"If you ever get a second chance in life for something, you've got to go all the way." --Lance Armstrong

I ran a marathon in Venice, Italy last weekend. 26 miles. 42 kilometers. Not only was it a physical triumph, but an emotional, spiritual, mental feat. We began about 10kilometers outside of Padua, Italy and ran through little Italian towns until we ended up in St. Mark's Square in Venice. Throughout the run, people from the towns came out to the streets, cheering and encouraging the runners. Local bands played music about every 5 kilometers. For the past few years it has always been one of my life goal's to run a marathon. I can't wait to run the next one. The human body is amazing. We have all been wonderfully and fearfully made!

http://mysports.tv/default2.asp?e=VE09M&l=IT&n=NICHOLS%20CLAIRE&r=F901&player=1&ct_s1=09:35:10&nt_s1=&ct_s2=10:09:32&nt_s2=00:38:30&ct_s3=11:26:04&nt_s3=01:55:02&ct_s4=12:21:04&nt_s4=02:50:02&ct_s5=12:54:40&nt_s5=03:23:38&ct_s6=13:42:59&nt_s6=04:11:57&ct_s7=14:24:40&nt_s7=04:53:38&ct_s8=15:02:42&nt_s8=05:31:40&ct_f=15:27:25&nt_f=05:56:23&player=1&random=1840&k=finishbefore&index=2&index=5&cct=0000000000000000000000000000000000000000&player=1

This is my second semester studying in Austria. I was here two years ago in the Fall of 2007. I have been extreamly blessed to return here again. It's been incredible. I am growing as a person, as a woman, daily. I am done with school in December and this has been the perfect ending to my undergrad experience. Not only do I absolutely love the classes I am taking and the material I am learning, but I also love the places I have been able to travel to and the wonderful people I have met. Every day I grow. There is nothing like being able to say "I am a new, better person" at the end of each day.

She is the Victim of Cruel Poverty and Ignorance -- Atticus Finch

Collin Wilcox died yesterday. She was seventy-four. She was also one of the best actresses that everyone saw, but no one knows. Here she is when she uttered her most famous line:

Then, of course, that led to one of the best legal orations done by anyone since Abraham Lincoln, and then, by an actor portraying a fictitious attorney:

That, of course, led to my two favorite actors sharing the stage:

One of her television performances that continues to be seen today in reruns was in a 1964 episode of “The Twilight Zone,” titled “Number 12 Looks Just Like You.” Ms. Wilcox played a plain-looking 19-year-old woman in a society of the future who resists a ritual “transformation” procedure to make her physically beautiful (she can choose from among standard models) and give her a longer life. You can watch her here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaVo2xifmSw

It is worth pondering now and again all of the "supporting actors" that make it possible for the main actor to pick up the award. It was nice to see that Gregory Peck genuinely thanked all those people when he picked up his award. And, of course, it is worth pondering and thanking those people who support us throughout the days, weeks and years for making it possible for us to do a lot of things.

-- Joe

None But the Lonely Heart

Stephen Hough is a graduate of the Julliard School of Music. He is, other than Lang Lang, the hottest property going insofar as pianist are concerned. He played this piece recently at the BBC Proms in London at the Royal Albert Hall. Tchaikovsky wrote this little "throw away" piece that is seldom heard, but perhaps one of the most beautiful solo pieces you'll ever hear.

Veronica and I had a great time in Montreal. We drove up yakking all the way. We then went to an Italian food kiosk and had some great pasta and bread, palled around and then watched the Symphony perform Brahms Double Concerto.

Kathleen is over jet lag. Paul was born with jet lag, so one can never tell the difference. But Paul is right back into the routine after his travels with the "old ladies" to France -- a top of France to bottom of France tour both figuratively and literally. You'll have to ask them...

Tom Sauvageau is forty. So is the anniversary of the first moon landing. Paul and Marcy came calling while Kathleen and Paul were away. Before visiting us, they saw some spitting snow in the Adirondacks, climbed Mount Jo, and had a fine old time.

Claire is doing well at school and met up with Joan, Kathleen and Paul at Lourdes, France for a couple of days. She had two big body guards with her so her trip through the heartland of Europe was made safe.

John is busier than all of us put together. He is doing tremendously at school, but also is finishing up cross country, is in the Model U.N., has a week long leadership conference in Washington, D.C. in November.

Magdalene has a cold so keep her in your prayers. She and Veronica are pushing hard at school, with their friends, with piano, and on and on...

Maureen is busy keeping her charges in order and intelligent.

That is Malone... And France.... And Austria...

--Joe