And so 2016 finally draws to a close. It’s been the longest election year in American history. It ran from Feb. 1, 2016, the date of the Iowa caucuses, to the Senate […]
Finally, 2016 comes to a conclusion
This just in: some things are improving
In this era of exotic viruses from China, deep political divisions, out-of-control fires and eyebrow-rising Super Bowl halftime shows, it might look like our world is going to Heck in a shopping […]
“Gentlemen” is really Matt McConaughey
By Jim Tortolano Next to superheroes in capes, about the most reliable genre in modern movie-making is bad guys with charm. That’s a big part of the appeal of “The Gentlemen,” a […]
The gang’s all here with Mike Pompeo
It’s not just that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo chewed out NPR reporter Mary Louise Kelly after she dared to ask him questions he didn’t like. Nor is it so objectionable that […]
Kobe made a final, graceful appearance
Last week’s State of the City luncheon, keynoted by Garden Grove Mayor Steve Jones, brought out an unexpected moment of appreciation and grief. Just a short time after the death of Laker […]
It’s too late to bring Schiff off the bench
Let’s discuss the fantasy that so many desperate Democrats are having. In their minds, they’re asking, “Is it too late for Adam Schiff to run for president?” Actually, since his dynamite performance […]
Trump removal would be wrong
It’s easy to forget what the Senate impeachment trial is supposed to be about. It’s not a fight over whether the Senate will call a couple of witnesses that the House couldn’t, […]
“Dallas,” the Palace and Other Malice
For the kiddies, it’ll be necessary to start this rant by explaining that there was an immensely popular TV show called “Dallas” that ran from 1978 through 1991. It traced the escapades […]
“JoJo Rabbit” escapes with your heart
By Jim Tortolano The premise may seem ridiculous. It’s a kind of mashup of “Sophie’s Choice” and Mel Brooks’ “The Producers,” complete with prancing Adolph Hitlers. But “JoJo Rabbit” is a one-of-a-kind […]
Conscience and “Inspector Calls”
By Thom deMartino Each and every one of us hides behind a mask of civility in our culture: to hide our flaws, our transgressions, our shames … those regrettable traits within ourselves […]
