Writing Boots

What is Chicago without Ed Reardon?

Hard-core Murray readers will remember this piece from two years ago, written and published on my old Shades of Gray blog, upon the death of my friend Ed. Supremely confident in my theory that Eddie wouldn't have minded my reminding Chicago of what a cool guy he was, I've republished it on Huffington Post.

A short memoir by a lucky kid

My dad, who died in January, wrote for Car Collector Magazine for 30 years.

They remember him in the March issue, partly with an essay by me.

"Ballet Best-Case," Chicago Tribune

Into their 40s, Joffrey Ballet’s Deborah Dawn and Willie Shives have stayed in a business dominated by people half their age. What’s their secret?

"How to Sell a Man a Hairpiece," Chicago Tribune

Hairpiece-maker Ernie Casper has covered the heads of actor Burt Reynolds, golfer Chi Chi Rodrguez and late baseball owner Charles O. Finley. Now he wants to show you something.

"Hard Travelin'," Chicago Tribune Magazine

Comic Paul Frisbie has embraced the life of a traveling comedian, with all its warts. “When you’re not famous, you earn it every night.”