<p>Brazos has frequently and consistently failed in his efforts to take life seriously.&nbsp; Since resigning from his 30 year stint at Texas A'M he has completely given up on that ill-conceived objective.&nbsp; Smoke is his latest effort consistent with the described failure.&nbsp; These stories reflect a self-depreciating brand of humor that highlights his ability to generate or become involved in unique situations.&nbsp; The reader will understand he really had no choice in the brand of humor adopted.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Forest Park&nbsp;is a post-puberty analysis of the hazards of adolescent courtship. &nbsp;In Support of Prohibition&nbsp;illustrates the difficulty of predicting the result of man-versus-woman drinking contests. &nbsp;The First Native American, clearly&nbsp;a landmark scientific effort, proves conclusively the existence of Bigfoot and his uncanny similarities to some elements of humankind. &nbsp;</p>

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<p>The title story,&nbsp;Smoke, relates the Confederate side of the battle of Williamsburg and&nbsp;the participation of Brazos&rsquo; great grandfather in 23 engagements involving Longstreet&rsquo;s Corps under Robert E. Lee.&nbsp;Chivalry&nbsp;and&nbsp;Hello&nbsp;are insights into Louisiana&rsquo;s Cajun cultural events&nbsp;and Texas Hill Country musicians.&nbsp;&nbsp;Laguna Madre&nbsp;is the true story of a self-induced, life-threatening&nbsp;event improbably survived by a stalwart group of fishermen.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The remaining stories are succinctly described by a line from that 60s coffee house staple, &ldquo;A Horse Named Bill.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp; They involve events that are simply &ldquo;too fierce to mention.&rdquo;</p>