Gilligan's Island Turning 55

Gilligan’s Island first aired 55 years ago this September. A new exhibit at the Hollywood Museum will display some neat items from the show. Dawn Wells will be on hand for the opening. Dawn turns 81 in October and looks fabulous. Maybe there was something to all those coconut cream pies. Story here or here.

Marge Champion

Turning 100 this week is one half of the Marge and Gower Champion dance duo - and that would be the Marge half. Still remember her visit to our campus a few years ago when she was just a kid of around 90.
Story here.

Jumping Beans are Back

Hard to find for the past couple of years because of poor weather conditions in Mexico, jumping beans are now available. Batteries not included, because you don't need any to enjoy these little mysteries of nature. Learn all about them here.

Apollo

As if the media wasn't flooded enough with Apollo 11 stories, here's one more. Some years ago, I had the chance to ask several Apollo astronauts some questions about each of their missions. I've resurrected some of their answers here.

Glenn Ford rides again

Another great Monday night of Glenn Ford movies on TCM this July. Last night, a half dozen westerns. Last week I asked Peter if he had been watching his dad's films. His answer was not surprising. He and Lynda now live in Montana, having left Hollywood a few years ago. Why did they leave California? You can read about it here.

Remembering Errol Flynn

Born 110 years ago on June 20, Tasmania's own Errol Flynn. So I cobbled together some comments from my interviews with actors/family over the past 10 years (including unpublished ones from Paul Picerni) and here they are, appropriately, in a Tasmanian newspaper - the Launceston Examiner

Tim Conway

Benoit Photo - used with permission

Some actors are just universally loved like Tim Conway. Many actors are also involved in charitable causes and for Tim his work to help injured jockeys made him even more respected and loved.  We talked about this some years ago. Interview updated as we remember him in the Courier-Journal.

Eggs, Rabbits and Easter

We're used to associating eggs and rabbits with Easter, but why? All is explained right here.

Happy Birthday to the Periodic Table

This year, we scientists are remembering Dimitri Mendeleev’s contribution to the development of the periodic table – a chart listing all known elements that make up the universe. The table is found in science and chemistry textbooks and hangs on science classroom walls around the world. This article appeared in the Washington Post.

Don Collier and a Bonanza Anniversary

Sixty years ago, "Bonanza" premiered on NBC, destined to become one of the most popular western series in television history. Produced for 14 seasons from 1959 to 1973, the show continues to air in syndication around the world. Fans will be gathering Friday, Feb. 22 through Sunday, Feb. 24 at the Ponderosa II in Mesa, Arizona, to remember the show. One special guest who appeared in 5 episodes is TV cowboy Don Collier, seen at right in the photo. Don talks about attending, his career, and his latest movie due out this year, right here.