Hollywood Passing Parade of 2020

Adding to an already dreadful year, the loss of many great Hollywood stars. A few remembered here.

Grandma vrs the Reindeer

Love it or loathe it, "Grandma got Run Over by a Reindeer" hits the radio playlists this time of the year. Elmo Shropshire, who sang the song, talks about the now classic Christmas ditty, right here.

When Nursery Rhyme Characters Sue

Updated: We wish to report on the current class-action lawsuit brought by many well-known nursery rhyme characters against various companies and individuals. These beloved literary figures are seeking compensation for injuries incurred fulfilling their roles in promoting children’s poetic literature. Read here. 

Remembering Malaprop Master, Norm Crosby

I’d hoped it was just a pigment of my imagination but no, comedian Norm Crosby passed away this weekend. So, a standing ovulation to the malaprop master often seen on the 70s/80s Dean Martin roasts. Make Norm proud: name your favorite malaprop. Be Pacific.

Trump and the Wall from 1950

I first wrote about a bizarre political Hollywood connection back in 2017 when I stumbled on an unexpectedly entertaining episode of the little-remembered but well-written Western series “Trackdown” broadcast on cable TV Jan. 7 that year. A character in the episode was named Trump who planned to build a wall. If you never heard the story, it's quite surprising. Link.

The Worst Class President

Lately, my thoughts keep drifting back to high school and the most contentious class president election in our school’s history. Aspiring to the position was a student named Clint.... more

Boo!

Halloween is always a special time for actress Judith O’Dea as she remembers “Night of the Living Dead.” Story here

Why did the chicken cross the road?

I'm reduced to this, writing about chickens.
Cluck on this link.

World Food Day

In recognition of World Food Day coming up this week on October 16, I unearthed some lesser-known moments in food history – such as the lone survivor of the Mt. Vesuvius eruption in AD 79 who went on the create the lava cake. More here, but try not to reguritate.

John Wayne on The Big Trail

Ninety years ago on Oct. 2, “The Big Trail” premiered in Los Angeles at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (as it was then known). While Wayne had appeared in some 20 prior films, “The Big Trail” was the first motion picture in which the actor received top billing. No doubt about it, that's Duke. Story here.

Remembering Tony Curtis

Tony Curtis passed away 10 years ago today, Sept 29. What a great actor he was in films such as Some Like It Hot, The Defiant Ones, Sweet Smell of Success, The Black Shield of Falworth, and Houdini. His last wife shares some thoughts about him and what she’ll be doing today. Link to story here.

Facebook Pet Peeves

Who hasn't got Facebook pet peeves?

Neil Sedaka

We're some 5 months into COVID chaos and through it all 81-year-old Neil Sedaka has been presenting mini concerts from his home to brighten the days for his fans. Some 90 of them - mini concerts that is, not fans. He took this photo yesterday especially for our interview and story. Thanks Neil.

Planet Towns

Welcome to Mars, and other US towns that share the names of planets. Beam me up the story, Scotty, Link here.

Cover up, or scram

With the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in some areas across the country, health officials continue to urge people to wear masks in crowds. But many individuals remain reluctant to cover their faces in public. A colleague from our biology department shares her thoughts on the effectiveness of face coverings.

The Cicadas Return

If you live in North Carolina, West Virginia, or Virginia, get ready to duck, dodge, and dive as millions of cicadas are about to awake from their 17 year nap and invade. No social distancing from these guys. Story here.

Brian Dennehy

Was watching him in a guest role just a few days ago on the old sci-fi show "The 4400." Such a great actor universally admired. Remembering him here.

Celebs at home

How are some of our veteran actors handling being stuck at home? Let's ask Dawn Wells, Rich Little, Loretta Swit, Ruta Lee, and others,  right here.

Stuck at home?

Stuck at home with nothing to do?
Some suggestions here.

Toilet rolls? Really people?

Of all the dumbASS things to buy in an emergency, stocking up on toilet rolls would have to be the stupidest because it's something we can all find a simple and unlimited replacement for - an old washcloth, rubber gloves, and a bucket of warm soapy water. Sure, not exactly pleasant, but it works every time. Then there are the morons who have stashed away more toilet paper than food. Which is ironic since when they run out of food, they won't need toilet paper anyway. Sometimes humanity is just embarrassing.

Handshaking? Ugh!

Never did like handshaking anyway.
Link to story.

Stuart Whitman

A great movie/TV actor from the 50s & 60s. Stuart Whitman turns 92 today.

Old interview here.