Martin's Musings

2025 has not been an easy year. I’ve spent much of it mourning my father, continuing to call for the return of the hostages that are/were still held captive in Gaza, absorbing the news of rising antisemitism all around the world, and trying to make sense of the increasingly tense and divided political scene here in the U.S.

That said, I’ve also spent a bit of time trying to get back to whatever “normal” is these days. Doing that meant going on a proper vacation for the first time since before Covid (yes, really), getting back into the routine of seeing (and reviewing) movies, and spending more time in Boston again than in Florida. It’s given me a lot of time to appreciate what I’d de-prioritized in recent years and how I enjoy spending my time.

One lesson my dad always taught me was to have perspective and to be grateful for what you have, rather than dwelling on the negative. So, in that spirit, here (in no particular order) is a list of some of the people, places, and things that I’m grateful for in 2025. A big thank you to all of them.

Thanksgiving is this week. Typically, it’s a time to show gratitude for the people, places, and things that bring value to your life. And I’ll do that.

Later.

But as I reflect on the year since last Thanksgiving, during which my father died and the war in Gaza continued and the wildfire of antisemitism spread even faster around the world and things in the U.S. got even more tense and divided, it’s worth noting that there is plenty I’m not grateful for.

So, in that spirit, and in no particular order, here are some of those people, places, and things I’m giving no thanks to this year.

Last week, during the season finale of Real Time with Bill Maher, Bill did a bit that he set up as a letter to his 100-year-old self, looking back on what was certainly a memorable year. 

It started in predictable fashion, with the comedian poking fun at what he might be like at that age. There was a line about smoking pot and one about being old enough to watch Fox News. But then the segment took a surprising turn.

Rather than continuing the thread with a series of jokes about politics, or ones at the expense of the president* and his family, Bill took the opportunity to celebrate how, in the midst of a global pandemic, and with most people stuck at home, his team rallied together to keep the show going, collaborating in new ways and coming up with creative solutions to unusual problems — like having no live audience. Bill also paid tribute to his fans, who stuck with the show all year long, and said how thankful he was for their/our support.

Thank you.

It’s an expression people don’t say nearly enough anymore. All you have to do is pay attention and watch for it, you’ll realize that these days, unfortunately, gratitude is in short supply.

Perhaps that’s one reason why people tend to make a big deal about Thanksgiving. It’s their chance to pause and say thank you for all that makes their life great. Don’t be hateful; gotta be grateful, and all that.

I’d like to think I express gratitude all year long, for big things and small ones — including when people hold a door for me, when I’m brought something by a server in a restaurant, when I see a movie I like, when someone gives me a gift or does me a favor, etc. — but I can always do better.

So, in that spirit, here is a list (in no particular order) of some of the people, places, things, and events I’m giving thanks for on Thanksgiving this year — and on other days, too. Continue reading →

Fun fact: Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It’s right up there with the Fourth of July, Patriots Day, and yes, my birthday. I love the good times with family and friends, the Macy’s parade, the big football games, and the turkey and gravy — especially the turkey and gravy. I still love Adam Sandler’s “Thanksgiving Song.” And yes, I also have a soft spot for that corny Nicole Westbrook song, “It’s Thanksgiving.”

But in all seriousness, I appreciate that Thanksgiving gives us the chance to hit the pause button on all that’s going wrong in our country and the daily annoyances and obligations, and to reflect on what we’re thankful for. With so much going on in the world, it’s easy to overlook the people, places, and things that make life better — the aspects of life that make us happy. Thanksgiving provides an opportunity to give them some much deserved attention.

When asked “What are you thankful for?” most people probably cite their family and friends, and their health. I know that’s what I say. But if we take a step back to think about it, there’s so much more to mention.

So in that spirit, here is a partial (and definitely incomplete) list, in no particular order, of some of the other people, places, and things I’m giving thanks for this year.

Continue reading →

Photo courtesy of Paul Downey/Flickr

Thank you.

Those are two words that don’t get said nearly enough. These days, we’re so quick to jump on people and businesses for doing things we don’t like, but we hardly ever recognize the good things that make us happy and show our gratitude for them.

That’s just one reason why it’s nice that Thanksgiving exists: Because other than enjoying delicious food — mmmm … turkey and gravy — it’s the one time of year when everyone gets to express how grateful they are. It’s like the great poet Nicole Westbrook once said: “Don’t be hateful, gotta be grateful!”

(All kidding aside, according to a recent New York Times article, being grateful will actually make you happier person.)

With that in mind, I just wanted to take a second right here, right now, to say thank you for reading. Not just this blog post, but any and all posts you may have read over the years. I recently celebrated my tenth blogiversary, a milestone I’d never have reached were it not for the fact that people actually care what I have to say. I appreciate your support and never take it for granted.

And now, to continue my tradition, here (in no particular order) are more of the people, places, and things I am thankful for this year. Thank you to each and every one of them. Continue reading →