To-Do List Undue

 Last night, at the onset of a new season, I composed a list of things that I decided required action on my part: appointments I should keep, or make; calls I should make for household service calls or repairs. The list was not very long, but with it came the  realization that nowhere did there exist any expectation of response, other than on my part. 

  During a fitful night's sleep, all that might have transpired from the pathos of that ill fated to-do list consolidated into that ogre from the past---a term paper with a pending due date. 

  I sat with the term paper before me, only a page and  half written, out of a minimum requirement of at least 20 pages in length. The person beside me, not a particularly astute student, was proudly flaunting his completed paper, needing only for  it to be properly bound. I looked at it, hoping to gain inspiration, but I only managed to start re-writing my own paper, again starting from scratch. The professor was making rounds, checking on progress. I had hoped for some type of assistance, but he just passed by without any comment at all. I knew the penalty for submitting a late paper would detract from the grade, possibly resulting in failure anyway, so I realized the importance of getting that paper handed in on time. 

 Emerging, finally, from the torture of that dreamlike state, I realized that there  was no entity awaiting a term paper from me, nor for anything on my to do list. Hallelujah.

The Cardio Wars

 Why can't we all just get along?

December 30, 20025---Capital Cardiology Associates announced that on Jan. 1, 2026 they were transitioning all inpatient cardiology services from Samaritan Hospital to Albany Med. and St. Peter's, in order to provide their patients more consistent and comprehensive care.  (Even if it should happen that any outpatient care at Samaritan might have to be transported  to Albany if further treatment became  necessary, and even though Samaritan Hospital is located right across the street.

Shortly after, widespread publication from Albany Associates  in Cardiology that the 3 top cardiology practices are now the EXCLUSIVE provider of inpatient cardiology services at Samaritan Hospital: Albany Associates in Cardiology, Cardiology Associates of Schenectady and Saratoga Cardiology Associates all formed ST. PETER'S Cardiology Associates. 

August 31, 2026---Ellis Hospital sues St. Peter's over cardiologist noncompete agreements.  

This is where it becomes complicated. Formerly, Cardiology Associates of Schenectady (CAS) worked with Ellis, before St. Peter's acquired Ellis, even securing a Professional Service Agreement, so their cardiologists could continue to work there if the contract was ever terminated. 

   Here is where the monster raises its ugly head: President and CEO of Ellis Medicine claims that UNBEKNOWNST  to them, St. Peter's put in their employment agreement --------- the dreaded NON-COMPETE language which, it seems, prevents Ellis from having contact with St. Peter's to employ their doctors.

One thing is certain: all these sordid details will be worked out by doctors, lawyers and CEO's so that patients will receive the best possible cardiology care, those who survive, that is.

Words of Advice--well, just a few

 "Don't pay what's owed until it's due."  Sara M., who'd graduated from Business School, when she sent me to the post office with a money order for her store items. 

Don't try to explain your reasoning to someone who just wants to criticize you."  Richard V. , business associate of Dave's, when an opinionated party goer interrupted  and disputed an innocuous comment.

"It doesn't matter what he thinks; we hired him because he's a good surgeon, not for his personal opinion."  Dr. Martin Symansky when the surgeon (for a  4-year-old) said I didn't need to stay overnight in the child's  hospital room. 

"Watch out*for that science teacher who asked you to chaperone the field trip to Howe's Cavern. Just be on guard." George L. probably the best person who ever entered the teaching profession. * He was right.

"Don't be concerned about your adult children; think about yourself."  Anonymous and  arrogant doctor in anonymous time and place.

There may be more but I didn't need to be told not to fire until I saw the whites of their eyes.  

Excerpt from the Archives

 Last stanza of "Memory Reset"

"Those memories of the good old days

Are victims of time's theft.

Instead recall the battles won

In the time that we have left."

My Word!

 Yesterday I came across a word I'd used in writing decades ago. I had to look up its meaning, even though I'd used it years ago. Today the word appeared in Spelling Bee as the pangram. The word is mordant.

Folder Fodder

 Going

through stuff with the thought of clearing out the detritus, I came across this forgotten vinyl carrybag, the kind Dave used to bring to the office containing files and resumes and such. But I had appropriated this one for my use, filled with college papers, memos, and, lord help us, some of my early writings. It is true that most valued had been my post-graduate exam from Dr. J. Thompson Littlefield, where he had written a personal note, and finally, an A in literature. 

But inserted in the pages, some of my early poetry . Snookie keeps telling me to write more, but I don't think she would mean of this genre:

      Mordant Terror

Sometimes in the sleepless night

Comes the cold, clear knowledge

That all are mortal and must die, 

And I feel I should call 

And invite everyone to a party

So that they might live.

But with the dawn comes daylight

And with it the illusion

That what had appeared as certainty

Is only a nightmare

And will pass. 

And then the sun comes out

And burns away the truth.

One of the last of the Charming Lane party survivors:

 Don DeWeerdt, He often showed up .