There's no denying it: I love Rachel Maddow. Our affair began a year ago when I first gazed into her gorgeous brown eyes. I was captivated by her smile and smitten by her intelligence, her eloquence, and her wondrously incisive wit. She is a rat… Read full post »

Nothing brings me more joy than seeing Jerry Bryant in the clinic. Jerry has advanced Parkinson’s disease, but he never complains. He is fifty-eight years old and inseparable from his wife, Betty. They are irrepressibly cheerful; when one laughs, the other cheers. As teenagers, they fell in lov… Read full post »

Last month, I sent an email to Tony Hayward, CEO of BP:

Dear Mr. Hayward,

I will be brief. My name is Steve Blevins and I write for Open Salon. Next week, I will be publishing a post about your role in the BP oil spill. I don’t… Read full post »

I'm a happy person. I always have been, but I can't explain it. I'm not rich. I'm not famous. I'm not handsome.   

Last week, I had an experience at Walmart that shed light on the origins of my happiness. I went to buy some items for an upcoming… Read full post »

For many years, I've had intermittent back pain caused by a herniated disc. But I'm lucky: While many people with bad backs suffer constantly, I have only two or three attacks each year, usually when I'm gardening or lifting heavy things.  

Last… Read full post »

Last month, after six grueling months of work, I decided to go on vacation. I went to New Haven, Connecticut, for my 25th college reunion, and then to Manhattan for a week of fun. The trip was wonderful!

New Haven, Connecticut 

 %IMAG… Read full post »

Each weekday morning, I review my clinic schedule to see who will be visiting. With just a glance, I can predict the tenor of the day. Certain names evoke joy, others indifference, some dread. 

I still remember the first day of spring, some years ago, when my schedule augure… Read full post »

On Sunday, February 7, I will be live-blogging the Super Bowl. Although I'm not an expert in American football (cricket is my passion), I am conversant in the subject. Last night, I forwent a dalliance with Salome to immerse myself in the intric… Read full post »

Is it any surprise that Switzerland has, arguably, the world's finest health care system?  Would you expect any less from a nation where the air is crisp, the streets are clean, and the trains run on time?

Read full post »

When I joined Open Salon, I swore -- I swore -- I would never do an animal post. That promise ended last night when I watched the dazzling inaugural episode of So You Think You Can Dance: Animal Edition. 

The new dance show on FOX comes on the heels of the highly successful… Read full post »

America has a rich musical heritage.

Consider the adaptations of Protestant hymns -- the Negro spirituals -- that gave birth to blues, jazz, and gospel.  Consider "pop" music, beginning with Tin Pan Alley and ragtime luminaries like Scott Joplin. Consider… Read full post »

When Saturn Smith was convicted of aggravated assault last week, a pall was cast on OS.  Saturn was the smart and savvy journalist who kept us in touch with the world. I am grateful to her for granting me this exclusive interview. My prayers are with her and he… Read full post »

Air travel is complicated. There are many regulations. The worst involve carry-on luggage. Nowadays all toiletries (liquids, gels, and creams) must be kept in 3-ounce containers and transported in a clear, plastic, zip-top bag. 

Last week,&… Read full post »

I love my Mom. She’s 70-years old, and she’s the best mother in the world. When I was growing up, she fed me well, took care of me when I was sick, and paid for fourteen years of piano lessons. 

Three years ago, when my father died, I star… Read full post »

The Oklahoman is my local newspaper. I read it every morning. It tells me everything I need to know about the world, or at least that part of the world located between Norman and Edmond, Oklahoma. (For news elsewhere, I rely on e-mails). 

Yesterday, I was finishing… Read full post »

I love OS!!!!!

First, let me say "thanks" to all who made the OS Party in Oklahoma City a smashing success! When we planned it a month ago, our expectations were pretty low. Never would we have predicted such a huge turn out! 

I saw lots of people from the… Read full post »

Today is a very special "foodie" Tuesday. 

I'm here with my good friend and master chef, Vinh Dang Nguyen. Vinh is the inspiration behind Do An Cho, the most popular Vietnamese restaurant in central Oklahoma. If you want to dine here, you'd better make your res/… Read full post »

Recently I contacted Kerry Lauerman about a problem with OS. He responded promptly, and we were able to solve the problem in almost no time. Because some of you may be having the same problem, I’ve reproduced our exchange.

Steve: Kerry, I’ve had a problem with OS since/… Read full post »