Michael Bird

Life has an interesting way of creating connections, crossing paths with all kinds of people in ways that may appear random or routine.

I recently learned of the passing of Chuck Bowen, the subject of this column. He had an extraordinary career in the Columbus area and, here again is the amazing true story of Flako the Clown.

The Bird bunch recently embarked upon a family vacation across the western Gulf coast – an exciting endeavor in our twelve-passenger Ford Econoline. We traveled back and forth across Louisiana and Mississippi for several days, visiting several spots along the way.

In the summer of 1974, the Watergate scandal was raging as Congressional hearings revealed the shady dealings of the “plumbers” who had done President Nixon’s bidding for him: dirty deeds such as breaking into the office of Daniel Ellsberg’s psychiatrist (Ellsberg had been a whistleblower with the release of the Pentagon Papers); secretly recording every conversation on an elaborate tape system in the White House; and, of course, the infamous break-in at the Watergate office building, home to the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee.

Several months ago, Adam Brantley Hill – yes, the nephew of Ronald Brantley, who was featured in this newspaper for decades as The Coffee Breaker – suggested that I check out Amazon Prime and watch “Kojak.” I didn’t know the entire series was available anywhere, but in the world of streaming it seems like you can find pretty much anything.

Recently, the world of music experienced the twin passings of two geniuses who contributed so much, it would be folly to try and list their accomplishments here.

Every era has a beginning and an end.

Last Friday night in Wetumpka, the Tallassee High School Class of 2025 walked across the football field and into their futures.

One year ago this week, I was saying goodbye to a 28-year career as a public school music teacher.