It feels like the gun powder keg on a path to crush democracy is picking up speed. Last week’s killing of Charlie Kirk, a man I knew little about prior to his death, but far too much about posthumously, just might be the act that blows up this country. I’ve taken steps in the past … Continue reading Charlie Ferdinand
Tag: death
Turning my fear into anger
Right-wing activist,* Charlie Kirk was assassinated yesterday in Utah. Beyond recognizing a couple of his statements retrospectively, I was unaware of him while he was alive. I’m not really his demographic and most certainly am not someone who subscribed to his ideology, which included a strong belief in the second amendment, opposition to gay and … Continue reading Turning my fear into anger
The last of 14
Earlier this month one of my father’s last remaining siblings died at the fine age of 92. My aunt was one of 5 daughters, along with 9 sons, born to Conan and Mary McMenamin over a span of 23 years. Yes, my grandmother really was pregnant for the better part of a quarter century. Moms … Continue reading The last of 14
We never deserved Jimmy Carter
In 1976, the year Jimmy Carter was elected President, I was in fifth grade. I recall my elementary school holding a mock election, something I don’t believe schools do anymore due to the extreme political divide which has been stoked since then. Particularly in the past decade. As you might imagine, I enthusiastically voted for … Continue reading We never deserved Jimmy Carter
Frozen in time
I awoke thinking about the two children who had died after falling in Washington Park’s lake. It’s impossible to know what the boy had been thinking when he ventured onto ice which was nowhere near strong enough to hold his weight. Did he know he was taking a risk? Was he perhaps laughing with nerves … Continue reading Frozen in time
Crying to Cope
More years ago than I can believe, I worked with a really sweet young man, S, at a restaurant on Lark Street. When we met he was at his best, something I didn’t know until later when I saw him at what was arguably his worst. He was clear eyed, good looking and hardworking, a … Continue reading Crying to Cope
Skiing with my Uncle Wolfgang
Last week’s epic snowstorm provided an unexpected early December treat - the chance to cross-country ski at Albany Muni. I got out there four days and the conditions just kept getting better. It was awesome and Jeter and I loved every minute of it. Other than the first day when I skied with a friend, it was just me, … Continue reading Skiing with my Uncle Wolfgang





