GOAL: Predict which notable* figures will die on/between January 1 and December 31, 2012, 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 Sunday, January 1, 2012). 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.
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, 2012, and someone on your list dies before 2012, 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 2011, the person will obviously NOT count for 2012.
4) a) Thou Shalt Not Kill (anyone on your list); b) criminals subject to the Death Penalty or anyone kidnapped or held hostage in 2011 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 2012 begins; d) do not edit Wikipedia with false death information.
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, 2012. YOU are responsible for your own audit at years' end.
Ali Muhammad Andrews Patty Bacall Lauren Barzan Jacques Berra Yogi Borgnine Ernest Bradbury Ray Caesar Sid Carter Jimmy Carter Elliott Castro Fidel Cheney Dick Clark Dick deHavilland Olivia Diller Phyllis Douglas Michael Douglas Kirk Ebert Roger Franklin Aretha Gabor Zsa Zsa Garner James Gibb Robin Graham Billy Griffith Andy Heesters Johannes Hefner Hugh James Etta Kent Barbara Klugman Jack LaMotta Jake Lewis Jerry Lom Herbert Mandela Nelson Marie Rose Marshall Penny Mays Willie Michael George Molinaro Al Musial Stan Niemeyer Oscar Paterno Joe Reagan Nancy Rooney Mickey Seeger Pete Shamir Yitzkah Sharon Ariel Vigoda Abe Wallach Eli Wok Herman Zimbalsit, Jr. Efram
JG (7)
Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, Libyan terrorist (59) Muhammad Ali, boxer (69) Mother Angelica, EWTN (89) Ed Asner, actor (82) Bob Barker, game show host (88) Lauren Bacall, actress (87) Chuck Berry, songwriter (85) Ronnie Biggs, Great Trainer Robber (82) Ernest Borgnine, actor (94) Wilford Brimley, actor (77) George H.W. Bush, 41st Prez (87) Jimmy Carter, former president (87) Fidel Castro, Cuban president (85) Dick Clark, TV/radio personality (82) David Crosby, Musician (70) Phyllis Diller, comedienne (94) Kirk Douglas, actor (95) Kitty Dukakis, Michael's wife (75) Roger Ebert, film critic (69) Queen Elizabeth II (86) Zsa Zsa Gabor, actress/socialite (94) Leif Garrett, Singer (50) Billy Graham, evangelist (93) Stephen Hawking, physicist (70) Hugh Hefner, Playboy (85) Etta James, Singer (73) B.B. King, guitarist (86) Larry King, CNN (78) Ed Koch, former NYC mayor (87) C. Everett Koop, former Surgeon General (95) Frank Lautenberg, NJ Senator (87) Jerry Lewis, actor (85) Norman Lloyd, actor/producer/director (97) Lindsay Lohan, "actress" (25) Courtney Love, Hole (47) Nelson Mandela, frmr Prez So Africa (93) Charles Manson, murderer (77) Tony Martin, crooner/actor (99) Gene Gene Patton, the Dancing Machine (79) I.M. Pei, architect (94) Nancy Reagan, former first lady (90) Mickey Rooney, actor (91) Ariel Sharon, fmr Israeli PM (84) Don Shula, NFL (82) Margaret Thatcher, former UK Prime Minister (86) Abe Vigoda, actor (90) Eli Wallach, actor (96) Mike Wallace, 60 Minutes (93) Lawrence Walsh, frmr Dep Attorney Gen (100) Judge Wapner, TV judge (92)
TIS (8)
1. Ali, Mohammud 2. Allen, Marty 3. Berry, Chuck 4. Borgnine, Ernest 5. Bradbury, Ray (SciFi Author) 6. Buchanan, Pat 7. Bush, George H. 8. Byrnes, Edd (Kookie) 9. Carter, Jimmy 10. Clark Dick 11. Connors, Mike (Mannix) 12. Crosby,David 13. Davis, Ann B. 14. Day, Doris 15. Damone, Vic 16. DeHavilland, Olivia 17. Douglas,Kirk 18. Douglas, Michael 19. Eastwood, Clint 20. Fontaine, Joan (actress) 21. Franklin, Aretha 22. Funnicello, Annette 23. Gabor, Zsa Zsa 24. Graham, Billy 25. Greene, Shecky 26. Griffith, Andy 27. Hagman, Larry 28. Hefner, Hugh 29. Kasem, Casey 30. Kennedy, George 31. Klugman, Jack 32. Lansbury, Angela 33. Lee, Christopher 34. Lewis, Jerry (actor/comedian) 35. Loggia Robert 36. Mandela, Nelson 37. Martin, Tony (singer) 38. O’Brien Hugh 39. O'Toole, Peter 40. Perot, Ross 41. Polanski, Roman 42. Reagan, Nancy 43. Rooney, Mickey 44. Shankar, Ravi 45. Sharon, Ariel (politics) 46. Vigoda, Abe 47. Wallach, Eli 48. White, Betty 49. Wopner, Joe (Judge) 50. Zimbalist, Efrem Jr.
MIGNON (9)
Ali, Mohammud Andrews, Patty Asner, Ed Bacall, Lauren Barker, Bob Borgnine, Ernest Busey, Gary Carter, Jimmy Cary, Diana Serra Castro, Fidel Clark, Dick Cory, Irwin Day, Doris DeHavilland, Olivia Diller, Phillis Douglas, Kirk Douglas, Michael Ebert, Roger Fontaine, Joan Franklin, Aretha Gabor, Zsa-Zsa Gordon, Bruce Graham, Billy Griffith, Andy King, BB King, Larry Klugman, Jack Lamotta, Jake Lewis, Jerry Lohan, Lindsay Mandela, Nelson Martin, Tony Muhammad, Ruby Niemeyer, Oscar O'Hara, Maureen Pardo, Don Rainer, Louise Reagan, Nancy Richards, Keith Rooney, Mickey Shea,George Beverly Stewart, Mary Vigoda, Abe Wallace, Mike Wallach, Eli White, Betty Williams, Andy
Abdullah (King of Saudi Arabia) Assad Bashar Ali Muhammad Barker Bob Biden Joe Brimley Wilfred Carter Jimmy Castro Fidel Chavez Hugo Cooper Anderson Crosby Sidney Coulter Anne Day Doris Douglas Kirk Everone (In Case That Mayan 2012 thing is right) Fabray Nanette Glazier Malcolm Graham Billy Greenspan Alan Hawking Stephen Kissinger Henry LaMotta Jake Lee Stan Levine James Lewis Jerry Lohan Lindsay Love Courtney Mandela Nelson Marshall Penny McCain John McGovern George Mubarak Hosni Mugabe, (head of Zimbawe) Ono Yoko Nolte Nick Quaid Randy Paterno Joe Reagan Nancy Rooney Mickey Sharon Ariel Thatcher Margaret Tyler Stephen Wallace Mike Zahawiri Ayman
I have 2012 lists for myself, TIS, BAM, dontomasso, Don Marco, and DE NIRO... I don't have lists for SC nor Mignon.
If this is in error, please let me know. Anyone else who PM's me their lists before midnight ET tonight will be added as well... and if I'm in a good mood, I might allow a list Jan 1 but no deaths will count for that day...
Mine will be there.... some pain in the butt wants the list alphabetized and that takes some time.
I thought word had a way to sort/alphabetize but I guess not. It IS a pain isn't it? LOL Yet, it is much easier to check if it is alphabetized. See how lazy we've become?
first of all dontomasso, did you make a mistake by putting down sidney crosby's name? second, is it cheating by putting down 'everybody'? lol
Not a mistake. He was out 11 months with a cuncussion and then after playing a few games is out again. It is a calculated risk. IMHO there is going to be a death in football or ho ckey due to brain injury sooner than later.
first of all dontomasso, did you make a mistake by putting down sidney crosby's name? second, is it cheating by putting down 'everybody'? lol
Not a mistake. He was out 11 months with a cuncussion and then after playing a few games is out again. It is a calculated risk. IMHO there is going to be a death in football or ho ckey due to brain injury sooner than later.
true, but it's not like he is playing with said concussion. i really hope your wrong here because with his death, hockey will be hurting for a years.
Fred Milano of Dion and the Belmonts dies at 72 Jan. 3, 2012, 2:12 PM EST NEW YORK (AP) -- Fred Milano, who made rock 'n' roll history on doo-wop hits with Dion and the Belmonts in the 1950s and continued to perform while starting a late-in-life career with the New York City Department of Correction, has died. He was 72.
Milano died Sunday, three weeks after his lung cancer was diagnosed, said Warren Gradus, who joined the Belmonts in 1963. Milano lived in Massapequa, on Long Island, and died in a hospital, Gradus said.
Weren't the Belmonts named after the street on which they lived in the Bronx?
Yeah, dt. Belmont Avenue was the street and it was the heart of the Belmont section of the Bronx.
Exactly, SC.
Dion actually lived on 183rd and Crotona. I think they adopted the name the Belmonts as an homage to the neighborhood in general.
Dion actually joined the Belmonts a year or two after they were formed. They had marginal success before they joined forces, but they became a huge name under the Laurie record label when they started to record together.
Just read sad news.... Don Carter, one of the biggest names in professional bowling, died yesterday at age 85. I used to love watching him and his unusual delivery style way back when....
Oddly enough, I read the news from a message from my friend Mark Roth, who went on to become one of the pro-bowlers who took over Carter's place on the tour.
Johnny Otis, the bandleader, pioneering producer, singer, songwriter and radio host who was at the forefront of the rhythm and blues movement, died at his home in the Los Angeles suburb of Altadena on Tuesday. He was 90.
Mr. Otis had been in poor health for several years, said his manager, Terry Gould.
Best known for his 1958 rock and roll spoof "Willie and the Hand Jive," Mr. Otis, born John Veliotes in 1921 in Vallejo, was the son of Greek immigrants who ran a grocery store in Berkeley. Growing up in an integrated neighborhood made a big impression on him.
"Black culture captured me," Mr. Otis said. "I loved it, and it was richer and more fulfilling and more natural. I thought it was mine."
I thought everyone would have picked Etta James for their list.
Sadly, this was a given.
same could be said about zsa zsa, and castro (he has cancer right or am i thinking of another dictator).
Fidel Castro has, indeed, had some serious health issues over the past few years - but I don't think it's exactly a deathwatch as far as he is concerned. Maybe you're thinking of Hugo Chavez? He's been treated for cancer recently, but I'm not sure about the current state of his health.
Of course, the only full-fledged "dictator" to recently Buy The Farm was Kim Jong Il.
Zsa Zsa? I'd lay money on her outliving them (and us) all!
I'll bet that Zsa Zsa leaves us this year.... not so sure about Fidel.
Poor Zsa Zsa. She's had it rough in her later years.
I mostly remember her "dahling" on shows like Mike Douglas, Merv Griffin, etc, talking love, men and whatnot. And she's had what 8 marriages? And landed herself a Prince in the end.
I only know James Farentino. I couldn't have listed any of his movies/tv but always liked him. I THINK he was married to actress Michelle Lee at one time (I see he's been married 4 times, so don't know how long ago.)
Wow, Robert Hegyes who played Epstien in Welcome Back Kotter passed away after suffering a heart attack. I am so surprised. I use to love him and the whole cast of that show.
Yes, he was WAY too young AND I would not have guessed he was part Italian, though I really had NO idea what his heritage. Anyway may he RIP. Very sad.
BTW, one of my favorite tv themes songs. I recall seeing John Sebastian on a PBS channel once who said he was totally surprised that this song became a hit.
If you get a chance read some of the comments under the Cornelius story. Some people are total racist assholes. It's really disgusting. I saw same kind of comment on this story elsewhere and it's really disgusting. What's wrong with people?
If you get a chance read some of the comments under the Cornelius story. Some people are total racist assholes. It's really disgusting. I saw same kind of comment on this story elsewhere and it's really disgusting. What's wrong with people?
TIS
yahoo really needs to get rid of the 'comments' section. i know everybody has the freedom of speech...but, it's just disgusting to see comments about somebody who has passed away or anything else. but, yea most people are still ignorant in this country.
Angelo Dundee, the brilliant motivator who worked the corner for Muhammad Ali in his greatest fights and willed Sugar Ray Leonard to victory in his biggest bout, died Wednesday in Tampa, Fla. He was 90.
The genial Dundee was best known for being in Ali's corner for almost his entire career, but those in boxing also knew him as an ambassador for boxing and a figure of integrity in a sport that often lacked it.
He died with his family surrounding him, said son, Jimmy Dundee, but not before being able to attend Ali's 70th birthday bash in Louisville, Ky., last month.
"It was the way he wanted to go," Jimmy Dundee said. "He did everything he wanted to do."...
Angelo Dundee, one of the best cornermen in professional boxing , died yesterday at age 90.
Dundee was in the corner for many world champs but his best relationship was with Muhammad Ali. He also was involved in the careers of some of my favorites including welterweight Luis Rodriquez and light heavy Willie Pastrano.
Did you guys miss it? Mr. Pitts from Seinfeld died two days ago. He was only in 7 episodes. Loved the episodes with him; Elaine won the contest for him to hold the rope on a balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.
Ben Gazzara, one of the better lesser known actors of my lifetime died at age 81.
I would have loved to have hung out with him and his two sidekicks, Peter Falk and John Cassavetes.
R.I.P. Ben and thanks for the great movies.
Oh yea, I remember Ben Gazzara. When I was a teenager I use to babysit every Monday night for neighbors who were on a bowling league. The tv show "Run For Your Life" which starred Gazzara was popular at the time, and I watched every Monday at 10:00 while babysitting. I know I have seen him in many movies as well, but the tv show comes to mind first for me. Sorry to hear he passed away.
Damn! 115? I can't even imagine living that long. Yet, if I were able to get around and in decent health, and of course able to post here on the BB, I'm okay with living that long.
That's totally amazing. Geez though, I wonder how wrinkly one's skin must be at that age. Are you way weaker than when you were 110? Do you long for the good old days when you were 100? God bless her.
i just saw this on twitter, and this pass week their was a RIP with some random person (eddie murphy, geoge lopez, etc.)...i thought this was another fake death.
Whitney Houston, superstar of records, films, dies By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY, AP Music Writer – 4 minutes ago
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Whitney Houston, who reigned as pop music's queen until her majestic voice and regal image were ravaged by drug use, erratic behavior and a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown, has died. She was 48.
Publicist Kristen Foster said Saturday that the singer had died, but the cause and the location of her death were unkn
Whitney Houston, superstar of records, films, dies By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY, AP Music Writer – 4 minutes ago
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Whitney Houston, who reigned as pop music's queen until her majestic voice and regal image were ravaged by drug use, erratic behavior and a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown, has died. She was 48.
Publicist Kristen Foster said Saturday that the singer had died, but the cause and the location of her death were unkn
Also confirmed by MSNBC.
was their news back a couple years ago that she was clean, and having a come back?
DE NIRO had picked Whitney on his list this year. A pretty bold prediction.
wow, i thought nobody picked her. it is bold, but because of her drug life for how many years...she wasn't going to live long sadly. i wonder how her ex is doing right now since he introduced the stuff to her...right?
I know Whitney had problems and yet am still surprised. I thought was getting better although I heard her comeback wasn't they well received and that her voice sound hoarse. I don't know yet how she died but my first thought is either drugs or suicide. How terribly sad.
How old would her little girl (with Bobby Brown) be now anyway?
I posted this in the Random Music thread, but I'll repost it here. She's storming the iTunes charts hours after her passing, and I'm sure she'll go #1 sometime in the next few days.
#28 I Will Always Love You (Greatest Hits) #104 I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Junior's Mix) #121 How Will I Know #173 Greatest Love of All #193 I Will Always Love You (BODYGUARD soundtrack) #197 I Have Nothing
"The Bodyguard" was one of my daughters' favorite movies and the soundtrack as well was great. I like all the songs RR mentioned but I really like her version of "I Will Always Love You." She sang like an angel.
I can't get out of my head though the news story in which her and Bobby Brown appeared all spaced out, I forgot what country they were in. It's my speculation that Brown was NOT a good influence on her.
Whitney in iTunes 200 UPDATED, and I'll quit for now. More such updates will be in the Random Music thread.
#19 I Will Always Love You (Greatest Hits) #67 I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Junior's Mix) #85 How Will I Know #115 Greatest Love of All #117 I Will Always Love You (BODYGUARD soundtrack) #124 I Have Nothing #135 One Moment in Time #140 Greastest Love of All #165 I'm Every Woman #171 Where Do Broken Hearts Go #176 Didn't We Almost Have It All #184 Saving All My Love For You
DE NIRO had picked Whitney on his list this year. A pretty bold prediction.
As Sonny would say, Wasted Talent. And with her recent past i surprised nobody else picked her...
I was never into her music, but she had a great voice and had the potential to be at the top of her game for literally decades.. It started to go downhill for her when she started acting and the success of the Bodyguard was massive..
What is there to investigate,the police say there was no criminal intent according to CNN .. I wonder who she was partying with, supposedly a lot of people were in that hotel partying for the grammys tonight...
Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
I know Whitney had problems and yet am still surprised. I thought was getting better although I heard her comeback wasn't they well received and that her voice sound hoarse. I don't know yet how she died but my first thought is either drugs or suicide. How terribly sad.
How old would her little girl (with Bobby Brown) be now anyway?
Just so, so, soooo sad. Her ballads of the'80s personified my twentysomehing years. I can't tell you how many weddings I attended back then---including my own---where the first dance was to one of her songs.
FWIW, they're now reporting that she may have actually fallen asleep and drown in the bathtub after taking too many prescription drugs. Shades of Jim Morrison .
Just so, so, soooo sad. Her ballads of the'80s personified my twentysomehing years. I can't tell you how many weddings I attended back then---including my own---where the first dance was to one of her songs.
FWIW, they're now reporting that she may have actually fallen asleep and drown in the bathtub after taking too many prescription drugs. Shades of Jim Morrison .
Oh no!!! I haven't heard that. Sure does sound like Morrison. I was thinking OD or suicide. It IS so sad.
I heard from a friend with some insight into the industry that she was prescribed some Xanax and had been drinking champagne. That was probably just enough to relax her to the point where she drowned in the bathtub.
I heard from a friend with some insight into the industry that she was prescribed some Xanax and had been drinking champagne. That was probably just enough to relax her to the point where she drowned in the bathtub.
Very telling that while the daughter is apparently having an understandable nervous breakdown, Bobby Brown is halfway across the country still doing his stupid concerts for the New Edition reunion tour.
"This is for you Whitney!"
More like he needs the money to pay off his crack budget, because that shit is expensive. And fighting a lawsuit from promoters suing him for skipping some concerts because of a family emergency would drain more money from his crack budget. I bet that he'll cash in on this notoriety. I mean what else has that useless asshole done on his own since New Edition? Nothing.
Almost reminds me of Michael Jackson's own "family" after he died, shamelessly beating his corpse for even more money and opportunities for their has-been (or never-were) careers. (Except Janet, she actually had a successful career w/o pathetically hanging onto "Mike." But the rest were leeches.)
Patricia Stephens Due passed away. She was a noted civil rights activist and author. She was also the mother of author Tananarive Due and mother-in-law of author Steve Barnes.
Quote:
Patricia Stephens Due, whose belief that, as she put it, “ordinary people can do extraordinary things” propelled her to leadership in the civil rights movement — but at a price, including 49 days in a stark Florida jail — died on Tuesday in Smyrna, Ga. She was 72. The cause was thyroid cancer, her daughter Johnita Due said. She had moved to Smyrna, an Atlanta suburb, to be near her family after living in Miami.
At 13, Patricia Stephens challenged Jim Crow orthodoxy by trying to use the “whites only” window at a Dairy Queen. As a college student, she led demonstrations to integrate lunch counters, theaters and swimming pools and was repeatedly arrested.
As a young mother, she pushed two children in a stroller while campaigning for the rights of poor people. As a veteran of integration and voting rights battles, she went on to fight for economic rights, once obstructing a garbage truck in support of striking workers. As an elder stateswoman of the movement, she wrote a memoir to honor “unsung foot soldiers.”
She fought beside John D. Due Jr., a civil rights lawyer, whom she married in 1963. For their honeymoon, they rode the Freedom Train to Washington to hear the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. give his “I Have a Dream” speech. Mrs. Due paid a price for this devotion. She wore large, dark glasses day and night because her eyes were damaged when a hissing tear gas canister hit her in the face. She took a decade to graduate from Florida A&M University because of suspensions for her activism.
Her F.B.I. file ran more than 400 pages. Her stepfather urged her to give up civil rights, to protect her and his own job. She was kicked and threatened with dogs, including a German shepherd whose police handlers gave it a racial slur for a name. Mrs. Due’s greatest prominence came after she and 10 other students were arrested for sitting at the “whites only” lunch counter at a Woolworth’s store in Tallahassee, Fla., on Feb. 20, 1960. It was 19 days after four black students in Greensboro, N.C., had made civil rights history by doing the same thing. Mrs. Due and seven others refused to pay $300 fines for violating laws they abhorred. Five served the full 49-day sentence. As leader of the sit-in, Mrs. Due became a national figure...
If she hadn't turned soul music into what it has become now, I'd be sadder. It needed a woman like Amy Winehouse to give sould music back its soul.
Oh I disagree with this. First off Houston wasn't really a soul singer and never really pretended to be. She was always pop. Secondly I think Winehouse was horribly derivative and frankly wasn't that talented. That said I don't have to like or dislike someone's music to be sad that they're gone too soon however it occurred.
I love Winehouse's "Back to Black". I think she was a talent, although certainly not in Whitney's league. Whitney's "I Will Always Love You" was just an amazing take on what was originally a Dolly Parton country song. Although Dolly's version was beautiful, nothing could touch Whitney's.
When my daughter was a toddler, she loved to watch "The Bodyguard" with me, but she called it "Lady Who Sings". A definite chick flick,
Click to reveal..
but that moment when she halts the taxiing plane to kiss Kevin Costner goodbye, and then the song breaks out in those gorgeous big notes? Gets me every time.
Having worked with almost every faith during my 25 years in the funeral service industry, I can tell you that I've never been to a Baptist service that didn't last at least two to three hours. And that's for John Q. Public. This will be a long one.
It's been in very good taste so far. Not that I'd expect anything less, it's just that I've worked my share of celebrity funerals over the years, and sometimes they get really out of hand.
Having worked with almost every faith during my 25 years in the funeral service industry, I can tell you that I've never been to a Baptist service that didn't last at least two to three hours. And that's for John Q. Public. This will be a long one.
It's been in very good taste so far. Not that I'd expect anything less, it's just that I've worked my share of celebrity funerals over the years, and sometimes they get really out of hand.
you worked with celebrity funerals? can you name a couple that you worked with?
I did catch most of Whitney's funeral. It was very nice, though very lengthy. Stevie Wonder was among many celebs there. Aretha Franklin was suppose to attend but had health problems and cancelled. Kevin Costner's tribute was very moving. I hear Bobby Brown came but didn't stay for the funeral. Don't know the details.
While Houston's service was memorable, it wasn't without some controversy. As we previously reported, Bobby Brown left the service after just a short time after a disagreement with Whitney's family. We're told they objected to Bobby bringing a nine-person entourage with him.
Two questions
(1) why a 9 person entourage for a funeral? (2) 9 people still want to hang around with Bobby Brown?
What I also heard about Bobby Brown was that he was not allowed to see his estranged daughter at the service, but I heard yesterday that it was the daughter who said that she did not want to see him. He also complained that he was told to change his seat three times.
I saw parts of the service - some of Stevie Wonder's performance, some of Kevin Costner's tribute, and a few other people I can't exactly recall right now. I had the television on and was doing a few other things around the apartment, so I was glancing at the screen from time to time. It seemed very long, and I don't really have that kind of attention span for celebrity funerals.
But I'm sure there will be lots of highlights tonight on all the news shows.
^^ Thanks for posting that video, rrA. I had the funeral service on tv this afternoon but I was doing a lot of other things and I hadn't seen Kevin Costner's appearance.
Costner really sounded sincere and a little broken up toward the end. He had said earlier that he waited an entire year to make "The Bodyguard" because Whitney wasn't available, and he wanted her in it.
As for Bobby Brown, I heard he had complained about being moved several times during or before the service but didn't hear about his entourage. I agree with RR though, who follow him anymore? An entourage?
They played part of an interview with Whitney and Oprah, in which Whitney said (roughly) that Bobby couldn't take the fact that she was more famous then he was.
Oh, and I can't say I've been a fan or know a lot of his music, but wasn't is only greatest HIT "My Prerogative?"
I just rewatched the video with Kevin Costner's eulogy. (I was really impressed).
I noticed something funny.... at 2:15 of the tape, Costner had just mentioned that he, too, had been raised in a Baptist Church, and as the audience reacted, there is an older man seated behind Kostner (to the left of the screen) who kind of leans into a young gal seated next to him. She was having none of that, and the look on her face as she looked at the older guy is absolutely priceless.
Yea, you're right. Makes me wonder why the heck he was leaning toward her. Maybe there's a totally plausible explanation that we aren't seeing, but it does look she's dissing him big time.
I think that's it, Geoff. You notice he does that a few other times when Costner said something to which the audience reacted. I know Oprah Winfrey was sitting in the second row just to the left side of the screen, and I think the guy was looking at Oprah to see her reaction.
Just the same, it's hilarious at how the gal onstage reacted.
Aretha Franklin canceled her scheduled appearance at Whitney Houston's funeral service in New Jersey yesterday afternoon ... but was well enough to perform at Radio City Music Hall that night.
Aretha said she had been suffering from leg spasms and wanted to rest up for her show, rather than travel for the funeral. She released a statement, saying in part, "heart goes out to my dear friend Cissy, Dionne, Bobbi Kristina and the rest of the family. May God keep them all."
It is all a very sad ! Bobby Brown was nothing but a big downfall to her, with drugs, promises, etc.. She was weak and he knew it ! And took advantage ! to bad this isn't a spit!
She had alot of talent and like so many other entertainer's , from those before Elvis, and and many after. That is never going to end. We all play , no matter what life, famous or what! And we all let thing's destroy us ! Why? Is it stupidity,money, family, importance, fame, etc.. ?
Hey I love Whitney as much as the next person and I'm no Bobby Brown fan fo sho. But facts are facts, and the facts are, as Whitney herself has said time and time again in interviews...she was a junkie before she met Bobby and she was the one that introduced him to coke, being that she's somewhat older than he is and had been into it already. She also said to Oprah that without Bobby she had no desire to be high. Guess that wasn't the case either, since they've been divorced for 3 years now. Let's not let the blame lie with only Bobby here, is all I'm saying. She was a junkie thru and thru..Bobby or not.
That being said... the celebrities and rockstars that abused old fashioned street drugs are still with us pretty much. Too many people don't get how dangerous benzy's and painkillers are when overprescribed and abused.
I also liked Whitney, and many other performers who have bought there life and death . As I said in my post, we all play, no matter what life we live. Famous or not, and why is it that we let thing's destroy us ? Why ? Stupidity, money, family, importance in life job, fame, depression ? And yes you are very right, beny's , painkillers, downer's are overprescribed and abused by mostly the rich and famous that can get what ever they want. And when ever and then they are dead !
Now get over that mad shit and lets carry on proper !
WHAT? NO! He was my first crush when I was a little girl. My best friend and I watched that show religiously. It was one of the biggest thrills of my life when we were on vacation in Canada and saw Mickey Dolenz in the hotel restaurant. Our waiter informed us that Davy Jones and Peter Tork were also staying in the hotel, but I never did get to see Davy.
Oh no!! I was in my car driving home when I heard them announce it. I am so shocked for some reason. I wonder if he had heart problems. How sad.
I didn't watch the Monkees show all that much, but I did like their music. Daydream Believer, one of my favorites, is such an upbeat neat song. Very surprised & very sad to hear of Davy's passing.
Sorry to see Davy go. He lived about an hour away from me and I had the pleasure of meeting him through a mutual friend. He raised horses, and really seemed to love them. Always heard good things about him from people who knew him.
Sorry to see Davy go. He lived about an hour away from me and I had the pleasure of meeting him through a mutual friend. He raised horses, and really seemed to love them. Always heard good things about him from people who knew him.
Kly, weren't you the one who shared a cab with or knew Jason Miller (The Exorcist actor)? I think you also mentioned another famous person you knew too. Now Davy Jones. Geez, you always rub elbows with the rich & famous?
Sorry to see Davy go. He lived about an hour away from me and I had the pleasure of meeting him through a mutual friend. He raised horses, and really seemed to love them. Always heard good things about him from people who knew him.
I heard that he was a jockey back in England. Is that true??
Geez, I just saw him on one of those PBS oldies shows (don't know how old the show was), but he looked pretty good. Pop Icons of the late 60's. The Monkees were all over AM radio back then. I remember driving "down the shore" in NJ in my '68 VW Beetle listening to Big Dan Ingram playing the Monkees, "Take the Last TRain to Clarksville....."
One of those trivia question.....Jimi Hendrix once opened for the Monkees.
Sorry to see Davy go. He lived about an hour away from me and I had the pleasure of meeting him through a mutual friend. He raised horses, and really seemed to love them. Always heard good things about him from people who knew him.
Kly, weren't you the one who shared a cab with or knew Jason Miller (The Exorcist actor)? I think you also mentioned another famous person you knew too. Now Davy Jones. Geez, you always rub elbows with the rich & famous?
TIS
Haha. Actually, I gave Jason Miller a ride home from a bar that night. We were from the same town, and he was close friends with an older cousin of mine, who was an actor. That's how I knew him.
Davy I only met twice at parties. It's funny, but lots of people from this area have Davy Jones stories as he certainly wasn't a recluse. After time he seemed more of a local than a celebrity. I'm guessing that it was the late 1990s when I met him. He was a guest on the Ed Sullivan Show as part of a Broadway musical cast on one of the nights the Beatles appeared. - as Don Marco indicated.
Sorry to see Davy go. He lived about an hour away from me and I had the pleasure of meeting him through a mutual friend. He raised horses, and really seemed to love them. Always heard good things about him from people who knew him.
I heard that he was a jockey back in England. Is that true??
I don't know, SB. I guess he could have been. He was very small. He was telling us how to get to his stables, and was very gracious in inviting a lot of the guests to ride his horses. Central PA will certainly miss him.
Andrew Breitbart died this morning at only 43 years old. I disagreed with the guy on just about everything, but I'll give him this: He was passionate in what he believed in.
Andrew Breitbart died this morning at only 43 years old. I disagreed with the guy on just about everything, but I'll give him this: He was passionate in what he believed in.
Didn't agree with the guy on anything but am totally shocked to hear of his death at only 42. Way to young.
Andrew Breitbart died this morning at only 43 years old. I disagreed with the guy on just about everything, but I'll give him this: He was passionate in what he believed in.
Didn't agree with the guy on anything but am totally shocked to hear of his death at only 42. Way to young.
Exactly. But if Rush Limbaugh wants to keep up with a diet of Twinkies and Percocets, I encourage him to do so.
This morning they played portions of a radio interview they had with Davy Jones about a year ago. He spoke of how happy he was performing for his fans.
He commented that he had met all of the Beatles and like them all. He said that he was flattered when Lennon said of the Monkees, "They aren't anything like the Beatles, they are more like The Marx Brothers."
Al Roker from the Today show did a segment with the Monkees not too long ago, so they were airing sections of it. They asked Davy what it was like to have been such a teen idol, did the ladies still love him? He said that he still had the same loyal fans - at one time the girls threw their briefs onstage, now they tossed Depends!
Remember his appearance in The Brady Bunch Movie? Remember when Marsha invited him to the school dance and he sang and how the older women were just enthralled by him? Yes, how time flies.
I remember back in the summer of 1973 my folks and I spent the month of July traveling around the state of California. We spent a week in San Francisco, and saw an excellent revival of the musical "Oliver." Some well-known theatrical names were in the cast, including (in his US stage debut) Ron Moody as Fagin, a role he had created years before in London (as well as in the movie version). As great as he was, the other treat was seeing Davy Jones singing and dancing as the Artful Dodger. Of course, all the women in the audience just loved him - he was excellent, as was the entire cast. Somewhere, in my files, I still have the program book from the show.
I'm still shocked and quite saddened by his death.
I remember back in the summer of 1973 my folks and I spent the month of July traveling around the state of California. We spent a week in San Francisco, and saw an excellent revival of the musical "Oliver." Some well-known theatrical names were in the cast, including (in his US stage debut) Ron Moody as Fagin, a role he had created years before in London (as well as in the movie version). As great as he was, the other treat was seeing Davy Jones singing and dancing as the Artful Dodger. Of course, all the women in the audience just loved him - he was excellent, as was the entire cast. Somewhere, in my files, I still have the program book from the show.
I'm still shocked and quite saddened by his death.
Signor V.
SV,
I knew he was in at least one popular play and couldn't think of the title. I kept thinking of (and I may have the title slightly off) "Jason and The Technicolor Raincoat." Don't know why that came to mind (I never saw it) but it did.
SB, your source may have been mistaken about the Tony award. I checked the Internet Broadway Database website, and here is what I found:
I hadn't known this, but Davy Jones was, indeed, the Artful Dodger in the original Broadway production of Oliver! that opened in January, 1963. It closed (after switching theaters during its run) in November, 1964. He was nominated for a Tony award as "Best Featured Actor in a Musical", but, according to the IBDb, did not win.
An aside: Why did the show switch theaters less than two months before it closed? Because the theater they were in had been previously booked for a new musical arriving in September, 1964 - a little something called Fiddler on the Roof.
Another aside: In August, 1965, the show (with a substantially different cast, and without Davy Jones) returned to Broadway for seven weeks, in what was called a "return engagement" rather than a "revival." In the ensemble, playing one of the people of London, was an unknown young actor named Dominic Chianese.
TIS, you're thinking of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, but a quick search did not turn up any evidence that he was in any productions of it. Donny Osmond, yes - but Davy Jones? I may have to keep looking on this one.
William Heirens, 83, American serial killer died in jail last week, Heirens was reputedly the world's longest serving prisoner, having spent 65 years in prison..
(CNN) Earl Scruggs, whose distinctive picking style and association with Lester Flatt cemented bluegrass music's place in popular culture, died Wednesday of natural causes at a Nashville hospital, his son Gary Scruggs said. He was 88.
"I realize his popularity throughout the world went way beyond just bluegrass and country music," Gary Scruggs told CNN. "It was more than that."
For many of a certain age, Scruggs' banjo was part of the soundtrack of an era on "The Ballad of Jed Clampett" -- the theme song from the CBS sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies," which aired on CBS from 1962 to 1971 and for decades afterward in syndication.
But much more than that, he popularized a three-finger picking style that brought the banjo to the fore in a supercharged genre, and he was an indispensable member of the small cadre of musical greats who created modern bluegrass music.... Earl Scruggs Passes Away
I can't say I'd recognize his face but I do remember Earl Scruggs. Especially (as you mentioned) in relationship with Lester Flatt & of course the Beverly Hillbillies Theme.
Veteran actor Warren Stevens (right) died March 27 at the age of 92.
His film career in the 1950's never really took off (despite supporting roles in Forbidden Planet and The Barefoot Contessa), and he became a famliar face as a guest-star in countless television series. Particularly memorable to sci-fi fans was his role as Rojan in an episode of the original Star Trek ("By Any Other Name"). He continued acting until 2007, with appearances on the TV series E.R.
Those of us on these Boards who are of a "certain age" may remember former pro wrestler Chief Jay Strongbow, who died April 3 at the age of 83.
Strongbow was one of the most popular - and colorful - characters in American pro wrestling, reaching the peak of his popularity from the 1960's through the 1980's. His career spanned nearly forty years, and he was known for his flashy, feathered headdresses and "war dance," which he would perform before "finishing off" an opponent.
Though billed as a Native American, Strongbow was actually an Italian-American whose real name was Joe Scarpa. I remember in an interview many years ago, Strongbow was asked what Indian tribe he belonged to. His answer: "The Wop-a-ho Tribe."
Those of us on these Boards who are of a "certain age" may remember former pro wrestler Chief Jay Strongbow, who died April 3 at the age of 83.
Strongbow was one of the most popular - and colorful - characters in American pro wrestling, reaching the peak of his popularity from the 1960's through the 1980's. His career spanned nearly forty years, and he was known for his flashy, feathered headdresses and "war dance," which he would perform before "finishing off" an opponent.
Though billed as a Native American, Strongbow was actually an Italian-American whose real name was Joe Scarpa. I remember in an interview many years ago, Strongbow was asked what Indian tribe he belonged to. His answer: "The Wop-a-ho Tribe."
I too loved Chief Jay Strongbow. He was a wildly popular wrestler in the mid-70s. A neighbor of mine always got us free ringside tickets when the wrestlers came to town, and it was one of my earliest thrills, shared with my brothers and sister to have the Chief pass by on his way to and from the ring. He put on a good show.
I just read this Wallace story. He's been around forever and I think everyone knows who he is. Yet, for some reason, I'm surprised to hear of his passing. Too bad.
Oh, and more surprised about Thomas Kincaid's passing. Wow, he was way too young.
I just woke up and saw this story about Robin Gibb. I'm so sorry to hear that. Geez, isn't he the third brother (Andy & Maurice). I sure hope he pulls thru but it sure does NOT sound like that's gonna happen. Very sad
Oh no!!!! This is the first I've heard of it. I am so sorry to hear that. He was one of a kind; I'll never forget American Bandstand and how cool that was. He seemed like a genuinely nice guy. A real legend in his field. Real sorry to hear this.
Very surprised to read about Dick Clark's death because, as SC said, I thought it would have come a lot sooner - specifically, when he suffered that debilitating stroke several years ago. I thought he would then gracefully retire from public life; I admit, it got to be a bit painful watching him on the New Year's Eve shows, at times struggling to speak coherently. Very sad.
Like a number of others on the GBB, I'm old enough to remember American Bandstand. Lots of memories there. And that's how I'll always remember Dick Clark, aka "The World's Oldest Teenager."
Remember the ol' Bandstand phrase when the kids rated songs (by percentage I think?) "I'll give it an 85 cause you can dance to it." Or "Because it had a good beat."
Remember the ol' Bandstand phrase when the kids rated songs (by percentage I think?) "I'll give it an 85 cause you can dance to it." Or "Because it had a good beat."
Ha ha! I don't remember that first song they played but for some reason remember "Rango." Oh, and remember Herp Albert (they played at the end). He had his own string of hits.
Phantom of the Paradise is my favorite "cult" movie of all time. Finley did a REALLY good job in that film, probably better than the movie deserved. I liked his work a lot.
Good for nothing bad in bed Nobody likes you you're better off dead goodbye We've all come to say goodbye... Though your music lingers on all of us are glad you're gone If I had lived my life half as worthlessly as you I'm convinced I'd wind up burning too..
Quote:
William Finley, a character actor who appeared in many films by Brian De Palma, most memorably as the title character in the 1974 rock opera “The Phantom of the Paradise,” died on Saturday in Manhattan. He was 71 and lived in Manhattan.
His wife, the former Susan Weiser, said he died after undergoing surgery.
Mr. Finley, who became friendly with Mr. De Palma when they were students at Columbia University, had an offbeat style that complemented the director’s quirky sensibility. He played alongside a young Robert De Niro in the 1969 De Palma comedy, “The Wedding Party,” and was Margot Kidder’s ex-husband in “Sisters,” Mr. De Palma’s first thriller, in 1973. His last movie part was in Mr. De Palma’s 2006 film noir, “The Black Dahlia,” based on a famous unsolved 1947 murder case in Los Angeles.
In “Phantom,” a lurid satire that became a cult favorite, Mr. Finley played a composer turned avenger whose face is mangled by a record press, forcing him to wear a helmet to cover his disfigured features. He seeks revenge against a record producer who steals his music, and the film — borrowing from “The Phantom of the Opera,” “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” “Faust” and “Frankenstein” — ends in a blood bath.
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — With songs like "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," ''The Weight" and "Up on Cripple Creek," The Band fused rock, blues, folk and gospel to create a sound that seemed as authentically American as a Mathew Brady photograph or a Mark Twain short story. In truth, the group had only one American — Levon Helm. Helm, the drummer and singer who brought an urgent beat and a genuine Arkansas twang to some of The Band's best-known songs and helped turn a bunch of musicians known mostly as Bob Dylan's backup group into one of rock's most legendary acts, has died. He was 71.
Actor Jonathan Frid, 87, who played the vampire Barnabas Collins in the original 1960's TV soap opera Dark Shadows, died April 14 of natural causes in a Canadian hospital.
As the story goes, the soap's producers wanted to inject a supernatural element into the show to boost sagging ratings, and Frid only agreed to the part because it was supposed to be only two weeks work, then the character would be killed off. Ultimately, the blood-sucking Barnabas became so popular (particularly with female viewers) that Frid became the soap's star, and remained with it until its cancellation in April, 1971. (I remember cutting school that day to watch the series finale.)
Last year, Frid and fellow Dark Shadows alumni David Selby, Kathryn Leigh Scott and Lara Parker filmed cameos for Tim Burton's soon-to-be-released remake starring Johnny Depp as Barnabas (whose makeup looks like a drag queen, IMO).
The original Dark Shadows was a lot of fun - a guilty pleasure of its time, and I used to fondly look forward to each story arc and see which famous Gothic novel or horror movie would have its plot ripped off and recycled by the show's writers. So totally over-the-top and, at times, ridiculous - but always played with a straight face. Daytime television was never better back then.
(I remember cutting school that day to watch the series finale.)
Bullshit. That's the day you went to the Kandi Barbour Porn Convention.
Thirty years ago, I remember Ms. Barbour was a particular favorite of my best friend, but I have to say she never did a thing for me. I do wonder whatever happened to Anna Ventura, though (among others)...
A depressing, but inevitable sign of the times: while looking through Google Images at photos of Jonathan Frid, I came across several very recent pics of some Dark Shadows actresses. These were shot at the annual conventions, and I now had an opportunity to see what the ladies looked like today. Ages ranged from late '60s to mid-'70s, and while some of the women had aged amazingly well, it was still a bit startling, having remembered them when they were young and beautiful nearly 45 years ago.
Perhaps this is why (as Dracula said) I tend to dislike mirrors..
Bill Skowron, the famed first baseman of the late '50s/early 60s NY Yankees died yesterday at age 81. "Moose" Skowron was a decent hitting, good fielding player and a likeable guy.
He was sick for a very long time. I met him at a quasi-celebrity golf outing at Westchester Country Club about ten years ago and I believe he was sick even then.
I know that name... he was on K-Rock! I haven't listened to terrestrial radio in years (have pretty much only been listening to O@A on XM satellite when I do listen to radio)... but damn, 66 is too young!
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Charles "Skip" Pitts, the longtime Memphis guitar player for Isaac Hayes whose distinctive sound helped define soul and make "Shaft" cool, has died. He was 65.
Tim Sampson, communication director with the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, said Pitts died Tuesday in Memphis after a long struggle with cancer.
Pitts was responsible for the unforgettable wah-wah pedal guitar sound on Hayes' "Theme from Shaft," the `70s Blaxploitation film that remains a memorable moment in American popular culture – mostly due to the enduring popularity of the song. Pitts' 1971 riff was angry and bristling with menace, capturing a dangerous vibe that transcended the screen and translated to the streets of a tense nation.
He also was responsible the guitar line from The Isley Brothers' "It's Your Thing," also a distinctive, influential moment in American music.
"Officers found Seau in a bedroom with a gunshot wound to the chest, and efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. Reports indicate that a gun was found by Seau's side."
He's the 8th member of the '95 Chargers SB team to die.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- George Lindsey, who spent nearly 30 years as the grinning Goober on "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Hee Haw," has died. Various sources reported his age at 83; his imdb.com profile lists the actor at age 76.
I was always a fan of Goober on the andy Griffith Show. He played the same character on tv continuously from 1964-1993 on the Andy Griffith Show, Mayberry, RFD, and Hee-Haw. I don't know if another actor has done the same.
I was always a fan of Goober on the andy Griffith Show. He played the same character on tv continuously from 1964-1993 on the Andy Griffith Show, Mayberry, RFD, and Hee-Haw. I don't know if another actor has done the same.
i forgot the actors name, but he is on law and order svu...his character has been on other shows/channels.
I was always a fan of Goober on the andy Griffith Show. He played the same character on tv continuously from 1964-1993 on the Andy Griffith Show, Mayberry, RFD, and Hee-Haw. I don't know if another actor has done the same.
i forgot the actors name, but he is on law and order svu...his character has been on other shows/channels.
I'm not sure who it is, but is it close to 30 years?
Frank Cady, who played general store owner, Sam Drucker, was the only actor to play the same character on three series: Green Acres, Petticoat Junction and Beverly Hillbillies (limited episodes).
Frank Cady is still alive. He's about 95 years old.
The other thing about Mayberry was there were no married men. No question about the sexuality of Floyd, Howard, Gomer and Goober. I always suspected Helen and Thelma Lou were beards.
The other thing about Mayberry was there were no married men. No question about the sexuality of Floyd, Howard, Gomer and Goober. I always suspected Helen and Thelma Lou were beards.
It's a shame, too. I heard that Howard Sprague was hung like a Tennessee walking horse.
The other thing about Mayberry was there were no married men. No question about the sexuality of Floyd, Howard, Gomer and Goober. I always suspected Helen and Thelma Lou were beards.
It's a shame, too. I heard that Howard Sprague was hung like a Tennessee walking horse.
Vidal Sassoon, the famous hairdresser, has died at age 84 in California.
I saw this on MSNBC's website and immediately went to this thread to see if it was on here - it seems that one of our readers is usually as fast as the news sites!! Plus I had to see if I had him on my list.
Interesting bit of trivia: the actress who played Helen Krump (the late Aneta Corsaut) made her film debut in The Blob opposite a young Steve McQueen back in 1958.
Interesting bit of trivia: the actress who played Helen Krump (the late Aneta Corsaut) made her film debut in The Blob opposite a young Steve McQueen back in 1958.
Even more interesting is that Frances Bavier (Aunt Bee) portrayed the Blob.
Yes, from all reports, Betty Lynn is alive and well at age 83. Frank Cady is 96. Amazing. I didn't know he was still alive until I read the earlier post here.
Actually, when I first read SC's post:
Originally Posted By: SC
Vidal Sassoon, the famous hairdresser, has died at age 84 in California.
I was always a fan of Goober on the andy Griffith Show. He played the same character on tv continuously from 1964-1993 on the Andy Griffith Show, Mayberry, RFD, and Hee-Haw. I don't know if another actor has done the same.
i forgot the actors name, but he is on law and order svu...his character has been on other shows/channels.
I'm not sure who it is, but is it close to 30 years?
Frank Cady, who played general store owner, Sam Drucker, was the only actor to play the same character on three series: Green Acres, Petticoat Junction and Beverly Hillbillies (limited episodes).
Frank Cady is still alive. He's about 95 years old.
the character that i was talking about is John Munch (Richard Belzer). the character was on 'homicide:life on the street' from 1993-99. then he went to law and order svu from 99-to present. the character him self has appeared on 30 rock, x-files, arrested development,the beat, and the wire.
Interesting bit of trivia: the actress who played Helen Krump (the late Aneta Corsaut) made her film debut in The Blob opposite a young Steve McQueen back in 1958.
Even more interesting is that Frances Bavier (Aunt Bee) portrayed the Blob.
I may go to hell for it, but this is one of the funniest posts ever. Excellent use of context.
As an aside, I went to college with a guy that if you put a wig on him, he was a dead ringer for Aunt Bea.
But for her eyes, I'd never believe that was Thelma Lou.
The most-watched episode of The Andy Griffith Show is the one where Barney (after Don Knotts left the show) returned to Mayberry for his high school reunion. He was excited about the opportunity to reunite with Thelma Lou, who had moved to Florida. When she finally arrived, Barney met her briefly, and true to form, bragged to Andy how he could tell she was still enamored. Then he met her husband, which crushed him. He was as numb as I was when I looked at the recent photo.
As always though, there's a happy ending in Mayberry.
Barney was in desperate need of some serious psychiatric analysis and medication. In today's world, his Sheriff's Department would be inundated with lawsuits because of him even if he was eventually removed from office by a district judge or the voters.
Barney - the epitome of insecurity and dramatically low-esteem.
Barney was in desperate need of some serious psychiatric analysis and medication. In today's world, his Sheriff's Department would be inundated with lawsuits because of him even if he was eventually removed from office by a district judge or the voters.
Barney - the epitome of insecurity and dramatically low-esteem.
If you want to annoy a law enforcment person just mention Barney.
He was mostly known of course for being in the Booker T and the MG's group and backing up people like Otis Redding but he was a remarkably prolific bassist. You can find him on a few jazz albums as well. The great ones are slowly leaving us.
TOKYO (AP) — Bass player and songwriter Donald "Duck" Dunn, a member of the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame band Booker T. and the MGs and the Blues Brothers band, has died in Tokyo. He was 70. Dunn was in Tokyo for a series of shows. News of his death was posted on the Facebook site of his friend and fellow musician Steve Cropper, who was on the same tour. Cropper said Dunn died in his sleep.
Chuck Brown passed away. He was huge in funk music, especially in DC but never crossed over to wider audiences. It was fun stuff. The best way I can describe his music was even more minimalist James Brown style music with a strong jazz and Afro-Latin influence. Chuck Brown died
TIS, you know how at some of the old Italian weddings, people lined up with their envelopes to give them to the bride?? I was at a wedding once (super tacky one) and when that happened, the DJ called attention to the line, and then played that song!
Remember when her song, "Love to Love You Baby" was out? It was very controversial at that time, tho don't remember if it was ever banned. Rumor was that the background moans/groans were actually people having sex.
[quote=Sicilian Babe]TIS, you know how at some of the old Italian weddings, people lined up with their envelopes to give them to the bride?? I was at a wedding once (super tacky one) and when that happened, the DJ called attention to the line, and then played that song!
I know exactly what you're talking about SB. How funny that they played THAT song.
I like Last Dance and On the Radio too.
PB,
I don't remember that Taxi episode BUT sounds just like Louie.
9:27 AM PST- TMZ has learned ... Donna died from lung cancer. Several sources are telling us Donna believed she contracted it by inhaling toxic particles after the 9/11 attack in New York City.
9:27 AM PST- TMZ has learned ... Donna died from lung cancer. Several sources are telling us Donna believed she contracted it by inhaling toxic particles after the 9/11 attack in New York City.
I guess it's possible. How long was she in New York for?
I've been reading that most of her time was split between Nashville and Southwest Florida.
I just saw the news banner about Robin Gibb. Well, we knew it was coming when we learned he was in a coma. Still, how sad.
To my knowledge their first song/hit I remember (67) is "The New York Mining Disaster 1941." I liked their sound right away. They reminded me much of the Beatles, at least in that song. Anyway, I bought the record. Another older favorite BeeGee song of mine, is "I Gotta Get A Message To You." Of course they likely will be most remembered for their "Saturday Night Fever" songs/soundtrack.
Don't know statistics on crazes, but Disco was a very short lived craze (mid to late 70's). I mean we are talking disco dance lessons, dressing up to go to a discotheque, lime green leisure suits,(OMG I hated those) Disco Balls spinning as your dancing. Then again, there were actual dance moves which was kind of fun.
Funny now, but those few years it was big and then Saturday Night Fever topped it off. I remember even Fred Astaire complimented Travolta on his dance moves and the BeeGees music was all that. Then it quickly fell off the cliff and everyone looks back and laughs.
The early disco music had a dance beat but it basically sucked. There used to be LOTS of people screaming, "DISCO SUCKS", back then. Along came the BeeGees (with "Saturday Night Live") and some of that "hate" changed. Donna Summer was the catalyst for me (to start liking the music).
My brother and SIL were into dancing and they loved disco. My ex and I used to hang out with my brother and SIL a lot then and my main memory of the period was hearing, "Fly Robin Fly.... up up to the sky". I still get sick hearing that.
He was reported to be near death a few weeks ago, but I thought it was Jive Talkin because he kept Stayin Alive , but any way you look at it, it's a Tragedy.
The early disco music had a dance beat but it basically sucked. There used to be LOTS of people screaming, "DISCO SUCKS", back then. Along came the BeeGees (with "Saturday Night Live") and some of that "hate" changed. Donna Summer was the catalyst for me (to start liking the music).
My brother and SIL were into dancing and they loved disco. My ex and I used to hang out with my brother and SIL a lot then and my main memory of the period was hearing, "Fly Robin Fly.... up up to the sky". I still get sick hearing that.
Yea, I never cared for that song either. If you remember, Michael Jackson "Off The Wall" album was popular disco dance music too. In 77 I had two babies at home and was going stir crazy. I talked my husband into going for disco lessons (that was a chore)just for fun and something to do That was an album they played a lot. We went to a few lessons and learned a couple moves. It was fun but short lived.
In 77 I had two babies at home and was going stir crazy. I talked my husband into going for disco lessons (that was a chore)just for fun and something to do
When I was a kid my parents made me take group dance lessons (I can't say I enjoyed it) for a semester, I guess to prepare me (for what, wedding receptions? lol). "The Hustle" was one of the dances, so that's how long ago it was!
Apparently Van McCoy and I shared a birthday. I guess it was meant to be.
Unfortunately I forgot the steps, so should bookmark this:
I sure do remember the Hustle. Can't say I really learned it that well, but liked it. They use to do it in lines. I sort of faked it and really wasn't that good. Although after a couple drinks I was excellent..
I remember the cover of a Time magazine issue around 1977 with the title, "The Disco Whirl." And I remember that summer my 12 year old sister went to a "Higher Achievement" program where as an extracurricular activity they learned The Hustle. She taught some cousins and aunts, but I didn't allow myself to try. I don't think I would've pulled it off.
She, like every other girl of the era, was a big fan of the Bee Gees.
We learned it in gym class, because one of our "sports" was actually dancing. In addition to square dancing, we learned how to Charleston, Cha-cha, Lindy and also the Hustle. It was fun.
And in the FINALLY category, the PanAm Lockerbie bomber has died.
I just found out that Robin's mother, Barbara Gibb, is still alive. This is the third son she's buried. How horribly sad is that?
Robin's twin, Maurice, died in 2003. Andy Gibb, never with the Bee Gees, but a star in his own right, died at the young age of 30 in 1988 from a heart ailment. As the article states Robin wondered if all this tragedy was a "karmic price" the family paid for their success.
I just found out that Robin's mother, Barbara Gibb, is still alive. This is the third son she's buried. How horribly sad is that?
Like Rose Kennedy. Lost a son and daughter in plane crashes, and two sons by assassination. I'm not sure if she outlived her daughter, Rosemary, too, who was confined to a hospital.
Rosemary lived until 2005, so Rose was spared that. Just like Caroline, losing her father, mother and then brother. Awful.
Poor Rosemary was the most tragic Kennedy, IMO. She had the mental age of approximately 10 years old, which the family tried to hide. She was extraordinarily beautiful, but as she aged, she flew into rages and had convulsions. Plus, Joe, Sr. was terrified that she would procreate. When Rosemary was 23, he put Rose on a European cruise and then had Rosemary lobotimized. She was institutionalized for life.
Richard Dawson, probably best known as the host of tv's "Family Feud" died at age 79. He was also known for his portrayal of a soldier in the comedy, "Hogan's Heroes".
I am the only one here who watched Desperate Housewives, but Kathryn Joosten, who played Mrs. McCluskey, passed away of lung cancer. Apparently she had it about 10 years ago, thought it was gone, and it came back.
What makes it interesting and, I think, more sad is, in the storyline, she had cancer and was on her last days. The series ended just 3 weeks ago with her character dying of cancer.
I never watched DH, but Kathryn Joosten played the president't secretary for a few seasons on West Wing, a show I did watch. I knew she was sick, but didn't realize how sick. Shame. She was a wonderful actress.
Former Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher and a valuable component of the Big Red Machine, Pedro Borbon, died of cancer. I believe he still holds the club record for pitching appearances as he was known to have a rubber arm and would often throw multiple innings on consecutive days.
He was a little whacky too. He was hated in Pittsburgh after trying to bite Richie Zisk's neck during a brawl. In the early 70s after an onfield incident at Shea he inadvertently picked up a Mets hat and placed it on his head. When he realized what he had done, he threw a fit and ate the hat.
He pitched in an era that when a reliever entered a game, he was expected to finish it. RIP, Pedro. You were good.
Ray Bradbury, one of the best sci-fi authors ever, died yesterday at age 91. He wrote "The Martian Chronicles" and "Farhrenheit 451" among many other titles.
TIS and I had picked him on our lists.
R.I.P. Ray, and thanks for the countless hours of reading entertainment.
I saw the banner headline on Yahoo website and I was just gonna post it. Too bad. I used to watch the Ray Bradbury Theater (I think that was the title) on tv. I think it was on like at 11:00 p.m. or something. He'd host the show.
Yeah, TIS. One of the earliest works of sci-fi that I read as a kid was Bradbury's, "A Sound of Thunder" (about a time traveler who went back in time and hunted a tyrannosaur. He changed the course of history because he inadvertantly killed a moth at the same time).
The story and his wonderful style of writing blew me away, and that's how I'll remember him.
Like SC, "A Sound of Thunder" was the first short story by Ray Bradbury that I read. I think it was back in 1967. I still have it somewhere.
The late Signora V. (a very literary type in her own right) had three favorite authors: Jame Austen, Terry Pratchett and Ray Bradbury. She was able to meet the latter two. (It would have been very difficult to meet Jane Austen!)
Actually, there's an amusing story here - it was at a huge sci-fi convention back in the summer of 1993. I'll post the story a little later, when I have time. But, somewhere, I have a photo of the two of them.
A few years later, as an anniversary present, a good friend gave us front row tickets to a lecture he gave in NYC. A truly memorable evening.
We taped every episode of Ray Bradbury Theater when it aired, years ago, on the USA network. Excellent series, particularly when you consider that so many authors have their works "adapted" by studios and the final product ends up unrecognizable when compared to the original novel or short story.
I remember his story "I Sing The Body Electric" was adapted for the Twilight Zone series, then, years later, made into a TV special called "The Electric Grandmother."
Even after a crippling stroke, he continued to write. I understand he would dictate the stories to his daughter via telephone.
Wow, Signor V, your wife was a big fan of Jane Austen and Ray Bradbury. She must have had deep literary tastes.
I actually thought Ray Bradbury had died years ago. About a week ago while waiting for my wife in a mall, I started rereading Farenheit 451 in a book store, and had decided that I have to read it again this year.
I remember hearing once that he never had a driver's license, and he's a direct descendant from one of the convicted Salem witches. He'll be missed.
MD (née Daughtry; February 1, 1898 – April 1, 2012)[1] was an American pediatrician. She was the world's oldest practicing pediatrician until her retirement in May 2001 at the age of 103.[2] She was a supercentenarian, living to be 114. On December 10, 2011, at age 113 years 312 days, she became one of the 100 oldest people ever. At her death she was the 4th-oldest verified living person in the world and the 3rd-oldest verified living person in the United States.
Herb Reed , last of The Platters, passed away. Herb Reed Obit
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Herb Reed, the last surviving member of the Platters, one of the first pop groups to break the color barrier in the 1950s with crossover hits like “Only You,” “The Great Pretender” and a soaring street-corner version of “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” died on Monday in Boston. He was 83.
The cause was lung disease, said his manager, Fred Balboni.
Mr. Reed was credited with naming the group in 1953 (“platters” was disc jockey lingo for vinyl records) when he and a group of friends in Los Angeles began singing a cappella in amateur contests. The core of the original group — Mr. Reed, David Lynch and the lead singer, Tony Williams — later joined with Paul Robi and a 15-year-old girl named Zola Taylor to form the quintet that recorded “Only You” in 1955, the first in a string of hits.
Mr. Reed became the group’s most enduring presence. As original members were replaced, he remained, singing bass on all of the 400 recordings the group made during its peak years, including four that reached No. 1 on the Billboard singles chart: “The Great Pretender” (1955), “My Prayer” (1956), “Twilight Time” (1958) and “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” (1958). He continued performing until 2010, and a year later he won a court battle over the rights to the Platters name.
In the tradition of black singing groups like the Mills Brothers and the Ink Spots, the Platters used highly polished harmonies and had a musical sophistication that helped their records gain acceptance on mainstream radio at a time when racial divisions, though loosening, were still being observed in the record business. The Platters’ early records, like those of many black artists, had color-coded labels — usually orange, sometimes purple — to alert D.J.’s that they were “race records,” something that effectively barred them from the air in parts of the South. (The term was later changed to “rhythm and blues.”) ...
That saddens me.... we lost a singing legend that I grew up listening to (thanks to having an older sister and brother). I also had the pleasure of drinking with him one night back in Massachusetts in 1970. He was appearing at a club and I started reminiscing with him after the show.... he was a real nice guy.
Oh yea, I love that song too. I can't remember off the top of my head all their tunes, but I'll say I loved them all. The lead singer (Tony Williams) had a wonderful/powerful voice.
Pete Cosey passed away. He was the missing link between guitarists like Sonny Sharrock and Jimi Hendrix on one hand and Muddy Waters, Curtis Mayfield and Elmore James on the other. You can also hear in his work sounds and styles that would later be picked up by people like Sonic Youth and Pink Floyd.
My favorite Cosey work was when he was with the Miles Davis group of the early seventies. This is an acquired taste. Many jazz purists hated that music then and now but I like that time and sound. He also did a lot of "spiritual" jazz and improvisational music with other mostly Chicago based musicians.
He was brought in by Chess records to give a modern updating to classic Muddy Waters/Howling Wolf songs. Although those records sold well, neither Wolf not Muddy was fond of them sonically or artistically. Typically blunt, Wolf said the record "sounded like dogs***".
Cosey had a fond story about Wolf. Wolf told the bearded Cosey , "Why don't you take all those amps and pedals and wah-wah s*** and throw them into the river on your way to get a haircut?" Pete Cosey died
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Pete Cosey, a guitarist who played on many blues and R&B records in the 1960s but who became best known for his work in Miles Davis’s electric band of 1973-75, contributing a sound drenched in distortion and punctuated by the wah-wah pedal, died on May 30 in Chicago. He was 68. The cause was complications of surgery, said his daughter Mariama Cosey.
Mr. Cosey was working in Chicago nightclubs in the mid-1960s when he was hired by Chess Records, which was trying to emulate Motown by forming a studio band of its own. As a member of that ensemble, Mr. Cosey played on Fontella Bass’s Top 10 hit “Rescue Me” and on Chess sessions by Etta James, Little Milton and others. He also played on Motown records by the Four Tops and the Marvelettes. Mr. Cosey’s best-known work for Chess was on Muddy Waters’s album “Electric Mud” (1968) and Howlin’ Wolf’s “Howlin’ Wolf Album” (1969). Both records were released on a Chess subsidiary, Cadet Concept, founded to focus on heavier and more psychedelic sounds. They put two of the greatest blues voices into a harder blues-rock context, including long, vivid solos by Mr. Cosey. Both Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf disliked the results, but the records made their point: over time they were defended and eventually celebrated.
Meanwhile, Mr. Cosey was working widely. He was a member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians, the cooperative Chicago organization devoted to experimental improvisation; he toured with Aretha Franklin and the jazz saxophonists Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt; he played with Philip Cohran and the Artistic Heritage Ensemble in 1968, on the album “The Malcolm X Memorial,” a cult classic of soul jazz.
In the spring of 1973, Mr. Cosey joined Miles Davis on tour. At the time, Davis was looking for “a deep African-American grove, with a lot of emphasis on drums and rhythm,” as he put it in his autobiography. Mr. Cosey, he wrote, “gave me that Jimi Hendrix and Muddy Waters sound that I wanted.”
Well, considering the life that Mr. Hill led, I'm really surprised he lived as long as he did. The couple of recent photos I saw of him showed a man looking far older than his 69 years (he died one day after his 69th birthday).
So I guess the final chapter has been written...
Or maybe not.
Ever since they came up with things like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, and Abraham Lincoln - Vampire Hunter, perhaps in the near future we'll see...
Actor Victor Spinetti has died at 82. He was most well-known for appearing in several Beatles movies, especially as the TV director in A HARD DAY'S NIGHT (and the mad scientist in HELP!)
I don't remember the exact details (or if they're accurate) or have a link at the moment, but he was a close asociate of the Beatles in the 60s. During the shooting of HELP!, a Spinetti fan club started up and the Beatles joined s the first four members.
I just heard that this morning on the radio. I don't know why but aside from the Beatles starring, for some reason, I remember Spinetti's name as being in the cast of Hard Day's Night. I wasn't sure until I clicked the link and saw the picture if I was thinking of the right person. I was. Anyway, that really is where I remember him from.
I thought Spinetti had also played the child catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It turns out that he played a different role in a stage version of "Chitty" years later, and he said in an interview:
"But I know that when I mentioned I was going into Chitty [stage version] some people assumed I'd be the child catcher — who is traditionally skinny — rather than the Baron. In fact, quite a few people seem to think I was the child catcher, in the film version. But of course that was Sir Robert Helpmann. I think we must have a similar nose or something!”
Susan Tyrrell, 67, died June 16. She appeared in the films Fat City, Cry-Baby, Forbidden Zone, and many others.
Richard Lynch, 76, an actor who appeared in many films and TV series, usually as a villain. His career lasted over thirty years. His body was found on June 19, the cause of death has not yet been determined.
Andrew Sarris, 83, well-known American film critic. Died June 20.
LeRoy Neiman, 91, died June 20. He was an American artist whose works were usually sports-themed. His paintings were featured in Playboy for many years.
Hollywood screenwriter and director Nora Ephron, who penned such films as When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle, has died, US media reports.
Her son, Jacob Bernstein, told the New York Times she passed away on Tuesday night in Manhattan from pneumonia.
Rumours of the 71-year-old's death circulated earlier after a celebrity friend published a memorial online. The writer grew up in California, and started her career reporting for the New York Post.
Very sad. Ephron was a brilliant writer. Granted, her essays and books were aimed more at women than at men, but her wit transcended all of that. Plus, "When Harry Met Sally" was the most guy friendly chick-flick ever. It's on my top ten New York films list.
Fun fact about Ephron: She wrote "My Blue Heaven" while her husband (Nick Pileggi) was working on the script for "Goodfellas." She used his notes, and many parts of the film were actually based on Henry Hill's experiences in the Witness Protection Program. In typical lowlife form, Hill often complained that he should have been paid.
Very sad. Ephron was a brilliant writer. Granted, her essays and books were aimed more at women than at men, but her wit transcended all of that.
Absolutely true. Ephron had a gift for being able to show the woman's view on life and being able to make men understand it. Plus she could hysterically show the guy's take on something. She was my favorite current playwright and will be sorely missed. It's very sad to me to realize that I'll never see anything new form her anymore.
FWIW - I bought two movie posters in the past 25 years or so. One was of "Sleepless in Seattle" and the other was from "When Harry Met Sally". I relate closely to both movies, and that is due to Ephron's wonderful writing.
R.I.P. Nora, and thank you beyond words for the wonderful stories.
FWIW - I bought two movie posters in the past 25 years or so.
Just two? How's Malta supposed to pay his mortgage?
I have no spare wall space (in the places I've lived in the past ten years) on which to hang any posters. Once I move, I'll hit Geoff up for some freebies.
Fun fact about Ephron: She wrote "My Blue Heaven" while her husband (Nick Pileggi) was working on the script for "Goodfellas."
I just watched part of My Blue Heaven the other night with my dad, and even though it might as well have been our 100th viewing, seeing her name in the opening credits was a surprise to me. No idea why I didn't know of her involvement, but that makes me love her all the more, in addition to the great contributions she made through You've Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle, and When Harry Met Sally. What a great set of films!
I flashback to years and years ago during a holiday when we were all playing Charades. My cousin who was about 10 or so at the time had to do "My Three Sons." Instead of maybe pointing to herself (my) holding up 3 fingers and maybe pointing to the sun.....She stands up and taps her foot (like the beginning of the show) Don't know why that sticks in my mind but it was funny at the time.
Unfortunately, I've had a massive toothache the past few days so I haven't been able to sleep. The whole right side of my head is killing me. And of course this occurs AFTER I cancelled my dental insurance.
Other than that, things are good. I'm certainly enjoying the below average weather. I don't like the heat.
(Reuters) - Actor Andy Griffith, whose portrayal of a small-town sheriff made "The Andy Griffith Show" one of American television's most enduring shows, has died at his North Carolina home, television station WITN reported on Tuesday.
(Reuters) - Actor Andy Griffith, whose portrayal of a small-town sheriff made "The Andy Griffith Show" one of American television's most enduring shows, has died at his North Carolina home, television station WITN reported on Tuesday.
If you mean from The Andy Griffith Show, I would think that Ron Howard is the only principal actor left (unless I'm wrong).
If you mean the later, non-Andy Griffith Mayberry R.F.D., Ken Berry is still alive and is 78, and Arlene Golonka is 76. There may be others, but I'm not sure.
I think everyone knows the theme to the Andy Griffith show. Tho I watched it, I can't say I viewed it regularly but knew most of the characters. I actually watched Matlock more than I watched Mayberry RFD
Borgnine was a better actor than most gave him credit for and his down-to-earth manners were a genuine joy to watch in his interviews. I'll always remember his portrayal of the title character in "Marty" as one of the great characterizations in movie history.
Oddly enough, Sr. Vitelli and I were just talking about him last week.
Borgnine was a better actor than most gave him credit for and his down-to-earth manners were a genuine joy to watch in his interviews.
Absolutely. That clip certainly proves it! But seriously, what an incredibly versatile actor he was. And there was nothing of the affected Hollywood Star about him. No smarmy sex scandals, no run-ins with reporters or photographers - just a genuine person. The entertainment world could use more people like him.
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Oddly enough, Sr. Vitelli and I were just talking about him last week.
True. I always thought it was amazing how he kept going (professionally) long after other, younger actors had retired. How many actors well past 90 still work? You could probably count them on the fingers of one hand. Obviously, he was blessed with good health and great genes.
I think the first movie I remember seeing him in was "Marty" and that was back when it came on tv for the first time. You know, Saturday Night At the Movies? My parents both loved that movie and I remember the whole family watching.
When he was interviewed around the same time on the ABC show The View, he said the same thing but it was bleeped out. It was mentioned in the local news at the time.
After "From Here to Eternity," everyone hated Borginine for the character he played. But just two years later, everyone fell in love with "Marty." That poor, sad, lonely man. And one of the great film characters ever. I watch it at least once a year, and I'll probably break it out tonight .
Sage Stallone, son of famed action star Sylvester Stallone, was found dead Friday (July 13), according to TMZ. He was 36 years old.
While many of the details surrounding Sage Stallone's death remain unclear, a source told the outlet that an overdose of pills was the cause of death, but L.A. police are still trying to determine whether the overdose was intentional or an accident. He was reportedly found by his girlfriend.
Maybe the rigors of having a celebrity father worth millions of dollars, and being personally set for life through inheritance alone, just became too much for him? Well, I guess he soldiered on as long as he could.
There's the true Christian compassion that everyone hopes to find from their fellow human beings.
Sly is living every parent's nightmare, burying a child. I hope he finds that the love of his other four children will help to sustain him.
True SB. I can't even imagine surviving losing a child.
Don't know yet if it was an accidental overdose or suicide. However I did read that those close to him said he was in very good spirits and was planning to get married which doesn't sound like a depressed person, but then again who knows? It's still a terrible tragedy. I feel for Sly.
Very sorry to hear about Celeste Holm. She was always one of my favorites.
On Broadway, she was the original Ado Annie in the 1943 production of Oklahoma (on film, the role went to Gloria Grahame). She won an Oscar for her role in the classic 1947 film Gentleman's Agreement.
But, IMO, one of her absolute best roles was opposite Ronald Colman in the 1950 comedy Champagne For Caesar. It's a hilarious must-see satire of TV quiz shows, with a rare acting turn by Art Linkletter (!). Celeste Holm was never better.
One of the last remaining Funk Brothers, Bob Babbitt, passes away
You know the bass lines for Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered ", Edwin Starr's "War", the Temptations' "Ball of Confusion" or The Capitols' "Cool Jerk". Those were all Babbitt. He did a lot of other things too. He would have been better known but for the fact that he was 2nd best bassist at Motown behind the incomparable James Jamerson. Babbitt was a very very good musician who never really got the credit he deserved.
"When a parent loses a child there is no greater pain... This agonizing loss will be felt for the rest of our lives," Stallone said, according to TMZ. "Sage was our first child and the center of our universe and I am humbly begging for all to have my son's memory in full left in peace."
Another story re: Sage Stallone..It seems the nutjob Westboro Church is at it again and plan to protest Sage's funeral, more in protest of Sly than Sage. Boy, these people are so damn perfect aren't they? Judge & jury.
The Kansas ministry, which labels itself as “Primitive Baptist” according to its website, lashed out at Stallone most likely for its own hard-line “no divorce” policy. Of Stallone himself, who has been married three times, Phelps wrote, “Thrice-married rebel taught his son to mock God.”
NEW YORK (AP) — Sylvia Woods, founder of the famed Harlem soul food restaurant that carries her name and is a must-stop for locals, tourists and politicians, has died. She was 86. Woods died Thursday afternoon at her home in Mount Vernon, N.Y., said her granddaughter Tren'ness Woods-Black. She had been dealing with Alzheimer's disease for the past few years. Woods and her husband Herbert, natives of South Carolina who met as children, started Sylvia's Restaurant in 1962. .. http://news.yahoo.com/sylvia-woods-started-harlem-restaurant-dies-230217128.html
Comedy writer and actor Tom Davis died yesterday at age 59. He had battled cancer since 2010.
If you are old enough to remember the early years of Saturday Night Live, then you will remember Davis from his comedic partnership with (now Senator) Al Franken.
Borgnine was a better actor than most gave him credit for and his down-to-earth manners were a genuine joy to watch in his interviews. I'll always remember his portrayal of the title character in "Marty" as one of the great characterizations in movie history.
Oddly enough, Sr. Vitelli and I were just talking about him last week.
He was picked on six of our lists.
TCM channel has Borgnine tribute this week. Marty, from Here to Eternity, and The Wild Bunch. I believe it will be aired this coming Thursday evening for anyone interested.
Comedy writer and actor Tom Davis died yesterday at age 59. He had battled cancer since 2010.
If you are old enough to remember the early years of Saturday Night Live, then you will remember Davis from his comedic partnership with (now Senator) Al Franken.
Does anyone remember Al Franken playing the role of the one-man primary campaign reporting team in New Hampshire. He had video cameras and a satellite dish attached to himself and was electrocuted during his interview.
Sherman Helmsley, who played George Jefferson on "The Jeffersons" has died. No details yet.
I met him 10 years ago. He was starring in a local play and made a promotionaappearance in a dry cleaning store near my office at the time. He was a kid from Philly, and was always the exact opposite of George Jefferson.
Btw, one of the comments at end of article say he was the only living cast member. I remember the couple next door and I know the guy passed away but don't remember anyone else.
Didn't know that either. Thanks for the entertainment news. I'm really behind in the news here. LOL
Oh yea, Marla Gibbs was great also. I forgot about her.
TIS
what about 'all in the family' who's still alive from that show?
I believe Jean Stapleton is still alive and I know that Rob Reiner, Sally Struthers are as well. I use to watch that show all the time. I can't imagine it going over today, even tho there are many real-life Archie Bunkers still around I'm sure.
But which Darren from "Bewitched" did you like better???
I'll but in... I guess I'd go with the first one, Dick York but to be honest, I think the other Darren (Dick Sargent) to me pretty much resembled the first Darren. York Passed away a while back. I don't know about Sargent.
But which Darren from "Bewitched" did you like better???
I'll but in... I guess I'd go with the first one, Dick York but to be honest, I think the other Darren (Dick Sargent) to me pretty much resembled the first Darren. York Passed away a while back. I don't know about Sargent.
Both Dicks are Dead. (York and Sargent, that is.)
Dick Sargent died July 8, 1994 of prostate cancer at age 64.
But which Darren from "Bewitched" did you like better???
I'll but in... I guess I'd go with the first one, Dick York but to be honest, I think the other Darren (Dick Sargent) to me pretty much resembled the first Darren. York Passed away a while back. I don't know about Sargent.
Both Dicks are Dead. (York and Sargent, that is.)
Dick Sargent died July 8, 1994 of prostate cancer at age 64.
Not so fun facts: Sargent and Elizabeth Montgomery both died of cancer, York from emphysema.
Remember how much they used to smoke on that show?
Cigarette companies were big sponsors of television shows in that era, and would often encourage the writers, directors, etc to include scenes, in which the stars smoked. Even Andy Griffith did it. Moreover, the actors would play their tv roles in commercials for cigarettes during their shows.
Not so fun facts: Sargent and Elizabeth Montgomery both died of cancer, York from emphysema.
Remember how much they used to smoke on that show?
Cigarette companies were big sponsors of television shows in that era, and would often encourage the writers, directors, etc to include scenes, in which the stars smoked. Even Andy Griffith did it. Moreover, the actors would play their tv roles in commercials for cigarettes during their shows.
Oh yeah, I remember the cigarette commercials well, Klyd.
Not so fun facts: Sargent and Elizabeth Montgomery both died of cancer, York from emphysema.
Remember how much they used to smoke on that show?
Cigarette companies were big sponsors of television shows in that era, and would often encourage the writers, directors, etc to include scenes, in which the stars smoked. Even Andy Griffith did it. Moreover, the actors would play their tv roles in commercials for cigarettes during their shows.
Not so fun facts: Sargent and Elizabeth Montgomery both died of cancer, York from emphysema.
Remember how much they used to smoke on that show?
Cigarette companies were big sponsors of television shows in that era, and would often encourage the writers, directors, etc to include scenes, in which the stars smoked. Even Andy Griffith did it. Moreover, the actors would play their tv roles in commercials for cigarettes during their shows.
And speaking of Elizabeth Montgomery, William Asher, producer/director of Bewitched and director of over 100 episodes of I Love Lucy (including the classic "candy factory" episode) died July 16 at age 90. During the time of Bewitched, Asher and Montgomery were husband and wife.
Speaking of Bewitched, the show's creator, Sol Saks, died back on April 16 at age 100.
If i was picking a dead pool for the next year Macaulay Culkin would be at the top of my list. He has obviously deteriorated beyond belief and is said to be a major heroin and opiate pill junkie. Just reading an article about him today and it's actually pretty sad how far down he is. Culkin has lost so much much weight he looks like he has AIDS or cancer but it's the dope. If he keeps up like this he'll be gone within a year.
He had man boobs? LOL I hadn't noticed OR if I did I forgot. It's been a while since I've seen a Tarzan movie.
Speaking of JW, I remember a number of years ago reading that he was in a home/hospital. He must have had dementia or something because I read that every now & then he'd do the Tarzan call. Kind of humorous in a sad way.
If i was picking a dead pool for the next year Macaulay Culkin would be at the top of my list. He has obviously deteriorated beyond belief and is said to be a major heroin and opiate pill junkie. Just reading an article about him today and it's actually pretty sad how far down he is. Culkin has lost so much much weight he looks like he has AIDS or cancer but it's the dope. If he keeps up like this he'll be gone within a year.
Wow, he looks terrible. Way older than his age. Sadly, so many child stars grow up to have major issues. I know he married and divorced (once I think) and his movie career took a dive. And, in spite of his denial, and in spite of trial outcomes, deep down I just have a feeling he was one of Michael Jackson's victims.
That being said, he made his fame thru Home Alone, but did anyone ever see the movie, "The Good Son" with Elijah Wood? Quite a chilling performance.
Oh yes, nobody does the Tarzan call better than JW. (well Carol Burnett does pretty well.)
I always was under the impression that (according to Hollywood legend) the Weissmuller Tarzan yell was created back in 1932 by the Sound Department at MGM studios for Tarzan the Ape Man, Weissmuller's first Tarzan outing. (And no, I'm not "outing" Tarzan! ) I had heard that the famous cry was a human voice interspersed with a yodel played at high speed, thus producing a sound that was impossible for a human being to perfectly replicate.
However...
An Internet search turned up a lot of contradictory information and conflicting stories (it figures).
Sadly, so many child stars grow up to have major issues.
Yeah, it's a shame that Ron Howard never made anything of himself .
Of course I'm kidding. Howard may be the most mentally well balanced and successful child actor who ever lived.
there are other child actors who still had a career pass childhood. ejiah wood, leonardo dicaprio, natalie wood, and this one i may be wrong because i wasn't around when she was big annette funicello.
DETROIT (USA TODAY) — Blues guitarist Johnnie Bassett, a much-loved statesman of the Detroit scene, died Saturday night. He was 76.
Bassett had been in declining health — recently diagnosed with cancer — and was moved last month to hospice care at St. John Hospital in Detroit.
In a long and storied career, the musically versatile Bassett had been a go-to player on Detroit's bustling club scene of the '50s and '60s, and was a member of the Fortune Records house band the Blue Notes.
He accompanied a litany of brand-name artists, including fellow Detroiters John Lee Hooker, Little Willie John, Smokey Robinson and Nolan Strong, and was friendly with a young Jimi Hendrix during the latter's early, blues-oriented Seattle years.
"This is one of those artists where everything just came together — jazz, soul, blues, R&B," said publicist Matt Lee. "We'll never see his like again."
He looked fairly young and healthy.I am sure no one has him on any list. Apparently he was quite the prodigy. Went to Julliard at age 7, and was going to be a classical ianist until he realized what a talent he had for writing pop music and showtunes, not to mention playing piano in flicks likt The Sting. R.I.P.
Very, very sad to hear this. Bob Hoskins is a fine actor.
A few recent deaths in the UK seemed to go virtually unnoticed on this side of the pond:
Actor Simon Ward died July 20 at age 70 after a long illness. He starred in the 1972 film Young Winston (about the early years of Winston Churchill), but, for some reason, his film career never really took off. He was the father of actress Sophie Ward.
For fans of the TV series Doctor Who, two of the Doctor's companions from the series' "Golden Age" have recently left us:
Caroline John died June 5 at the age of 71. She played the role of scientist "Liz Shaw" in 1970 opposite Jon Pertwee as The Doctor, and Mary Tamm died July 26 at the age of 62. Ms. Tamm played the first incarnation of Time Lady "Romana" opposite Tom Baker during the 1978-79 season.
Cancer claimed both of these very popular actresses.
Helen Gurly Brown passed away? I remember her from way back. She was on many talk shows.
Wasn't it HGB that got Burt Reynolds to pose for the centerfold in Cosmo? It was a huge success. LOL I remember all the ladies from work ran to the store at lunch time to get a look at and/or purchase that issue of Cosmo.
I don't know Pesky (not surprising to anyone) but RIP to both
Actor William Windom died August 16 of heart failure at the age of 88. A very popular actor with a very long career, he was a regular on the TV series "Murder, She Wrote," starred in "My World and Welcome To It," and guest-starred in countless other shows, including the original "Star Trek."
Singer Scott McKenzie died August 18 at age 73. He had a big hit back in 1967 with the song "San Francisco," and was one of the writers of the The Beach Boys' hit, "Kokomo."
Director Tony Scott died in an apparent suicide Sunday by jumping off the Vincent Thomas Bridge near Long Beach, Calif. He was 68.
Los Angeles County Coroner Lt. Joe Bell told TheWrap that investigators had identified the deceased, Anthony David Scott of Beverly Hills, as the director and producer. The British-born "Top Gun" and "Crimson Tide" director was also the brother and producing partner of director Ridley Scott.
The U.S. Coast Guard told The Daily Breeze that a suicide note was found inside Scott's black Toyota Prius, which was parked on one of the eastbound lanes of the bridge. Officials said that Scott climbed a fence on the south side of the bridge's apex and leapt off "without hesitation" around 12:30 p.m., according to The Breeze.
His body was recovered after the jump, said Bell.
Tony Scott's most recent movies were "Unstoppable" and "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3," both of which starred Denzel Washington.
He also was a producer of his brother's recent "Prometheus" and was exploring a possiblesequel to "Top Gun."
The Scott brothers' company is Scott Free Productions, and Tony Scott has nearly 50 producing credits in his career, including the TV series "The Good Wife" and the Liam Neeson thriller "The Grey."
The Vincent Thomas Bridge is a suspension bridge over Los Angeles Harbor that links San Pedro with Terminal Island. It appears frequently in films and television.
Scott is married to Donna Scott, with whom he has two children.
Was just gonna post that. She was on 5 of our lists.
RIP Phyllis -- used to love her when I was a kid!
Whoa, you're weirder than I thought
Phyllis was one of those people who you figured was dead already. She was kind of a pioneer for female comics. I can think of Totie Fields fit that mold and Joan Rivers.
Von Freeman was revered as a tenor saxophonist but was never a major star, worshiped by critics but perpetually strapped for cash. He seemed to purposely avoid commercial success. When trumpeter Miles Davis phoned Freeman in the 1950s looking for a replacement for John Coltrane, Freeman made a typical move — he never returned the call.
His refusal to leave his native Chicago during most of his career cost him incalculable fame and fortune but also enabled him to create a body of distinctive and innovative work. This year he received a Jazz Masters Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, regarded as the nation's highest jazz honor.
He had mentored countless younger jazz musicians, including his son, Chico Freeman, who became more famous than his father as a tenor saxophonist...
There is an old episode of Groucho Marx's game show 'You Bet Your Life' where Phylis Diller, who was unknown at the time, was a contestant.
I think she was married to Rip Taylor, who would show up on variety shows in the 1970s wildly tossing confetti on stage and in the audience. One could only imagine the result if they procreated.
I think I saw that episode of Groucho's show. I seem to recall seeing it rerun a few years ago. (Or maybe it was some clips shown in a Groucho documentary?)
Rip Taylor was never married to Phyllis Diller. She was married twice: first to a man named Sherwood Anderson Diller (5 children), then to an actor named Warde Donovan. I remember they appeared on a few game shows together back in the seventies.
I think I saw that episode of Groucho's show. I seem to recall seeing it rerun a few years ago. (Or maybe it was some clips shown in a Groucho documentary?)
Rip Taylor was never married to Phyllis Diller. She was married twice: first to a man named Sherwood Anderson Diller (5 children), then to an actor named Warde Donovan. I remember they appeared on a few game shows together back in the seventies.
Geez, that guy was a game show fixture back in the '70s. I haven't seen him do anything in years, though.
Last time I saw him on television was maybe ten years ago on "Will and Grace." He was playing himself, but with an even more outrageous gayness to him (I'm not trying to offend and I'm not sure if gayness is actually a word).
Isn't Rip Taylor in the end of all those Jack-ass movies....with his big mustache and shooting off some cheap confetti poppers while saying dumb stuff!
If it is him, then he looks and sounds as creepy as ever!
I have "MyYahoo" as my homepage and ysterday I saw a picture of Dick VanDyke in the news section. My first reaction was not to read the article about him getting a lifetime achievement award, but to assume that the article was about him dying and to try to remember if I have him on my dead pool list (I don't).
I have "MyYahoo" as my homepage and ysterday I saw a picture of Dick VanDyke in the news section. My first reaction was not to read the article about him getting a lifetime achievement award, but to assume that the article was about him dying and to try to remember if I have him on my dead pool list (I don't).
i saw that as well and thought that i had another one on my list. but, he is one that i hope stay's alive for years to come.
zsa zsa on the other hand...yea she already lasted long enough.
I saw that Dick Van Dyke story as well. I thought the worst too. Glad he's alive & kicking. He seems to be in very good health for his age no?
Poor Zsa Zsa, she seems to be quite a tough cookie. Gosh I remember her in her younger years on Dick Cavett, Merv Griffin, etc. "yes dahling!" She's on what? Her 8th husband? Prince something or other
honestly i saw him living up to his late 90's. well maybe buzz aldrin will last that long.
I think what impressed me about Armstrong in retrospect is his humility in not ever really trying to cash in on his fame or ride off on it and become a B-celebrity.
(Compare that with Buzz Aldrin who hosted WWE Monday Night Raw and cameoed in the last TRANSFORMERS movie.)
honestly i saw him living up to his late 90's. well maybe buzz aldrin will last that long.
I think what impressed me about Armstrong in retrospect is his humility in not ever really trying to cash in on his fame or ride off on it and become a B-celebrity.
(Compare that with Buzz Aldrin who hosted WWE Monday Night Raw and cameoed in the last TRANSFORMERS movie.)
I remember staying up quite late and watching the moon landing and the Armstrong/Aldrin moon walk on television. Something I'll never forget. It was amazing.
It was one thing to grow up watching all those sci-fi movies speculating about space travel and visiting other planets, but it was quite another thing to actually watch it happening live before your very eyes.
I don't know what we would have nowadays that would be comparable. It seemed that everyone in the country was glued to their TV sets that night in 1969. And, of course, it was the main topic of conversation for many days to come.
Neil Armstrong was definitely a hero in my eyes, and most everyone else's. He will certainly be missed.
honestly i saw him living up to his late 90's. well maybe buzz aldrin will last that long.
I think what impressed me about Armstrong in retrospect is his humility in not ever really trying to cash in on his fame or ride off on it and become a B-celebrity.
(Compare that with Buzz Aldrin who hosted WWE Monday Night Raw and cameoed in the last TRANSFORMERS movie.)
Probably because nobody remembers the second man on the moon so he needs to cash in on his achievment..
I was there live for the lift off, and watched the landing with pure rapture.
Like others who have posted here, I greatly admired Armstrong's humility, and the way he lived his life doing engineering, aviating and the other things he loved instead of making himself into a "celebrity." For that he is all the more a hero.
I heard this part of this clip on the radio this morning. Evidently, Mr. & Mrs. Armstrong (Neil's parents) were on the old tv show "I've Got A Secret" (A few of us remember that show) in 1962. Anyway, catch the question asking Mrs. Armstrong how she'd feel if her son was the first man on the moon. Pretty amazing.
Don't know why I couldn't get link to directly post.
On the same site, I found this audio link that aired on the radio right after it was announced the Elvis had died. The anniversary of his death was August 16th. I remember it well.
On the same site, I found this audio link that aired on the radio right after it was announced the Elvis had died. The anniversary of his death was August 16th. I remember it well.
I had just turned five when Apollo 11 lifted off. I can remember watching the moon landing and experiencing the excitement through the neighborhood. Every house had a flag on the front porch.
Actor Steve Franken died August 24 at age 80. Older folks on the BB will remember him as Chatsworth Osborne Jr. in the TV series "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis", as well as supporting and guest starring roles in a great many other shows. One of his best roles was as a drunken waiter in the 1968 Blake Edwards film "The Party", with Peter Sellers.
Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head, B J Thomas Close To You - The Carpenters Alfie - Cilla Black What's New Pussycat? - Tom Jones Walk On By, I Say a Little Prayer, Do You Know The Way To San Jose - Dionne Warwick Twenty-Four Hours From Tulsa, Gene Pitney (There's) Always Something There To Remind Me, Sandie Shaw Magic Moments - Perry Como
Heard this on the news earlier. Very sad. They said he died of complications from strokes.
His lyrics will always be associated with a very formative period of my life. For a number of years, the Burt Bacharach/Hal David team seemed to have the magic touch when it came to writing hit records. And, I'm not ashamed to admit that I really liked those tunes.
I think "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" won an Academy Award for Best Song, didn't it?
Heard this on the news earlier. Very sad. They said he died of complications from strokes.
His lyrics will always be associated with a very formative period of my life. For a number of years, the Burt Bacharach/Hal David team seemed to have the magic touch when it came to writing hit records. And, I'm not ashamed to admit that I really liked those tunes.
I think "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" won an Academy Award for Best Song, didn't it?
Signor V.
i believe it did for butch cassidy and the sundance kid
Heard this on the news earlier. Very sad. They said he died of complications from strokes.
His lyrics will always be associated with a very formative period of my life. For a number of years, the Burt Bacharach/Hal David team seemed to have the magic touch when it came to writing hit records. And, I'm not ashamed to admit that I really liked those tunes.
I think "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" won an Academy Award for Best Song, didn't it?
Signor V.
i believe it did for butch cassidy and the sundance kid
That is one of the most random scenes from a film i think i have seen, that song came out of nowhere, i still dont get it..
wow...i am shocked and saddened! i remember he had a heart attack, but i thought he was recovering. i need to watch the green mile some time this week...RIP
Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter-guitarist Joe South died September 5 of heart failure at age 72.
He was known for a string of hits in the 1970's (often with socially-conscious lyrics), including "Games People Play", "Walk A Mile In My Shoes" and "I Never Promised You A Rose Garden" (a huge hit for Lynn Anderson).
Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter-guitarist Joe South died September 5 of heart failure at age 72.
He was known for a string of hits in the 1970's (often with socially-conscious lyrics), including "Games People Play", "Walk A Mile In My Shoes" and "I Never Promised You A Rose Garden" (a huge hit for Lynn Anderson).
I saw this. Many people don't know that he was the guitarist on Aretha Franklin's "Chain of Fools". There's more similarities between classic soul, country and blues than people realize. I first heard the band Tesla do "Games People Play" and later heard the original version.
I was never a big fan of Andy, but he was a decent crooner in his day. Fact is anyone who ends up in Branson, Missouri is a bona fide "B list" entertainer.
This story is so bizarre that I wasn't sure whether to put this in Crime or TV, but this seemed somewhat appropriate here. Johhny Lewis of Sons of Anarchy fell or jumped from the roof of a building today. Inside the building, an 81 year old woman and a cat were found murdered. Mr. Lewis, obviously, is suspected of killing them both. It is believed that Mr. Lewis was renting a room from the elderly lady in this building.
OMG, SB that IS a bizarre story. I don't watch the show and don't know this guy but it appears as though he may have them. Also, a dead cat was found beaten to death?? Holy crap!
Herbert Lom, a dramatic actor who was also known for playing Chief Inspector Dreyfus opposite Peter Sellers in many of the "Pink Panther" movies, died September 27 at age 95.
Also, Michael O'Hare, who, as Commander Sinclair, was the original star of the sci-fi TV series "Babylon 5" died today of a heart attack at age 60.
That's too bad. He was one of the first ex-NFLers to make a successful segue into acting. I always liked him. I remember one of his first roles was on "The Odd Couple." Skinny little Felix was diddling his wife in the episode. Can you imagine?
Never understood why Karras never got into the Pro Football HOF. I once heard that his refusal to ever admit he was wrong to gamble was the reason he got blackballed by the voters.
Meanwhile, Roger Clemens is eligible for Cooperstown.
Never understood why Karras never got into the Pro Football HOF. I once heard that his refusal to ever admit he was wrong to gamble was the reason he got blackballed by the voters.
Meanwhile, Roger Clemens is eligible for Cooperstown.
yup, main reason why. maybe now that he passed they can consider him joining (i doubt it though) but, if it happens then maybe pete rose will make it in the HOF after he dies.
Sorry to hear about Karras. I remember him as a character on Monday Night Football, appearing one Halloween night with fangs. He was a very good defensive lineman, but never thoght he was Hall of Fame material.
Gary Collins died early today in a hospital in Biloxi, Mississippi of natural causes at age 74. Besides his career as an actor, he was an Emmy-winning talk show host and had also hosted the Miss America pageant for several years.
I met Arlen Specter several times. When I was clerking in a Philadelphia law office the summer before my last year of law school, I worked with his son, Shanin, who was a young lawyer at the time. Arlen took a group of us out to lunch that summer, and he was a fascinating guy, who knew a lot about sports, history and music.
Specter was an effective and principled legislator as well as a nice guy. He'll be missed.
He was mostly unheralded outside of the jazz world but was a true giant of music. David Ware dies
David S. Ware, a powerful and contemplative jazz saxophonist whose career began in the early 1970s but who did not make a significant name for himself until 20 years later when he helped lead a resurgence of free jazz in New York, died on Thursday in New Brunswick, N.J. He was 62.
The cause was complications of a kidney transplant in 2009, said Steven Joerg, Mr. Ware’s manager and record producer. The musical world in which Mr. Ware traveled has few breakout stars, but he was one. In 1995 a review of his album “Cryptology” received the lead slot in Rolling Stone, which rarely reviews jazz albums. In 2001, after the release of his album “Corridors & Parallels,” Gary Giddins of The Village Voice called Mr. Ware’s quartet “the best small band in jazz today.”
Mr. Ware was a large man with a big sound. Among his influences were the breadth of tone Sonny Rollins could invest in a single note and the ferocity John Coltrane could put into a hundred of them. He wrote his own music, performed some jazz and pop standards (“Yesterdays,” “Angel Eyes,” even “The Way We Were”) and sometimes improvised within standard harmony. But for the most part he played less conventionally, planning his strategies and diving in deeply.
“I’m not interested in chord changes,” he said in a recent interview for a short film produced by the David Lynch Foundation. “I don’t need that. I work on concepts.”..
You can do a lot in life if you're willing to work hard and learn. Stan Ovshinsky dies
Stanford R. Ovshinsky, an iconoclastic, largely self-taught and commercially successful scientist who invented the nickel-metal hydride battery and contributed to the development of a host of devices, including solar energy panels, flat-panel displays and rewritable compact discs, died on Wednesday at his home in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. He was 89.
The cause was prostate cancer, his son Harvey said.
Placing Mr. Ovshinsky in “the league of genius inventors,” The Economist magazine once titled an article about him “The Edison of Our Age?”
If not quite that, he was certainly among the 20th century’s most inventive breed of scientists who, like Edison, parlayed their ideas into practical commercial applications...
George McGovern, the Democratic Party candidate for president in the 1972 election, died early this morning at age 90.
McGovern lost the presidential election to Richard Nixon in a landslide win by Tricky Dick. He ran on an anti-war platform and he was the first candidate for president that I voted for.
George McGovern, the Democratic Party candidate for president in the 1972 election, died early this morning at age 90.
McGovern lost the presidential election to Richard Nixon in a landslide win by Tricky Dick. He ran on an anti-war platform and he was the first candidate for president that I voted for.
R.I.P. Mr. McGovern
(dontomasso had picked him for the contest).
My first Presidential vote also. The Watergate burglary and the Viet Nam war gave me reason to not even consider Nixon. He would come on TV and I would shout at the TV, LIAR!
My first Presidential vote also. The Watergate burglary and the Viet Nam war gave me reason to not even consider Nixon. He would come on TV and I would shout at the TV, LIAR!
If that election was held just two years later McGovern would have won.
I was in sixth grade at that time and we had a mock election in Social Studies class. I was the only kid that voted for McGovern (it was a secret ballot, but the tally was pretty easy to interpret). My mom was virulently anti-war, having two draft-eligible sons, and she was all for McGovern. Unfortunately, we were just about the only ones. LOL
Nixon was so paranoid yet he won that election against McGovern by pretty much a landslide. There was no need for Watergate but the massive paranoia of Nixon and his team brought them all down.
Emmanuel Steward passed away Kronk Gym boxing icon Emanuel Steward died today, his sister, Diane Steward-Jones, told the Free Press.
Steward, who had been in a Chicago-area hospital for several weeks after undergoing surgery for what was termed diverticulitis, died at 2:46 p.m. Detroit time, Steward-Jones said. He was 68.
Steward-Jones, who handled business and public relations for Steward, said she and several family members were by his side.
“He has passed – he’s gone home,” Steward-Jones said by phone. “He was in no pain, and we sang to him, as well as did the doctors present. He had loved ones around him.”
Cleve Duncan, whose soaring tenor voice as lead singer for the Penguins helped propel the 1954 doo-wop ballad “Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine)” to rock ’n’ roll immortality, died on Nov. 7 in Los Angeles.
Art Laboe, a disc jockey who promoted Penguins concerts and produced one of Mr. Duncan’s records, announced the death on his Web site. Many sources have Mr. Duncan’s age as 77, but according to his voting records he was 78.
“Earth Angel,” which has sold more than 10 million copies, was the Penguins’ only hit. But its rhythmic, wailing plea to an idealized young woman captured the spirit of the just-emerging rock generation. “Earrrrth Aaaangel, Earrrrth Aaaangel, will you be mine?” Mr. Duncan crooned, backed by close harmony vocals and a strong beat...
The bell has "ring-a-ding-a-dined" for legendary weatherman Sonny Eliot. The wacky broadcaster — who became an icon during a 63-year career on Detroit television and radio — was 91.
According to WWJ-AM (950) — the radio station he called home for decades, from 1947 to 2010 — Eliot died at his Farmington Hills home with family by his side. His family made the announcement Friday morning.
For six decades, Eliot delighted listeners — and TV viewers on the Evening News Association's WWJ-TV, now WDIV-TV — with an unrelenting barrage of quips, funny noises, unusual city names and groaners.
More borscht-belt comedian than meteorologist, he delighted in coining new words (rainy, foggy conditions were "froggy") and giving the weather in far-flung locales whose names he willfully mispronounced.
His broadcasts were a collection of accents, funny noises, cornball humor and analogies from Mars. Somewhere in there was the forecast...
George McGovern, the Democratic Party candidate for president in the 1972 election, died early this morning at age 90.
McGovern lost the presidential election to Richard Nixon in a landslide win by Tricky Dick. He ran on an anti-war platform and he was the first candidate for president that I voted for.
R.I.P. Mr. McGovern
(dontomasso had picked him for the contest).
My first Presidential vote also. The Watergate burglary and the Viet Nam war gave me reason to not even consider Nixon. He would come on TV and I would shout at the TV, LIAR!
Although not entirely shocked, I am sorry to hear that Larry Hagman passed away. I know he was popular in the "I Dream Of Jeannie" tv show BUT IMHO he will forever by known as JR Ewing.
Although not entirely shocked, I am sorry to hear that Larry Hagman passed away. I know he was popular in the "I Dream Of Jeannie" tv show BUT IMHO he will forever by known as JR Ewing.
If I'm not mistaken he had an organ transplant (lung?) a couple years ago. The article said he had cancer, which I assume is what killed him.
I watched Dallas in the beginning but not so much otherwise, BUT I had to tune in when all of America wanted to know who shot JR? I remember even Vegas was taking bets on the killer. Hagman certainly OWNED the JR role. He played it perfectly.
Very sad to hear. Never watched Dallas, and only know of the who shot j.r. Also, to another sad note is that his wife of 56 years has been suffering from alzheimer's and is in a nursing home.
Very sad to hear the news. I had no idea he was 81 years old. I was never a fan of Dallas; I guess I'll always be one of those people who thinks of him from I Dream of Jeannie, though I admit I had my eye more on Barbara Eden than him.
The transplant he had was his liver back in 1995, after years of heavy drinking.
And remember, he was the son of Mary Martin - the original "Nellie" in South Pacific on Broadway, as well as TV's "Peter Pan" way back when.
It's being reported now that Hector "Macho" Camacho, former world champion boxer, has died after being taken off life support systems. Camacho was shot earlier this week. He was 50 years old.
He was (IMO) one of the better lightweights around.
It's being reported now that Hector "Macho" Camacho, former world champion boxer, has died after being taken off life support systems. Camacho was shot earlier this week. He was 50 years old.
He was (IMO) one of the better lightweights around.
I can't say I know this guy and only heard about this story recently. How awful. What's the story behind him getting shot? I feel for the family. What a horrible decision to have to make.
It's being reported now that Hector "Macho" Camacho, former world champion boxer, has died after being taken off life support systems. Camacho was shot earlier this week. He was 50 years old.
He was (IMO) one of the better lightweights around.
I can't say I know this guy and only heard about this story recently. How awful. What's the story behind him getting shot? I feel for the family. What a horrible decision to have to make.
TIS
Not sure, but it appears that drugs were involved.
Two very sad deaths. I worked in a shop at our local mall when the whole JR cliffhanger was broadcast. That summer, we sold "I Shot JR" tote bags, and they were quite popular.
Not sure, but it appears that drugs were involved.
I heard on yesterday's news that nine small bags of cocaine were found on the body of the car's driver (who was killed at the scene). I know Camacho had drug problems in the past, but I don't know if any narcotics were found in his system. We'll probably have to wait for an autopsy to find out anything like that.
Larry Hagman (rightly) is mostly known for I DREAM OF JEANNIE and DALLAS, but I'll tribute him with two very good performances he gave in supporting parts for two pretty good 1990s movies: PRIMARY COLORS, a pseudo-fictional retelling of the Clinton '92 campaign, and Oliver Stone's NIXON.
Earl (Speedo) Carroll, the lead singer of the 1950s doo-wop group the Cadillacs, who later found contentment, plus a measure of abiding renown, as a New York City school custodian, died on Sunday in Manhattan. He was 75.
The cause was complications of diabetes and a recent stroke, said Vito Picone, the lead singer of the doo-wop group the Elegants and a longtime friend.
One of a cornucopia of street-corner tight-harmony groups formed by young black men in midcentury Harlem, the Cadillacs were among the first to incorporate rigorously choreographed dance moves into their performances.
The group, which flourished for about a decade starting in the early ’50s, had hits with “Gloria” and “Speedoo,” whose title is a variant spelling of Mr. Carroll’s nickname.
How funny you mention The Cadillacs, just this past weekend I tuned in to the PBS channel for a DooWop reunion type show and the Cadillacs (don't know if all were original members) were on. Not only that, they sang both Gloria & Speedo.
I would not have known Earl Carroll by name but rather just the group name. Sorry to hear of his passing. A great doo-wop group.
Hey geoff me and sc has 10 dead on the list. Elliott Carter died a while ago.
Not so fast..... I have ELEVEN! (Jacques Barzun died last month).
Who are they?
Exactly... they shouldn't count.
A reminder, though, as the year winds down... AUDIT YOUR LISTS! No one's gonna check all your names for you, so keep track and check all your names on wiki before the New Year...!
I DO remember "Love Is Strange" (ain't that the truth?) Good song. I can't say I'm real familiar (tho know the name with Mickey Baker. You know your sh*t Lilo.
SC, Kind of the same with Dave Brubeck though I was more familiar with his name. When I heard them play "Take Five" I remembered that tune very well.
Does anyone know this Mexican-American singer, Jenni Rivera, that died in a plane crash yesterday? I don't think I know who she is, but what a shame.
TIS
Heard about this earlier. Looked her up and she was recently trying to make a name for her self outside of Mexico (she was born in the united states by the way). In a way this reminds me of Selena's and Aaliyah. Both were on the verge to make a name, and died before they were given the chance.
Does anyone know this Mexican-American singer, Jenni Rivera, that died in a plane crash yesterday? I don't think I know who she is, but what a shame.
TIS
Heard about this earlier. Looked her up and she was recently trying to make a name for her self outside of Mexico (she was born in the united states by the way). In a way this reminds me of Selena's and Aaliyah. Both were on the verge to make a name, and died before they were given the chance.
Yea, I remember Aaliyah. She was JUST getting started wasn't she? Selena was killed by a fan if I remember correctly, no?
Also, back in the 70s, if you remember, Jim Croce, who was just making a string of hits for himself when he was too killed in a plane crash. Also, off the top of my head, Ricky Nelson, John Denver also died in plane crashes. Of course we can go way way back to Buddy Holly, Big Bopper, etc. All left us way to young.
Also, back in the 70s, if you remember, Jim Croce, who was just making a string of hits for himself when he was too killed in a plane crash. Also, off the top of my head, Ricky Nelson, John Denver also died in plane crashes. Of course we can go way way back to Buddy Holly, Big Bopper, etc. All left us way to young.
Along with Ritchie Valens, the day the music died.
Does anyone know this Mexican-American singer, Jenni Rivera, that died in a plane crash yesterday? I don't think I know who she is, but what a shame.
TIS
Heard about this earlier. Looked her up and she was recently trying to make a name for her self outside of Mexico (she was born in the united states by the way). In a way this reminds me of Selena's and Aaliyah. Both were on the verge to make a name, and died before they were given the chance.
Yea, I remember Aaliyah. She was JUST getting started wasn't she? Selena was killed by a fan if I remember correctly, no?
Also, back in the 70s, if you remember, Jim Croce, who was just making a string of hits for himself when he was too killed in a plane crash. Also, off the top of my head, Ricky Nelson, John Denver also died in plane crashes. Of course we can go way way back to Buddy Holly, Big Bopper, etc. All left us way to young.
TIS
Yea, crazy fan shot and killed Selena. At least she had a movie to keep her memory alive, same with holly/bobber/valens with McLean's song American Pie.
At least Holly/Denver/Nelson made a name for them selfs before there untimely passing. Croce was a sad death, Bad Bad Leroy Brown is a great song.
It just seems like musician's have two things to worry about. Getting pass the age of 27 and planes. You barely hear anything bad happening in a car/van...unless your willie nelson.
I know they all weren't, but some of these were those small private planes weren't they (like Rivera's and I think Rick Nelson & John Denver were in their own small planes, as was JFK Jr.)
I say that cause those small planes scare me way more than a regular plane. I don't think I'd ever get in one even if I knew and trusted the pilot. I like to have a little more than a thin piece of wall between myself and the stars.
I know they all weren't, but some of these were those small private planes weren't they (like Rivera's and I think Rick Nelson & John Denver were in their own small planes, as was JFK Jr.)
I say that cause those small planes scare me way more than a regular plane. I don't think I'd ever get in one even if I knew and trusted the pilot. I like to have a little more than a thin piece of wall between myself and the stars.
TIS
I think all of them were private planes. Well accept for the one that most of the band from Lynyrd Skynyrd were on, I believe that was a commercial plane
As I remember, John Denver died while piloting a self-propelled plane. A real tragedy.
Jim Croce's death really shook me all those years ago; I was in college back in 1973. His best songs weren't the Top 40 hits. He was my favorite at the time.
I confess, I hate to fly. It doesn't matter that I've only flown on (relatively) large commercial airplanes, I just don't like it. Period.
I had heard of Jenni Rivera, but I really didn't know very much about her. According to the TV news reports, she had been signed to appear in an ABC-TV series. She also had children and grandchildren. What a horrible tragedy for all concerned.
Rather than having many people listing really old people (i.e. over a hundred years old) why don't we change the scoring system to allow for more points for younger picks?
One proposal for scoring - using the age of 100 as the cutoff point, you'd get 100 points for a confirmed kill and the subtract their age when they died. For example, if your pick was 92 years old when he/she died, you'd get 8 points for that pick.
Rather than having many people listing really old people (i.e. over a hundred years old) why don't we change the scoring system to allow for more points for younger picks?
One proposal for scoring - using the age of 100 as the cutoff point, you'd get 100 points for a confirmed kill and the subtract their age when they died. For example, if your pick was 92 years old when he/she died, you'd get 8 points for that pick.
Any opinions on that?
Oh yea, now he tells me now that I have my list completed.
EDIT: I think this is a hoax. I google it and saw the story of his death also dated Sept. & then in Oct. 2012 Must be fake. Who would do such an awful thing?
I did some checking too and it appears to be a hoax. What a terrible thing to do. I am not a fan of Sandler's movies/comedy but certainly am glad it's not true. I can not believe anyone would start such a vicious story.
Well, after Sandler's performance at the 12-12-12 concert, only one name springs to mind: Leonard Cohen!
Signor V.
Ha ha ha. You know I missed it BUT the one time I turned the channel to see who was performing and it was Sandler. Right, God awful. Glad story is false tho.
I did some checking too and it appears to be a hoax. What a terrible thing to do. I am not a fan of Sandler's movies/comedy but certainly am glad it's not true. I can not believe anyone would start such a vicious story.
TIS
There was a similer thing about Morgan Freeman going around on Facebook.
Ill be submitting my list to Geoff before Friday as i fly to Germany on Friday morning and wont have access to my list over the Christmas period and new year..
Robert Bork, a proposed nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court, died yesterday at age 85. President Reagan had proposed him as a member of the highest court. The Senate hearings to confirm him were some of the best tv of the time and they showed some down and dirty political infighting. Bork did not help his own cause with his smug attitude.
Bork, an extremely conservative political thinker was a high ranking member of the Department of Justice in the 1970s, moved up the ladder after his "bosses" refused to follow Richard Nixon's order to fire Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox which caused Nixon to fire them. Bork was happy to fire Cox (as soon as Bork became Acting Attorney General).
I greatly disliked the man's politics and his nature. Besides, he looked like an old lady's pudenda.
Los Angeles — Jack Klugman, who made an art of gruffness in TV's "The Odd Couple" and "Quincy, M.E.," has died at the age of 90.
The actor's son Adam says his father died Monday afternoon in Los Angeles.
In the 1970s sitcom "The Odd Couple," Klugman played sloppy sports writer Oscar to co-star Tony Randall's Felix, a fussy photographer. In "Quincy, M.E.," which aired from 1976 to 1983, Klugman played an idealistic, tough-minded medical examiner.
I just heard that Charles Durning died. He was 89.
A damned fine actor, he'll be remembered as one of the better character actors of the era. My favorite role of his was in "The Choirboys", a better movie than it's usually reviewed.
I just heard that Charles Durning died. He was 89.
A damned fine actor, he'll be remembered as one of the better character actors of the era. My favorite role of his was in "The Choirboys", a better movie than it's usually reviewed.
Yes, Charles Durning was in Queen of the Stardust Ballroom, and O Brother, Where Art Thou?, among many, many others. (Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and The Sting also come to mind.)
A fine actor, who pretty much kept working right up until the end.
Yes, Charles Durning was in Queen of the Stardust Ballroom, and O Brother, Where Art Thou?, among many, many others. (Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and The Sting also come to mind.)
A fine actor, who pretty much kept working right up until the end.
Signor V.
His obit said he was a dance instructor as a young man. I loved the scene in "O Brother" where he comes dancing on the stage when the Soggy Bottom Boys are singing "Man of Constant Sorrow." Now I know why he looked to nimble in his dance routine.
Durning was my favorite character actor, bar none. I would ordinarily rather have carnal knowledge of a dog with scarlet fever than go to a Broadway show, but I did to see him in a revival of "Inherit the Wind" (he was great). My favorite of his movie roles was as Jack Amsterdam in "True Confessions," the most uderappreciated great film of the Eighties.
Los Angeles — Jack Klugman, who made an art of gruffness in TV's "The Odd Couple" and "Quincy, M.E.," has died at the age of 90.
The actor's son Adam says his father died Monday afternoon in Los Angeles.
In the 1970s sitcom "The Odd Couple," Klugman played sloppy sports writer Oscar to co-star Tony Randall's Felix, a fussy photographer. In "Quincy, M.E.," which aired from 1976 to 1983, Klugman played an idealistic, tough-minded medical examiner.
I was sorry to hear about Jack Klugman, but happy he lived such a long life. I remember reports in the early 1980s that he was near death as a result of throat cancer.
He was a Philadelphian with a rough exterior, but gentle soul. I have a friend, whose dad is a retired businessman, who has a ranch by Penn National Racetrack 115 minutes away where he raises racehorses. He bought the ranch from Klugman, who also was very interested in the track. My friend used the ranch for birthday parties for his son when he was a boy.
Durning was my favorite character actor, bar none. I would ordinarily rather have carnal knowledge of a dog with scarlet fever than go to a Broadway show, but I did to see him in a revival of "Inherit the Wind" (he was great). My favorite of his movie roles was as Jack Amsterdam in "True Confessions," the most uderappreciated great film of the Eighties.
I always thought Charles Durning was brilliantly funny as the deadpan priest in Everybody Loves Raymond. I thought it was a real coup for the show to get an actor of Durning's talent to play that role.
Charles Durning such an easily recognizable face yet I admit I couldn't think of a title of any one movie off hand. Yesterday they showed clip from Dog Day Afternoon showing Durning. I forgot about him in Raymond too. Good actor AND I hear he was a war hero as well?
H. Norman Schwarzkopf, the retired general credited with leading U.S.-allied forces to a victory in the first Gulf War, has died at age 78, a U.S. official confirmed to ABC News.
I can't say I remember Schwarzkopf by name but RIP
A tad off-topic, I see they call him "Stormin' Norman." You all know I am NOT a sports fan BUT I do remember a sports figure they use to call "Stormin' Norman Cash". I think he was baseball, and could have been on a MI teams (since that was my area at the time). When I hear Stormin' Norman, I always think Cash. Am I losing it?
A tad off-topic, I see they call him "Stormin' Norman." You all know I am NOT a sports fan BUT I do remember a sports figure they use to call "Stormin' Norman Cash". I think he was baseball, and could have been on a MI teams (since that was my area at the time). When I hear Stormin' Norman, I always think Cash. Am I losing it?
Wow, TIS, you just impressed me! I know you don't follow sports but Stormin' Norman Cash was a Detroit Tiger player in the 1960s. Your Michigan background came through!!!
As far as I know, I am the only one that has him picked. Also geoff, you can take carey out of my list and replace him with one of the two I have for backup.
H. Norman Schwarzkopf, the retired general credited with leading U.S.-allied forces to a victory in the first Gulf War, has died at age 78, a U.S. official confirmed to ABC News.
He was a good man to lead that war. RIP, General.
Interesting piece of trivia, Norman, Sr. was the head of the NJ State Police and led the investigation of the Lindbergh baby's kidnapping.
As far as I know, I am the only one that has him picked. Also geoff, you can take carey out of my list and replace him with one of the two I have for backup.
Okay, got this one. Sorry I haven't been around, but it's been a really rough week. Still need to do my list, too.
Now would be a good time to remind everyone to audit their lists: just plug each name into google and you'll quickly see on the right if they've passed. That's how I just discovered another kill of mine: the Libyan terrorist first on my list.
Also, if you've sent me your lists, I have them. I don't like to read them until I post them, so I don't reply to them. If I have the energy later, I will post them tonight; if not, tomorrow.
Okay, I just prepared the lists. Still missing from SC, Mig, and Dontomasso (for now I've just shortened their lists removing the kills from this year) -- and Danito's a new player.
but I guess not. It IS a pain isn't it? LOL Yet, it is much easier to check if it is alphabetized. See how lazy we've become?
Maybe by April.
Holy Shit another 30 days ! 
Bring it on it was worth it ! 
She has to be at least one of the oldest people in the world no? What a long life.
He was one of a kind; I'll never forget American Bandstand and how cool that was. He seemed like a genuinely nice guy. A real legend in his field. Real sorry to hear this. 
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