This song will always hold a special place in my heart. The moment I first heard it, I knew instantly that the singer was Stevie Winwood. I was in 3rd Field Hospital in Saigon. Been there about 10 days or so. It was September of 1969. I still couldn’t speak…but I could damn sure hear.… Continue reading CAN’T FIND MY WAY HOME
Author: Tucker Smallwood
EQUIVALENCY
A timeless adage: There are lies, damned lies…and statistics. As of Nov 1, Jewish citizens killed in the Hamas atrocity, 1538…plus hostages…and counting. Palestinians killed thus far: 9227. Palestinians injured thus far: 22,000. Palestinians killed by settlers: 132. Yet even more problematic. The false equivalence fallacy means judging two unequal things as equal; ie, apples… Continue reading EQUIVALENCY
Commercial Evolution
I’ve long been an observer of commercials because I discovered they reflect our constantly evolving social mores. Take a look at advertising during ANY decade since the advent of television. That ad will reflect the social dynamics of that time. Not so many decades ago, a commercial, ANY commercial featuring a married couple or a… Continue reading Commercial Evolution
THE BLACK DONNELLYS
I can remember having watched THE BLACK DONNELLYS back in 2007, struck by its unrelenting darkness. Much like THE SOPRANOS, it was about a crime family, but this time, Irish. Dozens of memorable roles portrayed by established character actors; the writing and direction both arresting. Two standout performances by Jonathan Tucker and Olivia Wilde, she… Continue reading THE BLACK DONNELLYS
BLACKFACE
BLACKFACE When IS blackface appropriate? 😉 It’s not listed among Greg’s theater credits, THE LAST MINSTREL SHOW, which starred DellaReese and was slated for Broadway. But after out of town runs in Delaware and Philadelphia,we never arrived at our slated opening at the Helen Hayes Theater. (I still have that NY Timesfull page ad announcing… Continue reading BLACKFACE
JUST A HOLLYWOOD AFTERNOON
After a meeting on Wilshire, I stop by a RiteAid on LaBrea before heading back to thevalley. It’s one of those weird ones (I guess in high crime neighborhoods) that keep their liquorunder lock and key. I sigh and return to the front for a manager to open the display case. She’s a little agitated…as… Continue reading JUST A HOLLYWOOD AFTERNOON
MORE RELATIVITY
Arose at 4 to play nine holes at sunrise before the heat got busy. Driving to Woodley,the sky was glorious! Violets, pinks, grays, golds, blues…hadn’t seen that in years! Off at6:30, shot an eclectic 43 on Woodley’s back nine. Meaning scruffed shot, BRILLIANT approach.Topped drive, EXQUISITE recovery! Sliced drive, LASER-LIKE pitch. Lousy chip, SINKS a… Continue reading MORE RELATIVITY
RELATIVITY AND SELF INDULGENCE
So, David Katz. Was able to legally purchase at least two handguns in Baltimore, Md alongwith ammunition. Was legally able to possess both. Was able to travel from Maryland toFlorida in possession of two pistols and ammunition (presumably by car, I HOPE he wasn’tallowed to fly in!) Was able to enter the venue in possession… Continue reading RELATIVITY AND SELF INDULGENCE
A GOOD GUY WITH A GUN
A GOOD GUY WITH A GUN. Scot Peterson. What a fateful name. Not the wife-killer Scott Peterson, now on death row…but one t less. He is the now exposed armed resource guard who was present, even as the shootings in Florida took place. So now we have the mythical “good guy with a gun” that… Continue reading A GOOD GUY WITH A GUN
PROBING THE MINEFIELD
This reportage on accusations against a Seal Team Commander (and our CIC’s interferencein the UCMJ) is troubling and dispiriting for several reasons. Elite units are regarded as suchbecause of their physical and mental standards and their exacting training. Apart from Delta,there is no unit ( publicly acknowledged) any more elite than our Navy Seal Teams.… Continue reading PROBING THE MINEFIELD