By Gary Topping– As I have been writing on this blog recently, I spent the winter of 1959-60 studying at the U.S. Navy School of Music in Washington, D.C. I…
By Michael Patrick O’Brien– Many Christians either forget all about Advent or confuse it with Christmas. However, as my Iowa Trappist monk friends always remind me, “Advent and Christmas are…
Jathan Janove Interview of Israeli Deputy Consul General Matan Zamir: What’s Happening in the Middle East?
1 By Jathan Janove (Guest Contributor)– As the world knows, the Middle East is currently in a state of great turmoil. I’m fortunate to be able to ask questions of Matan…
By Michael Patrick O’Brien– I’ve done my share of waiting. Gratefully, some of it I’ve done with my friend and literary agent Jospeh Durepos. A few years ago, Joe—initially just…
By Michael Patrick O’Brien– Wrestling with a myth is both an enlightening and difficult endeavor. Enlightening because almost always, the myth is not quite as idyllic as it sounds. Difficult…
By Gary Topping– In which I continue my reminiscences of some of the lighter moments playing in the U.S. Naval Training Center band in San Diego, 1960-62. . . .…
By Greg Telesco (guest contributor)– As I begin writing, peering out the window of my 2nd floor room, the Oregon rain this time of year soothes me as I reflect…
By Michael Patrick O’Brien– Somehow by accident, coincidence of birth, or other strange circumstance, I developed an emotional connection with an historical figure I’ve never met. His name is John…
By Michael Patrick O’Brien– The century-old New York Times headline─ “Marry in Haste in War”─ jolted me out of the daze of a late night online genealogy research session. The…
By Gary Topping– Reminiscing recently about playing the Las Vegas trombone concerts has gotten me musing over the rest of my musical career, particularly as a Navy musician. For an…