Creative Commentary
Stan Atkinson, Sacramento’s Preeminent Newscaster, Passes Away
If you lived in Sacramento in the nineteen seventies through the first decade this century,. you remember what a great television news anchor and reporter Stan Atkinson was. I just found out he died last week at age 92. I never met him but once saw him in person at an event where he displayed…
Weekend Woes
What a wonderful weekend. Friday and Saturday featured 101 scorchers and last night around nine the electricity went out along with the air conditioning and my nerves. But at least the power will be on by morning, I assumed. No, PG&E texted, maybe by four or five Sunday afternoon, make that eight Sunday night, how…
Excellent Review of “Hitler Here”
David Lambert is a writer, world traveler, and an alumnus of the University of Washington as well as Dartmouth College. I was therefore particularly pleased to see his review of my biographical novel Hitler Here. “I just finished Hitler Here and really enjoyed it! A great blend of fiction and history–excellently written as well” –…
History Enhanced is Published
History Enhanced has been published. The collection offers seven scintillating short stories about Hollywood Heartache, Mass Murder, and Cold Warriors. Introduction History Enhanced offers part of the official record, and the author’s creative writing and insights help us understand much of what else could have happened in seven penetrating short stories. Robert Walker – Walker,…
Pete Rose Crosses Home Plate
The indomitable Pete Rose, the major league king of hits with 4,256, passed away on Monday, and I hereby honor him by linking “A Rose in the Hall of Fame,” an article that I posted in January 2004. A Rose in the Hall of Fame
Ruscha Torments Museum Visitor
What the hell? Last I remember I’d stolen a car somewhere in L.A. and started driving around town but now it looks like I’m somehow parked inside a big ole art museum. Right away I see a huge painting named Boss and read a label that it’s by Ed Ruscha. Who is this guy, a…
Cole Hocker Sprints to Gold in Paris
Want to see the greatest race ever? Here it is, the men’s 1500 Olympic final in Paris. Cole Hocker, known for his kick, roared by one, two, and ultimately three great runners down the stretch to win the gold medal in an Olympic record 3:27.65. The gold medalist in the 2021 Olympics, Jakob Ingebrigsten, took…
Man on Roof with a Rifle
Several times since last Saturday I have wondered why the police and secret service didn’t immediately respond, before the shooting, to spectators telling them a man with a rifle was on a roof nearby. Can someone explain why action wasn’t taken? That seems a no brainer. Yet…
Another Great Catch for Willie Mays
A friend just sent me a quote by an unnamed wise man who about Willie Mays said, “The only man who could’ve caught that ball just hit it.” Terrific phrase, and true. As a kid I in person saw Mays make many catches but the greatest was a sinking line drive to left center that…