Home Is Where The Thunderheads Are

 August 31, 2024

   When I was fifteen minutes younger I would drive to San Diego in one stretch—six-and-one-half hours—straight through, with a possible stop in El Centro for huevos rancheros. 

Zonie kids frolicking on Mission Beach

circa 1986

   These days, I have to split the drive into two parts with an overnight stop in Yuma, and even then it seems to be on the outer edge of my endurance.

Yuma Crossing 

where it's 110 in the shade!

   Yes, that is old Fort Yuma across the Colorado River, underneath the truck on I-08. Uno is not impressed but this is about the exact spot where Olive Oatman was brought over and given to the care of the Great Western in 1855. It is a sacred spot, to me, because the fort commander knew, the only person who could help guide the repatriated Ms. Oatman back across the divide was this giant woman with an even bigger heart.

Daily Whip Out: "The Great Western"

Daily Whip Out: "Olive's Dark Secret"

   From Yuma, we got out on the road by five this morning and caught this tequila sunrise at Mohawk Pass.

Sunrise at Mohawk Pass

(shot right out the windshield by Kathy Sue)

   We rolled into Cave Creek at 9:30 a.m. and it was already close to a hundred, but in the afternoon, we had the privilege to witness this.

Thunderheads Roll In Over New River Mesa

   Man, I really dislike the incessant heat, but I am quite partial to these massive thunderheads that only our southwest deserts provide.

"Everything is more beautiful because we are doomed."

—Homer, The Iliad

Last Night On The Beach

 August 30, 2024

   Well, the week has zipped by and I had a nice red to celebrate our last night on the beach.

A nice bottle of Grand Reserve

   Of course, some guys weren't all that interested in the sunset.

Uno couldn't be bothered

   One of the many things I love about the beach is the solitude and contemplation while listening to the crashing waves. It's very primordal and invariably leads to flights of inspiration. This morning as I stared at the sets rolling in, a certain captivo came into view.

Mickey Free Captured On Paper at Least

   I still see him as the next American hero. Flawed, mixed and deadly. The perfect reflection of our times. Or, as his friend, the chief of the Apache Scouts put it:

"Mickey Free is half Mexican, half Irish and all son-of-a-bitch."

—Al Sieber

New Times In The Old West

 August 29, 2024

   Bad news travels fast. Yesterday afternoon the news came that Mike Lacy got five years and Scott Spear got ten years in the 14-year-saga of the Backpage trial. I have some history with the people and the page.

New Times staff, 1978, San Carlos Hotel

Right to left: Jana Bommersbach, Mike Lacey, Jim Larkin, BBB and two faces I know, but can't remember their names.

   About two months before this photo was taken Jim Larkin—the publisher of New Times—and I were driving north on Central Avenue, and in front of the downtown post office were several free newspaper racks and several guys were standing in front of the Bachelor's Beat rack grabbing copies, while the New Times rack was packed with no takers. I said to Jim, "If you could figure out how to combine the two titles you might have something." We both laughed at the absurdity of that idea.

   Here is a sample of a typical Bachelor's Beat front page from back in the day.

Bachelor's Beat, 1973

   The tawdry publication, which claimed outlets in Las Vegas, Phoenix and Tucson had oodles of strip club ads and escort service ads.

   Fast forward to 2004 when the Backpage of The New Times was designed, it was meant to attract clever items, where people paid a little extra for a groovy classified section. If my memory is correct, it took some time before the ads started to drift into the Bachelor's Beat zone, but when it did, Katy Bar The Door. The ploy worked, big time, and the feds warned the boys—they called themselves "Two Micks From The Sticks"—many times, and now, one of them is dead by suicide and the other is going to prison. Crazy sad.

   My good friend Craig Schepp told me that Angus Young and his brother Malcolm Young originally wanted to call their band "The Younger Brothers," as in Jesse James and Cole Younger and their siblings, but that the name was already taken. So they landed upon an electrical current, instead. And, by the way, the band was founded in 1973.

"It's a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll."

—AC/DC

Damnation Nation: "We have lost our damn manners!"

 August 28, 2024

   I was comparing notes with Buckeye Blake the other day and he said a line I think captures the current moment: "We are a nation that has lost its damn manners."

   Good point, sir, I said respectively.

   My daughter was regaling me with work stories and her encounters with Gen Zers who couch their rude behavior behind the facade of "Hey, I'm telling my truth." When did that replace manners?

   This reminded me of one of my pet peeves: how rude people can be about hat ettiquette.

Daily Whip Out: "Don't touch my hat!"

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Which, in turn, reminds me of the best line in one of my favorite Westerns, written by Larry McMurtry, of course.                                                                                                                                                                                                       

"I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it."

—Woodrow Call (Tommy Lee Jones) Lonesome Dove

Beach Buddies Who Party Until The Cows Come Home!

 Augusut 27, 2024

   One of the things that makes me smile is passng on ancient sayings that my grandkids chuckle at, then use back at me with some witty originality. Take one of my fave sayings, "We're gonna party until the cows come home!" The grandkids ask me what we're going to do today and then scoff at my answer, but imagine my delight when our granddaughter used this on me when I asked what she wanted to do today?

Triple B Offspring Partying

Until The Cows Come Home

   And, the reason Weston is holding up cash is because both kids were inspired to sell sea shells and made up a sign to walk on the beach and hard sell strangers. They both made decent money.

Beach Venders

      Been thinking about my New Times days. Jana, Dewey, Debra and Jim are gone and Lacey is supposed to be sentenced today.

   Crazy to still be here, but then I have always believed in partying untill the cows come home.

   Also, here is one of Dan the Man's runs at the BkK cover that kind of stands out now.

"And now that you don't have to be perfect, you can be good."

—John Steinbeck

From Hell to High Water

 August 26, 2024

   It was a bear getting over to San Diego on Friday, with temperatures hovering in the 110 to 112 range most of the way.

Daily Whip Out:

"Dodging Flames On The Road Out of Hell"

   Fortunately we had a very good back seat driver.

"Slow down dog gonnit, we'll get there."

   Woke up and the boy knows how to have fun on the beach.

Uno's Turtle Themed Sand Castle

On the boardwalk we ran into these roller bladers.

The Rolling Bortschellers

   We have been coming over here, off and on, for 44 years and it never gets old to desert Zonies.

One Happy Zonie Family

"The truth is simple, If it was complicated, everyone would understand it."

—Walt Whitman

Heat Stroke City

 August 25, 2024

   After three months of searing heat 24/7, we drove over to San Diego and landed under a tree across from Belmont Park in Mission Beach. It was 73 degrees and balmy and at least two Creekers I know were in heaven.

   We were actually waiting for our daughter Deena, who flew in from Seattle and brought the kids to join us on Mission Beach. We were soon enough in the surf, having some fun.

Beach Buddies

   It was so hot driving over from Cave Creek, when we got to Gila Bend, I looked at the temperature and it was 110 degrees. I had to laugh because, that is a lyric that takes me back to the Stumble Inn on North Park in Tucson, Arizona.

"In Gila Bend it's 110 in Buckeye it's 102. . ."

—The Dusty Chaps, Heat Stroke, 1975

High Concept Westerns vs. Rawhide

 August 23, 2024

   Today we're heading out on the highway, looking for adventure, and whatever comes our way before six o'clock at night when I have to go to bed because, well, I was born to be mild. 

   And, that includes this guy:

Sigh: One more damn glorious sunrise

   Uno sits for the umpteenth time on our daily walks and I must admit he increasingly looks bored and perhaps even a little irritated. He obviously never had sunrise appreciation training.

   Perhaps you've seen the new Netflix show, "Wyatt Earp And The Cowboy War." I watched the first episode last night and I have this to say. I know I am listed in the credits as being a co-producer, but if anyone had asked me I would have told them to find a better hat for Ike Clanton rather than that totally inaccurate Resistol Rodeo flying taco job he is wearing.

A damn fancy title for having zero input

   I received this message yesterday from a cranky historian who does not want his named used: "Your recent 'To the Point' column addressed an issue that has bothered me for many years. While you call for better stories, I would add new stories. I have been dismayed by the overwhelming collection of stories about Doc, Wyatt, Wild Bill, the Kid and Jesse. Perhaps less reliance on your fraternity of regular contributors would open the magazine up to new contributors with new stories."

   Point taken. That's why I think it's time for. . .

New Stories of The Old West

   Here are some new stories just dying to be published:

• Last Fandango at The Heatwave Cafe

   Featuring a very pretty cowgirl who I have not seen in a long, long time.

High Concept Westerns

   Utilizing AI we are going to do a mash-up where Rawhide meets All In The Family. Here's a sample scene.

   I am thinking we call it High—Concept!—Chapparal.

   Or, not.

"If you want a new idea, watch an old tv show."

—Old Co-Producer Saying

El Pendejo Descends Upon The Dusty Streets of Opodepe

 August 21, 2024

   If there's one thing I do really well, it's finding new distractions when I should be finishing something else. Case in point: I was cleaning in my studio, or, more accurately, frantically looking for a piece of original art to send to Alice Tatum's son, when I spied a failed set piece and realized it had some serious potential. So, after I found the Alice artwork, I pulled out my brushes and gave it another pass.

Daily Revised Whip Out:

"El Pendejo Lands In Opodepe"

   Oh, and, just for the record, this particular pendejo has a staff that turns into the head and neck of a rattlesnake.

Daily Whip Out:

"My Staff And My Rod Do Not Comfort Thee"

   And, also for the record, he landed in the middle of two rico families who have been warring for generations. This should be interesting. . .

Daily Whip Out: "Pendejo's Zia Mama Mia"

      I even played around with a comic strip title page.

Daily Whip Out: "El Pendejo Logo-Mo-Fo-Fun"

   Oh, and here's the artwork that went out to Alice's son today.

Daily Tatum Whip Out:

"El Villista Apachurrado"

   My son, Tomas, who is fluent in Spanish and Quechua, informs me that 'apachurrado' is slang for sad.

"Mas O Menos, what follows es verdad."

—Old Spanglish Vaquero

Wyatt Earp & Doc Holliday Finally Talk

 August 19, 2024

   It was almost one hundred years ago (1927) that film started talking and today, thanks to AI, a whole bunch of dead people are going to start talking to us as well. Like this guy

And this guy. . .

Okay, this one is really crazy. . .

For The Hard of Hearing

   This September marks my 25th year of running True West magazine and it seems only fitting that after all this time someone else should take over the visual reins of the oldest and best history magazine on the planet. Yes, someone who is not really an avatar, but more like a creepy cousin who sort of resembles me but is also funnier than me by a long shot. No, I am not an insane robot and I am not really a living being either, but like the real Triple B, I am flattered that you would care either way.

—BBB

The Three Skeptics Hold Court

 August 18, 2024

A Bonus Bogus Blog

   Oh, so you think you know Old West History? We dare you to buy anything from these three snotheads. You're gonna fail! Don't even try!!

The Three Skeptics

Photo by Jan Bracciale

Here are the top five things that came out of these guy's mouths at the Doc Holliday Unveiling Party last Wednesday.

 • "We don't care who your grandfather was."

• "These books are worthless. Don't even bother."

• "I wouldn't take a check from you if it was made of gold."

• "Stop showing interest and get the hell out of here."

• "History is for losers. Adios."

   And, here's one bonus comment which can actually be attributed to a former president of the United States. From Missouri, of all places.

"The only thing new in this world is the history you don't know"

—Harry Truman

Fellow Drummer Cubby O'Brian, Guido Sarducci, Kramer & Larry David All Drop In!

 August 18, 2024

   My father's birthday was yesterday. I miss the guy. I will say this. He was one stubborn Norwegian.

Al Bell's Flying A Days

   There is little doubt some of that stubborness rubbed off on me. A reporter once asked Kathy what it is like living with me and she said, "invading Viking, only child."

   Meanwhile, I got the nicest email from a Hollywood director:

   'Thanks for your entertaining and educational magazine. I am always impressed with the passion and knowledge of your writers and readers on subjects of the old west. When I was just 19, I headed west, not for gold, but for Hollywood. Since then, I worked most of my life in TV, including being Head Writer on Candid Camera and Director on Curb Your Enthusiasm."

—Tom Kramer

Tom Kramer, at left, with Don Novello and Dawn on the set of Fridays

   So, long story short, we are going to feature Tom in an upcoming What History Has Taught Me. When I asked about his early career he sent me a YouTube link to a skit he co-directed on the show Fridays, which was a west coast counterpart to Saturday Night Live back in the eighties. Check it out and watch for the dude at the end of the pan left in the first scene:

A Fistful of Darwin, 1981

   Yes, I am referring to this cat:

Michael Richards on Fridays skit

   When Tom confirmed it was in fact "Kramer" from Seinfeld, he told me to look for another Seinfeld alum and I think I found him:

Larry David, at left, with Father Guido

Sarducci

(Don Novello)

   In conversation, Tom told me his father-in-law played drums on the Mouseketeer Show and I blurted out, "Cubby O'Brian?" and Tom said yes and then Tom sent me this signed and framed photo:

Signed and personalized photo

by Cubby O'Brian

   So this completes my Mouseketeer fascination after getting this juicy mash note from Annette:

Daily Whip Out: "First Crush"

"Why? Because we love you! M-O-U-S-E!"

—Mouseketeer Club sign off

End of Trail Ranger Plus Princess DeAnne Giago Who Once Ruled Over True West

 Afternoon Session August 16, 2024

   Back for more. It's hot (103 in the shade!) but I'm in my studio having fun.

Daily Whip Out:

"A Border Ranger In Camp"

   From a reference photo I shot at End of Trail near Moriarity, New Mexico back in 2006.

Daily Whip Out:

"Princess Giago"

   I know what you're thinking. Boze is trying to pass off a former employee as the real deal. No, I am actually giving a reverential and respectful nod to DeAnne Giago, who was the True West circulation manager back in the day and, yes, she is the real deal.

The True West Staff, circa 2004

   Yes, that's DeAnne at far left. As for the rest, two have passed, four have retired and two still remain: Dan The Man Harshberger (second from left) and Robert Ray (second from right).

To The Entire True West Family

"Thank you for all the accolades I don't deserve and thank you for ignoring all the boneheaded moves I made, but most of all, I thank you for another chance to make amends."

—BBB

Fun Times at Home With Jesse James, Joaquin Jackson & The Border Rangers

 August 16, 2024

   I've been on the road for a solid week and it's fun to go, but I have to admit it's even more fun to come home. No appointments, no obligations, no expectations today. My kind of holiday—when staying home is the biggest thrill of all! 

   What follows is a celebration of that opportunity.

   He was born into a vortex of flames with a name fit for fame.

Daily Revised Whip Out:

"Jesse James In Hell!"

   Meanwhile, I couldn't leave well enough alone. I thought mi amigo needed a little more definition and shape.

Daily Revised Whip Out:

"El Villista Apachurrado"

   And, speaking of the border. . .

Daily Whip Out: "Border Ranger"

    I once had the privilege of having breakfast with Joaquin Jackson, the renowned, modern day Texas Ranger and he told me stories told to him by the early Texas Rangers about how they would clear an area of "problems," by spreading out and riding in a line and whatever they flushed out they would eliminate. Harsh, but effective. 

Joaquin Jackson. Texas Ranger

(1935-2016)

   Needless to say, my hair was blowing back as he was telling me this. I mean, this is literally two degrees of Bill McDonald.

   Okay, it's time to break for lunch.

   We'll see what the afternoon will bring. You know, it's funny what you can accomplish if you don't care who gets the credit.

"To feel the love of people whom we love is a fire that feeds our life."

—Pablo Neruda

Doc Holliday & BBB Still Standing at The Prescott Parking Lot

 August 15, 2024

   Over 300 people showed up for the unveiling of the Doc Holliday plaque yesterday in Prescott. 

The mob scene on North Montezuma

   Our very own Stuart Rosebrook was the MC at the shoutout event. We couldn't hear a word they were saying in the back, but the mayor spoke and several other dignitaries. 

   It was also John Holliday's birthday—August 14, 1851— so I think it's safe to say, he and I were the oldest guys there.

Doc and BBB in front of the new plaque

(photo by Rob Mathisch)

   The founder of the feast Brad Courtney had a big celebration afterwards at the Hassayampa Hotel where I caught up with some old friends, like this guy, the general manager of all the Waldenbooks in Phoenix back in the day. Needless to say, Randy got me in all their bookstores for talks and book signings for my Billy, Doc and Wyatt books. Great guy who is retired and now appears in indie movies (4 so far) and he also wrote a, ahem, randy book about growing up in the sixties, "Stiffroot" Yikes!

BBB & Randy Edwards

   Meanwhile, back at the conference center next to the Hassayampa Hotel, this guy was holding down the fort.

Our Man Steve Todd mans the TW table

with style, class and grace.

Adventures In Small Town Writing

   Of course I ran into a whole bunch of writers I know, including Leo Banks, Jeff Smith, Larry Martin and a prominent local author who perhaps doesn't want her name used, because she told me a wonderful story about writing a book about Mayer (the town) and a woman confronted her at a book signing and said, "I told you I was going to write a book on Mayer," and my friend said, "Yes, but that was twenty years ago," and the woman gave her a look like YOU STOLE MY BOOK! And the woman, who was 90 at the time, died shortly thereafter. 

   Nancy Burgess and I laughed and laughed. Only a small town author who deals with small town people would appreciate that story like we did.

"Anyone who thinks small towns are friendlier than big cities lives in a big city."

—Richard Peck