“Twilight Zone”, was a TV series from the 1950’s that wandered through the realm of ideas.  Rod Serling opened each episode with this monologue:  “You are about to enter another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind.  A journey into a wondrous land of imagination.  Next stop, the Twilight Zone”.  Die-hard fans still watch the “Twilight Zone” marathon, which starts on New Year’s Eve.  My vote for the story with the creepiest ending:  “To Serve Man”.

“Walking Distance” spoke directly to me.  The protagonist is a stressed-out executive who seeks relief by driving back to his hometown.  There he encounters his 11-year-old-self riding a carousel; the scene is set in Recreation Park, Binghamton, NY, only blocks away from Rod Serling’s boyhood house. 

My 10-year-old self and I have spent quality time together creating a set of Carousel-based games, all inspired by his wondering about passing a Silver Ring in the summer of 1950.  Who says you can’t reverse “Time’s Arrow”?