A recent news report told about a reformed Skinhead who volunteers his time telling high school students about prejudice and extremism. “We live in a world that is very complicated,” he begins. “Extremists want their world made simple. It insulates them from the truth… from reality.” This wish for simplicity has parallels elsewhere. In the rust … More The Anatomy of Prejudice
My friend James Murray, a fellow author and editor from San Antonio, Texas, posted the following New Year’s greeting on his website. It’s exceptional! I would not presume to attempt saying it any better… MY WISH FOR YOU IN THE NEW YEAR May peace break into your home; May thieves steal your debts; May … More Happy New Year!
To swim with dolphins. That’s all 15-year-old Tamara wanted to get from her family’s four-week visit to Australia. Tam had learned about these highly intelligent sea mammals in her ninth grade biology class. She fell in love with them. Tam felt that swimming with dolphins was reasonable compensation. After all, she had to endure long hours of … More The Dolphins at Monkey Mia
Special thanks to CBC Radio for an interview that resurrected this little known story about the origins of Winnie-the-Pooh. Here’s a summary. Winnie-the-Pooh was born in Canada! Well, sort of. It all began in 1914. The First World War was underway in Europe. The Canadian Army was in desperate need of trained personnel to care … More Winnie-the-Pooh: The Forgotten Connection
The elderly woman walked up and took the book from my hand. “Is that you?” she asked, pointing to the back cover. Her eyes sparkled with intelligent energy. “Yes, Miss,” I replied brightly. At the word ‘Miss’ she flashed a mischievous look my way. The woman was 80 if a day. That goofy sense of … More ‘Is That You?’
Good news is scarce in today’s world. It’s heartwarming when stories like this emerge from otherwise horrendous events. It was written by an American flight attendant who was aboard Delta Flight 15 on September 11, 2001. The story has been authenticated by Snopes and is just too good not to share as we approach the 15th anniversary of 9/11 and those … More Worth Sharing
The boy was close to tears as he climbed down from the golf cart parked next to the pro shop. Bobby noticed the youngster’s distress and walked over. The boy was dressed for golf: shoes, shirt, glove… the whole enchilada. “Are you okay?” Bobby said. The boy didn’t answer. His cobalt blue eyes were filling; his … More Sad Story, Happy Ending
We’ve all seen news reports of people getting death threats. Have you wondered what it’s like? Here’s one family’s experience. The names are fictitious; the events are not. “A man called my home and threatened to kill my family, your honor. That made it personal… very personal.” Barry Lawson was testifying at the trial of a man … More Anatomy of a Death Threat
We’d moved from the country. Out there most kids by 12 were driving around on their farms… driving tractors, for sure, and even cars. I did. So did my older sister. Farmers needed help from kids big enough to drive a tractor. Being ‘big enough’ was defined as: can your feet reach the pedals? Wood booster … More The Driver’s License
I’m pleased to tell you the story below has just been accepted for an anthology to be published in June. It’s a love story, a very personal one. Hope you like it. * He saw her name on the sign-up sheet. His heart raced. It had been like that ever since he’d seen her for the first time. … More Curling Up On Their First Date
James Osborne Novels 