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December 22, 2015 In Book review, Memphis Flyer By Richard J. Alley

Remembering Franny and Zooey and Jim

Wrapping paper. Sugar-sweet carols. Televised cartoon specials. Noise-making toys. Tinsel everywhere. I have four children, so this is how my Christmases have looked and sounded for the past 17 years. And that’s great. This is just how it should be — loud and colorful and joyful.

But I need my alone time, so every year I’ve managed to carve out a little space just for myself during these end-of-year celebrations. While the kids are watching those television specials or playing with their toys or baking cookies, I’ve made it a point to take a book off the shelf, sit, and read. And for many years — more than I can remember, really — that book has been Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger.READ MORE

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January 4, 2015 In "Because I Said So" By Richard J. Alley

Technology can bring families closer

cell phone

“hi daddy how r u?”

I sat down to write this column yet have been constantly interrupted by the phone pinging away next to me. It’s a text from my daughter. Followed by another, and then another. She’s not away at college or across town. She isn’t grocery shopping or dining out with friends. She’s in the next room. I can practically hear her thumbs on the keypad from here.READ MORE

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December 21, 2014 In "Because I Said So" By Richard J. Alley

Slow down, look around, and experience holidays like a child again

elf

The Ghost of Christmas Past recently visited upon me memories from the 1970s. There was a G.I. Joe action figure that stood a foot high and an Evel Knievel motorcycle that sped across the hardwood floors of our Midtown home. There was the “A Charlie Brown Christmas” special that aired one night and one night only. If you missed it, too bad: It would be another 365 days until you had another chance.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. What I’m wondering is whether the holidays of my youth were a simpler time.READ MORE

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October 28, 2014 In "Because I Said So" By Richard J. Alley

Tired parents left to scrape together dinner at ‘The Fourth Line’

feast

Over time, parents begin to look at life differently.

By time, I mean a week. And by life, I mean dinner. The beginning of a week — Sunday — is made for big family dinners such as pot roast with potatoes, a green vegetable and a starch; homemade banana pudding or cake for dessert. Perhaps spaghetti with meatballs, garlic bread and salad is more to your liking, with homemade banana pudding or cake.READ MORE

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