22 September 2003

We had to memorize this in Latin class: "Haec studia adulescentiam alunt, senectutem oblectant, res secundas ornant, adversis perfugium ac solacium praebent, delectant domi, non impediunt foris, pernoctant nobiscum, peregrinantur, rusticantur." - Marcus Tullius Cicero, defending the poet, Archias.

"This study [of literature] nurtures our youth, delights our old age, brightens the good times, and provides a refuge and comfort in bad times; literature brings us pleasure at home, does not hamper us at work, and is the companion of our nights, our travels, our country retreats."

Fortunately, my four years of Latin studies paid off today, as I was the first to respond correctly to an email contest at Miramar College. Being the first person to translate "Ars longa, vita brevis" ("Life is short, Art is forever"), I won two tickets to see the San Diego Symphony. If only my high school Latin teachers, Mrs. Brunell and Mr. Butler, were around to enjoy this moment.

DWL