Category Archives: Uncategorized

Show stoppers

Posted on June 30, 2021 by CharliesTrail

“You pretend I’m Laura and I’ll pretend you’re Christian,” Jamie said, putting her hand on my thigh and leaning into me as we watched a production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at an outdoor theater on the coast of … Continue reading →

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Remembering (and celebrating) Kobe’s greatness

Posted on May 20, 2021 by CharliesTrail

On May 15, 2021, Kobe Bryant was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Below is an entry I wrote in my journal shortly before the coronavirus changed all our lives. Here is updated version of a journal … Continue reading →

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All aboard the “Zhu Choo”

Posted on November 27, 2020 by CharliesTrail

During the pandemic, ZHU, an electronic dance musician and Grammy-nominated recording artist, has made it a mission to “bring people to a place where they’ve never been.” He’s streamed from the mountains of western Japan, the sand dunes of southwestern … Continue reading →

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Choosing happiness in a time of uncertainty

Posted on May 22, 2020 by CharliesTrail

Looking for something upbeat? Based on the novel by French writer Francois Lelord, “Hector and the Search for Happiness” is a fitting watch for the moment, as it takes the viewer on a journey to discover what it means to … Continue reading →

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Paying tribute to Grandpa, the most grateful man I’ve known

Posted on April 21, 2020 by CharliesTrail

On Saturday, April 18, my grandfather Marshall Cheek Kidd passed away. He had just turned 97, and, for the first time, was really starting to feel his age. The life of the party was slowing down, both physically and mentally. … Continue reading →

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Local musicians, artists go “live” to lift spirits

Posted on April 1, 2020 by CharliesTrail

It was February of 2007. I was in New Orleans with my friend Daniel – a native – celebrating his first Mardi Gras after Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the impassioned city, its impact still widely spread. Daniel’s home had significant … Continue reading →

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Be pleasant this holiday season

Posted on December 25, 2019 by CharliesTrail

“Years ago my mother used to say, “In this world you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. For years I was smart. I recommend pleasant.” – Elwood P. Dowd, “Harvey” Sixty-nine years after its release, there’s still … Continue reading →

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Boring But Important: Why Super Bowl LIII is unforgettable

Posted on February 9, 2019 by CharliesTrail

“If you like offensive football, well, too bad…” That’s what CBS commentator Tony Romo said during the defense-dominated first half of Super Bowl 53 between the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, … Continue reading →

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Why “Christmas Vacation” is a Christmas classic

Posted on December 22, 2018 by CharliesTrail

When it comes to holiday movies, what constitutes a “Christmas classic?” I don’t think there is a right or a wrong answer. Each family has their own favorite holiday movies. Growing up, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” was a big one … Continue reading →

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Catalina Island

Posted on June 19, 2018 by CharliesTrail

“Dwayne Johnson has it covered, babe.” Half asleep, unsure of what was going on, that’s all I could muster. The alarm continued to sound, and Kari wasn’t comforted. “What? Seriously, Charlie, I think something’s up.” I opened my eyes a … Continue reading →

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