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Ars Longa, Vita Brevis

As a child who grew up reading the light humor of S. J. Perelmam and James Thurber, I worshipped at the altar of Art Buchwald. I didn't know it at the time, but, looking back on it, he taught me a tremendous amount about the importance of voice. If the practice truly is treacherous, well, Buchwald certainly made it look easy.

Oh my gosh, how on earth did anybody ever manage to be so consistently funny on a twice a week deadline? When I was growing up, receiving Buchwald's annual collection of columns was as much a part of Christmas for me as getting the new Beatles album.

Buchwald…

Writing Out Loud

Good morning, _____.
Thank you so much for following the show blog. My goodness, these shows are such great work. Writing, in general, you know, is a kind of solitary activity. I think that's partly why I've been drawn to it; I'm a kind of solitary guy. But this team-effort show-blogging stuff is not solitary at all. The entire process runs opposite to what I normally think of writing and to how I approach writing. By the end — actually, almost right from the start — I am feeling completely drained.

These shows leave me feeling a bit behind — more behind than usual, that is —…

Rule #1 for Peaceful Coexistence

Never go to sleep mad at one another.

No, <I>You</I> Apologize

"I was here first," grouses Bagheera.

"Were not," ripostes Huckleberry.

"Was so."

"Nah unh!"

And so we pass the day.

Remembering Michael Brecker

This video is making the rounds of the internets. It's a good way to remember a player who got far less respect than he deserved.

Venom Soup

As history goes, the U.S.A. is weird shape these days. But not all is lost. Yeah, we got our shit: the war in Iraq, a warped, unconnected, hilariously inarticulate jackass for a president, a porous border with Mexico (oh wait, the republicans billion dollar fence will solve that). But just when it looks like it's all sliding down a rat hole it's good to remember that hey, we still got Ted Nugent. U!S!A!U!S!A!U!S!A!

That's right "The Nuge," as he's known among those who suspect he's a cartoon come to life—and truly what other choice is there?— once made poor man's Stooges music with the…

Philosophical Ruminations and Direct Imperatives

Steven Pinker has some interesting thoughts about language and the brain, but 'm linking to this article mostly because I can't resist its headline.

Southside Johnny Still Has it

Over at Living In Stereo, Steve Messick argues that Southside Johnny has been making the records of his career over the last six years. Forced to tour without his legendary Southside Jukes largish band, Johnny and guitarist Bobby Bandiera have stripped down his R&B sound to its blues skeleton, Messick says.

Messick posts three examples that make his case, including a cover of Tom Waits' "Gin Soaked Boy" that chillingly channels Howlin' Wolf.

Understanding Bat Aerodynamics

You think the evolutionary path from glider to flier was simple? Think again.

Classic

We've returned from the madness of Las Vegas construction, traffic, jackpot buzzers, and cigarette smoke [— No offense, Buddha. I'm just saying. &#151] to land in the middle of an office move. We've landed! Make sure to gather all your belongings. Though the move spans only three floors, transforming our old nine into a new six, it still comes with the usual disarray. I hate disarray. Can anyone tell me where the fax machine is? And when is my wall going to be completed? Is that huge sheet of glass going to drop on my head? Oh, and a door would be nice. Yes, a door.…