Pennsylvania’s annual cold weather life jacket requirement period will begin on Sunday, November 1, 2026

By Steven Brodsky

… Stay safe.

From a Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) news release:

HARRISBURG, Pa. (October 30) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) reminds boaters, anglers, and hunters that beginning Sunday, November 1, 2026, the annual cold weather life jacket requirement is in effect.

From November 1 through April 30, boaters are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or on any kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.  The requirement applies to all Pennsylvania waters.

Even on warm, sunny days, from late fall through early spring, water temperatures can remain frigid on rivers, lakes, and streams across the Commonwealth.  Sudden cold-water immersion, or cold-water shock, occurs when a person is unexpectedly plunged into cold water resulting in an involuntary gasp where water is often inhaled.  This uncontrollable reaction causes panic, hyperventilation, inhalation of water, and inhibits the ability of a person to swim.  By wearing a life jacket, victims can dramatically increase their chances of keeping their heads above water until they can get out of danger or be rescued.

According to Pennsylvania boating accident reports, nearly 80% of all boating fatalities occurred because boaters were not wearing life jackets.  Since the mandatory life jacket wear law was enacted in 2012, the PFBC has seen a significant reduction in the percentage of boating incidents resulting in fatalities during the cold weather months.

The PFBC also recommends that anglers participating in ice fishing this winter always wear a life jacket to provide lifesaving protection in the event of a fall through the ice.

Posted 10-30-26

In celebration of forty years of Project FeederWatch (and in celebration of the participation of many of this column’s readers in Project FeederWatch)

By Steven Brodsky

… I’m pleased to share this video embed with you:

Visit Homepage – Project FeederWatch to learn more about Project FeederWatch.

Posted 10-26-26

Stay safe while driving on Pennsylvania roads during the fall deer breeding season 

By Steven Brodsky

The Pennsylvania Game Commission issued the following news release on October 21, 2026:

Pennsylvania Game Commission Urges Drivers

to Stay Alert as Deer Activity Peaks

Deer are becoming increasingly active this time of year and with daylight-saving time set to end on November 1, 2026, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is urging motorists to slow down and remain vigilant on the roads.

Autumn marks a surge in deer activity as the fall breeding season, known as the “rut,” approaches. During this period, many yearling bucks leave their birth areas in search of new territory, sometimes dozens of miles away. At the same time, adult bucks are actively roaming their home ranges in pursuit of doe, often chasing those they encounter.

The end of daylight-saving time means more vehicles will be on the road during dusk and dawn, which are the peak hours for deer movement.

“The rut is an exciting time for hunters but needs to be a time of heightened awareness for drivers,” said Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith. “Whitetails are ramping up their activity levels and expanding their home ranges, so it’s imperative that motorists exercise increased caution and attentiveness during this time of year.”

Data from around the country has shown that Pennsylvania drivers face some of the highest risks of vehicle collisions with deer or other large animals. However, drivers can reduce their chances of collisions with deer by staying alert, obeying the state’s cell phone laws and understanding deer behavior. Paying close attention while driving on stretches marked with “Deer Crossing” signs can make a difference.

Deer often travel in groups and walk single file. So even if one deer successfully crosses the road in front of a driver, it doesn’t mean the threat is over. Another could be right behind it.

A driver who hits a deer with a vehicle is not required to report the accident to the Game Commission. If the deer dies, only Pennsylvania residents may claim the carcass. To do so, they can call the Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-HUNT or 1-833-PGC-WILD and an agency dispatcher will collect the information needed to provide a free permit number, which the caller should write down.

A resident must call within 24 hours of taking possession of the deer. A passing Pennsylvania motorist also may claim the deer, if the person whose vehicle struck it doesn’t want it.

Those taking possession of road-killed deer are reminded that rules related to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) are still in effect.

If a deer is struck by a vehicle but not killed, drivers are urged to maintain their distance because some deer might recover and move on. However, if a deer does not move on or poses a public safety risk, drivers are encouraged to report the incident to the Game Commission or another law-enforcement agency. If the deer must be put down, the Game Commission will direct the proper person to do so.

To report a dead deer for removal from state roads, motorists can call the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation at 1-800-FIX-ROAD.

Posted 10-23-26

Made by God

By Steven Brodsky

… is the very impressive oak tree pictured here:

The poet Joyce Kilmer (December 6, 1886 – July 30, 1918) would agree: His poem “Trees” states that “only God can make a tree.”

You’ll find the poem at: Trees | The Poetry Foundation.

About Joyce Kilmer: Joyce Kilmer | The Poetry Foundation.

Posted 10-18-26

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s Corry State Fish Hatchery in Erie County has been operating for 150 years

By Steven Brodsky

The 150th anniversary of the Corry State Fish Hatchery is spotlighted in a Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission news release.

I’m sharing this excerpt from that news release:

Corry, PA (October 15) – Quite the milestone for the Corry State Fish Hatchery in Erie County today, as the facility celebrated its 150^th anniversary.  The hatchery was founded in 1876 as the ‘Western Hatchery’  and is the oldest continuously operating hatchery in the Fish and Boat Commission’s hatchery system.  Staff at the Corry hatchery raise more than 330 thousand Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Golden Rainbow Trout each year, accounting for about ten-percent of the state’s stocked trout.  The occasion was marked by a walking tour and proclamations from Governor Josh Shapiro and the state Senate and House of Representatives.  The Corry State fish hatchery operates 365 days a year, even on holidays, and is open daily from 8am to 3pm for public tours.

Posted 10-16-26

In God’s timing

By Steven Brodsky

… leaves of deciduous trees are displaying vibrant autumn colors.

Hallelujah for God’s timing and for the beautiful foliage of autumn!

Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 (don’t skip Ecclesiastes 3:11) at: Ecclesiastes 3 (KJV) – To every [thing there is].

About the authorship of Ecclesiastes: Who wrote the book of Ecclesiastes? Who was the author of Ecclesiastes? | GotQuestions.org. I believe that King Solomon wrote the book of Ecclesiastes.

Did you know that King Solomon was a naturalist of the first order?

Read 1 Kings 4:33-34 at: 1 Kings 4 (KJV) – So king Solomon was king.

Enjoy autumn 2026!

Posted 10-8-26

On a garter snake day afternoon

By Steven Brodsky

… this garter snake appeared to be using a shrub as an ectotherm’s equivalent of a hammock:

The garter snake wasn’t being sluggish (not-so-good pun alert: slugs are part of its diet) on what was a hot afternoon. It was thermoregulating on top and among the branches and leaves of a shrub.

Nearby, humans were drinking cold beverages while resting on hammocks, chaise lounges, and lawn chairs when they weren’t taking refuge in airconditioned rooms.

Posted 8-27-26

Lovely

By Steven Brodsky

… you might agree, is this exquisite butterfly chrysalis:

Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Posted 7-30-26

On a dog day afternoon

By Steven Brodsky

… these world-class foxhounds enjoyed the thrill of the chase:

The foxhounds were doing what they were bred and trained to do; lucky dogs they were (and are).

Enjoy the photo on a dog day afternoon (or at any other time) from the comfort of your home.

Posted 7-13-26

Reminding us of the pleasure of spreading one’s ‘wings’ in the great outdoors

By Steven Brodsky

… is the cormorant pictured above.

In the coming weeks, many people will be spreading their wings while engaging in outdoor recreation (re-creation)!

Posted 7-6-26

It’s a season to enjoy the great outdoors

By Steven Brodsky

… God’s creation, the natural world.

May this also be a season for many people to come to know God as their Lord and Savior.

Ecclesiastes 3 (KJV) – To every [thing there is]

Posted 6-18-26

A Conversation With Katie Fallon, Author of ‘Vulture: The Private Life of an Unloved Bird’

By Steven Brodsky

Katie Fallon is a co-founder of the Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia. She’s worked with many species of raptors and other kinds of birds. Katie’s books include Cerulean Blues (2011) and the recently released Vulture: The Private Life of an Unloved Bird. Her essays have appeared in a number of literary journals. She has a lifelong love of nature. I’ve heard that the first word she ever spoke was “bird.”

Your new book gives vultures, particularly turkey vultures, the positive attention these non-predator raptors deserve. What brought about your interest in these maligned birds?

I’ve been fascinated by vultures for at least fifteen years. There was a roost near where I lived in West Virginia; every day I’d drive by this big, old dead tree with ten or so turkey vultures hunched in it. They became a familiar sight, and I looked forward to seeing them. Vultures are big and kind of dramatic, and in flight, there’s nothing more beautiful. In addition, they’re the ultimate recyclers—they turn death into life.

Many people in the U.S. have an aversion to vultures. Speak about this.

I think vultures remind people of their own mortality. It can be a little creepy to think about a large, dark bird waiting to consume your body when you die. In general, I don’t think people in the US are comfortable with thinking of our bodies as food. Vultures remind us that life will continue after we die, and that some life will continue because we die. They remind us of our animal bodies. Which can be unnerving!

In the absence of vultures, we’d have major health issues to contend with. Tell us why.

Vultures clean up our ecosystems by removing animal carcasses that could potentially contaminate soil and water. They can eat animals that have died of anthrax and botulism. In the absence of vultures, mammalian scavengers could increase in number, and many mammalian scavengers such as raccoons, skunks, feral dogs and cats can spread rabies; vultures do not. Several vulture species in India have suffered catastrophic population crashes in the last twenty years, and public health has suffered. India leads the world in human rabies cases, and the number of cases has increased as the number of feral dogs increased in the absence of vultures.

People get close to vultures by attending your presentations that feature non-releasable birds. How are these birds acquired? How are they trained?

The nonprofit I co-founded, the Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia, keeps eight non-releasable raptors for educational purposes (you need permits from the US Fish & Wildlife Service to do this, of course – the birds aren’t pets or personal property). All of our birds were injured wild birds that cannot return to the wild. We have three vultures. Lew the turkey vulture was hit by a car and suffered an injury to his shoulder that prevents flight. His “girlfriend,” Boris, was shot in the wing, and by the time she reached us the bone had already healed incorrectly. Our black vulture is Maverick, and he was hit by a car, which resulted in a shoulder injury that prevents adequate flight.

Our birds are all trained using positive reinforcement. We avoid negative reinforcement and punishment, and we try to empower the birds to have some control over their environments. We condition behaviors by offering food rewards when the birds perform the behaviors. Vultures (especially our black vulture!) learn quickly, and they are a lot of fun to work with.

What myths and misunderstandings about vultures do these presentations help to dispel?

People are surprised at how clean and charismatic the vultures are – and how beautiful they are up close, despite their featherless heads.

What vulture behaviors do people find to be most interesting?

People often ask if vultures throw up on us; our education vultures usually don’t (unless they get scared). Vultures also expel liquid waste on their legs and feet, probably to clean them as well as to keep cool. This often fascinates people as well.

Which species of vulture are found in Pennsylvania and neighboring states?

We have turkey vultures and black vultures. During the last Ice Age we may have had California condors, too, and possibly some other now-extinct vultures.

What has been learned about migration of these species?

Hawk Mountain has taken the lead on turkey vulture migration research. Dr. Keith Bildstein and his team have placed transmitters and wing tags on turkey vultures all over the Americas. They’ve learned that our eastern turkey vultures are partial migrants—some spend the winters in Florida, some on the New Jersey shore, some in Virginia, and in many places in between. Many western turkey vultures are complete migrants, leaving their breeding ranges in Canada and heading all the way to South America. And still others in the American southwest migrate into Central America and return. It’s fascinating how the different subspecies have different migratory strategies. Dr. Bildstein and his colleagues have ongoing research projects about turkey vulture migration, and are discovering more all the time.

Vultures have spectacular flying ability. What makes this possible?

Turkey vultures are very light – they have almost the same wingspan as a bald eagle but weigh less than half what an eagle weighs. Their wings are long and broad, and are made for soaring.

How high can they fly?

The Ruppell’s vulture holds the record for the highest-flying bird. Unfortunately for that individual, it was hit and killed by a jet flying over Africa at 37,000 feet.

Vulture: The Private Life of an Unloved Bird informs readers about lead toxicity in vultures. What is the extent of the problem? How do vultures ingest lead?

Vultures (and eagles, hawks, crows, ravens, and owls) can ingest small pieces of spent lead ammunition in animal carcasses or “gut piles” left by hunters. When someone shoots a white-tailed deer, for example, the deer is usually field-dressed, and many of the organs are left. This can be a delight for vultures and other scavengers! In ecosystems, scavengers often follow the big predators to clean up the leftovers; here, the same thing is happening—a human is the big predator, a gut pile is the leftover, and a vulture or eagle is the scavenger. However, if small lead fragments are still in the gut piles, avian scavengers can inadvertently ingest the lead and become sick. Lead toxicity from spent ammunition is the biggest obstacle in the way of California condor recovery.

The Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia provides rehabilitation for injured birds. What kind of care do vultures receive?

We’ve treated vultures with a wide variety of injuries and ailments—broken bones, head trauma, lead toxicity, soft tissue injuries. Every bird we admit receives an immediate comprehensive examination by an avian veterinarian, and is then treated as necessary with antibiotics, antifungals, anti-inflammatories, fluid therapy, or chelation therapy. They also receive orthopedic surgery if necessary. We do our best to get the birds back out in the wild if possible.

It must be very joyful to enable an injured bird to regain flight ability. Please tell us about a memorable release.

Two and a half years ago we released a female turkey vulture that had been shot with a shotgun—she had three pellets embedded in soft tissue. We had to leave the pellets in her body because removing them would cause damage. Once she was nursed back to health, we released her wearing a transmitter to track her movements. We learned that she travels to northern Georgia in the winters and comes back to West Virginia in the breeding season. We are thrilled that this vulture was able to return to the wild—and thrive!

Vulture watching is growing in popularity. Turkey vultures are very widespread. Where are some of the best places and times to observe them?

In many parts of the southeastern United States, you can see turkey vultures any day of the year in a variety of habitats. In the winter, vultures can be observed roosting together in and near many cities: in Virginia, check out Leesburg, Staunton, Radford, Pulaski, and Charlottesville; in West Virginia, many vultures can be observed migrating in the fall over Hanging Rock Tower in Monroe County and over Harper’s Ferry in the eastern panhandle. During the summer and fall, the overlook at Cooper’s Rock State Forest near Morgantown, WV, is a sure place to see turkey vultures. Hawk Mountain in Pennsylvania, of course, is an excellent place to watch turkey vultures and birds of prey during migration, especially in September and October.

What stimulated your interest in nature?

I’ve always been an outdoors person. I grew up in northeastern Pennsylvania, and I had horses as a kid. I spent a great deal of time with my horses, trail riding and competing, and when I got a bit older I often went hiking and camping with friends and family. One of my favorite childhood hiking spots was Ricketts Glen State Park—it’s filled with hemlock trees and many gorgeous waterfalls. It’s definitely worth checking out if you visit northeastern PA.

Was “bird” your first word?

Yes! My parents had bird feeders in their yard when I was a baby (well, they still do) and my mother says she used to hold me in front of the window to show me the birds at the feeder. One day, she said, “Look at the birds! Look at the birds outside.” And I nodded and said, “Bird.” I haven’t stopped talking about them since.

Katie Fallon’s website address is: www.katiefallon.com.

Posted 4-6-17, Reposted 10-29-19

 

The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania’s 23rd annual 1940s Swing Dance to take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

By Steven Brodsky

… Visit 1940s-Swing-Dance-Flyer-2026.pdf for a link to purchase tickets for this event.

From a news release that was issued by the Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania on September 28, 2026:

Strasburg, Lancaster County, PA —Dance to the fantastic Moonlighters big band playing live at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania during the 23rd annual 1940s Swing Dance on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

This toe-tapping tribute to the Greatest Generation on Trains & Troops weekend takes place among the historic trains in the Museum’s Rolling Stock Hall. Dress to impress in your best 1940s vintage attire or military uniform, if you like, to add to the fun!

Purchase your tickets online on the Museum’s website for:

• $25.00 per person general admission.
• $20.00 per person for students, U. S. military veterans, current U. S. service personnel —

  active, guard and reserves — and current Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

  members. ID will be requested at the door for holders of $20.00 tickets. 

A limited number of tickets will be available at the door until 7:30 p.m.

The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania tells the compelling human stories, preserves the irreplaceable iron icons and showcases the vast and diverse aspects of nearly 200 years of American railroad history. The Museum is home to a world-class collection of about 100 historic locomotives and railroad cars, a working restoration shop, an immersive education center, an extensive research library and archives, special events and exhibits and a Museum store.

Posted 10-30-26

A true rescue story 

By Steven Brodsky

This embedded dramatization appears here to remind readers of this column that Jesus offers rescue to sinners:

“Are you saved?”

Posted 10-24-26

Shackled and unshackled listeners

By Steven Brodsky

… have been enjoying episodes of UNSHACKLED!, the iconic radio drama show, since 1950.

Episodes of UNSHACKLED! are accessible at: https://unshackled.org/on-demand/browse-all-programs/.

John 8:36: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

Note to readers: This post appeared at: https://delcoculturevultures.com/2025/05/06/conversations-about-faith/.

Posted 6-6-24, Revised and reposted 5-6-25

 

Avoid having to ask: ‘What time is it?’

By Steven Brodsky

… by ensuring that your alarm clocks and other timekeeping devices will properly reflect that Daylight Saving Time (DST) for this year will end in the United States on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 2:00 a.m. (Some areas of the United States are always on Standard Time.)

Of course, exceedingly eager romantically involved folks may find themselves predisposed to ask that question. Understandably. The lyrics of this song convey a case in point:

Post 10-29-26

49 years ago, an album was released that won the affection of listeners like a bat out of hell 

By Steven Brodsky

… The affection that many readers of this column have for that album, Bat Out of Hell, has not diminished!

Bat Out of Hell was released on October 21, 1977.

Let’s commemorate the 49th anniversary of the release of Bat Out of Hell by enjoying this video of Meat Loaf performing the album’s title song:

Posted 10-21-26

56 years ago, Janis Joplin passed away on October 4, 1970

By Steven Brodsky

… at age 27 from an overdose.

A short number of days before her passing, Janis Joplin recorded the Kris Kristofferson-penned song “Me and Bobby McGee.”

That recording was released as a single and as a track on Pearl.

The single rose to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart on March 20, 1971.

In memory of Janis Joplin, let’s listen to that iconic recording:

Posted 10-4-26

‘The Endless Road,’ an award-winning documentary about Tommy Emmanuel, was released today

By Steven Brodsky

… Enjoy the trailer for this documentary:

From a news release:

October 2, 2026: Today, GRAMMY-winning guitarist Tommy Emmanuel released The Endless Road, a documentary film chronicling his life and career. Told through intimate backstage footage, concert performances, rare archival material and unfiltered interviews with Tommy’s closest friends and family (as well as stars like Joe Satriani, Jason Isbell, Monty Python’s Eric Idle, Steve Vai, Barry Gibb, and Olivia Newton-John), the film examines the scars of childhood trauma, breaking cycles of self-destruction, and the ambitious rise of a man determined to bring happiness to all corners of the globe with his music. The Endless Road is now available to rent and download on Amazon, Apple and Google, and will be coming soon to other platforms.

Posted 10-2-26

Cherish is the word

By Steven Brodsky

… that many fans of music from the 1960s could use to describe their affection for this song by The Association that rose to the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart 60 years ago (on September 24, 1966):

Evidence of cherishing the song: singing the lyrics of “Cherish” while listening to the embedded audio.

Posted 9-24-26

Ian Anderson turned 79 years old today

By Steven Brodsky

… Ian Anderson was born on August 10, 1947.

Happy birthday wishes go out to Ian Anderson!

Posted 8-10-26

How meeting Livingston Taylor at a concert affected the career of John Flynn

By Steven Brodsky

John Flynn has been interviewed several times for this column. In a 2011 radio interview, John and I spoke about Livingston. We did so again last year in this interview for this column.

John, where and when did you first meet Livingston Taylor and how old were you at the time?

Gene Shay introduced me to Livingston back in the ’80s. It was prior to one of his appearances at the old Bijou Café in Philadelphia. I was in my early twenties and just starting out. I was a big fan of Livingston’s and I had just appeared on Gene’s radio show on WMMR. I heard Gene mention that he was going to host Livingston’s show, so I asked for an intro. Gene was just too nice to say no.

What was going on in your life?

I was playing some bar gigs, writing songs and mailing demos to Nashville. This was a few years before I got signed to my first publishing deal down there.

Describe what took place. What did Livingston tell you?

To begin with, Livingston was incredibly gracious. As a performer, I really see that now in hindsight, because usually the last thing I want to do before a show is to meet new people and have them sing their songs to me. Actually, I don’t think I’ve met anyone before or since who would have extended themselves in this way to a stranger. But that’s exactly what happened. Gene apparently bragged about me enough to get Livingston to hand me his guitar and sit down directly in front of me. He asked me to play him a song and listened with an almost unnerving, totally focused attention. When I was done he asked if I had any more. I did a second song and he asked for another. I was only too happy to oblige, figuring that if he’d listen to three songs he must be hearing something he liked. When I finished singing, Livingston kind of scrunched up his face and got real thoughtful. There was a long pause. Then he said, “John, there are so many wonderful ways to spend your time in this life. Take a walk, read a good book, spend some time with someone you love. Please do ANY of these things rather than write any more mediocre songs.” The rest was a little bit of a blur. He talked about Cole Porter and Yip Harburg, writers I didn’t really know much about at that point. He really challenged me to study the greats. He spent like ten minutes talking about song structure, and he played me these long-forgotten but really beautiful introductions to popular old standards. – Unknown (at least to me) musical salutations from bygone eras, that had been intended by their composers to set the mood and put the listener in the proper frame of mind to receive the coming song. He even explained that he would be doing relatively few of his own songs in his show that evening because great songs are rare, and a song should be great if you’re gonna sing it. That was the bottom line. If you weren’t going to try to write a great song, then why write one at all?

How did you respond to this at the time?

I guess I was disappointed. But disappointment wasn’t all I took away from the encounter, because Livingston could have easily tossed me a few compliments. He was probably never gonna have to see me again so that would have been the easy thing to do. But I sensed that he respected songs and songwriters too much for that. He chose the harder path and told the truth. He threw down the gauntlet. And, in my way, I accepted the challenge that night. I determined to work much harder at my craft. To really try to write great songs. I’m not saying that’s what I’ve always accomplished. But he got me to aim there. I’ve always been grateful for that.

How did the encounter impact your life?

I’m here forty years later answering questions about music.

Author’s note to readers: Livingston Taylor is a professor at Berklee College of Music.

John Flynn’s website address is: http://johnflynn.net/.

Posted 3-29-19, Reposted 8-6-24

Thinking about Solomon Burke

By Steven Brodsky

… after recalling this morning that the City of Philadelphia had honored Solomon Burke by having declared that July 19, 2002 would be “Solomon Burke Day.”

Solomon Burke (March 21, 1940 – October 10, 2010) was born in Philadelphia.

Posted 7-19-24

He was the ‘Jackie Robinson of television’; on his ‘show rode the hopes and fears and dreams of millions of people’; his show debuted nationally on November 5, 1956

By Steven Brodsky

… He was Nat King Cole, the first African American to host a television show on nationwide television. That show was The Nat King Cole Show. Today is the 66th anniversary of the national debut of the Nat King Show on NBC TV.

Nat King Cole ranks among the most acclaimed jazz and pop musicians of all time. Born as Nathaniel Adams Coles in Montgomery Alabama in 1919, he would go on to achieve recording and concert performance success that was nearly unmatched by others of his generation. “Mona Lisa,” “Unforgettable,” “The Christmas Song,” are among the nearly 700 songs that he recorded. Well over 100 of Nat King Cole’s records charted. He was a prominent presence on national television shows (he appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show on six occasions).

The Nat King Cole Show was popular and attracted some of the most sought-after entertainers, but it could not secure a national sponsor (other than a few sponsors for brief periods of time before the show expanded from 15 minutes to a half hour). There were 30 sponsors with cooperative arrangements supporting the show across the country on local stations, but nationwide—not one.

In an essay in the February 1, 1958 issue of Ebony titled “WHY I QUIT MY TV SHOW” by Nat King Cole (as told to Lerone Bennett Jr.), Nat King Cole said, “For 13 months, I was the Jackie Robinson of television… On my show rode the hopes and fears and dreams of millions of people.”

Posted 11-5-22

 

Details about the National Gallery of Art’s upcoming Sculpture Garden Ice Rink season (weather permitting: November 23, 2026 – March 7, 2027)

By Steven Brodsky

… are accessible at: Sculpture Garden Ice Rink | National Gallery of Art.

Happy ice skating wishes go out to those column readers who will again (or for their first time) be ice skating on the more than 9,500 square foot sculptures-surrounded National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink.

Posted 10-26-26

The National Gallery of Art’s 10th National Gallery Nights series will begin on September 10, 2026

By Steven Brodsky

… and will continue on the second Thursday of October and on the second Thursday of November 2026 in the National Gallery’s East Building.

Visit National Gallery Nights | National Gallery of Art for additional information, including information about how passes will be issued.

Posted 8-17-26

Purchasing school supplies

By Steven Brodsky

… evokes memories of school experiences.

My memories of art classes are positive. My art teachers were outstanding; they were quite unlike the fictive first teacher that appears in this linked Harry Chapin song: https://youtu.be/4cVpkzZpDBA?si=Fm5xt2z3NyWncCL3.

Fortunately, that fictive teacher would likely now be no longer teaching and subjecting students to lessons that most would view as best to be unlearned.

Posted 8-17-26

A Conversation With Victoria Browning Wyeth

By Steven Brodsky

Victoria  Browning Wyeth is the granddaughter of Andrew Wyeth and the niece of Jamie Wyeth. She is the great-granddaughter of N.C. Wyeth. Victoria is widely known for her dynamic gallery talks and lectures on the life and art of Andrew Wyeth. Victoria is a gifted photographer; her photos have been exhibited at a number of museums.

What are some of your fondest memories of your grandmother?

One of my fondest memories of my grandmother were our nicknames for each other. I always called my grandmother by two names: “Betsy” or “Mamma Sheep Turd.” I realize the second name might raise a few eyebrows so let me explain. I grew up in New York City, but would spend every summer in Cushing Maine with my grandparents. As a young girl, and as a grown woman, I have always detested sand, dirt and bugs. When I was about nine or so, my grandparents purchased Allen Island (near Port Clyde, Maine), and, in addition, a very large flock of sheep to help with the lawn “maintenance.  Along with the sheep came sheep turds…. EVERYWHERE. So, she called me “City Slicker” and I called her “Mamma Sheep Turd.” When I was in college and we wrote each other letters, the post office at my college would giggle when they handed me a letter because of the return address. I always smile when I think of the looks people gave us when we used these names for each other.

My second fondest memory was when she taught me to put on makeup and put my hair in a French twist. I can still feel her hands in my hair helping me pin it up. When it came to applying makeup she would always say, “Vic… less is more.” To this day I am not much of a makeup person.

Finally, my most recent favorite memory involved cooking for my grandmother (and my uncle Jamie) on Sunday nights. Betsy was the chef in the family – her meals were simply out of this world yummy. Mashed potatoes, cookies, creamed eggs, popovers, etc. You name it and she could make it. After my grandfather died she scaled back her cooking quite a bit. Around six or seven years ago I started cooking Sunday dinners for my family. I wasn’t the best chef at first; I burned fish more than I would like to admit. One of the things that still brings a smile to my face was watching her gobble up every last morsel. She would look at Jamie and me and say, “mmmmm this is good.”

Betsy handled much of the business affairs of her husband Andrew. What prepared her for this?

She always had such a powerful business sense. I’m not quite sure where this came from, but she handled Andy’s business affairs with such grace and intelligence. She was quite the inspiration.

Please describe how Betsy furthered the career of Andrew?

My grandmother helped further his career by supporting him in numerous ways. The most important was through her love: she loved him with all of her heart. She would always tell him what she thought of his newest painting – if he needed to simplify something, if the color was too intense, etc. She was also very instrumental in titling many of his paintings.

What was the extent of Betsy’s involvement in titling the paintings of her husband?

She had a huge role in the titles. Take the painting Wind from the Sea. When my grandparents were discussing the piece Betsy said, “It looks like a wind is coming in from the sea.” Andy replied, “That’s it!! Wind from the Sea.” Her vocabulary was most impressive. For example, she would do the New York Times crossword puzzles in ink. This gave her an incredible bank of words to choose from when she helped to title the work.

Her ability to title wasn’t limited to paintings: when I was in graduate school and writing long research papers, I would call her and tell her my paper topic. She would then call me back with a title. For example, I wrote a paper on shell shock in British troops during World War I. She came up with the title “Over the Top.”

Were you able to observe Andrew while he was painting? If you were, did he discuss what he was working on?

Andy HATED having people watch him paint. He felt that having you watch him paint was an invasion. The only times I watched him paint were: (1) outside my window in the summer. He would work on watercolors or drawings outside my parent’s house in Cushing, Maine. He didn’t know I was looking, but I was. I couldn’t help myself. This is when I was a young girl (under 13). (2) When I would accidentally walk into the house when he was working on something. I would apologize and he would smile and say, “Hi darlin’. I’m just finishing up.” (3) When I posed. This was my favorite because we got to discuss everything. I would barrage him with all sorts of questions about his work, his life, his friends, etc. The last time I posed (back in 2005) I was giving lectures at the Brandywine River Museum. It was so cool because I would incorporate what we talked about into my gallery talk that day. 

How sensitive was Andrew to what critics wrote about him?

He couldn’t have cared less what the critics thought.

Which paintings of his do you believe he remained most attached to? 

He was almost always most attached to the painting that he was working on.

To your knowledge, were there times in Andrew’s life when he was without artistic inspiration? If there were, how did he reacquire inspiration?

To the best of my knowledge this never happened. Even when he was in the hospital (for a hip replacement) he drew his hospital room and the view out the window. He was inspired by everything and everyone.

 Of the photos that you took of Andrew Wyeth, is there one that especially evokes cherished memories? Can you share those memories with us?

The one I took of him painting outside my window in Cushing, Maine. He was painting me and we would start working very early in the morning – 6:45 a.m. I overslept one morning and rushed downstairs. As I looked out of the living room window, I found him sitting out there with his watercolor pad on his lap, tissues everywhere (to blot the paper) and his watercolor box by his side. Whenever I get sad and miss him, this is what I think of and it always makes me smile. 

You’ve given many pro bono talks. Which of those talks have been most gratifying to you? Please tell us why.

My favorite talks, pro bono and paid, have been the ones I have done at the state and local prisons. I feel that those who are incarcerated should be exposed to art as much as possible. Since they can’t go to a museum, I bring a museum to them. For example, this past January I lectured on the work of my grandfather to the gentlemen at the Maine State Prison in Maine. I went on January 16th – which is a very special day for me – the anniversary of my grandfather’s death. It was a beautiful snowy day and I packed my car up with a bunch of my uncle’s and grandfather’s watercolors and drawings and headed to the prison. I thought it would be fun to create a pop-up gallery in the prison and even more interesting to bring one of my grandfather’s models with me. It was a very special day for all of us. I will never forget looking at the reactions on the guys faces as they looked at the art.

The Brandywine River Museum of Art is currently closed to the public (as are other museums) because of the COVID-19 crisis. Is there a painting in the Museum’s collection by Andrew Wyeth that, at this moment, you are especially looking forward to seeing when the doors reopen?

I love seeing my grandmother’s portrait – Maga’s Daughter. I’m very excited to go visit her and say hi.

Posted 6-8-20

If thankfulness-themed writing is on your agenda

By Steven Brodsky  

… for the days that precede and follow Thanksgiving 2026, check out the linked poem by Edgar Albert Best (a favorite poet of Edith Bunker, the character on the All in the Family sitcom that was played by Jean Stapleton) that appears in a brief article titled “Edgar Albert Guest” posted at: Entertainment, Culture and More – delcoculturevultures.com .

The linked poem can stimulate readers to author their own meaningful thankfulness-themed works.

Posted 10-22-26

October is underway

By Steven Brodsky

… concurrent with rising concerns that many people have that the month will be fleeting, as are their mortal lives.

Robert Frost’s poem “October” aligns with those concerns: October | The Poetry Foundation.

James 4:14: “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”

Of course, eternity is forever.

Posted 10-2-26

Some writers might be off their gourd

By Steven Brodsky

… to not be mindful of the delights of autumn.

Enjoy autumn 2026!

Posted 9-28-26

Some leaves from deciduous trees are precociously fluttering to the ground

By Steven Brodsky

… Not very precociously, however, as astronomical autumn will arrive in the Northern Hemisphere on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 8:05 p.m. ET.

Opportune is the opportunity to enjoy the seasonal transition period and to take writerly notice of some of the natural world’s innumerable potential writing prompts.

Taking advantage of this opportunity can result in a satisfying harvest on screen and paper.

“And who’s to say where / The harvest shall stop?”

Writing often begets writing.

The quoted question is comprised of the last two lines of this poem by Robert Frost: Gathering Leaves | The Poetry Foundation.

Posted 9-18-26

In memory of Wendell Berry

By Steven Brodsky

… readers of this column can take inspiration from the poem “How to Be a Poet”:

Wendell Berry passed away on August 31, 2026 at the age of 92.

Died: Wendell Berry, Kentucky Poet and Novelist Who Loved God’s Creation – Christianity Today

Posted 9-12-26

High schools across the U.S. are invited to register to participate in the National Endowment for the Arts’ Poetry Out Loud poetry recitation competition that will be taking place during the 2026-2027 school year

By Steven Brodsky

From a news release that was issued today, September 3, 2026, by the National Endowment for the Arts:

Washington, DC—Poetry Out Loud®, an arts education program of the National Endowment for the Arts, is returning for the 2026-2027 school year, inviting high school students from across the country to participate in this dynamic poetry recitation competition that is designed to improve public speaking skills, build confidence, and teach about literary history and contemporary life.

Schools and organizations are encouraged to visit PoetryOutLoud.org for free poetry education resources, including an anthology of classic and contemporary poems, and to contact their Poetry Out Loud state coordinator to register for this year’s official competition.

“Each year, students, parents, and teachers tell us that Poetry Out Loud has a lasting impact on participants,” said Mary Anne Carter, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. “By studying and reciting poetry, young people discover new ways to connect with language, express complex ideas and emotions with confidence, and stand before an audience ready to use their voice.”

Since this arts education program began in 2005, more than 4.6 million students and 89,000 teachers from 22,000 schools across the U.S. have participated in Poetry Out Loud.

The program starts at the local level in a classroom, school, or an area organization. Participating students select, memorize, and recite poems from the Poetry Out Loud anthology. Winners may then advance to a regional and/or state competition, and ultimately to the National Finals, where $50,000 in prizes and stipends are awarded annually to competitors and their home communities—including a $20,000 prize for the National Champion. The 2027 Poetry Out Loud National Finals will take place April 27-28, 2027, in Washington, DC.

Poetry Out Loud is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with participating state and jurisdictional arts agencies and managed by Mid Atlantic Arts. Mid Atlantic Arts administers the Poetry Out Loud National Finals and all aspects of the monetary prizes.

Why Poetry Out Loud Matters

National Endowment for the Arts research shows that students who participate in Poetry Out Loud showed improved writing and analytical skills. Research also found that participating students showed increase in self-confidence and reported that reading and listening to poetry helped them think about situations from multiple perspectives.

These skills extend far beyond their application to a poetry competition, helping students in other school subjects and as they enter the workforce.

Poetry Out Loud can also have a positive impact on schools, helping to build community, forging stronger bonds between teachers and students, and bringing together students who may not have otherwise formed connections.

How to Participate

To register for the 2026-2027 program, schools and organizations should contact their state arts agency. All types of high schools are welcome to participate, including public, private, parochial, independent, charter, and homeschool. Non-school organizations, such as after school clubs, libraries, or nonprofit organizations, may choose to run Poetry Out Loud as well. Students unable to participate at their school or a local organization should contact their state Poetry Out Loud coordinator to discuss other opportunities for inclusion in their state’s official competition.

Posted 9-3-26

With the autumn apple harvest season drawing nigh

By Steven Brodsky

… some of the readers of this column are looking forward to eating freshly picked apples and writing.

It’s easy to envision Robert Frost having enjoyed that delicious gustatory and literary combination; an apple orchard was located on his farm and he was a picker of apples at that orchard.

Enjoyable before, during, and after autumn apple harvests, this poem by Robert Frost: After Apple-Picking | The Poetry Foundation.

Posted 8-25-26

For those who want to write autobiographically about being redeemed and transformed by the Lord, and for all other readers of this column

By Steven Brodsky

… I’m sharing this video embed:

May Big Daddy Weave’s song “My Story” be a blessing to you.

I came across an interesting article a few minutes ago. You’ll find that article at: How do I share my Christian testimony? | GotQuestions.org.

Posted 6-26-26

Whether or not to cast literary pearls before swine

By Steven Brodsky

… Writers grapple with this issue.

Swine can be as cute (or cuter) than the piglets pictured above; often they aren’t.

Casting of “pearls before swine,” in a different context, is addressed in Matthew 7:6.

Posted 6-10-26

A less traveled road

By Steven Brodsky

… can make “all the difference,” as can this well-known poem by Robert Frost: The Road Not Taken | The Poetry Foundation.

Sharing that observation in commemoration of Robert Frost’s upcoming birthday.

Robert Frost was born on March 26, 1874.

Robert Frost’s poetry has made a significant difference in the lives of many readers; some of them have found that his poetry “made all the difference.”

Posted 3-23-26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 26, 2026) 

By Steven Brodsky

… and on all other days, disciples of Jesus can be thankful for the mercies that they receive daily from the Lord, and for the Lord’s faithfulness.

See Lamentations 3:22-23. You’ll find those two verses at: Lamentations 3 (KJV) – [They are] new every morning:.

 

Posted 10-21-26

Godly counsel

By Steven Brodsky

… for pastors and other ministry leaders came through the speaker of my radio this morning when this teaching by Dr. Charles Stanley was broadcast: LISTEN | Prayer & Proclamation.

About In Touch Ministries: About Us.

Posted 10-14-26

October is Pastor Appreciation Month

By Steven Brodsky

Readers of this column who are temporally and eternally blessed by Bible-believing, Bible-teaching pastors who tell them “like it is” in a godly way, might want to make sure that their pastors know how much they are appreciated during October, Pastor Appreciation Month (and during every month).

Enjoy:

Posted 10-5-26

There’ll be joy

By Steven Brodsky

… in many Bible-believing, Bible-teaching houses of the Lord tomorrow—hallelujah!

Have a blessed Sunday.

See 1 Thessalonians 5:16. 

Posted 10-3-26

‘Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man’

By Steven Brodsky

… are words that famously appear in this Allman Brothers recording that was released in 1973 (53 years ago):

Though the above embedded recording is one of my classic rock favorites, this isn’t a moment for ramblin’: The Lord welcomes ramblers to enter into personal relationships with Him; ramblers can know God as their Lord and Savior.

Life is too precious to ramble it away by living outside of the center of God’s will.

Just As I Am

Posted 9-25-26

The response to a social media post: more than 170 people declared their faith in Jesus and were baptized in the ocean in the UK

By Steven Brodsky

… Hallelujah!

This is truly a good news story:

See Matthew 28:19-20 at: Matthew 28 (KJV) – In the end of the.

Gospel means good news.

The gospel is the greatest news!

Posted 9-22-26

‘The People That God Gives You’

By Steven Brodsky

… a song that was co-written and recorded by Aaron Wilburn, was referenced in this column on March 9, 2021.

A message appeared yesterday on the screen of the cell phone of someone that God has given me that announced that someone that God has given her had passed away.

The recipient of that message was visibly upset.

Friends that were were present, people that God has given her, asked her to tell them about what had caused her upset.

She told them, and then she remembered the article that had been posted here that referenced “The People That God Gives You.”

Yes, she spoke appreciatively about the song.

Life experience affirms the relevance of “The People That God Gives You.”

Posted 9-21-26

The worship song ‘Holy Forever’

By Steven Brodsky

… will be included in a number of church services tomorrow and during the week because “Holy Forever” is much admired, and because “Holy Forever” beautifully proclaims that Jesus is holy forever!

See Philippians 2:9-11 at Philippians 2 (KJV) – If [there be] therefore any.

Posted 9-12-26

Sharper than any knife is the Bible

By Steven Brodsky

… any knife.

The Bible is sharper than the cherished knife that Guy Clark’s father had owned, a knife that’s featured in the lyrics of this autobiographical Guy Clark song:

And the Bible is sharper than my cherished knives that I’ve attentively sharpened on a whetstone.

See Hebrews 4:12.

Conversation about Guy Clark appears at: Revisiting With Tamara Saviano, Author of ‘Without Getting Killed or Caught: The Life and Music of Guy Clark’ – delcoculturevultures.com.

Posted 9-1-26

Autumn harvest in the Northern Hemisphere is near (autumn begins on September 22, 2026)

By Steven Brodsky

… Some of the most loyal readers of this column are farmers.

May farmers in this column’s readership have an abundant and successful autumn harvest!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRDaPEaDJ7Ei

Posted 8-18-26

Spotlighting words from three Bible verses in Hank Williams’ song ‘I Saw The Light’

By Steven Brodsky

… Listen for this lyric line: “For straight is the gate and narrow’s the way.”

See Luke 13:24: Luke 13 (KJV) – There were present at that.

See Matthew 7:13-14: Matthew 7 (NASB20) – Do not *judge, so that.

Just how narrow is the narrow gate? | GotQuestions.org

Those who are born again-saved have seen the light referenced in the Hank Williams song.

Hallelujah for God’s redemptive love.

John 3 (NASB20) – Now there was a man

Posted 8-16-26

The Aaronic Blessing

By Steven Brodsky

Pastor Chuck Smith singing the Aaronic Blessing in 1979: Blast from the past- Pastor Chuck Smith sings “The Lord Bless Thee”.

See Numbers 6:24-26: Numbers 6 (NASB20) – The LORD bless you, and.

Be blessed.

Posted 8-10-26, Revised 8-28-26

A video of some scenes from a Calvary Chapel’s ocean baptisms that took place around 1972

By Steven Brodsky

… includes audio of Love Song’s song “Feel The Love” and photos and video of Pastor Chuck Smith. (Pastor Chuck Smith founded the Calvary Chapel movement.)

Some born again-saved and baptized readers of this column will find themselves tearing up with joy when they watch that video: Calvary Chapel ocean baptism circa 1972.

Matthew 28:19-20: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Posted 7-28-26

Those who have been blessed by the revival of the ’60s and ’70s called the Jesus Revolution

By Steven Brodsky

…  may certainly want to proclaim “alleluia” or “praise the Lord”!

From the time and heart of that revival:

Be blessed!

Posted 7-10-26

Praying Psalm 143:8 in the evening

By Steven Brodsky

Perhaps you have considered, or will consider, including the words and/or sentiment of King David’s Psalm 143:8 in your evening prayers.

Psalm 143:8 KJV: “Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.”

https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/psalm/psalm-143.cfm

May we hear God’s lovingkindness in the morning and know the way that we should walk.

Posted 2-20-26