Big Iron

Here is a photo taken at the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad yard. It’s of a massive steam engine that is undergoing a complete rebuild.

I wrote a short story called, Big Iron Holiday. In it, two friends (Ellsworth Botcher and Ned Fry) reunite after the end of the First World War. One is a railroad superintendent, the other is a pilot. I intend to use this short story as the basis for a novel titled simply Big Iron. The novel will follow these two characters and their lives as the United States evolves through the boomtimes of the 1920’s, the Great Depression, and the lead-up to D-Day. There will be some other characters, too, ranging from Hollywood stars to the men who kept the railroads running through all types of conditions.

As readers of this blog know, I like long books. Big Iron will be a long book. It is my hope that it will run more than 750 pages. Good characters, like the ones I have in mind, should easily be able to carry it that far.

What’s your favorite long book?

Published in: on October 31, 2008 at 12:25 am  Leave a Comment  
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Chris Botti, Master Musician

Over the past several years, I’ve had the pleasure of attending many Chris Botti concerts. I’ve seen him play small jazz clubs and in huge arenas with Sting. The man knows how to play a trumpet (another great understatement of this blog). Most recently, we ran into each other at the Ram’s Head in Annapolis, MD.

That’s him on the left. I’m the knucklehead on the right. Anyway, Chris has a sound all his own. His original works vary from punchy to subtle, giving him an opportunity to show his vast range of talent. He’s also a nice guy who takes the time to meet his fans, sign CD’s, and have a few words with those who attend his shows. Thus, he’s a real professional who deserves all the accolades he gets. Play on!

Published in: on October 23, 2008 at 1:40 pm  Leave a Comment  
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What Goes UP…..

What goes up may come down and go up and down many times. Of course, I’m talking about the stock market. Be careful out there. Don’t panic. Have discipline and goals.

Published in: on October 13, 2008 at 9:18 pm  Leave a Comment  
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A Sense of Perspective

Times like these require a sense of perspective. On a lighter note, let’s talk about some artful perspective as seen at Rockefeller Center, New York City. For years, I’ve been looking up at this painting, which is on the ceiling of the main lobby.

The painter brilliantly used shadows on both sides so that no matter where you stand, it appears that you are looking up into the funnel. The figure holding the massive scales seems to shift his weight from one leg to the other as you walk across the lobby. Those taking a tour of NBC or Rockefeller Center are given an explanation of this. I always take guests to see it and the other paintings that are found of the walls in this area.

So, when things are going crazy, don’t forget that they’ve been crazy before and keep looking up. You never know what you’ll see.

Published in: on October 3, 2008 at 2:08 pm  Leave a Comment  
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