�It�s the end of the world as we know it (and I feel fine)� --Document 1987 R.E.M. Discography


The owners of City People�s Mercantile told the staff yesterday that they were closing the store. I really liked the job despite all my unhappiness regarding the contract negotiations. I thought the change in attitude was due to the World Trade Center attack. Now we get the real story and the fact of the matter is that to do anything worthwhile in the world you have to work your ass off, and even then you can�t be sure you will achieve what you�d like.

My only solace, in light of everything this week (Russell dying, being laid off after the holidays, etc.) is my writing and my art, things that are pretty insubstantial. But I will always have those abilities as long as I am not on my death bed. Both Gertrude Stein and Oscar Wilde said things on their deathbeds that have carved my life. Oscar said, �between me and the wallpaper, one of us has to go��Gertrude said something along the lines of �the answer to the meaning of life�what was the question?�

Douglas Adams gave us the answer many years ago: 42.