Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Fog of Bygone Wars

June 28, 2014 – One hundred years ago today, the Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo by a Bosnia Serb nationalist. In addition to causing consternation at the archduke convention (as reported by The Onion), the act is considered the … Continue reading

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And they say we’ll have some fun if it stops raining

He only gave us 48 years (1924-1973), and his musical compositions peaked and all but disappeared after 1963. But as I was preparing supper tonight, I found myself humming again one of Allan Sherman’s memorable parodies: O, the moon is … Continue reading

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Miss Butts, Meet Mr. Sitts

The Butts are long-time neighbors of my grandparents, Goldie and Addison Jenks, in the cemetery in Oneonta. I like to imagine the permanent residents sitting in rows of folding chairs, as if they were in a Thornton Wilder play. There’s … Continue reading

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Band of Typists

See http://bit.ly/ChAssts    

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Remembering Martin

April 4, 2014 — Remembering the dreamer and his Daddy. From my January sermon celebrating MLK’s birthday. Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God … Continue reading

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Lyndon, Curt & Me

April 1, 2014. This previously undisclosed letter from President Lyndon B. Johnson requires some explication. To make a long story short, I was the best Latrine Queen in the Air Force. Anyway, that’s what Curt LeMay said. Just ask him. … Continue reading

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Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter was on the Colbert show this week, offering to become Roman Catholic if Pope Francis remained in office and the invitation was extended by a woman priest. That’s probably farther than most Baptists would go, but Carter has … Continue reading

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Merrily and Eddie Flum Num, We Love You

I’ve posted this reminiscence of bygone Central New York television on another blog devoted to the Morrisville-Eaton Central School class of 1964 fiftieth reunion. I’m reposting it here for others who may have similar experiences growing up in various television markets. The Wonderful … Continue reading

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Mr. Sam’s ‘Pretty Bad Case of Lumbago’

Sam Rayburn was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives during the presidency of Woodrow Wilson, and died 49 years later during the presidency of John F. Kennedy. He was Speaker of the House for 17 years, the longest tenure … Continue reading

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Javert on My Ass

March 23, 2014 – The revival of Les Misérables opens tonight. The Divine M and I saw the final preview last night and plan to see it again (and again) during what we hope will be another long run. The re-imagined … Continue reading

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