BERIGAN

according to weather.com 29F with winds gusting to 30 MPH.

His 22 year old son was killed as well.... 'Christmas Story' director, son killed in L.A. crash April 4, 2007 BY JEREMIAH MARQUEZ Associated Press LOS ANGELES -- Film director Bob Clark, best known for the holiday classic "A Christmas Story," was killed with his son Wednesday in a head-on crash with a vehicle that a drunken driver steered into the wrong lane, police and the filmmaker's assistant said. Clark, 67, and son Ariel Hanrath-Clark, 22, were killed in the accident in Pacific Palisades, said Lyne Leavy, Clark's personal assistant. The two men were in an Infiniti that collided head-on with a GMC Yukon around 2:30 a.m. PDT, said Lt. Paul Vernon, a police spokesman. The driver of the other car was under the influence of alcohol and was driving without a license, Vernon said. The driver, Hector Velazquez-Nava, 24, of Los Angeles, remained hospitalized and will be booked for investigation of gross vehicular manslaughter after being treated, Vernon said. A female passenger in his car also was taken to the hospital with minor injuries and released, police said. In Clark's most famous film, all 9-year-old Ralphie Parker wants for Christmas is an official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle. His mother, teacher and Santa Claus all warn: ''You'll shoot your eye out, kid.'' A school bully named Scut Farkus, a leg lamp, a freezing flagpole mishap and some four-letter defiance helped the movie become a seasonal fixture with ''It's A Wonderful Life'' and ''Miracle on 34th Street.'' Scott Schwartz, who played Flick in ''A Christmas Story'' and kept in touch with Clark, called Clark one of the ''nicest, sweetest guys that you'd ever want to come in contact with.'' ''It's a tragic day for all of us who knew and loved Bob Clark,'' Schwartz said. ''Bob was a fun-loving, jelly-roll kind of guy who will be sorely missed.'' The director of The Christmas Story House in Cleveland, which was used for several exterior shots in the film, said Clark had been planning to visit in August. ''We were all very excited about meeting him,'' said executive director Steve Siedlecki. ''It's very sad to think that that will never happen.'' The house started a condolence book for Clark's family that fans who visit the house can sign, he said. Renovated to look like Ralphie's movie home, the house opened in November and has welcomed about 30,000 visitors. Clark specialized in horror movies and thrillers early in his career, directing such 1970s flicks as ''Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things,'' ''Murder by Decree,'' ''Breaking Point'' and ''Black Christmas,'' which was remade last year. His breakout success came with 1981's sex farce ''Porky's,'' a coming-of-age romp that he followed two years later with ''Porky's II: The Next Day.'' In 1983, ''A Christmas Story'' marked a career high for Clark. Darrin McGavin, Melinda Dillon and Peter Billingsley starred in the adaptation of Jean Shepard's childhood memoir of a boy in the 1940s. The film was a modest theatrical success, but critics loved it. In 1994, Clark directed a forgettable sequel, ''It Runs in the Family,'' featuring Charles Grodin, Mary Steenburgen and Kieran Culkin in a continuation of Shepard's memoirs. In recent years, Clark made family comedies that were savaged by critics, including ''Karate Dog,'' ''Baby Geniuses'' and its sequel, ''Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2.'' Among Clark's other movies were Sylvester Stallone and Dolly Parton's ''Rhinestone,'' Timothy Hutton's ''Turk 182!'', and Gene Hackman and Dan Aykroyd's ''Loose Cannons.'' http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/328294...k040407.article

Hope you avoid the Fox channel on free tv as well, and never, ever give money via DVD(Or that run in syndication on non Fox stations) such as The Simpsons, House, King of the Kill, 24, Family Guy, WKRP in Cincinnati, That 70's Show, Arrested Development, The Time Tunnel, The X-Files, and many more. IF you would buy these, clearly you are worse than Hitler.

Looks like a Loooooooooooonnnng wait stilll. This article acts like it is news that they are even talking about it! A link from the Atlanta paper today.... Disney Could Unlock `Song of the South' By TRAVIS REED Associated Press Writer ORLANDO, Fla. — Walt Disney Co.'s 1946 film "Song of the South" was historic. It was Disney's first big live-action picture and produced one of the company's most famous songs — the Oscar-winning "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah." It also provided the inspiration for the Splash Mountain rides at Disney's theme parks. But the movie remains hidden in the Disney archives — never released on video in the United States and criticized as racist for its depiction of Southern plantation blacks. The film's 60th anniversary passed last year without a whisper of official rerelease, which is unusual for Disney, but President and CEO Bob Iger recently said the company was reconsidering. The film's reissue would surely spark debate, but it could also sell big. Nearly 115,000 people have signed an online petition urging Disney to make the movie available, and out-of-print international copies routinely sell online for $50 to $90, some even more than $100. Iger was answering a shareholder's inquiry about the movie for the second straight year at Disney's annual meeting in New Orleans. This month the Disney chief made a rerelease sound more possible. "The question of `Song of the South' comes up periodically, in fact it was raised at last year's annual meeting," Iger said. "And since that time, we've decided to take a look at it again because we've had numerous requests about bringing it out. Our concern was that a film that was made so many decades ago being brought out today perhaps could be either misinterpreted or that it would be somewhat challenging in terms of providing the appropriate context." "Song of the South" was re-shown in theaters in 1956, 1972, 1980 and 1986. Both animated and live-action, it tells the story of a young white boy, Johnny, who goes to live on his grandparents' Georgia plantation when his parents split up. Johnny is charmed by Uncle Remus — a popular black servant — and his fables of Brer Rabbit, Brer Bear and Brer Fox, which are actual black folk tales. (An honorary Oscar to James Baskett for his portrayal of Uncle Remus.) Remus' stories include "The Tar Baby," a phrase Republican presidential hopefuls John McCain and Mitt Romney have been criticized for using to describe difficult situations. In "Song of the South," it was a trick Brer Fox and Brer Bear used to catch the rabbit — dressing a lump of hot tar as a person to ensnare their prey. To some, it's now a derogatory term for blacks, regardless of context. The movie doesn't reveal whether it takes place before or after the Civil War, and never refers to blacks on the plantation as slaves. It makes clear they work for the family, living down dirt roads in wood shacks while the white characters stay in a mansion. Remus and other black characters' dialogue is full of "ain't nevers," "ain't nobodys," "you tells," and "dem dayses." "In today's environment, `Song of the South' probably doesn't have a lot of meaning, especially to the younger audiences," said James Pappas, associate professor of African-American Studies at the University of New York at Buffalo. "Older audiences probably would have more of a connection with the stereotypes, which were considered harmless at the time." Pappas said it's not clear that the movie is intentionally racist, but it inappropriately projects Remus as a happy, laughing storyteller even though he's a plantation worker. However, Pappas said he thinks the movie should be rereleased because of its historical significance. He said it should be prefaced, and closed, with present-day statements. "I think it's important that these images are shown today so that especially young people can understand this historical context for some of the blatant stereotyping that's done today," Pappas said. From a financial standpoint, Iger acknowledged last year that Disney stood to gain from rereleasing "Song." The company's movies are popular with collectors, and Disney has kept sales strong by tightly controlling when they're available. Christian Willis, a 26-year-old IT administrator in San Juan Capistrano, Calif., started a "Song of the South" fan site in 1999 to showcase memorabilia. He soon expanded it into a clearinghouse for information on the movie that now averages more than 800 hits a day and manages the online petition. Willis said he doesn't think the movie is racist, just from a different time. "Stereotypes did exist on the screen," he said. "But if you look at other films of that time period, I think `Song of the South' was really quite tame in that regard. I think Disney did make an effort to show African-Americans in a more positive light." Though Willis is hopeful, there's still no telling when — or if — the movie could come out (beyond its copyright lapsing decades from now). In a statement to The Associated Press, Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Disney's distribution arm, said: "`Song of the South' is one of a handful of titles that has not seen a home distribution window. To this point, we have not discounted nor committed to any distribution window concerning this title." ___ http://www.accessatlanta.com/entertainment..._The_South.html

I have always remembered his joke about half of all marriages ending in divorce, and what the other half ended in! (CNN) -- With a cynical eye, Richard Jeni mined his Catholic boyhood, New York heritage and difficulties with romantic relationships for material. Here are bits from some of his routines, culled from around the Internet: "I think that's how Chicago got started. A bunch of people in New York said, 'Gee, I'm enjoying the crime and the poverty, but it just isn't cold enough. Let's go west.' " On religion: "You're basically killing each other to see who's got the better imaginary friend." "The way I see it, we're all on the Hindenberg. Why fight over the window seats?" "It is a sad fact that 50 percent of marriages in this country end in divorce. But hey, the other half end in death. You could be one of the lucky ones!" Defining "Platypus Man," the title of one of his UPN series and one of his comedy specials: "An adult male human that attempts to mate frequently but spends most of its time alone." "I always look for a woman who has a tattoo. I see a woman with a tattoo, and I'm thinking, OK, here's a gal who's capable of making a decision she'll regret in the future." "My mother never saw the irony of calling me a son of a bitch." "You know what the average person is? Average."

Very sad.....I remember his Showtime Comedy specials, which were so damn funny, back in the early 90's. Movies just seemed to make him a bland character, and I didn't notice him being the "funny" guy he was 15+ years ago. From those specials, it sounded like he had a tough childhood. Rest in peace Richard...... Comedian commits apparent suicide, police said POSTED: 9:47 a.m. EDT, March 13, 2007 LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Richard Jeni, a standup comedian who played to sold-out crowds, was a regular on the "Tonight Show" and appeared in movies, died of a gunshot wound in an apparent suicide, police said Sunday. Police found the 49-year-old comedian alive but gravely injured in a West Hollywood home when they responded to a call Saturday morning from Jeni's girlfriend, Los Angeles Police Officer Norma Eisenman said. Eisenman said the caller told police: "My boyfriend shot himself in the face." Jeni died at a nearby hospital. Eisenman said suicide had not been officially confirmed and the investigation was continuing. An autopsy on Jeni would be done Monday, said Lt. Fred Corral from the investigation division of the coroner's office. Jeni regularly toured the country with a standup act and had starred in several HBO comedy specials, most recently "A Big Steaming Pile of Me" during the 2005-06 season. Another HBO special, "Platypus Man," won a Cable ACE award for best standup comedy special, and formed the basis for his UPN sitcom of the same name, which ran for one season. Jeni's movie credits included "The Mask," in which he played Jim Carrey's best friend, "The Aristocrats," "National Lampoon's Dad's Week Off," and "An Alan Smithee Film: Burn, Hollywood, Burn." He had guest appearances in the TV shows "Everybody Hates Chris," "Married: With Children," and updated versions of the game shows "Hollywood Squares" and "Match Game." Frazer Smith, standup comedian who often opened for Jeni and the emcee at the Ice House, where Jeni often performed, said young comedians looked up to him. "He was probably one of the best standup comedians in the last 50 years," said Smith. "He had tons and tons of material. He was looked up to by all the young comedians, a total pro." The Brooklyn-born comic first received national attention in 1990 with the Showtime special "Richard Jeni: Boy From New York City." Two years later, his "Crazy From the Heat" special attracted the highest ratings in Showtime's history. Jeni became a frequent guest on "The Tonight Show" during Johnny Carson's reign and continued to appear after Jay Leno took over as host. He also wrote comic material for the 2005 Academy Awards, which was hosted by his friend Chris Rock. http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/03/11/comedian.dead.ap/index.html

A bit more on her, and her best role. If you like old movies, and haven't seen "The Miracle of Morgan's Creek", see it! The miracle of Betty Hutton Posted on Mar 13, 2007 10:24:30 AM The obituaries usually mention "Annie Get Your Gun" first. Perhaps Betty Hutton would enjoy the irony. ''Annie was the heartbreak of my life,'' she said in a 2000 TV interview. The reason? The MGM cast and crew treated her shabbily after she replaced Judy Garland. Hutton's death, at 86 in Palm Springs, Calif., was confirmed Monday. The Associated Press put "Annie" in the lead. The true high point of her career, "The Miracle of Morgan's Creek," was mentioned in the 11th graph. Oh, well. "Morgan's Creek" will be the reason movie fans pay attention to her for decades to come. Turner Classic Movies will celebrate Hutton on Thursday by presenting three of her films: 12:30 p.m. "The Stork Club" 2:15 p.m. "The Perils of Pauline" 4 p.m. "The Greatest Show on Earth" Best of all, TCM will repeat its priceless interview with Hutton at 7 p.m. Hutton sat for the chat on "Private Screenings" seven years ago. TCM billed the TV appearance as Hutton's first in 20 years. ''I like to make people happy,'' she said of her boisterous style. It made for fascinating viewing because Hutton shared her fear, anguish and joy so openly. Host Robert Osborne put her at ease and complimented her on her sex appeal. ''Wow, Bob, you're crazy,'' Hutton replied. Her rambunctious manner set her apart in Hollywood. ''That's a vitamin pill with legs,'' Bob Hope said of her. She brought zip to such funny songs as ''Arthur Murray Taught Me Dancing in a Hurry'' and ''Murder He Says.'' She also excelled on ballads, such as ''I Wish I Didn't Love You So.'' Though Hutton was a top star at Paramount, many of her films were forgettable. Her career highlights were "The Miracle of Morgan's Creek" in 1944, "Annie Get Your Gun" in 1950 and "The Greatest Show on Earth" in 1952. "Morgan's Creek," her best film, was daring for its time. The Preston Sturges comedy concerns a woman who can't remember the man who impregnanted her. Hutton wowed Cecil B. De Mille with her trapeze skill to join "Greatest Show," which won the Oscar for best picture. In the interview, Hutton talked about her alcoholic mother, her lost fortune, her failed marriages and her estrangement from her children. ''My private life has been hell,'' she says. She walked away from Hollywood and later found peace working as a cook in a rectory, where a Catholic priest offered her guidance. ''I did not know God,'' Hutton says. ''I had worked so hard, I didn't have time.'' Thanks to TCM, we had this final chance to see and understand Hutton. On that channel, film history lives. http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertain...iracle_of_.html

Sad to hear she died, but kind of cool the way she planned to be buried before the press found out she had died. She was a bit over the top at times, but she really had a good voice when it came to singing a ballad....a shame more people don't know that..... Movie musicals star Hutton dies Betty Hutton had a reputation for speaking her mind Actress and singer Betty Hutton, famous for starring in Hollywood musicals such as Annie Get Your Gun, has died in Palm Springs, California, aged 86. Hutton found fame as a big band vocalist before moving on to Broadway and then Hollywood, where she was a major star in the early 1950s. The energetic "blonde bombshell" had a "vividly unique personality" on screen, Time magazine wrote in 1950. She died of complications from colon cancer on Sunday. Carl Bruno, a friend and the executor of her estate, said she did not want her death announced until after her funeral, which took place on Tuesday. "She wanted anonymity as far as being buried," he said. "She didn't want that to be turned into a circus." Hutton said she found it hard to watch her old movies Annie Get Your Gun, the Irving Berlin musical biography of Wild West sharpshooter Annie Oakley, made Hutton a star in 1950. She won the part after Judy Garland dropped out of the production due to illness. Her other notable films included Cecil B DeMille's The Greatest Show on Earth in 1952 and The Miracle of Morgan's Creek, the 1944 Preston Sturges satire. Sturges called Hutton "a full-fledged actress with every talent the noun implies". "She plays in musicals because the public, which can do practically nothing well, is willing to concede its entertainers only one talent." Hutton could be brash at times. "When I'm working with jerks with no talent, I raise hell until I get what I want," she told the Associated Press in 1954. But her career faded after she walked out on a studio contract, reportedly after demanding that her then-husband should direct her films. Personal troubles She made only one movie after walking out on her Paramount contract, but had a TV series for a year and worked occasionally on the stage and in nightclubs. Her personal life was rocky, including four failed marriages, financial problems and difficulties between her and her three daughters. There were periods of alcohol and drug abuse, and an attempted suicide following a nervous breakdown in the 1960s. She told the Associated Press in a 2000 interview that she did not like to see herself in her old movies. "It isn't the movie I'm looking at," she said. "Professionally, my career was great, but never was the scene offstage great for me." She had been living out a quiet retirement in California at the time of her death. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6447581.stm

What would you like to do to this creep???? http://www.wnbc.com/news/11215959/detail.h...l=headlineclick

Don't sign in for a few days, and million folks have birthdays! Hope you got and played quite a few Mosaics! Clearly more jazz fans are Pisces than any other sign in the zodiac.

Hope it was a good one!

Hope it was great! Pisces rule, as you know!

Too many for you to keep up with too, eh what?

What, another one??? Hope you had a great one!

Hope you had a Happy birthday Big Al! Here's to the Rangers winning the W.S.! Perhaps you all will trade for Kenny Rogers in August! :rsmile:

Have a great one! you should receive this shirt very soon!

Guy, one thing I know about Charlotte(was only there once for a few hours, lots and lots of tall insurance buildings I recall) is that the city leaders seem to get what they want. They beat out Jacksonville for an NFL expansion team,(And a few other things I can't think of right now-if Charlotte was in the running, we knew we were sunk) and beat out Atlanta for the NASCAR hall of Fame. Perhaps not your cups of tea, but they don't sit on their hands while someone else gets the brass ring.... and yes, the south is hotter than NYC, at least more humid.

Trust me, I lived in Jacksonville for 10 years, it is a much worse city than Charlotte(Though to be somewhat fair, I haven't lived there since 1993 and there have been some improvements) More racists per capita in Jacksonville than anywhere else in the south I've been. By far. Even my Canadian born optician, had lived there long enough to be a racist! I didn't have a single friend who was born in Jacksonville when I lived there......It's the armpit of the south, IMHO.

So, I take you liked it there then??? :rsmile:

Hope you had a great one!!!!

Not only did I have a jar, I ate most of it! But, I have so many stomach issues after my Gall bladder surgery, I don't know if I would even notice if I had salmonella!

Man, this cat can play!

The fact that her son died at the age of 20, and now her, makes me wonder if someone has hasn't had a hand in their deaths. Normally, people can do a lot of drugs(prescription or otherwise) without dying. Very sad.

That mug shot looks more than just a little bit like the "changes in Meth-users mug shots over time". How someone could get through the rigors of study to get on a Space Shuttle mission, and then go off the deep end like this - is nearly beyond explaination. From the article... "Nowak's biography shows she is a 1985 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis with a degree in aerospace engineering, and a former test pilot who has logged more than 1,500 hours of flight in at least 30 types of aircraft. She joined the space program in 1996." The article also said... "Nowak -- who was a mission specialist on a Space Shuttle Discovery flight last summer..." Last summer?? Whatever has happened to her, sure happened quick. When I first heard the story on the news, I just assumed that who ever it was had not been on the Shuttle for like 10 years -- you know, somebody who's been out of NASA for quite some time. Rt, you are right, when you say she looks like a meth addict! Can you imagine the arresting officer's shock when she said she was an astronaut....then finding out she was telling the truth????