Romney income calculator: How much does Mitt make? How long would it take him to earn your salary? - Slate Magazine

Well that is a little depressing.

Romney income calculator: How much does Mitt make? How long would it take him to earn your salary? - Slate Magazine:

'via Blog this'

Citizens United v. FEC -- What it means for democracy

My thoughts from the Memorial

What does one say at a time like this? Your community has lost someone special, as evidenced by your presence today. Jack has lost a wife. I have lost a mother. Each of us has lost someone who has touched our lives. That is why we are here.

Mom, Karen, was with us a long time, and as often said at times like this, she lived a good and long life. During her life she touched many people in positive ways: as a teacher, through music, with her unassuming intellect, her quiet humor, her compassionate views of humanity, with her care and respect of others, and her passion for living.

As a son, she formed, and continues to form who I am. I owe her a great deal of gratitude.

I remember living on 89th Street and Riverside Drive in New York City. I must have been about 6 and was sick with the flu. I remember being cared for and comforted; I think she must have laid with me all day. She taught me about caring and nurturing others.

Years later, as a socially awkward 13 year old, she went with me and participated in disco dancing lessons. I learned that you can hold someones hand through hard moments to help them through.

She taught music in public schools; how hard could it be to teach your own son? She tried to teach me piano. So patiently. I wasn't ready. I learned something about patience.

Later, when I was 17, this was probably her idea, she suggested we participate together in a community recreation trip climbing Oregon's tallest peak, Mt Hood. She was about 56 years old at the time. I learned something about setting goals and pushing out of one's comfort zone.

Then there were those amazing trips to Europe she took, bicycling trips and a choral trip. She met a wonderful someone you all know, her future husband Jack. She followed her passion, took a big juicy bite out of life, and created a wonderful new chapter in her life here in California. I learned something about living and rebirth.

And there was that time she rode 72 miles on her 72nd birthday! Wow. I learned I needed to ride more!

She would sit on the floor and play with my sons Jack and Alex when she would visit. Her eyes would smile and laugh as she played, just as they did 17 years prior with my son Kamon. Perhaps with me long ago. Being ever playful keeps a person young!

Now that she is gone, these lessons still reside in me. The experiences that each of you had with her are still a part of you. The person she was still exists in us. This is something I am learning to live with.

My mom was always healthy and had ancestors who lived well into their 90's. I assumed we would all have another 10 years with her. Life, however, is unpredictable and fragile.

The last lesson: Live each day as if it were your last.

Carpe Diem...