There are a few occasions where I do shut off the radio, just for a minute or so. One of these occasions is in all regularity when they play John Mayer, when he sings, “Say what you need to say. Say what you need to say. Say what you need to say. Say what you need to say.” It makes me think about giving up writing books and to engage into writing song lyrics. Having about 50% of my brain mass removed might help in that endeavor, too.

This morning, though, I turned the radio off due to the happy snow report from the Vermont ski resorts (Our house is about 15 miles South of Vermont). We are in the middle of a major snow storm with several towns in the neighborhood declaring an emergency due to loss of electrical power and severe road conditions. After all, this is New England, and harsh winter conditions don’t come as a surprise. Ergo, if somebody declares an emergency here, it must be severe.

Then, in the best Hollywood always-be-happy attitude, there is this lady on the radio promoting Vermont ski resorts, absolutely excited about the snow conditions, and how wonderful and orgasmic the experience is. Sorry for frowning at her remarks and storming over to shut her off. We are very well off in our warm house; we have electricity, but it could hit us anytime, too. Naturally, I am worried about my family’s well-being, but I also think of those families who are stuck in their houses and hope they have a fireplace, a woodstove, or at least a gas stove to make a hot tea. I also think of the caravane of cars coming through from Connecticut and Southern New York State. In fact, each Friday – going North – and Sunday – going South – the percentage of out-of-state cars reaches 90% easily. It makes me wonder if they all live a miserable life where they live, and why they need an escape every single weekend. The other sad part is that the majority of  these “foreigners” not only violate the speed limit by at least 20 miles per hour; they also drive very agressivly. The result is that, every now and then, the state police in Massachusetts and Vermont need to scratch the remains of irresonsible drivers off Interstate 91. I am not kidding, they still go between 80 to 85 miles per hour under any weather condition, and they are the cause of many accidents.

So, now you may understand why the happy weather report doesn’t sit well with me.