CAN'T GET THAT SONG OUT OF MY HEAD: Blog

Many Lives, Many Masters

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:50:53 GMT

I am currently reading, "Many Lives, Many Masters" by Dr. Brian L. Weiss. What an amazing book. I saw him when he appeared on OPRAH and was so fascinated by his ideas, I bought the book through Amazon.

This book explains many questions I've had about how and why people act the way they do. According to him and his book, people experience many lives besides their current ones and it is through these experiences that they become better and more complete members of society. The person he uses in his book---Catherine---had 80+ lives and when her subconscience delved into these lives, many of her psychological problems in her current life were explained and healed. According to the book, we are given lives to develop faith, love, caring, and to teach others of our knowledge.

Where does God figure into all of this? Well, during the times between her lives, Catherine "talks" to the Dr. through the Masters who control the spirits and guide them into their next lives to learn and help. Not just one Master, there are many. This living different lives idea explains why there is homosexuality (you can be male or female in former lives and prefer one over the other), the immaturity of some adults and their actions (they are younger, less experienced spirits), etc.

On OPRAH's show, he mentioned that children "choose" their parents. This interested me because I was adopted and do not know who my biological parents were. My brother was also adopted and I feel very little connection with him, spiritually. Dr. Weiss says souls tend to seek out the same souls they've dealt with in past life and tend to cling to certain groups of souls---i.e. ever have the feeling you know someone well when you've just met them? I think my good friend, CarolDee, is one of my closer soul-mates as we share so much and have since we met each other in High School. I also feel my younger son, M., is probably one of those "old" souls who has had lots of experience with other lives---he is so kind and understanding for someone only 12 years old and has a patience unlike any I've known with people who can be difficult.

Wow! I could go on and on---this book is enthralling. If you get a chance to check it out, DO! I know many of you probably don't believe this is possible or care, but it sure explains how some people are so immature and "stupid" in their lives while others seem mature and sure of themselves---comfortable in their skins.

Laugh at this news...

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 14:47:21 GMT

Ran across this in the current issue of Readers Digest and thought I'd share it with you to brighten your day.

I don't know about you, but the news lately (and usually) is a real bummer with nothing but the bad economy, wars, political woes and other shootings and violence dominating. Here are a few headlines from that famous satirical newspaper, THE ONION:

* Fearmoners, Warmongers Gather for Annual Mongering Conference

* Doll-Housing Crisis Set to Worsen, Mean Older Brother Says

* Wheel of Fortune Contestants Hit Hard as Vowel Prices Skyrocket

I'd sure would like to hear more stories about POSITIVE things that are happening in the world, wouldn't you? Have you ever heard that song by Anne Murray called, "A Little Good News"? That song really rings true!!!!

OOPS! Retraction time...

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:54:49 GMT

My most humble apologies to all you Weird Al fans out there! I did a post a while back about Allen Sherman and made a comment that you could get a lot of Sherman's songs on the Weird Al albums. That was just plain WRONG. I meant to say, the songs often appear on the DR. DEMENTO recordings---that's where you can get both Weird Al and Sherman songs. Sifting through my responses, I went back and found the error. Now I feel compelled to put a Weird Al song on my site, just to appease you fans out there....plus they ARE really great parodies too. This song, however, is NOT a parody (Or am I wrong--but I don't know the tune...) and is called simply "YODA" after the wise old character from Star Wars. My 12-year old son absolutely LOVES this song and is after me to get the music for it. Of course, he's already memorized the words. Hope you all like it as much as we do...

BIG AL ROCKS!

The Private War of Major Benson

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:10:12 GMT

THE PRIVATE WAR OF MAJOR BENSON was the answer to the Quotes Quiz earlier. The man in the photo with Heston was, indeed, Milburn Stone, who played Doc in Gunsmoke. Sal Mineo was also in another Heston film (in fact he may have been in two of them) later on. Can you name it? I'm still researching where I saw him in an earlier film. I think he had a small cameo role in another early Heston film, but I can't find him listed anywhere. Will get back to you with that one.

I changed the theme music to the theme from "The Donna Reed Show." In the "remake" of MAJOR BENSON, "MAJOR PAYNE," the main character has a dream where he is having a normal family life with a wife and young son---he is wearing an apron and standing by a barbeque, just a smiling away---and this theme song is playing in the background. Cracks me up every time I see it!

Heston and comedy!

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:16:35 GMT

This 1955 film is truly one of my favorite Heston movies! The new quote is added at the side under Heston Quotes. This is one of two comedies that Heston made, but by far my favorite one. The more recent movie, "Major Payne" (which is one of my hubby's favs), was undoubtedly based on this film. Even the pint-sized kid is named "Tiger" like in Major Benson. The book this film was based on is by Joe Connelly and believe-it-or-not, the main theme ("Toy Tiger")was written by Henry Mancini.

It is the story of a martinet major assigned to command a boy's military school. It co-stars Julie Adams, William Demarest, and Milburn Stone, with Tim Considine, Tim Hovey and Sal Mineo as the main boys. According to Jeff Rovin's "The Films of Charlton Heston," he writes: "In [this film], Heston is superb. The film shows he can play comedy, but it has to be the right kind of comedy --- absurd and innocent. This film is certainly absurd, with lines like the following: Heston and Sister Redempta pass through a hall and look at the picture of Sheridan's founder. She says, "He was canonized in 1853." To which Heston responds, in ernest, "I'm sorry to hear that." And although he's a bit stiff, it all works. For Benson, himself is tight. His strong-jawed naivete is a fine pillar around which to construct a story such as this."

So, if you can manage it, give this movie a look-see---that is, if you know the title!

Bonanza---little known lyrics

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:58:40 GMT

Here's a very familiar theme song (BONANZA) but do you know there were lyrics to it? Yes, I have an old cassette tape with all four Cartwrights (Lorne Green, Dan Blocker, Michael Landon and Pernell Roberts) on horseback singing this:

We got a right to pick a little fight

Bonanza!

If anyone fights any one of us,

He's got a fight with me!

We're not a one to saddle up and run,

Bonanza!

Anyone of us who starts a little fuss

Knows he can count on me!

One for four,

Four for one,

This we guantee.

We got a right to pick a little fight,

Bonanza!

If anyone fights anyone of us

He's got a fight with me!

Go ahead: sing along with the words! And have a great day!

Unforgettable Gregory Peck

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:16:17 GMT

Saw a spectacular show last night called, "An Evening With Gregory Peck." It was a 2 hour long show with him mostly on stage talking to people (i.e. answering questions) and telling stories of his like and acting career. This was obviously taped when he was in his 70's or 80's but he still had that marvelous rich voice and twinkle in his eye. His stories were humorous and touching and I could have listened to them all night. They also showed clips from his youth (he was a very handsome child!) and of his family life along with some backstage footage of him and his fans. He was such a modest and appreciative guy!

He claimed his favorite role was Atticus Finch in "To Kill A Mockingbird," which doesn't surprise me at all. That film is IMHO one of the ten best films EVER made and I never tire of watching it, even though it's in black and white. He was lucky to meet and get to know the author, Harper Lee, who also gave him her father's watch (which is mentioned in the film, itself). There were clips from "Roman Holiday" and "Duel in the Sun" and stories about Audrey Hepburn and other famous folks. There was also the clip of Pres. Clinton awarding him a life-time achievement award. Unfortunately, I didn't catch any mention of the film he and Charlton Heston were in together, "The Big Country." Again, that film was as spectacular as most all of William Wylers' and one of my favorite Heston films as well. He and Heston were about the same height and the fight scene in the movie between them is one of the most memorable scenes ever. I didn't know WHO to root for!

So, if this program pops up again, please give it a watch---it's well worth it!

Happy Birthday, Mom

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 13:48:11 GMT

HAPPY 91ST BIRTHDAY, MOM!

Yes, today is my Mom's 91st birthday. I wish I could be in Arizona to celebrate with her, but it wasn't meant to be, I guess. I did receive a call from my retired brother, who lives in Kentucky, and his wife, who are out there with her now.

She was born in 1917 on the Saskatuwan (sp.) prairie in a small homesteaders cabin. Her parents and older brother had move there, from Michigan, to try to make a go of it homesteading the land. They only stayed a few years before going back to Michigan. The years there were harsh---the bitter winters and the dry, lonely summers were too much for them. But her mother did take some pictures of them when my Mom was just 4 or 5 years old. My grandmother apparently developed the pictures herself out there in the wilderness. My mother has many tales from the old days with their sleigh in the winter months and just horses and buggys the other times of the year.

My Mom met my Dad, who lived only about 15 miles from them, after they were out of High School. My Dad's family owned a hardware store in Centreville, MI, so my Mom was familiar with the name, but had never met him! All those years they'd lived so close and didn't know each other! I was lucky to have both sets of grandparents so close in proximity.

Both my brother and I were adopted because my Mom could not have children. We were lucky to be able to travel to Europe and Mexico during my youth and have so many educational advantages. My parents were married almost 50 years when my Dad passed away from colon cancer back in 1978.

Longevity seems to run in my Mom's family as her father lived until he was 96, passing away on Valentines Day.

So, Happy Birthday, Mom (even though she'll never read this, as she doesn't have a computer)! And thanks for all you've done for me over the years!

xxxxxoooooxxxxx

Which show is this?

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:12:39 GMT

This enormously popular show came out in 1961 and ran until 1966. It was one of two shows of it's type that premiered that year. It starred the horribly handsome Richard Chamberlain and Raymond Massey. I know I loved this show, even though a lot of people thought it was just a glorified soap opera. During the course of it's run, the show evolved, with the main character gaining rank and experience. In the 1965-1966 season the show ran twice a week for 1/2 hour each time instead of the hour long show. Although each episode was self-contained, the series took on more of a serial nature, with consecutive episodes developing an overall story. (Later, Dallas took that concept and ran with it!)

The theme song, which should be playing in the background now, was also popular, being titled, "Three Stars Will Shine Tonight." Jerry Goldsmith wrote the music and Hal Winn the words.

"Three stars will shine tonight, one for the lonely;

That star will shine its light each time that someone sighs.

Three stars for all to see, one for young lovers;

That star was to be the sparkle in their eyes.

And, for the third star, only one reason:

A star you can wish on to make dreams come true.

High in the sky above, three stars are shining;

I hope that star of love will shine down on you."

(Courtesy of www.lyrics.com)

Back Home Again...

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:22:48 GMT

Ahhhh. Home again! Gee and we missed that quake---but it was not felt up this far. It sure opens peoples' eyes as to the coming of the "big one." Makes you want to go out and get more food stored and prepare for the power being out for an extended period of time.

At any rate, our trip was good, but LONG yesterday. When we got back to our car (to travel the final hour home), the battery was dead. Upon calling AAA, the guy came within 15 minutes and attached a nifty yellow charger to our battery and VOILA! All worked great and we made it home at about 1:00 in the morning. The dog and cats were thrilled to see us and all look well and happy.

Now comes the viewing and editing of the visual memories we collected. It all seemed to end too soon---we could have used a couple more days to see it all. But it's good to be home.

We have to get M ready to go to his YMCA camp on Sunday and I have to sift through the mulititude of calls from people with out-of-tune pianos---so the work never ends! Great to be home!

Leaving today...

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:51:36 GMT

Well, our journey is almost over. We are due on the plane early this afternoon.

Visited Hollywood Studios at Disney yesterday along with part of the Animal Kingdom later in the day. Rode the Tower of Terror (based on the old Tower Hotel and Rod Sterling's Twilight Zone story) and the Rockin Roller Coaster--one of the fastest rides in the park. Saw the Indiana Jones Stunt team and the cars and motorcycles go through their paces in another stunt show. Then we seeked out the Yetti at the top of Mount Everest and ate dinner at the Yak and Yetti restaurant.

All in all, an exciting day, with not enough time to check out all the neato shops with all that Hollywood trivia.

Was thrilled to see Charlton Heston briefly appear in a History of Hollywood ride as well in his roles of Ben Hur and Moses. Go Chuck!

Glad to be heading home and my own bed again, though. My feet are glad too...

Epcot!!

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 11:36:25 GMT

Yesterday's trip to Epcot was amazing. We did everything from experience a car testing ride to a trip through the gardens of the future where all the plants are suspended in air with their roots hanging down (then they just spray the roots with nutrients and boy do they grow!). It looked funny to see pumpkins and tomatoes hanging down away from the plants that were creeping along tubing above you! We also visited all the "countries of the world" and had lunch in France. Then we escaped back to our room for an hour or so before going back and having dinner there before watching the fireworks display. That experience was one of the finest shows I've ever seen. It told of the evolution of the earth with fire and was absolutely stunning to the end. After hitting the gift shops we came back and fell into bed about 10:30! My feet didnt' really hurt, but boy were they tired!

Today we head for the Magic Kingdom. The small bits of rain we are getting throughout the day are welcome! Now it's bright and sunny...time to slather on the sunscreen! Ta ta for now...

Today it's Epcot

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 11:25:12 GMT

We had a big day yesterday at the Judo Junior Olympics here in Disney World. There were about 900 contestants there and the competition was a double elimination-- lose two matches and you're out. Our son, M, fought hard, but the competition was really tough and he came away with nothing but memories. He got pinned in both his matches by kids who seemed older and more experienced than he. They put him in with other kids born in 1995, but since he was born so late in the year (after Christmas), he is still 12, and I feel most of his competition is already 13. Boy, kids mature physically a lot at that age. He is big and mature for his age, but he IS still 12. Anyway, he worked hard and just ran up against kids who were more experienced.

So, it's off to Epcot today. We had rain last night, so things are clean and fresh to start out. Because there is a 40 percent chance of rain today, I'll take my poncho and hope I won't have to use it. The rain does cool it down some, though, for which I am glad. It's been super muggy here. We are staying at the Coronado Springs Resort in Disney World. It is an enormous complex, complete with a Mayan Dig Site swimming area with a giant through-the-rocks slide and other fun stuff. We enjoyed the swimming pools yesterday, but will try to hit the park water slides in the next few days. Looks like lots of fun ahead!

We made it!

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:58:42 GMT

Well, we made it---through the delays in Denver and the lightning storms on our way to FL. Kind of scary with all that lightning outside our plane windows! But as we approached Orlando, things calmed down. All dry and warm here. We finally got to our room at about 2 a.m. Will keep you all informed as best as I can as to our days here---but most of it will probably have to wait until we return!

Just wanted you all to know we made it safely! Boy, this place is BIG!

Heading for Florida!

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:16:16 GMT

Well, tomorrow is the big travel day---when we take off and fly across country to Orlando, Florida--to Disney World! Yeah, I know about the hurricanes, but I'm still excited. So much of the park is under cover anyway. Actually we're going mainly for the Judo Junior Olympics, where our 12 year old will be competing. They expect about 1000 kids to be there, so it will be crowded! Then after the matches on Friday, we'll have three days to explore the park.

So, I may not have much of a chance to make many entries this next week, but I am taking my laptop, and I expect our hotel will have WiFi, so I might be able to manage at least ONE.

Just keep your fingers crossed that the hurricanes keep their distance while we're there and don't hamper our efforts to leave next Tuesday.

See ya!

Happy Birthday, Son

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:42:07 GMT

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SON!

It's so hard to believe my son, S, turned 24 yesterday! He's not a baby anymore....but he'll always be mine! I know I'm remiss about getting this up in time, but I was so engrossed in getting the Allan Sherman thing out, by the time I remembered, it was too late.

So, hope you had a happy day, S, and that you didn't have to work. He's down in San Diego with the Navy and sometimes has to work weekends. He seems to love his legal work although I still can't get over the fact that he chose law instead of music or drama. After transferring some old VHS tapes to DVD the other night, I realized what a HAM he was in front of a camera. He should have pursued acting! But he seems happy in his current status, so that's what counts.

Last week he threw his first big party at his NEW apartment and since I haven't heard how that went yet, I'm sure it was a great success. S is such a people-oriented guy and everybody's friend.

So, here's to you, you OLD thing, a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY KISS! XXXXXOOXXXXX

Allan Sherman...

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 15:22:36 GMT

I don't know how many of you recognize the song that's playing now, but if you haven't heard of Allan Sherman, you must be from Mars! His more famous tunes are "Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh!" (a song about summer camp) and "The Mexican Hat Dance" and so many other paradies of familiar songs like "Downtown," "Chim Chim Cherie" etc. He was in his heyday during the '60's, so many of his lyrics reflect that time period, but they are still FUNNY. The one you are hearing is a parady of the tune, "Taste of Honey" (made famous by the Tijuana Brass) entitled, "A Waste of Money". Thought it might be appropriate, what with our economic money problems of today. I know, I know, lyrics like "I styled my hair like Cary Grant" and "those new tight pants" are dated, but I REMEMBER those days.

Did you know:

1. He was the creator and orignal producer of the game show, "I've Got a Secret."

2. He lived next door to Harpo Marx and was invited to a party there where he performed one of his songs. George Burns was there and persuaded him to sign a record contract with a friend of his, resulting in his first album, "My Son, The Folksinger" in 1962.

3. In his later album, My Son, The Nut, his pointed parodies of classical and popular tunes savaged encroaching automation in the workforce ("Automation," to the tune of "Fascination"), space travel ("Eight Foot Two, Solid Blue," to "Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue"), the exodus to the suburbs, ("Here's to the Crabgrass," to the tune of "English Country Garden"), and his own bloated figure ("Hail to Thee, Fat Person," which perhaps only half-jokingly blames his obesity on the Marshall Plan).

4. He sang on and guest-hosted The Tonight Show, appeared in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and narrated his own version of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf with the Boston Pops under Arthur Fiedler. (This concert was released as the album Peter and the Commissar.) The concert also included "Variations on 'How Dry I Am'" (with Sherman as conductor) and "The End of a Symphony." In "Variations," Fiedler was the guest soloist, providing solo hiccups.

5. Later albums grew more pointedly satirical and less light-hearted as the decade lost its innocence, and Sherman took up his pen to skewer protesting students ("The Rebel"), consumer debt ("A Waste of Money," based on "A Taste of Honey"), and the generation gap ("Crazy Downtown" and "Pop Hates the Beatles").

6. Like his contemporary Tom Lehrer, Sherman wrote satirical songs for the two-year-long "highbrow" satire program (the American version) That Was The Week That Was (1964–1965), including his "Dropout's March."

7. Sherman struggled with lung disease and died of emphysema ten days before his 49th birthday.

This was an amazing man with a roll-on-the-floor humor. It's a shame he died so young. You can hear his songs on many of the Weird Al Yankovich albums. I personally own his "Best of" CD and my 12 year old son loves the songs as much as I do!

Judy Bolton Mystery Series

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:13:34 GMT

As you might have noticed, if you look at the section "What I'm Reading," I am currently into an old 1933 book by Margaret Sutton. I have collected the Judy Bolton mysteries for YEARS and when I Googled it just now, I was astounded to find so MUCH information about it! I've only met two or three people who actually have heard of this series. It was out before the Nancy Drew series, but I always liked it better. I've found there is a Margaret Sutton/Judy Bolton group I can join and also their own website: www.judybolton.com! Here is part of an interesting article from that site entitled, "Judy Bolton 101" by Mike DeBaptiste that explains all about my beloved Judy Bolton:

Judy Bolton 101

The thirty-eight volume Judy Bolton Series was written by Margaret Sutton during the thirtv-five vears spaning from 1932 to 1967. It is without a doubt one of the most successful and enduring girls series ever published.

Margaret Sutton Hunting, as she is known now, was born Rachel Irene Beebe in Odin, Pennsylvania, ninety-four ago this past January 22nd. Her father was Victor Beebe, whose well-known History of Potter County is as collectible a book as the hard-to-find Judy Boltons. When she was still a little girl, the family moved to nearby Coudersport where Margaret attended school. She dropped out of high school, being a spirited nonconformist, but furthered her education at The Rochester Business Institute in Rochester, New York and graduated in 1920, then embarked on a career in the business world until she married William H. Sutton in 1924.

Margaret was a pen name given to her by her publisher. Later in life, when she was 73, Margaret married Everett Hunting, who had been her brother's college roommate many years before. Everett passed away in 1992, and Margaret is now living in the extended care unit of a hospital in Lock Haven, PA, not far from her native Potter County.

The Judy Bolton books are noted not only for the fine plots and thrilling stories, but also for their realism and social commentary. Unlike most other series of its kind, Judy and her friends age and mature in the series and often deal with important social issues. The themes of tolerance and acceptance of others are woven through the books and, to many, Judy is a feminist in the best light—smart, capable, courageous, nurturing, and always unwavering in her true beliefs; a perfect role model for her gender. Yet Judy is real. She has a temper, is outspoken, and often makes mistakes. She is by no means flawless with a personality beyond the realm of her readers. It is because Judy Bolton is so normal and down-to-earth that her fans find her so endearing.

One of the most fascinating attributes of the Judy Bolton Series is that Margaret Sutton has woven into it real events and places from her experiences and those of friends and acquaintances. In The Vanishing Shadow, the flood was based on the devastating flood which destroyed Austin, PA, in 1911. The ruins of the Austin dam are an awesome sight, and can be viewed from the highway between Coudersport and Austin. Nearby are the ruins of the Bayless Pulp and Paper Company mill, used as the mill in the book.

The house on East Second Street where Margaret lived in Coudersport, which still stands, was used as the Bolton home in Farringdon, the scene of The Haunted Attic and many of the following stories in the series. In The Invisible Chimes, the hiding place under the floor in Judy's room was based on a similar hiding place in Margaret's daughter's room in a house the Suttons lived in in Brooklyn, New York, which is also the location of Tower House in The Yellow Phantom.

A fire destroyed Coudersport High School in 1918, and that was the basis of the school fire in Seven Strange Clues. On and on the list goes. The Farringdon-Pett mansion can be seen on Mill Street in Coudersport, the old Judge Lewis estate. Sizerville State Park and Sizerville Cemetery, Southwest of Austin, figure prominently in the beginning of The Voice in the Suitcase. Nearby is the Parker tomb, used as the Riker tomb in The Trail of the Green Doll. And far on the other side of the county in Ole Bull State Park is the site of Ole Bull Castle which was the basis for The Clue in the Ruined Castle.

Margaret's early childhood home in Odin became Judy's grandparents' house in Dry Brook Hollow, where Judy and Peter lived after their marriage. Bob and Margie Kerns, now live in that house, and it is always a pleasure to visit them and and enjoy the timeless quality of the peace and beauty of 'Dry Brook Hollow'.

The Secret of the Sand Castle
, #38, was the last Judy to be published in 1967. After that, Grosset & Dunlap canceled the series, many believe because of pressure put on them by the Stratemeyer Syndicate who wrote the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books. Margaret had planned a 39th book, The Strange Likeness, but did not complete writing it. This story was set in the Panama Canal Zone where during the story Horace marries Honey and Judy gives birth to twins named Peter and Pam. Margaret also wrote another partial Judy Bolton manuscript entitled The Talking Snowman.

The last twelve Judy Bolton books were printed in limited numbers and are nowadays very difficult to find and often offered at prices many collectors find to be high and unaffordable. The values placed on these books cannot be disputed because they are decades old now, scarce and hard-to-find, and very collectible.

Are there any of you out there who remember this series?

And The Answer is---

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:22:15 GMT

If you're any kind of a Heston fan, you'll recognize this film as being "WILL PENNY." When asked which film was HIS favorite, he most always answers WILL PENNY as he thought he did the best acting job on this one. I personally love the music by David Raksin as it's haunting and steady beat helps set and maintain the mood. Besides, this is the one film where you get to hear Charlton SING as he renders his version of "Oh Christmas Tree" later in the film.

I simply can't say enough good things about this movie. SO, if you haven't watched this one lately, do give it a try---it's a real treat!!! The kids can view it too, but there is violence in the form of blood and guts. But it's not there just to draw people in, it's meant to be there for realism purposes.

This is a great one----WILL PENNY!

A movie that will "haunt" you

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 14:56:12 GMT

This late '60's movie was a sleeper when it came out, but over time, people have come to say it was Charlton Heston's finest film---his finest acting. Rex Reed said it well:

"I sat in a dark screening room last week with a lump in my throat and a general feeling of disbelief, while the projectionist ran one of the best movies I've ever seen. Like everyone who missed it the first time around, I was turned off by one of the worst ad campaigns ever dumped on a movie. Without ever getting the message that it was an intelligent film, people took one look at the tacky, nebulous ads (Charlton Heston, showing more cleavage than Jane Fonda and holding a smoking six-gun), assumed an immediate attitude towards the picture ("Oh, here's Heston again, chucked his monkey suit and Michelangelo smock and now he's a cowboy!"), and stayed away in droves. What they missed was one of the most luminous and penetrating films ever turned out by Hollywood, with a thoughtful and tightly written script by Tom Gries which shows with subtlety and detail that cowboys are anything but the embodiment of the songs Burl Ives sings.

Under Gries direction, it is one of the few westerns ever made which takes its time with a scene, constructing atmosphere and character development rather than inflated plot mechanics, without trying to brag on its budget or reel up stock footage simply to lengthen itself into a main feature. [This film] also shocked me with a sensitive, many-faceted performance by Charlton Heston which will probably be overlooked when Hollywood's sub-cellar mentality sets to work at Oscar time, but which, in my estimation, is the best work in an extremely difficult role, I've seen by any actor this year."

The stellar cast of this film includes, Joan Hackett, Donald Pleasant, Lee Majors, Bruce Dern, Ben Johnson, Slim Pickens, Anthony Zerbe and Lydia Clarke Heston (Chuck's wife). Jeff Rovin said, "There is no hoke or padding in [this film]. It is a straightforward and honest film, a sincere attempt to recreate the old west and, more important, the people who live therein. It is truly unfortunate that the film was ignored at the box office. Released at the same time as "The Planet of the Apes," it is eclipsed by this more unique Heston film.

Can you guess this film?

Harry Potter music...

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:51:28 GMT

The music you hear behind this is from "HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN." I've always been a big fan of the Potter books, but when the movies came out, what struck me the most was the music by John Williams. He is probably the most popular movie scorer alive today with such films as "Star Wars," "Indiana Jones," " Jaws," and a multitude of others from the past that may surprise you.

John Williams wrote the complete scores of the first three Potter movies. He captures the magic, mood, terror, and unusual good and fun times as well with his quirky music. Lush full orchestral sounds show the enormity of Horwarts and you can almost see Harry flying so freely on his broomstick during the Quiddich matches just by closing your eyes and listening to the score. The haunting themes are replayed often enough during the films that they conjur up the great magic school and the three friends that fight for what's right. This selection I've chosen is a haunting melody played with either a recorder or possibly a flute (or could it be a penny whistle??). It has renaissance overtones and you'll find yourself humming it all day.

I can't wait to see the next Potter movie that will be out later this year: Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince. From the previews, it promises to follow the book closely (hopefully not leaving out the best parts) and get us closer to the final duel between Voldemort and Harry.

Harry and his classmates are growing up so fast! Hope to hear those lovely Williams' themes in this one too!

Book review...

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:55:42 GMT

Just finished reading "WATER FOR ELEPHANTS" by Sara Gruen. I have to say, it is perhaps the best book I've ever read! I picked it up because of an interview in "Writers Digest" a few months ago, when I had a chance to read an excerpt.

This book deals with a train-circus of the early 1930's. Ms. Gruen researched circus history and came up with a very believable story of a fictitious circus called the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. Set at the height of the great depression, the pace is staggering with the story opening with a wild-animal stampede and the fate of a young veterinary student thrown into this unexpected circus life.

"You'll get lost in the tatty glamour of Gruen's meticulously researched world, from spangled equistrian pageantry and the sleazy side show to an ill-fated night at a Chicago speak-easy." --The Washington Post.

If you love animals, you will be delighted in this tale and appalled at the human abuse of these lions, tigers, orangatans, zebras, elephants, etc., all in the name of entertainment. Most of the animal antics are based on real ones, especially the elephant, Rosie, and her fate. You'll cry and you'll laugh!

If you read no other fiction this summer (except for my books, of course!), read THIS BOOK! (And don't forget to enter that circus world by watching Charlton Heston's "GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH!")

Happy Birthday FRIEND!

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:17:13 GMT

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAROL!

Yeah, it's that time again, buddy! You can't escape it---birthdays happen!

Carol and I go WAY BACK---. After graduating from High School, my family left Michigan and moved to Illinois, where I went to college. I finished my first year and Carol and I planned a vacation (just the two of us---no PARENTS) up to northern Michigan. We drove her car and went on a grand adventure together. Since I was a great Charlton Heston fan, we went searching for his place in St. Helena, where we combed the woods for a day or so. I don't think we really expected to find his cabin in the wilds, but it was fun. Then we stopped by and surprised Arnie (a friend from High School) who was working in a newspaper office in a tiny town in MI, did some sightseeing and headed for Machinaw City. The lake looked rough enough that Carol said, "No way are we taking the ferry over to the Island!), so we stayed on the shores of the lake in a motel and tried to take on-the-sly pics of each other with our little brownie cameras (she got a great one of me in curlers!). As we drove around near Charlevoix, we stumbled upon a deserted CASTLE out in the middle of nowhere! Well, you can bet we got plenty of pics of THAT (today that castle has been redone and is a beautiful bed and breakfast type place, but then it was just like ancient ruins---weeds and no one for miles around it). After we left, we actually got lost and found we were going in circles. Well, that made us laugh so hard,we had to pull over. Finally we got out of the viscious circle and found a place to eat (me with my mound of black olives and Carol with her plate of raw carrots---still yucking it up). All in all, it was a grand trip---one we'll never forget---that we still smile about. Little did we know it was the first of many adventurous trips we took together. Someday, I hope Carol and I can take another trip (just the two of us) and make new memories!

Thanks for the fun we've had and the times we've been there for each other through good and bad. I look forward to many more! Have a great day and, no, you don't have to tell us how old you are!!!

Eye Trouble

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 14:09:15 GMT

We had a nice time at the BBQ we went to yesterday (the 4th), but had to leave early. Our 12 year old son, M, had gotten some dirt in his eye BEFORE we left for the picnic and although we tried to flush it out, it hurt him so at the event that we trundled him off to Emergency. Luckily, it wasn't too busy and we got in and out in about 2 hours. They did pull a small black dot of dirt from his eye and said he had a small abraision, which was what hurt so much. Then, it was nearly impossible to find a pharmacy open to fill the eye drop prescription. They said he should be back to normal in about a day. It did hurt him some last night before bed, but he slept all night. Thank goodness it wasn't anything too serious. But I know from experience that eye pain is one of the worst!

Surprisingly, there were NO rogue fire works last night! They were banned, but I was certain someone would try to set some off in our little area here. But it was quiet and the dog didn't go crazy! Hope it will be tonight as well. We still smell some smoke from fires to the north of us, but the skies seem fairly clear and sunny. Hope your holiday was happy and relaxed!

Happy Fourth of July!

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:57:55 GMT

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Here are some interesting observances of this holiday in its early years from Wikipedia:

In 1777, thirteen guns were fired, once at morning and again as evening fell, on July 4 in Bristol, Rhode Island. Philadelphia celebrated the first anniversary in a manner a modern American would find quite familiar: an official dinner for the Continental Congress, toasts, 13-gun salutes, speeches, prayers, music, parades, troop reviews, and fireworks. Ships were decked with red, white, and blue bunting.
In 1778, General George Washington marked Independence Day with a double ration of rum for his soldiers and an artillery salute. Across the Atlantic Ocean, ambassadors John Adams and Benjamin Franklin held a dinner for their fellow Americans in Paris, France.
In 1779, July 4 fell on a Sunday. The holiday was celebrated on Monday, July 5.
In 1781, the Massachusetts General Court became the first state legislature to recognize Independence Day as a state celebration.
In 1783, Moravians in Salem, North Carolina, held the first celebration of Independence Day in the country with a challenging music program assembled by Johann Friedrich Peter. This work was titled "The Psalm of Joy".
In 1791 was the first recorded use of the name "Independence Day".
In 1870, the U.S. Congress made Independence Day an unpaid holiday for federal employees.
In 1941, Congress changed Independence Day to a paid federal holiday. The residents of Vicksburg, Mississippi, celebrated Independence Day for the first time since July 4, 1863, when the Siege of Vicksburg ended with a Union victory during the American Civil War.

Here's another holiday I never knew existed (although I seem to remember seeing it on the calendar last year and wondering about it):

Constitution Day (or Citizenship Day) is an American federal holiday that recognizes the ratification of the United States Constitution. It is observed on September 17, the day the U.S. Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution in 1787.

The law establishing the holiday was created in 2004 with the passage of an amendment by Senator Robert Byrd to the Omnibus spending bill of 2004. Before this law was enacted, the holiday was known as "Citizenship Day". In addition to renaming the holiday "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day," the act mandates that all publicly funded educational institutions provide educational programming on the history of the American Constitution on that day. In May 2005, the United States Department of Education announced the enactment of this law and that it would apply to any school receiving federal funds of any kind. This holiday is not observed by granting time off work for federal employees.

When Constitution Day falls on a weekend or on another holiday, schools and other institutions unofficially observe the holiday on an adjacent weekday. This was the case in 2005, when Constitution Day was generally observed on Friday, September 16 and 2006 when the holiday was observed on Monday, September 18.

So, enjoy the Fourth and all the food and celebrations and remember the word "moderation" when it comes to drinking anything alcoholic. Drive carefully and enjoy the weekend!

Just stuff...

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:48:50 GMT

Not much happening here lately. The smoke is still here and is predicted to remain through Monday, but it is better---you can actually see more than 50 yards in front of you now. However, if I'm out in it for long, I start to get itchy eyes and headaches. The sun peeked through some yesterday and you can almost see some blue sky this morning. They say the lightning is headed to the north of us. WHEW.

Hey, my Detroit Tigers finally won against the Royals yesterday, putting them at 500% now and not dead last in their division! Go, you Tigers!

I'm not going to be putting out a short story for a few days (weeks) because I am concentrating on getting my current manuscript ready to send to the Publishers. So, if you want to read any of my stories, just click on their titles above and read away. I promise that once this manuscript is out and things get back to normal here (THAT could take a while!), I'll get right on a new story.

Enjoy your weekend and stay safe and well.