Another TV Icon...Gone

Popular televison luminary, John Forsythe, passed away at the age of 92.  He's best know for two roles he created- the voice of "Charley" on Charlie's Angels and as the patriarch on the popular drama Dynasty as "Blake Carrington."  He had a melifluous voice and was handsome.  As a child, I remember him on Bachelor Father.  Hopefully his legacy will live on as young people discover/re-discover his performances.  RIP, John Forsythe.

Superstar?

As I did with Halloween, I thought it would be fun to write about the various Biblical epics that I grew up with.  Some are amazing works of cinema, whilst others are somewhat snarky.  And I would like to write about Old Testament films, as well as the ones of New Testament interpretation.
Being that it is Good Friday, I'd like to start with MGM's King of Kings.  Produced by Samuel Bronston and directed by Nicholas Ray.  The stars were an eclectic and alternative mix of knowns and unknowns.  Jeffrey Hunter was cast as Jesus- blue eyes and a reddish mane.  His voice was powerful enough to convey the message of "peace, love and the brotherhood of man."  Siobahn McKenna, Mary the mother of Jesus, was a tad too mature for the role, yet her delivery was not too matronly.  Carmen Sevilla, an A-lister in her native Spain, is a gorgeous Magdalene.  But her voice is dubbed and I think it is noticeable.  Other of note- Hurd Hatfield as Pilate, Ron Randell as Lucius, Frank Thring as Herod and in her film debut, 16 year old Brigid Bazlen as Salome.  Seasoned veterans that I know, Robert Ryan and Harry Guardino, portrayed John the Baptist and Barabbas, respectively.
The film was shot in Spain because the countryside resembled with the production team imagined the middle east to look like two thousand years ago.  Some of the countryside is spectacular, especially for the Sermon on the Mount scene, with a literal cast of thousands.  This scene is considered a textbook example for difficult filming.  Jesus is walking through the crowd at difficult angles and inclines, so the poor camera people had to navigate and plan carefully.  Watch it for the technical aspect alone!  The costumes and hair styles,  especially for Herodias (Rita Gam) and Claudia (Vivieca Lindfors) are too contemporary, but nonetheless fun to look at.  The grand musical score is by Miklos Rosza.  It is one of my favorite scores.  You will note that the music runs through out the film.  I'd say 85% is underscoring.
The story, though, is a tad different in some ways.  The Gospel narrative is there; not much emphasis on the miracles.  It is more of a human story.  One of the sub-plots is Barabbas's fight to liberate Judea from the Roman.  In fact, during the Palm Sunday sequence, Barabbas leads a group of "patriots" on a raid of the fortress Antonia.  Obviously not in the Gospel, but it was the action scene needed to attract the segment of movie goers who found religious movies to be boring.
I was introduced to this film in 1967, when the local ABC affiliate, KGO channel 7, had movies before prime time.  It was shown on two days; part one ended with the beheading of John the Baptist.  The dialogue was made a bit contemporary as well. (Father, into your hands I commend my soul.)
It is a classic and if you are a fan of the genre, regardless of your faith, this is a film to check out.  And if you can, focus on the music!!

Baruch ata hashem

Today I was priveleged to share in a Seder meal with my dear friend Dan and his wonderful family.  In fact, it was an honor to sit next to the patriarch, his dad Jerome, and his older brother, Ben.  Truly a lovely family...his sister Rebecca, sister-in-law Nancy, niece and nephew,  and of course his remarkable mom, Jane.  Oh, how I miss family gatherings and especially meals.  Arrived late due to a prior committment (Masters in Ed class in San Ramon).

The repast was delish!  Matzoh ball soup in a mushrom broth, gefilte fish made with salmon- to die for!  A very, very spicy and hot horseradish.  A wonderfully wicked charoset, and a scrumptious salad and a dish that caused a great discussion- grain or grass.  Quinoa, I think.  Desserts were unleavened cookies and a dark chocolate cake that would rival any restaurant dessert!

The best part was sharing this meal with my friend and his family- hopefully one day to be known as friends as well.  Truth be known, since I got there late and couldn't sing "Dayenu" - I actually wanted to burst in song with "Yeverechacha."  Perhaps next year, huh?

Thank you Dan and family for making me feel very welcome!  God's blessings upon you and may She guide and protect you all in your travels, endeavours, and get-togethers.  L'chaim!

Summer Employment

Summer this year will be a tad busy.  I have committed myself to work at the Salesian Boys and Girls Summer Day Camp from mid-June to mid-August.  What area?  Music and drama.  More importantly, what ages?  Ready?  From three to nine...*sigh*....uh....huh?  It was a recommendation from a co-worker, who's been working there for a long time, that got me this summer gig.  The interview with the summer director was not as stressful as I thought it would be.  She made me feel relaxed and told me all the great things that this club does for the youth.  The best thing is working in a neighborhood that I take for granted, yet it is in my hometown- North Beach.  Walking down Columbus Avenue and Stockton Street was just exhilarating.  The smells, the sounds, the crowds, the ambiance- truly a part of San Francisco I only share with out of towners.  I guess, like anyone, we take neighborhoods in our hometowns for granted.  It will be great to explore this exciting neighborhood.
Now, what to do and teach?  Thank goodness for "Ein mopps komm in die kuche" and Xuxa's incredible version of "It's A Small World."  OK, that's all for today.

Rest In Peace Dear Heinz

It's funny how people come into our lives and  friendships develop.  Who would of told me back in 2006 that whilst in a chatroom on AOL I would meet and become a friend with this incredible gentleman?  Penpalships are not supposed to last long, but we wrote each other faithfully on a weekly basis.  Heinz Bunger, born after WWII in Germany; immigrated to the United States where he worked at the Copley Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts.
In his emails I learned how thirsted for knowledge of the WWII years, as growing up in Germany, children were discouraged to ask about those years.
While working in Boston, he would meet luminaries from the world of politics, sports and entertainment.
Upon retiring he moved to Florida.  As I said, we met in an AOL chatroom and became good friends.
He was thrilled to learn that in the summer of 2006 I was beginning to learn German, his native language.  He'd write to encourage and not give up.  Let me tall you- German is not an easy language.  But Heinz helped me with my attempting and mangling of his language.
He loved amusement parks; had season tickets to Busch Gardens in Florida and loved to ride the roller coasters.
Sadly, his life came to an end due to a heart attack.  He was taking care of a roommate who is dying- he's actually in hospice care and morphine.  The last email from him mentioned friends we meet and how we develop what becomes love...not the mushy, sexual, etc. type...but love between friends.  I got the feeling that he worried about living alone; he's at rest now.  Last year he had complications with the prostate.  I never met him physically nor even chatted on the phone- just chats online.  But he became a wonderful friend and I will miss his emails lots.  Oh, his favorite character was the Hallmark "Maxine."
Rest in peace, meine freund.

Big Surprise!

So Avatar did not win Best Picture.  A film I did not even know won.  And it won best director- the ex-wife of James Cameron, Katherine Bigelow.  First woman to win the Director Oscar!
My other predictions, 7 of them, were right on.  It was a good show and entertaining.  I miss the big production numbers, but the show is a three and one half hour affair.
I'd write more but I am tired.  My canine companion decided to bark at midnight for about 10 minutes...because the wind kept slamming the back yard door.  Children!  Sheesh!!  Until next time.

My Predictions: Oscars 2010

It has been an amazing year for film.  So amazing that it's back to 10 pictures being nominated, just like in the 1930s.  I'm going to give it my best and make predictions the day before the big event.  The event that my sports loving friends refer to as "Arthur's Super Bowl."

PICTURE:  I'd love to see District 9 get it but it will be Avatar.
ACTOR:  Jeff Bridges   Crazy Heart
SUPPORTING ACTOR:  Christopher Waltz   Inglorious Basterds
ACTRESS:  I'd love Gabourey Sidibie for Precious to win but it will be Sandra Bullock for The Blind Side
SUPPORTING ACTRESS:  Mo'Nique for Precious
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY:  Up
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY:  Precious
CINEMATOGRAPHY:  Avatar
DIRECTOR:  James Cameron for Avatar
VISUAL EFFECTS:  Avatar
MAKE-UP: Star Trek
FILM EDITING:  District 9
ORIGINAL SONG: "Take It All" from Nine
ORIGINAL SCORE:  Up
COSTUME DESIGN:  Nine
ANIMATED FEATURE:  Up
ART DIRECTION:  Avatar


Y bien...those are my predictions.  What are yours?

Back to School!

Short entry today.  I have not neglected the blog- I've been very busy adjusting to my new dog that I don't have time to get on the computer like I used to...which is a good thing.  Papi keeps me a lot more active physically with our three walks a day.  Granted, it is around the neighborhood, but we do walk.
In other news, I got my acceptance letter to Lesley University for the Masters in Technology in the Classroom program.  It will begin the last weekend of March and will go on for about 22 months; so in about two years I will have a Masters!  I am looking forward to this as I hope to learn a lot more than just power point presentations.  I am looking forward to making new friends and sharing ideas with them.  Lesley University is located in the Boston area, namely Cambridge.  It is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges; it's a legit institution!  Please keep me in your prayers for the next two years.  I will appreciate it very much.
Hopefully this weekend I can discuss the Oscars...sheesh...it's this weekend!!  Where does the time go?
Saludos a todos!!

How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?

I'd like to introduce you to my canine companion, Papi Chulo.  On Friday the 19th of February I adopted this cute little doggie.  His foster mom was given Papi by his former owner who could not keep him; apparently he spent a year in a garage.  He is a year and 8 months old and quite energetic.  He has a loving personality and friendly with everyone, children included.  He has a healthy bark and is proving to be an excellent watchdog.
His breed- Labradoodle.
Over the years, since age 10, I've had dogs, cats, and even a chicken and rooster.  The first was Cisco, a chihuahua/terrier mix.    We also had an orange tabby, Cornelius, who was poisoned by a neighbor.  Hippie neighbors moved and left a small rooster, Leibowitz.  We got a chicken, Penelope.  Of course, they both ended up as the soup of the day whilst I was at school.
When Cisco died,  we got a German Shepherd/Labrador mix, Rosco St. James III.  He was the ultimate watch dog and had to be put to sleep because he became very ill.  The last dog we had was little Bart, a beagle/spaniel mix.  His lived wiht the Daughters of Charity in Carson City, Nevada and was about 14 years old.   His vet refused to euthanize him- he was going blind; had arthritis; heart problems and was carrying a benign tumor the size of a tennis ball.  I was told not to get attached as he might live just two months.  The little one lived with us for a year and a half!
Then, my aunt and mom had their medical problems so there was no way we could keep a pet.
Now that I live alone, I am glad to have a little companion to keep me company and to get me back on my walking regimen.  In fact, over the weekend even my time on the computer has been shortened due to playing ball, belly rubs and walks.  I am planning to take him to Cathedral City during Easter break.
He's a gentle little angel and I hope to provide him with a loving forever home.  Welcome Papi Chulo!

Gung Hay Fat Choi

One of those rare dates when Chinese New Year coincides with Valentine's Day.  It is the Year of the Tiger.  The tiger is an amazingly beautiful and powerful creature.  A great cat with a very loud purr.  To those of you who celebrate this holiday, may you have good health, find prosperity, and enjoy life to its fullest.  If you have a loved one, love her or him as if it were the last day the earth revolves around the sun!  Hugs to you all and enjoy the day.