My decision to go on the Snake River Trip was a fairly late decision. (I had said I couldn’t do that trip because I had promised Brad I would help him move and get the apt cleaned–but I got that done by Monday–so went.)

No, I didn’t know Irv designed anything over on the Snake River. Wish I would have know–I’d have looked for it.

Talk to you when you get home.

love, Mom M.

Mom, I didn’t know you were going to Hell’s Canyon. I’ve taken a lot of pictures from up above where you were, at Hat Point and other areas nearby, but I’ve never been down on the Snake River. Did you know Irv designed some of the Forest Service stuff around there? A lookout tower, and something related to the damn but I don’t remember the details.

The hotel we stayed in at Clarkston had free use of a computer–so I checked your blog (the entry from India). I was going to make a comment there, but the “comment” part was blocked out.

Anyway, we had a great time seeing Hell’s Canyon. Yesterday we spent almost 10 hours on a boat–went upriver about 100 miles (and that meant we came downriver the same distance). Pretty rugged and unpopulated terrain.

Mom M.

Doug, I can’t decide if you have the coolest hard job or the hardest cool job. In any case, enjoy being stationary soon.

bp

The hotel I’m at in Washington DC doesn’t begin to compare to my hotel in Delhi two days ago. It’s 4:00AM here and I’m trying to figure out how the coffee machine works — at the Taj Mahal Hotel, I’d just pick up the phone and have excellent tea in minutes.

This one is for you.

The boy did an amazing job - yes definitely and the mother and child are completely healthy, hale and hearty.

But sure it is absurd. The fault lies with the Boy’s parents who wanted to get his name published in the Guinness Book of World Records. We are all sure that the boy must have performed similar surgeries and just that the parents felt so proud that they kind of video recorded the Surgery and proudly showed it all across to get their son famous. So far so good, but now that has landed them and their careers in jeopardy as they face charges and if proved guilty (which they definitely would be), they would loose their licenses. To come to think of it - Does it remind someone of Dougie Howser (the show)? Were they inspired? Is it the Media’s fault? lot of questions, and so far no answers. So all in all whose fault would it be, the Advanced countries or the Third World Countries?

And India is no longer a Third World Country. I am sure Doug can vouch for that and am sure you agree on that too? So do we have a Dougie Howser in Real life in India? Should we feel proud of the achievement or should we denounce it? The debate remains open!!!

I’m just now finally checked in to my hotel in Washington, DC. A hot shower sure felt good — it’s been a long time since Tuesday morning at the Taj!

To Clarify, the Cut - off’s mentioned refers to the percentage that a student must have (minimum percentage) in order to get admission to colleges and the courses of his choice. THis year the students have secured amazing marks and still are unable to secure admissions in colleges. Imagine getting 97% marks and still unable to make it to one’s choice of course. People getting close to 98% are now thinking what more could they have done!!!!!

Amazing.. Right!!!!