Posts

Showing posts from December, 2014

Isabella ROSELLINI will always be a JEWEL IN THE ROUGH

Image
One of my truly favorites will always be ISABELLA ROSELLINI and I try never to miss the opportunity to see her when she comes to town usually for Disney's Candlelight Processional. She starred in Blue Velvet, Wyatt Earp and my favorite FEARLESS with Jeff Bridges. As always this lady has more class than many of the actresses I have met all rolled in one and she continues to deliver that same persona every time I have met her. At 62 she still smiles ,tilts her head and has a twinkle in her eye with most everyone she meets. Getting to be around her was truly an adventure today as traffic to Disney appeared to be at its worst that I can remember. My buddy was coming from a main roadway known as I4 and I was able to take the back roads which was our saving grace. I truly played chicken between cars to wait on the side of this main thruway which I would never advise to anyone. Like a James Bond Movie , I was picked up onwe'd the side and we made the last 15 m...

JOE COCKER WILL BE MISSED

Image
It always happens when a celebrity passes news travels so fast to everyone who was either a fan or not. Today My Brother called me that JOE COCKER passed away in Colorado at the age of 70 of lung cancer. I sighed for a moment and reflected on the last time I had the opportunity to meet this legend. It all stemmed from the first time I heard him sing the BEATLES song " WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS' and I was hooked forever from seeing his performance at WOODSTOCK. I had a ticket that I still have to this day for WOODSTOCK but My Mother said I could not go because I was to Young and in the long run had to settle with watching the whole festival on the Big Screen in the movies. His movements though they appeared spastic were so hypnotizing and coordinated as he belted out his songs on that grand stage. Later songs like YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL became many Lovers wedding song and forever entrenched in our song vocabulary. I had the opportunity to meet him at a free d...

GETTING TO MEET AND KNOW THE REAL HENRY PAUL

Image
     For many years I listened to THE OUTLAWS music with my favorite tune Green Grass and High Tides . Now I first saw them back in the late 70's with singer HENRY PAUL and drummer MONTE YOHO   and jumped at the chance to see them at a local venue with Henry and Monte still rockin the band.      HotDog and I ventured down before the show in hopes of meeting them prior to their sound check. We waited for a short time and met and talked with Monte for a while as he arrived early in his own car  as he continues to enjoy his smokes,  Never missing the opportunity for a few when he has down time.      HENRY PAUL arrived with 3 of the other members and is tall in stature and he gives an impression of some intimidation. I and he even mentioned to us that there is some unfavorable press and writings about him, BUT I can say that is purely false. He was accommodating to sign a couple of photos and even more patient with some cam...

CARL DIXON APPRECIATES HIS GREAT LIFE  

Image
        When I heard that CARL DIXON was performing in a very friendly confine known as HARD ROCK's VELVET SESSION , I truly wanted to see his performance as I did once at the EPCOTS Music Series. Now if You have never had the chance to see him perform and more importantly meet and chat with him, I strongly suggest that You do. He was a wonderful guitarist originally with APRIL WINE and then went on with THE GUESS WHO from 1997 to 2008.      That's when his life changed. He was involved in a horrific auto accident and as one of his faithful followers said to me  " He had Angels looking after him". He survived and has a voice that expresses Why its great to be alive. His version of the Led Zeppelin tune RAMBLE ON was my highlight as he looked like Robert Plant and hit every note perfectly. He played for almost 3 hours , many of Guess Who's favorites and his voice never seemed to get tired.       He took the time after to meet a...

SO THAT 'S WHO ANA GASTEYER IS !!!!  

Image
I heard that ANA GASTEYER was going to be a guest narrator at DISNEYS CHRISTMAS PROCESSIONAL and I was really looking forward to meeting her though most that I told had no clue who she was.. I know some are thinking WHO is That? Many of my friends had the same expression as I believe many out there are having the same thought but soon it will hit all She was a member of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE from for many years and was part of one of the most memorable skit that anyone who was a fan of the show will always remember.   ANA along with MOLLY SHANNON and ALEC BALDWIN were doing a skit of the DELICIOUS DISH and the famous SCHWEDDY BALLS. They all played the part perfectly and how they got past the censors , nobody really knows. If You have not seen it, YOU TUBE has it and You will keep smiling thru out the whole act. After the processional she came out and there were three of us waiting  and at first I truly believe she was not going to sign until One Young Lady called her and...

SOME DO IT WITH A SMILE AND OTHERS NEVER FIND IT

Image
       I along with a couple of friends were able to get lucky and get up close with several sport stars that were playing in a charity golf game and were not sure what to expect. It turned out to be a long but fun day sharing stories with new friends who have the similar hobby of selling and a few that would sell . With great weather the first and truthfully  the first to come thru and the ONLY star that would not sign an autograph.       MARCUS ALLEN refuses to sign as he has appears that he will only sell his autograph because this is the 2nd experience of refusal and all the other graphers only had words that I will not type as this is his common practice. But after him ALL stopped and took the time to sign including Olympic Hocket star MIKE EURIZONE, the great picture and future Hall of Famer JOHN SMOLTZ, Football HOF RICHARD DENT ,Baseball players KENNY ROGERS, JOHNNY DAMON,RAY LANKFORD, CY Young Winner FRANK VIOLA and many more includi...

THE PNC FATHER/SON GOLF TOURNAMENT IS A WONDERFUL EVENT EXCEPT.......

Every year that the PNC Father/Son golf Tournament is staged and since its beginning  I have always made an effort to be there and admire some of Golfs Legends all who have one a Major in the Golf Competition. To see JACK NICKLAUS,  RAY FLOYD,NICK FALDO, NICK PRICE to name only a few of the 18 that compete for a nice Money Prize that they share with their children. It is probably one of the best run Tournaments that anyone can attend and the gate price is only 15 dollars.Like  many I did follow JACK NICKLAUS and even chatted with him while he waited on the tee about our Total Hip Replacements while the crowd was hoping Jack may sign a few autographs. He politely told everyone," I WILL GET EVERYONE AT THE END OF THE ROUND" . The true Golf fan hopes that they may have that moment EXCEPT: Most are not prepared to see 3 deep of mostly Professional Graphers that see it as selling item not one to put on their wall. Now I have said it before and I will continue to do so, I do n...

GOLF GREAT MARK O'MEARA IS TRULY A HUMBLE MAN

Image
 I had the pleasure of going to see some of Golfs greats at the PNC TOURNAMENT in ORLANDO , FLORIDA. I truthfulyl went to see players like JACK NICKALUS,  JOHNNY MILLER but came out with the highest respect for newly honored in GOLFS HALL OF FAME , MR. MARK O.MEARA. Mark has been one of the great players over the years winning numerous titles including Majors in THE MASTERS and the BRITISH OPEN. The PNC tournament has Fathers and Sons on teams competing with other greats for a big money prize.     As Mark exited the green he was being interviewed by a writer and being ear shot to him was fasinated by how humble he was. He talked about his family , how much he enjoys HOUSTON, TEXAS and how honored he was to be newly elected into GOLFS HALL OF FAME. Here is the great part. After the interview I approached him to autograph a picture which he did with out reservation. I then asked if we could take My first SELFIE with me and Marked took the time to position the Phones...

A MOMENT WITH KENNY G

Image
     Not everyone knows KENNY G or can name one song that is better than the next but everyone has been exposed to the sound if you ever went in an Elevator. The soft and smooth sound has always been soothing to ones ears and perfect music for many Dentist offices. I met Kenny many years ago and what I do remember he was very pleasant, smiling and happy that fans were waiting to have a picture or autograph, Well today  maybe because of the fear that everyone who has something or is organized that they are being sold may have tarnished him a bit.       There were 3 of us waiting for him to arrive prior to a sound check and after talking with his staff and being informed that" If he is in a good mood , he will sign but if not stay away" He arrived with his band and after I politely asked for his autograph, he looked at us and said" LETS GET THIS OVER WITH" and signed my photos and when one of the other graphers known as SchoolBoy asked " Can You use ...

THE REAL RICH LITTLE

Image
  When everyone remembers the great Impersonators names like David Frye, Frank Gorshin come to some of us but the king will always be RICH LITTLE. He could make anyone feel that Carol Channing, Richard Nixon, Ed Sullivan were in the room if you closed your eyes. Today I along with another friend Nueroctic John were able to take advantage of him being in Central Florida with a chance to meet the legend. He was performing at a big venue and with careful questions were able to determine what hotel he was staying at after the show.So after the show we headed to the hotel itself and patiently waited. Now I have mentioned John before and something ALWAYS goes a bit off when he is involved. We saw three people walking along and decided this could be them so I headed towards the back of the hotel but when I got there no one was around. Phone rings and its John but he is not saying anything on where he is.   As I begin to head up front the phone rings again and he is shouting " He ...

WE ALL WILL MISS MARYANN MOBLEY

Image
    There is always someone that You can never forget and that is MARYANN MOBLEY who was MISS AMERICA in 1959. I was only 10 years old and there was never a more gracious and kind person You could ever meet with everyone just falling in love with her. I too was one of them. I met her at the United Cerebral Palsy Telethon in Albany , New York and always left a wonderful memory on how sweet she was and took the time and attention to speak and hold her hands with everyone.       I heard of her passing today and truly made me sad that we have lost another jewel on Earth and Heaven has gained another Angel. I remember hearing a phrase that I have used before and she is perfect for it. We may not always remember someone but we will never forget how they treated us.        She will be truly Missed.

SPACING OUT WITH LEVAR BURTON

Image
       The first time I had ever seen LEVAR BURTON was in the award winning and first of its kind mini series ROOTS where he played KUNTA KINKA and was magnificent as millions watched it from the book by ALEX HALEY. He later when on and stared in the STAR TREK THE NEXT GENERATION and was one of the iconic characters we all remembered and enjoyed. He has his own style that has endured over the years. He was the guest narrator at the DISNEY CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL and my buddy " Rocket Man" went to listen and try to meet him afterwards.     Now I have said it before but being organized and prepared is the first step in achieving your goals of meeting and in hopes of an autograph and picture.  We guessed right on what side he exited and picked him out in an outfit far different that he wore on stage( He wore a Tuxedo on the stage). We approached him and as true to his personality he was gracious enough and signed 2 photos. Rocket took a picture with ...

MEETING A FUTURE STAR IN GOLF

Image
     I have always loved watching golf and admire the skills though I never play ( Unless You count WI Golf) so when The HERO GOLF CLASSIC was near my backyard I decided to go check out some of the new and rising golf talent.        One in particular was the Japanese phenom HIDEKI MATSUYAMA who speaks very little English and not always approachable. After his round , I was only one at first when he went to the driving range to hit some balls.      I was more than amazed that he hit from the left and right sides with his driver with almost the same power and accuracy. Unbelievable. As he came off the range area , I was able to chat thru his staff and someone also acknowledged the skill of his driving prowess. He was gracious and patient as his staff took a picture of us both and waved as he left. I hope he never changes this demeanor and I truly believe he will be one of the better golfers in the next few years if he continues to sta...

WHO IS THE REAL NEIL PATRICK HARRIS  

      Over the years I had been a fan of Neil Patrick Harris also known as NPH and when we see him on the small screen in shows HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER or the Big screen in the HAROLD AND KUMAR series you want to imagine him as a very nice fellow. Reports that he is a bit over conceded and having a bigger than life opinion of himself has been overlooked by most who never had an encounter or experience meeting him over the years.He is truly a family man who adores his children so I never gave it a second thought about some of the Truly NEGATIVE comments that are said about him  UNTIL this past week. A couple of my friends got some inside information on his flight into ORLANDO where he was to be a part of the DISNEY'S CHRISTMAS PROCESSIONAL narrators that is held ever year. Though I do not always condone going the route of the Airport ,it is sometimes the best chance to have a one on one. When he arrived the autograph seekers did not rush him but gave him some distance ...