My Mia

 

This is not only the best picture I ever took, it may very well be the best picture anyone has ever taken. I wanted to enter it in the State Fair amateur photo contest, not because I thought I'd win, but because I was excited about titling it "Stack O' Cats."

One early July day in 2010, I was mowing my "backyard" (40 foot long, four feet wide) and discovered to my chagrin a mother cat (eventually named Mia) and three tiny, tiny kittens inside one of my window wells. My first thought was, "How the hell am I gonna get rid of these things?"

Instead, I called a couple friends, Lisa and Terri, who had cat experience, and we set up a place in my garage for the four of them to stay, at least for awhile.

Naturally, I went out to the garage approximately 237 times a day to look at and play with the kittens and their tired old worn-out mother. 

We found homes for the kittens (Lisa took one, a male, and named him higgins, perhaps to prepare him for a life as an English butler.) 

The next step was to get Mia spayed, or neutered, or fixed; whatever happens to female cats. She was a little grungy from garage life so Terri had the idea to give her a BATH. That idea lasted about two seconds. Amazingly, we chased her down and instead of heading for parts unknown, she very calmly let us put her in the cat carrier, with an easygoing and trusting nature that belied her youth.

The plan was for Terri to keep Mia for a week or two while she healed, but Mia never left. Until today. 

Mia had stopped eating and had taken to hiding behind furniture in a manner unusual for her. She was at least 16 years old, with a still youthful and, biased though I may be, most beautiful face I have ever seen on a cat.

She had a good life with Terri, who rubbed her belly for hours on end while watching TV (Terri, not Mia). Whenever I visited, I always asked "Where's my Mia?" and was disappointed when she didn't make an appearance, and delighted when she showed that beautiful face.

My Mia, our Mia, belongs to the ages now, but all of us whose lives she touched are the better for it.

Forget Black Friday! Nuts to Cyber Monday! It's Local Author...uh...Time!

Do you like music? Do you like mysteries? Do you like Murray? Well, you're in luck because three of Syracuse's best local authors (including a not-too-modest one) have books for sale! Just in time for the varying holidays crammed into the month of December! All of the following books are available at your local bookstores, Amazon, and really just about anywhere you get your books:

Carl Cafarelli is a native CNYer and has written a fabulous book called The Greatest Record Ever Made (Volume One) that asserts that there can be an infinite number of "greatest records ever made," as long as they take turns. Carl takes turns making the case for an eclectic mix of pop, bubblegum, soul, punk and even country. You won't agree with every song choice, but you will be impressed with both the quality of his writing and the passion he has for his subjects. Find Carl at https://carlcafarelli.blogspot.com/

Joe Congel is also a native CNYer but had the good sense to leave town about 30 years ago. He is a terrific mystery writer. His stories are character-driven, intricately plotted whodunits that keep you guessing till the end.  Joe has a number of books featuring his alter-ego Tony "Razzman" Razzolito, but his newest effort is part of the Underground Authors' group. Catch a Tiger by the Toe is Joe's second book in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles and, I think, his best yet. Read Joe at https://joecongelfictionstories.blogspot.com/

And finally, Dave Murray, another CNYer who did not have the sense to leave Syracuse, despite my feeling that cold weather is a living thing trying to kill me. But I truly love the Salt City.  A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale) is my first novel and, barring any sudden lightning strike of inspiration, my last. It's a fictionalized, jazzed up (or jazzed down, if that is a thing) version of my life with the emotional center being my double-lung transplant in 2004. It has, if I may briefly sound like a Millennial, all the feels (or so I'm told.). You can find my very infrequent blog posts at https://davemurraywriter.blogspot.com/

Thanks for reading and have a happy holiday season!

Civic Duty

Tuesday, November 5th, the Most Important Election Of Our Lives; narrowly edging 2020, which was The Previous Most Important Election Of Our Lives.

Anyone who hasn’t voted yet is either truly undecided (you know, like the choice between chicken or decomposing rat) or planning to sit this one out.

Don’t.

I won’t tell you how to vote, but I have a couple thoughts:

No Jill Stein, or Mickey Mouse or other protest votes. It’s a two party world because of the Electoral College. Vote for the person you hate least, if nothing else.

If you have kids, the world we will leave them may be unfathomable. Vote for the one likely to address climate change.

Vote for human rights.

Vote for the rule of law.

Vote for inclusion, and empathy, and love.

Vote for democracy. 

Meet the Author!

I am delighted to have been invited this Wednesday October 23rd at 7PM ET, to chat about my book, A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale), with Rob and Joan Carter, the charming hosts of the fun and entertaining podcast, Meet the Author.  (www.indiebooksource.com)

The Meet the Author podcast publicizes indie authors (hey, like me!) That also perfectly describes Rob and Joan (Their pen names are RC and JP Carter and they are members of the Underground Authors writing group. Their latest effort is A Chance of a Ghost: Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles, Book 23). 

The podcast streams live on Youtube, Facebook, Linkedin, and X and also broadcasts on both WLFE-db radio and WDJY FM radio in Atlanta.

I've been catching up on the podcast by listening to some archived shows and all of the writers are interesting and accomplished. I hope I don't break the streak, but if you know me, you know I won't run out of things to talk about. ("Mr. Murray, the show has been over for 20 minutes...")

Tune in if you can, but if you miss it, the shows are archived (I think I said that already.)

Thanks for reading.

Dave

Write All About It!

My first novel, A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale) was published on August 26th. So far, it hasn’t set the world on fire* but I’ve sold some copies. I chatted about it with Erik and Iris, the hosts of the swell morning talk show Bridge Street on channel 9, which was great fun.

The good folks at Parthenon Books (https://parthenonbookstore.com/) in downtown Syracuse hosted eight local writers, myself included, last month. I met some really nice people  there and am grateful to Parthenon for the exposure.

My pal, Rey

Another friend, Kevin

On November 6th at 6PM, I'll share a table with another local author at the Onondaga Free Library on West Seneca Turnpike, talking about the book and maybe selling a few. I have tentatively landed another couple of library gigs down the road.

I’m having a blast!

I have been heartened by a number of (so far) five-star reviews on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads. I’m touched that so many readers were inspired and encouraged by my story. 

I would ask those of you who have finished the book to consider writing a review (or, heck, reviews).**

Let me, and the world, know what you think. It means a lot to independent writers like myself, as we seldom get many (or any) professional reviews. We love feedback, even if it’s criticism because that makes us better writers.

So if you have time, dash off a review. It doesn’t need to be long or fancy, just heartfelt. If you know anyone at the New York Times, you know, you can tell them about it, also. Thanks, and thanks for reading.

* The world is already on fire, after all.

** Give me an inch and I'll ask for a second review (I think that's how it goes)

Song of the Day:

Bermuda Triangle and Other News

I have a long list of people who want a copy of A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale), including three family members (!) Ugh. Unfortunately, my last order of books is apparently lost somewhere in the Bermuda Triangle (or the lesser-known Haitian Parallelogram). I promise that when my supply is replenished I will let everyone know.

I had a swell time last Saturday the 7th at Parthenon Books on S. Salina Street. Eight local authors, including me, chatted about our newest books and even sold a few. A splendid time, I thank Ann and the rest of the Parthenon staff for being such charming hosts. 

Upcoming appearances: Erik and Iris, the genial hosts of channel 9's fun morning talk show, Bridge Street, will welcome me on September 23rd at 10 AM.

Then on October 23rd at 7PM, I will be chatting with hosts Rob & Joan on the popular podcast, Meet the Authors. https://indiebooksource.com/podcast/  

There are a couple more dates that are not firmed up yet. When I know for sure, you'll know.

Now, I probably should price flights to Bermuda. Or Haiti. Or Cuba. Or...

 PS: How about that debate?!

Programming Note

 Good morning! My appearance with the good folks on Bridge Street, the swell morning talk show on channel 9, WSYR-TV, has moved to Monday, September 23rd. 

However, I will still be taking part in a local authors showcase from 1-4 tomorrow, Saturday 7th at Parthenon Books on South Salina Street, across from the Landmark Theatre. So come and say hi!

Two Pictures are Worth 2000 Words

 From A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale):

"A couple of years later, the boys reached sign-making Nirvana. For the final game in 1989, Danny rigged up a fancy rotating letter system to honor two departing seniors, Herman Harried and Sherman Douglas, and junior Derrick Coleman. He cut and pasted black letters on large orange posterboard, and the boys lugged them up to section 315. Danny and Johnny duct taped another posterboard on the wall to their left that just said MAN.

Pete and Leslie, two other season ticket holders that sat next to the guys, eagerly agreed to help. They were all set. Whenever one of the three players scored a basket, Danny barked out instructions. Following a Coleman basket, Danny yelled, “C-O-L-E! ”and Pete held up the “C,” Leslie the “O,” Johnny held up the “L,” and finally the “E” was Danny’s job.  Derrick was honored with a black and orange COLE-MAN for all to see.

Herman Harried didn’t see much action, but he did score a couple buckets. “HER!” said Danny (Pete got to stay seated for that one). HER-MAN, section 315 boasted.

Photos, presumably, taken by Pat, Dick's wife (Dick is the man in the white baseball cap) two great people who sat directly ahead of us in lofty section 315. Steve and I referred to them as the Nixons. Of course. And thanks to my main established man, Steve Heller, for unearthing these pics.

Go Tell it On the Mountain

Not necessarily the mountain, unless you see people up on the mountain* who would like to read a great review of A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale).

I am delighted with the critical response to the book so far. People come to me and quote parts from it and that really makes me happy. And no, smart guy, I didn't pay any of them to say nice things.

Though I'm not above it.

But in this early stage, word-of-mouth means a lot, so tell your friends, or friendly enemies, about BFATT. (I don't know about that acronym, though.) 

Remember to support your local independent bookstore. Here in Syracuse, that means Parthenon 
Books on S. Salina Street (https://www.parthenonbookstore.com/)

It just so happens that yours truly will be part of their local author showcase from 1-4, Saturday, September 7th, 

But taking the extra step and writing just a teeny review on the website of the bookseller of your choice helps a lot.

*I will personally pay the first person to post a picture of A Breath of Fresh Air from the top of Mount Everest the sum of TEN DOLLARS. No joke. Ten bucks. First picture only, please.

Song of the...Blogpost?

20 Three-Ring Binders Later...

In my bedroom, tucked away on a shelf reserved for that purpose, are 20 three-ring binders. Each binder represents a year of painstakingly recorded vital signs. Cleveland Clinic told me "Be sure you bring your binder to each appointment! Very important! Here's a few extra !!!!!!!!s to use in case you forget!"

Naturally, the first (and second, and third, and so on) times I had an appointment they never looked at the binder.

But I kept them anyway, for two reasons. One, in case they changed their mind (they didn't) and two, for me. Recording blood pressure readings and blood sugar results, temperatures and daily weight readings and PFTs into a binder for easy retrieval meant that I would be more diligent in keeping them, and I was.

Today is the 20th anniversary of my double-lung transplant, and not coincidentally, the official release day of A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale), a novel inspired by my life and centered around the transplant. If you're a regular reader of this blog, or of my Facebook page, you have certainly been pummeled with hype about that, so I won't say any more.

Even though I almost never look at any of those binders or their contents, I treasure them. They represent the last twenty years in granular detail.

One last thing: if you are the praying kind, say a prayer for the donor's family. I never met them but they are always in my thoughts, especially on anniversaries, this one most of all.

Now, let's do another 20 years!

Come annnd Get It! (Shameless Plug Number I Don't Know What in a Series)

After three years (not counting nine months of sloth) my novel A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale) will be in my hot little hands sometime tomorrow. Actual release date is August 26th.

As those who have been bludgeoned by these posts know, the book is inspired by my life with cystic fibrosis and centered around my double-lung transplant in 2004. It's less than 360 pages,* so a quick read.

Since I am thoroughly sick of me by now, I will pass on reading it, for awhile. But I hope you're not sick of me and I hope you read it.

Remember, autographed copies are yours for the asking, priced at just $19.99** (please add $5 for shipping if you need it mailed.)

Either text me or Facebook Message me with your address and we can figure out payment and stuff.

Alternately, you can support your local independent bookstore and order it directly from them (here in Syracuse, that is the marvelous Parthenon Books on Salina Street https://www.parthenonbookstore.com/ in the heart of downtown.)

You can also get the eBook for just $7.99 from Amazon, or wherever you get your eBooks.

On Friday, September 6th, I will be appearing on the popular morning talk show, Bridge Street on channel 9 here in Syracuse, to chat about the book. My biggest fear is temporarily choking on a sip of water on live TV.***

One last thing—if you like A Breath of Fresh Air, I hope you'd consider writing a review, on Amazon, Goodreads, or Bookmarks.reviews. And if you love it, tell your friends.

I'm excited. 

Thanks for reading,

Dave

* Not much less

** Let's call it $20. I will grudgingly give you the penny change if you ask.

*** I do that frequently

Song of the Day: 

https://youtu.be/unsQSNQYERI?si=q_MKkk8E5Kzr2M2s

Woman Sawed In Half

I'm going out on a limb here, but I think this is the best song ever recorded about a woman being sawed in half.

I am willing to hear alternatives in the comments, though.

Shameless Plug (Number Four in Possibly an Eternal Series)

 I will be making my television debut (at least, this century) on colorful channel 9. I will be chatting about my book (perhaps you've heard of it) A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale) on the talk show Bridge Street, live, and presumably in color, at 10 AM the morning of September 6th. Old friend Tim Fox came through for me, as he did THIRTY THREE years ago when I was hyping my previous book, House Training Your VCR: A Help Manual For Humans. Tim is a delightful man.

Then I have my 50th high school reunion that evening. Yikes!

Shameless Plug (Number Three in a Series)

A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale) is finally finished and off to the printer. Release day is August 26th, which just so happens to be the TWENTIETH anniversary of my double-lung transplant.

This is a work of fiction (wink-wink) about Danny Martini, a man with end-stage cystic fibrosis who is on oxygen 24/7 and desperately in need of a double-lung (BOGO) transplant. Spoiler alert: he gets it, but not without lots of thrills and chills along the way. Danny's story, from his tumultuous childhood, through his foolish 20s and 30s (and, sometimes, his 40s) is a wild roller-coaster ride that I hope you'll enjoy reading.

If you want to buy a paperback copy directly from me (that I can sully with a scrawled autograph), let me know. I should have books in hand by the launch date. The price is only $19.99 but you'll probably give me a $20 and I won't give you the penny back. 

If you want to buy it from a bookstore, may I suggest shopping at our only remaining locally owned bookstore, Parthenon Books  https://www.parthenonbookstore.com/  located downtown on Salina Street across from the Landmark Theatre. 

E Book version of A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale) will be available on August 26th, just about anywhere you get your e Books, for $7.99.

You can also ask any bookstore of your choice to order a physical copy.

I hope to be showing my pretty face on TV in the next few weeks. If I have something booked I'll let you know.

Thanks for reading this and I hope to see some (all? Nah, not all) of you in the next few weeks.

Dave Murray

Song of the Day (or is it Week? I forget)

https://youtu.be/gX6g6KHvxwU?si=fpmfcZ9iGpA2ChNp

Grab Ahold of Your Baby and Hold Her Tight

Today is Mike Price's birthday. Younger people in the Syracuse area know him, if they know him at all, as the sometimes wacky, always fun features correspondent for channel 9.

But people around my age (old) know that Mike Price's alter-ego, Baron Daemon, was a pop-culture colossus in the mid to late 60s. The Baron was a campy, fun and decidedly un-menacing vampire on channel 9. He hosted late-night movies and an incredibly popular kids' show, Baron and His Buddies, that I was lucky enough to, just once, sit in the audience for. He was about 18 feet tall, as I remember, and in full, glorious color, as opposed to how he looked on our 15" black and white TV at home.

But he might best be remembered for a song in 1963 called "The Transylvania Twist." Far, far superior to the Halloween-themed song and certified hit by Bobby "Boris" Pickett, "The Monster Mash," the Baron's song, meant only to be a promotional record for his shows, instead became a Syracuse NY smash hit. It remains the biggest selling local record in Syracuse music history.

I told you all that to tell you this:

I was at Baskin-Robbins in Shoppingtown (R.I.P.) in the early 80s, getting a cone, when who do I see standing next to me but Mike Price.

"Mike Price!" I said, because that was his name.

"Hello," Mike Price said with a smile.

"I used to watch your show all the time as a little kid! I loved it! You were so funny," I gushed.

"Oh, now you're making me feel old," he said, mock-embarrassedly.

"I don't suppose I could get you to do The Laugh, for old times' sake?" I asked him. His mock-sinister vampire laugh, a BWHAA HA HA HA, was his calling card and something every kid I know tried, poorly, to imitate.

He put on a little face and said, "Oh, no, no I don't do that anymore." I felt like a jerk. The poor guy just wanted some ice cream and here I wanted him to put on a show. 

"Oh, that's okay, Mike. Nice to meet you, anyway," and turned my attention back to the matter at hand.

Then, I saw him slink off to the corner of the display, between the cooler and the wall, make a big, exaggerated look left and right as if he wanted to be sure nobody was watching, and then he did the laugh: "BWHAA HA HA HA!"

"Oh, that was so great! Thank you so much, Mike, uh, Baron!" I said.

"Thank you," he said. "It's just nice to be remembered."

I know he genuinely meant it, but if anyone from my childhood is memorable, it's Mike Price.

Happy birthday, Baron.

https://youtu.be/9NlFIi00zyE?si=6K8epptyoBgPM5Ub

Serendipity

A song by a band called the Silver Seas came up at random yesterday. I love the band, cofounded by Daniel Tashian. The Guardian's Michael Hann said of Tashian that he "appears to be one of those songwriters from whom melodies simply pour, and there's barely a misplaced chord in this perfect miniature." I can't phrase that nearly as elegantly but agree that no matter the project; whether solo, with the Silver Seas, or even with Burt Bacharach (!) Tashian has a rare and unusual gift for melody.

Tashian is the son of Barry; the elder Tashian was the lead singer for legendary 60s band Barry and the Remains, once referred to as "America's Greatest Lost Band" by Paste magazine. 

After I heard the song by the Silver Seas, I looked on Apple Music to see if they had any new releases. They didn't, but I did find an old album called Chateau Revenge! that I had overlooked. 

I put a pot of coffee on and began listening to the album, a beguiling collection of infectious pop tunes. Then, the eighth song started, called "Candy," and I was head-over-heels.

"Candy" is a perfect pop song, Every Single Note, with soaring vocals and shimmering harmonies. Many repeated plays later (unsurprising to anyone who knows me) I thought about the serendipity of finding and hearing this album. If the other Silver Seas' song hadn't come on, maybe I never would have discovered Chateau Revenge!, or "Candy." And to me, that would have been a huge loss.

The point? (Finally). When someone tells you there are no good songs anymore (or good TV for that matter)*, tell them to keep their ears, and eyes, open. Listen to friends who have similar tastes. I have three friends with radio shows that are a tremendous source of new and new-to-me music: This is Rock 'n' Roll Radio With Dana and Carl (westcottradio.org) from 9-midnight on Sundays and hosted since the late 90s by Dana Bonn and Carl Cafarelli; and Soulshine (soulshineradio.com) and Nightshine (nightshineradio.com), on Wednesdays, 8-10 PM, both shows hosted by Dave Frisina. All three shows have introduced me to zillions (literally)** of new songs I might have never heard.

But I also find myself using Shazam all the time during TV shows (Who is THAT?! ) or even walking through Wegmans (unthinkable thirty years ago). I'm always listening, but not to commercial radio. I'm not knocking today's pop stars, but they're not for me.

There's plenty of music, old and new, that is for me. There is no shortage of great music you've never heard.. Keep your ears open.

* The Bear. Please watch The Bear.

** I know, I know. Private joke.

https://youtu.be/VQZ3YFT704k

Shameless Plug (Number Two in a Series)

 At long last, it's done. Three hundred and thirty-four pages of thrills, chills, and pills (lots of pills*)

A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale) a novel about one man's desperate wait for a life-saving double-lung transplant, is available for preorder just about anywhere you can get books or e-books. If you live in the Syracuse area and want a genuine illegibly scrawled autographed paperback copy, I know a guy.**

Actual release date is August 26th, which just happens to be the 20th anniversary of my own double-lung transplant.

Price is $19.99 for the paperback and, though I haven't weighed it yet, is guaranteed to cost much less than Beluga caviar.*** Plus, A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale) is low-sodium.

If you live in the continental United**** States and would like to have me mail you a copy, we have the technology. Cost is $24.95.

E-book will be available at all the usual places. Just $7.99.

Now that that's out of the way, a word about yesterday. Donald Trump escaped serious injury and we should all be glad for that. One spectator died and two more were gravely injured but still alive (as of this writing), and that is unspeakably sad. The shooter died too, and that is still sad, regardless. If you're a praying sort, pray for all of them.

The division and anger in this country is unprecedented. We are like 320 million scorpions in bottles. We can't go on this way.

However, you can do your part. Love your neighbor, as yourself. Be kind, always.

Just be kind.

*All legal, and you won't believe how many

** I can't read his writing either

*** $1200 an ounce

**** As of this writing

Song of the Day:

https://youtu.be/I7iRe81VTq4?si=ioPLV9lIPGW-Nc4H

Murder Capital of the World

The small town of Magnolia Bluff, in the hill county of Texas, is the murder capital of the world. Thank goodness it's fictional. 

The Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles is a 27 volume series, set in the aforementioned town, by a group of talented writers known as the Underground Authors. Every book has a murder or two (or more) to solve. From the sounds of things, you can barely leave your house without stepping over a dead body.

A new entry in the series is called Catch a Tiger By the Toe, by Joe Congel. (Full disclosure: I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review). There are the requisite dead bodies in this one, little ones, and retired NYPD detective Brandon Turner has to team up with the local police force to catch the killer.

Congel weaves a disparate cast of characters. They are almost all three-dimensional and interesting, but  special mention must be made of the friction between Turner and his small-town counterpart, Detective Reece Sovern. The two do not like each other. No, they hate each other, and Congel wrings plenty of laughs out of their interplay. It's a miracle that one of them doesn't kill the other.

The funny parts are nice, and necessary. This is a tension-filled and gripping story with an edge-of-your-seat ending, told very well. If you like mysteries, you will love Catch a Tiger By the Toe. It is available everywhere starting on July 23rd.

This is Congel's fifth novel, and second set in Murderville.(Second Chances, last year). He gets better and more interesting each time, and is another example of how many skilled writers are out there waiting to be discovered.

Song of the Day, which has nothing to do with the above. It's just a cool song:

https://youtu.be/cmgfaMdF50A

The Greatest Record Ever Made!

 My friend Carl Cafarelli has just published his second book, The Greatest Record Ever Made (Volume 1).*

The book is based on the premise, he says, that "An infinite number of tracks can each be THE greatest record ever made, as long as they take turns." When a song you love comes on, for that three or four minutes, no other song matters. You are listening to THE Greatest Record Ever Made, in that moment.

One time, on the way home from Cleveland I listened to Los Lobos' song "Mas Y Mas" eleventy-jillion times in a row.** In that moment, no other song mattered. 

The book is 463 pages of delightful essays about famous songs everyone knows, like "Baby Blue," by Badfinger; novelty songs like the best selling local 45 in Syracuse history, "Transylvania Twist," by Baron Daemon, and songs virtually nobody knows that deserved to be Number One with a bullet, "Life Goes On," by Verdelle Smith.

Carl is a terrific and stylish writer who brings all 150-odd essays to life. He makes you want to search for these songs, to hear them again, or maybe hear them for the first time. You won't agree with many of his choices; I certainly don't. My version of this book would have very little overlap, and maybe yours, too. But that doesn't matter. He has the courage of his convictions and makes compelling cases for each song, and he is certain to change your mind about a few.

Music is entirely subjective. Your Ramones track is my Southside Johnny song. We can peacefully coexist. Isn't that a nice thought in these divided times?

The Greatest Record Ever Made (Volume One) (Syracuse Noise LLC) is available locally (Syracuse) at Parthenon Books, and all the usual book outlets.

* His first book, Gabba Gabba Hey! A Conversation With the Ramones (Rare Bird Books)

**About an hour

https://youtu.be/c66IfTFePiU

https://youtu.be/GOdsyU-AUmk

Here's Daaavey!

 I'm back, after a year off doing whatever it was I did.

I wrote a book in the meantime. A Breath of  Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale), a fictional look at the life and trials of a cystic fibrosis patient waiting desperately for a lung transplant, and informed by my own life.

You may remember this book with thirty or forty different names. Tougher Than the Rest. Glass Half Full. Whistling Past the Graveyard. A Tale of Two Cities. (Maybe not that last one.)

Tentative publication will be August 26th, which happens to be the 20th anniversary of my transplant. Details to follow, of course.

And now, a brief foray into the minefield that is the 2024 Presidential election (pauses to duck objects thrown at me).

I love Joe Biden, always have. I rooted for him every time he ran for President, and was beyond delighted that he won in 2020 (I forget who he beat).

Now, though, the writing is on the wall. While I think he is still able to be President, I don't think he can run and win, not anymore. An unhealthy 75% of voters think he is too old. Perception is reality. 

I think Biden should announce he is not going to run, and soon. He should free his delegates to vote their conscience, and there should be a spirited set of debates by such Democratic luminaries as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer  Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, among others. 

There would be a raucous and exciting open convention in Chicago, and the winner would enter the final stretch in good shape. 

Joe Biden would retire with his reputation intact as one of the finest people in Washington, having twice put his country first. Imagine the raucous reception he would receive at the convention.

I hope he reads this blog. I'm sure he'd be convinced.