Thanks for filling in the threads to the tapestry that is your life. I hope you are feeling more whole and alive. NOLA does that to people. Stay well as you travel and enjoy the accolades once you return to your home turf.
Take a close look at the "Big, beautiful bill" titled "Judicial silencing". 21st CD Congresswoman Elise Stefanik proudly announced on social media that she was the 215th vote that put this bill over the finish line. I predict Trump will reward Stefanik's loyal vote with a new job in the Trump administration thereby avoiding any blowback from her constituents.
I love it: “a Stefanik spokesperson responded, "There are no cuts to Medicaid" — yeah, only because the Senate hasn’t passed that Big Bullshit Bill yet. They are utterly shameless.
I think you have found the perfect solution to life as you, Jospeh and Sophie adjust to life without Gillian. You’ll be a happy snowbird enjoying everything New Orleans has to offer and then come home to the beauty of Queensbury in summer and fall. It will make you appreciate what both have to offer, and you’ll have friends in both locations. We all look forward to the Front Page and know that your writing will keep us on our toes. Welcome home
For the past 125 years, the U.S. has enjoyed an increasing average life expectancy for its residents. In 1900, it was about 47 years. In 1950, about 68 years. And in 2025, almost 80 years.
This phenomenal increase was largely due to improved public health programs, advancements in medical science and technology, and increased access to health care through health insurance.
And it’s precisely these areas that the Trump administration is hollowing out in the destruction of our federal government. And Trump’s doing so with great vigor and relish. As is our Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.
Okay then, better get ready for shorter life spans in the coming decades.
To paraphrase Thomas Hobbes, for many people life under Trump will likely be "poor, nasty, brutish, and short."
From what I see, average life expectancy in the U.S. did drop somewhat early in the pandemic, but rebounded since then. It's hard to believe it won't drop in the coming years under Trump, especially for the more vulnerable among us.
Another beautiful piece, Ken. It's easy to feel the emotion in your words and we are all grateful for that glimpse. You've managed to put into words what many of us feel but don't know how to express. Thanks for that.
Oh, Ken, you are so much a part of the North Country! I'm glad you're coming home to keep documenting our stories and our singularity. Safe travels. We love you!
Dear Josh Hawley: The answer to your questions about why government is not responding to your state's pleading for help in the wakes of its various recent disasters is-- YOU/your MAGA-Republican party/this administration/the sociopath [occasionally] in the Oval Office: none of you give a damn about anyone and anything [with the exception of making a buck at the expense of the working class] unless, of course, it affects: YOU...
You're doing absolutely the right thing, bonding with your son, helping him as much as it helps you.
A guy in my Veterans Support Group just did the same. Whenever someone we love dies on us, our grief is equal to the love we have for them. Many years from now, some of us might forget that they loved us at least as much as we loved them. Leaving us may have been the hardest part of death for them. What could have been their last thoughts for us as they slipped away? It could have been: "Forgive yourself, love yourself, love your loved ones, and love life with all your might." This may be one way we can honor their memory and their life.
Joseph and I were talking in the park last night, walking Sophie, going over details. And then finally a last hug, then another, and another. I worry about him. He worries about me. But the Giants are playing the Saints in the Superdome on Oct. 5 and as one final act, I bought two tickets.
Dear Ken,
Thanks for filling in the threads to the tapestry that is your life. I hope you are feeling more whole and alive. NOLA does that to people. Stay well as you travel and enjoy the accolades once you return to your home turf.
“You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having both at once.” - Robert A. Heinlein
Here’s hoping you can prove this false, Ken.
🖖
Take a close look at the "Big, beautiful bill" titled "Judicial silencing". 21st CD Congresswoman Elise Stefanik proudly announced on social media that she was the 215th vote that put this bill over the finish line. I predict Trump will reward Stefanik's loyal vote with a new job in the Trump administration thereby avoiding any blowback from her constituents.
That sounds logical. She stopped caring for her constituents - if she ever did - a long time ago. Too bad they did not notice.
I love it: “a Stefanik spokesperson responded, "There are no cuts to Medicaid" — yeah, only because the Senate hasn’t passed that Big Bullshit Bill yet. They are utterly shameless.
They are counting on their constituents being ill-informed. Like we will just believe it because they say there are no cuts.
I think you have found the perfect solution to life as you, Jospeh and Sophie adjust to life without Gillian. You’ll be a happy snowbird enjoying everything New Orleans has to offer and then come home to the beauty of Queensbury in summer and fall. It will make you appreciate what both have to offer, and you’ll have friends in both locations. We all look forward to the Front Page and know that your writing will keep us on our toes. Welcome home
Thank you Connie. They are two wonderful worlds, but one still has a big hole in it.
Well, if the old cliche of "home is where the heart is" is right, then it looks like you have two homes.
For the past 125 years, the U.S. has enjoyed an increasing average life expectancy for its residents. In 1900, it was about 47 years. In 1950, about 68 years. And in 2025, almost 80 years.
This phenomenal increase was largely due to improved public health programs, advancements in medical science and technology, and increased access to health care through health insurance.
And it’s precisely these areas that the Trump administration is hollowing out in the destruction of our federal government. And Trump’s doing so with great vigor and relish. As is our Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.
Okay then, better get ready for shorter life spans in the coming decades.
To paraphrase Thomas Hobbes, for many people life under Trump will likely be "poor, nasty, brutish, and short."
I believe recent statistics for the United States have shown decreased in life expectancy.
From what I see, average life expectancy in the U.S. did drop somewhat early in the pandemic, but rebounded since then. It's hard to believe it won't drop in the coming years under Trump, especially for the more vulnerable among us.
Another beautiful piece, Ken. It's easy to feel the emotion in your words and we are all grateful for that glimpse. You've managed to put into words what many of us feel but don't know how to express. Thanks for that.
Welcome yourself to your Third Act Ken...looks good from here🤓
...Bravo! / -happy for you as, I am sure, are all of your friends: and readers here...
Oh, Ken, you are so much a part of the North Country! I'm glad you're coming home to keep documenting our stories and our singularity. Safe travels. We love you!
Hope we can do lunch this summer. It’s been a while.
Put it on the list - in ink!
Dear Josh Hawley: The answer to your questions about why government is not responding to your state's pleading for help in the wakes of its various recent disasters is-- YOU/your MAGA-Republican party/this administration/the sociopath [occasionally] in the Oval Office: none of you give a damn about anyone and anything [with the exception of making a buck at the expense of the working class] unless, of course, it affects: YOU...
That sums it up quite well. No humanity in government. None.
This was wonderful to read. New Orleans is unlike any other city in the country. Have a wonderful trip.
Ken, a special thank you for this column on your loss. Sure it was difficult to put to paper, but I know this will help a lot of people.
You're doing absolutely the right thing, bonding with your son, helping him as much as it helps you.
A guy in my Veterans Support Group just did the same. Whenever someone we love dies on us, our grief is equal to the love we have for them. Many years from now, some of us might forget that they loved us at least as much as we loved them. Leaving us may have been the hardest part of death for them. What could have been their last thoughts for us as they slipped away? It could have been: "Forgive yourself, love yourself, love your loved ones, and love life with all your might." This may be one way we can honor their memory and their life.
Joseph and I were talking in the park last night, walking Sophie, going over details. And then finally a last hug, then another, and another. I worry about him. He worries about me. But the Giants are playing the Saints in the Superdome on Oct. 5 and as one final act, I bought two tickets.