4 days agoMember-onlyThe Power of the MezuzahThe word mezuzah in Hebrew means “doorpost.” It refers to an ornamental case affixed to the right door frame on Jewish homes. Jewish families mark their houses in fulfillment of a commandment appearing twice in the Torah that prayers should be written “upon the doorposts of your house and upon…Mezuzah4 min readMezuzah4 min read
Published inRiverRhythms·May 12Member-onlyAre Musicians Prone To Suicide?I was recently struck by how many of my favorite musicians are suicides. Elliott Smith, Kurt Cobain, Jeff Hanson, Nick Drake, Donny Hathaway, Mac Miller, Dolores O’Riordan (Cranberries), Scott Hutchison (Frightened Rabbit), Mark Linkous (Sparklehorse), Michael Hutchence (INXS). There were singers who drank themselves to death (Jason Molina, Billie Holiday)…Music6 min readMusic6 min read
May 2Member-onlyShane and the Burger DiseaseIn the late 80’s, I worked as a television writer for Cartrends on the Financial News Network (now defunct). The show offered automotive reviews, segments about classic cars and interviews with industry personalities. I was paired with a producer named Shane. He was a tall, former college football player from…First Date11 min readFirst Date11 min read
Published inBuzzer Beater·Apr 22Member-onlyThe NBA’s Injury ProblemThe NBA Playoffs are upon us and once again the stars are dropping like flies. Wounded warriors include likely MVP Joel Embiid, the league’s most exciting player Ja Morant, the best overall player Giannis Antetokounmpo and two-time champion Kawhi Leonard. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are playing despite serious foot…NBA3 min readNBA3 min read
Published inRiverRhythms·Apr 19Member-onlyWhen Music Festivals MatteredI recently won two tickets to Coachella 2023 for donating to KCRW radio in Los Angeles. I asked if I could take the financial equivalent instead. The guy on the phone was confused. “You don’t want to go to Coachella?” “I’d rather stick a needle up my ass,” I told…Music4 min readMusic4 min read
Published inRiverRhythms·Apr 15Member-onlyMaking Music to Cope With TragedyOn September 11, 2001, Berry Berenson-Perkins was heading home to Los Angeles on American Airlines Flight 11. She was among the 92 passengers and crew who died when the plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Berenson-Perkins was an actress, model and photographer. …Music5 min readMusic5 min read
Apr 8Member-onlyThe Attempted Assassination of Theodore RooseveltOn the evening of October 14, 1912, Theodore Roosevelt prepared to give a speech in Milwaukee. He was trying to regain the presidency as a candidate for the newly formed Bull Moose Party. He was exhausted from the long and brutal campaign and his voice was nearly gone. Against the…Theodore Roosevelt4 min readTheodore Roosevelt4 min read
Apr 4Member-onlyThe Anguish of the Suburban Ice Cream ManOur ice cream man’s name was Mac. He was a stocky ex-marine with a spiky crew cut and aviator sunglasses that hid his eyes. His truck had a Nixon for President sticker on the back bumper and the music box played “Hail to the Chief.” Mac was surly and impatient…Childhood5 min readChildhood5 min read
Published inPicture Palace·Apr 3Member-onlyCary Grant’s LSD ObsessionBetsy Drake was a successful New York stage actress who moved to Los Angeles at the urging of boyfriend Cary Grant. In 1948, she starred opposite Grant in her first film Every Girl Should Be Married. She and Grant married the following year. It was her first marriage and Grant’s…Cary Grant5 min readCary Grant5 min read
Apr 1Member-onlyWhen Your Doppelgänger DiesI met Aaron in the third grade. We were playing dodge ball at school when I noticed a frail, mousy kid cowering behind Jenny Lichtman. He looked just like me. …Childhood6 min readChildhood6 min read
