Author Archives: Jim

A Brand New Reading – October 19!

I had intended my first post after reconstruction of my blog (it was vandalized by hackers) to be about something esoteric and intellectual — books, for example. And Lord knows I’ve read some good books in the last few months: … Continue reading

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GORILLAS IN THE MIST, OR HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT

A shade over ten years ago, in a study concocted by Christopher Chabris and Daniel Simons, which has come to be known as “The Invisible Gorilla,” subjects were shown a video of two teams, one dressed in white and one … Continue reading

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AN ACCIDENTAL ENCOUNTER WITH A SNIPPET OF SCIENCE

Ever wonder why you get colder when the wind blows? We walk around every day inside a media bubble eagerly prattling on  about the “wind-chill” factor.  That certainly seems a bona fide blessing when it comes to the question of … Continue reading

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SNIPPETS: FROM TWO FAMOUS WRITERS AND ME

# 1:  Richard Powers Richard Powers’ Generosity is a wonderful work of fiction.  The man is a genius; he knows so bloody much it boggles the mind.  Not only can he structure a book so it moves ineluctably toward a … Continue reading

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CONVERSATIONS WITH A BRILLIANT AUTHOR

Richard Powers is such a brilliant writer he can get you arguing with his characters!  In the novel Generosity, he describes the weltanschaung of the parents of Tonia Schiff: “Both Vice-consul Schiff and his beloved doctor wife felt something hopelessly … Continue reading

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A NEW YEAR BEGINS WITH A NEW READING AT CORNELIA STREET

Wow!  The dawn of a new decade brings with it a sudden realization!  It’s been almost a year since I gave a reading at the Cornelia Street Cafe! That drought will end on January 25th and I invite everyone within … Continue reading

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FATE, LUCK OR FORTITUDE: A BRILLIANT CAREER

Shortly after the Second World War a young European arrives in New York City.  His English is pretty imperfect, but he needs a job.  After employment agencies turn him down, a friend helps him compose two ads for the New … Continue reading

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NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP; ROTH TAKES ON DEATH

I only just now read Everyman by Philip Roth. I finished it about half an hour ago, laid it down, picked it up again and began reading once more from the beginning – the graveside scene – finally sighing and … Continue reading

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TRAINING THE EYE BY NARROWING THE VISION

I came across a marvelous burst of wisdom today, penned by the photographer Dorothea Lange. These words were used as the touchstone for an impressive poem called “Aperture” by David Moolten: The camera . . . teaches people how to … Continue reading

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AN OLD POEM BRINGS A WELCOME SURPRISE

I came across an old poem of mine recently while trying to decide what books to give up and what to keep, and rather liked it, so I thought I would share it with you.  It’s rare enough to be … Continue reading

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