By Jim Tortolano The key to real success, sometimes, is knowing when to stop. “Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2,” the sequel to the wildly successful first film about a bunch of […]
“Guardians 2” is a little too much fun
Retorts: News takes on a different shape
There was once a “war” in Orange County that lasted for years before petering out as both combatants were overtaken by a new and more powerful force. A signpost of that former […]
Dear Mari: Are the nurses against her?
Dear Marilyn, I am a female paramedic. I used to work out in the field for an ambulance company. I worked there for five years. Now I work in a hospital emergency […]
Tracy redefines beauty in “Hairspray”
By Thom deMartino Tracy Turnblad (Shakiba Shadman) is a young woman ahead of her time — or, perhaps, at just the right place and time. In “Hairspray,” the musical now playing at […]
“The Circle” the shape of things to come?
By Jim Tortolano If the road to hell has always been paved with good intentions, these days they must use microprocessors instead. If you’re one of those people getting a wee bit […]
“Music Man” makes some beautiful music
By Thom deMartino Can a beautiful, persuasive lie really hold a deeper truth? This is the question posed in the new production of “The Music Man” at Garden Grove’s Gem Theater, as […]
Retorts: Getting ahead of the curves
One of my favorite books is an overlooked classic from 1991 titled “If It Ain’t Broke, Break It,” by Robert Kriegel. This little gem places emphasis on the wisdom of anticipating change […]
Dear Mari: My sister won the baby race!
Dear Marilyn, My sister recently found out that she is pregnant. Although I am very excited for her, I can’t help but be a little jealous. My husband and I had been talking […]
It’s heaven on a griddle at Roscoe’s
By Jim and Marilyn Tortolano Ignore IHOP. Confound the Colonel. If you want great breakfast food or chicken, head for Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles on Harbor Boulevard, just south of […]
Retorts: Cheers for a sense of community
One hesitates to build a philosophy around a TV sitcom that’s been off the air for nearly a quarter of a century, but I heard the theme song from “Cheers” the other […]
