Scott A. Johnson, PhD
@scottajohnsonphd.bsky.social
retired prof and dean, active learner and educator, engaged global citizen. IDIC. Proudly Portland-born.
22 addresses across 6 states and UK, highlights SF + London.
now apparently full circle back to Fresno (but circles never end)
22 addresses across 6 states and UK, highlights SF + London.
now apparently full circle back to Fresno (but circles never end)
Pinned
Sunday flashbacks: as we continue the "good trouble" resistance with solidarity and solid reporting, I take a breath each week to a more carefree time (Nixon/Ford?!) - sharing from my adolescent hobby of collecting celebrity photos.
Happy Hanukkah to Benjamin Kubelsky, aka Jack Benny. Violin virtuoso who underplayed, icon of 30s/40s radio & early tv, influential through the 60s until his death in 1974 at 80. Jack was slated to be in the Sunshine Boys until illness required best friend George Burns to step in (& win an Oscar).
December 15, 2025 at 2:01 AM
Happy Hanukkah to Benjamin Kubelsky, aka Jack Benny. Violin virtuoso who underplayed, icon of 30s/40s radio & early tv, influential through the 60s until his death in 1974 at 80. Jack was slated to be in the Sunshine Boys until illness required best friend George Burns to step in (& win an Oscar).
“It all started in a 5,000 watt radio station in Fresno California, a 65 dollar paycheck and a crazy dream.”
Happy 103rd BD Ted Knight! As Ted Baxter he accepted a made-up "Teddy Award" with those words. FIFA saw an old MTM rerun & thought up their fictitious Peace Prize to pacify another blowhard.
Happy 103rd BD Ted Knight! As Ted Baxter he accepted a made-up "Teddy Award" with those words. FIFA saw an old MTM rerun & thought up their fictitious Peace Prize to pacify another blowhard.
December 8, 2025 at 12:05 AM
“It all started in a 5,000 watt radio station in Fresno California, a 65 dollar paycheck and a crazy dream.”
Happy 103rd BD Ted Knight! As Ted Baxter he accepted a made-up "Teddy Award" with those words. FIFA saw an old MTM rerun & thought up their fictitious Peace Prize to pacify another blowhard.
Happy 103rd BD Ted Knight! As Ted Baxter he accepted a made-up "Teddy Award" with those words. FIFA saw an old MTM rerun & thought up their fictitious Peace Prize to pacify another blowhard.
Belated 87th birthday wishes to Rich Little, an impressive impressionist. His artform was at its peak in the 60s and 70s, when he helped to make Nixon seem foolish pre-Watergate. Sadly, Rich’s connection to POTUS 45/47 is no laughing matter. He’s on record as a 2020 election denying Trump supporter.
December 1, 2025 at 6:59 AM
Belated 87th birthday wishes to Rich Little, an impressive impressionist. His artform was at its peak in the 60s and 70s, when he helped to make Nixon seem foolish pre-Watergate. Sadly, Rich’s connection to POTUS 45/47 is no laughing matter. He’s on record as a 2020 election denying Trump supporter.
Celebrating Geraldine Page & her 101st birthday yesterday November 22! An extraordinary talent recognized with multiple nominations (4 Tonys, 8 Oscars, 9 Golden Globes, 2 BAFTAS, 3 Emmys) she did win one of each (2 Emmys) but unbelievably no Tony. (1979 induction to American Theatre Hall of Fame).
November 23, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Celebrating Geraldine Page & her 101st birthday yesterday November 22! An extraordinary talent recognized with multiple nominations (4 Tonys, 8 Oscars, 9 Golden Globes, 2 BAFTAS, 3 Emmys) she did win one of each (2 Emmys) but unbelievably no Tony. (1979 induction to American Theatre Hall of Fame).
Rest well, Roy Scherer: commemorating Rock Hudson's 100th birthday November 17. Larger than life in many ways, a true "Giant" (Oscar-nom 1956). I knew him first as Commissioner McMillan (1971-77), then his charming romcoms with Doris Day. His tragic 1985 death challenged and changed AIDS awareness.
November 17, 2025 at 12:24 AM
Rest well, Roy Scherer: commemorating Rock Hudson's 100th birthday November 17. Larger than life in many ways, a true "Giant" (Oscar-nom 1956). I knew him first as Commissioner McMillan (1971-77), then his charming romcoms with Doris Day. His tragic 1985 death challenged and changed AIDS awareness.
Stella! Zira! Two characters indelibly etched in our psyche by the inimitable Kim Hunter. Celebrating her 103rd birthday Nov 12. She won the Oscar and Golden Globe for A Streetcar Named Desire, but my gen remember her best as compassionate chimp Dr. Zira from the original Planet of the Apes series.
November 9, 2025 at 11:06 PM
Stella! Zira! Two characters indelibly etched in our psyche by the inimitable Kim Hunter. Celebrating her 103rd birthday Nov 12. She won the Oscar and Golden Globe for A Streetcar Named Desire, but my gen remember her best as compassionate chimp Dr. Zira from the original Planet of the Apes series.
Remember when we used to laugh at pompous, unaware military & political leaders? Buffoons like Col. Hall (Bilko), Mayor Shinn (The Music Man), vet Fendall Hawkins (The Russians Are Coming!), all preyed upon by conmen and connivers. And all played to a tee by Paul Ford. Happy 124th Birthday Paul!
November 2, 2025 at 10:47 PM
Remember when we used to laugh at pompous, unaware military & political leaders? Buffoons like Col. Hall (Bilko), Mayor Shinn (The Music Man), vet Fendall Hawkins (The Russians Are Coming!), all preyed upon by conmen and connivers. And all played to a tee by Paul Ford. Happy 124th Birthday Paul!
Halloween week Happy Birthday to the greatest Uncle Fester, Jackie Coogan! (Chris Lloyd & Fred Armisen always brilliant, but Jackie set a high bar, from which he hung upside down). A big photo for me in ‘73 – not only for The Addams Family (daily reruns) but also Brady Bunch & Partridge Family!
October 26, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Halloween week Happy Birthday to the greatest Uncle Fester, Jackie Coogan! (Chris Lloyd & Fred Armisen always brilliant, but Jackie set a high bar, from which he hung upside down). A big photo for me in ‘73 – not only for The Addams Family (daily reruns) but also Brady Bunch & Partridge Family!
“This is Jim Rockford. At the tone leave your name and message, I’ll get back to you.” Remembering James Garner who would have been at the forefront of NO KINGS! just as he was with DR. KING in DC 1963. Not only did he “get back”, he gave back to support Civil Rights, the Environment, and Democrats.
October 19, 2025 at 6:54 PM
“This is Jim Rockford. At the tone leave your name and message, I’ll get back to you.” Remembering James Garner who would have been at the forefront of NO KINGS! just as he was with DR. KING in DC 1963. Not only did he “get back”, he gave back to support Civil Rights, the Environment, and Democrats.
Lifelong progressive Democrat Sam Jaffe was blacklisted for refusal to “cooperate” during the Red Scare . He was kept off the big screen for seven years, spending some of that time teaching high school math. His closest friends included fellow blacklisted actors Zero Mostel and Edward G. Robinson.
October 12, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Lifelong progressive Democrat Sam Jaffe was blacklisted for refusal to “cooperate” during the Red Scare . He was kept off the big screen for seven years, spending some of that time teaching high school math. His closest friends included fellow blacklisted actors Zero Mostel and Edward G. Robinson.
A Not So Funny Thing Happened On The Way to Zero Mostel’s career. In 1955 he declined to name names to the HUAC, jousted with Congress, invoked the Fifth Amendment & stood up for his right to privacy of his personal political beliefs. His testimony won him admiration among the blacklisted community.
October 5, 2025 at 10:53 PM
A Not So Funny Thing Happened On The Way to Zero Mostel’s career. In 1955 he declined to name names to the HUAC, jousted with Congress, invoked the Fifth Amendment & stood up for his right to privacy of his personal political beliefs. His testimony won him admiration among the blacklisted community.
Anyone interested in starting a #Fresno chapter of Drinking Liberally? livingliberally.org/intro_start_... Reply below, start a thread to discuss
LivingLiberally
livingliberally.org
October 4, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Anyone interested in starting a #Fresno chapter of Drinking Liberally? livingliberally.org/intro_start_... Reply below, start a thread to discuss
It's complicated. Edward G. Robinson embodied tough gangsters beloved by current White House. IRL "during the 1930s & 40s, "he was an outspoken public critic of fascism and Nazism." Then he named names to the HUAC during the 50s Red Scare - & wound up in Red Channels, blacklisted by major studios.
September 28, 2025 at 9:29 PM
It's complicated. Edward G. Robinson embodied tough gangsters beloved by current White House. IRL "during the 1930s & 40s, "he was an outspoken public critic of fascism and Nazism." Then he named names to the HUAC during the 50s Red Scare - & wound up in Red Channels, blacklisted by major studios.
Happy Birthday Greg Morris September 27th! 'Electrifying' as Barney Collier for entire run of Mission: Impossible & guested on the 80s remake with son Phil. Sadly lost Greg at 62 to cancer – a stark reminder that we’re going backwards today with severe cuts to healthcare research, support, & access.
September 21, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Happy Birthday Greg Morris September 27th! 'Electrifying' as Barney Collier for entire run of Mission: Impossible & guested on the 80s remake with son Phil. Sadly lost Greg at 62 to cancer – a stark reminder that we’re going backwards today with severe cuts to healthcare research, support, & access.
You just put your lips together and… blow! No one else could’ve told off Bogie in To Have And Have Not. Celebrating Lauren Bacall’s birthday September 16. More than just Bogart & Bacall, her unique style so memorable in 70 years of roles on film, tv, &s stage. Her personal integrity resonates today!
September 14, 2025 at 7:01 PM
You just put your lips together and… blow! No one else could’ve told off Bogie in To Have And Have Not. Celebrating Lauren Bacall’s birthday September 16. More than just Bogart & Bacall, her unique style so memorable in 70 years of roles on film, tv, &s stage. Her personal integrity resonates today!
H-Hello?...Hold the phone for Bob Newhart’s September 5 birthday (he would have been 86, much too young.) Brilliantly underplaying Dr. Bob Hartley during my teens, trying to cope as Dick Loudon in my twenties, and harried by all sorts of quirky characters. (He sent this photo around 1973 or 74).
September 7, 2025 at 10:15 PM
H-Hello?...Hold the phone for Bob Newhart’s September 5 birthday (he would have been 86, much too young.) Brilliantly underplaying Dr. Bob Hartley during my teens, trying to cope as Dick Loudon in my twenties, and harried by all sorts of quirky characters. (He sent this photo around 1973 or 74).
Twofer today, from the sublime to the ridiculous: Happy Birthday William Saroyan & Buddy Hackett!
Mr. Saroyan inscribed my dad’s business card on a flight back to Fresno in 1973 (regular coach, by the way.)
Buddy sent his signed photo in 1974 or ‘75 (the only celeb to send one with postage due!)
Mr. Saroyan inscribed my dad’s business card on a flight back to Fresno in 1973 (regular coach, by the way.)
Buddy sent his signed photo in 1974 or ‘75 (the only celeb to send one with postage due!)
August 31, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Twofer today, from the sublime to the ridiculous: Happy Birthday William Saroyan & Buddy Hackett!
Mr. Saroyan inscribed my dad’s business card on a flight back to Fresno in 1973 (regular coach, by the way.)
Buddy sent his signed photo in 1974 or ‘75 (the only celeb to send one with postage due!)
Mr. Saroyan inscribed my dad’s business card on a flight back to Fresno in 1973 (regular coach, by the way.)
Buddy sent his signed photo in 1974 or ‘75 (the only celeb to send one with postage due!)
Saluting Martha Raye ahead of her 109th birthday August 27! Outstanding musical comedy star over 50 years on stage, screen, radio, & TV, held her own alongside Bob Hope, W.C. Fields, Abbott & Costello, Charlie Chaplin. Those of us of a certain age may remember her as Benita Bizarre in The Bugaloos.
August 24, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Saluting Martha Raye ahead of her 109th birthday August 27! Outstanding musical comedy star over 50 years on stage, screen, radio, & TV, held her own alongside Bob Hope, W.C. Fields, Abbott & Costello, Charlie Chaplin. Those of us of a certain age may remember her as Benita Bizarre in The Bugaloos.
Happy 122nd Birthday to Mae West! Feminist powerhouse and early proponent of consensual sexual freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, drag, ant-racism, more. She fought government restrictions and censorship, although the Hays Code curtailed her film career. Still made an indelible, iconic multimedia impression
August 17, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Happy 122nd Birthday to Mae West! Feminist powerhouse and early proponent of consensual sexual freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, drag, ant-racism, more. She fought government restrictions and censorship, although the Hays Code curtailed her film career. Still made an indelible, iconic multimedia impression
Raising a glass - or an oil can - to celebrate the birthday of Jack Haley! (Getting oiled seems appropriate). Tin Man for the ages in Wizard of Oz (1939). Thanks for the enduring legacy despite arduous filming conditions and later studio system indignities. He took a stand & left the movie business.
August 10, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Raising a glass - or an oil can - to celebrate the birthday of Jack Haley! (Getting oiled seems appropriate). Tin Man for the ages in Wizard of Oz (1939). Thanks for the enduring legacy despite arduous filming conditions and later studio system indignities. He took a stand & left the movie business.
Remembering the great, groundbreaking Carroll O’Connor a day after his birthday (fittingly, Saturday.) All In The Family anchored an unsurpassed 70’s lineup with Mary, Bob, and Carol et al, & beget Lear’s lineage including The Jeffersons, Maude, & Good Times. Back when CBS had integrity & courage.
August 3, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Remembering the great, groundbreaking Carroll O’Connor a day after his birthday (fittingly, Saturday.) All In The Family anchored an unsurpassed 70’s lineup with Mary, Bob, and Carol et al, & beget Lear’s lineage including The Jeffersons, Maude, & Good Times. Back when CBS had integrity & courage.
If you’re under 65 you may only know Ed Sullivan from the Late Show intro for 30+ years. Plus his intro of the Beatles in many clips. But Ed was in Studio 50 from 1953-71 before he too was cancelled by CBS. Solidarity Stephen Colbert & Smothers Brothers!
July 27, 2025 at 6:35 PM
If you’re under 65 you may only know Ed Sullivan from the Late Show intro for 30+ years. Plus his intro of the Beatles in many clips. But Ed was in Studio 50 from 1953-71 before he too was cancelled by CBS. Solidarity Stephen Colbert & Smothers Brothers!
Mrs. Peel, We're Needed (now more than ever) - Celebrating Dame Diana's birthday. Multitalented, brilliant career 60+ years in theatre, tv, film. Considered a breakthrough feminist icon. Shakespearean legend & action legacy: The Avengers, James Bond, Doctor Who, & of course GOT etc. (1975 photo).
July 20, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Mrs. Peel, We're Needed (now more than ever) - Celebrating Dame Diana's birthday. Multitalented, brilliant career 60+ years in theatre, tv, film. Considered a breakthrough feminist icon. Shakespearean legend & action legacy: The Avengers, James Bond, Doctor Who, & of course GOT etc. (1975 photo).
Administration targeting American officials, who's next?
"So you've been harboring an undocumented woman from Basenji?*"
"So you've been harboring an undocumented woman from Basenji?*"
July 18, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Administration targeting American officials, who's next?
"So you've been harboring an undocumented woman from Basenji?*"
"So you've been harboring an undocumented woman from Basenji?*"
Is the administration role-playing Sweathogs?
"Boom-Boom" Washington. (Literally)
Standard response to journalists: What? Where?
Fawning MAGA: OOOOOHHHH! OOOOOHHHH! OOOOOHHHH!
ICE: Up your nose with a rubber hose. (Not funny.)
Now they need a note from Epstein's mother to make this go away.
"Boom-Boom" Washington. (Literally)
Standard response to journalists: What? Where?
Fawning MAGA: OOOOOHHHH! OOOOOHHHH! OOOOOHHHH!
ICE: Up your nose with a rubber hose. (Not funny.)
Now they need a note from Epstein's mother to make this go away.
July 15, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Is the administration role-playing Sweathogs?
"Boom-Boom" Washington. (Literally)
Standard response to journalists: What? Where?
Fawning MAGA: OOOOOHHHH! OOOOOHHHH! OOOOOHHHH!
ICE: Up your nose with a rubber hose. (Not funny.)
Now they need a note from Epstein's mother to make this go away.
"Boom-Boom" Washington. (Literally)
Standard response to journalists: What? Where?
Fawning MAGA: OOOOOHHHH! OOOOOHHHH! OOOOOHHHH!
ICE: Up your nose with a rubber hose. (Not funny.)
Now they need a note from Epstein's mother to make this go away.