Straight Outta The MS Delta- The John C. Cox Newsletter- Vol. 1, Issue 12- Because I Have To
"A person who won't read has no advantage over one who can't read." -- Mark Twain
Because I have to.
That’s the only answer I have to explain the reason I started randomly sending out this crazy newsletter. I’ve had some very kind comments from many subscribers, and I’ve had some folks ask me how the hell to get off this list. For as long as I can remember, the only way I’ve ever made sense of anything in this world is to empty my head. Sometimes it’s a memory swirling around in my head wanting to escape. Sometimes it’s just random commentary on the world in general. But when these ideas come to mind, I’ve always had a desire to spill my brain onto paper (or screen). So when I figured out that I could send out my own e-newsletter, it looked to be the perfect forum. Admittedly, it takes a certain degree of arrogance to put your thoughts out to the world. Like Isbell sings, “No one gives a damn about the things I give a damn about.” Seriously, who the hell really cares what a country lawyer from Mississippi thinks? Who really cares about my family stories or my reflections? But honestly, if the desire is there, then who really cares who really cares?
My mother and father were huge readers. Our house was littered with books and magazines and newspapers. Both of them would spend hours after work reading their library books and encouraging me to do the same. At the same time, if I had a question (and I had plenty), their usual answer was to “look it up.” That answer led to me reading the World Book Encyclopedia one summer (my brother can verify) and then writing my own reports about the things that intrigued me. I would take my mother’s typing paper and write these little summaries of what I read, or I would make up stories of my own and peck away on her typewriter. Mom must have thought it was cute, because I found a bunch of these terrible stories before we sold our old family home last year. There is ZERO chance those stories ever see the light of day. While it might have cute for my mom to see her six year old son attempt to put together a homemade magazine of his own original material, those stories don’t really hold up when read 41 years later. But finding those stories did remind me I’ve been a geek with a keyboard for basically my entire life. As sad as it might be, I know nothing else.
Last week, I had an old Facebook post pop up in my Memories which reminded me that my middle son Walker announced to me when he was 7 years old he was authoring a series of books starring Captain Stretch-O and his evil nemesis, Dr. Short Pants. That was 7 years ago, and I’m pretty sure the Captain Stretch-O series hasn’t taken off just yet. But I thought it was interesting my son was apparently doing the same thing I was doing at his age. Lord help us, maybe one day soon, Walker can start his own newsletter for us all to read. But I understand the feeling that sometimes words and stories just have to come out.
I remember seeing a band playing one night in a bar to about 6 people, not counting the dudes themselves. I watched the band play for about thirty minutes before the thought hit me—- the room didn’t need to be packed for the guys on stage— they were just digging the music and the chance to play. That’s kinda what I think about when I sit down and write my stuff. I just enjoy the chance to play. Like I said earlier, I appreciate everyone who has been so supportive and offered encouragement. The only bit of career advice my father ever gave me was “You want to write? Great. But I’m not paying for you any longer than I have to.” That nugget probably led me to law school, only to have Dad look at me soon after graduation and say, “Hell, I can’t believe you just didn’t go write full-time.” Maybe one day, Dad. Maybe one day. But until then, I will just spit out my random thoughts when I can.
Because I have to.
Should’ve Called Fletch To Do the Job Instead
The entire Murdaugh story in South Carolina just blows my mind to the point that I can’t even comment on it. Here’s a link to a good recap in Slate that seems to put everything out there for this freaky drama. Should’ve called Alan Stanwyck on how to get the thing done.
Watch This One
Netflix’s Untold series has been able to tell stories behind some of best sports stories in the recent past. The documentaries about Kaitlyn Jenner and the Malice in the Palace were outstanding. This last installment follows American tennis player Mardy Fish and the mental challenges in his life, both professionally and personally. Even if you don’t follow tennis, the entire series is worth the watch.
37 years ago last week….
Things You Might Like
Norm Macdonald Was an Agent of Comedy Chaos by Rob Harvilla, The Ringer, September 14, 2021. Here’s an epic tribute to Norm Macdonald, the comedian who lost much too soon this past week. Harvilla’s style is very distinctive and as always, he hits on all cylinders analyzing pop culture. I will miss Norm’s subversive wit. When he was on his game, he had that “not give a damn” aura that all great performers exude. Check out this old popular clip from Conan’s show, and stay with it until the end to see Norm at the top of his game. Godspeed, ya freak.
The Jessica Simulation: Love and Loss in the Age of A.I.by Jason Fagone, San Francisco Chronicle, July 23, 2021. Holy hell. I ran across this longform piece this week and was mesmerized. Jason Fagone vividly tells the story of a 30 year old man who recreated his late girlfriend via a chatbot. Take some time and give this one a whirl.
Courtney’s Story by Diana Moskovitz, Defector, September 13, 2021. A few years ago, then Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer and his assistant Zach Smith were suspended because of alleged domestic violence incidents involving Smith and his ex-wife, Courtney. Meyer is now the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Smith now hosts a football show and podcast. Here’s Courtney’s side of the story. Powerful.
My Mother, Meat Alternatives, and Me by Latria Graham, Gravy, September 18, 2021. If you don’t know Latria Graham’s writing, then you should. She crushes everything she writes, and you will find her work in everything from the New York Times to Southern Living, with a lot of Garden & Gun in between. Enjoy this little piece of her heart.
Remembering Garrett Hull- The Quiet Boy with A Sweet Left-Handed Swing by Jason Lloyd, The Athletic, September 17, 2021. I had not heard about this story until I read this moving column. On September 9th, a Avon Lake, Ohio man shot and killed his wife, two sons, and the family dog before turning the gun on himself. As the father of three boys and a former youth baseball coach myself, I don’t have adequate words to express my grief for a family I don’t know in a community I didn’t know existed until this week.
Classic Writing
Aftermath by Rachel Cusk, Granta, May 2011. The writer Paul Kix’s weekly newsletter turned me on to this old essay ostensibly about the end of a marriage. Or is it, Kix described it in his newsletter as “[t]he best encapsulation I've read of the modern female experience.” Pretty strong words, but this essay lives up to its billing.
Reading Recommendation—
Let A Simile Be Your Umbrella by William Safire
I’ve been reading this book the last couple of weeks, and while the fact it makes me laugh out loud confirms I’m a nerd, I have loved every minute of it. William Safire is a genius when it comes to dissecting language, and I’ve always enjoyed his writing. This particular copy is dear to me because it was sent to me by Malinda after her husband, and my friend, Jim, passed away unexpectedly last month. Jim and I shared many common interests, chief among them a love of words. Reading this book, I could imagine Jim laughing at some of the same passages as I did. Thank you, Malinda, for sharing this small piece of Jim with me. I so wish he could still send me a smartass text or tap out a pithy tweet to the world. I will always treasure this book not just for Safire’s biting commentary, but because it will be a tangible reminder of my friend Jim.
Soundtrack of the Week- Drivin’N’Cryin
There’s not a frat boy from the mid-eighties until the mid-nineties who doesn’t know Drivin’N’Cryin. Required listening for any cool kid holding a Solo cup, “Straight to Hell” was its generation’s “Wagon Wheel.” Lord knows Kevin Kinney writes some deep lyrics, and Gap Nation always sang right along with him even if many had some differences of opinion with what they were singing. Raise your cups one more time- “Come with me I’ll show you where the dogwoods bloom . . .”