2004 Entries
2003 Entries
2002 Entries

2002-11-27 - 5:45 a.m.

There are a lot of things in life I like, and I know why and can explain why I like those things. Some other things I like aren't as easily explained. In fact, try as I might, I don't know why I like some of them.

True crime novels have always ranked near the top of my preferred reading list. These days I'm not as zealous about them, but some years ago my library was inundated with books by Thomas Thompson, Jack Olson, Joe McGinniss, Jerry Bledsoe and Ann Rule and others. Other than considering Thomas Thompson and Ann Rule two of the better writers of the late 20th century, I really don't know why I was a glutton for these nonfiction novels.

The same is true for the criminal justice and true crime shows featured on the A&E Television Network. I'm intrigued by American Justice, Cold Case Files and Investigative Reports, and many of the network's two-hour documentary features. Maybe my television viewing choices are a spin-off from my preference for true crime novels and mystery fiction. Whatever the motivation, I'm a semi-regular viewer.

A&E's City Confidential is a must see. I'm interested in the story being told, but what I really like is what's going on behind the scenes. I like the voice of Paul Winfield, series narrator, but damned if I know why! Realizing I was drawn to his voice, I was so intent on trying to analyze just what it was about his voice I liked--or what nutty new quirk I'd acquired--that I missed the gist of one evening’s broadcast.

The same is true of Denzel Washington's voice. It turns me on. Don't know why, don't care why. I just have this love affair going on with his voice. It doesn't matter that he's been billed as one of the world's most intense actors, the kind to always leave an impression on audiences with his performances, what I care about is listening to him.

Another series on A&E's menu I try to never miss is Saturday night's showing of old Columbo reruns. It's the only one of the three or four in the Murders To Die For series I care anything about. The shows originated in the 70s, 80s and 90s, and I've seen all of them before, sometimes twice, but I look forward to seeing them again. The scripts are patent formula scripts, Columbo's "Oh, there is one more thing" is predictable, and the old mystery show lacks the flash and pizzazz, the splattering blood and guts of today's docket of suspense and murder movies. But, despite not really knowing why, I like it.

Laughter is spirited and jolly and exhilarating, and I like it.

My college buddy G has a great wail of a laugh. It begins as a kind of high pitched, squealing "Ahhhhhhh," then she throws her entire self into it and it becomes a runaway freight train. She's generous with it and it becomes infectious.

DixieMae also has a big brimming, contagious laugh. She has a way of getting herself into some damn fine predicaments, and her greatest humor is laughing at her self.

A friend I've never seen and only actually talked to twice has a wonderful spontaneous, open laugh. Maybe it's the underlying southern inflection rolling through the laugh that makes it the most beautiful laugh I've ever heard. Warm and genuine and evoking a smile.

I know why I like the laughter. It makes me feel good. But it beats the hell outta me why some of those other things are on my list.

Previous -- Next