CJ Woods III’s Story Archive

All is Fair

June 13, 2013 | by CJ Woods III

I spent a couple of weeks recently with my two grandchildren and, as usual, learned some more about human nature. My grandson is 9 and his sister is 4. He is a quiet, reflective, contemplative child and she is a drama diva. She creates a storm in a room and … Read More

Urban Dictionary

June 6, 2013 | by CJ Woods III

I was trolling a friend’s post on a social media site I fondly call “Crackbook,” when I encountered an unfamiliar word. I suspected that the word was not intended to be complimentary, but my traditional reference sources failed me. I then googled it and Urban Dictionary added another word to … Read More

Door Gunner

May 30, 2013 | by CJ Woods III

“Door gunning. They’re losing helicopters and they need door gunners.” — Philip Roth, The Human Stain I am a pool player who has played in organized leagues for years. I know little about the players with whom I shoot because we seldom have conversations that branch outside of the playing … Read More

Stop, Drop and Shop

May 30, 2013 | by CJ Woods III

My eldest daughter gave my grandbeauties the option of getting dinner from beneath the golden arches; they accepted, with delight. In the car on the way home, they tore into the offerings. “I gave you guys the ‘Big M’ because you were so well-behaved while Cool Papa shopped for his … Read More

The Tyranny of Little Minds

May 23, 2013 | by CJ Woods III

In 1972 a young couple embarked on a trip to Acapulco, Mexico. They left from the Pittsburgh International Airport, where a jet-assisted propelled plane waited for them on the tarmac. Everyone scheduled to depart on that plane was on it, with the exception of the couple, who had been delayed … Read More