As John recovers from the election, here is a column that ran in 2016. How the world has, and hasn't, changed:

In these uncertain times, we need the wisdom of proverbs more than ever. For example:

• The pen is mightier than the sword, but they're both pretty sharp.
• When the going gets tough, it's time to take a nap.
• You can't judge a book by its cover but it does account for 20 percent of sales.
• No man is an island, not even those people living south of Roosevelt.
• A watched pot never boils — well, actually it does.
• If it ain't broke, let me try to fix it.
• One man's trash is another man's treasure, especially in the alleys of Forest Park.
• If you want something done right, make sure the contractor gets a permit.
• Absence makes the heart grow fonder; so does absinthe.
• As Ogden Nash said, "A penny saved is impossible."
• People who live in glass houses must be freezing.
• Better late than never will not get you out of trouble with your spouse.
• A picture is worth a thousand words but no one prints pictures anymore.
• If necessity is the mother of invention, who's the father?
• Good things come to those who wait but how many lotto tickets is this guy going to buy?
• Don't count your chickens in one basket, or something like that.
• If you can't beat 'em, join a health club.
• Cleanliness is next to dog food in Aisle 4.
• Easy come, easy go. I just don't get the "easy come" part.
• Don't bite the hand that feeds you, or anyone's hand for that matter.
• Too many cooks — use too much salt.
• A bird in hand is disgusting.
• There's no place like home, but I'm sure there are houses with better carpeting.
• Never look a horse in the mouth, period.
• Beggars can't be choosers, but they need to come up with better stories.
• God helps those who help set up folding chairs.
• There's no such thing as a free lunch, which is why we have dollar menus.
• The squeaky wheel also turns sideways when you're trying to push the cart.
• Hope for the steak, but prepare for the wurst.
• Don't keep your friends close — or anyone else for that matter.
• Actions speak louder than words, especially when you're using a leaf blower.
• There's no time like the present to put off painting the porch.
• Beauty is in the eye of people who obviously don't own a mirror.
• Two heads are better than one, but only if they're both wearing masks.
• The grass is always greener at marijuana dispensaries.
• Desperate deadlines call for desperate columns.