So I’ve been listening to a LOT of music lately which just goes hand in hand with bad breakups. It’s super cliche! But for a reason. It helps. I guess.

Anyway, the point is that I’ve rediscovered some old music I haven’t listened to in a million years or so, give or take a decade. Most of it is stuff from well-known artists or at least artists with major record labels. But a few songs are by people I know, personally. Back when the world was different and I ran witha different crowd, I was surrounded by artists. My friends were all into music or art in some form or another. None of them ever became well-known or rich and famous, but they were still talented. When one of their songs pops up I think about them and memories just wash over me. It takes feel good music to a whole new level.

I’ve lost touch with all of these people over the years. Something I thought would never happen at the time, I’m sure. I wonder about them when I hear their songs. One moved on to Nashville, I know. But I wonder if he is still there. The other, I think, moved back to Canada, but I can’t be sure. Doesn’t matter anyway, I wouldn’t reach out to them even if I knew how. That’s a long time gone from where I am right now and I don’t need or want to go back again.

Still, when their music comes up it makes me smile and it makes me wistful and besides evoking those personal memories, they’re just good music. The lyrics are thoughtful and well-written. The music is mellow and just right. It makes me proud to have known them at one time. And I wonder if they realize it? It kind of makes me sad to think about how good their music makes me feel and they will never know. Neither of them hit it big like they thought they would and isn’t that always the way? I’m sure they are probably respectable adults with “regular” jobs now. I’m sure they have 2.5 kids and a mortgage. I’m sure they grew up. I hope they are happy and content in their new lives and I hope they don’t regret the choices they made. I just wish I could let them know how much their music meant to me and still means to me and I want them to know that they made a lasting difference and mark on someone’s life.

I’m nervous cause there’s so much for them to screw up. Come on, Bethesda, give it to me good!

Try this one as well. Good stuff!

Wish me luck. Wish me safe travels. Wish me happy flight attendants and no delays. Wish me home safe again.

I’ll do the best I can.

Maybe.  It’s a nice thought and one I’d like to believe. I don’t want the guy who is supposed to make me feel better also simultaneously jacking me up for his own, personal gain. I want to believe my doctor is just another hapless victim of the corruption of greed.

But here’s the thing: I find it hard to believe that doctors are unable to do anything about it. If they are truly that outraged, I don’t understand why things don’t change. I fully admit there’s a lot I don’t understand and I could be missing something really obvious, but if I am, feel free to set me straight. I don’t get it. The whole thing hinges on doctors. If doctors won’t give the diagnosis or prescribe the pill or order the x-ray — then everything stops. Does it not? If they refuse to cooperate until insurance companies start playing fair then wouldn’t the insurance companies at least have to make a half-assed attempt at being decent? As it is now they are just brazenly bending us over and sticking it up our backsides. They’re not even sorry. They don’t even have the decency to look away while they do it.

So, I entreat Dr. Fischer: prove it. Put your collective money where your mouth is. If you and your medical brethren are so outraged about the way things are going in the insurance industry then fight back. Help us. We can’t do it on our own. What are you doing to fix it?

However, it did leave me to an interesting thought and I think maybe I’m on to something. Just hear me out. Humor me.

WHAT IF…what if Tiger is like some kind of super hero whose super power was playing AMAZING golf but a lack of sex with strange women is his kryptonite and now that he’s been busted and no longer has a different partner every five minutes, all his power is gone?

What if that’s the case?? I think this should be looked into. Studies should be done.

Nobody had to buy a license from Tim Berners-Lee to use HTML or transmit information using HTTP. Nobody had to pay Vint Cerf and Robert Kahn to use TCP/IP. Nobody had to license Javascript from Brendan Eich or pay Håkon Wium Lie to use CSS in web pages. Their contributions were free and open, and the entire world benefited.

Oh seriously? They’re sorry? For what? Is this how stupid we’ve become? Ever see that movie Idiocracy? No? Watch it. No, no, go ahead. I’ll wait here while you drive to the rental store, rent it, drive back and watch it then report to me here.

I KNOW, RIGHT!?

I’m afraid we’re already there. : /