David Ossman could claim to be the most literate of all the members in the Firesign Theatre. Born in Santa Monica in 1936, Ossman began writing science fiction stories and poetry in junior high and high school, having several pieces published. At Pomona College, he also turned to acting, starring in productions of #The Crucible and #Fumed Oak, among others. Ossman then transferred to Columbia University where he continued to self-publish his poems. In 1958, he began working for a New York City radio station as a summer replacement announcer and line producer, whetting his appetite for radio as a medium for his writing. In the mid-'60s, now returned to Los Angeles, Ossman co-hosted Radio Free Oz, a precursor of the Firesign Theatre, at KPFK. Though originally a discussion and music program, more and more comedy made its way into the show, helped by friend Phil Austin and future Firesign Theatre members Peter Bergman and Phil Proctor. As part of Firesign Theatre, Ossman is probably best known as George Tirebiter, the everyman hero of Don't Crush That Dwarf, Hand Me the Pliers, who has later turned up on other albums and live shows. In 1973, he released his only solo album, How Time Flys, with participation of the whole group, then toured with Phil Austin in 1975, appearing at colleges and comedy clubs. He has continued to write, produce, and act, producing a 50th anniversary performance of #War of the Worlds for NPR, and adapting Tom Lewis's book -Empire of the Air for radio. A second solo album, USA Mean Time, was recorded but not released. ~ Ted Mills, Rovi