The Squishy Stuff

If you have yet to see Season 1, Episode 15 of the new Matlock television series, maybe save this article for a later time. This is a lot of words to say, “Warning. Spoiler Alert!”

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Attorney Matty Matlock (Kathy Bates) is working undercover to find out which of the law firm’s partners destroyed evidence in a litigated opioid trial against a drug manufacturer. Matty believes that (1) the acquittal in this case resulted from the destruction of this evidence and (2) the acquittal was the reason that her daughter overdosed on this medication. 

A secret whistleblower is in the shadows. 

MEITHEAL

Umm, what?

Get ready for the "Wearing of the Green" is soon upon us. 

Sorry, this article is partly a result of my upbringing. Mom considered herself Irish and the only question left unanswered asks, "Was she really ONLY 50% Irish?"

So this time of year, I can't help but notice the approaching St. Patrick's Day celebrations for all Irish and those wishing they were. Personally, I had best make sure that I am viridian adorned when in public - at the very least.

Of course, when I came across this obviously Irish word recently, I needed to check it out. Here's what I found.

Acknowledgement Pages

Do you still read books?

OK.  That's not exactly what I mean.  I'm talking about hard-cover books.  Truth be told, it's become a rare occurrence in my life.  I have a Kindle app on my phone and that's become my normal.

Recently, however, I held a book in my hand.  Yes, I'm talking about something that has weight and required the use of one of those physical bookmark thingies! (Ask your parents.)  

I will, on rare occasions, spend a little time with the book's Bibliography section.  For the most part, however, I've a tendency to entirely skip; the Dedication page, the Table of Contents, the Forward, the Preface, the Introduction, the Index, the Appendix, and certainly the Acknowledgement page.

Maybe it's because Mr. Hipps called his acknowledgment page "Gratitudes". Or maybe it was because I was just into this self-help author.  Whatever the reason, I read the two pages of acclamations recognizing those adding value to the content and production of this manuscript.

There were specifically 16 individuals mentioned and a general nod to many others.

Since I never read this page, I have no frame of reference as to whether this is normal, excessive or stingy.  But, I realized that this publication might never have seen the light of day if not for many people.

Contagious Cure

A virus is wiping out mankind.  A battle ship is sent to find a cure.

Found and modified, it is now considered a "contagious cure" which is spread by the water vapor of breath, and close contact touching.

44 minutes into The Last Ship season finale, a gathering under the St. Louis Arch does just that. Person by person, touch by touch, breath by breath, handshake by handshake, hug by hug and even a kiss, people are being cured of this deadly disease. No age, no gender, no politics.  No us/them.  No black/white/brown.  No divisions. Just community sharing this cure with each other.