Oh my goodness Bob - just when I think you've achieved the height of excellent writing, you surpass yourself! And you write about our mutual literary hero who was also an admirable human being with only a minor flaw or two, and you bring him back to life for us! Thank you for getting up at 5 am and writing amazingly.
Yes, I was in you class at BRHS, too. I remember sitting behind David Letterman in study hall for a whole semester. I never saw him bring a single book. He spent most of the time playing whatever game it is where you try “kick” a folder paper “football” through “goal posts” made with your hands or dozing off. A firm foundation for future success.
Hmmmm - I just realized this had little or nothing to do with the main topic of your story. Just a bit of Indy back story.
Yes, I do remember you from BRHS, where I believe you were my best friend. What I remember about Letterman was that he, the consumate slacker, got seriously involved with the foreign exchange student, to such an extent that they almost sent her back to England. It was quite the scandal...
I remember now how David Letterman got involved with the exchange student. Scandalous time in the 60’s.
I recall coming home on vacation from college and my mother couldn’t wait for me to see my classmate David Letterman as the weatherman on the ABC affiliate. To her that was the ultimate success. Little did she know. I think he got fired from that job for making up the forecasts and including ridiculous scenarios.
Bob, do you still have the Reuters Interview? What did he say about Dead-eye Dick or Reagan’s invasion of Grenada or the start of the Internet? Journalism has given us gifted lives, or at least instilled in us unbound curiosity—but what do I know? I live in Florida and “Defund the Media” is one of the slogans I see Florida Man advertising on loud t-shirts…
It is the same family, Linda, and also included an architect who designed many Indianapolis buildings including the original All Souls Unitarian Church on Alabama Street.
Love the imagined publisher quote Vonnegut gave you. You must have known in the moment he had gifted you the best quote that story could ask for. Another great 5 a.m. story. How is it that I have known you for 34 years and am only now realizing that you are almost cool?
Loved the column. I believe I read an essay by Vonnegut years ago. It was a debunking of the Maharishi and was titled, "Yes, we have no Nirvanas."
Love this one!
I crave intelligent humor and enjoyable writing. You gave me both here. Thanks for another good read
It's my pleasure, Johanna....
Oh my goodness Bob - just when I think you've achieved the height of excellent writing, you surpass yourself! And you write about our mutual literary hero who was also an admirable human being with only a minor flaw or two, and you bring him back to life for us! Thank you for getting up at 5 am and writing amazingly.
Yes, I was in you class at BRHS, too. I remember sitting behind David Letterman in study hall for a whole semester. I never saw him bring a single book. He spent most of the time playing whatever game it is where you try “kick” a folder paper “football” through “goal posts” made with your hands or dozing off. A firm foundation for future success.
Hmmmm - I just realized this had little or nothing to do with the main topic of your story. Just a bit of Indy back story.
Yes, I do remember you from BRHS, where I believe you were my best friend. What I remember about Letterman was that he, the consumate slacker, got seriously involved with the foreign exchange student, to such an extent that they almost sent her back to England. It was quite the scandal...
Glad you remember. Good times at BRHS.
I remember now how David Letterman got involved with the exchange student. Scandalous time in the 60’s.
I recall coming home on vacation from college and my mother couldn’t wait for me to see my classmate David Letterman as the weatherman on the ABC affiliate. To her that was the ultimate success. Little did she know. I think he got fired from that job for making up the forecasts and including ridiculous scenarios.
Bob, do you still have the Reuters Interview? What did he say about Dead-eye Dick or Reagan’s invasion of Grenada or the start of the Internet? Journalism has given us gifted lives, or at least instilled in us unbound curiosity—but what do I know? I live in Florida and “Defund the Media” is one of the slogans I see Florida Man advertising on loud t-shirts…
Thanks, Zoraida. Here is link to my story. https://www.newspapers.com/image/727981865/?terms=Kurt%20Vonnegut%20and%20Robert%20Basler&match=1. He said nothing about the Grenada invasion, which was still six months away. He used Deadeye Dick as a jumping off point to talk about guns. Were. you in Grenada? I was, but I don't think I saw you there.
I was 17-18 in 83. Was still a couple of years away from joining Hal Moore’s Latin pix desk…(in 85)
Loving this. I now feel the need to reread Kurt Vonnegut. You did however leave out the hardware store. I always wondered if it was the same family.
It is the same family, Linda, and also included an architect who designed many Indianapolis buildings including the original All Souls Unitarian Church on Alabama Street.
Very cool to meet one of those you most admire! And to have him not disappoint! Nice piece!!
Thank you, John. Did I ever tell you about meeting Sir Arthur Conan Doyle?
Love the imagined publisher quote Vonnegut gave you. You must have known in the moment he had gifted you the best quote that story could ask for. Another great 5 a.m. story. How is it that I have known you for 34 years and am only now realizing that you are almost cool?
Wow. "Almost Cool" would have been a great title for my stories, Janie...