The 'New' Ocean House

Thanks to photographer Dick Jenkins, I have added a photo of the new 'Grand Lady' to my story about the Ocean House, the iconic hotel in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. The Ocean House, which is nearing completion, is being rebuilt as a luxury hotel and residence. Growing up in Connecticut, our favorite beach destination was always the area around Watch Hill and Misquamicut Beach. To read the story and see the photo, follow the link below.

The Ocean House

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Hidden Springs Cafe

One of the great old jewels of the San Gabriel Mountains in California, the Hidden Springs Cafe, burned down as a result of the terrible Station Fire that swept the mountains recently (as of today the Station Fire is still burning in remote rugged canyon areas). It was a funky little family spot on the Angeles Forest Highway in Palmdale, and we would stop by for a cheeseburger and a soda when we found ourselves cruising the mountain roads. They had a funky and friendly cat named Pearl who greeted everyone in the same loving and trusting way for many years. Below is a link to some pictures (including a photo of Pearl) and links that will allow you to make a donation if you so desire.

Hidden Springs Cafe

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Guerrilla Drummer

I was recently watching some footage of Charlie Watts, drummer for the Rolling Stones, as he plied his trade on that old basic drum set. It reminded me of a description I once heard about the Viet Cong, the guerrilla fighters from the Vietnam War who were so adept at doing so much with so little. It was said the Viet Cong could do more damage with one round than an American could with 100 rounds. What a sound Charlie has, the true engine of the band, he provides such a solid and powerful foundation out of a drum style that features such an economy of motion.

Not flashy enough for those that value vaudeville and large gaudy drum sets over talent and substance.

Remembering the Ocean House

This Labor Day, I recalled attending a special end of the summer-season party back in 1973; it was held at the famous "Grand Lady", the iconic Ocean House hotel in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. Growing up in Connecticut, our favorite beach destination was always the area around Watch Hill and Misquamicut Beach. Those were special times. To read the story, follow the link below.

The Ocean House

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Freedom of Speech

I was looking at the painting 'Freedom of Speech' by Norman Rockwell today, and contrasting it with the meanness and bile so evident in the town hall meetings and the debates over health care, where shouting and hysterical threats seemed to rule the day. What a sad commentary on what some have become.

The Manchurian Candidate

In the 1962 political thriller, the film 'The Manchurian Candidate', James Gregory gave a brilliant performance when he played the Senator and hate-monger John Yerkes Iselin, husband to the evil Angela Lansbury. I was watching and listening to it this morning in Los Angeles as I worked at my desk at home, and it really struck me how timely it is in regards to the political climate of the day. There is one scene where Senator Iselin's head appears on the TV as he is railing about the treason of his political opponents and threatening impeachment and trials. It struck me how much he looked and sounded like Bill O'Reilly of Fox News. Same condescending look, same frightening sound, same hysteria-driven message.

Maizie, a dog lover's story

To read the story of Maizie, follow the link below.

Maizie

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