...and if you think death would take a breather after all that hard work, i believe tomorrow is the anniversary of Columbine and the birthday of one of death's favorite sons, Hitler.

or, it could just be that:

a. people who suffered lots of poisoning and other chemical and infectious events during WWII are dying out of the population, leaving the longer-lived healthier individuals;

b. baby boomers likely to kill each other are just getting to old to want to do that any more "Johnny, I'd kill you, but I'm too tired to fight you right now ..."

c. the recent influx of illegal immigrants and their children from countries south of the USA, grew up in nations that have universal medical care, and are able to go back to Mexico if they get sick.

You also have April 19th to thank for being ALIVE:
The American Revolution began in the early morning hours on April 19th, 1775 after U.S. militia men ambushed British troops in the Massachusetts towns of Lexington and Concord. The gun fire at Lexington is the famous: Shot heard 'round the world.
The Red Coats retreated Boston, exchanging fire with guerilla revolutionists en route.

By day's end the British had 273 casualties and the colonials 95.

The day isn't over

The American Revolution, whatever its other faults and blessings, is hardly the source of my or anyone's life. We'd still be here if it hadn't happened.

Good job remembering Uesugi Kenshin...he always has been one of my favorites. Hard to beat Miyamoto Musashi, though.

Musashi is one of my faves--especially with wasabi on the side.