The Late, Great Johnny Ace John Lennon was 40 when he was killed; that murder took place 40 years ago today. Walter posted beautifully earlier about Lennon, but I figured if there were an artist worthy of two posts, it was, as Paul Simon called him, “The Late, Great Johnny Ace.” I spent most ofContinue reading “The Witty One”
Author Archives: Jack Canfora
A HALMARK XMAS GREAT GATSBY
Everything changes at the holidays. Even seminal works of literature.
Author Interview: Amy Long
one of the really freeing things about nonfiction for me is that I can say “I don’t know. I don’t remember.” I love that. I value honesty a lot, which is I think what allows me to bypass that “I don’t want people to know this” filter, so the ability to admit that I’m not sure if X happened in Y way or Z way is really more about honesty than my stoner memory.
2020: THE INTERVIEW
Recently, I had the chance to sit down with the year 2020. We talked about 2020’s accomplishments, its regrets, its future, and what it might have up its sleeve its last 6 weeks. Q: 2020, welcome. 2020: Thank you, Jack. Glad to be here. And by here, I mean in 2020. So I guess I’mContinue reading “2020: THE INTERVIEW”
My 10 Iron-Clad Rules For Writing
There is no magical formula.
President-Election Biden
Personally, Biden wasn’t my first choice for president, based on policy issues. But, as I repeatedly argued during the primaries with many of my younger friends, Biden stood the best chance of uniting the country. I still believe that. People smarter than I am will be able to analyze this better, but I believe deeplyContinue reading “President-Election Biden”
You’re Not Alone In Feeling Alone
“Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.” – The Talmud
Depression/Despair: 2020’s Prom Theme
I think the good people out number the bad. I believe why the forces of hate and disenfranchisement have been screaming louder than ever: they can hear the evolutionary tock clicking, even if they don’t believe in evolution. Or even clocks.
John Lennon: A Brilliant & Troubled Icon
How To Pay Tribute To A Man You’ve Never Met, Yet Managed To Save Your Life Anyway, While Still Acknowledging His Flaws. I doubt I’d be here without the Beatles. I don’t mean I’d be dead (though I don’t discount that possibility), I mean I wouldn’t be me. The Beatles are among that most exclusiveContinue reading “John Lennon: A Brilliant & Troubled Icon”
Writing’s An Act Of Hope. Got Any?
…for the first time in a while, hope has gained a toehold, too. And really, sometimes, that’s all the room hope truly needs. It energizes and inspires, it activates imagination and shores up courage. It gives stamina and takes heart.