Kooky Conspiracy theories

I recently wrote about the crazy conspiracy theory folks out there (including Florida professor James Tracy who thinks Newtown was a hoax). Seems my story, which was about the current python hunt in the Everglades, was picked up as being REAL by some foreign sites. I guess parody doesn't translate too well.

Recognize this guy?

Are you old enough to recognize this guy?  So did he steal milk from your front doorstep, too?

Christmas and the Fiscal Cliff Mess

I usually leave poetry to the poets, but this fiscal cliff stuff at Christmas was irresistible.  If you can stand more verses, they are here. Also mentioned in the WSJ.






'Twas the night before Cliff Mess, and throughout the land,
Democrats, Republicans were taking a stand.
Their positions unwavering, intractably firm,
With donkey-like stubbornness or entrenched pachyderm.

But the public were hopeful all snug in their beds,
With visions of compromise alive in their heads.
“Come on!” said the people in frustrated dismay.
“Abandon this meaningless partisan fray”.........

Improving the Presidential Debates

“Mr. President, do you ever get muddled and take Joe for a walk in the Rose Garden and Bo to cabinet meetings?”

“Governor, is it true you wanted ‘You’re so Bain’ for your campaign song?”

These probing questions will make the next presidential debate more vivacious. More questions in this week's Times and Democrat.

Unbelievable Mars Rover Photo

The Mars Curiosity rover found a shiny object, shown here (real photo). Sure looks like a tiny alien to me.

If we could zoom in, bet he's holding up an "Earthlings go home!" sign.


 

Tony Curtis

Two years ago today, we lost Tony Curtis. I recently spoke with Jill about life after Tony. Story in the Bronx Times. What's your favorite Tony Curtis movie?

Remembering Neil Armstrong

Where were you when Armstrong and Aldrin did the Moon walk? Some thoughts on the passing of Armstrong here.

Three Stooges Alert: Calling all Knuckleheads

Anyone planning on seeing the new Three Stooges movie, coming out on April 13?

Check out my story on the film, including an interview with Moe's kids, here, before you do.

Now, take a cream pie over to Jenny Matlock and tell her I said "hi."

The Turner Classic Movie Cruise

Last December, we traveled with Turner Classic Movies on their first Classic Cruise. What fun! Here's one of several stories I wrote about the trip.

In addition to Robert and Ben, we were able to interview and photograph Ernie Borgnine, Eva Marie Saint, Tippi Hedren, as well as many passengers. So if you like old movies and cruises, keep an eye out for another cruise which will be announced at tcm.com.

New Movie Book: Raised by the Stars

Now available on that Kindle thingy.

If you're a fan of old movies, you may enjoy my book, “Raised by the Stars."

It's a collection of recent interviews I did with children of actors from cinema’s Golden Age, and published by McFarland's. They talk about the joys and difficulties of growing up in the shadow of the early Hollywood spotlight.

Among those interviewed are the children of leading actors such as Errol Flynn, Jimmy Stewart, Gary Cooper, Rosalind Russell, Bing Crosby, Ingrid Bergman, and Rex Harrison, as well as many supporting and character actors including Jack Elam, Forrest Tucker, Jesse White, Jack Gilford, Gene Lockhart and Billy Barty.

Who, you ask? Well, you may not know their names unless you a film buff (what exactly is a buff, let alone a film buff, anyway?) but you probably recognize their faces if you watch films from the 40s, 50s, and beyond:


Can you identity these supporting actors? Their children are all interviewed in "Raised by the Stars"

I must say, it was a lot of fun hearing firsthand from these children – some in their 70s and 80s now, so not exactly "kids" – about the hectic lifestyle of living in the celebrity bubble. I think fans of classic movies will enjoy this collection.

“Raised by the Stars” is published by McFarland and contains 50 photos. More information: website.

Also, article in the Ventura County Star.