BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: Mudlark
Date: 07 Oct 04 - 12:31 PM



McG of H, what a great line...and a cogent posting. Thanks for weighing in!

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 07 Oct 04 - 02:12 PM

If one is not brought down by the prospects that have saddened this good man who started this perceptive thread, I suspect you, for some strange reason, are enjoying the views from where you are of the constitution of the United States being trivialized and diminished in the name of national security. I, for one, can understand his expressed negativeity and anxiety.

May you live in interesting times.--the old curse, is made profound in difficult times. The saddest times make the best films in retrospect. Watching those sad films of previously real historical times are SAFE only in retrospect. But people undergoing the "interesting times" are, at best, are saddened by those moments on the time line. At worst they are killed by them.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 07 Oct 04 - 02:26 PM

At age 63, I take note of the fact that I am older and more ma**re than MG. But when I was his age is when my health and all really fell apart. Possibly he is in for a big wakeup call as he "matu**s". ;-)

Art

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 07 Oct 04 - 02:34 PM

As pointed out "And the nation is in far better shape than it was between 1967 and 1974, when the Vietnam War was raging with far more intensity than the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, the economy was poor, hard drug use was skyrocketing,leaders were assassinated, and riots swept every major U.S. city."

And yet I recall the 60s as a time of great hope (that's from the other side of the Atlantic, but a lot of the same things applied, and that's the impression I have always got from American contemporaries).

So the question is, is it just a question of age, and of how getting older can bring you down, and that being young today still hopeful in the same way - or is it somethimg about the times themselves?

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: GUEST,Clint Keller
Date: 07 Oct 04 - 02:42 PM

"...the Clint Keller stage in life..."

Thanks, Boab. I never thought I'd have a life stage named after me. Makes me proud, and humble.

I've been sitting here laughing for a while and then crying for a while, alternately, like the time I found out i was going to be the father of twins.

clint

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: Once Famous
Date: 07 Oct 04 - 04:21 PM

hey Art. If you put an n and an a where your stars are, you get what you are full of.

I am sorry that your health has failed and I don't take my fine health for granted. I also work at it. The lifeline in my family is into their '90s.

so your philosophical waxing I will let you know is only wasting your precious time.

It has nothing to do with as you call it national security. It has to do with love of life, appreciation for what God has given me.

I don't have everything and I don't care. I have more than most, especially the ability every day to wake up to a wonderful wife, a great family and home, a fine career, and all of the great guitars I'll ever need. If you think I take ANY of that for granted you are sadly, and I mean very sadly in your case, mistaken.

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: Peace
Date: 07 Oct 04 - 04:34 PM

Thing is, I had the depressing thoughts of a 60 yr. Old when I was about twenty-five. Where does realism end and optimism begin? Who put the bomp in the bomp shuh bomp shuh bomp? And, why is there no line drawn on the Earth where the equator is on maps? Jujubes have gone from four for a penny to about 5 cents each. Inflation at a rate of 2000%. Explain this. SOMEONE.

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 07 Oct 04 - 04:46 PM

Well, brucie:

I remember when a haircut cost 75 cents. But, the minimum wage was also 75 cents. When I was in High School you could still buy a car for $4,000. But, you could work a whole year at General Motors on a mind-numbingly boring job and earn less than that.

Way I see it, inflation is a killer, but we couldn't afford a car until I was 15, and then we bought an old (even then) 1935 Chevy coupe for $150. The house I was born in cost $2,800 when my parents bought it. But, we almost lost it in the depression and had to rent out half the house (and it was a SMALLLLLL house) to keep from having the bank foreclose on us.

Materially, we're most of us far better off than we were fifty years ago. Too many aren't, and that hurts because when everyone was poor, it didn't hurt so much.

Was fighting a war a waste? I don't think so. I honor those who fought for this country (and for other countries we hauled out of the ashes who now hate us.) This Iraq stuff has nothing to do with freedom, as far as I'm concerned. That doesn't in any way diminish what those who fought in the second World War gave to all of us.

Thanks, depressed at 60. 61 will be better...

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: Once Famous
Date: 07 Oct 04 - 04:52 PM

Actually, for his sake, I hope so, too.

but start working at it now.

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: Peace
Date: 07 Oct 04 - 09:23 PM

And to lighten the mood:

CARDINAL RULE: Lawyers should never ask a witness a question if they aren't prepared for the answer.


In a trial, a Southern small town prosecuting attorney called his first witness, a grand motherly, elderly woman to the stand.

He approached her and asked, "Mrs. Jones, do you know me?"

She responded, "Why, yes I do know you, Mr. Williams. I've known you since you were a young boy, and frankly, you've been a big disappointment to me. You lie, you cheat on your wife, you manipulate people and talk about them behind their backs. You think you're a big shot when you haven't the brains to realize you never will amount to anything more than a two-bit paper pusher. Yes, I know you."

The prosecutor was stunned! Not knowing what else to do, he pointed across the room and asked, "Mrs. Jones, do you know the defense attorney?"

She again replied, "Why yes, I do. I've known Mr. Bradley since he was a youngster too. He's lazy, bigoted, and he has a drinking problem. He can't build a normal relationship with anyone and his law practice is one of the worst in the entire state. Not to mention he cheated on his wife with three different women. One of them was your wife. Yes, I know him."

The defense attorney almost died. The judge asked both counselors to approach the bench, and in a very quiet voice, said, "If either of you asks her if she knows me, I'll throw your sorry asses in jail for contempt."

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: Ron Davies
Date: 07 Oct 04 - 10:45 PM

3 easy ways to fight depression

1) Do all you can to send Mr. Bush to a well-deserved retirement in the ancestral home (in Connecticut). He's on his way--just needs a little push. That will improve the whole world.


2) If you can, try to catch "The Daily Show", as several posters have already suggested. If the best way to combat idiocy is ridicule, as I've read, then the Bush-Cheney absurdity has no chance.

3) Try reading more above the line, perhaps less below. The music threads are always fun. And do as much music yourself as you can, preferably as part of a group.

I sang a memorial service yesterday for a member of our chorus. And felt wonderful
afterwards. It was great to see so many of the group, past and present, and to sing mixed--not by part--though we were sightreading 2 of the 3 pieces. And it was great to learn so much about my fellow chorus member--it's too bad we frequently don't know that much about a person til they're gone.

There was a wonderful eulogy: sample---Harold was "never lacking for female companionship" and (married 3 times) was "always hopeful".

I met a friend, former member of the group, who will be in a vaudeville evening soon--probably wouldn't have heard about it except for singing the service.

I told the director "Too bad Harold's not here to enjoy it".   He replied "He may be--we don't know".

The Getaway is coming up real soon. Even if you can't make it to the Getaway, there are always new songs to learn--Mudcat helps immeasurably.

Music is just endlessly satisfying, on so many levels and a wonderful bulwark against depresssion.

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 07 Oct 04 - 10:50 PM

MG: a rude, stupid, irrelevant creep. some say he's fat too.

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: Once Famous
Date: 07 Oct 04 - 10:53 PM

Why Guest, you shouldn't talk about Mary Garvey that way.

No one says I'm fat, because I have loved being in the shadows here.

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: Peace
Date: 07 Oct 04 - 11:05 PM

Wish I was fat. Lost 28 pounds this past eight months.

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 08 Oct 04 - 02:17 AM

there are more people around here talking about just how fat MGibson is than he thinks there are. Standing in the shadows won't help cuz you kin see a belly like that fer a mile.

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Oct 04 - 04:05 AM

Martin Gibson just how many threads do you intend polluting. Try and explain what pleasure you get out of your sick attitude to life and people that makes you act as you do with the filth that you perpetrate within your posts. You have a major problem, believe it and get help. Someone was asking for help WHY stick knifes in?

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: Ellenpoly
Date: 08 Oct 04 - 05:09 AM

You know what's depressing? I'll tell you what's depressing...that there are more people now attacking Martin Gibson than there are posts of Martin's saying mean things to other people.

That's depressing.


Goood joke, brucie.


..xx..e

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 08 Oct 04 - 10:17 AM

I'm with you, Ellenpoly: Martin Gibson has toned down his act considerably, and I for one appreciate it. O.K., he's not Mr. sensitive, but he's contributed far more positive and considered postings than negative in recent weeks. Seems like, when someone moderates their contributions in here, they should receive some encouragement and appreciation.

I've seen Martin and he is actually very thin, with abs hard as rocks.

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Oct 04 - 10:29 AM

A leopard does not change its spots that easily, their was no need or excuse for his attitude in the first place so please do not be fooled, he has been extremely crude to many people. He has children and I don't really believe he would like other children to read some of his comments and some children (little ones) do read Mudcat.

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 08 Oct 04 - 12:05 PM

MG,

My Oct. 7th 2:12 post was not aimed at you. It was aimed to folks in general---about the security issue in general--and how it has impinged on the US constitution from my point of view---and therefore on us all. And the gods know that I love this life I have and that I see the many positives of this world as well as the next guy does. But that does not detract from my ability to see what negatives the Bush boys and gal etc. have heaped on us all---and on our freedoms---all ostensibly in the name of that same freedom. Nothing but sad, and possibly depressing, irony.

Art

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: Tannywheeler
Date: 08 Oct 04 - 01:36 PM

That Guest, A Regular, is maybe not very regular. I say read lots more 'Cat threads. A good laugh gets more oxygen in your lungs and bloodstream. Perks you right up.   Then there's the attitudes -- sharing knowledge, doing good things for each other, encouraging others to uphold standards of decency to each other and the planet...
Especially the sharing of music. I have a theory: the slow air "Planxty Erwin" is one of surpassing beauty and peace. Every playing of that tune adds to the aggregate of those qualities in this world. You may know some tune(s) that impresses you that way. Share that tune on a regular basis. You will be doing something to help others on the planet to experience Peace and Beauty. Eventually critical mass will be reached. There are others in all "walks of life" who are doing some version of this exercise.   There are cooks, builders, teachers, painters, parents -- all finding the epitome of Peace and Beauty somewhere in their purvue and spreading it around. And don't forget the oxygenating laugh.

Also, just for safety's sake, get a thorough physical, to rule out anything that might be beginning to deteriorate.

Maintain basic good health, laugh, share music -- and keep in touch with Mudcat. These folks have a lot of experience-based knowledge. Access to such is always beneficial.   This prescription can be filled and refilled right here. Any dosage you find successful. Make a follow-up appt. at the nurses' desk on your way out. Put your clothes back on.   See you soon.   Dr. Tw

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: Once Famous
Date: 08 Oct 04 - 03:12 PM

Jerry

You forgot to also tell them about my full head of jet black hair!

Thanks!

Guest, my kids, now age 15 and almost 20 could care less about this site. I could really care less if other kids read this site. it is not my problem.

It is your problem as a parent to monitor what they read.

I consider Mudcat an adult site with adult content.

the BS sections are not for kids nor the adults here who are faint of heart. If you want this to be the real world, you need to realize the world is not designed to your specs. If you are easily offended, I would stop reading Little Hawk's Shattner threads.

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: Once Famous
Date: 08 Oct 04 - 03:25 PM

art

No harm. hang in there.

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: PoppaGator
Date: 08 Oct 04 - 04:00 PM

If I may, let me redirect the discussion away from my pal MG and back to the original issues:

In the insane public world of politics, wars and rumors of wars, etc., things *are* mightily depressing -- I agree. But any one of us can find reasons to live, and even to smile, in the more private areas of our existences.

Actually, I think conditions *never* get much better or much worse: "The more things change, the more they stay the same." The 60s were both better (more hopeful and energetic) and worse (more scarred by hatred, riots, etc.) than today. Just as we humans manage to solve the most pressing problems of a given era, like the cold war and threat of mutual nuclear destruction, new problems we could never have foreseen always seem to pop up to take their place.

I believe that the basic principle of evolution, survival of the species, more or less guarantees that we always find a way to fend off the greatest possible disasters (until the next new and unpredicted crisis, of course).

As far as the US is concerned, it may be true that a half-century of unprecedented prosperity is coming to a permanent end -- who knows? When I was a kid, the average income of *one* semi-skilled minimally-educated adult was enough to support a family, including ownership of a home and a car. Now it takes two incomes, and things are dicier than ever before.

Since two of my grandparents were born and raised in Ireland, I'm eligible for citizenship there, and often pipe-dream about packing up and moving -- perhaps for retirement. (You don't have to give up US citizenship; dual citizenship is an option, and you can get your Social Security checks anywhere.) Problem is, Ireland has become more like America than ever before -- indeed, it's just about as expensive to live there as here, much unlike a few years ago. On the other hand, it's probably more comfortable and familiar for an American expatriate now than ever before, too.

Oh yeah, for what it's worth -- I'm about to turn 57, next month.

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: Once Famous
Date: 08 Oct 04 - 04:28 PM

Poppagator

I seriously believe that much, much more people are immigrating still to this country than pulling the ex-pat thing.

Why is that?

could it be, that with all of the problems this country is still far and away the place to find freedom and opportunity?

chicago is full of people of Irish descent. Many of them who I have known say Ireland is a nice place to visit and trace their roots.

But I have a feeling, they, like all types of people are extremely glad to be here.

In other words, if you leave, 2 others will cry with happiness to be here in your place.

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: GUEST,heric
Date: 08 Oct 04 - 04:33 PM

Unless they arrive there in the summer or the winter.

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: Once Famous
Date: 08 Oct 04 - 05:02 PM

Summers and winters are beautiful here.

All 4 seasons are.

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: PoppaGator
Date: 08 Oct 04 - 05:35 PM

Winters in Ireland might be too difficult for me to handle. Not so much for the temperature as the DARKNESS. I visited there last year in the summertime, and was amazed at how long the sun stayed up at that very northern latitude -- but I know the days in winter must be just as extremely short as the midsummer days are l-o-o-o-n-g.

I grew up in New Jersey, and then spend four-plus years not far from Chicago, where the winters were even worse. It's a known medical/psychological fact that long hours of darkness encourage depression. I'm much happier and more well-adjusted since I moved to New Orleans 30+ years ago.

Maybe the direction in which to expatriate oneself is towards the equator.

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: Once Famous
Date: 08 Oct 04 - 05:54 PM

Maybe, but the bugs near there are enormous.

also, I doubt that you could get a decent cheeseburger.

certainly not an Italian beef sandwich.

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 08 Oct 04 - 06:33 PM

If you don't like **, why not just ignore what he posts?

They used to say - maybe they still do - "if you keep picking it, it won't get any better". (And they weren't talking about banjoes.)

Subject: RE: BS: Depressing Thoughts Of A 60 Yr. Old
From: Peace
Date: 09 Oct 04 - 03:11 AM

"Oh yeah, for what it's worth -- I'm about to turn 57, next month."

PoppaGator, as your elder (I turned 57 last month), allow me to say, son, that you spoke very well in that post.