Showing posts with label Alternative Reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alternative Reading. Show all posts
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Literary Rewind: Rich Fisher's Studio Tulsa Interview with Wendell Berry
In case you missed it, the acclaimed author Wendell Berry was in town last month to accept the Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award at the Tulsa City-County Library.
Berry is a Kentucky-based poet, novelist and essayist who has written extensively about the human connection to the land. His December talk at the library was standing room only, a sign of Berry's popularity among a cross-section of Tulsa-area readers.
Rich Fisher of Public Radio Tulsa interviewed Berry before his Tulsa appearance, an interview that is worth a second hearing. A link to the interview can be found here.
Berry is a Kentucky-based poet, novelist and essayist who has written extensively about the human connection to the land. His December talk at the library was standing room only, a sign of Berry's popularity among a cross-section of Tulsa-area readers.
Rich Fisher of Public Radio Tulsa interviewed Berry before his Tulsa appearance, an interview that is worth a second hearing. A link to the interview can be found here.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Reading Up on Wendell Berry, Winner of This Year's Helmerich Distinguished Author Award
Tulsa readers have an opportunity to meet acclaimed writer Wendell Berry at next month's Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award presented by the Tulsa City-County Library.
Berry is best known as an advocate of the natural world and the rural life, a topic of many of his poems, short stories, novels and nonfiction. A native of Kentucky, Berry lives and works a 125-acre farm in Port Royal, where his family has lived for many decades.
Berry's novels include Nathan Coulter, Jayber Crow, Hannah Coulter, and Andy Catlett: Early Travels, all set in the fictional Kentucky town of Port William.
Berry is also author of a new collection of stories, A Place in Time, which he read from and talked about yesterday on the Diane Rehm Show on NPR. You can find his NPR interview and more here.
As part of the Hermerich ceremonies, Berry will be speaking on Saturday, December 8, at 10:30 a.m. at the Central Library downtown. The public is invited.
Berry is best known as an advocate of the natural world and the rural life, a topic of many of his poems, short stories, novels and nonfiction. A native of Kentucky, Berry lives and works a 125-acre farm in Port Royal, where his family has lived for many decades.
Berry's novels include Nathan Coulter, Jayber Crow, Hannah Coulter, and Andy Catlett: Early Travels, all set in the fictional Kentucky town of Port William.
Berry is also author of a new collection of stories, A Place in Time, which he read from and talked about yesterday on the Diane Rehm Show on NPR. You can find his NPR interview and more here.
As part of the Hermerich ceremonies, Berry will be speaking on Saturday, December 8, at 10:30 a.m. at the Central Library downtown. The public is invited.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Bogus Drugs: Why We Need the Feds and their Pesky Rules
Those on-so-clever Tea Party types are always whining about government spending. We spend too much on all those unnecessary federal programs, they say.
Rep. Ron Paul, among others, wants to strip government back to the military and, well, not much else.
Of course, such cuts come at a price, one even the libertarian Cato Institute might not want to endorse.
Let's consider a recent Federal Drug Administration right here in Oklahoma. Turns out the FDA raided an Owasso business a few days ago for selling drugs that can cure cancer. (Right…and we've got this cool bridge in Brooklyn we can sell for cheap.)
According to the Tulsa World, the owner of the Owasso business was not a doctor, but she did administer something called OxyM, made, in part, of "black walnut green-hull extract."
That's right, Sooner fans, if people are desperate enough you can sell them just about anything.
Protecting the public from drug and medical scams is important. This isn't government waste and it isn't something the free market can regulate on its own.
The "government is the enemy" crowd doesn't want to hear it, but we need a lot the government we have. Among other things, it keeps the medical shysters in check.
Of course, such cuts come at a price, one even the libertarian Cato Institute might not want to endorse.
Let's consider a recent Federal Drug Administration right here in Oklahoma. Turns out the FDA raided an Owasso business a few days ago for selling drugs that can cure cancer. (Right…and we've got this cool bridge in Brooklyn we can sell for cheap.)
According to the Tulsa World, the owner of the Owasso business was not a doctor, but she did administer something called OxyM, made, in part, of "black walnut green-hull extract."
That's right, Sooner fans, if people are desperate enough you can sell them just about anything.
Protecting the public from drug and medical scams is important. This isn't government waste and it isn't something the free market can regulate on its own.
The "government is the enemy" crowd doesn't want to hear it, but we need a lot the government we have. Among other things, it keeps the medical shysters in check.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Manuscript of Woody Guthrie's 'Lost' Novel Turns Up in Tulsa University Library
We like this story—a small literary detective story that involves Tulsa.
More accurately, it involves a "lost" Woody Guthrie novel and the TU library, where a manuscript of the novel was recently discovered. Or rediscovered.
Arts writer James Watts of the Tulsa World reported the story and all its twists and turns. It's worth a read, and not just because Johnny Depp (really!) is part of the story.
Read it and learn more. The link is here.
More accurately, it involves a "lost" Woody Guthrie novel and the TU library, where a manuscript of the novel was recently discovered. Or rediscovered.
Arts writer James Watts of the Tulsa World reported the story and all its twists and turns. It's worth a read, and not just because Johnny Depp (really!) is part of the story.
Read it and learn more. The link is here.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Rick Santorum Joke of the Week
Comedian Jimmy Fallon on former Sen. Rick Santorum, winner of last month's Oklahoma Republican primary:
After dropping out of the GOP race, Rick Santorum emailed his supporters to ask for help paying off his campaign debt. So if you believe in his message of responsible spending and no handouts, just give him a handout to cover all his irresponsible spending.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Happy Birthday to One of the Greats: Novelist Charles Dickens at 200
In case you missed it, it's time to celebrate the 200th birthday of one of the greatest writers in the history the English language, Charles Dickens.
The author of David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, A Christmas Carol, and many other novels turns 200 today.
We admit that we haven't dipped into much Dickens lately, but we have enjoyed some recent BBC productions of his work, including Little Dorrit. Terrific stuff, by our lights.
Thankfully, too, NPR ran an appreciation of Dickens on "Morning Edition" this morning. The link is here.
The author of David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, A Christmas Carol, and many other novels turns 200 today.
We admit that we haven't dipped into much Dickens lately, but we have enjoyed some recent BBC productions of his work, including Little Dorrit. Terrific stuff, by our lights.
Thankfully, too, NPR ran an appreciation of Dickens on "Morning Edition" this morning. The link is here.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Reading Lives: Tulsan G.T. Bynum Loves Biographies
Tulsa City Council Chairman G.T. Bynum has been one of the few voices of reason at city hall in recent years. Some of his colleagues, as Tulsa voters know all too well, have been irrational hotheads.
We can't say for sure, but Bynum's thoughtful approach to politics may be due his habit of reading biographies, a habit described in a recent Tulsa World article.
Bynum told reporter Brian Barber that he got hooked on biographies as a schoolboy when his mother took him to the Yorktown Alley bookstore at Utica Square.
Over the years, Bynum said, he has read about 1,000 biographies, 40 or more a year. He keeps the books, so his study is overflowing with books. "It drives my wife nuts," he said.
We recount Bynum's book passion with admiration, since we too love books and the wisdom gathered in biographies, histories and other volumes.
Kudos to Bynum—and to the Tulsa World—for emphasizing books, reading and—heavens!—even learning something along the way. We wish more public people had this habit.
We can't say for sure, but Bynum's thoughtful approach to politics may be due his habit of reading biographies, a habit described in a recent Tulsa World article.
Bynum told reporter Brian Barber that he got hooked on biographies as a schoolboy when his mother took him to the Yorktown Alley bookstore at Utica Square.
Over the years, Bynum said, he has read about 1,000 biographies, 40 or more a year. He keeps the books, so his study is overflowing with books. "It drives my wife nuts," he said.
We recount Bynum's book passion with admiration, since we too love books and the wisdom gathered in biographies, histories and other volumes.
Kudos to Bynum—and to the Tulsa World—for emphasizing books, reading and—heavens!—even learning something along the way. We wish more public people had this habit.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Recommended Reading: Tracy Kidder's Inspiring 'Mountains Beyond Mountains'
Dr. Paul Farmer is not a household name. He should be.
As described by author Tracy Kidder in this 2003 book, Paul Farmer is "a man who would cure the world." If that sounds overstated, it's not—at least not if you read this inspiring book.
Farmer, we learn, is a highly dedicated—not to say obsessive—physician who has taken on chronic diseases in rural Haiti and other impoverished places. And, as Kidder makes clear, Farmer's efforts have paid off in the lives of thousands and thousands of individual patients.
Mountains beyond Mountains follows the life of Dr. Farmer from his unusual childhood in Florida through his anthropological and medical training at Duke and Harvard to his clinic-building efforts in the wilds of Haiti, a rugged place that gives the book its title.
The story that emerges is a moving portrait of a energetic and visionary man of medicine, a physician who cares deeply about the lives of each of his patients.
As we said, this is an inspiring story. Beyond the man himself, Kidder describes the work of Farmer's organization, Partners in Health, which started on a shoestring and is now a major force in international efforts to combat disease.
In this season of giving and good will toward men, AltTulsa recommends Kidder's book and its subject, Dr. Paul Farmer and Partners in Health. A link to their website is here.
As described by author Tracy Kidder in this 2003 book, Paul Farmer is "a man who would cure the world." If that sounds overstated, it's not—at least not if you read this inspiring book.
Farmer, we learn, is a highly dedicated—not to say obsessive—physician who has taken on chronic diseases in rural Haiti and other impoverished places. And, as Kidder makes clear, Farmer's efforts have paid off in the lives of thousands and thousands of individual patients.
Mountains beyond Mountains follows the life of Dr. Farmer from his unusual childhood in Florida through his anthropological and medical training at Duke and Harvard to his clinic-building efforts in the wilds of Haiti, a rugged place that gives the book its title.
The story that emerges is a moving portrait of a energetic and visionary man of medicine, a physician who cares deeply about the lives of each of his patients.
As we said, this is an inspiring story. Beyond the man himself, Kidder describes the work of Farmer's organization, Partners in Health, which started on a shoestring and is now a major force in international efforts to combat disease.
In this season of giving and good will toward men, AltTulsa recommends Kidder's book and its subject, Dr. Paul Farmer and Partners in Health. A link to their website is here.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
A Cain Postmortem: Will and Vanity Was Not Enough
A day after Herman Cain suspended his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination, it's worth taking stock of the Cain phenomenon.
Cain, a former CEO of Godfather's Pizza, was not a deep thinker or a particularly distinguished leader, yet he was—briefly—the rising star in the GOP firmament.
Some answers to the mystery of Herman Cain turned up this week in a prescient review of his book. This is Herman Cain! My Journey to the White House, by Michael Tomasky, published in the December 22 edition of The New York Review of Books.
One of Cain's favorite phrases, Tomasky writes, is "CEO of Self." That was (and still is) Cain's modus operandi, as in this quote from the book:
As a proud conservative, Cain explains his success in the private sector as the result of hard work. Tomasky correctly notes, however, that this is hardly a conservative view. Indeed, he writes, it applies to Barack Obama, Bill Cosby and Oprah Winfrey.
Beyond Cain's lack of self-awareness and huge gaps in his knowledge of public affairs, Tomasky also discovered another major weakness in Cain's character: vanity.
After reading Cain's book, Tomasky concludes the candidate was so convinced of the inevitability of his presidential success that he simply had to seal the deal.
Tomasky, recall, wrote this well before the most recent Cain scandal, charges by an Atlanta woman of a 13-year affair with the candidate. That report, along with several earlier charges of sexual harassment, put the final nails in Cain's coffin.
Unfortunately for Cain, his vanity long ago outstripped his ability. He was never as smart or as competent as he thought he was.
Cain, a former CEO of Godfather's Pizza, was not a deep thinker or a particularly distinguished leader, yet he was—briefly—the rising star in the GOP firmament.
Some answers to the mystery of Herman Cain turned up this week in a prescient review of his book. This is Herman Cain! My Journey to the White House, by Michael Tomasky, published in the December 22 edition of The New York Review of Books.
One of Cain's favorite phrases, Tomasky writes, is "CEO of Self." That was (and still is) Cain's modus operandi, as in this quote from the book:
Again, seeing myself as CEO of Self, I was determined not to fall into a comfort zone of letting other people, no matter how competent and well-meaning, make the decisions for me.In other words, Tomasky makes clear, Cain was (is) so confident in his own power and such a true believer in his own destiny that success—the White House!—was inevitable. Thus, Tomasky concludes, Cain had no "ground operation in New Hampshire because true CEOs of Self don't need things like ground operations. They exert their will and they win."
As a proud conservative, Cain explains his success in the private sector as the result of hard work. Tomasky correctly notes, however, that this is hardly a conservative view. Indeed, he writes, it applies to Barack Obama, Bill Cosby and Oprah Winfrey.
Beyond Cain's lack of self-awareness and huge gaps in his knowledge of public affairs, Tomasky also discovered another major weakness in Cain's character: vanity.
After reading Cain's book, Tomasky concludes the candidate was so convinced of the inevitability of his presidential success that he simply had to seal the deal.
Tomasky, recall, wrote this well before the most recent Cain scandal, charges by an Atlanta woman of a 13-year affair with the candidate. That report, along with several earlier charges of sexual harassment, put the final nails in Cain's coffin.
Unfortunately for Cain, his vanity long ago outstripped his ability. He was never as smart or as competent as he thought he was.
Recent Reading: Filmmaker Errol Morris' Observations of Photography, "Believing Is Seeing"
The AltTulsa gang has a serious interest in all things cultural, creative endeavors such as art, film, literature and the like.
So we were suckers for Errol Morris' new book, Believing Is Seeing (Observations on the Mysteries of Photography). Morris, after all, is a noted documentary filmmaker (The Thin Blue Line, The Fog of War) and MacArthur ("genius") award winner who is famously obsessive in his pursuit of the odd and the amazing.
In Seeing Is Believing, Morris writes about the more-complicated-than-you-would-expect meanings of photographs, focusing on a number of famous (or infamous) photos from the Crimean War to the Civil War and Abu Ghraib. (Remember the notorious photo of the hooded man, wires attached to his hands?)
The chapters, many of which include verbatim transcripts of Morris' interviews with various historians and photo buffs, raise important questions what is "real" in photographs. When the Depression-era photographer Authur Rothstein moved a cow skull in his documentation of the drought in North Dakota, for example, was that a "fake" photo?
The answer, as Morris tells it, is hardly straightforward. After all, there was an actual drought in North Dakota, as well as many cow skulls. So what, if anything, was fake about the image?
Believing Is Seeing is full of such conundrums, which is why it makes fascinating reading. We recommend the book, though with this caveat: Morris is so obsessive and relentless in his search for the truth, some readers may find the text tedious and off-putting.
For us, Morris' obsession was a small price to pay for a thoughtful meditation on images and the role they play in our lives and cultural history.
So we were suckers for Errol Morris' new book, Believing Is Seeing (Observations on the Mysteries of Photography). Morris, after all, is a noted documentary filmmaker (The Thin Blue Line, The Fog of War) and MacArthur ("genius") award winner who is famously obsessive in his pursuit of the odd and the amazing.
In Seeing Is Believing, Morris writes about the more-complicated-than-you-would-expect meanings of photographs, focusing on a number of famous (or infamous) photos from the Crimean War to the Civil War and Abu Ghraib. (Remember the notorious photo of the hooded man, wires attached to his hands?)
The chapters, many of which include verbatim transcripts of Morris' interviews with various historians and photo buffs, raise important questions what is "real" in photographs. When the Depression-era photographer Authur Rothstein moved a cow skull in his documentation of the drought in North Dakota, for example, was that a "fake" photo?
The answer, as Morris tells it, is hardly straightforward. After all, there was an actual drought in North Dakota, as well as many cow skulls. So what, if anything, was fake about the image?
Believing Is Seeing is full of such conundrums, which is why it makes fascinating reading. We recommend the book, though with this caveat: Morris is so obsessive and relentless in his search for the truth, some readers may find the text tedious and off-putting.
For us, Morris' obsession was a small price to pay for a thoughtful meditation on images and the role they play in our lives and cultural history.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Update: The Battle over Wind Farms in Osage County
Tulsa's This Land continues to provide in-depth coverage of interesting environmental and political topics, including the on-going legal battle over wind farm towers—let's call them windmills—proposed for neighboring Osage County.
A link to Holly Wall's Osage report is here: The Energy War in Osage County.
A link to Holly Wall's Osage report is here: The Energy War in Osage County.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Writer Ian Frazier Talks about Siberia (It's Amazing)
One of the country's best writer's, Ian Frazier, was in Tulsa last night promoting the paperback edition of his book Travels in Siberia.
Frazier, who writes for The New Yorker and has published several acclaimed books of literary journalism (as well as a couple of humor books), was a guest of Booksmart Tulsa (thank you, Jeff Martin) and The Land (thank you, Michael Mason).
We first came across Frazier's Great Plains some years ago and we were bowled over. Frazier is a fiercely intelligent reporter and his grasp of history, literature and culture and such is impressive and far-ranging.
Family, another Frazier book, makes memorable literature out of his own family history—a rather amazing feat that few writers could manage with as much grace and humor as Frazier. We were also impressed by On the Rez, Frazier's popular report on Native American history and culture.
If you missed Frazier's Tulsa visit, you can hear from from the man himself courtesy of "Studio Tulsa," the KWGS program hosted by Rich Fisher. A link to the KWGS audio is here: Ian Frazier and His "Travels in Siberia."
Frazier, who writes for The New Yorker and has published several acclaimed books of literary journalism (as well as a couple of humor books), was a guest of Booksmart Tulsa (thank you, Jeff Martin) and The Land (thank you, Michael Mason).
We first came across Frazier's Great Plains some years ago and we were bowled over. Frazier is a fiercely intelligent reporter and his grasp of history, literature and culture and such is impressive and far-ranging.
Family, another Frazier book, makes memorable literature out of his own family history—a rather amazing feat that few writers could manage with as much grace and humor as Frazier. We were also impressed by On the Rez, Frazier's popular report on Native American history and culture.
If you missed Frazier's Tulsa visit, you can hear from from the man himself courtesy of "Studio Tulsa," the KWGS program hosted by Rich Fisher. A link to the KWGS audio is here: Ian Frazier and His "Travels in Siberia."
Thursday, November 10, 2011
This Land Investigates: Plagiarism, Illustrated
Tulsa cartoonist David Simpson may be gone from the local media scene, but he's still making headlines.
But not in a good way.
No, Simpson is being investigated for more evidence of plagiarism, the very thing that has gotten him fired from the Tulsa World and, just last week, Urban Tulsa Weekly.
The details keep coming—and they aren't pretty. This Land has uncovered the evidence and posted the damning copies of the plagiarism on its website.
The link is here: Plagiarism, Illustrated.
But not in a good way.
No, Simpson is being investigated for more evidence of plagiarism, the very thing that has gotten him fired from the Tulsa World and, just last week, Urban Tulsa Weekly.
The details keep coming—and they aren't pretty. This Land has uncovered the evidence and posted the damning copies of the plagiarism on its website.
The link is here: Plagiarism, Illustrated.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
How 'bout those Texas Aggies? Oh, Wait. Never Mind
As all Texans know, there's nothing funnier than an Aggie joke. Take Rick Perry, for example— please!
With that in mind, let's review today's Texas A&M football performance.
Playing at home, the highly ranked Aggies were sure bets to whip the hapless Missouri Tigers. Gig 'em Aggies!
Oh wait, they lost? In overtime? Choked again? Really? You betcha!
Wow. Aggie losers. Again. Go Tigers!
With that in mind, let's review today's Texas A&M football performance.
Playing at home, the highly ranked Aggies were sure bets to whip the hapless Missouri Tigers. Gig 'em Aggies!
Oh wait, they lost? In overtime? Choked again? Really? You betcha!
Wow. Aggie losers. Again. Go Tigers!
Interesting New Study on the Health Benefits of Coffee
And now, for your edification, a story on the health benefits of coffee. Sounds a bit unlikely, to be sure. But read it and judge for yourself.
The story here: Can Coffee Save Your Life?
The story here: Can Coffee Save Your Life?
Monday, October 10, 2011
Author Jonathan Franzen Visits Tulsa Thursday
The AltTulsa gang likes to keep up with contemporary writers and their writing, so we are pleased to put in a plug today for novelist Jonathan Franzen. He will speak Thursday night at TU as part of the university's Presidential Lecture series.
The lecture is set for 7:30 p.m. at TU's new Lorton Performance Center.
We admit that we know Franzen more by reputation than by a deep reading of his work. Nevertheless, we have been impressed by the popular and critical acclaim that Franzen's work has garnered and we expect his public lecture to be enlightening and even provocative.
Here's some background on the author from the TU website:
The lecture is set for 7:30 p.m. at TU's new Lorton Performance Center.
We admit that we know Franzen more by reputation than by a deep reading of his work. Nevertheless, we have been impressed by the popular and critical acclaim that Franzen's work has garnered and we expect his public lecture to be enlightening and even provocative.
Here's some background on the author from the TU website:
Jonathan Franzen stepped into the international pop culture spotlight in 2001 when his book “The Corrections” was published, with translations in 35 languages, American hardcover sales of nearly 1 million copies and nominations for nearly every major book prize in the United States. As if sales and critical acclaim weren’t enough to boost his profile, the author found himself in a public relations imbroglio over his conflicted reaction to his novel’s endorsement by Oprah’s Book Club.
Franzen’s most recent novel is “Freedom” (2010). Writing in the New York Times Book Review, editor Sam Tanenhaus declared the work a “masterpiece of American fiction,” and “Freedom” debuted at No. 1 on the Times’ bestseller list. His short stories and his essays, including political journalism, have most recently appeared in The New Yorker, The Best American Essays, The New York Times, and The Guardian. A new collection of his nonfiction, “Farther Away,” will appear in 2012.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Writer and Filmmaker Miranda July: An Appreciation (and a Thanks to Tulsa's Circle Cinema)
Speaking of writers (see last post), AltTulsa wants to put in a good word for Miranda July, writer, filmmaker and actor.
We first encountered Ms. July some years ago when her film, Me and You and Everyone We Know, made a splash on the indy film circuit. It's an inventive, odd and engaging film—though not the sort that brings the masses to the mall cineplex.
Later, we were taken by her 2007 collection of short stories, No One Belongs Here More Than You. Although it's been years since we read the stories, we've never forgotten the hard beauty of her characters and their emotional lives. In a word, unforgettable.
We were reminded of Ms. July this week because Tulsa's art house, Circle Cinema, is playing her latest film, The Future. We saw it earlier this week and were charmed again, in part by the originality of the story—a quirky mediation on time—and in part by Ms. July's radiance on the screen. For a writer who is only part-time actor, Ms. July is remarkably convincing (and lovely) on the big screen.
Ms. July also appeared at the Circle this week via Skype, answering questions from the audience. She talked about her film and writing. Given the originality of her work, her answers provided insights into her creative process and, more importantly, her artistic vision.
There's more about Miranda July and The Future here.
We first encountered Ms. July some years ago when her film, Me and You and Everyone We Know, made a splash on the indy film circuit. It's an inventive, odd and engaging film—though not the sort that brings the masses to the mall cineplex.
Later, we were taken by her 2007 collection of short stories, No One Belongs Here More Than You. Although it's been years since we read the stories, we've never forgotten the hard beauty of her characters and their emotional lives. In a word, unforgettable.
We were reminded of Ms. July this week because Tulsa's art house, Circle Cinema, is playing her latest film, The Future. We saw it earlier this week and were charmed again, in part by the originality of the story—a quirky mediation on time—and in part by Ms. July's radiance on the screen. For a writer who is only part-time actor, Ms. July is remarkably convincing (and lovely) on the big screen.
Ms. July also appeared at the Circle this week via Skype, answering questions from the audience. She talked about her film and writing. Given the originality of her work, her answers provided insights into her creative process and, more importantly, her artistic vision.
There's more about Miranda July and The Future here.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Poet Billy Collins Reads his 9/11 Poem, 'The Names'
Billy Collins is an easy poet to like. He's often clever and his lines are simple enough for even us flat-footed types.
His poem, "The Names," isn't funny, nor should it be. It's dedicated to the victims of the September 11 attack and their survivors.
It's a moving tribute, especially if you let the words and ideas wash over you quietly.
The poem was read earlier today at the ceremony in New York City. A link to Collins' own reading of the poem is here.
His poem, "The Names," isn't funny, nor should it be. It's dedicated to the victims of the September 11 attack and their survivors.
It's a moving tribute, especially if you let the words and ideas wash over you quietly.
The poem was read earlier today at the ceremony in New York City. A link to Collins' own reading of the poem is here.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Recent Reading: Death and Heroism on the Forrestal, a Crippled Aircraft Carrier
The fire started when a rocket fired accidentally across the flight deck from one bomb-laden aircraft to another, spilling jet fuel over the deck.
Soon several 1,000 pound bombs were engulfed in flames and began "cooking off," explosions that blew huge holes in the deck and created a firestorm below decks as fuel poured in and spread the fire.
When the fire was finally extinguished, the USS Forrestal (CVA-59), the nation's first supercarrier, was a crippled warship. Worse, 134 men were dead.
This happened off the coast of Vietnam in 1967 and could have easily killed pilot John McCain, the future senator and presidential candidate. It was one of the worst naval disasters since World War II.
Author Gregory A. Freeman tells this story in his 2002 book, Sailors to the End. It's a moving story if not a happy one, packed with the gripping details of heroism under extraordinarily dangerous and uncertain conditions.
We think we have some understanding of this story, having served on the Forrestal some years after the disastrous fire. Reading Freeman's account brought back the memories of those days, when we watched in awe as the Forrestal launched and recovered aircraft with precision all day and night, in good weather and bad.
We knew the carrier was dangerous then, but until we read about the 1967 fire, we had no idea how dangerous it really was.
Freeman should also be commended for his identification of the safety and supply problems that led to this tragedy. In its zeal to deliver bigger bombs on North Vietnam, the Johnson Administration made crucial decisions that cost 134 sailors their lives.
This is a lesson worth remembering.
Note: For more on Freeman and his books, including Sailors, click here.
Soon several 1,000 pound bombs were engulfed in flames and began "cooking off," explosions that blew huge holes in the deck and created a firestorm below decks as fuel poured in and spread the fire.
When the fire was finally extinguished, the USS Forrestal (CVA-59), the nation's first supercarrier, was a crippled warship. Worse, 134 men were dead.
This happened off the coast of Vietnam in 1967 and could have easily killed pilot John McCain, the future senator and presidential candidate. It was one of the worst naval disasters since World War II.
Author Gregory A. Freeman tells this story in his 2002 book, Sailors to the End. It's a moving story if not a happy one, packed with the gripping details of heroism under extraordinarily dangerous and uncertain conditions.
We think we have some understanding of this story, having served on the Forrestal some years after the disastrous fire. Reading Freeman's account brought back the memories of those days, when we watched in awe as the Forrestal launched and recovered aircraft with precision all day and night, in good weather and bad.
We knew the carrier was dangerous then, but until we read about the 1967 fire, we had no idea how dangerous it really was.
Freeman should also be commended for his identification of the safety and supply problems that led to this tragedy. In its zeal to deliver bigger bombs on North Vietnam, the Johnson Administration made crucial decisions that cost 134 sailors their lives.
This is a lesson worth remembering.
Note: For more on Freeman and his books, including Sailors, click here.
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