January, 2012

James Farentino, Evita Peron star, died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. His spokesman, Bob Palmer,said that the cause was heart failure after a long illness. The actor who appeared in dozens of movies and televisions shows died in age 73.

Actor Farentino is the best remembered for his roles in the television series The Bold Ones: The Lawyers and Dynasty and for starred alongside Kirk Douglas and Martin Sheen in the 1980 science fiction film ‘The Final Countdown’. They stood on the deck of a medan aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Nimitz, as it passed through a time warp to Pearl Harbor, hours before the Japanese attack on Dec. 7, 1991. They had to decide whether to use the full power of their super carrier to destroy the Japanese fleet or allow history to take its cours. Farentino played in this Don Taylor’s time travel sci-fier after a decade-long break.

Farentino who born in Brooklyn made his broadway debut in the 1961 production of Tennessee Williams’ Night of the Iguana, starring Bette Davis, Margaret Leighton and Patrick O’Neal. And then 1962 is a year he started appeared on television, by guesting on various television, series such as The defenders, Route 66 and 77 Sunset Strip. He was nominated for an Emmy for his portrayal of Saint Peter in the miniseries Jesus of Nazareth, an earned a ‘Most Promising New Comer’ Golden Globe in 1967 for his tour in The Pad and How to Use It. Despite that, Farentino’s film career was a minor one, but then he played one of the leads in a more important comedy, David Iowell Rich’s Rosie!

Rest in Peace, Mr. Farentino, and be strong Stella,fourth wife and sons David and Saverio.

Chip Kelly canceled a recruiting trip to Sacramento related with a deal that would make him Chief Coach of the NFL franchise late Sunday night. So, now Kelly who has led the Oregon Ducks to Pac- 10/12 titles the last three years will be staying at Eugene.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tried to be optimistic that Kelly’s sudden change heart indicated the good deal at the end. Mark Dominik, the Buccaneers General Manager said,” His heart is with college football and Oregon and he’s no longer being considered.”

Kelly was being offered to take over the fired Raheem Morris duty as Tampa Bay’s coach and Kelly agreed attempting to finalize a deal.

But after the story broke nationally on Sunday night, Kelly seemingly changed his mind. So now the man who has  coached in the three BCS games in many years will back to his focus on Ducks and the looming February 1 national signing day. However, it shouldn’t disappointing the Buccaneers because they already have interviewed at least 8 candidates, including Former Green Bay Packers coach Mike Sherman, Former Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress, veteran NFL coach Marty Schotten Heimer and former Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, who has since taken the Miami Dolphin coaching Job.

Wade Philips, the former Dallas cowboys coach also included in the candidates list. But he cancelled an interview with Tampa Bay to concentrate on the Texan’s play off game with the Baltimore Ravens last week.

Earlier Saturday night, a spokesman for the Joe Paterno family, Dan McGinn, had informed that Paterno’s health was getting worse. Over the last few days Joe Paterno has experienced further health complications. The ex-coach of Penn State has been battling lung cancer and complications with chemotherapy suggest the issue about Paterno’s death. The effects of radiation and chemotherapy have resulted in his quickly worse condition. But in fact, the 85-year-old Joe Paterno is still alive. The family was annoyed by the report. Scott, his son, clarified the wrong issue on his Twitter. Paterno also was able to communicate Saturday night.

Paterno is being treated at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College Pennsylvania, and members of the media were told to help Paterno have a rest in quite condition by leave him.

Before this serious condition, Paterno had medical treatment of cancer. In the end of 2011, Paterno was admitted to a hospital after fretting his pelvis when he slipped and fell at his house in State College.

According to SB Nation, Paterno was taken off his respirator this morning, but his condition is reportedly not improving and –actually this is an unwanted moment- family and close friends are being summoned to the hospital to be with Paterno in possibly his last hours. Cant deny that the complications treat Paterno’s life, but however the hope and chance to live longer do exist. “I appreciate the support and a prayer, Joe is continuing fight.” Jay, another Paterno’s son said.

The 46-year leadership of Joe Paterno gave much to Penn State. According to Paterno’s official Penn State biography, the Nittany lions won two national championship, went undefeated five times and finished in the top 25 national rankings 35 times.

Although Paterno’s sexual abuse reputation is can’t be justified, Penn State people regretted Paterno’s dismissal. John P. Surma, the Vice Chairman of Trustees tried to emphasize the school’s 95,000 students and hundreds of thousand of alumni to believe it as a wise decision. He said the decision is the best long-term interest of the university, which is much larger than athletic programs.

Having difficult time in ‘child sex abuse’ case may also contribute to give bad effect for Paterno’s health. Paterno was diagnosed shortly aftermath of the child sex abuse charges against former assistant, Jerry Sandusky. It was a hard months for Paterno. And now, in the very bad health, hope Paterno can survive longer. And even if it’s near the end of his life, may Paterno find the happy moments before he really go forever.

Betty White was at the Los Angeles Zoo Saturday where she was gifted with a simply zoo tastic-cake to celebrate her 90^th birthday. It’s a chocolate blackout cake with the word “Bettywood” in the image of the iconic Hollywood Hills. The cake decorated with White’s favorite animals, including a giraffe, elephant, koala, parrot, snake and porcupine. Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts created the impressing cake by spending 90 pounds of sugar, 50 pounds of butter and 470 eggs. Perhaps people with diabetes prefer to don’t hear it.

Betty was surprised and thankful for presented with the funny cake and for it she with pleasure shared the ongoing birthday and a piece of cake with all those who attended there.

It’s reasonable to give such gift to Betty, to appreciate a woman who really appreciates and loves the animals. One of Betty’s love forms was felt by Seeing Eye dogs. The Seeing Eyes is a philanthropy supported by contributions from individuals, Jim Kutsch, the president and CEO of Seeing Eye said, “Betty’s love of animals has always extended to Seeing Eye dogs. Over the years, every time I’ve had the opportunity to meet with Betty personally, my own Seeing Eye dog was immediately drawn to her kind and gentle nature. I’m honored to call her my friend.”

Betty started the advocacy for Seeing Eye dogs and the handler as a voice actor. In the 1980s, Betty recorded a radio public service announcement with comedian and singer Stan Freberg as an effort to protect guide dogs users’ right to ride in taxi cabs with their dogs. In honor of Betty’s birthday and her contributions on behalf of Seeing Eye dogs, The Seeing Eye has named a puppy in her honor.

Congratulation Betty for spending tens years to love animal, more than for pleasure because an animal is funny, but based on appreciation toward what God has created.

Wish Betty many more very happy birthdays..

The different point of view and principle is the most common reason for a couple to divorce. Supermodel Heidi Klum, 38, and British singer Seal, 48, reportedly faced that condition. They, especially Heidi, call it as ‘irreconcilable differences’ and Heidi will cite that reason when she files for divorce in Los Angeles Superior Court as early as next week.

It’s probably right that they considered splitting. But the crowd and some media members have too early to issue ‘Heidi and Seal divorce’. Actually they are not really separated or lost contact right now. According US Weekly, the supermodel with husband of six years are still together for now. The couple’s close friend told,” Nothing is finalized for sure. Seal flew back from the UK yesterday and he and Heidi are in the house together now. They have had a very rough road lately. They’re either madly in love or having crazy fight.”

The couple who always celebrate the marriage anniversary on May 10 argued each other and fought a lot at the last trip, Aspen. It was a full of tension trip.

Before the divorce is issued, public saw they as a couple with successful marriage. The happiness was completed by Seal adopted Leny, Heidi’s daughter from the precious marriage, and then gifted with Henry (6), Johan (5), and Lou (2). But sometimes what happen next on the ‘looks fine condition’ is unpredictable. The former “Head Angel” for Victoria’s Street attended Golden Globes without Seal and a petition at Los Angeles Superior Court just like show that Heidi is no longer happy with the marriage. However, they are still in the house together, it may helps, and they still love their children deeply.

Hope they can work through their issues.

Elizabeth Smart, who was kidnapped and child advocate in 2001, at age 14, would not be kidnapped for twice. This 24 year-old girl is going to have someone to love and protect her.

Elizabeth has announced she’s getting married with her fiancé this summer. Although Elizabeth announced it herself, she didn’t tell about the details. She has never introduced the future husband to the public before. More stories came from her father instead. He spoke to the press long enough and surely gives two thumbs up on Elizabeth’s sweetheart. “We are very excited for her. She told us at home last Saturday. I wasn’t really surprised. They’ve been very happy together. We’re just thrilled. We’re looking forward to her moving on to this next stage and leading a very happy life.” But still, the name of her fiancé is still kept as secret.

This beautiful senior at BYU is very focused on keeping her private life, she avoid making the plan not to be very exposed like when her child advocacy work. “I know they are looking at summer wedding. They are still in the process of planning the wedding, and there are a lot of details to still be worked out.”

However, she deserves for the privacy. Actually it doesn’t really urgent to insist her to explain whether the blushing bride to be will wear hair up or down, choose lilies or roses for the reception and vice versa. Just hope Elizabeth is happy and sure with the choice and it’s the last destination.

It was so hard to battling with the complications of leukemia, suffering from dementia and problems, and finally Etta James, 73, stopped to survive. In December, Mrs. James’ physician announced that her leukemia was terminal and asked for prayers for the singer. The ballad singer, ‘At Least’, died early Friday at Riverside Community Hospital in Riverside, Calif, surrounded by James’ husband, Artis Mills, and her two sons.

Etta James’ disease have revealed months ago, but it’s still shocking when finnaly she really left this world. “It’s a tremendous loss for her fans around the world. She’ll be missed. A great American singer. Her music defied category.” De Leon, Mrs. James’ manager said. De Leon is one of thousand musicians who have impressed and never forget Etta James’ best known song, ‘At Least’. The sympathies also came from Beyonce Knowles. On Friday Beyonce posted on her website, “This is a huge loss. When she effortlessly opened her mouth, you could hear her pain and triumph. Her deeply emotional way of delivering a song told her story with no filter.” In 2008 Beyonce Knowles portrayed her in the film “Cadillac Records,” which loosely depicted the early years of Chess. Beyonce said that Etta James didn’t only taught about music. “One thing Etta taught me is her fearlessness, she was Etta all the time. She did not try to change for anyone. If it weren’t for her crossing over — she was the first African-American woman to cross over on the radio — I wouldn’t have the opportunities I have.” told Beyonce.

Mariah Carey said that she’s sorry to hear the news, she tweeted on Friday, “Rest in peace to one of the world’s most influential singers Etta James, you will be missed.”

“At Last” was a crucial record in the lexicon of Chess as it moved the label from a blues imprint (Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf) to pop. The ballad hit recorded in 1961, just after she signed with Argo, a subsidiary of Chicago’s Chess Records. With her measured contralto, Mrs. James surrendered to the dynamics of an entire relationship: the wanting, the discovery and renewal. The journey was arduous. And she was at the finish line.

Etta James’ impression spanned generations, by her songs, and her dedication.  Earlier this year electro-rapper Flo Rida sampled Mrs. James 1962 hit “Something’s Got a Hold On Me” into his hit single “Good Feeling”. The partners agree that for Etta James, musing and singing is more than for the fame, she sings for passion and soul. Mavis Staples, Chicago gospel-soul icon, who partnering with Etta James in 2005 at a festival in Lansing, Mich, said “When a person had a life like Etta had, you know that music was a refuge. Singing was all she had to keep her afloat. We were the same in that we did not have voice coaching or music teachers. She probably knew what key she was singing in, I don’t even know that. Etta James was a soul singer. The other day they asked me to define soul. To me, soul is gut. Etta sang from deep down. She didn’t sing off the top of her head. With soul, you go within to bring out what you want to relate. I loved Etta James.”

So do we, love your voice and your passion. Rest in Peace, Mrs. James.

Well, actually he didn’t really sing loudly and fully. President Obama crooned a few words of Al Green song at a fundraiser night, at the the Apollo Theater in New York. He was standing on stage greeting and thanking folks for coming when he sang a bar from the Green classic “Let’s Stay Together.” Yap, Obama sounded good, but the performance was only for a line or two.

People agree to consider it as more than an intermezzo, they pretend to overanalyze the political implications of this act in order to suck out the spontaneity and refill it with the sawdust stuffing of punditry.  Obama just like tried to send a message to his base with his choice of song.

‘Let’s Stay Together’- The audiences and media had this as the conclusion: He’s pleading with his core liberal supporters to remain faithful and energized in the coming election even though he has not delivered all they want. Yet this approach shows his political weakness. It was cool, analytic, and not passionate enough. There will be different mean if he makes a more forceful choice, such as Green’s “You Ought to Be With Me?” or Green’s “Full of Fire”. That would have showed more fire in the belly for the coming campaign.

Public and especially admirer saw the leader of the free world took a singing a bar from “Let’s Stay Together” as a rare moment. Let’s forget about the public reaction, assumed whether it is a veto message or a Thanksgiving Proclamation, actually he is not the first president to show his tuneful side to the public. Through the years, commanders-in-chief have turned musicians-in-chief, with varying results. RICHARD NIXON, He played “God Bless America” at the Grand Ole Opry, and the same tune when he accompanied singer Pearl Bailey in the East Room of the White House. The two also conspired on “Home on the Range” and “Wild Irish Rose.”

The next was Thomas Jefferson. He played the violin, and not just to meet women. When he wasn’t writing the Declaration of Independence or rewriting the Bible or inventing a four-sided music stand for string quartets, he made music. Bill Clinton, not yet president, took a giant step in that direction in June 1992 when he showed up with a saxophone and wraparound sunglasses to play “Heartbreak Hotel” on “The Arsenio Hall Show”.

Many other chief executives performed, John Quincy Adams played the flute, Chester Arthur the banjo, Woodrow Wilson the violin, Franklin Roosevelt liked to sing. And the latest, “…I’m so in love with you,” sang the President Obama. Is there any difference with the previous performances? You conclude.

Six months ago, Gary Carter, 57, the former Mets catcher, was diagnosed to have an aggressive brain cancer, glioblastoma, which has been treated with radiation and chemotherapy. Now, his daughter, Kimmy Carter Bloemers, said Thursday on the family’s blog that Gary Carter’s condition has worsened with the discovery of new tumors on his brain. He said “I write these words with tears because I am so sad for my dad. Every day is exhausting and every move takes great effort.”

One of Carter’s doctors will be coming to their house in the evening to talk to the family about the next step. Reportedly, the family itself is debating whether or not to continue treatments of any kind but there’s no clarification from them. “My wife, Sandy, and our children and family thank you for your thoughts and prayers. We ask that you please respect our privacy as we learn more about my medical condition,” Carter said.

Carter’s health has taken a turn for the worst. Last Wednesday, Carter had an open gum wound treated by an oral surgeon. The next day, he fell in his doctor’s office — he also fell on Christmas Day, he was complaining of severe headaches, fatigue and balance problems that resulted in a fall on that day and he is being treated for a torn rotator cuff.

Bloomers also told about the recent Carter’s activity. Carter attended his annual golf tournament’s banquet on Sunday. “Dad spoke a few words thanking everyone for being there and for all the support and prayers. He said he wants to feel better so he can continue to help others.” said Bloemers.

May the treatment and prays can heal him.