14 Aug 2011 Meritorious Mention: Down From Paris

They are young, hot and electrically charged, they are Down From Paris.  Their stage performance at Rock and Roar at Spanish Ontario was quite memorable for the concert go’ers and an indicator that this band will on the top one hundred very soon.

When the members ascended on the concert stage in Spanish,  they were very professional.  The band had involvement with the crowd, interacting with pun about the water source on the right of the concert grounds.  After the band began to play it was evident that they had won the crowd over.  Their music style and sound was truly amazing.  Watching them perform was very enjoyable and entertaining.

 

Although Down From Paris does not have any cd’s out, they are an accomplished group.  April  2011, this Sudbury born band won it’s right to play after having competed in Sudbury’s Battle Of the Bands contest.  This group continues to compete and is now one of the finalist for yet another competition, Music is Life.

I am hoping for more information about this band soon.  When I do get the information, I will post it here and tag this as updated.  Until then, I wish the best of luck to Down From Paris.  Great job at Rock and Roar.

 

Down from Paris – Uncle Sam Sudbury Sumerfest 2010

14 Aug 2011 Music, Bands and Musicians

New category being added to moosedroppings.  I am happy to announce that I am expanding the topics to cover musical artist.  Visit this section of moosegal.com frequently or add me to your RSS Feed.

25 Jun 2011 The Unforgettable: Peter Falk
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Would you consider a story about a three year old with eye cancer during the 1930′s interesting?  What if the removal of the eye added a small and yet unique look to the child?  For Peter Falk that’s exactly what happened.  Peter Falk was born September 16, 1927 in New York City, New York to Michael and Madeline Falk. At the very young age of three, Peter was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma and the doctors removed his right eye.

Peter Falk had some very impressive accomplishments.  His very first stage appearance was at Camp High Point at the age of twelve when he performed in The Pirates of Penzance.  As an adult, he joined the United States Merchant Marines where he attended to the culinary needs of the crew.  In 1951, only one year and a half after leaving the Merchant Marines, Peter earned his bachelor’s degree in literature and political science from  the ‘New School for Social Research’ in New York City.  Peter returned to school in 1953 where he earned his Master of Public Administration while attending Maxwell School of Syracuse University in New York.  After receiving his MPA, he worked at the Connecticut State Budget Bureau while studying at the White Barn Theater in Westport, Connecticut.

Peter Falk’s professional career as an actor started 1956.  His stage career was very successful from the beginning and in 1960, what may have been a bold move on his part, Peter moved to Hollywood where he landed his first move.  Murder Incorporated was not only his first film, the movie was nominated for an Oscar.  In 1960, Peter had been nominated for his own Oscar for the performance as a drug addict in The Law and Mr. Jones.  Nominations didn’t stop there as the following year he was nominated for his role as Joy Boy in Pocketful of Miracles.  That very same year he earned and won an Emmy for The Price of  Tomatoes.  Peter had many offers for television shows however the first series he accepted was The Trials of O’Brien.  It was his role in the television movie, Prescription: Murder as Lieutenant Columbo that inspired the series ‘Columbo’.  Peter Falk was a Hollywood success playing many roles and winning many awards.

Peter Falk was also a very private man.  Like you and I, he had a childhood and by his choice, he shared very little of it.  One of the few stories he told was in regards to an incident that took place when he was in high school.  It was during a baseball game that he had a bit of a confrontation with an empire.  The empire had called him out on third and he was very confident that he had in fact, been on base when the call was made.  Angered by the empire’s call, Peter removed his glass eye and handed it to the empire with the remark, “Try this.”  Seems this particular action had a positive effect on the situation, as it had brought about some laughter.

Peter Falk was more than an actor, he was also sketch artist which he gradually began using water color (link to sketch).  Peter had taken up sketching to pass the time between scenes while awaiting for his cue to return before the camera.  Peter was well known as an actor, however as an artist, his work was so impressive that he had numerous gallery showing as well as an exhibition in Rome.

Peter Falk had one of the most memorable voices in Hollywood.  His facial expressions was an asset to his acting abilities and he was very versatile and could play any role handed to him.  Peter Falk was a remarkable actor and he will be missed.

link to youtube Peter Falk Tribute

Peter Falk Movies

21 May 2011 The Notable: Macho Man Randy Savage – Randall Poffo
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On November 15, 1952 Enewetak Atoll made a mark in history and on that same day Randall Mario Poffo made his first appearance in Columbus Ohio.  Randall Mario Poffo was born to to Angelo Poffo (The Miser) and his beautiful wife Judy Poffo.

Although Randy’s father was a famous and a well established wrestler, Randall’s first claim to fame was made on the baseball diamond right after college.  Randall played for the minor league’s as an outfielder.  This path into the baseball world was short lived and eventually he found his calling as a professional wrestler, just like his father. It was Randall’s own father that trained him as a wrestler.

In 1973 Randall Poffo made his first debut as a wrestler which was the very same year as his younger brother Lanny Mark Poffo (the Genius).  Randall’s first wrestling name was The Spider Friend which had some of similarity to spider-man.  Approximately a year later Ole Anderson suggested that he change is name and Macho King was born. Randall Poffo wrestled under other names such as: The Spider, Macho King, The Executioner, The Destroyer, The Macho Man, Mr. Madness, and The Macho Man’ Randy Savage.

Randy Savage was well known for his ring side attire.  Most often his clothing was bright, frilly and truly eye catching.  Randy’s costumes were well co-ordinated and although somewhat loud, they were all in good taste.

Randall Poffo retired as a wrestler February 18,2005.  Randall Poffo continued on as an actor/performer making movies and providing the voice for a variety of animated characters.   Randall also promoted the famous Slim Jim snack as his character The Macho Man Randy Savage,

On May 10, 2010 Randy Savage married his second wife.  Randy met Lynn Payne during his baseball years and their relationship ended around the same time that he became a wrestler.  In 2001, many years later and after his divorce to his first wife (Elizabeth), Randy and Lynn found each other once again.  The two married at Lido Beach where they had first met.

Randy was predeceased by many great wrestlers, however Randall was much more than just my favorite.  Watching his matches was an escape from my own realities. He wrestled with an amazing amount of heart racing, blood pumping energy.  When most men would be down for the count, Randy would find the fortitude to make his comeback.  In many Randy Savage was an inspiration to me and he will be missed.

Click the picture to the right and watch one or both video’s.  First vidoe is this image and Macho Man Randy Savage’s theme song.
The second video is of Randy’s marriage to Lynn Payne.

remembering Randy The Macho Man Savage
08 Mar 2010 The Unforgettable: Farrah Fawcett

Originally posted: February 2010

Picture of Farrah Fawcett
Blond, beautiful and full of life, that is how we will always remember Farrah Leni Fawcett. Farrah emerged into our hearts and homes like a diamond in the rough. Born on February 2, 1947 in Corpus Christie Texas, daughter to James William Fawcett, an oil field contractor and Pauline Alice a homemaker. Neither of Farrah’s parents had any ties with the movie industry but like all gems, it was only a matter of time before she would be discovered.

Farah held the title of the most beautiful student in high school, yet it never interfered with her decision to pursue a career that didn’t revolve around her alluring appearance. After Farrah graduated high school, she entered the University of Texas to study microbiology. It was as university student that the course of her life would change and she would later become one of America’s sexy and glamorous actresses. According to the mini biography at IMB, Farrah won the campus beauty contest where she was discovered by an agent. Enticed by the idea of being a star, Farrah Fawcett moved to Los Angeles and soon after she was introduced to television viewers through a series of product commercials. In the late 1960′s and early 1970′s, Farrah guest starred in different shows such as The Flying Nun, Mayberry R.F.D., I dream of Jeannie, McCloud and countless others. Each small role she played had helped to propel her into stardom. By 1976, Farrah had been truly noticed by the audience when she stepped into the role as Jill Munroe on Charlie’s Angels. Farrah’s presence on televisions dominated style, fashion and the sensual world.

The Farrah Fawcett look created the hair trend of the late 70′s. Farrah’s flipped back, winged and layered look became the most sought after style by many young woman. Due to Farrah’s sex symbol status, Farrah popularity was mainly centered around her looks and her true talent as a actress took the back seat. Farrah was the fantasy girl for many men, the trend setter of woman’s hairstyles and sex symbol of the 70′s. Farrah’s personal life was far from perfect.

From 1973 till 1982, Farrah was married to Lee Majors. In 1982, Farrah became involved with Ryan O’Neal, but their relationship lacked the stability that could have been more supportive to Farrah’s career. In 1985, Farrah gave birth to her only child, Redmond James Fawcett O’Neal. Although still too early to tell, Redmond has not seriously pursued a career in acting. Farrah’s son may have contributed to some of the turmoil in her life but, her last message to him was of love, “The greatest gift of my life was to be your mother. By leaving you behind I hope you will be able to work out all your troubles and grow as a person.” [1]

After the 1970′s, Farrah’s seemed to fade out of the limelight, taking a few role here and there. In 1984, Farrah played the role of Francine Hughes in The Burning Bed. Her role as the battered house was one of the most dramatic roles of her career. Only two years after her notable performance as Francine Hughes, she was cast as the character of Marjorie in the 1986 sensational film, Extremities. The Burning Bed and Extremities set the journey for Farrah, opening the door to many other emotionally impacting roles till her last film before her death.

On June 25, 2009, Farrah passed away leaving behind one last film. Farrah’s two hour movie documentary was the most given and personal role Farrah had ever played. The last two years of her life, the fight against cancer, the small wins and the major defeats were all caught on tape, exposing the real woman for who she was, allowing her fans to be a part of the last days of her life. Farrah left behind intimate details of her fight with cancer, full of emotion and sadness as the end of her battle drew near, public and without shame. Farrah was only 62 years old when her life came to a close. She was an unforgettable woman, beautiful and talented. May we remember her with fondness.

Linker to Farrah Fawcett tribute on youtube

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