The movie 1917 portrays a war fought far before the births of all but centenarians. While some critics (who gain their title honestly) panned the movie, I found it a compelling story about courage, loyalty, and duty, three dying virtues in 21st century America. But what captured my attention came at the end when the action finished. As the credits rolled, a [...]
We believe Amazon delivers happiness. We are happy when we get what we want. Many times, we need something more. This is the story of a cook who lost his more than his place. My mother subscribed to the idea that if truckers stopped at a restaurant, it is good food. So for a lot of my childhood, we surveyed the highway [...]
Listen to the words: Silent night! holy night! all is calm, all is bright round yon virgin mother and Child, holy Infant, so tender and mild—sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace. Silent night holy night! shepherds quake at the sight; glories stream from heaven afar; heav’nly hosts sing alleluia—Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born! Silent night! [...]
Adults groan at the first hint of Christmas. A few years ago, donned in shorts and a t-shirt to beat the Memorial Day heat, we walked into Hobby Lobby. They were putting up Christmas. “There oughta be a law,” I muttered. Christmas comes much too soon for most credit cards and bank accounts to handle. Invitations for competing events arrive in email [...]
For most of my adult life, I have written. But it has been short essays and perspective pieces. I never tried fiction (primarily because a jr. high teacher told me what was wrong with a short story without telling me how to fix it). This year, I decided to move out of my comfort zone. I used my morning writing time to [...]
Every person hears a question knock on life’s door. Frustration gives it birth and mortality provides its cry. “Did I make any difference?” In the infancy of television, Rod Serling, a gravel-throated man with a dagger-like stare, produced a series called The Twilight Zone. Most of the episodes had a twinge of science fiction. It introduced young William Shatner and [...]
This is the Thanksgiving season. Usually, that means wedging a quick "what I am thankful for" between bites of turkey and dressing and kickoff. We know better. No one I know wants to be thought of as an "ingrate," that horrible creature who does not recognize the good things in our lives. Yet, we put together a day to "count our blessings" [...]
I am a sap for Christmas movies. I know. Most sell sentimental gooiness in heaping portions. In the movies (Hallmark or otherwise), everything works out right. After all, it's Christmas, and that's the way Christmas works. Everyone gets what they want. Many are old standards. You see St. Nick defending himself in Miracle on 34th Street. Jimmy Stewart stands on [...]
“Know thyself.” The Greek maxim snaked its way through history. Some old but unknown philosopher said it and moderns repeat it. Many a young man or woman has been told: “know thyself.” Fast forward centuries to the Globe Theater on the south bank of the Thames River. One night, a play by the shining star of the stage, William Shakespeare, came to [...]
