You didn't know Bert. I'm not sure I ever introduced him to you here, but he was one of the little cadre of homeless men living around this area. I hadn't seen him for a while, but the guys move around sometimes.

But as it happens, when it snowed...not this last time, but the time before, Bert got sick. They put him in the hospital, but he had massive frostbite and his family refused permission to amputate his legs. After a few weeks, the decision was made to pull the plug on the respirator.

Sterling was telling me about it today. At the same time, he was trying to tell me I don't have to give him a dollar every day. And I'm thinking...for the lack of a few dollars to gain him access to some building with heat...Bert died.

And then I wanted to give money to every homeless person in the city because it's supposed to snow again tonight.

Later....

And then I remembered. Of course you know Bert. He was the MoonMan. He was building a rocket to take him to the moon so he could be President. He thought he was a better choice than Bush. The last time we chatted, Burt was working on funding for the engine.

Poor Bert. He'll never finish building that rocket now.