Author Archives: Stephen Futterer

“Amer-biguity”

There’s a stillness and withholding in this scene that, for me, fondly recalls Edward Hopper. But note also the gentle breeze ruffling our national flag. It’s sunny but not exactly warm out there somewhere in America’s heartland. The house’s interior signals absence and the barren tree suggests the season’s end. There’s a lone soul onContinue reading ““Amer-biguity””

“Advance Directives (Eternal Bliss)”

There will come the day, On this I am resigned, When anyone who’s known us Themselves are lost to time It’s the run, alas, of all things As sand forsakes the stone The scattering of legacies In dust that once was bone When finally I’m bidden Forgive me one last crime Gobsmacking for the mournersContinue reading ““Advance Directives (Eternal Bliss)””

“A Matter of Perspective”

I have a theory. I’m still working it out, but here goes. It’s actually two related theories or perhaps simply flip-sides of the same notion. The first is that while the human mind can become enthralled with things that are large and/or vast, it often quickly short-circuits. Think of the Grand Canyon. Okay, now what?…Continue reading ““A Matter of Perspective””

“Trivialities”

It begins with “The Bear.” I get it that some people just don’t get it. Yet, at least. Fine. I quit “Mad Men” after two episodes before later discovering the layered complexity and its occasional pure joy — such as the wonderful song and dance homage bit done by Robert Morse after the death ofContinue reading ““Trivialities””

“Mad Men and Troubadours”

The peripatetic life of the journeyman folksinger has seen our man Tommy Treacle wearing sundry musical hats. From his bid to write horror-movie themes to reworking heavy metal songs into folk ballads to a foray into political tunes, he has generally eschewed the conventions of the touring troubadour. While he’s seen his share of diveContinue reading ““Mad Men and Troubadours””