Alice and I stood with Caitlin and her boyfriend at a music festival along the Chattanooga River. The lights came on, a church-sounding organ began, and a man’s voice filled...
Editor’s note: A few years ago, I featured Shakey Graves playing “Roll Them Bones” because I enjoyed the song but was also fascinated by the idea of a one-man...
Editor’s note: A recent book review cited Mr. Camilleri as one of the greatest mystery writers of our times. I love mysteries, so having never heard of Camilleri I...
Our mother called humor “medicine for the soul”. My brother, Terry, easily the funniest McCarthy, is currently in hospice and I overheard this exchange while the nurses were working...
Since I began delivering newspapers at age 10, I’ve spent time every morning consuming the day’s news. Then, a few years ago I started to notice that I was...
Editor’s note: Continuing on this month’s theme, here’s my current favorite singer in a soulful tune about change. Favorite lyric: “Tracing an old pattern Drawing the lines from where I...
A teenager brings her new boyfriend home to meet her parents. They’re appalled by his haircut, his tattoos, his piercings. Later, the girl’s mom says, “Dear, he doesn’t seem to...
What is music’s role in your life? Reflect for a moment; enjoy the rumination. For most, there are songs and artists who played in the background of some...
Editor’s note: Simply haunting. I now understand why it became a 20th century classic. Like fine art, it invites interpretation, one of which is that Camus created a commentary on...
Editor’s note: I’ve been enjoying these lads from Athens, Ohio, for a few years now and still I find another and another song that strikes me both for its...
What books changed how you think? The list below is a small but significant sample of the ones that have changed mine. The Bible , Old Testament; New Testament...
Editor’s comment: I read this because the Times book review called it a “brilliant literary puzzle about…the warping force of wealth”. They did not understate it as I...
For me, quotes are collections of words that make me think. Whether famous or just from friends and family, my favorites cause behavior changes. Below are from the...
The youngest of our three, Caitlin, and I have talked many times about the effects of watching our older siblings as we grow up. I had four sisters and four...