Morbid and sick, sure. I thought the same thing before finally agreeing to participate in the 2008 Dead Pool. And then winning it (so far, as of today).
GOAL: Predict which notable* figures will die on/between January 1 and December 31, 2009, Eastern Time.
Produce a maximum of 50 names, to be PM'ed to me (NOT posted here) before the ball drops in Times Square (NYC) at midnight on New Years (i.e., 12AM ET Thursday, January 1, 2009). The BB's default timestamp will determine entry time.
*It's assumed that all notable figures will have an entry, or be mentioned in an entry, at Wikipedia or another legit source which you may have to prove.
Rules:
1) PLEASE alphabetize your list of 50 names by LAST name (regardless of profession), either in the form of FIRSTNAME LASTNAME -or- LASTNAME, FIRSTNAME, in *1* column of names. It'd be nice if they're numbered from 1-50, but it's not necessary.
2) If it's not obvious who the person is for most people, after the name please add why they're notable. For example: "Douglas Fraser, trade unionist" (Sorry, he's already dead). In addition, you may or may not choose to include the person's current age; for example: "Douglas Fraser, trade unionist (91)"
3) If you submit your list days before Midnight, January 1st, 2009, and someone on your list dies before 2009, you should substitute the person with another and resubmit your list (by the deadline). If you do not resubmit your list, and the person died in 2008, the person will obviously NOT count for 2009.
4) a) Thou Shalt Not Kill (anyone on your list); b) criminals subject to the Death Penalty or anyone kidnapped or held hostage in 2008 won't count -- unless they die of natural causes; c) "Dead" means permanently dead, not later revived, nor put in animated suspension, or any induced or natural coma starting before 2009 begins.
Everyone's lists will be updated unofficially throughout the year, but a year-end audit will be performed to determine the final winner sometime shortly after December 31, 2009.
Prize: Bragging Rights for 12 months ...and also a cool Godfather poster!
The next post will contain all participants' lists for easy reference
Ali, Muhammad Barzun, Jacques Berra, Yogi Carter, Elliott Castro, Fidel Clark, Dick Cronkite, Walter deHavilland, Olivia deLaurentis, Dino Douglas, Kirk Ebert, Roger Fawcett (Majors), Farrah Ford, Betty Gabor, Zsa Zsa Graham, Billy Harvey, Paul Heesters, Johannes Hope, Dolores Houk, Ralph Kent, Barbara Klugman, Jack LaLanne, Jack LaMotta, Jake Levi-Strauss, Claude Lewis, Jerry Linkletter, Art Lom, Herbert Malden, Karl Mandela, Nelson McNamara, Robert Miller, Mitch Morgan, Harry Musial, Stan Niemeyer, Oscar Paul, Les Roberts, Oral Rooney, Mickey Salinger, J.D. Santo, Ron Shamir, Yitzhak Sharon, Ariel Shriver, Sargent Simplot, J.R. Stewart, Gloria Taylor, Liz Wallach, Eli Watson, Russell (tenor) Wisdom, Norman Wooden, John Zimbalist Jr., Efrem
JG (13)
Muhammad Ali, boxer (66) Bob Barker, game show host (85) Lauren Bacall, actress (84) Barbara Billingsley, aka June Cleaver (93) Ernest Borgnine, actor (91) Wilford Brimley, actor (74) Jimmy Carter, former president (84) Fidel Castro, Cuban president (82) Dick Clark, TV/radio personality (79) Walter Cronkite, news anchor (92) Dom DeLuise, actor (75) Phyllis Diller, comedienne (91) Dom DiMaggio, baseball player (91) Kirk Douglas, actor (92) Kitty Dukakis, Michael's wife (72) Roger Ebert, film critic (66) Betty Ford, Gerald's wife (90) Zsa Zsa Gabor, actress/socialite (91) Billy Graham, evangelist (90) Paul Harvey, radio broadcaster (90) Hugh Hefner, Playboy (82) Dolores Hope, Bob's wife (99) B.B. King, guitarist (83) C. Everett Koop, former Surgeon General (92) Jack LaLanne, fitness guru (94) Claude Lévi-Strauss, anthropologist (100) Jerry Lewis, actor (82) Art Linkletter, TV show host (96) Norman Lloyd, actor/producer/director (94) Karl Malden, actor (96) Tony Martin, crooner/actor (96) Ed McMahon, TV personality (85) Robert McNamara, former Sec of Defense (92) Mitch Miller, bandleader (97) Les Paul, guitarist (93) I.M. Pei, architect (91) Nancy Reagan, former first lady (87) Oral Roberts, evangelist (90) Andy Rooney, 60 Minutes (90) Mickey Rooney, actor (88) John Campbell Ross, WWI survivor (109) Soupy Sales, comedian (82) J.D. Salinger, author (90) Bob Sheppard, Yankees announcer (98) Gloria Stuart, actress (98) Patrick Swayze, actor (56) Elizabeth Taylor, actress (76) Margaret Thatcher, former UK Prime Minister (83) Abe Vigoda, actor (87) Eli Wallach, actor (93)
TIS (4)
1. Ali, Mohammud 2. Bacall, Lauren 3. Billingsley, Barbara (Mrs. Cleaver) 4. Borgnine, Ernest 5. Bush, George H.W. 6. Castro, Fidel 7. Ceasar, Sid 8. Clark, Dick 9. Cronkite, Walter 10. Crosby, David 11. Curtis, Tony 12. Davis, Ann B. 13. Day, Doris 14. DeHavilland,Olivia 15. Douglas, Kirk 16. Falk, Peter 17. Fontine, Joan (actress) 18. Ford, Betty 19. Graham, Billy 20. Griffih, Andy 21. Havoc, June (actress) 22. Hope, Delores (wife of Bob) 23. Kennedy, Ted 24. Klugman, Jack 25. LaLane, Jack (Fitness) 26. Lansbury, Angela 27. Lee, Christopher 28. Linkletter, Art 29. Lollabridgida, Gina (actress) 30. McCarthy, Kevin (actor) 31. Miller, Mitch (music) 32. Morgan, Harry (actor) 33. O'Toole, Peter 34. Paul, Les (musician) 35. Reagan, Nancy 36. Redgrave, Vanessa 37. Richard, Keith 38. Rooney, Mickey 39. Sharon, Ariel (politics) 40. Sapleton, Jean (actress) 41. Stuart, Gloria (actress) 42. Swayze, Patrick 43. Taylor, Liz 44. Temple, Shirley 45. Van Dyke, Dick 46. Vigoda, Abe 47. Wallach, Eli 48. White, Betty 49. Winehouse, Amy 50. Wopner, Joe (Judge)
MIGNON (9)
1. Patty Andrews 2. James Arness 3. Barbara Billingsley 4. Ernest Borgnine 5. Mel Brooks 6. Diana Sera Carey 7. Fidel Castro 8. Dick Clark 9. Frank Coghlan Jr 10. Walter Cronkite 11. Virginia Davis 12. Olivia Dehaviland 13. Kirk Douglas 14. Zsa Zsa Gabor 15. Bruce Gorden 16. Billy Graham 17. Paul Harvey 18. Delores Hope 19. Lena Horne 20. Jennifer Jones 21. Dr. jack Kevorkian 22. BB King 23. C Everett Koop 24. Usama Bin Laden 25. Art Linkletter 26. Karl Malden 27. Nelson Mandela 28. Robert McNamara 29. Mitch Miller 30. Ricardo Montalban 31. Harry Morgan 32. Ruby Muhammad 33. Oscar Niemeyer 34. B. Obama 35. Maureen O'Hara 36. Don Pardo 37. Luise Rainer 38. Francis Reid 39. Oral Roberts 40. Andy Rooney 41. Mickey Rooney 42. George Beverley Shea 43. Jeans Simmons 44. Claude Levi Strauss 45. Gloria Stuart 46. Patrick Swayze 47. Abigal Van Bruen 48. Eli Wallach 49. Amy Winehouse 50. John Wooden
KLYDON (10)
1. James Arness, actor 2. Chuck Berry, singer 3. Barbara Billingsley 4. Ray Bradbury, writer 5. Robert Bork, former Sup. Ct. nominee 6. Ernest Borgnine 7. Boutros Boutros-Ghali 8. Robert Byrd, senator 9. Frank Cady, "Sam Drucker from "Green Acres" 10. Fidel Castro, dictator 11. Walter Cronkite, anchorman 12. Hugh Downs, host 13. Dino De Laurentiis, director 14. Olivia de Havaland, actress 15. Dom Deluise, actor 16. Kirk Douglas, actor 17. Bob Feller, pitcher 18. Betty Ford, first lady 19. Zsa Zsa Gabor, actress/entertainer 20. Billy Graham, evangelist 21. Paul Harvey, radio personality 22. Stephen Hawking, professor/physicist 23. Lena Horne, entertainer 24. Ted Kennedy, senator 25. Jack Klugman, actor 26. C. Everett Koop, former surgeon general 27. Jack LaLanne, exercise guru 28. Norman Lear, writer/producer 29. Claude Levi-Strauss, entrepeneur 30. Art Linkletter, host/writer 31. Lee MacPhail, baseball GM 32. Karl Malden, actor 33. Nelson Mandela, statesman 34. Tony Martin, entertainer 35. Ed McMahon, sidekick/personality 36. Robert McNamara, former Secretary of defense 37. Mitch Miller, bandleader 38. Al Molinaro, actor 39. Harry Morgan, actor 40. Carl Reiner, comedian 41. Oral Roberts, evangelist 42. David Rockefeller, patriarch and banker 43. J.D. Salinger, writer 44. Ariel Sharon, former Israeli P.M. 45. George Beverly Shea, gospel composer/singer 46. Sargent Shriver, McGovern running mate 47. Larry Storch, "F Troop" actor 48. Patrick Swayze, actor 49. Mike Wallace, newsman 50. John Wooden, coach
LONGNECK (3)
Ali, Muhammad Armstrong, Neil Barker, Bob Berra, Yogi Berry, Chuck Buffet, Warren Bush, George Herbert Walker Carter, Jimmy Castro, Fidel Cheney, Dick Clark, Dick Connery, Sean Davis, Al Dylan, Bob Eastwood, Clint Ebert, Roger Falk, Peter Garner, James Glenn, John Greenspan, Alan Hefner, Hugh Kennedy, Ted Kevorkian, Jack King, B.B. King, Larry Kissinger, Henry Letterman, David Lewis, Jerry Martin, George McCain, John McMahon, Ed Mondale, Walter Paterno, Joe Perot, Ross Poitier, Sidney Reagan, Nancy Richards, Keith Rickles, Don Scorsese, Martin Steinbrenner, George Stewart, Rod Stiller, Jerry Swayze, Patrick Van Dyke, Dick Vigoda, Abe White, Betty Wiesel, Elie Winehouse, Amy Winkler, Henry Wooden, John
SANTINO BRASI (1)
1. Allen, Woody 2. Anderson, Pamela 3. Benedict XVI (Pope) 4. Blackham, H. J. (British humanist and writer) 5. Brooks, Mel 6. Buckles, Frank (WWI Survivor) 7. Caan, James 8. Carter, Jimmy 9. Castro, Fidel 10. Chyna (Wrestler) 11. Conaway, Jeff 12. Coppola, Francis Ford 13. Cosby, Bill 14. Cuénod, Hugues (Swiss Tenor) 15. Dean, Elizabeth Gladys (Survivor of the Titanic) 16. Doherty, Pete 17. Douglas, Kirk 18. Elizabeth II (Queen) 19. Glory, Marie (French Actor) 20. Griffith, Andy 21. Hazell, Bert 22. Heesters, Johannes (Dutch actor) 23. Hefner, Hugh 24. Jones, George (Country Singer) 25. Kennedy, Ted 26. Lee, Stan 27. Lynn, Loretta (Country Singer) 28. Manson, Charles 29. Neuberger, Roy (American financier and art collector) 30. Newhart, Bob 31. Nolte, Nick 32. Osborne, Ozzy 33. Pearlman, Lou 34. Philbin, Regis 35. Phillip (Prince) 36. Redford, Robert 37. Regan, Nancy 38. Richard, Little 39. Richards, Keith 40. Sommers, Suzanne 41. Stiller, Jerry 42. Takei, George 43. Taylor, Elizabeth 44. Travis, Doris Eaton (American actress) 45. Tyler, Steven 46. Van Dyke, Dick 47. Wallach, Eli 48. Wayburn, Edgar (American Environmentalist 49. Westheimer, Ruth 50. Winehouse, Amy
DONTOMASSO (7)
Ali, Muhammed Ballesteros, Seve (golfer) Berra ,Yogi Billingsley, Barbara Clark, Dick Corey, Irwin Cronkite, Walter Douglas, Kirk Graham, Billy Griffith, Andy Harvey, Paul Hope, Delores Jackson, Michael Kennedy, Ted Lessing, Doris Lewis, Jerry Malden, Karl McMahon, Ed McNamara, Robert Nicholson Jack Niemeyer, Oscar Parseghian, Ara Reagan, Nancy Rockefeller, David Shamir, Itzak Taylor, Elizabeth Thatcher, Margaret Wallace, Mike Wilson, Brian (Beachboys) Windsor, Phillip (Prince Phillip UK) Winehouse, Amy Wooden, John
WHISPER (1)
Naomi Campbell Chevy Chase Clint Eastwood Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson Michael Jackson David Letterman Mark Margolis Malcolm McDowell Bert Newton Al Pacino Austin Pendleton Keith Richards Lou Richards William Shatner
Thanks SC for evening things out for me SC. I can't believe a whole year has passed already.
Shouldn't the winner get a Gangster BB shirt, or something? Although bragging rights...that's cool too. Like I am even close THIS year to be in the running.
Just 2 days left -- I only have like 3 entries so far!
Maybe you should give more time. Like an extra week or so. I'd really like to participate, but don't have the time now. Next week I do, I hope. Because it takes some time to really put together a competitive list. Of course if there's someone on a list who'd decide to die in that extra time given, he/she would really give you a hard time. But there's got to be a solution for that matter.
I don't want to ruin the game or break the rules, just giving a hint for if there might turn out to be too few participants.
There should be an additional point system given taking age into consideration. For instance, if someone picks a person over the age of 100 they would get only one point. However, if someone picks a kill who is younger than 50 they'd get 10 points.
Make it a little more interesting than just picking REALLY old people.
It's not a bad idea, but it might be a little late now with 24 hrs 'til deadline... but looking around at other dead pools online, there are a few different things we can consider for 2010 if we allow enough time.
But if everyone wants to include age points, I'm up for it.
It's okay with me (as long as I end up the winner of course) . I'm open to other suggestions too. What ideas are you getting from other sites Geoff? It might make it fun for next year if it's too late for this year.
If PLaw were here, our BB oddsmaker would probably break it down to percentages and really make it interesting hu?
Okay, I'm not going to incorporate age adjusters this year as I'd then require everyone to list each pick's age and that'd be too much at this point.
However,
I will extend the submission deadline until the time I post everyone's picks on January 1st, sometime in the afternoon (ET). So if you need more time, there's about 12-14 extra hrs. This will also help w/ any time zone issues, or those who didn't have time before, or those wishes to make any changes or in one case, additions to their list.
Once I post everyone's picks in the 2nd post of the thread, your submission will be too late.
If someone gets an unlikely kill before the lists are posted, they will count if they were sent to me before the person died (not when the death was reported*).
*this should also hold true for 2008. If someone is reported as dying January 1st or 2nd, but they actually died on Dec 30 or 31, 2008, then that should be a kill for 2008. SC - because of this I think you can wait a few days before posting the results. And please, people, audit your own picks to avoid any mistakes!
The one I missed was Delores Hope. I hope Hope continues her life well past next year.
I passed on Nancy Reagan and Jimmy Carter, who appear to be very well, knock on wood.
Geoff has Bob Sheppard, who is in his late 90s, but, like Joe Paterno, who is only in his mid 80s, when you continue to be very active doing what you love, the grim reaper tends to stay away.
May we allend the year with 0 hits (well, except maybe for Fidel).
The one I missed was Delores Hope. I hope Hope continues her life well past next year.
[Translation] - I want to put her on my 2010 list.
You got me.
Last year I forgot Ernest Borgnine, who survived, and actually paid a visit to my town to visit an old fan in a veterans' hospital. Borgnine was active, healthy and in good spirits.
Patrick McGoohan starred in what may be the greatest television series ever. It was called "The Prisoner." It only ran for eventeen episodes, but it has a huge cult following, it has been the ubject of all kinds of debate and even doctoral theses.
Patrick McGoohan starred in what may be the greatest television series ever. It was called "The Prisoner." It only ran for eventeen episodes, but it has a huge cult following, it has been the ubject of all kinds of debate and even doctoral theses.
Score one for SC, Geoff, Mig, dontomasso and me. The great radio personality, Paul Harvey passed away at the ripe old age of 90. That puts Mig in the lead with 2 unless there's someone else that we're missing.
I loved those stories too. His son writes many of them, and has often narrated "The Rest of the Story" features with the same inflection as his father. Paul Harvey will be missed.
I remember Paul Harvey very well. Every Saturday, when I was a kid, he was on at 12 noon. Always, during lunch time. My mom loved to listen to him.
One thing has stuck in my mind though. This was probably in the 60's (I must have been 14/15ish or so). Paul Harvey played a audio (like a suicide note)of some young boy who killed himself (overdose I think). Yes, he actually played the tape on the air. Being young myself, it really touched me and sort of scared me. I don't know why I remember it to this day, but I do.
Anyway, yes Paul Harvey was always on at our house at noon. I don't know if PH still was on the air. I don't think I've ever heard him since I've lived in California.
Anyway, yes Paul Harvey was always on at our house at noon. I don't know if PH still was on the air. I don't think I've ever heard him since I've lived in California.
TIS
He hadn't retired from broadcasting though his son and others would fill in for him when he wasn't well.
I enjoyed the radio endorsements he would give in a charmoing, folksy way. The Bose Acoustic Wave, Walmart, Archer Daniels, and General Steel come to mind.
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Porn star Marilyn Chambers, who made waves in the 1970s by having screen sex with an African-American, has been found dead at her Los Angeles home at the age of 56, coroner's officials said on Monday.
The Los Angeles coroner's office said an autopsy would be carried out to determine the cause of her death late on Sunday night.
Chambers, whose real name was Marilyn Taylor, broke into the adult film industry by appearing in the 1972 film "Behind the Green Door," which was among the first pornographic films released widely in the United States to attract mainstream attention.
The adult film caused a stir in part because Chambers was seen having sex with African-American porn star Johnny Keyes.
Chambers made more than 25 porn movies, trading on her earlier role as the blonde cover girl on the Ivory Snow soap box, where she posed holding a baby under the tag line "99 & 44/100% pure".
She also made several films with late porn star John Holmes, who died of AIDS complications in 1988, and she had flings with careers in music and politics. Chambers ran for U.S. vice president in 2004 on the Personal Choice Party ticket and released the disco single "Benihana" in 1976.
Chambers had a bit part in the 1970 Barbra Streisand film "The Owl and the Pussycat," and starred in the 1977 David Cronenberg horror movie "Rabid." But after establishing herself as a pornographic film star, she was never able to break into mainstream films.
(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)
In one of his narsisistic books, Larry King wrote of an instance when he had interviewed Marilyn Chambers on his late night radio program, after which she propositioned him. He cleared out the studio of personnel, got undressed, but soon learned that he was unable to "get his first mate to stand at attention."
I think I'm the only one here who had him onthe list. I hope I'm wrong. Happily, a report today indicated that he should recover from this present ailment.
He's the most famous physicist in the world. He pioneered some interesting research on black holes and the Big Bang, and published bestsellers, the most famous being "A Brief History of Time".
He's the most famous physicist in the world. He pioneered some interesting research on black holes and the Big Bang, and published bestsellers, the most famous being "A Brief History of Time".
That's the book which no one understands but many people have on their bookshelves to impress their friends with how smart they are.
I'm shocked at how poorly we're doing this year in this game
It's downright depressing.
What a bunch of sick fucks we are!
I had a thought of Yogi Berra saying, "People ain't dying like they used to". Wouldn't it be ironic if he made the list this year?
Hey, who you calling a sick fuck?
What's the high score? 1? and who's got the huge lead? Yea, I guess we do suck. Talk about choosing all the wrong people. I guess we really are "all" sick fucks after all. Look at the kind of games we play.
Ok, I don't know how many people know Danny Gans (I know DC does though) and nobody would have him on their list. Man, I am shocked. Only 52 years old, and so far they don't know how he died. They do say there was no foul play.
He's been playing Vegas now for quite a while. Per DC's recommendation, he was on the top of my list to go see on my next trip. I hear he was fantastic. Man, last year, when I was in Vegas, there were signs and billboards all over the Vegas of him, and his show's sold out very quickly. I am just blown away for some reason.
I saw Danny Gans at the Mirage in '02 and again in '06. He was absolutely fantastic. And he seemed like such a nice guy. He was a modern day Rich Little, with a better personality. His Pacino impersonation was flawless. Such a shame. I'm really saddened by this.
Oh no, Dom DeLuise passed away last night. He was brilliant. The movie FATSO was my all time favorite film about Italian-Americans (not a gangster in sight!).
this is so depressing, and sudden in a way...i always loved him in blazing saddles, silent movie, smokey and the bandit II, and of course the two cannon ball movies (best godfather spoof).
Oh no, Dom DeLuise passed away last night. He was brilliant. The movie FATSO was my all time favorite film about Italian-Americans (not a gangster in sight!).
He will be missed.
My family laughed their asses off at FATSO. Undoubtedly a very, very funny man. I am, however, amazed that he lived as long as he did, considering that he must have had health issues.
That's true, Babe. He was the poster boy for the dangers of obesity. I read that his quality of life was pretty bad for the past few years: He was so heavy he couldn't even walk, kidney problems, diabetes, etc. Try to keep yourselves thin, kids.
I just saw Burt Reynolds crying his eyes out on tv. You could see it was genuine. Those two guys loved each other.
Not only was he a funny guy, but he was also a very giving man with a big heart. I was fortunate enough to experience his compassion and his giving first hand.
When my mother was alive she was very involved with the Guardians of the Hydrocephalus Foundation. She was a concert pianist and would donate her time playing piano at all their major fundraising events. I used to attend many of those events and on several occasions I had the pleasure of meeting Dom Deluise. He would stay for hours entertaining the attendees as well as spending time with the many children who were there. You could see the sincere compassion that he had for those with Hydrocephalus and also see that he sincerely wanted to be there to help in any way that he could. My mother adored him because of his willingness to participate and give himself to the foundation. She always talked about how on a moments notice, even if he happened to be out on the west coast, he would fly into New York to assist the foundation if they needed him for something.
Years ago he would fly into New York from California, take a cab into Brooklyn, buy fresh Mozzarella, Dry Sausage, Pepperoni and other Italian delicacies from a pork store on 11th Avenue and take them back to California with him!
He was great in the movie The End, and I loved him in Fatso.
How sad. I heard he had cancer. I wasn't aware that he was sick. I do remember his relationship with Burt Reynolds. As a matter of fact they played a short clip of him on NPR radio with him telling how it came to be that he and Burt got to know each other.
He said that he was on Johnny Carson and laid on the desk and although didn't say it, described in detail the pose that Burt Reynolds had in his famous Cosmopolitan Magazine foldout. Dom says the next day Burt sent him a handwritten note saying, "Leave Me Alone".....Love Burt. He said from then on they became good friends.
Former Red Sox outfielder and brother of the Yankee Clipper, Dom Dimaggio passed away at age 92. Like his brother, Dom had a pretty impressive hitting streak of 34 games, which ended when Joe robbed him of a hit on a shoestring catch of a line drive in centerfield.
You know who I am concerned about lately is Farrah Fawcett. I read she's losing her cancer battle. Then I'll read it's not true. However, I have a feeling she's not doing well. Her son was released from jail (yea jail, don't know the details) to see her and she is (or at least was) in the hospital.
Damn, I thought (and still hope) she beats this horrible cancer.
The latest I heard is from Ryan O'neal himself. She's home, and is basically bed ridden. She's on iv's and sleeps most the time. Ryan said all of her hair is gone. She has also stopped all her treatments.
They released her son from jail for only a few hours to see her. They have not even told her he's in jail. She was sleeping when he visited, and he lied down next to her and cried.
Her documentary is due to air May 15th, and her family is not even sure if she'll make it that long.
Ok, I don't know how many people know Danny Gans (I know DC does though) and nobody would have him on their list. Man, I am shocked. Only 52 years old, and so far they don't know how he died. They do say there was no foul play.
He's been playing Vegas now for quite a while. Per DC's recommendation, he was on the top of my list to go see on my next trip. I hear he was fantastic. Man, last year, when I was in Vegas, there were signs and billboards all over the Vegas of him, and his show's sold out very quickly. I am just blown away for some reason.
Former Red Sox outfielder and brother of the Yankee Clipper, Dom Dimaggio passed away at age 92.
Another Dom... RIP! (And puts me in the lead)
Geoff and I are in a money version of this pool. The guy who is running it freaked out that Geoff picked Dom DeLuise. I'm not sure if anyone else there had DiMaggio.
Chuck Daly died today. He was a PHENOMENAL basketball coach, who led the Pistons to two NBA titles. He was also somewhat succesful in making the Nets respectable in the early '90s. RIP Chuck.
PARIS (AP) -- British actress Lucy Gordon, who appeared in "Spider-Man 3," was found dead in her Paris apartment after apparently committing suicide, French police said Thursday. She was 28.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death, though it appeared to be a suicide, said an official with the Paris police headquarters. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of police agency policy, gave no details.
Gordon, who would have turned 29 on Friday, appeared in a dozen films, including as reporter Jennifer Dugan in "Spider-Man 3." She portrays British singer and actress Jane Birkin in an upcoming biopic about Serge Gainsbourg.
Gordon's father said the death was a "complete shock."
Speaking from the family's home in Oxford, Richard Gordon told Britain's Press Association that his daughter was "a natural actress all her life, since she was about 2."
"She's always loved being on stage and in front of the camera and she has kept all her naturalness and charm all the way through. She has been the most beautiful daughter. We are obviously devastated."
He said she loved her latest role, in the Gainsbourg film, and thought the cast was "wonderfully creative and supportive."
He added that his daughter spent much of her childhood and her summer vacations in France and was bilingual. She recently moved to Paris after living in New York.
Gordon's agents did not return phone calls seeking comment Thursday.
We should be on the lookout for another death. Sarah Jessica Parker's twins were born today. Ed cancels out one....
Really? Is that a superstition? Because I heard that Farrah Fawcett is back in the hospital and Ryan O'Neal said he asked her to marry him (indicating that she IS fighting for her life). I really feel so badly for her and fear it won't be long.
That's right, I did hear about Conkrite being gravely ill. It seems like all of a sudden so many are sick and/or pass unexpectedly. Yes, and poor Patrick Swayze. He's looking very very ill.
We should be on the lookout for another death. Sarah Jessica Parker's twins were born today. Ed cancels out one....
Really? Is that a superstition? Because I heard that Farrah Fawcett is back in the hospital and Ryan O'Neal said he asked her to marry him (indicating that she IS fighting for her life). I really feel so badly for her and fear it won't be long.
TIS
I feel bad for her if she marries that has been. All these years, and now that she can barely speak her name, or sign a new will, he all of a sudden wants to marry her. Pre-nup girl, and quick.
they have been going out for a long time, so i dont think this is a out of blue money grabber...if it is well he will be in hell when he passes. i havent heard nothing on cronkite, but doesnt surprise me if i remember right he was born in 1913.
Well according to the short clip I saw of O'Neal, he said when he asked Farrah to marry him, that she said "prenup". Now he said this jokingly, but I don't know.
On a side note, the story also said that they were trying to get the judge to release their son (forgot his name) so he could be with his mom. That alone tells me it's not looking good, but who knows?
I don't know his situation but I was under the impression that he is serving time. Don't know how long though, nor do I know the charges. Although could be possession of a gun or something. Wasn't he and his father in some kind of confrontation a while back where he threatened his dad?
Although I never disliked Farrah, I can't say I am/was into her career or followed her work to any degree. However, for some reason, her illness is affecting me the same Beth. I am so sad for her, praying for her, and hoping for miracles. It sure doesn't sound good.
this year has been a bad year, so far...lets just hope that its another fake report. if not lets just hope she doesnt suffer as much anymore. i still dont know anything about swayze which may be good or not.
Yeah, I've seen scenes from that interview. That's where he says he and Farrah will get married. The woman can't utter two words, but she's well enough to make an important decision, one that she had no desire to make these almost 30 years of being with him. Ryan O'Neal is a snake.
O'Neal just wants to cash in on her social secutiry death benefits. He needs the money considering he hasn't done anything for 40 years. What a sleaze.
It has been a slow year for celebrity deaths (despite BAM's rantings to the opposite). This week kind of brings that rate up to a more normal (expected) number.
It has been a slow year for celebrity deaths (despite BAM's rantings to the opposite). This week kind of brings that rate up to a more normal (expected) number.
well i mean major celebrities like dom deluise, bea arthur, ed mcmahon, farriah, and michael...plus others.
But you made up for it with your post regarding your large tip to "Desire"!! LMAO You remind me more and more of SC every day. Your humor is similar. You both crack me up.
But you made up for it with your post regarding your large tip to "Desire"!! LMAO You remind me more and more of SC every day. Your humor is similar. You both crack me up.
TIS
On the Mount Rushmore of wit, you will find Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw, Capo and SC. I humbly must admit that I can only take lessons from the aforementioned wits.
If anyone has this name on their list, I'll eat my hat!! I just heard that Billy Mays died. Who is that you ask? He does many of those infomericals, like (I think) oxy-clean and such. You know the loud talker. He was only 50 and I don't know how he died.
Wow... must be something with "barkers". Last year the guy who did the voiceovers (and some said he looked like me); last week was Ed McMahon; now this guy Mays (and, yes, I do know who he was).
BTW - We in New York have a guy who announces big lottery paydays and he's in a commercial along with Ed McMahon, the guy who did the voiceovers and the guy who announces for "Jeopardy" (I think). If that "Jeopardy" announcer (I THINK his name is Johnny Gilbert) drops dead I'm gonna freak out.
... I just heard that Billy Mays died. ... He does many of those infomericals, like (I think) oxy-clean and such....
HOLY SHIT!!!!
TAMPA, Fla. - Tampa police say Billy Mays, the television pitchman known for his boisterous hawking of products such as Orange Glo and OxiClean, has died. He was 50.
Authorities say Mays was pronounced dead Sunday morning after being found by his wife at home. There were no signs of a break-in, and investigators do not suspect foul play. The coroner’s office expects to have an autopsy done by Monday afternoon.
Mays’ wife, Deborah Mays, says the family doesn’t expect to make any public statements and asked for privacy.
Mays was also featured on the reality TV show "Pitchmen" on the Discovery Channel, which followed Mays and Anthony Sullivan in their marketing jobs.
The Oxy Clean guy? Holy Crap! He's one of those people I don't know his name, but you know of him. I think I just saw that commercial the other day.
Here's the latest on him.
AA -- Billy Wasn't Wearing a Seat Belt on Plane
Posted Jun 28th 2009 12:58PM by TMZ Staff
The FAA is already deflecting blame for the death of Billy Mays -- claiming the legendary TV pitchman wasn't wearing a seat belt when he took a shot to the head during a rough landing on a flight he was on yesterday.
Here's what we know -- Billy Mays was aboard US Airways Flight 1241 flying from Philadelphia, which landed roughly when the front tire blew out as it touched down. After the flight, Billy told FOX 13 in Tampa that something struck him in the head -- here's Billy's actual quote:
"All of a sudden as we hit you know it was just the hardest hit, all the things from the ceiling started dropping. It hit me on the head, but I got a hard head."
We called the FAA for comment, and a spokesperson told us, "The passenger needs to wear a seat belt during landing and he didn't."
A spokesperson for US Airways did not want to comment until more information comes to light.
Billy posted about it last on his Twitter last night, saying, "Just had a close call landing in Tampa. The tires blew out upon landing. Stuck in the plane on the runway. You can always count on US Air."
a question here since i never been on a commercial plane before or what ever, but how can a seatbelt save you from getting hit on your head from the ceiling?
Why couldn't it have been the ShamWow guy. I'm sorry he's dead, but whenever I heard Billy Mays' voice, I turned the channel. Those guys talked to us as if we were mentaslly impaired.
I'm embarrased to say that whenever that infomercial came on, I had to watch it to the end. It had me mesmerised and I nearly had the whole thing memorized. I never thought of buying the Showtime rotisserie because it looked like an other kitchen appliance to take up space, and a bear to clean, but it was pure entertainment, especially how he kept lowering the price to make it sound like the best deal ever.
Really? I know Gale Storm! "I hear you knocking....but you can' come in"... My brother had some of her music. Plus, she had a tv show as well, that I barely remember. I could have sworn I had her on my list, but don't. I think maybe last year I did.
klyd, I came close to buying that stupid thing a couple of times. My mouth used to water whenever I thought of how juicy my food would be if I used the rotisserie.
I guess it was like Pavlov's dog.... I'd hear, "set it and forget it" and my mouth would water.
klyd, I came close to buying that stupid thing a couple of times. My mouth used to water whenever I thought of how juicy my food would be if I used the rotisserie.
I guess it was like Pavlov's dog.... I'd hear, "set it and forget it" and my mouth would water.
My friend owns one and swears by it. Says it makes the best chicken ever.
...After the flight, Billy told FOX 13 in Tampa that something struck him in the head -- here's Billy's actual quote:
"All of a sudden as we hit you know it was just the hardest hit, all the things from the ceiling started dropping. It hit me on the head, but I got a hard head."
We called the FAA for comment, and a spokesperson told us, "The passenger needs to wear a seat belt during landing and he didn't."...
While we don't know yet if this contributed to his death...Mays should've taken that MUCH more seriously (including the seatbelts).
Look what happened to poor Miranda Richardson a few months ago.
I was just going to post the same thing. i remember him from the late night shows and various tv appearances. What a shame. For some reason he always reminded me of Jay Leno, but this recent picture I don't see it. Maybe it was his humor, I don't know. Anyway, he never made it as big as Leno, but I always liked him. I had no idea he was so ill.
He wasn't extremely popular nationwide I don't think. I don't know where he is from, but am guessing NY where he was probably very popular. I knew his name well because he was fairly regular (well maybe a few times a year)on the tonight show some years back. I just happen to remember who he was.
Yeah, he was a stand-in guy for the Tonight Show when a scheduled guest cancelled late, he was nearby and would be on the show and he was funny. Did a lot of impersonations. He also showed up on some game shows. He was never an A List entertainer, but he had a successful niche.
I'm surprised with all the boxing fans here that nobody mentioned Alexis Arquello's death. The former champ was found dead yesterday and it's thought he committed suicide.
His title fight against Aaron Pryor in the early '80s was one of the best fights of my lifetime (Pryor knocked him out in one of the late rounds).
He had turned to politics and had been elected to the office of mayor in his country's largest city (Managua, Nicaragua).
I loved Arguello. The guy just oozed class. He left the ring at the top of his game to fight in the revolution. That took a lot of guts. I agree about the Pryor fight. I still say he would have won if not for Pryor's "little brown jug" in the corner.
I'm embarrased to say that whenever that infomercial came on, I had to watch it to the end. It had me mesmerised and I nearly had the whole thing memorized. I never thought of buying the Showtime rotisserie because it looked like an other kitchen appliance to take up space, and a bear to clean, but it was pure entertainment, especially how he kept lowering the price to make it sound like the best deal ever.
I always noticed how careful Ron was when he put the meat or fish or whatever into the contraption. I'll bet it is a real b*tch to put chickens or whatever on tht thing and not have them fall off, or not have the parts fit just so....
I also loved all the other free stuff that came along with it...especially that thing that let you inject the meat with figs or garlic or whatever. Don't think Ron is quite ready for the 2010 list.
If you are really bored go to Ronco.com his website.
I am very saddened to hear this. Several of her series were shown in the NY area on public television - in fact, Are You Being Served? has been airing here for over twenty years. A shame in a way, because the other shows she did only received the occasional airing - and none of the others have been shown in this area for years. (Does anyone remember Come Back Mrs. Noah? Her character accidentally gets launched into space with a group of astronauts.)She made many appearances on local public television "pledge drives" and was very popular in the US.
I saw the you tube of the cute little kid singing the Oscar Mayer song and thought you meant he passed away. (although he's probably about what 50 now). I really didn't know that O.M. was still alive. Well, I'm sure he left a fortune for all the little weiners. RIP
I was just reading that news. I can't say I really know him, but Ferris Bueller is a popular film in my house (my girls can recite lines from the film.) Of course everyone knows Sixteen Candles & The Breakfast Club as well. Too bad, and only 59.
It's so coincidental, because I've been seeing commercials for that new show "Community" which uses the "Hey! Smoke up, Johnny!" line from "The Breakfast Club" in their previews. The movies been on my mind.
Probably only those in my age group (the few that there are) and maybe some from the UK may know this person, but I just heard on the radio that Gordon Waller of Peter & Gordon fame passed away. I don't know when exactly. Just flashed back to high school days and the English Invasion Music was soooo cool. I liked most of their music and am sure I have some 45 records back home in Michigan. My favorite is probably "Go To Pieces." However, Lady Godiva, Woman and Buddy Holly's "True Love Ways" was good. They harmonized nicely together.
Btw, it was well known at the time that Peter's singing mate, John Asher, was the brother of Jane Asher (actress) who's claim to fame was the fact that she was Paul McCartney's girlfriend.
Everyday I walk and listen to my headphones. Every Sunday a radio station has what they call "Beatle Brunch" dedicated to all Beatle music and the British Invasion in general, including long lost ineterviews. Today, made me nostalgic I guess and they mentioned Waller's death, I flashed back to my teen years.
Btw, I just got these headphones for my birthday and love them. Walking today they played "Day In The Life"...I cranked it up so loud and felt I had the music all to myself.
Please be VERY careful when walking anywhere near traffic with those things on.
Awwww! You're so sweet. Don't worry, I only cross one street and always, always look both ways. Seriously, there is a park right by me with a track. It's actually quite scenic and I've actually even started to run (well, off and on) . The music just makes it much more fun.
Aside from Ted, who is left? Joe, Jr., John, Bobby, Kathleen, Rosemary and now Eunice are gone. I think Ted is the last one left. How awful to bury your entire family.
I think it's only Ted SB. There's the "in-laws" (Ethel Kennedy, (Bobby's wife), and Sgt. Shriver), but I may be forgetting someone. If I am not mistaken, Ted is the youngest no?
Ted is the youngest. Of course, Joe, Jr., Kathleen, John and Bobby all died very young. Joe and Kathleen died during the 1940s. Terribly sad. And I think that Rosemary was institutionalized most of her adult life.
Aside from Ted, who is left? Joe, Jr., John, Bobby, Kathleen, Rosemary and now Eunice are gone. I think Ted is the last one left. How awful to bury your entire family.
Jean is still left, too. The two youngest (Ted and her).
Considering how Joe, Sr. made the family hide Rosemary's limitations, I applaud Eunice for becoming a champion of the mentally and physically challenged. She was taught that it was a shameful secret, so creating such a terrific organization is really to be admired.
My mother met Rose Kennedy when she spoke to her "Mother's Guild" many years ago. She said she was charming and my mom became a huge fan. My mom said that it was incredible that anyone could survive that many tragedies and still take time to be so considerate to others.
well not knowing a whole lot bout joe (besides his bootlegging shipments in during the 20's, messing around with others while married, hiding his daughter, and of course the wanting of being president) its about the norm of that time when it comes to fathers which is sad, but true.
with the rosemary thing i really cant think of anything without researching more into it. all i know off is when it comes to a rich family they would sadly hide there dark secrets. its sad, but it was the time.
SB, there's a good book on the subject. It's called, "For the Sins of the Father", and it details the many tragedies suffered by Joe's kids.
I'll have to look for that one. I did read "The Fitzgeralds and the Kennedys" years ago.
BAM, He not only hid Rosemary, but he sent Rose on a cruise to Europe, which would get her out of the way for several months, and then had Rosemary lobotomized. She was very pretty, and since nobody outside the family knew about her retardation, she got plenty of male attention. Joe was convinced that she would become sexually active and breed (not sure which he was more terrified of), so he had her lobotomized.
Additionally, he never accepted Kathleen's husband because he was an English Protestant. Pretty sure her plane crashed on a trip to defy her father and be with the husband.
To say the least. Rose wanted to leave him shortly after they got married but got talked out of it by her parents who were devout Catholics, so for all her marriage he put up with his womanizing, the secret lobotomy of her daughter and his abusive conduct in general. She paid a dear price in losing her children.
JFK made a great comment on the rumors that his father basically bought him the West Virginia Primary which clinched the nomination and later votes in Chicago which won him the election. Paraphrasing, he said my father only paid for a victory, not for a landslide.
JFK made a great comment on the rumors that his father basically bought him the West Virginia Primary which clinched the nomination . . .
It really is amazing that he carried a state that was less than 5% Catholic at the time.
Kennedy was open, frank, and addressed the religion issue head on in WV. It was the most Protestant state of the Union, but his message resonated with blue collar voters and miners.
It's funny, but I can't say I remember seeing Joe Kennedy in the news when I was young. Didnt he die in the 60's? It seems like after JFK was elected I'd remember him. I remember seeing Rose more than Joe. Unless of course, I just didn't notice. Just seems odd, because I did follow to a degree, the Kennedys and JFK. It just seems I'd have "news" memories of Joe and I don't.
Watching a segment on Eunice Shriver's funeral, they noted that Ted Kennedy could not attend. He surely must not be in good shape to miss his sister's funeral.
TIS
Edit to show: I'm watching Maria Shriver speak at the funeral. Wow, I guess great orators run in the Kennedy family. I'm getting teary eyed.
Although it's not witout slight humor as well. She mentioned her mom smoked Cuban cigars.
the kennedy family is probably the greatest at speeches... john talked about the moon, while robert made the speech that may had saved Indianapolis from a riot (mlk assignation), and ted talked about his brother (robert) at his furinal.
its just sad that jfk jr. didnt live long enough to make an impact in the world like his father,uncles, and aunts.
I remember Robert Novak well. I use to watch Cross Fire occasionally although I can't remember who the other host was. I heard he had brain cancer a while back. What a horrible way to go. RIP
I have no idea how I missed Ted Kennedy! Barely still in the lead...
I glanced at the Board, and it looks like you have 8 points while dontomasso and I have 7 each. There has been an unfortunate flurry of activity in this thread this Summer.
I have no idea how I missed Ted Kennedy! Barely still in the lead...
I glanced at the Board, and it looks like you have 8 points while dontomasso and I have 7 each. There has been an unfortunate flurry of activity in this thread this Summer.
"unfortunate flurry of activity"...what a great choice of words. Spoken like a true laywer.
Yes, and this "unfortunate flurry" resulted in the death of two from the same family (Eunice & Teddy)in two weeks.
Author Dominick Dunne has died today. He's the father of the actress Dominique Dunne who played the oldest daughter in Poltergeist and was killed by her boyfriend. He was dominant during the O.J. Simpson trial. You saw him front and center every day.
Yes, I just heard this news too Beth. I do remember him daily at the OJ trial and later on various talk panels. I guess he wrote for Vanity Fair???? His daughter, as I understand it was killed by her boyfriend?
Author Dominick Dunne has died today. He's the father of the actress Dominique Dunne who played the oldest daughter in Poltergeist and was killed by her boyfriend. He was dominant during the O.J. Simpson trial. You saw him front and center every day.
wait a minute...thats just coriencidence...i was reading her article on wikipedia, and of her death on wikepedia. i guess he kept "tabs" on the murderer for a few years after his death.
Some of us will rememember Henry Gibson from Laugh-In. He passed away at 73. At first I thought he was the "very interesting" guy, but to double check, I find he was the guy who read the poems.
Some of us will rememember Henry Gibson from Laugh-In. He passed away at 73. At first I thought he was the "very interesting" guy, but to double check, I find he was the guy who read the poems.
I used to get them mixed up too, TIS.
Bigger news (for me, anyway) is that Mary Travers died.... the "Mary" from "Peter, Paul and Mary".
Remember the flack about "Puff The Magic Dragon" being about drugs? Thing is didn't that come out in the early 60's before the "drug/hippie" scene?
Anyway, I always liked "Blowin' In the Wind", "Where Have All The Flowers Gone" and "Leaving On A Jet Plane." I think I had a couple of singles by them but no albums.
One of my favorite albums from my college days was their "Ten Years Together". I guess it came out in 1970, and surely was tame compared to many of my other contemporary albums (Led Zeppelin, The Doors, etc.). but it was a GREAT collection of songs.
TIS, I urge you to check out some of their later works... they got into politically cool stuff for kids, and it's something wonderful for you to share with the grandkids now.... even a song like "Puff"... (they later changed it to add how boys AND GIRLS could love a rascal like Puff) - about how kids grow up and sometimes sadly leave their childish things behind.
"Leaving On a Jet Plane" was one of my favorites. Remember buying 45s? I remember waiting until a song was released and going to the record store around the corner and buying the 45.
"Leaving On a Jet Plane" was one of my favorites. Remember buying 45s? I remember waiting until a song was released and going to the record store around the corner and buying the 45.
Do I remember?? Honey back home in Michigan I have about 10/15 of those 45 record boxes(they hold 50 singles each I think? Do you remember or maybe you're too young? They had the index card in front and you write the titles of each record. ha ha ha ha....Man, talk about dated. I think half of them were just Elvis songs too.
Oh, and SC I think the grandkids would like the PPM you spoke of. I am sure they'll like Puff. I'll check it out.
Remember the flack about "Puff The Magic Dragon" being about drugs? Thing is didn't that come out in the early 60's before the "drug/hippie" scene?
Anyway, I always liked "Blowin' In the Wind", "Where Have All The Flowers Gone" and "Leaving On A Jet Plane." I think I had a couple of singles by them but no albums.
Dyaln wrote the song and sang it. Honestly, I don't know if he had the biggest hit on it or not. Many other artists have sang it as well. I am guessing most will like Dylan's version the best. I think Peter, Paul & Mary's was good though.
Dyaln wrote the song and sang it. Honestly, I don't know if he had the biggest hit on it or not. Many other artists have sang it as well. I am guessing most will like Dylan's version the best. I think Peter, Paul & Mary's was good though.
TIS
well i like the song...doesnt matter who sings it, and i just heard PP&M's version for the first time ever a couple minutes ago, and i thought it was good. but, really thought nothing beat's dylans version.
Dylan wrote it (and had performed it a lot in the early '60s) but PP&M had their earliest big success with it.
TIS, again, I don't mean to beat a dead horse, but listen to this later rendition of "Puff" (with a short, funny introduction) and picture yourself singing the words along with it to your grandkids (helping them understand it).
"Pirate ships would lower their flags when Puff roared out his name" (even PIRATES paid homage to the great Puff... woah, that's pretty impressive!). But, for all the music I've ever heard one of the absolutely saddest verses is when they sing about dragons living forever, but not so little girls and boys, and Puff was no longer "needed". The age of innocence was over and Puff sadly slipped into his cave to mourn.
TIS, I totally remember those record boxes. Were yours psychedelic with flowers and peace signs on them?? And then they always had one of those metal clips on the front, too!
Most of PP&M's hits were covers. Blowin in the Wind was written by Dylan (who has never had a number one single btw) Leaving on a Jet Plane was written by John Denver, and Thi Land Is Your Land was by Woody Guthrie.
Dylan wrote it (and had performed it a lot in the early '60s) but PP&M had their earliest big success with it.
TIS, again, I don't mean to beat a dead horse, but listen to this later rendition of "Puff" (with a short, funny introduction) and picture yourself singing the words along with it to your grandkids (helping them understand it).
"Pirate ships would lower their flags when Puff roared out his name" (even PIRATES paid homage to the great Puff... woah, that's pretty impressive!). But, for all the music I've ever heard one of the absolutely saddest verses is when they sing about dragons living forever, but not so little girls and boys, and Puff was no longer "needed". The age of innocence was over and Puff sadly slipped into his cave to mourn.
Anyway, enjoy this 5 minute clip:
SC,
I just now had a chance to play this video. Very very nice. I agree with you on the lyrics. The "dragons live forever." line was always one of the lines I remembered. The audience singing toward the end was touching as well.
How sad that he lived to see a son pass away, and then less than a year later, he too passes. I can't say I knew him well, but did see him once or twice on tv.
I agree TIS...losing a son or daughter is the worst thing that can happen. Whether it was a blessing or not, Big Russ apparently had some form of dementia or Alzheimers at the time Tim Russert died, and I read someplace that he may not have fully comprehended it all.
Beloved pro-wrestling figure "Captain" Lou Albano died at his home Wednesday morning, reports the Los Angeles Times. He was 76.
Best known to the '80s mainstream as the man who played Cyndi Lauper's dad in the video for "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," Albano was instantly recognizable for his unkempt beard, rubber-band accessories, garish outfits and boisterous personality in and out of the ring. His wrestling persona was of a loudmouthed manager who proved a popular villain at the height of Hulkamania (though he was one of the "faces," or good guys, in the Saturday-morning cartoon Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling.
Albano was sent home from a hospital earlier this week. He suffered, and recovered from, a heart attack in 2005.
I loved the Captain!! When I was growing up in the late 60s and early 70s we used to drive up to Westchester County Center in White Plains to see him wrestle 2 or 3 times a year.
Remember him as Frank "The Fixer" in WISE GUYS? He was hysterical.
His wrestling persona was of a loudmouthed manager who proved a popular villain at the height of Hulkamania (though he was one of the "faces," or good guys, in the Saturday-morning cartoon Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling.
Long before that, he was famous as a wrestler who teamed with Tony Altamore. They were "bad guys" and a lot of fun to watch on "Bedlam from Boston", one of the premiere wrestling shows on tv during the '50s and early '60s.
Long before that, he was famous as a wrestler who teamed with Tony Altamore.
God, I remember that, SC! They called themselves The Sicilians and I HATED them at the time, because they beat Arnold Skaaland and The Golden Greek for the tag team championship.
I just didn't want to see people compiling lists of the oldest living people that they could find. What's the fun of that?
I guess whoever organizes the 2010 list should decide on what scoring rules we follow.
TIS, Our don of death, Geoff, is leading so far.
The new list for next year should be submitted before the ball in Times Square falls. Right now, the $64 question is ~ who is organizing this thing for next year?
SC mentioned/suggested age limit? What about adding a point or two if say, for instance, you have someone under 25 on your list and that person dies? Or give only a half a point if it's someone over say 70?????
I don't really care, just trying to make it more interesting. But then, don't go by me. It's not like I've been winning this the last two years.
SC mentioned/suggested age limit? What about adding a point or two if say, for instance, you have someone under 25 on your list and that person dies? Or give only a half a point if it's someone over say 70?????
I don't really care, just trying to make it more interesting. But then, don't go by me. It's not like I've been winning this the last two years.
TIS
Pretty soon, TIS is going to be joining one of our fantasy sports.
Here's a possible way of working age into the equation:
Start at 100, and subtract the decedent's age from it to get your points. If the selected person dies at 85, the player receives 15 points. If the player selects a 40 year old, he or she would receive 60 points.
For selections over the age of 100, we should deduct points in the same manner if they last the year. If they die, they should yield only one point.
Have a daily double, in which the player receives double points for two picks, who die within 4 days of each other. Perhaps, we should have designated days, i.e, holidays or the birthdays of the participating board members, where points would be tripled.
I have other ideas, but it's starting to get a little morbid.
Start at 100, and subtract the decedent's age from it to get your points. If the selected person dies at 85, the player receives 15 points. If the player selects a 40 year old, he or she would receive 60 points.
Then everyone will pick Lindsay Lohan for the big score.
I'm thinking about listing several members of the Rolling Stones (not Mick Jagger) ... one of them is due.
Keith Richards has looked the part for years, but hey, he'll probably outlive us all.
TIS
keith richards will start a band with abe vigoda
Abe Vigoda, is he still making movies? Last time I saw him was in low budget comedy, he was running around as a mental patient.. I don't remember if it was a movie or TV show? Don't remember but I'm sure it was him, from the credits..
A few of us had picked Roberts; there is no substantial change in the standings. Geoff will do anything to not give away a free poster ~ he remains in the lead.
YOUR LIST FOR THE 2010 GAME MUST BE SUBMITTED IN 16 DAYS (or earlier)
Ok, pretty morbid, but while trying to expand my potential list from just the "oldies", I did a search on "predictions". This is from 2009. Check out comments Keith Richards. His "head" broke a fall from a tree.
Anyway, maybe some ideas (how pathetic is this anyway?)
Ok, pretty morbid, but while trying to expand my potential list from just the "oldies", I did a search on "predictions". This is from 2009. Check out comments Keith Richards. His "head" broke a fall from a tree.
Anyway, maybe some ideas (how pathetic is this anyway?)
We all know that every year there will be a couple very young people that pass and surprise us all. The thing is to take a guess as to whom (for the sake of this sick game). I guess that's the gamble of this particular game. It's always safer going with the oldies, but truth is you never know.
I'm compiling my list and have added a few younger people, with little to back up my hunches really.
THIS dead pool is fairly creative with its rules and points... what do you think? It's points based rather than # of deaths for the year, therefore more complicated...
THIS dead pool is fairly creative with its rules and points... what do you think? It's points based rather than # of deaths for the year, therefore more complicated...
We should decide on what scoring rule we'll follow BEFORE submitting our lists. The one above isn't bad, but some of the strategy changes.
I'm sure we can tweek it to our liking, but actually, I'm ok with it, as is, as long as I don't have to be the one checking everyone's list. No matter how many people on your list die, doesn't mean you are the winner.
I like getting extra points for accidents and murders. I don't think homicides should be divided into categories. I also think we should allow the terminally ill, and I'm for banning entries of people, whose claim is that they're the oldest surviving member of a particular or general class.
Would anyone object to leaving the rules as they were last year? I haven't even gotten to my list yet as I've been getting ready to host NYE tomorrow and family the next day.
Do we even have enough people playing in '10 to make it worthwhile?? I think I got 2 lists so far...
I suggest everyone audit their 2009 lists (search wikipedia for each name you're unsure about) as I discovered my WWI Vet "retired" last June to make it 13 for me. ( ) I will not be auditing everyone's lists, so let any changes be known here.
Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
my invite must have gotten lost in the mail.
I didn't want to subject you to frozen stuffed shells from the Italian deli I'm only having 3-4 friends over for a very low-key dinner and hopefully not too late of an evening. Gotta make sure the place is clean for when family comes over early Friday!
All I heard was "subject" "dinner" "Italian" "hopefully" "late". Sounds like we're going to miss out on a lot of fun.
Italian guilt... lol. I've been waiting 'til Spring for nicer weather, or at least until I get a guest room together, before having y'all (except BAM JK) over.
Just an idea, a simple change in scoring... use a confidence system like we have in the college bowl games. Rank each person 1-50. If 50 dies, you get 50 points, if 1 dies you just get 1 point.
Just an idea, a simple change in scoring... use a confidence system like we have in the college bowl games. Rank each person 1-50. If 50 dies, you get 50 points, if 1 dies you just get 1 point.
So you wait 'til the deadline to suggest this... where's your list??
Just an idea, a simple change in scoring... use a confidence system like we have in the college bowl games. Rank each person 1-50. If 50 dies, you get 50 points, if 1 dies you just get 1 point.
then everybody will put 50 on lohan...whats the fun out of that? lol
Just curious about something. Several of you had Patrick Swayze on your lists. I would assume that's because he had been already diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Is this cheating by the 2010 rules???
Just curious about something. Several of you had Patrick Swayze on your lists. I would assume that's because he had been already diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Is this cheating by the 2010 rules???
Hi SB,
I believe I had PS on my list, and yes it was after the diagnosis. I would have probably never put him on my list otherwise.
Yes, it does seem like cheating, but there were no rules as far as that goes. It's my understanding that the 2010 list is pretty much the same. I think the point system would be fair, where if you pick someone with a fatal disease, you get less points.
Just curious about something. Several of you had Patrick Swayze on your lists. I would assume that's because he had been already diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Is this cheating by the 2010 rules???
Hi SB,
I believe I had PS on my list, and yes it was after the diagnosis. I would have probably never put him on my list otherwise.
Yes, it does seem like cheating, but there were no rules as far as that goes. It's my understanding that the 2010 list is pretty much the same. I think the point system would be fair, where if you pick someone with a fatal disease, you get less points.
We are a sick bunch!!!
TIS
it is a tad cheating, but then again you never know...some people who been diagnosed with cancer or other diesease's can last for awhile...i mean look at reagan he was diagnosed in 94' and died ten years later.
But there's got to be a solution for that matter.
I think I know who he is.
.
