Remembering My Sister, Deborah Ann Lilienthal

On January 28, 2023, my sister Debbie passed away at 54 from colon cancer. She fought hard, but the initial diagnosis in February 2022 showed the disease had already metastasized to her liver, lungs, and brain. Our mom always called Debbie bullheaded. Her last eleven months proved it. I met Debbie in February 1972, shortly …

Zapruder Nation

Originally published in November 2013 for the 50th anniversary of JFK’s assassination. Reposted now for the 60th anniversary and to reflect the release of previously withheld files on the assassination. It is the anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s assassination. The resultant reverence, pain and doubt have remained in the American psyche since November 22, 1963. …

Remembering My Mother: Elinor Karpf-Hager, 1939-2013

My mother, Elinor Hager, on the set of Adam at 6 A.M. in 1969, one of her earliest screenwriting credits My mother, Elinor Hager, passed away on October 21, 2013. A screenwriter for nearly 30 years, she was my teacher in communication, creativity and critical thinking. She always told me how proud she was of …

Remembering My Sister, Deborah Ann Lilienthal

On January 28, 2023, my sister Debbie passed away at 54 from colon cancer. She fought hard, but the initial diagnosis in February 2022 showed the disease had already metastasized to her liver, lungs, and brain. Our mom always called Debbie bullheaded. Her last eleven months proved it. I met Debbie in February 1972, shortly …