August 2008 Monthly Message

Dear Family, Friends and Supporters:

Welcome to my Monthly Message for August 2008!

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer. Although, if you're like me and don't have air-conditioning, then you're probably not enjoying the uncomfortable nights when trying to sleep. My cell is designed exactly like a brick oven. Also, its been brutal trying to run in this heat. I usually run 3 miles five times a week but lately, I've cut back to running only three times a week. I love how good you feel after a run too. Hopefully, my body will hold up over time.

What's interesting here at OCCC, is they still have steel free weights out in the yard. You wouldn't think they would have so many serious weapons readily available around so many violent prisoners---but they do. So far, no one has injured anyone with the weights, and I think it's because guys in prison really look forward to "pumping iron" every day so they don't want to jeopardize that privilege. Another thing that's hard to believe is how strong some of these guys are. Heck, I thought i was pretty strong benching 260 lbs, and curling 115 lbs. but some guys literally laugh at that weight. I've watched individuals do sets of benching 400 lbs. which unless you actually see this up close you won't understand how impressive it is. Of course, there is a big cloud of ego in the weight pit too.

Okay, speaking of running and weight training this reminds me of a great time every four years. Yes, you guessed it, the summer Olympics and it's in Beijing China! I love watching the opening ceremonies and China has so much culture it will be nice to see what they have in store for us. I hope everyone is going to try and watch some of the events. In the swimming department I'm hoping Dara Torres wins a gold medal. She is a new mom who is forty-one years old and competing against women half her age. Anyways, I'm looking forward to seeing everyone compete in all the events and when it's finally over, though I will be sad , I know football will be starting the following week. Go Patriots!

Alright, now I want to get a little more serious for a moment. I don't know how many of you know who Randy Paush is but he died on the 25th of last month. He was fighting pancreatic cancer and was given 6 months to live. If you don't know who he is I suggest you view his most famous lecture called "The Last Lecture" and if that lecture doesn't bring a tear; you're not human. There was much I could relate to including his song (Time in a Bottle) by Jim Croce but there was so many other points as well. For example when he says the three most important words to know in life are "Tell the Truth" and he said if he could add three more it would be; "All the Time." Also he explains how he never found anger to make a situation better. And , for us to stop putting so much value in material things because the only thing that really matters in life is family and loving one another. There is so much more, and I wish I could share watching this lecture with my daughters. However, I implore each one of you reading this message to please take a moment out of your fast paced life and look it up on the Internet. I promise you will be changed on some level.

In court news at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, the first trial of a terrorist suspect connected with Osama Bin Laden is going on. Salim Hamdan, the former driver for Osama Bin Laden is facing charges that could land him in prison for life if found guilty. Of course, he was only a driver not a soldier but guess what the media won't tell (unless you watch Jim Lehrer or BBC). If, he is acquitted of all charges and found completely innocent, he still will remain in prison for life because he is considered an enemy combatant. Nice huh! You gotta love our justice system.

On a musical note, "The Best of Sarah McLachan" will be available October 7, 2008 and it will feature 16 tracks including "Possession," "I will Remember You" and "Building a Mystery." Sarah's music really is incredible, and I highly recommend this music CD. I hope my ex-wife has shared some of this music with my daughters because Sarah McLachlan's music really touches your soul in a peaceful way.

One last important issue, I want to wish Dick a Happy Birthday on the 20th of this month. Thank you so much for coming into my life and teaching me the power of friendship by showing true dedication, love and loyalty. You truly have been a blessing in my life, and I will be forever grateful.

My movie recommendation is: "Jumper," This film is a good action film and has an interesting twist, also. It has a few good actors such as Hayden Christensen, Samuel L. Jackson and Rachel Bilson. I sure wish I had this gift because I would jump right out of here.

My profound quote is: "Don't let grief become anger because it will never die." (Lost)

Until next month, take care and remember; "The key to the mysteries of life hide in the pain of our most difficult experiences.

Love & Light to all
Michael O'Laughlin