Saturday, October 30, 2010

In memory of my mother, who died Oct. 30, 2009

"Betty was a natural cook who loved nothing more than gathering her family for a meal. She was a quick study with a love of witty banter. She also loved to dance and often performed a soft-shoe tap routine in her kitchen. Short of stature, she vowed to come back as a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall and invites all to look for her there. Whenever a gathering of friends came to visit, you could count on her to get everyone singing. She worked on crossword puzzles until the day she died.

"Her Maine accent was a family treasure. When the Red Sox made it to the World Series in 2004, she said that if they won against those damn Yankees, she’d be ready to go. She was, in the end, a pip."

Thursday, October 28, 2010

He's been booked!

James MacArthur passed away early today at his Palm Desert, California home. He was 72 years old.

The son of stage and screen legend and “First Lady of the Theatre” Helen Hayes and writer Charles MacArthur (Front Page), James MacArthur had a long career from his days as a child actor (he starred in the Disney movie Swiss Family Robinson).

H/T to Thom Forbes!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Monday, October 25, 2010

Can't you just picture this?




She loved being a majorette and could be found twirling her baton, at times with the special effects of fire, at New Britain High football games as well other sporting and pep rally events.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

All about Jim



Jim also enjoyed woodworking, riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycles, capturing the perfect shot with his camera and creating extraordinary ink sketches.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

'The incredible story of Ernie Wallace'


On top of his business savvy and giving nature, he was a man who made people laugh til their sides hurt. He is often remembered singing loudly, encouraging everyone to join in his revelry. Ernie did not simply walk across this world, he left large footprints.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Ann Arbor has lost a gem

He was the quintessential "diamond in the rough", a man of untold mystical wisdom, a walking encyclopedia of botany and natural spaces, a profound and talented artist who created many oil paintings and pen and ink drawings (the majority of which he gave away), a philosopher king who dabbled in religions and theologies, both east and west, and a political spokesperson who, despite his gnome-like size and demeanor, was never shy about sharing his point of view, particularly when it came to cruelty to animals, the abuse of our natural resources, the over-stimulation of technology, or even, as he did, attempting to save seven landmark trees in the parking lot of the Traver Village Mall (he saved just one … see the one tree left standing!)

H/T: Ryan J. Stanton

Monday, October 18, 2010

Look out, below!

She continued on to Yeshiva University (referring to herself as the "token WASP") for a master's degree but was side tracked by an onslaught of grandchildren.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Now don't tell me he's nothing to do

He was a gentle man with playful, boyish delight and a knack for shooting elastics, making paper airplanes, and flipping coins with his friends. He repaired everyone's broken eyewear and replaced batteries or wristbands for broken watches. He remembered his friends with theme gifts such as key chains, pens, state quarters, and tiny flashlights. Warren knew considerable rock 'n roll history and lore. His favorite group was The Doors.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

It's not every day you meet Jesus there

"He emulated goodness in everything he did. He had an angelic aura all around him. He was the most peaceful man I ever met," said Mann, director of volunteer services for the New London Community Meal Center Inc.

Jarrett, who was known as "Father Emmett" to most of those who knew him, had a background in English, wrote poetry, served in the Army from 1959 to 1962 and became an ordained Episcopal priest after "meeting Jesus on the Taconic State Parkway."

)I actually worked with the man at Conn College, where he was a member of the clergy.)

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Yeah, yeah, seamstress, artist. Where's the beef?

With an outspoken questioning attitude, Mrs. Bucko was a concerned patriot never satisfied with today's governmental charades.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Tip of the iceberg here

He was not an 'occasional' cook but rather, he took pains to invest with equal ardor in each and every meal. He shopped daily. For him, leftovers were unacceptable. Each meal was new.


H/T to Peter Elikann!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

"(Except the Yankees)"

He enjoyed woodworking, traveling, coin collecting, baseball (except the Yankees), and spending his mornings with the McDonald's 8 a.m. Coffee Club.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Norman Wisdom, British funnyman, 95

Margalit Fox nails it again:

But he remained beloved in Britain, where he gave many command performances for the royal family. His most talked-about came in 2000, when he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. As widely reported in the British news media, Mr. Wisdom, leaving the ceremony, could not resist stumbling.

The queen, the British press reported, was Most Amused.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

He was pedaling home from his job as a dishwasher at the Crab Shack

When a reader made a nasty comment about the man's obituary, the newspaper wrote a story about his life. Journalism doing its job.