FRIDAY MOVIE SUGGESTION NIGHT PRESENTS: "MY COUSIN VINNY"!
You've Asked for Laughter...Voila! _____
With February wrapping up, not coincidentally many of you remain "wrapped" in blankets on the couch holding out for better weather on weekends. You are fed up with the weather, politics and have forgotten what it is to laugh, right? Not to worry. I give you: "MY COUSIN VINNY"! No, he's not "my" personal cousin, but this film IS a riot! The blast begins when two friends named Bill Gambini (Ralph Machio) and Stanley Rothenstein (Mitchell Whitfield) from New York have just received scholarships to UCLA. They figure, 'What better way than to celebrate by a car trip through the south!' Yes, go figure! In Alabama, they stop at a local convenience store to pick up a few snacks, but wind up arrested for robbery and murder! Plus, they are facing execution for this crime with no money for legal representation. On the fly, Bill remembers that he has a lawyer in his cousin, Vincent LaGuardia Gambini (Joe Pesci) who is not exactly Robert Shapiro! Vincent LaGuardia Gambini (love the name? Wait until you see the wife) is a mess who has to fight for everything he does just to keep his life afloat. His loud-mouth hilarious wife is Mona Lisa Vito (Marisa Tomei) ! There are many New Yorker stereotypes here with Joe Pesci in a role tailor made for him. Interestingly, Robert De Niro and Danny Devitto were considered for the Gambini role. Courageously, Fred Gwynn makes his last appearance and was said to have been in tremendous pain from cancer. It was his last film role. As always here is The Cast: Joe Pesci is Vincent 'Vinny' Gambini; Ralph Macchio is William 'Billy' Gambini; Marisa Tomei is Mona Lisa Vito; Mitchell Whitfield is Stan Rothenstein; Fred Gwynne is unforgettable in his last film appearance as Judge Chamberlain Haller; and Austin Pendleton is John Gibbons. Directed by: Jonathan Lynn and Written by: Dale Launer. A 1993 Academy Award Winner for Marisa Tomei as Best Supporting Actress.
Good Morning, Everyone! It's nice to be back in Arizona after an absolutely fascinating evening in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida where I served as Master of Ceremonies for the 51st Annual National Parkinson Foundation Gala, "Hope Swings Eternal".
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Saturday night was one of the most important evenings in my life, as I honored the memory of my Dad and managed to follow a path blazed for my predecessors and myself by two real-life "Legends": Bob Hope and Dick Clark.
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For over 45 years, Bob Hope and his wife Dolores gave generously of their time, their talents and their resources. Because of their generosity, we established "The Bob Hope Parkinson Research Institute". And of course, the street on which NPF is headquartered on the University of Miami Medical School campus is appropriately named "Bob Hope Road". Bob's remarkable legacy is carried on by his daughter, Linda Hope who serves as our Vice Chair of the NPF Honorary Board of Governors. Then for many years the familiar, good looking guy you see pictured below continued Bob's tradition as our Master of Ceremonies.
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Dick Clark __________
Dick Clark is beloved by millions worldwide and is forever identified with producing and hosting one of televisions most enduring programs, "American Bandstand". He is for me the finest example of what the term "broadcasting excellence" really means, both behind and in front of the camera. Dick lost his own father to Parkinson's disease. And today he is our Chair of the NPF Honorary Board of Governors! Dick has given generously of his time, talent and resources with such a big heart, and as one of his admirers, I am proud to be associated with an organization in which Dick plays such a vital role.
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You had to be in my shoes as I waited at the back of the St. Regis Hotel Ballroom and wondered in awe at how I came to be there in that moment. On a large screen, slides of Bob Hope and Dick Clark flashed from our past Galas. And as my assistant who stood with me gave me my countdown, the band struck up my Cue as two beautiful young ladies escorted me arm in arm to the stage and I delivered my opening remarks. I spoke about the irony that the first Gala I co-hosted was with Hollywood movie critic Rex Reed on behalf of Parkinson awareness in 1989. And I described entering a hotel ballroom very similar to ours, with our Honored Guest, the late actress Greer Garson on my left arm! Greer's late husband E.E. "Buddy" Fogelson was a Parkinson's patient. And yet, if anyone would have told me that a mere four years later, my own Dad would be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease I would have never believed it could happen. The National Parkinson Foundation really helped me understand the disease my Dad faced and they were invaluable to me and to my family. So, being in Florida this past Saturday night with NPF was wonderful!
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It was an evening of magic, meeting courageous people, and prestigious Guests who brought so much Hope and Generosity to those coping with Parkinson's disease. Allow me to share two wonderful developments:
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We welcomed our new President Joyce Oberdorf, who served previously with The Michael J. Fox Foundation as Director of Communications. Joyce has 20 years of experience in corporate communications, media relations, public affairs and advertising. She was head of corporate public relations for Aetna, a leader in health insurance. Before that, she was senior vice president and deputy director of corporate communications for Lehman Brothers Inc., and prior to that, vice president, corporate communications for Chemical Bank (now J. P. Morgan Chase). We are exceptionally fortunate to have Joyce leading NPF to greater heights! Also...
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Michael S. Okun, M.D. is our new National Medical Director of NPF! Dr. Okun will represent NPF in the medical and scientific communities, provide guidance for current or changing medical issues and scientific advances relating to Parkinson disease, assist NPF in carrying out its educational function, and ultimately support NPF in raising funds for the fulfillment of its mission.
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Dr. Okun is co-director of the Movement Disorders Center at the University of Florida (UF), one of NPF's Centers of Excellence. He is also an assistant professor at the University's Department of Neurology and the Department of Neurosurgery, Psychiatry, and History, as well as an active staff member of UF-affiliated Shands Healthcare.
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As photos of the event become available, I'll be sure and post them. All in all, it was a wonderful evening and and I had the honor of walking along a path as Master of Ceremonies forged by two remarkable men who are true role models! I raise a glass and toast Bob Hope and Dick Clark along with all of you for your many comments of love and supportiveness to me in the weeks leading up to Saturday night. If you know anyone with Parkinson's disease, contact us Toll Free at 1-800-327-4545. To quote Dick Clark, "It's good to know you're not alone."
FRIDAY MOVIE SUGGESTION NIGHT PRESENTS: "TENDER MERCIES"!
Yeah, I liked the Italian movie poster better, so I used it! ___
Back when there still was a Texas Film Commission, I hosted their Annual Awards Night for three years in a row, and while it was great fun meeting so many wonderful actors and actresses such as Shirley McClaine, Chuck Norris, Sheree J. Wilson and others, I was pleased to have met TessHarper (who appears in our movie selection for tomorrow night). Unfortunately, I never met the multi-talented Robert DuVall. From his roles as a cab driver in Steve McQueen's "Bullitt", to "The Godfather" trilogy as a mob lawyer, to a criminal in Clint Eastwood's "Joe Kidd", a beat cop with Sean Penn in "Colors", the original motion picture M*A*S*H as kooky "Frank Burns", to "Lonesome Dove", I predict that this highly versatile actor will one day receive a Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Film Institute--that's my prediction. Why pick this film? Well, for one thing it is low-key.
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While I am (for once) safely tucked away in the majestic "Valley" of Phoenix, Arizona where it was 66 degrees to my hometown of Cincinnati's 19 degrees (with ice storms predicted), I am very aware of just how many of you have braved the Winter with colds, the flu and worse. So, this film is perfect to light the fireplace, and (go ahead and laugh, I can't hear you) pour some Bailey's Irish Cream straight up into a coffee mug to sip on with a movie that is easy to love. Director Bruce Beresford adapted Horton Foote's story of an former country singer-turned alcoholic named Mac Sledge whose fame rivaled today's popularity of George Straight. His days of fighting for fame are behind him, and his life appears to have stalled at a dead-end. But fate lends a hand when he makes friends with a young widow (Tess Harper) and her son (Allan Hubbard). His life also takes an upward turn when he finds the strength to give up drinking and he eventually meets his long-estranged daughter (a brief but very memorable performance given by Ellen Barkin). After a lot of anguish, he summons up the courage to pick up the guitar again, and he discovers that his songwriting ability is still intact! I won't give away the whole movie when I smile and mention a favorite scene of mine: when a young up-and-coming country band manages to locate Sledge in a small Texas town for advice and mentoring. Duvall's understated mannerisms reveal the fear of his once soaring past that these young guys have unintentionally tapped into. Here are two worlds: the world of musical fame from the past, and the present-day perspectives Duvall's character comes to experience off stage. Overall, this is a story of Hope and of newfound happiness, through dire circumstances and gratitude for the blessings of "tender mercies" that each of us hopefully experiences.
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Tess Harper in some regards became over-associated with her role in this movie that seemed to dog her at seemingly every Hollywood occasion. "And here's Tess Harper from 'Tender Mercies' ". I don't remember how long she endured that. But she is a fine actress along with Betty Buckley (here as Duvall's first wife) who also has a beautiful and strong singing voice. I tend to forget that she was in the original ensemble of "Cats" where she sand "Memory". A caution: you do NOT have to be a fan of country music to appreciate some wonderful songs here, none of which made their way to Country radio when this film debuted way back in 1983. But it's nicely done and simple.
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The Cast:Robert Duvall is Mac Sledge; Tess Harper is Rosa Lee; Betty Buckley is Dixie; Wilford Brimley is Harry; Ellen Barkin is Sue Anne and Allan Hubbard is Sonny. 1984 ACADEMY AWARDS WIN: to Robert Duvall as Best Actor in a Leading Role and Horton Foote for Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen. You will love this one!
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If you look hard enough, that's me in the 4th window!
Hello Everyone: I am winging my way to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Emcee the Annual National Parkinson Foundation Gala "Hope Swings Eternal". I will get back to my Blog as soon as I am able and I appreciate the many kind messages of support and goodwill on both my Blogsite and Email alike. Thank you so much one and all! This should be a grand scale event. And I look forward to getting back with you soon!
Yesterday afternoon, I had the genuine thrill of having lunch here in Arizona with the man who appears on the book cover you see above, Paul Oreffice. Imagine the following for just a moment.
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It is 1939 in Italy, and Mussolini wields his fascism with an iron fist. Paul has not seen his father in 12 days. He and his mother expect the worst and in fact, Paul's father was severely beaten by the fascist police and thrown into a small cell. For his family's sake, Paul's father manages--at great danger--to win the hearts of one of the jailers who places an anonymous phone call to his mother stating, "Your husband is alive". Click. Fast-forward a bit since this is a short Blog.
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Just 8 days before Italy enters World War II, Paul and his family managed a daring escape first to Switzerland, then America by way of Ecuador. He enrolled in Purdue University, despite the fact he knew less than 50 words of English! (This was the case with my own father when he stepped off the steamship that brought him from Bulgaria to New York!). Following graduation, Paul served in The Korean War for two years before joining Dow Chemical Company. With his seasoning after serving in a number of international and management posts, Paul worked his way up the company infrastructure to become CEO, President and Chairman of the board! He retired from Dow in 1992, and is today chairman of the National ParkinsonFoundation, and chairman of Fairfield Homes. He is a visiting board member of MD Anderson Cancer Center, and a board member of Spirit Finance Corporation. Paul has also served on the boards of Coca-Cola, Morgan Stanley and Nortel. I can't tell you how wonderful it was for me to share and exchange life stories with such a compassionate and generous man! But here are a few reviews of his book, and I urge you to grab a copy!
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Willie Davis, a member of the NFL Hall of Fame says; "Paul Orrefice is the Vince Lombardi of the business world".
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The late President Gerald Ford said: "Only in America is the story of the Land of Opportunity---and of an immigrant boy who made the most of it. Paul Oreffice is an American original, and his account of his rise to the pinnacle of business leadership is filled with drama, inspiration, and wisdom".
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But I particularly enjoyed the review of this book from Dexter Baker, Former Chairman of the National Association of Manufacturers and Air Products and Chemicals: " Only in America is a must read for all immigrants who wish to succeed in this country. Paul Oreffice's journey from Venice, Italy to CEO of one of the world's greatest corporations is proof that an immigrant can make it to the top. If, like Oreffice, newcomers learn English, get a good education, set goals, and work with determination, they too will succeed. America loves winners, especially those who succeed the old-fashioned way by working harder and smarter than their competitors."
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With time so short before I board a jet plane for Florida, I wanted to share with you my personal Pride and Enthusiasm about not only my new friend Paul Oreffice, but the names of our Honorary Board of Governors because many are household names you will be familiar with. I am in wonderful company! Here's why I say this.
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NPFwas fortunate to have the longtime service and dedication of the late Chairman of the Honorary Board of Governors, Bob Hope. For more than 45 years, Bob and Dolores Hope were involved with NPF, giving graciously of their time, talents, and resources for the benefit of Parkinsonians throughout the world. Because of their generosity, the Bob Hope Parkinson Research Institute was created, and the street on which NPF is headquartered is appropriately named "Bob Hope Road". The Foundation will remain forever grateful for the involvement and support of our great friend and benefactor. His legacy is carried on by his daughter, Linda Hope, who now serves as Vice-Chair of the NPF Honorary Board of Governors.
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The National Parkinson Foundation is truly fortunate to have the guidance of the following distinguished group of men and women. They have helped make NPF into the largest Parkinson foundation in the world. These persons compose the NPF Honorary Board of Governors:
Dick Clark, Chairman
Linda Hope, Vice Chair
Henny Backus*
Nathan Blaser* Robert A.M. Coppenrath former Vice-Chairman, AGFA Corp.
Phyllis Diller Eric Emanuel* Wall Street Financier
Betty Ford President Gerald R. Ford*
Kenneth O. Gilmore* former Editor-in-chief, Readers' Digest David B. Golub Managing Director, Centre Partners Mgt.
Bob Hope*
David Laventhol Editor-at-Large, Times Mirror
Edwin A. Levy Wall Street Financier
Dr. Sidney L. Olson*
Paul F. Oreffice former Chairman, Dow Chemical Company
Sylvia A. Sack Publisher Professor Erich Segal Author Richard B. Stolley Senior Editorial Advisor, Time, Inc. Nicholas L. Teti President, and CEO, INAMED Corporation Martin Tuchman Chairman and CEO, Interpool, Inc.
Norma G. Udall
U.S. Congressman Henry A. Waxman Senator Paul D. Wellstone*
One of the great joys for me is to see any of my close friends achieve a true milestone they've worked so hard to actualize. And Bud Buckley is no exception to that rule. He inspires my own musical ambitions and many of you enjoyed Bud's Guest appearance here on my Web feature,"THE INTERVIEW"(see the Archived visit!). Well, yesterday my Radio appearance on WSRQ "Sunny 1220" News/Talk AM did run (with a repeat scheduled for next Thursday Feb. 21st at 3:00 PM Eastern Time in the U.S. on the Web at: www.newstalk1220.com). Meantime, Bud received a stellar write up in The Florida Herald Tribune and I wanted to post it here because I've written about Bud's new CD, and the fact that our mutual friend, singer/songwriter DeniBonet (of "Last Girl On Earth" Blog fame) appears on Bud's recording. In fact, Deni's own highly anticipated CD will be released soon as well, and I hope to be able to share her good news here! In the meantime, I thought you'd enjoy reading about a fellow Blogger and for me, a dear friend whose musical direction is evolving in a very exciting way. So, read on...
Local music: Bud Buckley vocals, guitar and songwriting By Dawn Scire Correspondent Published Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008
Base of operation: Venice
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Style/genre of music: Acoustic rock
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Bio: For Buckley, also a guitar teacher, each connotation of the phrase "It's about time" is significant. The retired New York state grade school teacher released his second CD, "It's About Time," in January. That's no ordinary feat when one's entire music career began late in life, no thanks to childhood echoes of callous schoolteachers. Buckley's own elementary school students rekindled his musical spirit. Curiously, one of those original fourth- graders, Kathy Feeney, now 21, co-wrote two of the new songs. After Buckley's 2004 debut disc, material accumulated and urgency goaded him (it's time!), yet his first producer was too busy to help. He did suggest that Buckley organize material by theme. Guess what's common to each of the 10 subtle, contemporary, neo-rock tunes on the tightly produced CD? Yup, time. So, truly, it IS about time.
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Quote: Buckley told Helen Avakian, his producer for "It's About Time," "There's nothing you can say to me that will hurt my feelings. ... And so once I got that across to her, she would say, 'You've gotta rewrite that line,' or 'That chord change is too vanilla." ... I mentioned her on the album as my musical dominatrix."
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Where playing: Althea's Restaurant (220 Miami Ave. W., 484-5187) in Venice, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Fridays and 4:30 to 8 p.m. Saturdays.
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Where to buy CDs: $15 at shows, Boogie Woogie (Sarasota location, 921-7410) and Venice's Bella Luna (488-3089). Also, at CDBaby.com, iTunes and myspace.com/budbuckley1.
FRIDAY MOVIE SUGGESTION NIGHT PRESENTS A VALENTINE'S SPECIAL: "HIGH FIDELITY"!
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This is no joke. Originally, I had penciled in Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 film, "Romeo & Juliet". Yeah, I know. Going here is like opting out of driving a Lamborghini Gallardo for a Mini Cooper, (but that's what I would do if given the choice in real life). I will always associate this film with my arrival in Arizona. Why, you ask? Because I was sitting alone at a bar having dinner in an otherwise empty restaurant when this film was playing on four flat screen TV's. I'm easily amused, and I was literally howling aloud whenever the lead character would look directly into the camera lens and speak to the audience to explain a kooky predicament ( incidentally, a strange footnote: I have a Niece who does not approve of my use of the word "kooky"). All of which leads nicely into a KookyPlot: I know it's Valentines Day and Ashton Kutcher is married to Demi Moore, and Sarah McLachlan is married to her drummer Ash, and La, La, La (what are we single guys supposed to do? Invite them to our birthday parties?). All the more reason to explain that THIS FILM is "just what the doctor ordered" for those of us temporarily left on the sidelines. So what gives here?
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Well, Jon Cusak is "Rob", a single guy who owns a failing record store in Chicago that has CD's, but also tons of vinyl records for sale. Very cool. A psychiatrist would have a field day with this guy, because he has a long history of successfully getting together with women who wind up dumping him. Frantic about making a commitment, his "moment of truth" arrives when his beautiful girlfriend Laura (played by Iben Hjejle), dumps him and begins dating their obnoxious ex-neighbor who is also a weirdo (wait until you see who that is!). So, to figure out why this keeps happening to him, Rob embarks on a quest to contact the last 5 women he had serious relationships with to "interview" them for their candid feedback. I realize many of you are probably unlike me and thus, you won't lose it every time Cusak addresses the camera lens to question or explain himself directly to you. But my sides were sore from cracking up! All in all, Rob learns something about love and commitment. I would be remiss if I failed to mention that there is a cameo appearance by Bruce Springsteen, and the music is constant and ever-changing, which is fun!
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Cusak Co-Produced, Co-Wrote the adapted screenplay, and stars in the leading role. StephenFrears, who also directed John Cusack in "The Grifters," is in tow with a GREAT supporting cast. By the way, here they are. The Cast:John Cusack is Rob Gordon; Iben Hjejle is Laura; Todd Louiso is Dick; Jack Black is Barry; Lisa Bonet isMarie DeSalle; Catherine Zeta-Jones is obviously having fun with the role of Charlie Nicholson; Joan Cusack isLiz; Tim Robbins is Ian 'Ray' Raymond; Chris Rehmann is Vince; Ben Carr playsJustin; Lili Taylor is Sarah Kendrew;Joelle Carter is Penny Hardwick (again, a movie where the character's names just slay me!); Natasha Gregson Wagner is Caroline Fortis; Shannon Stillo is Alison Ashmore and Drake Bell is Young Rob Gordon to give us the "subtext" (a word that frightened a girl who was my former acting teacher that I had a short-lived crush on--so HA! I now feel redeemed). The more I thought it over, the more I decided that Zeffirelli was a bit "high brow" for this "Valentines Day". I hope you agree with my judgment. Here's an illustration of my logic:
"Romeo & Juliet" aka Lamborghini Gallardo
Mini Cooper, aka "High Fidelity" and my Personal Choice of Color! ____ HAPPY VALENTINES DAY, ALL!
LAST AUDIO DEPARTURE OF BRITISH AIRWAYS CONCORDE FROM JFK NEW YORK!
Captain Mike Bannister (Left) in Command.
For Sunday, I wanted to follow up yesterday's BLOG post with something never done before on this Blogsite. I felt it fitting to salute our British friends with the final cockpit to tower audio transmissions before the last departure of the majestic British Airways Concorde SST from JFK International Airport in New York bound for London Heathrow. You don't have to be an airline junkie to appreciate the genuine and close friendship between America and England. Crews from United and American Airlines can be heard requesting permission to taxi to a viewing spot to bid farewell. For the record, here is the crew:
Capt. Mike Bannsiter
SFO Jonathan Napier
SEO David Hoyle
SEO Robert Woodcock
Departure Time: 07:28 EST (12:38 GMT) Final ever supersonic BA002 from New York to London October 23, 2003 ___
Simply Click On the audio below. On the evening of 23 October 2003, the Queen consented to the illumination of Windsor Castle as Concorde's last west-bound commercial flight departed London and flew overhead. This is an honor normally reserved for major state events and visiting dignitaries.
Monday, I begin focusing on my trip to Florida and the events leading up to the National Parkinson Foundation Gala, which I eagerly look forward to sharing with you!
Many of you who are voracious book readers inspire me as I get around to your Blogs and see how many books you've read in a month. As a Steve McQueen superfan, I just finished "Steve McQueen: The Last Mile". It contains 400 photos of Steve (that have never been published) and shot through the lens of wife Barbara McQueen's camera. There is a short story here that I wanted to Blog about since dark stories of Hollywood melt-downs and local homicides does absolutely nothing to to build Hope, in my personal opinion.
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During the filming of Steve's final motion picture, "The Hunter", much of the location work took place in Chicago on the dangerous Kenmore Street. There had been a homicide there a week before the film crew set up and it was certainly no place to be during the day or night. During a scene with lots of extras, a young feisty girl caught Steve's eye. Keen to children who had a hard life as he did growing up, he asked her "Why aren't you in school?" The girl, Karen Wilson, replied, "Because I need to make extra money". Steve was shocked. As it turned out, Karen was baby-sitting a 7-year old neighbor named "Bobo". Physically abused and malnourished by his parents, Karen became Bobo's caregiver. Steve and his wife Barbara visited Karen's mother, where they found her entire family living in unspeakable conditions in a ghetto. The mother had no interest in Karen. Steve got to the point. "We'd like to take Karen back with us to California, put her in a good school so that she has a chance to get out of here", he said. Earlier that year, Steve was quite sick on the set of "Tom Horn", a Western film he researchedtenaciously and filmedhere in Arizona co-starring Linda Evans. While largely retired from film acting at a young age, Steve read Christopher Keane's 1976 biography of "Papa Ralph Thorson", a bounty hunter. Despite having dyslexia, Steve finished the book in one sitting and he felt energized to make a film. Barbara recalls Steve telling her, "There's a helluva story here". But his health condition worsened during filming of "The Hunter" from Mesothelioma, a very painful and terminal form of cancer brought about by asbestos exposure. Production on "The Hunter" began on September 10, 1979. Once filming wrapped, Steve and Barbara became Karen's legal guardians and they enrolled her in a private boarding school in Ojai, California . On weekends, the McQueens would pick Karen up from school for the weekend so she could have some sense of stability with love and acceptance. Word reach The McQueens that Karen's mother died in June, 1980. (Steve would die just five months later). But the McQueens made sure Karen graduated from high school. Today, Karen is happily married and a mother of four children working for an escrow company in Los Angeles. At just 50, Steve was ready to retire early from the Hollywood scene. He had sold the couple's Malibu home, achieved all of his professional goals and found the spiritual solace that he was searching for his entire life. Together with Barbara, the happy couple had planned a quiet life and starting a family in Ketchum, Idaho. Steve was by all accounts a very private person who preferred breakfast at Denny's and driving an old Ford Pickup truck, or taking a motorcycle ride. He and Barbara were avid motorcyclists who earned their private pilots licenses and enjoyed the hobby of collecting antique furniture, toys and automobiles. This is quite a contrast to today's overblown displays of egos awash on "TMZ "or "Entertainment Tonight". With a full beard and long hair he was able to go anywhere unnoticed. There are many stories of Steve's generosity. Sometime later, I'll share one about actor Levar Burton, another young person who caught Steve's eye as a promising talent who just needed "a break". It's quite a shame that stories like this one are hardly featured on television. But I hope that this one brightened your day.
Photo Courtesy of Barbara McQueen ____ HAPPY FRIDAY ALL!
FRIDAY MOVIE SUGGESTION NIGHT PRESENTS: "I AM SAM"!
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From the time I first became aware of Sean Penn, (during his mercurial marriage to singerMadonna and run-ins with the law) I must say I never cared much for him. I did like his acting with Robert Duvall in "Colors", and secretly admired him for having dated singer Jewell Kilcher, but these are rather superficial considerations. At the core of it all, Penn's image as a very angry actor was inconsistent with actors I admire. Then after many years, Clint Eastwood saw something in Penn to cast him in "Mystic River". Robin Wright Penn is certainly an intelligent and superb actress, and so I figured that if she married Penn, there must be some redeeming value in the man. This film brings out his best.
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In this film, Penn takes on the role of Sam Dawson, an emotionally challenged man who is judged to have the mental capacity of a 7 year-old who has a job at Starbucks. Dawson absolutely loves The Beatles and fathers a daughter with a homeless woman who then abandons the child quickly after she is born. Dawson names the child "Lucy Diamond" (after the Lennon/McCartney song "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds"). As Lucy reaches the age of 7, it becomes apparent to school officials that she has a gifted mind and appears to be deliberately holding back her aptitude to avoid making her father look badly. Shockingly, the authorities take measures to remove Lucy from Sam's custody. With his world suddenly crumbling around him, Malone begins a desperate quest to recruit a high priced and powerful attorney named Rita Harrison (Michelle Pfeiffer). Harrison is a hard-boiled personality who is so far out of Dawson's reach and appears to have no interest whatsoever in becoming involved, as she cannot see any further beyond her own ego and immediate needs. Then something magical begins to emerge that changes each of their lives forever. I'll save the rest for you to watch. This is an incredibly well acted film. The Cast: Sean Penn is Sam Dawson; MIchelle Pfeiffer is Rita Harrison; Dakota Fanning is Lucy Diamond Dawson; Diane Wiest is Annie Cassell; MarySteenburgen is Dr. Blake; Laura Dern is Randy Carpenter; Directed by Jessie Nelson; Written by: Kristine Johnson and Jessie Nelson. This is a beautiful film and well worth your time!
When I spent a month last summer in Los Angeles, I blogged about attending a Lucinda Williams concert at the intimate El Rey Theater, unaware until I walked in that the concert was being recorded for a live CD! Ann Wilson of the band Heart appeared on stage, and to my personal delight a bit later singer Shelby Lynne walked out to share vocals on a song. In my car's CD player this week , I have the "Best New Artist Grammy Award"-winning CD "I Am Shelby Lynne" from back in 2000, along with a few others. But this was her 6th CD--and not a debut. Lynne began her career as a mainstream country artist, then she went her own way and remains today fiercely independent. When she released the Glen Ballard produced CD, "Love, Shelby" some fans turned away (unfairly in this author's opinion). It was a solid production, but it had a heavy driven pop sound. So, while the likes of Carrie Underwood may sell CD's, Shelby Lynne is an acknowledged talent that Nashville never quite knew how to regard with her versatile alto voice and an incomparable sense of interpretation. Lynne moved away from Nashville to Palm Springs, California and today at 39, she was looking for a new direction. Then a curious thing happened. Barry Manilow (who also has a home in Palm Springs) suggested that Shelby Lynne cover songs of the late Dusty Springfield, (who died of breast cancer in 1999 at age 59 on the same day she was to have received her Order of the British Empire Award from Queen Elizabeth). Dusty dominated the 1960's with praise from Motown's Berry Gordy for helping to popularize R&B in Britain. More recently, Manilow felt that Lynne had the voice to pull off a project of carefully suggested covers to honor Springfield. "She's kept the integrity of the songwriting. She's kept the tribute to Dusty sexy, but most of all, she's kept herself in there. It is not someone trying to copy anybody else. It is not someone trying to go for the big hit pop single. She's true to her own beliefs and her own creativity, and I think Dusty Springfield would definitely agree this is the way to do a tribute to her. It's a beautiful, beautiful album", said Manilow.
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At least Lynne was open to new ideas and she heard Manilow out. "He's a smart guy and probably he had read all these...comparisons, which I don't believe in, nor do I like. He thought maybe I could do them (the songs) justice and I never really thought about ever doing a cover record, period" she said. The result is Lynne's new CD "Just a Little Lovin" which inclides 9 of Springfield's songs and one original from Lynne herself. Produced by Phil Ramone the arrangements are spartan, with Greg Fields on drums, Dean Parks on guitar, Ron Mathes on keyboards, and Kevin Axt on bass--just clean and simple. But I loved my first listen. Songs include: "The Look of Love" and "Anyone Who Had a Heart,"You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" and "I Only Want To Be With You." Manilow added, "But I cross my fingers for the public. I hope the public understands how beautiful the album is, too. I just keep thinking 'The Look of Love' (track) is Diana Krall, that kind of world. And she's as beautiful as Diana Krall." I'll second that observation!Moreover,I find stories like Shelby Lynne's journey very inspiring. She has had to reinvent herself several times, and this outing may be the beginning of her official acceptance by listeners as someone other than an outsider who defies being categorized. That makes for a cool musical blog for a Tuesday!
Shelby is scheduled to be on Craig's show this Thursday!
World Airways was founded in 1948 and has unveiled a new livery. They are headquartered in Peachtree, Georgia.
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My next magazine interview for Airways magazine will appear in the April issue (we work a bit ahead of time) with Global Aero Logistics CEO Subodh Karnik as my Guest. We will hit the news stands and bookstores March 4th (USA) and March 11th (UK and International). GAL has acquired three airlines: World Airways, North American Airlines, and ATA. This is an interesting look behind the scenes of a Freight and Charter carrier with two additional Charter and Scheduled Passenger airlines. Subodh is one of the most fascinating airline CEO's I have covered. And even if you do not follow this dynamic business, his energy is most invigorating and his outlook is filled with opportunities ahead. This should also give each of you a much-needed break from televised reports about Britney Spears for one day!
Founded in 1989 and based in New York City at JFK International Airport, North American operates scheduled services from the USA to Africa and Guyana as well as domestic & international charter services.
Founded in 1973 as American Trans Air (now ATA) and based in Indianapolis, Indiana, ATA is a low-cost/low fare carrier that provides passenger charters and scheduled services throughout the U.S. mainland and Hawaii. They have a code share with Southwest Airlines.
My Friend Doug Miles, Station Manager of "Talk Radio" WSRQ "Sunny 1220" in Sarasota, Florida with actor Dennis Farina of the TV show "Law & Order". Doug will tape a telephone interview with me February 12th about my serving as Emcee in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for the National Parkinson Foundation Gala "Hope Swings Eternal" at the St. Regis Resort & Spa on February 23rd. Guess what? Dennis and I share the same barber in Arizona! Small world, eh?
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When I moved to this area of Phoenix, of course I spent a lot of time scoping out where the places of necessity are: gas stations, the U.S. Post Office, the best place for a car oil change, coffee haunts, cool bookstores, the grocery, movie theaters and of course...a barber. Early on, I blogged about winding up in a cool Barber Shop. The little bald guy cutting my hair that day explained that he is originally from Milan, but moved to Arizona from Tampa, Florida because he became bored. He asked if I wanted to watch a movie? (I knew this was going to be a long haircut) So, I agreed and we watched a cool Steven Segal movie. The barber guy would stop occasionally as we both watched Segal take on 9 thugs in a warehouse with karate and that intense glaring facial expression. "I met him a couple of years ago", I intoned. "Steven Segal? He's my favorite!" said the barber guy, elated. Then it was his turn. (Whispers quietly with Italian Accent): "You know who's hair I cut?" Me:"No, who?" Barber:"Dennis Farina from 'Law & Order'. He has a house here too!" Me:"How cool is that?" I could tell the barber guy was proud. Three fourths of the way through, I received the hot towel treatment on the face and suddenly feel a hand-fitting vibrator on my shoulders (this is apparently part of the service). He did a good job, but I wound up with a haircut like Kevin Costner in "The Body Guard". So, next time, I'm taking in my headshot for a reference. "Just a slight trim".
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(Photo Courtesy of: Rolling Stone) ___ HAVE A NICE WEEKEND!
Basically, I'm a Public Relations Consultant with a background in Broadcast News. I've worked as a Reporter and Anchor with PBS, ABC, CBS & NBC affiliates and in Cable Television. I'm active in Radio & Television Commercials, Guest Speaking engagements and I enjoy writing, music and sports.
