US is a very religious country. Separation of church and state is part of our credo, but that it is hard to understand since our money says "In God we trust" and every President says "God bless America".

jewels have played a colorful part in the evolution of world affairs. Because precious stones tend to inspire both admiration and greed, leaders have found convenient excuses for seeking them and have used them to impress crowds, reward friends, deprive foes, forge alliances, and justify war. Jewels may find their highest expression in the decorative arts, but they have also earned a place in the art of the possible.

We don't understand enough about the Islam religion and Muslim world.

History is written backwards but lived forwards.

There are an awful lot of things going on that need understanding and explanation, but - to put it mildly - the world is a mess.

Leaders are made by the situations they are involved in. I think that some rise to the occasion and some do not.

I really do think about the fact that every day counts. I believe that every individual counts, and so I believe that every day counts and I try not to waste it.