workplace supervisor -- or a college football coach -- or even with political and/or international relationships. If those who are "in charge" of a situation accept inappropriate responses from those under their control or "command" -- then the "subordinates" quickly learn that they are not required to perform as directed -- and hence they may be more inclined to "expand" their "mischief". Now.... you extrapolate the following antithesis of the above axiom: "If you refuse to accept -- you teach."

11-12-98

A fascinating comment that I heard on C-Span -- ascribed to someone named "Yoda": "Once you start down the wrong path -- it will forever rule your destiny." (Remember this quotation -- and its implication..... and see "The Dr. John Hanby Principle") Then, note the following magnificent quotation from the Bible: Isaiah 30: 20 (NRSV) Though the Lord may give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide Himself any more; but your eyes shall see your Teacher. 21 And when you turn to the right, or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way -- walk in it." 22 Then you will defile your silver-covered idols and your gold-plated images. You will scatter them like filthy rags -- you will say to them, "Away with you!"

12-2-98; 4/19/01 These quotations are remembered by -- John N. Todd III   "Grand" is the name that the children of JNT and PJT chose as the "moniker" for their paternal grandfather, John N. Todd Jr.

Grandaddy's Wisdom ("GRANDISMS") Statements that we remember from JNT's Father -- John N. Todd Jr. (1896-1978 ) Click HERE for Easy-Print format of this tablet (1.) Grand's statement, whenever we asked what he hoped to get for Christmas: "Anything I get will be more than I deserve." (2.) Grand's retort when one of us would ask a bewildering or unanswerable question: "Not knowing, I could not state with any degree of certitude." (3.) "I've read it a thousand times." (Grand's statement, justifying or "proving" a questionable remark he had just made, in casual conversation.) (4.) "Just pop your whip." (Grand's remark to a threatening legal or business statement made by an adversary.) (5.) Grand's temperamental remark when one of us (sons) did not quickly carry out his instructions: "I've asked you in a nice way -- now goddammit, MOVE !" (6.) "After me, you come first." (7.) When asked, "How are you?", Grand's answer would usually be, "Sittin' on top of the world." (8.) Quotations from Grand's poem "If I Were King": "In judging who has won a race -- You first must know the starting place." And...... the following bit of remembered lines: "If I were king, and on a throne I'd build a kingdom all my own, Where every man his own would be The master of of his destiny. I'd build that kingdom strong and might; And everyone would have the right..... Etc." (That's all I remember from Grand's hand-written poem -- now lost.) (9.) Grand's remark concerning his imminent demise, "I want to get out of this as quick and as easy as possible." (10.) "Chick" (Grand's name for "T"). "Toddie" (Mother's name for Grand). (11.) Grand's prayer when asked, without warning, at the Rotary Club, to "ask the blessing", before the meal, Grand's total prayer was, "Almighty God, help us to remember that thou art God. Amen." (12.) "Toddalism": Grand's all-encompassing name for his own philosophy and political understanding -- and maybe even his own "religious" understanding. (13.) "Benevolent dictator": Grand's term to describe the ideal leader of a nation. (14.) Grand's hand-written statement in my autograph book (written in 1938): "I would like for my namesake to know that happiness is only derived from the sensation of going up, and that a man's real value in this world is determined by the happiness that he creates for others". (Signed) "Jno. N. Todd Jr.". (On 5-24-95, I located my "autograph book", from Bellinger Hill Elementary School, in a group of keepsakes; and I made a photocopy of Grand's message -- as quoted above.) (15.) "Never do today what you can put off 'til tomorrow." (16.) "I never worry about money -- I've got 'piles'." (17.) "In the language of the man on the street....." (when Grand related his understanding of certain subjects). (18.) "Spiffy", when congratulating us on our appearance for "dress-up" events. (19.) Re: his golf, when he would "duff" a shot: "I hit the big-ball first." (20.) Or, when he hit a good golf-shot, "I flailed the living hell out of that one." (21.) "For those who agree with me, I give you this": (a military salute). "For those who disagree with me, I give you this": (then Grand would turn his head to the side, and show a 'thumbing of the nose'). (22.) When one of us Todd Boys would respond to Grand with a "Huh", rather than a "Sir", Grand would correct us in this way: "Huh? Pigs say 'huh'." (23.) If one of us would remind Grand that he owed us a certain amount of money, for payment of a chore, he would respond like this: "I'd rather owe it to you than beat you out of it." (24.) The "waffles" story. One time, in the early 1970's, when "T" and Grand were visiting at our house, PJT prepared waffles for breakfast. Grand was sitting at the breakfast-table, conversing with PJT. As Phyllis completed the cooking of each batch of waffles, she stacked them on each of two platters. One of the platters was placed in front of Grand, and the other at the opposite end of the table. PJT continued preparing breakfast -- scrambling the eggs, and pouring the juice. We were called to breakfast. When we looked at the waffle platter in front of Grand, we noted that all the waffles were gone. Grand had consumed all of them. He explained, "I was afraid I would hurt Phyllis's feelings. I thought she might think that I didn't like her cooking." (25.) "Dress right", or "dress left". Grand explained to me, once upon a time, that if a male individual went to a tailor for measuring for a pair of tailor-made pants, the tailor would ask while measuring, "Do you dress left, or do you dress right?" The question was asked so that the tailor would know which side of the pants the "pecker" was allowed to dangle, so that certain size-adjustments could be made. (26.) The "peculiar slant of their eyes" story: Grand's "parable" to explain how we should accept and appreciate "diversity". "Someone asked a Japanese man what he thought was the most interesting thing about Americans. The Japanese person responded, 'The strangest thing about Americans is the peculiar slant of their eyes'." (27.) One day, Grand went by a Montgomery dry-cleaning establishment to pick-up an item. While standing there, waiting, the minister of Grand's church came in, and saw Grand waiting for service. Grand and the Minister conversed for a minute. Then the preacher said, "John, I've always considered you to be one of my most favorite people in the entire church." Grand was elated to be held in such high esteem. About that time, another parishioner came in, and the minister started speaking with him. After a while, Grand overheard the minister say to the other person, "Fred, I've always considered you to be one of my most favorite people in the entire church." (So, Grand received another of life's lessons.) (28.) "Paulianity" (not Christianity): Grand's name for what he considered some aspects of the Biblical "New Testament" to reflect. ("Christianity ought to be called Paulianity.") (29.) What Grand and Uncle Ernest said to a burglar they heard breaking into their house, one night, while they lay fearfully in their beds: "Close the door on your way out". (The burglar ran out immediately.) (30.) Grand's acquiescent response to a juvenile explanation of a complex subject: "It's either that -- or it's something else". (31.) Grand's remark after destroying a damaged object, or a worn-out garment: "I gave it the works." (One such example occurred when we lived at "61 Clitheral Avenue". I was 10 years old. It so happens that there was a chipped coffee-cup that "Mama T" invariably placed at Grand's table-setting, every morning, for his breakfast coffee. Grand complained that the chip in the lip of the coffee-cup caused the coffee to drip onto his lip. "T" would never take the cup out of service. One morning, after finishing his coffee, using the chipped cup, Grand took the cup, turned it over (upside-down) on the table -- took his table-knife by the blade, and crushed the cup with the handle of the knife. No one dared say a word -- and the cup was thus removed from service. That is, Grand "gave it the works.") (32.) Grand's comment if Al or I told Grand that he owed us money (for any reason): "Put it on my running account -- and let it run." (33.) Grand's quotation concerning the paltry response that a weakling might threaten, when insulted: "I will smite thee on the wrist with one of Father's business cards...... each consecutive lick being even more severe than its predecessor." (34.) "Do you know the difference between a 'fizzle' and a 'fart'? The 'fizzle' goes through, and the 'fart' goes around." (35.) Grand would sporadically stop drinking coffee, for a week or so. When asked why he did this, he answered, "I just want to prove who's boss." (36.) "Save face." On several occasions, Grand told us that he "liked to let the other fellow 'save face'." (37.) "Steak ice-cream". Al and I, as youngsters, became aware that Grand had been quite poor, during his childhood days. Grand sometimes told us that his family ate mainly "dried beans, and grits", for most of their meals. Grand later developed a taste for steak -- which, earlier in life, he had seldom been able to afford. On occasions, as children, when Al and I would teasingly ask Grand what flavor of ice-cream he liked the most, he would frivolously answer: "Steak", meaning "steak ice-cream". (38.) Grand, concerning himself, as he aged, " I spend half of my time trying to remember someone's name -- and the other half trying to find a place to 'pee'. " (39.) The hole-in-the-pocket story (this really happened, when I was about 10 years-old): One day, "Grand" told "T" (his wife, my mother) that he had developed a hole in one of the front pockets of a pair of his suit-pants. He expected "T" to make mental-note of this, and then to repair the hole. "Grand" mentioned the hole-in-the-pocket several additional times. "T" never repaired the hole. So...... one night, when "T" and Grand had gone to Montgomery's downtown "Elite Cafe", with a group of friends, the time came for Grand to pay his part of the check. Grand quietly reached into his pants-pocket, and pulled out a long black sock, neatly rolled-up...... and then he allowed the sock to roll out to its full length. All of this was done in the clear view of his friends&emdash; and other on-lookers. Grand then stuck his hand down deep into the sock, and pulled out of the sock a number of crumpled dollar-bills, and several coins (amid the chuckles of friends and bystanders). "Mama T" was naturally "mortified", as she subsequently admitted. The next day, she patched the hole in the pocket of Grand's trousers. (40.) "Piffel". This was Grand's useful word as a mild invective. That is, instead of saying, "Aw, crap" (or something similar), Grand would say, "Aw, piffel". (41.) "Victim of self-abuse" -- "Self abuse" was the accepted terminology -- in Grand's younger days -- for what we now refer to as "masturbation". In Grand's early life, masturbation was thought to be harmful, possibly leading to a variety of "complications" -- even mental "derangement". (My friends and I sometimes smilingly referred to one of our juvenile "enemiies" as a "V.O.S.A." -- a "victim of self-abuse".) (42.) "Disgusting, isn't it." (Grand's three-word response to Mother, whenever she would complain to him about some defect, large on trivial, that she perceived in him (and which she never failed to verbalize). (43.) "Goulash". Grand's name for a favorite concoction of his, cooked in a skillet, along with "round steak". The "goulash" contained a combination of tomatoes and onions, and was served on top of the "round-steak", along with "light bread". Al and I frequently requested this delicacy, whenever Grand would cook -- as during time of "T's" absence. (44.) "He's on of my dearest personal friends" -- Grand's complimentary remark about a Black acquaintance -- or in reference to an "outsider" that some of us, in the family, may have considered to be "beneath our dignity". (45.) Sometimes, when we would go to a restaurant, Grand would often say of himself, as he was given his menu, that he always looked first at the right-hand column of the menu to decide what he would order. That is, he would look to see which items were "the cheapest", before he decided what to order. (46.) "Looks like water, but it's not ("it's not" = "snot")." (This could have come from "Uncle Ernest" -- or maybe Grand quoted Uncle Ernest, on this remark.) (47.) "Dead right, but he was still dead.". This is the remark that Grand would make, as he instructed Al or me, concerning our learning to drive a car. The remark came from someone who had told Grand about a friend's son, what had been fatally injured in an automobile accident. The man told Grand about the accident, and said that the fatally-injured son had the "right-of-way", and that he was "in the right" -- emphasizing that the son was "dead-right". The man said, "He was dead-right -- but he's still dead." (48.) Grand's remark about a battle, or an argument, or a game: "Always consider the quality of the opposition." (49) Grand's limerick about friends, and friendship (this will be a paraphrase, since I do not remember it precisely). "Friendships come and go. Some friendships peter out. But I'll always be your friend -- peters in -- or peters out." (50.) On 3-1-97, at Heritage Nursing Home, in Tuscaloosa, my Mother told Phyllis and me a remembrance that she has about a remark that Grand made. I had asked Mother where the name "Norton" came from. She remembered "Norton" as the name of a friend of the family of the first "John Norton Todd". Mother then said that whenever she would ask "Toddie" (Grand) about some fact of his background or his heritage, he would always say: "I'm not interested in where I came from -- I only care about where I'm going." (51.) Grand's comment when, after a quick resolution to a "safe-cracking" job, a customer would sometimes complain about Grand's fee for the job: "I get paid for what I know -- not for what I do." (52.) Grand's remark about an individual who became irritated with Grand, or who lost his temper with Grand -- or about Al and me if we were "ugly" to each other: "He showed his tail"; or "Stop showing your tail." (53.) When I was in Medical School, I received a short letter from Grand, one day. In this letter was a $10-dollar bill. The only written comment from Grand was: "Just a 'note' to let you know that I have been thinking about you." (54.) When Grand was in the hospital, near the end of his life (dying in the throes of cancer of the stomach), he had lost a great deal of weight. One day, he laughingly said, "Well, you all always told me I should lose a little weight." (55.) When Grand played a round of golf with us, someone would later ask him, "Who won?" Grand would typically reply, "I did! -- I had the most fun; and I hit the ball more than anyone else; and I lost more golf-balls than anybody....... so I won." (56.) As a child, I would sometimes ask Grand for some item. He would frequently respond: "Do you want it now, or wait 'til you get it?".

11-11-98

Statement copied from my letter to a friend As you know, my major thesis, spiritually, is this: "I cannot surrender my 'salvation' to the opinion of, or the creed of, or the 'judgment' of -- a dogmatic doctrinal group of humans. If I satisfy God, nothing else matters." James 4: 12 (NRSV) There is one Lawgiver and Judge who is able to save and to destroy. So then, who are you to judge your neighbor? Romans 8: 31 (NRSV) What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? Psalm 27: 1 (NIV) The LORD is my light -- and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?

The PRAYER of ST. FRANCIS of ASSISI LORD, make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me Sow love; where there is injury, Pardon; where there is doubt, Faith. Where there is despair, Hope; where there is darkness, Light; and where there is Sadness -- joy. O DIVINE MASTER, Grant that I may not so much Seek to be consoled, as to Console; to be understood as To understand; to be loved as To love. For it is in giving that We receive. It is in pardoning That we are pardoned; And it is in dying that we Are born to eternal life.

10-16-98 An oft-quoted beautiful prayer

10-5-98 Pop's Wisdom : A basic (intrinsic) part of "intelligence" is the desire, or "drive", to acquire more and more information -- and knowledge. Similarly, "ambition" is an interrelated offspring of intelligence. Myne

9-23-98 "Save your good advice for those who can use it." A physician friend of mine, in the USAF, in 1963, quoted this remark to me several times -- concerning the futility of trying to get some individuals to understand certain "medical" advice -- or other "pearls" of wisdom, and truth.

9-22-98

Ascribed to Albert Einstein, as quoted by Ben Haden on his TV program, "Changed Lives": "It is always well to be as simple as possible -- but not simpler."

9/17/98 7/13/00 A paragraph from the "tablet" "Children of God"

God's Children and "Free Will"   I consider God's children to be like young "human" children, in a "PLAYROOM". In this simile, the human Father allows the children, in the playroom, to do whatever they like to do, under his careful observation -- so long as their games and toys and interactions with each other, are compatible with what the Father wants (or requires). That is, the children are granted "FREE WILL", by their Father. Their "free will" continues, so long as the Father's children "respond" appropriately, within the purview of the plans and purposes of the Father. (See link: "Responding to God".) The children may actually begin to "believe" that they have indeed been allowed "free will" -- that is, "freedom" to do and decide and "choose" whatever seems appropriate to their developing, juvenile minds. But..... in reality, what the "children" soon learn, is that if, at any time, in the opinion of the Father (and regardless of the pleas and arguments of the "children") the children "misbehave", or involve themselves in activities and thoughts that do not please and satisfy the Father -- then the firm-but-loving-and-caring Father steps in, and makes himself "seen" and "heard" -- in order to instruct, or guard, or protect, or teach, or discipline His Children. And, so it is with our Heavenly Father -- and His "children".

9-16-98 Oft quoted remark concerning President Bill Clinton.

A quotation ascribed, by some, to Sir Walter Scott -- and, by others, to "Shakespeare". "O what tangled web we weave -- When first we practice to deceive."

9-15-98   This simple but beautiful poem came with each of several "pocket-crosses" that we bought for our children -- more than 20 years ago.

"The Cross in my Pocket" By Verna Thomas Copied here, 9-15-98 I carry a Cross in my pocket -- A simple reminder to me Of the fact that I am a Christian, No matter where I may be. This little Cross is not magic, Nor is it a good-luck charm. It isn't meant to protect me From every physical harm. It's not for identification, For all the world to see. It simply is an understanding Between my Savior, and me. When I put my hand in my pocket To bring out a coin or key, The Cross is there to remind me Of the price He paid for me. It reminds me too, to be thankful For my blessings day by day -- And to strive to serve Him better In all that I do and say. It's also a daily reminder Of the peace and comfort I share With all who know my Master, And give themselves to His care. So, I carry a Cross in my pocket, Reminding me -- no one but me -- That Jesus Christ is Lord of my life, If only I will let Him be

9-14-98 A basic premise of mine, when I was in medical practice. This little framed picture was on my desk for all of the 25 years that I practiced medicine.

9-11-98 From "Dr. Todd's Terrific Tablets

Wouldn't it really be nice, and proper -- if every denominational "church" had a SIGN on its front door, in BIG letters, saying something like the following: NOTICE This church is a group of human beings. Our members and our ministers are "human" -- not divine. We worship our Creator -- Almighty God -- in a way that we consider to be correct. We realize that we do not have all the final scriptural and spiritual answers -- only God does. Our denomination has set certain rules of worship for our members, based on our understanding of how we should respond to God. We make no claim that acceptance of our beliefs, and our "doctrine", is a sure way to be accepted by God -- or that non-acceptance of our beliefs will cause one to be rejected by God. We recognize that it is God alone who decides who is acceptable to Him -- and who has been included among His people. It is not our church's purpose to try to decide, for God, who is satisfying Him; or who is "righteous", or who is "obeying" God; or who is "sinning"; or who is "falling short". We do not make judgements, for God. We place no humanly restrictions on whom God may accept -- or not accept. The purpose of our church meetings is for our members to get together, to teach about God, and to learn about God; and to share our knowledge of God with each other. If you decide to join our church, or simply to visit with us, we will welcome you, in our humanly way; and we will ask that you unite with us -- in our church's way of worshipping God.

9-8-98 7/10/01   "God's Spiritual Nation" A paragraph from: God's Holy Nation (Linked in QuickPrint format)

I conclude that, in this world, there is a "Spiritual Nation" -- governed by God Himself. This "spiritual nation" exists both now, on earth, and in the "heavenly" realm -- in the life to come. (In addition, my personal spiritual "intuition" hints to me that the growth, and development, and maturation, and "deciphering" of this "Spiritual Nation" -- are paralleled by change and growth and "evolution" -- in the "physical" universe {that is, in the "mechanical" universe -- if you prefer that term}.) God selects the inhabitants of His "Holy Nation". Those who are allowed "admission" to God's "Nation", enter at a time and place determined by God -- unaffected by the wishes and opinions of human-beings -- unaltered by an indivudual's self-appraisal -- and uninfluenced by "religious" ("church") choices and preferences that we humans may have "claimed" for ourselves. The earthly geographical location, and the racial origin of the inhabitants of God's spiritual "nation", do not matter -- at all. Membership in a denominational church does not open the gate to this "nation". Humanly will and effort do not bring about admission into God's "Spiritual Nation". According to the scriptures above (in the article linked in the left column) God Himself "brings home" those whom He accepts -- for His own reasons..... and for His own plans, purposes, and pleasure.

8-4-98 A question for you, from one of my favorite "preachers".

What is the most important thing in your life ?

8-3-98 A wise man, in Hollywood, Florida, quoted this to me, in 1950.

Truly, there is pathos in doing even the smallest thing -- for the last time.

8-2-98 A famous (and true) quotation from Alexander Pope

A little learning is a dangerous thing. Drink deep -- or taste not the Pierian Spring. There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain; And drinking largely sobers us again.

7-17-98 It is not while youth and beauty are thine own, And thy cheeks are unprofaned by a tear, That the fervor and faith of a soul can be known -- To which time will but make thee more dear. No, the heart that has truly loved never forgets; But as truly loves on to the close -- As the sunflower turns on her god when he sets, The same look she turned when he rose. Second stanza of "Believe me, if all those endearing youg charms"; by Thomas Moore

7-7-98 About 30 years ago, a physician-friend of mine had this hand-made calligraphic "painting" done for me -- as a gift. I have always treasured the little prayer that is stated, on it. The framed original hung in my office for all of the 25 years I was in the private practice of medicine. (This is a digital photocopy.)

7-6-98 A frequently quoted truth

"Where is thought -- if it never leaves the thinker?"

7-3-98

A "Toddian" axiom: "Beauty is the absence of turn-offs."

7-2-98 JNT thoughts about "exercise", and the discipline of exercise.

"EXERCISE" We will soon have a section (a "page") dedicated solely to "medicine", and to human physiology, and pharmacology -- and to various types of "therapeutics". Today, I simply want to begin a discussion of "exercise", and the various types of exercise -- and the discipline of exercise. Most of us usually think mainly of "physical" exercise -- but there are several other types -- some of which we almost never consider. At a later date, I will extrapolate these initial remarks -- and speak more of the "discipline", or the "habit", of these main types of exercise. Meanwhile, perhaps you will begin to consider these most important physiological and psychological "truths" -- and prepare your "intellectual" responses. PHYSICAL EXERCISE MENTAL (brain) EXERCISE EXERCISE EMOTIONAL EXERCISE SPIRITUAL exercise PSYCHOLOGICAL EXERCISE Be thinking about these FIVE types of "exercise". Each type can be fragmented -- or sub-titled; and there is "overlap". We will say more about these, later.

7-1-98 Copied from "Bible Favorites of JNT and PJT"

Proverbs 6: 20 (NRSV) My child, keep your father's commandment, and do not forsake your mother's teaching. 21 Bind them upon your heart always -- tie them around your neck. 22 When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.

6-30-98 Proverbs 12: 1 (NRSV) Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge; but those who hate to be rebuked, are stupid. Proverbs 13: 1 A wise child loves discipline -- but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. Proverbs 13: 24 Those who spare the rod hate their children -- but those who love them are diligent to discipline them. Proverbs 29: 17 Discipline your children, and they will give you rest -- they will give delight to your heart.

A comment that I heard on C-SPAN, today: "There is a right way to behave -- and a wrong way to behave." This remark reminds me of what we, at our home, have called the "John Hanby principle". Dr. Hanby practiced orthopedics in Tuscaloosa, during the early years of our being in Tuscaloosa. Dr. Hanby would sometimes see one or more of our children, with me, when I was making "rounds" at the hospital where I practiced medicine. On several occasions, Dr. Hanby would stop, and say to one of our young children, "You know, in your lifetime, you will have many chances -- every day, at a 'fork-in-the-road', to say, 'Should I go the right way, or the other way'. You will have challenges, every day, to discipline yourself...... and you must choose -- every time -- to go the right way. No one else can make the choice for you." (JNT addendum: In all of your life, you will have to live with the consequences of the decisions you make.)

6-22-98 More good advice from "The Bible".

Proverbs 6: 9 How long will you lie there, O lazybones? When will you rise from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, 11 and poverty will come upon you like a robber -- and want, like an armed warrior.

6-8-98 From "The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam"

Verse LXIII Ah, Love, could thou and I with fate conspire To change this sorry scheme of things entire, Would not we shatter it to bits -- and then Re-mould it nearer to the heart's desire !

6-7-98 I copied this poem from a monthly magazine, in @ 1954, when I was in medical school. I have kept this poem, along with many others, in a loose-leaf noteboook, containing some of my all-time favorites.

Winter Road By Elizabeth Chesley I shall repent some day of loving you, Forget the fever burning in the blood. Empty of loving you, along this road I shall go free, with you forever gone -- Gone like the autumn color from the wood; Lost like the sunlight when the sun is down. Fainter than ghost of moon still in the blue Above the hill made gold by slanting sun Shall be this hunger, though unsatisfied -- For such is the way of love, when love has died. I shall forget some day this loving you -- And shall go poorer, when at last I do.

6-6-98 "The Bridge Builder" by Will Allen Dromgoole Dedicated to: John Norton Todd IV with "fun-memories" -- dating back to 1967

An old man, going a lone highway Came at the evening, cold and gray, To a chasm, vast and deep and wide, Through which was flowing a sullen tide. The old man, crossed in the twilight dim. That sullen stream had no fears for him. But he turned, when he reached the other side; And built a bridge, to span the tide. "Old man," said a fellow pilgrim near, "You are wasting strength in building here. Your journey will end with the ending day -- You never again must pass this way. You have crossed the chasm, deep and wide. Why build you the bridge, at the eventide?" The builder lifted his old gray head, "Good friend, in the path I have come," he said, "There followeth after me today A youth whose feet must pass this way. This chasm that has been naught to me To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be. He, too, must cross in the twilight dim. Good friend, I am building the bridge for him."

6-5-98 This statement "belongs" to "The Todd Children". (They "grew-up" hearing it.)

"WORK PAYS"

5-21-98; 6/19/00 10/22/02 ALCOHOL -- and ALCOHOLISM An essay by Dr. John Todd. This opinion-piece was published in its entirety in the Tuscaloosa News, in October 1994

ALCOHOL -- and Alcoholism An Essay by Dr. John N. Todd, the author of this website CLICK HERE for Easy-Print format of this article on "Alcohol and alcoholism". An article entitled "A few drinks a day improves health", appeared recently in the Tuscaloosa News. That article, supplied by the Associated Press, quoted a study reported in the British Medical Journal, indicating that "people who enjoy a couple of drinks a day are 40% less likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke", when compared with non-drinkers. The implication of the article, of course, is that a few drinks a day will magically protect a drinker's health. That's all we need -- another insidious lure for the young, and for the poor and ignorant and unsuspecting -- to be duped into believing that there can possibly be anything "good", or protective, from the consumption of alcohol. Now hear the truth. I must tell your readers, here and now, without equivocation. that the harmful "health" effects, and the potentially devastating "social" and financial results of alcohol consumption, immeasurably outweigh any conceivable health benefit. I base that conclusion on my 35 years of experience in treating "private" medical patients, from all walks of life -- and on statistics gathered from my recent review of several reports from the medical literature (some of which I will quote, below). Let me state another obvious truth: there has never been -- not once, in all of history -- a human individual who started consuming alcohol, with the deliberate plan of causing himself to become an "alcoholic". And yet, in the United States, today, there are at least 15 million overt alcoholics -- and many, many more "borderline alcoholics". Let me repeat: not one of today's 15 million alcoholics ever considered, when he or she took the fi