Bright Moments vs. The Dying of the Light*
Sean MurphyI. L’amour de l’art fait perdre l’amour vrai. Or, the love of art makes one lose real love (attributed to Richepin). As quoted by Vincent Van Gogh in one his…
Songs Of Freedom
On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, I had a few things on my mind. Fortunately, I can take a nap because the ever-reliable and brilliant…
Interpolating A Poem: As Opposed To Prayer*
I. Nervous and unnerved this evening, alone: Searching for solace, something not unlike prayer, A hope that the past will not repeat itself, Progress: a preemptive strike, this procedure (They…
This Family’s Story: The Beginning of the End*
I didn't need a doctor to tell me that it was over. On the way to no longer being, a person suffering from a terminal disease, like cancer, ceases to…
Ali Farka Touré’s Finished Business (Revisited)
Great news from Nonesuch Records (Via FB): Nonesuch Records Congratulations to Toumani Diabate and the late Ali Farka Toure, winners of the Grammy Award for Best Traditional World Music Album…
On Hockey, Hooligans, Soccer and The Death of a Clown
After my post yesterday, "Back To The Future With Old Time Hockey?", wherein I acknowledged --and celebrated-- the recent trend of accountability and team-toughness in our most misunderstood sport, it…
Back To The Future With Old Time Hockey?
I'm not sure what is going on here, but I like it. The biggest beating that has occurred in hockey the last two decades has involved its popularity. Always the neglected…
In Praise of Porn…Music: A Primer on Obscure Italian (and German) Soundtrack Bliss
This story begins, as so many of them do, with porn. Sort of. Back in 2004, my boy Serf came back from a trip to Thailand with a treasure trove…
The Power of Magical Thinking: Reflections on Reagan
Part One: Fact The fortieth president turns 100 and a religious cult (also known as the Republican Party) can't name buildings after him quickly enough. Is there room for Reagan…
When I have fears that I may cease to be…*
I. Til Love and Fame to nothingness do sink When I have fears that I may cease to be Before my pen has glean’d my teeming brain, Before high piled…