Take it Outside

 

I have to admit that I do not watch many movies these days and only peek at pix and clips from the Oscars to see the fashions and the odd acceptance speech. However, last night, my Facebook feed exploded with clips and accounts of Will Smith hauling off and slapping Chris Rock on stage. 

Now I also saw the deep hurt in the eyes of Jada Pinkett Smith while Will was originally laughing at the lame "GI Jane" joke. In an industry that prizes appearance to the exclusion of almost everything else, alopecia must be a really difficult thing to deal with. I can also empathize with Will's desire to defend his lady. 

Back in the day, these things were done in relative privacy. Men challenged each other to duels to be played out in remote places with only a second and maybe a doctor present. Or a meeting behind a local barn for a bout of fisticuffs might be suggested. At the very least, men would say to the offender "Let's take it outside." Will might have been better served to have a private word with Chris after the ceremony. As it is, I fear that he has diminished himself in the eyes of his fans. 

Next time, Will, take it outside. 

Theater Kids

 Back in the 1980's and the first part of the '90's, I participated in plays and musicals put on by the Vicksburg Theater Guild. I met a lot of great people while doing this. Sadly, many of the older actors have passed on now, but I have reconnected with many of the kids who did theater with me on FaceBook. 

A couple of them have passed on. It devastated me when Jeremy Ballard was killed in an automobile accident at 16. The latest one was recent when I heard that Adam Wong (Aaryn Harrison) had passed away in California. I remember Adam as a young teen and he was always funny and entertaining. 

Best of all, these young folks have grown up and are doing some really good things in the world. They are using many of the skills they learned while participating in theater productions. Life has handed several of them some very difficult situations, but they are hanging in there and not only surviving, but thriving. 

Deborah Neilson Tomai, Terry Wong, Kate Roselle, Brady McKellar, Jason McKellar, Kevin Jacks, Alicia Jacks,  Amy Boolos Jackson, Ashley Boolos Davidson, Laura Barnett Cagle, Craig Helmuth, (I'm sure I'm missing someone!) I just want you to know that I am proud of the people that you have become and are becoming. Even when looking at pictures of your children make me feel as old as Methuselah! 

*Giving you a standing ovation and a visual bouquet of roses.*