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2月4日  Valentine's Day is just around the corner and songs are running wild through my head. So prepare to hear almost a new song on my player each day until V-Day hits --- songs of love. My favorite one will be saved until the 14th. So, which song out there is YOUR favorite love song? There are so many, but the lyrics on mine are so poignant; everytime I hear them, they are so beautiful that I want to weep!
Speaking of love...there are two scenes from movies that I think were the most romantic I've ever seen:
1. The scene from THE SOUND OF MUSIC when Maria and the Captain discover that they love each other in the gazebo; and
2. From GHOST, when Patrick Swayze dances with his love after he dies, using Whoopie's body. Of course, the song just makes you cry...
What's YOUR favorite love scene in a movie?
Yeah, I know this song from Love Boat is kind of hokey, but I used to love the series and the song will stay in your mind for hours and hours.....and isn't that what this site is about???? 1月3日  Yup, you read that right! That is an old Beatles tune written by my favorite Beatle, the late George Harrison. This video (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1352016870638076087) is played on a baritone ukelele by an incredible guy! Be sure you watch it entirely (I know it's 4 minutes long, but worth it!) as it is an amazing rendition.
Just got a bite on my new manuscript with an agent who is interested in representing it! Going to do a bit more research on this agency before accepting the contract, but it looks good!!! I'll keep you all informed. This new manuscript deals with racial, social and sexual prejudice in 1967, while it is centered around a mystery in a barn. It also deals with the true history (as I see it) of the first successful airplane flight in 1901. Yes, you read that right---2 years BEFORE the Wright Bros. famous flight. The pilot and inventor? Gustave Whitehead from Bridgeport, CN. The manuscript is a historical fiction.
Hope everyone is enjoying their new year's weekend before going back to the rat race on Monday! 12月16日  HAPPY 238th BIRTHDAY LUDWIG VON BEETHOVEN!
Yes, it is that time of year when one can play all the Beethoven one wants without being chastised by non-classical music lovers! Ah, to hear the strains of his 5th and 9th symphonies, the exciting sonatas, and those crazy variations for piano that drive all us players crazy! The thrill of it all! I had a good friend in college named Ben Spatafora, who was a real Beethoven nut. He was an exceptional bass player (stand-up variety) who used to boast that he played 1st bass.... in the orchestra. Every year he would have a big party to celebrate Beethoven's birthday. The last year I saw him, we sat and had a huge German dinner with all of Beethoven's symphonies playing in the background. Yes, we heard all 9!
Did you know:
1. Ludwig van Beethoven was baptised on December 17th 1770 at Bonn. His family originated from Brabant, in Belgium. His father was musician at the Court of Bonn, with a definite weakness for drink. His mother was always described as a gentle, retiring woman, with a warm heart. Beethoven referred to her as his "best friend". The Beethoven family consisted of seven children, but only the three boys survived, of whom Beethoven was the eldest.
2. On March 26th 1778, at the age of 7 1/2, Beethoven gave his first know public performance, at Cologne. His father announced that he was 6 years old. Because of this, Beethoven always thought that he was younger than he actually was. Even much later, when he received a copy of his baptism certificate, he thought that it belonged to his brother Ludwig Maria, who was born two years before him, and died as a child.
3. In 1782, before the age of 12, Beethoven published his first work: 9 variations, in C Minor, for Piano, on a march by Ernst Christoph Dressler (WoO 63). And the following year, in 1783, Neefe wrote in the "Magazine of Music", about his student: "If he continues like this he will be, without doubt, the new Mozart".
4. In 1801 Beethoven confessed to his friends at Bonn his worry of becoming deaf. At Heiligenstadt, in 1802, he wrote a famous text which expressed his disgust at the unfairness of life: that he, a musician, could become deaf was something he did not want to live through. But music made him carry on. And he wrote that he knew that he still had many other musical domains to explore, to discover, and to pass on. Beethoven did not commit suicide, rather, knowing that his handicap was getting worse and worse, he threw himself into his greatest works: exceptional sonatas for piano (notably The Storm, opus 31), the second and the third symphonies- The Eroica - and of course many more.
5. Beethoven wrote this third symphony in honour of a great man, Bonaparte. He was seen as the liberator of the people, opening, from the French Revolution, a door to hope. When the First Consul declared himself Emporor, Beethoven became enraged and scowled out Bonaparte's name from the score.
6. In 1826, Beethoven caught cold coming back from his brother's place, with whom he had rowed again. The illness complicated other health problems from which Beethoven had suffered all his life. He passed away encircled by his closest friends on March 26th 1827, just as a storm broke out.
7. The funeral rites took place at the church of the Holy Trinity. It is estimated that between 10 000 and 30 000 people attended.
One last note: the music you hear are Happy Birthday variations written for piano in the style of Beethoven. They were NOT written by him, but by Leonid Hambro under the title of "Happy Birthday, Ludwig" and you can obtain the sheet music if you google it.
So, this happy birthday tribute is to my dear departed friend, Ben. We'll always remember you and Beethoven on this day!
6月15日
 The music you’re hearing now is from a little sleeper movie from the ‘90s called "Little Man Tate." I was so drawn in by the jazz from this movie, I ordered the soundtrack. This piece is the opening one from the movie and sets the pace for the whole thing. It is an excellent film with an appearance of Harry Connick, Jr. later on. If you get a chance to rent this gem, do it! 
The music was written by Mark Isham,  who also wrote soundtracks for "Never Cry Wolf," "Twisted," "Men of Honor," "Of Mice and Men," A River Runs Through It," "Rules of Engagement," "October Sky" and numerous other films as well. He was born in 1951 and studied classical music as a child, playing trumpet, piano and violin. But after moving from New York to San Francisco, he became interested in jazz, pop and rock. He played with several jazz artists like Pharoah Sanders, Charles Lloyd and pop artists like The Beach Boys and Van Morrison, finally forming a band called Group 87. In 1983, he scored his first film (Never Cry Wolf) with Disney and was off and running in the film scoring business. Now, after releasing his first non-movie album for Columbia in 1995, Blue Sun, he is content to stick with contemporary jazz.
What a uplifting and fun soundtrack this "Little Man Tate" album is! I’ll be keeping my ears peeled when viewing others he’s done, that’s for sure! 5月21日 PATRICK McGOOHAN was a fixture in 1960's TV in several roles over the years. Here are four pics of him in various roles. Can you name the films or shows these are from?
4. 
So, which one is connected with the theme song? I was given the complete set of this show on VHS about 5 Christmases ago and have enjoyed watching it again. It's just as good the 3rd and 4th times around! What an actor! He also appeared in many shows as a guest star. I remember him in Columbo with Peter Falk. 5月15日
Wow, this was my favorite show back in the 90's! I've been waiting for it to
be available on DVD and IT'S FINALLY OUT! PICKET FENCES had quite a wide audience, mostly due to it's unique story lines and quirky characters. This one is definitely going on my Christmas list this year...I especially loved the old crusty judge Henry Bone played by...
Ray Walston. Can't wait to see that first season again...may have to make it an early birthday present to myself this year (if I can find the bucks!). Enjoy the theme and remember when TV was at it's best... 5月8日 If this theme doesn't run through your head all day, I'll be surprised. With no words to remember, it is the perfect earworm. I'm lucky that the SMOTHERS BROS. live near me --- their wine tasting room is only an hour away. They are still out there performing and as funny as ever, I'm sure. I'm hoping some day to bump into them.
Their show, "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" was quite the controversial show of its time, dealing with subjects that were political and borderline taboo. Now days they have "matured" and still look great! Here are some highlites from a recent article:
A couple of
yo-yos still
yukkin’ it up
The Smothers Brothers bring
a light touch to music
By John Berger
Special to the Star-Bulletin Tommy Smothers got married for the third time at 53 and started a family several years later. He says he's a much better parent and husband now than he was in his first marriage 30 years ago.
"I'm an old man with young kids but I don't think a man is really prepared to be a father until he's over 40," he said in a telephone interview.
The experiment continues as the Smothers explore the light side of music with the symphony. One of the highlights will be "The Yo-Yo Man," and the audience is encouraged to bring their yo-yos.
Tommy is a yo-yo advocate who keeps one ready whenever he appears in Pro-Am golf tournaments. "I've sunk two putts with the yo-yo in about eight years. One was a 26-footer at the L.A. Open and the people went crazy. A yo-yo will fit in the cup (and) if it's sleeping good the string winds up and the yo-yo heads for the hole."
Young voices could be heard in the background as Smothers spoke of parenthood, marriage and his colorful career.
"Before 40, we're all so full of ourselves and we have to be working so much. Most of the time when I talk to people they'll say that their father was great but they hardly had any time with him because he was working so much. I've already spent more time with these two kids than (with) my other son in totality ... . You really see your reincarnation in your kids when you're older."
He adds he thought for years he'd never marry again. "When I was looking for someone when I was younger I always missed it. Mason Williams wrote a poem: 'He who seeks love comes up lovelessness, for in their seeking they manifest their lovelessness.' I wasn't looking and it showed up."
He met Marcy at work nine years ago. She was a production assistant and associate producer in her late 20s. Two years later they entered into "a very rational marriage," and the difference in ages wasn't an issue.
"She's a really solid lady but she never laughs at me at home. I think I'm funny (at home) but I can never get her to laugh. She makes me laugh. She's been married to me now more than my other wives combined, times two."
Successful parenting is a new and welcome career for the entertainer. Besides yo-yos, his other interests include wine and farming. Push him politely and he'll admit his Ramick Ridge vineyards produces award-winning wines. (Call 1-800-795-WINE.)
Otherwise, he says he and Dick "work as much as we want."
"When we started (in 1959) we were going to give it six months. That was 40 years ago. Dickie turned to me recently and said, 'I thought this was a summer job!' "
4月24日 I know this theme is slow to come in, but I put it on this week in honor of Frank. Although he was NOT a Black Sheep, he was a fighter pilot. I've always loved this show and thought Robert Conrad did a bang-up job as Pappy. You can catch reruns of it on the History Channel. I understand the real Pappy helped in creating the series, so it is more authentic than most shows. So what other series did Robert Conrad star in?
4月16日
Do YOU remember this show??? No, that's not the way it went. The music is from "CHICO AND THE MAN" not the Man From U.N.C.L.E.! We all know that Chico was played by the late Freddie Prinze, but who played the Man??? I know, he's not in the picture, but when I found this pic, I couldn't resist it (being such a big UNCLE fan!). Hope you have a great week and really dig this foot tapping theme. 4月11日
Although the GREATEST AMERICAN HERO only ran for a short two years, I have always been fond of the theme song and it's lyrics. I'm sure you all remember William Katt and Connie Sellecca from that series. But what about that other gentleman on the right? He co-starred in a series long before this one that was highly popular with a famous black actor. Do you remember his name and the series??? 4月5日
How could anyone not absolutely adore this theme from EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND??!!! How cool is that piano and the entire ensemble? The show was a really funny one --reminiscent of shows like MARY TYLER MOORE and THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW ---only more daring in content. Loved Peter Boyle's role and have always been especially fond of him in "YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN" with Gene Wilder. Have a great EASTER and just sit back and replay this theme as many times as you want.... 3月27日
Yes, that's right! It's the INCREDIBLE HULK with that ever-changing Dr. Banner. I thought the TV series was miles better than the recent movie about this comic book hero. The series had a sweet-sad flavor with Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno. In fact, Bill Bixby has always been one of my favorite TV actors. His series were always well acted with his understated sense of humor and great looks! It's a shame we lost him so young to cancer. Do you remember him from "MY FAVORITE MARTIAN? His co-star was also a great character actor who played the wise judge in another super series, PICKET FENCES. Can you name this older actor? 3月19日
The Carol Burnett Show was, in my opinion, the BEST of the variety shows out there. True, she was married to the producer, but I think the fact the show lasted so many seasons speaks for itself. All of her costars became famous in their own rights, mostly from their association with the show. And at least one of the many characters that were developed on her show went on to have it's own show, starring Vicki Lawrence. Do you remember the name of that show?
A friend of mine, in high school, bet me that if he wrote a fan letter to her, he would get a response. (This whole thing came about when I told him I got a response from Charlton Heston when I wrote to him.) At any rate, he DID get a letter back along with a pen and ink drawing (that she made herself) of this character on the show:
Yes, he surprised to learn that she was a respectible artist as well!
So, go ahead and sing along with the theme because the words are fun and heartwarming....Awwww.....
I'm so glad we had this time together,
Just to have a laugh, or sing a song.
Seems we just got started and before you know it
Comes the time we have to say, 'So long.'
There's a time you put aside for dreamin',
And a time for things you have to do.
The time I love the best is in the evening -
I can spend a moment here with you.
When the time comes that I'm feelin lonely,
And I'm feelin' ohooooo - so blue,
I just sit back and think of you, only,
And the Happiness still comes through.
That's why I'm glad we had this time together,
'Cause it makes me feel like I belong.
Seems we just got started and before you know it
Comes the time we have to say, 'So long.' 3月12日
I'm sure you all recognize this theme from ROSEANNE, back in the '80's. I never watched the show back then, but have seen probably every episode in reruns and love it now! I'm always amazed by the guest stars that pop up every once in a while like this handsome dude:  He played Booker, Roseanne's boss and his name is______________________? Also, these two guys were the gay couple, one of them being Roseanne's supervisor at the cafe. They also had their own show called Fernwood Tonight (which was a spin-off of Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman). I'm sure you recognize the very funny Martin Mull, but who was his sidekick and partner on Roseanne?  His initials are FW. They were always a great comedy team and I believe they are still both alive. Hope you all enjoy this themesong as it is one of the bluesiest themes out there. Love that gravely sax and harmonica! 3月5日 Here's a familiar theme for you from yesteryear. There have been many Robin Hoods throughout film history, with Errol Flynn perhaps being the best of the lot in the ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD. The TV series was, IMHO, an exciting show that seemed to capture the rousting fun of the archers of Sherwood Forrest. Richard Greene wasn't well known and I only remember seeing him in "B" horror movies other than the series, but he was a good Robin of Locksley. Any of you history enthusiasts out there know if there was any truth to the Robin Hood legend? There usually is something basis for stories of this kind.....
3月1日 I can't help it if I'm a fan of those OLD movies. However, the guy who played Gene Tierney's love interest in the old movie, THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR was George Sanders.  I know it is hard to see his face in this picture, but it was the ONLY one available with the others in the cast. You might recognize him better from this picture:
 He really was a matinee idol in his time, but that oily British accent of his is best as Jungle Book's voice of Khan, the tiger. He was rarely the good guy in the movies, but he was a delicious bad guy, for sure.2月25日 This week's theme is one I'm sure you'll recognize. THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR was yet another TV series that was based on a movie by the same name. I was a huge fan of the TV show AND the movie. Edward Mulhare was just as good as the ghost, Capt. Gregg, as Rex Harrison from the movie. However, can you name Mrs. Muir's love interest in the movie? He also was the voice of the tiger in Disney's JUNGLE BOOK....quite a distinct voice and accent! Here's the cast from the TV show. I was fortunate enough to see Edward Mulhare (who has passed away) in Chicago in a play back in the 60's. He was one of my favorite actors from that era and was sadly ignored for the most part.
2月21日 And the answer is....JEFF'S COLLIE, starring as Jeff Miller, Tommy Retig. He and his pal, Porky hung out with Lassie from 1954 to 1958 when Jeff handed Lassie over to Timmy (Jon Provost). I remember seeing reruns of Jeff's Collie a while back and loving it as much as the early LASSIE episodes. Jeff was older than Timmy and had more involved adventures, in my opinion. If you ever get a chance to check it out (I know JEFF'S COLLIE is available on DVD), do.
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Yes, you can sing along with this one. Paladin was quite a guy...
but that's not the reason I've chosen this theme. I saw a movie the other night from 1986 where this song was sung many times by the kids as they walked along. The movie, 
was STAND BY ME. It was about a group of 11 or 12 year olds who set out to find the dead body of a classmate and find out a lot about themselves on the trip. Keifer Sutherland had a brief role as the really bad kid who bullied them. 
He certainly was no Jack Bauer in this one! It was quite a powerful movie and that stupid theme has been running through my head all weekend, so I thought I'd share. Awwww. Now you get to hear it too.
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