Anthony Kalberg

This and That – Theater’s Alive and Well on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!

This and That – Theater’s Alive and Well on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!

     Greetings! A few weeks ago, I sat in the peeling splendor of our dear old Saenger Theater and was mesmerized by Broadway South’s production of “Sunset Boulevard.” The cast and crew did an amazing job with the show! Terese Garguilo Evans, Jacqueline Coale, David Delk, Cliff Thompson, and Sean Maurer were stand outs in […]

This and That – The Morning Sunshine!

This and That – The Morning Sunshine!

Good morning! Here’s your “Thought for the Day” from Coach Lou Holtz. I know…you’re shocked that I know a little about baseball, or is it soccer, or… Have a great week and don’t waste the days you have left. Big hug. “This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day […]

This and That – Tully Rhodes.

This and That – Tully Rhodes.

Cancer! It is one stupid disease. It devourers the very thing that gives it life. And now, this evil, pain-racking disease has taken the life of a dear, dear friend: Tully Rhodes. He was a faithful member of Gulfport’s First Baptist Church and one of my favorite Sunday School teachers. I so enjoyed his incorporation […]

This and That – Music of the Night!

This and That – Music of the Night!

Greetings! Went to the afternoon performance of Center Stage’s MUSIC OF THE NIGHT, The Songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Some songs, I knew every word. Some songs I’d never heard. But all the songs were amazingly sung by an amazingly talented ensemble of notable Coastal singing talents. In a world gone mad, sitting in the […]

This and That – The Signpost Up Ahead.

This and That – The Signpost Up Ahead.

It’s midsummer, muggy and hot! The new school year’s just around the corner and these languid summer days will soon be a thing of the past. So too will be that most ubiquitous of all summer delights–the family vacation. Where did you go this summer? Europe, on a slow cruise down the River Danube? Alaska, […]

The Sunday Sermonette – Decisions.

The Sunday Sermonette – Decisions.

In the 1950s, Gulfport’s Angelo’s Italian Restaurant was nationally known for its spicy spaghetti and meatballs, scrumptious stuffed flounder, and delicious salads. Owned and operated by Mr. Angelo Xidis, it was THE place to dine. Many a Sunday after church, Mom, Dad, and I would savor the food and take in the restaurant’s atmosphere. As […]

Dispatches from Home. Sweeney Todd!

Dispatches from Home. Sweeney Todd!

Since first treading the boards forty-nine years ago, I’ve learned that the best theater is theater that creates magic. And magic was certainly created at yesterday’s Sunday Matinee for Center Stage’s “Sweeney Todd.” The unique blend of Sondheim’s haunting, discordant music, the evocative sets, and the cast’s period costumes magically transported the audience back to […]

This and That – Racism Alive and Well in Mississippi.

This and That – Racism Alive and Well in Mississippi.

     In church this morning at FBC Gulfport, I was shocked (but not surprised) to hear of your decision to deny a black couple’s marriage in your sanctuary.  Was it due to their color?  Is it somehow related to church politics?  Or a power struggle to rid the church of some member or staff member?  […]

This and That – Supper with the Ladies!

This and That – Supper with the Ladies!

Good morning! What a splendid evening we had last night. Thank you, Constance, for the lovely dinner. Your delicious food was augmented by the sparkling conversation under your sparkling chandelier. Surrounded by these lovely ladies, I felt like a bramble among the roses. Of course, our dear Pam Meinzinger gobbled down more food than all […]

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES – Meanwhile, In Other News!

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES – Meanwhile, In Other News!

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES – Meanwhile, in other news, there’s this from the First Baptist Church of Gulfport: But Officer O’Malley, you’ve got it all wrong. I was not robbing money from the church offering plate. I was only making change for Pam. She put in a hundred-dollar bill, realized she only meant to put in […]

The Sunday Sermonette – Old Clocks on Boling Street.

The Sunday Sermonette – Old Clocks on Boling Street.

       As this old world winds its main spring tighter and tighter every day, I often turn my mind’s clock back to languid summer days spent in the early 60s with my sweet Granny from D’Lo. She lived in Jackson, Mississippi, in those days, and they were some of the happiest of my life. […]

This and That – Tom and Huckleberry.

This and That – Tom and Huckleberry.

Mornin’ Book Lovers! Here’s another Famous Last Line from Twain’s novel, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” — “I got to light out for the territory ahead of the rest, because Aunt Sally she’s going to adopt me and sivilize me, and I can’t stand it. I been there before.” Twain’s 1884 novel is contentious to […]

This and That – Where the Crawdads Sing.

This and That – Where the Crawdads Sing.

Went to the picture show yesterday afternoon to see WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING. This isn’t your picture if you’re looking for blood and guts, sex and violence. But if you wish to see a sweet, romantic movie with a few dramatic twists and a surprise ending, I recommend you see it. Leaving the theater, as […]

This and That – The Sting of Death.

This and That – The Sting of Death.

Funerals are never easy. The grieving family stands before the open casket, their loved one seemingly asleep but lifeless to the eye and cold to the touch. Friends and loved ones gather. Handshakes and hugs abound. The Pastor gives a touching eulogy. Loving remembrances are heard. Soaring songs are sung. Tears flow. Sobs resound. Then […]

This and That – The Andrea Doria. Terror in the Night.

This and That – The Andrea Doria. Terror in the Night.

At 10:09 a.m. on the misty, foggy morning of July 26, 1956, the sleek and beautiful Andrea Doria, the pride of the Italian Steamship Line, sank off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts, into the cold, black waters of the North Atlantic. The loss of such an elegant and majestic vessel was a tragedy that reverberated […]

This and That – My England Trip September 13, 2022.

This and That – My England Trip September 13, 2022.

  Good morning on the train to Salisbury. The lush English countryside is whizzing by at 95 miles an hour. The train’s packed with a cornucopia of different nationalities. So cool to hear their different dialects and see their colorful clothing. As we race through the countryside, I can’t help but ponder what wonders await […]

This and That – Pappy Yokum.

This and That – Pappy Yokum.

Greertings! Does anyone know what happened to this old coot? If memory serves, he was privileged to have been a part of KNS’s rib-tickling production of “Lit’ Abner,” which opened twenty-six years ago tonight. The cast and crew were amazing! A fond memory, to be sure! Later Dogpatch Gaters! (Originally published July 23, 2019)

The Friday Funnies! Wisdom and Grey Hair.

The Friday Funnies! Wisdom and Grey Hair.

Since I’ve let me hair return to its natural color–thinning and white–what about growing a beard? Just a thought. And here’s one about greying, white hair. Remember, you don’t have grey hair, you have wisdom highlights! Don’t forget to laugh today! Ol’ Merlin is lucky to be in the company of lovely Guinevere (Rhonda Weidner). […]

This and That – Gulfport Historical Society.

This and That – Gulfport Historical Society.

Greetings! What a fun time I had at the old depot in downtown Gulfport for the Historical Society’s raffle. Interesting historical exhibits, paintings, and memorabilia. I felt right at home with all that old stuff. For those who know me, you know how much I love history! Later History-Loving Gaters! (Originally published July 23, 2022)

This and That – England Trip September 22, 2022.

This and That – England Trip September 22, 2022.

       Good afternoon from Edinburgh! It’s a cold, blustery day, Christopher Robin.      The past and present swirl all around me. From ancient St. Giles Cathedral, where the Queen lay in state, to numerous woolen shops selling everything from cashmere scarves and men’s and women’s kilts, as well as long johns in every color–(No, […]

This and That – Wuthering Heights.

This and That – Wuthering Heights.

Greetings! I’ve decided to switch from Hollywood trivia to something more literary: First and last lines from famous novels. I started with a personal favorite: “The Great Gatsby.” Here’s another. Enjoy your memories of reading these famous novels for the first time. “I lingered round them, under that benign sky; watched the moths fluttering among […]

The Friday Funnies – The Truth is Out There.

The Friday Funnies – The Truth is Out There.

Ever since something strange fell from the sky in Roswell, New Mexico, many believe that aliens walk among us. Thanks to David Slatten’s amazing drawing of one, perhaps it is true. Where did he find this alien? He’s adamant in his refusal to divulge his source. The mystery continues. However, the alien does sport a […]

This and That – Stalin and Cancel Culture.

This and That – Stalin and Cancel Culture.

Greetings! My former pastor, Dean Register, has some enlighten words concerning the “cancel culture” madness that seems to be sweeping the country.He wrote: “The current demand for “posthumous perfection” is insane. It’s popular today for news anchors, social activists, and historical revisionist to vehemently denounce the flaws of America’s founders. Indeed they were flawed. But […]

The Friday Funnies! The Green Dress.

The Friday Funnies! The Green Dress.

I’m at wit’s end! Louie and his shenanigans are about to send me to Whitfield. Here’s the latest. I’m cleaning house and washing clothes. A load of our sheets and pillowcases comes to a whirling stop in the dryer, all hot and smelling good. “Louie!” I yell. “Please help fold the clothes.” He looks at […]

The Sunday Sermonette – Merthiolate, a Lesson in Life! 

The Sunday Sermonette – Merthiolate, a Lesson in Life! 

        For those of us who are a wee bit long in the tooth, a bottle filled with an antiseptic-smelling, red-orange liquid is more than just a nostalgic scent. It’s a time machine that whisks us back to summer days filled with scrapes, scratches, bites, and stings. That little brown bottle, a staple in […]

This and That – TV Royalty and Moi!

This and That – TV Royalty and Moi!

Good afternoon! Wow! What a fun lunch we had! I’m always humbled to find myself lunching with WLOX Retired Royalty at my favorite watering hole, The Chimneys. Great food. Great drinks. Great service. And great conversation! Y’all can sleep peacefully tonight; we solved the problems of the world. Big hug Rhonda, my dear. Big hug […]

This and That – Hello? Me Calling.

This and That – Hello? Me Calling.

“Kalberg, what were you thinking? Putting your phone numbers on Facebook. That gives tons of people access to your private information. You could open yourself up to harassment by strangers or scammers who target people by phone.” Thank you, Mr. Delk, for reminding me that the world is not as innocent as I am, even […]

This and That – Actor, author, raconteur, and fop, Anthony.

This and That – Actor, author, raconteur, and fop, Anthony.

Richard Kalnins is with Anthony W. Kalberg. In the snap below, you can see actor, author, raconteur, and fop Anthony Kalberg lounging wistfully in his opulent Gulfport manse pre-Katrina. To learn more about Anthony–and to read his articles published in Coast Magazine–visit www.anthonykalberg.com. Ordinally published July 19, 2009. You can read the Coast Magazine article in the […]

Dispatches from Home – Look Homeward, Angel.

Dispatches from Home – Look Homeward, Angel.

“A destiny that leads the English to the Dutch is strange enough; but one that leads from Epsom into Pennsylvania, and thence into the hills that shut Altamont over the proud coral cry of the cock, and the soft stone smile of an angel, is touched by that dark miracle of chance which makes new […]

The Sunday Sermonette – Faulkner and the Past!

The Sunday Sermonette – Faulkner and the Past!

Mississippi’s own William Faulkner wrote: The past is never dead. It’s not even past. That may well be. However, your past should never dictate your future. Past mistakes or failures, where you come from, or who your family is—don’t let these things dictate where you are going. Talk to God, He can help. Ponder this […]

This and That – Do you hear Whispers?

This and That – Do you hear Whispers?

While reading Psalm 36 this morning, I could not help but think about our dear country. There are those who would destroy us from within, eviscerating all that Americans hold dear, caring not how they accomplish their goals or who is murdered, or injured, or humiliated in the process. Those “Americans” hear the whispers that […]

This and That! A Fun Night For All!

This and That! A Fun Night For All!

What a fun evening at the Mary C. in Ocean Springs for the Firefly Open House! The building was filled with the smell of the chef’s scrumptious cooking and the artist’s turpentine and oils. Jazzy live music filled the rooms, as did the giggles of children creating sculptures from painted rocks. The art gallery was […]

The Sunday Sermonette – A Firm Foundation.

The Sunday Sermonette – A Firm Foundation.

       Hurricane season is upon us. With a bit of fear and trepidation, each year at this time, those of us living on the Mississippi Gulf Coast look out across the tawny-brown waters of the Gulf of Mexico and wonder what the season will hold. However, if you live near the water, you know […]

This and That – Lights in the Dark.

This and That – Lights in the Dark.

Greetings, family and friends! This evocative rendering of the Titanic’s bow underwater is new to me. Can’t count how many pictures I’ve seen of her above water, but none below. This picture was posted on the Titanic Historical Society’s FB page. My question to the members was this: Would that many lights still be lit […]

This and That – Summer Flowers for You!

This and That – Summer Flowers for You!

Good morning on this cloudy morn! From our summer flower garden to yours, here’s wishing all my FB family and friends a peaceful, stress-free week. Remember, it takes both sunshine and rain to make a rainbow. Look for the rainbow’s of life and learn to dance in the rain. Later Dancing Gaters! (Originally published July […]

This and That – Mr. Kalberg’s 1979 2nd Grade Class.

This and That – Mr. Kalberg’s 1979 2nd Grade Class.

I wrote the following in response to a Facebook post that a former student, Scott Lionberger, posted, July 11, 2012: Goodness grashus! Aviator glasses and polyester! The 70s were not a good time for fashion. 🙃 Poignant what I remember about some of the kids in this snap.      Monica Seibold’s grandparents had peacocks on […]

This and That – Butter and Concrete.

This and That – Butter and Concrete.

Thought for the Day – “The same sun that softens butter, hardens concrete.” Are you experiencing tragedy in your life? Only lemons, never lemonade? Have family or friends hurt you with their actions and words? You have a choice. Either you will soften your heart with forgiveness or hardened it with anger and hate. Do […]

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES – A Car for all Budgets!

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES – A Car for all Budgets!

Meanwhile, in other Coastal automotive news, I present this gem for your perusal. I can hear the greasy, gold-toothed car salesman’s pitch now — It’s a car for all budgets. Keep an open mind, new thinking, new possibilities. Low millage. As individual as you are. Don’t dream it…drive it. Everyday vehicle it isn’t. Fuel for […]

This and That – Baby! It’s hot!

This and That – Baby! It’s hot!

Saturday afternoon! Yard work is finally finished. Yay! But Baby, it’s hot! I’m drenched. Now, a relaxing bubble bath and then a big steak, along with a baked potato and a tall, cool glass of sweet wine. Since it’s just me, I’m pretty easy to please. Later Staying Cool Gaters. (Originally published July 9, 2022)

The Sunday Sermonette – Hope!

The Sunday Sermonette – Hope!

What are the hardships in your life? Work? Family? Friends? Relationships? Your health? Unfortunately, hardships are an inescapable part of the process we call living. How we endure them though, ah, therein lies the rub, as the Bard once wrote. One way to endure them is to moan, to groan, and complain. Oftentimes that ends […]

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES – Tattoos!

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES – Tattoos!

With pained remorse, I can hear him saying to his horrified mother, “But Mom, I was snockered and fell asleep. Don’t panic, it’s only temporary. It’s a phase I’m going through.” Please remember: In the Tattoo Parlors of Life, it’s always best to remain cognizant, sober and awake. Have a great day, y’all. Later Cognizant […]

The Sunday Sermonette – Inner Beauty.

The Sunday Sermonette – Inner Beauty.

     I have always been intrigued by stage and movie makeup. From the cotton and collodion build-ups, gum, and greasepaint that movie actor Lon Chaney used in 1926 to create his frightful “Phantom of the Opera” to the complex arrangement of prosthetics Christopher Tucker used in his remarkable 1980 movie transformation of John Hurt into […]

The Friday Funnies! Men Beware.

The Friday Funnies! Men Beware.

The Friday Funnies! Meanwhile, in other Mississippi News, there’s this. This week, a new road was christened on the outskirts of D’Lo in honor of Lorena Bobbitt by her sixth cousin, Lorraina Lopitoff, twice removed. Ms. Lopitoff was cheered by a retinue of ladies resplendent in haute couture fashions sporting handbags designed with special knife-carrying […]

This and That – A Summer’s Rainy Day.

This and That – A Summer’s Rainy Day.

Why do you like or dislike a rainy day? It’s been raining all morning, here along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. A slow, rainy rain that causes me to stop, ponder life and love, along with the eternal majesty of God’s creation that is cleansed by the raindrops and rejuvenated by the sparking water they produce. […]

This and That – Happy Fourth of July 2017.

This and That – Happy Fourth of July 2017.

Happy 4th of July to my family and friends! Here are a few words from our nation’s founders: GEORGE WASHINGTON: “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.” JOHN ADAMS: “We […]

Dispatches from Home – Mother’s Day 2019, My First Without You.

Dispatches from Home – Mother’s Day 2019, My First Without You.

Dear Mom, I’m sending you a letter via heavenly mail. I’m not sure how mail works up there, but I hope you get this. Happy Mother’s Day to you! It’s bittersweet not having you here to wish you this in person. The past few months without you have been lonely ones, but I’m happy to […]

Dispatches from Home – Father’s Day 2019

Dispatches from Home – Father’s Day 2019

     For those who knew my father, you know he could be quite gregarious, but only when he had something to say. Otherwise, he was hidden behind the latest issue of the Daily Error, as we old-timers loving call our local fish wrapper. If not reading the paper, he was enjoying a good book, usually […]

This and That – Single Women With Children.

This and That – Single Women With Children.

In Tuesday’s local fish wrapper, there was an article about growing poverty across the country; “Mississippi sees surge in hardship.” The article mentioned a woman and her four children; a large snap of her and the children accompanied the article. The woman only earns $24,000 a year and can’t make ends meets. Apparently “ends” were […]

This and That – Russell “P” Potter!

This and That – Russell “P” Potter!

Evening Folks! What a delightful lunch I had today with my dear friend, Russell “P” Potter! He’s home safe and sound from faraway lands, and I’m happy to report that he’s back in Atlanta! I would have taken a newer snap of him and one of us too, but–alas–he nor I could figure out how […]

This and That – The Constitution and the Rule of Law.

This and That – The Constitution and the Rule of Law.

Good afternoon on this rainy day. Once again, my former pastor, Dr. Dean Register, has posted a very thought-provoking post. Many will laugh or scoff at his words, others will shake their heads in dismay, some may agree. We are all entitled to our opinions, at least for the time being anyway. I agree about […]

The Sunday Sermonette – Composure.

The Sunday Sermonette – Composure.

Maintaining your composure in the face of unjustified criticism is a trying, emotional drain. However, if you can’t stop the criticism, it’s best just to ignore it. Remember: The Good Lord knows what you are going through. He will vindicate you if you’re in the right. Ponder this and go forth. (Originally published July 3, […]

The Sunday Sermonette – Summertime Plums.

The Sunday Sermonette – Summertime Plums.

When I was a child, I spent many happy summers with my sweet Granny from D’Lo, who, at that time, lived in Jackson, Mississippi. Many a summer morning, I’d look out my bedroom window at her plum trees, hoping that by some mysterious alchemy in the night, the tart, yellow-green plums had turned a juicy […]

This and That – Willoughby.

This and That – Willoughby.

Greertign! As a child, The Twilight Zone was one of my favorite TV shows! Sometimes insightful, sometimes a wee bit frightening but always entertaining, the show is a classic. Rod Serling, the show’s host, stated that “A Stop at Willoughby” was his favorite show of the first season. The story-line is this: A businessman, tired […]

The Friday Funnies – Twin Cheeks

The Friday Funnies – Twin Cheeks

The Friday Funnies – Remember the 90’s TV show Twin Peaks? I saw this man in Walmart this morning and, from his attire, assumed he must be auditioning for a new TV series: Twin Cheeks. Remember: Nothing compares to the stomach ache you get from laughing with good friends. Later “Cheeky” Gaters! (Originally published June […]

This and That – Ol’ Miss Baseball!

This and That – Ol’ Miss Baseball!

Greetings! For those who know me, you know I’m not an ardent sports fan.  I can, however, enjoy a snap taken during a game, and this snap takes the cake…or should I say the baseball?  Congrats to Ol’ Miss’ ball team for their win over Oklahoma and John Peterson AP for his amazing, gravity-defying snap. Later Baseball […]

This and That – The Pox and the Stimulus Check.

This and That – The Pox and the Stimulus Check.

Greetings! According to the local fishwrapper, “Almost $1.4 billion in corona virus stimulus payments went to 1.1 million dead Americans, the Government Accountability Office said Thursday. The Internal Revenue Service typically uses Social Security death records to weed out fraudulent tax return claims. But the IRS and the Treasury Department did not use the death […]

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES – Charlie Chan’s One Smart Man.

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES – Charlie Chan’s One Smart Man.

The Friday Funnies! Charlie Chan say, “He who learns to take whatever life sends with smile, has learned lesson worth more than gold.” Don’t forget to smile today, y’all. Even when your eyes are swollen shut! Later Smiling Gaters! (Originally published June 25, 2021)

The Sunday Sermonette — The Titanic and the Titan.

The Sunday Sermonette — The Titanic and the Titan.

In the weeks leading up to Titanic’s maiden voyage, many people had premonitions about the ship and the excessive pride and confidence its owners and the world bestowed upon the “unsinkable” liner. George Vanderbilt, the builder of Biltmore, was warned by his mother that “so much can go wrong” on a maiden voyage. Her premonition […]

This and That – The Late Afternoon Sun.

This and That – The Late Afternoon Sun.

I love a late summer afternoon. The sun, burning down through an orangy-yellow haze, fades into slumber. A warm breeze from the Gulf ruffles the leaves in the trees. And a cool glass of sweet wine conjures whimsical dreams in the mind. Life is good. Thank you, Father God, for it. Big hug. (Originally published […]

This and That – Dear Juliana.

This and That – Dear Juliana.

Greetings I’ve just returned from a delightful evening of theatrical entertainment at the Biloxi Little Theater! Two people walked on stage, sat down, and read from a script for two hours. No blocking or costumes. Just two people reading old love letters, hence the title of the show “Love Letters.” I was enthralled! Thank-You Juliana […]