Decorating a Christmas ChemisTREE

I have been wanting to make one of these for a while. So this week I did, and installed it in our School of Sciences office. Even the biologists thought it was cool.

 

A US Commemorative Stamp for Van Johnson

A devoted Van Johnson fan is trying to get a commemorative US stamp for the popular actor from the '40s and '50s. You can read her story here and sign the official petition here.

Ice Bucket Challenge: Dunk ‘n Donate

Getting dunked AND donating is the only way to do this ice bucket challenge. That’s what 2 dozen faculty and staff did in the School of Sciences. And how much convincing did it take to get students to do the dunking? None at all!

Video link here: https://youtu.be/Dlbz62TvMWw

Happy Birthday Rose Marie

Anyone remember the Dick Van Dyke Show? I recently talked with Rose Marie, who played Sally Rogers, and Dick Van Dyke. Rosie celebrates her 91st birthday in August. What an amazing career beginning as 3 year old Baby Rose Marie - a child singer with an incredible voice. Check out YouTube for videos of her singing. She attracted the attention of presidents and notorious gangsters (not that the two are necessarily different) who all wanted her to perform for them. But mostly we remember her comedic talents from the Dick Van Dyke Show. There's a reason we call entertainers like Rose Marie legends! Full story and interview here.

Interview with Piper Laurie

I love this photo of Piper Laurie from the 2012 Texas Frightmare convention. Thanks to Barry Crawford at clayguy.com for permission to use in this interview where she talks about Reagan, the wonderful Charles Coburn, and “Carrie.” 

Vivacious Jane Powell Turns 85

Jane Powell, star of "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers' and "Royal Wedding" turned 85 in April. She's still a bundle of delightful energy! Read more in the News-Sentinel.

The clip below from "Royal Wedding" is a favorite of mine - the song having the longest title of any MGM film! Do you have a favorite Jane Powell film??

 

 

Twin Wildlife Artists

John and Jim Denney are twins, with almost identical careers – wildlife artists and photographers. I photographed them at the Auburn University raptor center. A fun story in this month’s Alabama Living.

June Lockhart and NASA

It's only appropriate that June Lockhart should be recognized by NASA. Story in the Colorado Springs Gazette 

Some Amusing Double Features

Here are some amusing "double features" to watch. For example:

“The Postman Always Rings Twice” (1946) followed by “You've Got Mail” (1998).  Or how about “Meet the Parents” (2000) followed by “High Anxiety” (1977). Can you think of others???

More at this link.

Blessing of the Animals

October means it's Blessing of the Animals season again. Churches all around the world conduct the service where owners bring their pets to church for a blessing. He's a photo from a previous service I attended. No, I'm not in the photo - not even the one with the pink ribbon. This year's stories are featured in the Charleston Post and Courier and the Montgomery Advertiser.