We recently lost a very talented and versatile actor who was one of my favorites - the brilliant Gene Hackman. The mysterious macabre details surrounding his passing at age 95 has created an unfortunate distraction from his career achievements. You can find his extensive filmography in the mainstream media obituaries that I will not try … Continue reading In Memoriam – Gene Hackman
In Memoriam
A Throwback Thursday In Memoriam – The Amazing Kreskin
I am a faithful reader of the New York Times Obituary column, because they provide a concise historical insight to a person of consequence. Usually a great read. And sometimes I discover more about someone that had an impact on my life or I met on my travels. I try to note those in my … Continue reading A Throwback Thursday In Memoriam – The Amazing Kreskin
Throwback Thursday In Memoriam – Pete Rose; the Dreams and the Distractions
As is natural, as a young boy growing up in Cincinnati in the 60's and 70's my favorite baseball team was (and is) the Cincinnati Reds and my favorite baseball player was (and is) Peter Edward Rose. All that said, as I grew older (and disputably wiser) he is not my favorite human being. There … Continue reading Throwback Thursday In Memoriam – Pete Rose; the Dreams and the Distractions
In Memoriam – James Earl Jones
While it is true that people die everyday, it is not everyday that we lose a giant such as James Earl Jones. A great man in size, in voice, in talent, and in our memories. He passed away yesterday at 93 years of age. Of course, I have seen many of his films and reveled … Continue reading In Memoriam – James Earl Jones
In Memoriam – Chita Rivera
The Broadway stage lost one of its greatest stars when Chita Rivera passed away at the age of 91. I was very fortunate to see her in a number of classic Broadway productions. The very first Broadway show I ever saw was the original production of the musical "Chicago" back in 1976 which featured Chita Rivera, Gwen … Continue reading In Memoriam – Chita Rivera
In Memoriam – Michael Gambon
The great actor Michael Gambon passed away recently. Why his stage skills were lauded he was most widely known from the role he took over after the death of the great Richard Harris. The roll was some dude named Dumbledore in the latter Harry Potter movies. I saw none of those movies (sorry) but I'm … Continue reading In Memoriam – Michael Gambon
In Memoriam – Jimmy Buffett
Woke up this morning to read that Jimmy Buffett had passed away. While I was never a Parrothead, I certainly enjoyed his music. It was so easy going and so evocative of the lifestyle he had built. And he had built an empire on his albums, restaurants, hotels, and even a Florida retirement village dedicated … Continue reading In Memoriam – Jimmy Buffett
Tony Bennett, dead at 96
One of my favorite singers, Anthony Dominick Benedetto (better known as Tony Bennett), passed away yesterday after a seven decade career. He was on the right side of history (he participated in the Selma to Montgomery March in 1965 and other progressive causes), and the right side of music (his skills with jazz vocals and the … Continue reading Tony Bennett, dead at 96
Remembering Mother’s Day
This is the first Mother's Day since mine passed away last year. Wanting to think happy thoughts took me back to 2009. Mom had just fought and won a hard battle with Lupus. Her doctor was proud of her changes in diet and exercise that helped the medical treatments she received. Her doctor recommended that … Continue reading Remembering Mother’s Day
National Lost Socks Memorial Day Redux
Today is National Lost Sock Memorial Day. Who knows what exactly is splitting up your beloved foot coverings? Laundry bag? Washing Machine? Dryer? Alien creature socknapping? Hard to know (because if you did, you wouldn't have lost your sock, now would you?). But whatever caused it, the sock is missing and you are left with … Continue reading National Lost Socks Memorial Day Redux
Happy Birthday, Dad, I miss you so much
On this day my father would have turned 86 and it would have been a fine party. Unfortunately he died three decades ago in 1993 and so went much too young. I do have two old photos of him taken the year before I was born that I had never before seen. Not sure what … Continue reading Happy Birthday, Dad, I miss you so much
In Memoriam – my oddest pairing ever…
In past In Memoriam posts I have made personal observations on notable passings. Some were writers (Terrence McNally), composers (Stephen Sondheim), baseball players (Joe Morgan), actors (Brian Dennehy), former co-workers (Norman Nadel) and family members (my dear cousin Kim) among many others that can be found in the archives. Today I will be presenting the … Continue reading In Memoriam – my oddest pairing ever…
In Memoriam – Pitchers at Bat
In the settlement between Major League Baseball and the Players Union an unfortunate clause was included. It enshrined the Designated Hitter for the National League. The American League has abided by it for decades so it is not unprecedented. But I have always enjoyed the strategy implications of the pitcher batting for himself and the … Continue reading In Memoriam – Pitchers at Bat
In Memoriam – Stephen Sondheim
The news of the passing of Stephen Sondheim filled me with joy. Not because he died, I'm sorry the world is without him. But because the great joy he gave me as the greatest composer and lyricist of the American stage. He constantly expanded and challenged the music theater art form and we are forever … Continue reading In Memoriam – Stephen Sondheim
Throwback Thursday – the Great American Smokeout
Usually I dedicate my Throwback Thursdays to joyous or quirky memories of the past. Today, not so much. Each year on the third Thursday in November, the American Cancer Society sponsors the Great American Smokeout. This is an annual social engineering event to encourage Americans to stop tobacco smoking. The Great American Smokeout challenges smokers … Continue reading Throwback Thursday – the Great American Smokeout
Personal Memories on the 20th Anniversary of the Attacks of September 11, 2001
Whenever we reach a round number anniversary of a notable event the media pulls out all the stops in their coverage and special editions. I have written previously of my experiences on that date in New York City and will, briefly, here again today. But even before I moved to the Big Apple I often … Continue reading Personal Memories on the 20th Anniversary of the Attacks of September 11, 2001
A Tribute to Dorothy Parker
Today, June 7, 2021, is the 54th anniversary of the death of one of my favorite authors, Dorothy Parker. Most people who know Dorothy Parker know her for her witty bon mots - you've probably heard her most famous - "Men seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses." One even addressed her eventual demise. … Continue reading A Tribute to Dorothy Parker
Mom and Socks
In the US today it is Mother's Day (remember last week I reminded you to get your card in the mail and your gift ordered?). Hope you did and that all moms have a terrific day today. The exact date of Mother's Day shifts about the calendar as dictated by the Great Hallmark in the … Continue reading Mom and Socks
I still miss John Lennon
Forty years ago today John Lennon was shot as he returned to his home at The Dakota building in Manhattan as he returned from a recording session. It is a loss I still feel strongly today. John's focus on peace, love and unity were cruelly taken away from the world. Today my playlist will be … Continue reading I still miss John Lennon
International Cat Day on a Throwback Thursday!
I do not currently have a pet but I have been owned by several cats. Tops among them was my favorite little guy - Macaroon. I have very fond memories of little Mac. An acquaintance had a cat who recently had a large litter and wanted to give most of them away. I was seated … Continue reading International Cat Day on a Throwback Thursday!
In Memoriam: Norman Nadel
Norman Nadel passed away on October 25, 2010 - you read that correctly, a decade ago. But ten years ago I didn't have a blog so I wanted to take this opportunity to memorialize a great guy ten years out. I started work at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts (since renamed Artis-Naples) in 1989, … Continue reading In Memoriam: Norman Nadel
In Memoriam – Joe Morgan
Big Reds Machine manager Sparky Anderson with second baseman Joe Morgan I grew up idolizing my Cincinnati Reds and through the 1970's they were the greatest team in Major League Baseball. Their amazing second baseman, Joe Morgan, passed away yesterday. He was a powerful hitter for what was a smaller than standard sized player. He … Continue reading In Memoriam – Joe Morgan
In Memoriam: Bob Gibson
When I was growing up, my mom was a Detroit Tigers fan because it was the city where she was born and grew up. When I was ten years old they were in the World Series but my mom taught me respect for the dominate opposing pitcher, Bob Gibson of the St. Louis Cardinals. His … Continue reading In Memoriam: Bob Gibson
In Memoriam – John Lewis
It was a great loss to the world when Civil Rights Icon John Lewis passed away Friday night. He was called to the movement early in life and accomplished more than nearly any other man in that pursuit during his 80 year lifespan. He was the youngest speaker at the March on Washington and the … Continue reading In Memoriam – John Lewis
In Memoriam – My Dear Cousin Kim
My cousin Kim Mahoney lost her valiant battle with cancer last week and she is very dearly missed. She was a wonderful cousin and an amazing daughter. She was a valued and loving wife. She had beautiful children and (I think I am allowed to say this here) even more adorable grandchildren. I spend time … Continue reading In Memoriam – My Dear Cousin Kim
Walter Thinnes 
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