Thinking of Neda

Tonight I am feeling very sad. I am mourning the death of a young girl that I never even heard of three days ago. I am talking about Neda, the 27 year old who was killed by police in the fury of the Tehran uprising.
It's not that she was killed uselessly, which is obvious, but that she went out that day to voice her opinion, her God given right, and she was killed for her efforts. She never dreamed that she would die that day. The look on her face as she list there in the Tehran street is something I will be a long time forgetting.
I feel sorry for all the Nadas of the world who only want a better life, but instead meet an early death. On the other hand I am grateful for Nada and the example she set. She did what we all should do: stand up for what we believe, whether it be in Iran or Main Street. Good job, Neda. I honor you and your compatriots. Rest easy after a job well done.

Thoughts on "Grey Matters"

I don't care what anyone says. I think "Grey Matters" is a great movie. Heather Graham is terrific in her role as a young woman "coming out." A definite thumbs up....M

Mission Accomplished

Deb and i just returned from Chicago where Sarah got her "White Coat." We were very proud parents to say the least. We also got to see Matt and his intended. All in all, a good trip (except for the six hour drive.)
Yesterday at 9:23pm · Comment

AT Hikes in New Hampshire and Maine pictures from hiking & backpacking photos on webshots

AT Hikes in New Hampshire and Maine pictures from hiking & backpacking photos on webshots

Dark Day for America

Today, April 2, 2009, is a dark day for America. The passing of the budget this evening will, I believe, turn against us someday. I hope the American people are ready for tougher times than we already have. May God have mercy on us all....Doc

Don't Sleep All Day

"Don't sleep all day tomorrow." That's what she said to me before she went to bed. I asked her why. She said, "I need to talk to you." "Do we have to talk in the morning," I asked. She did not reply but went to bed. So now I'm going to have to take a few extra sleeping pills or else I will be up all night worrying about the subject matter of our "talk." (As if I didn't know.)

It's really difficult to watch your world collapse around you and not be able to stop it. The last of my babies goes off to college this week. Then it will be the Empty Nest. No kids--No buffer. Now what will I do? Sleep all day? Plus I turn 60 this December. Now I don't fear death, but what's the rush. If the stats about death rates in the United States are correct, I have about 10 to 15 years left. Not a lot of time if you ask me. And I had so much that I wanted to do. All those things I swore to myself in the 60's that would make the world a better place to live. With all the problems we have, both personally and nationally, I don't think my contributions would have helped much, other than to show concern (which won't get you far in this world.)

At any rate, I have said my piece, lame though it may be. If you disagree, good. You are the smart one. Don't ever listen to anything I have to say. I am no mental heavy weight and am easily discounted in most circles. But that's ok. I understand. In fact, I'm one of you. I, too, think I am full of shit. Has it taken you this long to figure that out? You need to pay better attention. Later.....M

Alert To All Anvils

Sometimes I think I could screw up an anvil. I know that I act impulsively, but why do I have to shoot off my big yap all the time? I then spend tremendous amounts of time trying to undo what I said, either by apologizing or by spinning the remarks. Either way, it's ridiculous and inappropriate behavior for a person my age (or any age for that matter). Some day the sky is going to fall and then I will be in a world of hurt. Until then, I am going to try to be conscious of my thoughts and make certain that I don't make them become a reality by saying the wrong things. Will I never learn?--Mike/Doc