gatorcast from paul smith

My grandmother Gladys loved this guy.  She faithfully watched both TV shows Bonanza and Trapper John MD.  I guess I became a fan of him too along the way through her.

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 25 (UPI) — U.S. actor and civil-rights advocate Pernell Roberts died of cancer at his Malibu, Calif., home, his wife aid Monday. He was 81.  Eleanor Criswell told the Los Angeles Times Roberts died Sunday. Best known for his roles on the TV shows “Bonanza” and “Trapper John, M.D.,” the Georgia native marched with civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s, his family said in a statement issued to CNN.

His film credits include “Desire Under the Elms,” “Ride Lonesome” and “Four Rode Out.” He guest starred in more than 60 TV shows and served as host of “FBI: The Untold Stories.”

Roberts’ family said Criswell, his fourth wife, was with him when he died Sunday, CNN said.

His only son, Chris, died in 1989 after a motorcycle crash.

I simply loved Michael Jackson.   In 1986, I saw him in concert in Jacksonville, Florida.  At the time it was the best show I had ever been to.  My first album was Off the Wall.

Michael, RIP.

I remember listening to Michael Jackson between innings at my high school baseball games. The songs became part of my high school experience.

You knocked me off my feet… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEU9Q8NlOiY  [UTube]

(CNN) — Michael Jackson, the show-stopping singer whose best-selling albums — including “Off the Wall,” “Thriller” and “Bad” — and electrifying stage presence made him one of the most popular artists of all time, died Thursday, CNN has confirmed.  Michael Jackson, shown in 2008, was one of the biggest pop stars in history.  

He was 50.

He collapsed at his residence in the Holmby Hills section of Los Angeles, California, about noon Pacific time, suffering cardiac arrest, according to brother Randy Jackson. He died at UCLA Medical Center.

Yesterday I went to funeral for a 19 year girl. Melissa was the step-daughter of a fellow brother knight, Joe Thorton. She was killed in an automobile accident on I-75 last Thursday night. Death is always shocking but this one was closer to home. On Thursday night I was with Joe at a meeting for the knights at Queen of Peace. Joe is such a wonderful man. At the reception following the funeral I spoke with him briefly and he said that it was very strange going through it because he always heard about accidents like this but never thought it would be so close to him. He commented that the Lord must have a reason for this happening. Because I know that praying the Rosary is so special to him, I told him when I found out about the accident that I would pray the Rosary for Melissa. I did on Monday and it was comforting.

At the funeral, her boyfriend Justin of 5 years stood up before Mass and read a REAL love letter from her dated Sept. 30th. He said he wanted to say somethings about her, but decided to just read the letter. It was so touching. The reason I say REAL love letter is because it was a foreshadow in a way to what was going to happen. She expresses her love for Justin and his and her family and says “if I never get the chance to say it before I die, I love all of you.”. It was very sad, but I am sure it was helpful to all that loved her. I had never experienced anything like it before.

I also saw many young people there. I have been to many funerals but never for a 19 year old.

Joe said to me that Melissa was “very deep” in her thoughts and words. While I did not know her in life, she touched me in her death.

God Bless and may God hold you in his arms Melissa.

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) – Larry Harmon, who turned the character Bozo the Clown into a show business staple that delighted children for more than a half-century, died Thursday of congestive heart failure. He was 83.

I think my mom saw him…

Bo Diddley, the musical pioneer whose songs, such as “Who Do You Love?” and “Bo Diddley,” melded rhythm and blues and rock ‘n’ roll through a distinctive thumping beat, has died. He was 79.

Diddley died Monday, surrounded by family and loved ones at his home in Archer, Florida, a family spokeswoman said.

The cause was heart failure, his family said.

Today would have been my dad’s 60th Birthday.  I miss him very much.  I am not sure when this was taken.  Maybe a wedding in Miami or Easter Sunday.