CJ Woods III’s Story Archive

Bad Things, Man

March 17, 2022 | by CJ Woods III

Dennis Hopper narrated a Nike shoe commercial sometime in the 90s that had a memorable tagline: “Bad things, man.” Hopper was (ahem) “fondling” the shoe of the Buffalo Bills’ fearsome defensive end, Bruce Smith. The commercial touted Smith’s skills, noting that he did “bad things” wearing those Nike shoes. Hopper’s … Read More

Major Accomplishments

March 10, 2022 | by CJ Woods III

This column first appeared in the March 12, 2021 issue. On February 19th, the Arts Council of Indianapolis hosted a Zoom online meeting for viewers to see the artists’ concepts for a proposed mural honoring Marshall “Major” Taylor. The event was posted on a social media site, and immediately interested … Read More

Sign Of The Times

March 3, 2022 | by CJ Woods III

Sign, sign/Everywhere a sign/Blockin’ out the scenery/Breakin’ my mind… — Five Man Electrical Band My old cell phone needed to be upgraded to one that could receive 5G — whatever that is — coverage, and to add to my tiny woes, my former provider, to whom I had been shoveling … Read More

Chosen One

February 24, 2022 | by CJ Woods III

My first bride and I separated our 6-year-old daughter from her close, best friends in Madera, California and moved her to Clarksville, Indiana. After careful consideration and some investigation, we decided to enroll her in a Catholic school, even though I was not practicing any religion and Cathy was a … Read More

Time

February 17, 2022 | by CJ Woods III

The imaginary virus that was supposed to “disappear, like magic” has kept me from spending time with my first two grandchildren. I take vicarious pleasure in their accomplishments: My granddaughter Imani in soccer and music and my grandson Xavion in academics and basketball. Imani has been accepted into the private … Read More