QUARANTINE BLOG # 438

June 11, 2021

Today begins with misattribution and a misquote.

“The only two certainties in life are death and taxes.”  This is quote often attributed to Mark Twain, but this phrase was around before Twain was even born.  The earliest variation found is from Christopher Bullock’s The Cobbler of Preston in 1716.  He wrote, “’Tis impossible to be sure of any thing but Death and Taxes.”  It is usually mentioned when referring to the sad, but inescapable truths in life.  You can’t keep from dying, or paying your taxes.  Bummer.

Welcome to one of the most famous misquoted lines of all time.  “Play it, Sam.  Play ‘As Time Goes By.’”  This classic line is spoken by Ilsa Lund in the film Casablanca.  Of all the gin joints in all the towns in the world, Ilsa Lund just has to walk into the one owned by her former lover, Rick Blaine.

If she didn’t, we wouldn’t have Casablanca.  When she sees Sam, Rick’s piano player, she asks him to play their song, “As Time Goes By.”  And as much time as has gone by since Casablanca’s release, this quote still endures.  You must remember this: a kiss is just a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh, and the quote is “Play it, Sam,” not “Play it again, Sam.” 

In the years before YouTube people had a hard time remembering quotes exactly, which makes this quote one of the most misquoted of all time.  So you will make no mistake, here is the quote, first from Ilsa, and then from Rick.

👉  Speaking of unforgettable love songs, here are some from the QB Jukebox.  I’ve put the quarter in for you.

“Wilson Phillips,” a group noted for their close harmonies, was composed of Carnie Wilson, Wendy Wilson, and Chynna Phillips, the daughters of Brian Wilson of “The Beach Boys” and of John and Michelle Phillips of “The Mamas & the Papas.”  Their 1990 debut album sold over 10 million copies worldwide and consisted of five major US hits, three of which went to number-one on the Billboard Hot 100.  Here is my favorite, “Impulsive.”

Several years ago when I was the host pastor of Fountain Camp Meeting, an interdenominational annual gathering in Warren County, I did one of the things I’d long thought about doing, but never had the opportunity.  One evening, introducing the speaker, I said, “And now a man who needs no introduction,” and I went and sat down.  True story.  Cub Scout’s honor.  And now a singer who needs no introduction, the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, singing “I Can't Stop Loving You.”

And “I Will Always Love You,” by Whitney Houston, one of the best-selling recording artists of all time, with sales of over 200 million records worldwide.  Too soon gone.

👉  As promised more of those cars that never made it in terms of sales, but now command big bucks:

I found a Plymouth Prowler in Hemmings Motor News with an asking price of $59,000, but the pictures weren’t representative of the price, so the example below is a 1997 model which features a factory-made trailer (you can see it in the first picture, trailing behind – as a trailer should).  The price for the pair is only $49,900.

This 1965 Renault Dauphine has a 115 Hp 1300 G engine with two twin carburetors, double rear shocks and a 5-speed gearbox.  It is completely mechanically refurbished and is offered for sale by Gallery Aaldering in the Netherlands, Europe’s leading Classic Cars specialist.  Transport and worldwide shipping can be arranged.  Price in euro’s is 37,950 or $46.250.

👉  As far as I know, Starbucks has not been hacked by Russian criminals and held for ransom, but the inventor of $5 cups of coffee is running out of supplies – another shortage brought on by the Chinese Virus.  Across the country, Starbucks is running out of key ingredients for popular drinks, like peach and guava juices, and there is a lack of iced and cold-brew coffee, breakfast foods and cake pops, and even cups, lids and straws.  

👉  Some signs for the times:

👉  Today’s close, “The Nourishing Word,” is from The Songs of Jesus by Timothy Keller.

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction” (Psalm 1:1-6 NIV).

Psalm 1 is the gateway to the rest of the psalms. The “law” is all Scripture, to “meditate” is to think out its implications for all life, and to “delight” in it means not merely to comply but to love what God commands. Christians have their attitude toward God changed from one of duty to free, loving self-giving because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. So to know how to meditate on and delight in the Bible is the secret to a relationship with God and to life itself. Views contrary to God’s Word are no anchor in time of need. God’s Word gives us the resilience of a tree with a source of living water that will never dry up.

Prayer: Lord of the Word, don’t let me be seduced by the world – either naively going with the crowd or becoming a hardened cynic. Help me meditate on your Word to the point of delight. Give me stability and contentment regardless of the circumstances. How I need that! Amen.

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