Growing up in Philadelphia in the 70s meant Bruce Springsteen was a part of my life. I’ll always remember a fan in a promotional radio b-roll clip from one of the classic rock stations saying excitedly, definitively, “He’s the best, he’s Bruce. . . He’s the Boss!” One of the earliest albums I bought was Greetings From Asbury Park, NJ. My high school girlfriend’s older brother saw every show of[…] Keep reading →

James Lipton, who started and hosted the show Inside the Actors Studio, died yesterday. Here are the notes I read from for this episode: I could talk about how much I enjoyed the episodes, his humor, and a few things I learned from his guests that only his interviewing could have elicited but I will go deeper, to share how fundamental his work has been to mine. Many times I’ve[…] Keep reading →

I understand why historical reasons lead us to look to scientists, journalists, educators, and legislators for leadership, but they don’t know how to lead. They may excel at their crafts, but sharing research however accurate, or stirring controversy, spreading facts and figures, and chasing votes rarely inspire people to change their behavior. I’ve long looked to Mandela, King, and Gandhi as role models. I’m increasingly looking at leaders who inspire[…] Keep reading →

Abbey Road was the first album I listened to until the little orange plastic record player I played it on either destroyed the grooves or the record destroyed the needle. It was the 70s. I didn’t know music. My taste has since matured, but I never stopped loving the Beatles. The 2019 remix of Here Comes The Sun differs only slightly from the original but it brought tears to my[…] Keep reading →

Almost two months ago, I wrote in Mementos of my high school girlfriend how I wasn’t sure I wanted to review the mementos. Maybe memories I treasured would turn out ordinary happenings of any young man in his late teens. I haven’t read my letters to her, but I read hers to me and was pleased to find something I’d forgotten — how close we were. More than close. Uninhibited.[…] Keep reading →

While not my usual topic, I’ve been thinking about movie endings I’ve loved. I don’t mean plot twists, necessarily, but what we see as the movie goes to credits. Last moments are hard to remember sometimes. Beginnings are easier. The Death Star didn’t explode as closing moment, nor did “Say hello to my little friend” or “Forget it, Jake. It’s Chinatown” appear as the credits did. Some, like Planet of[…] Keep reading →

Those familiar with Strunk and White will recognize this post’s title. If you don’t know Elements of Style, I’m not going to explain it, but I recommend it. I started compiling phrases with needless words. I’m sharing it here. I hope to make it longer. Worst case scenario: Just “worst case.” “Scenario” is just a big word that adds no meaning. Draw a line in the sand: Just “draw a[…] Keep reading →