Earth Day 1999 
 
Ah, New York in the spring - all wet and putrid.  This city does well only 
when overcast for: when sunny, reflection off the buildings can be 
blinding; when wet, some interesting smells emerge.  That generic 
sewage/garbage smell.  Somebody must analyze the volatile chemicals in the 
streets of New York, perhaps we could use the smells for some kind of 
chemical warfare. 
 
Speaking of warfare, I'm glad I don't watch TV news. 
 
Anyway, it's Earth Day, so it means my counter gets incremented one notch. 
I'm now officially a quarter-century old.  I'm tempted to run for the 
House of Representatives next year, but I think I prefer to rent a car. 
 
Because of one of the various mailing groups I'm on, I discover that I 
share my birthday with: Isabella I of Castile, Queen of Spain, patron of 
Columbus; Henry Clay, the great compromiser; Robert Wadlow Alton Ill, 
world's tallest man (8'11.1"); Aaron Spelling TV executive producer; Jack 
Nicholson actor.  For those who believe in astrology, I just say look at 
the above list. 
 
Also, on this date in 1955 Congress ordered that all US coins bear the 
motto "In God We Trust".  I wonder how God feels about being stamped on 
money.  I wonder if the communists picked a less threatening name, say, 
the Fuzzy Bunny Party, would we still have all this stupid anti-communist 
detritus to deal with.  Come on people, it had nothing to do with God; it 
had everything to do with officially being everything the communists were 
not. 
 
So, let's see, as a result of my added age and wisdom, I have decided that 
no matter what I'm gonna marry Stu in October 2000.  I don't feel I'd have 
the energy to wait til 2001.  Blergh. 
 
I have not yet decided when Mary Pat, Jr. will be produced.  I think I 
will have a little less control on that decision. 
 
For those looking for an early wedding gift, our china pattern is Hancock 
by Lenox.   
 
Also, the position of snail-mail correspondent is open.  Anyone wish to 
write letters about 19th century British literature? 
 
=sigh= 
 
I salute you, Grandma & Grandpa Murphy, Grandpa Campbell, Dad, Aunt Pat, 
Uncle Allan, Harry (Good night, sir), Prof. Berkowitz.