What’s in it for Me?

I used to watch “The Adventures of Superman” with George Reeves. The special effects were rudimentary compared to today: Superman jumped out of frame to take off and back into frame to land. But the ideals of “truth, justice, and the American way” still took root in my mind. I’m disheartened these days, because I’m … Continue reading What’s in it for Me? →

Stories Run Wild

Ursula Le Guin referred to works of fiction as thought experiments. Her concept fits my attempts to tell stories. Le Guin also suggested that all fiction is metaphorical. It seems to me science fiction is often an allegory about “real life,” whatever that is. Much like geometric proof, science fiction postulates possible outcomes, based on … Continue reading Stories Run Wild →

Beautiful

“It’s a beautiful day in Pennsylvania!” Thus spoke Pete Wambach on his daily radio program for over 20 years. I grew up in Pennsylvania, so I remember it well. Fred Rogers used to sing his title song, “It’s a Beautiful day in the Neighborhood” for his children’s show. “The night is beautiful, so the faces … Continue reading Beautiful →

Higher, Louder, Faster

In high school I admired trumpet players like Cat Anderson, Roy Eldridge, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Al Hirt, Doc Severinsen, Harry James, and of course, Maynard Ferguson. Many young trumpeters tried to play like these gentlemen, especially up high. In college, I managed to play a few of Maynard’s arrangements, sometimes even sounding a little … Continue reading Higher, Louder, Faster →

Narratives

In 1971, Cher’s song, “Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves,” rose to number one on the charts. In addition to having a great hook, the recording called out the hypocrisy of “the people of the town,” who called others cruel names, as though they had a right to judge. But let’s not congratulate ourselves. In many ways, … Continue reading Narratives →