Failing Up

Instead of looking to "leaders" with self serving agendas, where the boundaries of lies and truth have been torn down, where certain media promote lies for profit, it is the voices of our youth that  will promote the  change we so dearly need.  Just like in the 1960's it was the youth that opened eyes, supported and fueled by music and art.  The answers are in the young hungry creat...

CNN continues to struggle with their morning Diva, Don Lemon.  No matter the story Don makes the news about him.  His charm barley masks his frustration with the fact that he must share the spotlight with two outstanding  journalist who are clearly heads and shoulders above him in preparation and subject knowledge.  Like a child seeking attention his need to take focus is fueled by emotion and ego...

The phase "All Politics is Local" is attributed to the former Speaker of the House, the late Tip O'Neill.  To go along with that concept, all change is local.  Looking for others to invoke change is like waiting for someone else to change the dirty diaper.  Small voices, become loud voices.  No matter status, or location; one voice full of courage and passion  starts the ripple of c...

On an early June evening in 1977, at a small high school in a small town named Marcellus, in Upstate, New York a sports banquette was being held in the cafeteria.  The menu consisted of spaghetti  with canned sauce, with white bread, and pint containers of chocolate and white milk, dessert a small square of some type of cake.  The speaker in the cafeteria that evening was the new head coach of Syr...

I miss the days when the news was the story and not the drama and need for attention those delivering it crave.  Last week,  the morning "news" host on CNN, Don Lemon wore an outfit that craved attention.  Attention, he received in jest by Stephen Colbert.  Lemon took offense and then showed the outfits he has worn over two weeks, and describing the outfit he was wearing that day!  In a...

I am really interested in the "Foodie" phenomenon.  So many people these days identify themselves as, "Foodies".  I guess that means they like to eat food, or should I say special dishes.  Which is all good.  Then I realized I am a "Foodie', but I fall into the category of "Blue Collar Foodie".   This time of year my pallet craves the  cuisine of comfort,  g...

 It's ironic we "drop the ball" on the New Year right from the start!  New Year's Eve a time to say goodbye to a year that  most are happy to see end.  Yet, 364 days ago we were eager to welcome.  It seems the old year gets a cold send off and the New Year is always full of hope and peace and weight loss.  And Yet.. well?  New Year's Eve is everyday when we go to sleep and...

As I walked in into the grocery store today,  I noticed the Christmas decorations, and music still playing, yet something was different?  It then hit me!! All the hustle and frantic rush was no gone.  Instead, people were walking like zombies from "Dawn of the Dead."  Wandering ungroomed in whatever clothes they could find. Survivors!  timothymahar.org

During this season of celebration and tradition, based on peace and love, I just don't understand why it can't stick?  Why is peace, so elusive, and viewed as weak in the face of aggression.  I think of the courage of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela,  John Lennon, Jesus and many more who suffered for peace, and died for it.  Why is hate and violence so natural,...

What would it be like to have a day without a phone, or computer?  Would I be able to read a paper map to find my destination?   Would I be able to use my mind to write, and spell and research without google?  What would it be like to interact with people not my screen for information?  Could I get through?  timothymahar.org

Every year in the beginning of December we get in our car drive to the woods cut down a thirteen foot monster of a tree. We then shove it in our house water it so it does not die quickly, cover it with electronic lights and wires, hang glass, and after thirteen hours of swearing and  work, we sit back and stare at it for three weeks.  We then repeat the process in reverse!!! Merry Christmas!  timo...

Technology has become so advanced and we dependent on it.  From google maps, to Siri, to spell check, to self checkouts, we interact with software and not people.  The iPhone is our appendage, and our fingers have become our mouth and ears.   Who controls it all?  I miss talking!! timothymahar.org

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It is a holiday of gratitude where memories come alive through a wide variety of foods.  Based on family, friends, and food. The basics.  Memories so  vibrant they transform us back in time.  A day with regional dishes served and love shared.  A day not hindered by the stress of commercialization.  It is the calm before the storm.  All is good until Santa gets...

I have always been moved by the beautiful culture of Native American's.  The value that is place on all of nature living in harmony, respecting elders , family, community, and their spirituality. Wonderful ceremony and music, dance, beautiful outfits.    Also, this is a land that was taken from them supposedly by civilized people.  There are similarities to the Irish and that is why I feel th...

As the Christmas season falls upon us, so does the 24/7 showing of the Christmas Hallmark programs. These cookie cutter programs have become as addictive as cocaine laced candy canes for those that can't turn away. The same theme, the same towns the same same!  Even when they try to be diversified they are the same!  I believe there is some subliminal message that is dividing our nation and t...

In this episode I reflect on the dangerous (ha)  era that I grew up  in.  There were no bicycle helmets, car seats, we had candy cigarettes, seatbelts were optional. Don't get me started on how our temperature was taken!!  And there was no bottled water!! My grandparents would have thought I was crazy running to the store to buy water?  We drank from the garden hose!!!  timothymahar.org

I was always in awe of two institutions, the church and higher education. I was not going to be a saint or a scholar and held those leaders in both institutions beyond a mortal  status.  Then to my shock I found myself inside, behind the scene, as the sausage was being made.  My eyes opened as I realized everyone is human.    timothymahar.org

It seems to be our new benchmark is: "it's ok, I don't have Covid." If someone is hacking next to me in the store they say: "its ok, I don't have Covid."  My son gets a speeding ticket, "it's ok dad, I don't have Covid."  I can get away with anything as long as I say: "its ok I don't have Covid."  The attorney tells the judge, &...

Beyond what to order at the drive through, or what car to drive we have very few choices and that is because the few in influence control the messaging for their gain.   The various news outlets are owned by 5 entities, and social media really two.  The more we appear to have the opportunity to make choices for ourselves, the less we question the choices that can not be made, such as a woman and h...

Halloween changes as we change.  What began as fun costumed adventure for candy, became a night of eggs, toilet paper and shaving cream, parties, and then being the guide for trick or treat.  Halloween the circle of life.  timothymahar.org

Sixty Years have passed since the world almost was destroyed by nuclear weapons. What has changed?  Not much.  Give peace a chance.   timothymahar.org

During the mid-1970's a phenomenon captured the country.  It was the  Citizen Band radio, better known at the "CB".  This form of communication was used by truckers on the highway in 18 wheelers, but because of a popular song, soon most cars in the suburb's were driving around with whip antenna's barking: "breaker, breaker in microphones.  This was the stone age of so...

Autumn in the northeast region of the continental United  States, a beautiful season indeed!  In Upstate New York it is all about the apples.  Appel, cider, apple fritters, apple festival, and apple picking, which really is a job, that has become a recreational necessity.   Isn't that work?  Can't I just buy a bag instead?  timothymahar.org

1946-1964 are considered the years of the "Baby Boomers".  I was born in 1959 and never really felt associated with "Baby Boomers", although I reaped the benefits of this earlier rapidly conceived demographic.   Us tail end pampered boomers really screwed it up for millennials. Oh well. timothymahar.org

Growing up a fine Irish Catholic altar boy' the sacrament of confession was just one of the activities that was required on a regular basis to get into Heaven!   Well needless to say this ritual was dreaded. I spent more time in the confessional telling sins that Micky Mouse would have committed simply because I knew that was the parish priest on the other end of that screen.  Well, that chan...