September 21 – On This Day Benedict Arnold committed treason (that was wrong back in the day) He felt he had a pretty good reason: “Theater” shouldn’t be spelled that way Burgundy changes sides in the “Hundred Years’ War”: “It’s been eighty years, let’s try a new plan!” Some must have forgotten what they were … Read More
September 15 – On This Day It’s the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows Mary’s sacred day for Christians But since the morning when the Czar rose Our Lady is Hillary Clinton The first public school is founded in Europe Society starts a new chapter Unexpected expenses are bound to turn up; the first bake … Read More
Walter Becker 1950-2017 Pop music had a void to be filled, so these two boys had a hunch: First, name their band after the dildo from William Burroughs’s Naked Lunch (some bands come apart right at the start before unpacking their guitars Some want bizarre, some want art Other just want “The Cars”) Second, make … Read More
John Abercrombie 1944-2017 My guess is that the Philadelphia Spectrum Has had throughout the years Many who have asked the simple question: “What am I doing here?” Granted most doing the asking Were lost in drug-dazzled delusion But at least one was carefully crafting His part in rock- jazz fusion Abercrombie was just getting some … Read More
Sonny Burgess 1929-2017 He played frantic, jangling guitar One of the most electrifying stars In the Sun Records galaxy in Memphis He fell, met mortality and left us He played lead with full-tilt loco Growled and shrieked a manic vocal Though crowds went crazy as he tore it apart He and The Pacers never made … Read More
Marian C. Diamond 1926-2017 Acetylcholinesterase. It’s good to have a lot if you are wending through a maze as a rat (or not – I go down dead-end lanes though I’ve been that way before That enzyme of the brain? I could use a little more) Acetylcholinesterase. It’s fortunate we got it Without it we … Read More
Dr. Ruth Pfau 1929-2017 I’m a pretty thoughtful guy Let me give you an example Recently a friend baked a pie And offered me a sample The taste was gray and ghastly Pathetic and pernicious “How is it?” he asked me I said it was delicious My integrity suffered I now labor … Read More
Glen Campbell 1936-2017 He said the secret is clear for an unhappy life: About every three years find a new wife Say “I do” to your honey and as she repeats it Say adieu to your money, ‘cause she gonna keep it As foolish at romance as he was adept with frets He got … Read More