It has been a long time since I posted. I’m editing my newest novel, and don’t spend much time noodling around the computer, and as you know by now, I’m not very attuned to marketing, so I’ve neglected my site. But I’ve been reading a lot, and three recent books have gotten me thinking.  I’ve…

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Today I read a post on social media that referenced a printed quote from a male physician that sounded misogynistic about the work ethic of female physicians. There were an avalanche of comments from readers who called for the physician’s ruin. I was reminded immediately of the Chicago Cubs’ fan who was captured apparently taking…

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Not too long ago, I wrote a blog about how music can grab the members of the band when things are going well. This week, I was reminded of what music often does to those who are listening. First, some context, and maybe even a bit of marketing. On July 4th, the band I play…

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Since early spring, I’ve been keeping company with the work of some great writers. I began in early April by re-reading one of the great novels ever written (in my opinion)—Philip Roth’s Everyman. This meditation on aging and death was as rewarding the second time as it had been back when it was new. I…

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My class at University of Texas at Dallas ended a couple of weeks ago. I’ve just finished reading all the final papers and posting the final grades. Since the Honors College has been kind enough to ask me to teach again next spring, I will soon begin thinking about revising the syllabus, adding or subtracting…

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The band that I play in—The April First Band—played a gig yesterday. It was a brunch benefit for a community nonprofit in Denton, Texas, a great music town that we’ve played once before. It is always a privilege to play in Denton, and especially nice to do a benefit for a worthy cause. And, given…

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Last weekend, I departed on a trip that combined work with play, although the use of the word “work” is a stretch. I was returning to my alma mater, the University of Virginia, to deliver two lectures, so I guess I was working, but I take so much pleasure in talking with students about the…

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I thought I was back, but apparently, I wasn’t. At the new year, after a fairly long break, I thought I’d return to somewhat regular blogging, but it hasn’t happened, and there must have been reasons for that. I’ve kept up my resolution, recording daily how I’m doing with eating, exercise, gratitude, generosity, compassion, and…

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I love New Year. Not New Year’s Eve, I outgrew that long ago, and now struggle to stay awake until the Times Square ball drops, one time zone ahead of me. No, I like the sense of renewal that New Year’s brings. I make resolutions, and like nearly everyone, find them very difficult to keep. …

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I have received several kind queries lately, asking about my absence from this site as well as from social media. There are several reasons for that, including my belief that publishing the mundane aspects of one’s life are not only of limited interest, but could be construed as arrogance, as if my life were so…

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