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

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.

Peter Falk Movies

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.

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.

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She was a giant on television, she had it all. Julia Child was a witty, humorous woman that wasn’t afraid to have fun with food. Her kitchen etiquette may not have been as prudent or disciplined as her colleagues, but that’s what made her so remarkable.

Julia Child was born in Pasadena California on August 15, 1912. Her parents John McWilliams, Jr. and Julia Carolyn Weston came from prominent backgrounds. Although Julia was known to be down to earth, her upbringing as a child was quite different. Julia attended the Katherine Branson School for Girls in San Francisco. Julia furthered her education at Smith College and graduated with her Bachelor of Art degree in 1934. Success was yet to follow, from New York working in an copywriter for W&J Sloane, to writing for a local publication back in Pasadena. Julia’s life was just starting to develop and her success was unforeseen.

As World War II commenced, Julia volunteered as a research assistant for the Office of Strategic Services. It was during her duties as a volunteer for the OSS that she met the love of her life. Paul Child was stationed in Sri Lanka where Julia had been assigned on a government mission. Although the relationship was frowned upon by the OSS and Julia was transferred to China, their love grew and flourished. On September 1, 1946 Julia and Paul were married.

In a short time, after becoming a wife to Paul, Julia’s life and interest changed considerably. Paul took a position with the foreign services in Washington DC, later he was stationed in Paris France. It was Paul’s interest in french food that had tweaked Julia’s interest in french foods. It was while Paul was stationed in France that Julia enrolled in the Cordon Bleu cooking school and shortly after graduating from Cordon Bleu , Julia began her career as a chef.

In 1951, Julia Child, Simon Beck and Louisette Bertholle opened the doors to their very own cooking school, L’Ecole des Trois Gourmandes. In 1961 while accompanying her husband to different locations throughout Europe, Julia and Simon Beck created and published their very first cookbook, Mastering the Arts of French Cooking.

From co author of a cookbook to television chef, Julia’s life continued to transform. In 1963, America’s most popular half hour cooking show was born and Julia Child was the star of The French Chef. Julia provided over 200 episodes of cooking on The French Chef and as it faded out, Julia stepped into the role as chef on her very own show, Julia Child and Company. Julia changed with the times, and so did her shows, and she was able to keep the interest of her audience with her cooking, charm and humor.

Julia’s fame continued on but after many years of being a television personality, Julia retired when her husband Paul suffered a stroke in 1989. When her husband passed away in 1994, Julia emerged from retirement and eagerly reached out to her audience with a new cookbook and a new television show. For Julia, cooking was her passion and her audience was her family. Julia loved introducing her viewers to new and creative dishes but she took the opportunity to address them on a friendly and personal level.

Julia left her television kitchen once again in 2001. It was in Montecito California, Julia gave birth to her newest creation, her very own restaurant she named, “Julia’s Kitchen in Napa”. Once Julia had her restaurant open and operating, she wrote one more book, her autobiography titled, “My Life in France”. Regardless of Julia’s passing away on August 13, 2004, her book was published in 2006. Many books, shows and memories, Julia Child left behind a legacy that will be enjoyed for many generations to come.
Julia Child Movies

A quote from Julia Child: The secret of a happy marriage is finding the right person. You know they’re right if you love to be with them all of the time.

In 1953, when Paul and Joanne first met, they were both very young. Paul was still an unfamiliar name and Joanne was also fairly new to acting. When they met, Paul was working on the Broadway play Picnic, and Joanne’s agent had introduced them. It was far from love at first site, but like all budding flowers, their relationship did blossom into something beautiful. During that time, when they were both understudies, they had developed a great friendship. They talked freely about anything, and aside from working together a strong attraction had developed between the two of them. It was inevitable that they would eventually form a life long bond.

In 1954, Paul Newman’s career began to take off. Paul had landed the role as Basin in the movie The Silver Chalice and shortly after, Joanne was chosen to play the part of Lissy in Count Three and Pray. With their careers developing and Paul’s divorce final, the two of them exchanged their marriage vows at El Rancho Vegas, on January 29th, 1958. Although the wedding was not an overly elaborated ceremony, the wedding in it’s self was made of magic and full of love. The reading at their wedding was “The Art Of Marriage” by Wilfred A Peterson, and after examining their relationship, one would only conclude that both Paul and Joanne must have lived by those very words. Click here to see a short clip of their wedding

Paul and Joanne worked hard to live a very private life. Although they kept their life together out of the media, it doesn’t take much to read between the lines. Hollywood will always have it’s gossip but when it comes to Paul and Joanne, there is enough evidence to support the fact that they had a very true, happy and loving marriage. During an interview with playboy magazine, Paul Newman had answered a question about what it was that kept him from straying. Paul’s reply to the question is very symbolic as to his feelings towards his wife, “I have steak at home, why go out for hamburger?” (1) It is my opinion that their marriage is a prime example of love and dedication, two of the most important ingredients for a strong and happy marriage.

Paul and Joanne shared three daughters, Elinor, Melissa and Claire. Together, they raised a family full of love and happiness.

Paul had a prior marriage to Jacqueline Witte that also produced three children: Susan, Stephanie and Allen. Paul’s son Allen Scott Newman was his eldest child and only son. Allen passed away from an accidental drug overdose in 1978. The loss of his son had prompted Paul to set up the Scott Newman foundation to help combat drug abuse.

On September 27, 2008, Paul Newman lost his life to cancer. He was an example of a good father and a loving husband. He was a good man and a great actor. He will be missed by many.

A special note to his wife Joanne: I am sorry for your loss but we are thankful that you and your husband has touched our lives. You,your family and the extended family are in our thoughts.

Click here to see a tribute video of Paul and Joanne’s love for each other.

Something that should not go unmentioned: Paul Newman was a very charitable man. He donated a lot of money many charities and he even in his death, he made certain they would be given a small fortune. Click here to read more.

Paul Newman Movies

On June 3, 1925, a Hungarian couple Emanuel and Helen Schwartz, celebrated the birth of their son, Bernard Schwartz. Although the date is also shared with the launching of the Goodyear airship “Pilgrim,” an aura surrounding the events of that day, seems to also play a role in the personality of Bernard, now known as Tony Curtis.

From the very beginning, Tony had many hurdles set before him. Tony’s mother and brother Robert suffered from mental illness. At the age of eight, Tony and his brother Julius spent a year in an orphanage due to the great depression, his parents were unable to feed them and had no other choice. Five years later, Tony’s brother Julius was killed in an accident. It was his need for escape from the daily reality that lead Tony to the cinema where he could lose himself in scenes with fencing, horseback riding and other things that interested him.

Barely eighteen, Tony served in the U.S. Navy. Shortly after being discharged in 1945, he returned to New York and studied acting. It wasn’t till 1948, he moved to Hollywood and caught the attention of Universal Studios, signing a seven year contract with them. With sex appeal, charm and talent, Tony climbed the billboard, and by 1950 he was the grand prize for a contest, “win Tony Curtis for a week.”

Tony’s personal life was full of ups and downs. In 1951 he married the beautiful and enchanting Janet Leigh. His marriage to Janet lasted for eleven years, producing two children, Jamie and Kelly. In 1963, Tony married ballerina Christine Kaufmann, producing Alexandra and Allegra before the marriage ended in 1968. Shortly after his divorce to Christine, he then married Leslie Allen, producing two more children, Nicholas and Benjamin. Divorcing Leslie in 1982, he married Andrea Savio in 1984, lasting till 1992. Tony’s next marriage was very short, lasting only one year, In 1993 Tony married the young and beautiful attorney, Lisa Deutsch. On November 1998 Tony married his present wife, Mrs. Jill Vandenberg Curtis.

Tony’s personal life has had many major changes and tragedies including the loss of one of his children. Still carrying the scar from the the death of his brother Julius, he was faced with the tragic overdose of his son Nicholas on July 2, 1994.

Currently, Tony Curtis is expected to play the role of Mr. Schwartz, in the movie, David and Fatima (2008). In his spare time, he manages to paint and spending time at the ranch with is wife Jill and their horse rescue project.

From my perspective, as I finish this article, I view Tony Curtis in a different light. Many actors and actresses face some very challenging events in their lives, but what Mr. Curtis has had to face as such a young boy is more than what any child should. He is a very strong willed man, a sensational actor and he has presented himself in good light to his fans, regardless of the events in his life. I can only wish him well and that his future provides him with the peace he is so deserving of.

Although there are very few place on the net to watch movies for free, if you are a fan of Mr. Curtis you may want to check the list of his movies in the link below and see if there is any you missed or desire to own.

UPDATE: On September 29,2010 the well loved and respected actor passed away. The cause of his passing was due to cardiac arrest. Tony Curtis was 85 years old.

Tony Curtis Movies

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July of 1935 was memorable to many. With the return of power back to the liberal government in Canada and the epidemic of infantile paralysis (polio), who would have thought that someone as captivating as Donald McNichol Sutherland would have been born.

Born July 17, 1935 to hard working parents (Dorothy Isobel and Frederick McLea Sutherland ), Donald took his first breath of air in Saint John New Brunswick. Whether it be the the moist air or his genetic make up, Donald Sutherland was born a fighter. Battling polio as a young boy and a host of other diseases, he grew to be a very amazing actor. While struggling with polio, he had developed an exciting personality and he became quite the literary; for although bedridden as a child, he found adventure and knowledge through the many books he read.

Donald was born in Saint John, he grew up in Bridgewater New Brunswick, where at the age of fourteen, his first employment experience, was as a news correspondent for a local radio station.

Blessed with talent and distinctive looks, Donald Sutherland was able to enter the world of entertainment with roles in British films and small parts on television shows during the early 1960’s. Several years had passed from the time he did his first film, but in 1967 he gained fame for his role in The Dirty Dozen and in 1970, when he played Mash’s very first Hawkeye Peirce.

Donald Sutherland’s private life was also an interest to many. His relationship with Jane Fonda had become a public interest and his affair with Joan Juliet Buck was immortalized in her novel, The only Place To Be. His first marriage to Lois Hardwick had lasted seven years and produced no children. His second marriage, to Shirley Douglas had lasted five years and produced his celebrity son, Kiefer Sutherland. His final and present marriage to Francine Racette was the marriage that survived his relationship with Jane Fonda. Tribulation in the marriage had not hindered family planning as Donald and Francine parented three children together (Roeg, Fossif and Angus).

On July of 2005, Donald Sutherland turned 70 years old but age has not slowed his career or success down any. With 2007 almost over, four films had been released this year with Donald starring as one of the characters. It is expected that on February 8th, 2008, Fools Gold will be released and Donald Sutherland will be playing the character of Nigel in this action/adventure/romance film.

Often I find writing these articles a pleasure. One of the things that makes it so enjoyable is the researched knowledge I gain on each one of the people I do a tribute to. Donald Sutherland is a very respectable man that reinforces the belief, we can overcome the biggest of hurdles as long as we never give up and continue to reach for our dreams. Polio and other health issues could have kept this great man from being a star and yet, the permanent residual affect (limp) only ads a polished and dashing appeal to the characters he plays.

Donald, may the sun always shine upon you, for you are a very illuminating star. Best of luck.
Donald Sutherland Movies

Born to Jewish Russian immigrants in Amsterdam New York, Issur Danielovitch Demsky was born on December 9, 1916. Years later, after arriving at Hollywood, he changed his name to Kirk Douglas. Although he was born to a poor immigrant family, he climbed to the top early in life and earned the respect of his fans and fellow performers.

Humor and imagination is one of the things that make Kirk Douglas’s younger years so interesting. As a fourteen year old boy, he was frightened away from Judaism after reading the story of Abraham and Isaac from his hebrew school book. The picture from the book showed Abraham, with his arm stretched and a knife about to sacrifice his son Isaac. That picture made an impression on Kirk Douglas, which caused him to put some distance between himself and Judaism. As years passed, Kirk did find his way back to religion but it took a few years before he was able to dismiss the impact of the story.

As a young man, Kirk started his journey through life, as well as setting goals for himself. Financially struggling as a student at the St. Lawrence University, he managed to join the wrestling team and eventually became a professional wrestler. While working many jobs, he then studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. From studying Dramatic Arts to the U.S. Navy, Kirk served in World War II for a few years (1941 – 1945).

Not long after returning to civilian life, just barely starting radio theater and commercials, Kirk Douglas got his first screen role. With the aid of Lauren Bacall (Kirk’s former school mate), Hal. B., Wallis looked into casting Kirk Douglas for lead role in his movie, The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946). The success of his first role, led him into more parts and in 1947, he starred with Robert Michum and Jane Greer in, Out Of The Past. Also in the same year (1947), he played Noll ‘Dink’ Turner in, I Walk Alone and Peter Niles in Mourning Become Electra.

Defying Hollywood’s practices, Kirk Douglas challenged the accepted Hollywood blacklist policy and publicly opposed Stanly Kubrick whom was intending to take credit for the screenplay, Spartacus. This may have been considered to be a very bold action but true to Kirk Douglas’s personality, he publicly challenged it. Kirk Douglas is an honest man, willing to stand up for what he feels is right, regardless of the possible outcome. Kirk Douglas was very instrumental in the ending of the Hollywood blacklist practice without it affecting his career.

As time passed, Kirk Douglas became the idol of many movie go’ers. He had been married twice and a father of four children, two with his first wife Diana Dill (1943 – 1951) and two more with his second wife, Anne Buydens (1954 – present). Life wasn’t all roses for Kirk, as his personal life had challenges and tribulation. His first big challenge was in 1991, when he almost lost his life in a helicopter crash. Not long after, he suffered a stroke in 1996 which left him with some permanent affects. On July 6, 2004, Eric Anthony Douglas, youngest son of Kirk and Anne Douglas, passed away at age 46, from an accidental drug overdose.

Although Kirk Douglas has slowed down in the movie industry, he continues to share his life with us through books and interviews. Smart, talented and full of advice, Kirk Douglas will always be an inspiration to his fans.

It has been an honor and a privilege for me to do this tribute. I look forward to doing a trubute to Kirk’s son Michael Douglas, later on this year.
Kirk Douglas Movies