Author: Todd Tarbox
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GUEST OPINION: Remembering the redoubtable film critic Rex Reed
I was saddened to learn that film critic, journalist, actor, and flamboyant media maven Rex Reed, 87, died recently in his sleep at his New York home. Not surprisingly, upon hearing of his passing, a tsunami of remembrances erupted from around the world—both congenial and callous, with many a blend of the two. Many of…
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Making 2026 a season of hope
Recasting the opening sentence of Charles Dickens’ 1859 novel, “A Tale of Two Cities,” Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Art Buchwald wrote, “Whether it’s the best of times or the worst of times, it’s the only time we’ve got.” Reflecting on the best and worst times of last year, I’m reminded of Lewis Carroll’s imaginative children’s…
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GUEST OPINION: Sharing cheers and tears at a sixth grade graduation
I’m an author of children’s and adult books, a teacher in my youth and an ambivalent corporate captive for decades. Eight years ago, I moved from the Midwest to Colorado Springs with my wife, Shirley. Upon arriving at Cheyenne Mountain, I intended to start writing about subjects of my choosing rather than at the behest…
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GUEST COLUMN: Turning 80 is a time to look backward and forward
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save I am turning 80 today, my first day as an octogenarian. It is encouraging to report that I’ve arrived at this mortal mile marker relatively unscathed by the ravages of time. I had a broken…
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GUEST COLUMN: Turning 80 is a time to look backward and forward
I am turning 80 today, my first day as an octogenarian. It is encouraging to report that I’ve arrived at this mortal mile marker relatively unscathed by the ravages of time. I had a broken arm in my youth and a broken heart five years ago that was mended masterfully by cardiac surgeon Betty Kim…
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GUEST COLUMN: A meaningful presence that has endured
Earlier this month, I received word from the Gazette that a former student of mine, now living in Chicago, read a recent Opinion piece of mine that appeared in these pages, “All is not Quite Lost” and wanted to reconnect with me. Thanks to the Gazette acting as interlocutor, the following day, I received a…
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GUEST COLUMN: All is not quite lost
Since March 13, when the World Health Organization characterized the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic, the Coronavirus tsunami has flooded into every fiber of humanity’s being. Two weeks ago, I was enthusiastically engaged in convincing a New York theatre company to stage “Marching Song”, a play centering on enigmatic, controversial, firebrand abolitionist, John Brown, written by…
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A heartfelt and heart-saving stay at Penrose Hospital
My 75th birthday comes next month. I have experienced many joyous moments over the years, including meeting a beautiful young teacher in an elementary school hallway in Rockford, Ill., and marrying her nine months later. Equally memorable was witnessing the birth of our son. Conversely, I have not been immune from life’s not infrequent slings…
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GUEST COLUMN: Fifty years of an enduring relationship
The National Center for Family and Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University announced recently that only seven 7% of current United States marriages last to celebrate their Golden Jubilee. My wife, Shirley, and I are about to join that rarefied group when we celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary Friday. This considerable event represents our…
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GUEST COLUMN: A comforting shade of magenta
Reflecting on last week’s election, I rejoice in the priceless process — as I have since 1962, when I reached the age to exercise the privilege and responsibility of voting — but find myself far less than sanguine about the post-election mudslinging that continues unabated. The day following the election, The New York Times informed…