Failing Up

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...

As I decided to take a nice four mile walk to work the other day, I passed through many neighborhoods.  Although the most dangerous neighborhood of all was in my head, as my thoughts began to stray with each step.   Questions of why did the government have to remind us to wash are hands and cover our mouths when coughing during a pandemic?  My grandmother told me to do that 55 years ago.  Why is s...

To quote Paul Simon: "when I think back to all the crap I learned in high school" or,  in my case revolted against, the most important lesson was typing.  A quirky 7th grade math teacher named Mr. Friske, then a professor at Onondaga Community College  both said, learn to type it is the future.  Google, spellcheck, calculators on my phone, all I have to do is type, and oh yes think.  Dam...

I have always loved football and felt I had left some unfinished business on the field. (that can be taken a few ways)  So, at 37 years of age I decided to join the Syracuse Express, a semi-pro football team located in Syracuse, N.Y.   One game, one day of glory, well not really, just a sore jaw and limp.  timothymahar.org

In my teens there were strip malls and one enclosed mall, Fairmount Fair, a place of adventure and mischief.  Now, malls have expanded, swallowing up mid-sized cities they are giant enclosed snow globes large human zoos.  Feeding time at the food court!!! timothymahar.org

From pump soap, to the garden hose and the male and female end of electrical cords  most of our products are inspired by the human anatomy functioning in private.  Where do designers and inventors get their inspiration from, need I really ask?   timothymahar.org

Something happens when individuals enter a grocery store.  I see men steering carts hunched over with a defeated gaze on their face.  People staring  through the freezer glass doors like they are looking into a huge aquarium.  No one wanting others to know what medicine they are picking up at the pharmacy.  Making sure that you get in the best checkout line.  No one talks just stares even in the p...

I have had the chance to travel the world and meet celebrities from all walks of life and leaders in politics and arts.  Meetings a studios on LA, fashion leaders in NYC and politics in DC, and my favorite diners in all those spots.  One thing holds true that their are no ordinary people.  Those that are not rich and famous are just as unique as those that are!   timothymahar.org