Jeremiah Clarke - Trumpet Voluntary

Memories

Written and posted here in 2002:

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Did you read this Wall Street Journal column over the weeked? In the WSJ google link to it we are told that “amid disruption and decentralization, don’t neglect the benefits of hierarchy.” In other words structure beats chaos. 

This after decades of being told to thrive on chaos. 

I’m face-to-face with the question of hierarchy again thinking about the hubris of writing this to you right now, instead of  just sharing these thoughts at a Socrates Cafe or a Franklin Circle as I have for this past couple of decades.  It seems like I’ve wrestled with hierarchy and authority ever since my bride walked towards me and our classmate from Cornell College started playing Trumpet Voluntary. 

Ronald Rolheiser in his meditation this morning on the baptism of the first Christian that we are each the beloved. And we have been, just as John the Baptist had been, but in Rolheiser’s gospel passage this moring John said he was a slave. What gives John this humility?

Anyone who has watched MindHunter on Netflix knows the answer: his mother.

John the Baptist was born a few months before Jesus, but he never has the financial success Jesus enjoyed. (If you don’t think Jesus had to worry about money just because he could make water into wine and the rest didn’t think carefully about what happened immediately after Jesus’ baptism, spending 40 days in the desert and getting clear it was not ok to use his power like a North Korean dictator.) 

Two Jewish mothers, one telling those around him just before his first miracle, when his fundraising project was just getting off the ground, “do whatever he tells you.” Is it any wonder John stayed humble?

As a consultant I’ve helped newspapers convert from free to paid circulation. It is very difficult. We all find it difficult to start paying for what we’ve alway gotten for free. There are other examples of this. One in particular comes to my mind. 

But it is not impossible. I know because of my newspaper experience, among other things.

Years ago I tried to get contributions from those who attended one of the Socrates Cafes I’d organized. Made a compelling, I thought, argument on a flier, gave it to everyone at the end of the 90 minute gathering along with a 30 second “elevator talk” about why I deserve to be paid. Big mistake. One man who had been attending regularly himself and had even started bringing his wealthy parents never came back.

Maybe it would have gone better if I’d served them wine.

All this to warm you up for my new, big, free idea: why not franchise the Colorado Caucus? Don’t judge this until I give you the details. But don’t forget, if you want to get in on the ground floor you have to affiliate with one of the major political parties by midnight today. You can do it online. In Denver I suggest you become a Democrat, In Douglas County a Republican, at least I think that’s still the majority party there. 

I’ll tell you more here tomorrow.

In the meantime, share this with your friends. Print copies, share it on the Internet, feature it in your newspaper. Whoever reads it because of you will most likely thank you, and so will I tomorrow right here if you let me know what you’ve done.

“I’m not a member of any organized political party. I’m a Democrat.” Will Rogers 

John Wren www.JohnWren.com is a long-time community activist. He has created front page news throughout his life, starting when he was a Senior at Thomas Jefferson High School and his picture was on the front page of the Rocky Mountain News and featured in the Denver Post. When he was in graduate school at the University of Denver he helped Karl Rove give College Republican workshops that were so effective they were called “dirty tricks” in the Washington Post. Yesterday he became a Democrat. Again. You can too, click here to register to vote or to change your party affiliation. After reading the Wall Street Journal this weekend and thinking about the baptism of Jesus this morning he has decided to try a daily newspaper column one last time. We’ll see. 

Tears come to my eyes as I write the above as the thought of my friend Gene Amole saying, “Good luck with it pal. Be sure to sit by a Catholic girl if you can, that’s the only reason to ever  let some paper force you into he newsroom.”

KILLING TIME

Online with John Wren +++ (303)861-1447

FROM ChatGPT

Here's the revised preface with the additional footnote for Tim McGovern:

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## Preface

Writing has always been a significant part of my journey, and the inspiration to take it seriously came from an unexpected source during my tenure as the Public Relations Director for Sentinel Newspapers. It was there that I met Tim McGovern, a remarkable man whose passion for writing was palpable. Tim held weekly brown bag sessions for all the reporters and editorial writers, which I had the privilege to attend. His reference point was William Zinsser’s seminal work, *On Writing Well*, a book that he credited with honing his craft.

Over the years, I delved into Zinsser’s other books and numerous articles, one of which was particularly impactful. In an article for *American Scholar*, Zinsser discussed the art of writing an autobiography, emphasizing the importance of crafting it one chapter at a time. This piece resonated deeply with me, laying the groundwork for the journey I am about to embark on with you, dear reader.

This book, "Killing Time With Wren," is not just a collection of stories; it is a chronicle of moments that have shaped my life, each written with the intention of sharing the wisdom and insights I've gathered along the way. The title reflects a whimsical yet profound journey through time, one that I hope will resonate with you as much as it has with me.

Each week, I will sit down to write, sharing my thoughts, experiences, and reflections, which will then be posted on my blog, [JohnWren.com](http://www.johnwren.com), or on a new blog specifically created for this purpose. This process will also be the foundation of my new weekly podcast, aptly named "Killing Time With Wren."

The plan is straightforward: I will self-publish these chapters on Amazon's Creative Commons, as I have done with previous works, with the hope of eventually attracting a traditional publishing house. The goal is to produce a best-seller, not just for the accolade, but to enable me to buy meaningful and cherished Christmas gifts for my family and friends—a gesture of love and appreciation that I hold dear (or so I've heard; this will be my first, and at age 77, possibly last, time doing it myself).

This book is dedicated to Tim McGovern, who, God bless his soul, inspired me to embrace writing with the seriousness and passion it deserves. It is also a tribute to William Zinsser, whose teachings continue to guide my pen. I invite you to join me on this journey, one chapter at a time, as we explore the myriad experiences that make up a life well-lived.

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*Footnote:*

Tim McGovern (October 22, 1947 - December 24, 2020) was a distinguished writer and editor who worked at Sentinel Newspapers, owned by Cowles Media in Minneapolis, MN. Known for his dedication to the craft of writing, Tim contributed significantly to the journalistic community through his prolific writing and editorial work. His career spanned various roles, including city hall reporter for The Denver Post, managing editor of the Durango Herald, and editor-in-chief of the suburban Sentinel Newspapers. He also founded Power Points, Inc., which ran successful sports contest promotions for newspapers nationwide [oai_citation:1,Tim McGovern Obituary (1947 - 2020) - Denver, CO - Denver Post](https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/denverpost/name/tim-mcgovern-obituary?id=7563715) [oai_citation:2,Tim McGovern Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information](https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/tim-mcgovern-obituary?pid=197408201) [oai_citation:3,Tim McGovern Obituary (2021) - Legacy Remembers](https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/tim-mcgovern-obituary?id=7568476).

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Is there anything else you would like to add or adjust?

Dialogue Groups: Watch1 Lead1 Start1. For free membership write JohnScottWren@gmail.com.

If you have a question that doesn’t get answered stick around after or call John Wren and leave a message while it is still on your mind. 25/7 call (303)861-1447. 

John Scott Wren has invited you to join a video meeting on Google Meet.

Name: Socrates Cafe Society Open Dialogue

Time: Friday, May 31,  6 or 6:30 – 8:00 PM MDT

Join the meeting: https://meet.google.com/kym-ftfd-rzq 

Springtime in the Rockies.

Online with John Wren +++ (303)861-1447

Dialogue with us tonight?

Socrates Cafe Online, each Friday, Saturday, 1st Sunday, and Tuesday, 6:30 pm Denver (Mountain Daylight Time) on www.Meet.Google.com  Come early to help find a topic. After you join invite a friend or two, start a new dialogue group in you local public library. If you want help call me (303)861-1447. 

Sponsored by Small Business Chamber of Commerce Inc, we’ve been meeting since the Friday after 911. We are still no political, we don’t take positions on candidates or issues. 

TOPIC FOR SOCRATES CAFE? American Culture: "The Road From the 1960s to MAGA Madness" - Kurt Andersen and Lawrence O’D...

From ChatGPT & Me: Why John Wren uses Google Meet and Blogger:

Online with John Wren +++ (303)861-1447

Chat history

ChatGPT 3.5

You

Write a short essay I can post on www.JohnWren.com "Why I use Blogger and Google Meet." an essay that is memorable making the case for these benefits and any others that should be added: free, easy to use, dependable, secure.

ChatGPT

Title: Why I Choose Blogger and Google Meet: A Tribute to Free, Easy-to-Use, Dependable, and Secure Platforms

In the digital age, where connectivity is key and efficiency is prized, the tools we use can make or break our endeavors. As the founder of Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc., a labor of love aimed at amplifying the voices of the common folk since 1990, I have found two indispensable allies in my mission: Blogger and Google Meet.

Why do I swear by these platforms? The answer is simple: they epitomize the virtues of being free, easy to use, dependable, and secure.

First and foremost, the fact that both Blogger and Google Meet are free is a game-changer, especially for organizations like ours that operate on a shoestring budget. In a world where every penny counts, having access to high-quality tools without breaking the bank is nothing short of a blessing. It levels the playing field, allowing even the smallest of voices to resonate loudly in the digital realm.

Ease of use is another crucial factor. Complexity breeds confusion, and in a world where time is of the essence, simplicity reigns supreme. Blogger's intuitive interface empowers me to share my thoughts and ideas with the world effortlessly. Whether it's updating our website or sharing insights on our blog, Blogger streamlines the process, allowing me to focus on what truly matters: serving our community.

Dependability is non-negotiable when it comes to digital tools. After all, what good is a platform if it crumbles under pressure? Thankfully, both Blogger and Google Meet have proven themselves time and time again to be stalwart companions in our journey. From hosting virtual meetings with our members to disseminating important information, I can always rely on these platforms to deliver without fail.

Last but certainly not least, security is paramount in today's digital landscape. With cyber threats lurking around every corner, entrusting our data to unsecured platforms is simply not an option. Fortunately, both Blogger and Google Meet take security seriously, implementing robust measures to safeguard our information and privacy. This peace of mind allows us to operate with confidence, knowing that our communications are shielded from prying eyes.

In conclusion, the choice to utilize Blogger and Google Meet is not merely a matter of convenience but a strategic decision rooted in their unparalleled benefits. From their cost-effectiveness to their user-friendly interfaces, their reliability to their security features, these platforms embody everything we could ask for and more. As we continue to champion the voices of the common man, Blogger and Google Meet stand as steadfast allies in our quest for a better tomorrow.

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Consider checking important information.

ChatGPT