RODAN

This is a re-post from OKC.NET

2011-10-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

I wanted to re-post this article here as the Count has been a life long hero of mine and John a long time friend whom I've known ever since I was 14 years old. Way to go John!!!

Schlock and Roll: Keeping It Campy With The Count

October 23, 2011

: “How often does a grown man get to pretend to be Bela Lugosi?; Not often enough.” -Neil Gaiman.; John Ferguson prepares to take the set as Count Gregor.; Photo by: Gene Glasser

I can’t explain it. I am apprehensive to be an apologist for a counter-cultural movement born out of the fears and the zeitgeist of the black and white generation, but here I am some sixty years later a dyed-in-the-wool “monster kid”, member of the flock who find our shepherds in the horror hosts and a devotee of the B-movies they brought to us. I am among the thousands of fans with stacks of “Famous Monsters of Filmland” and “Fangoria” piled next to an open E.C. horror comic with its own host, the Cryptkeeper pointing his gnarled finger towards the two-headed baby on the next page. It is a cult following that can’t be easily explained. If you get it, you get it. If you don’t then you likely never will.

"It was a time on television when horror hosts mingled

with kiddie-show clowns, afternoon heroes of sci-fi adventures,

sock-hop DJs, and live wrestling announcers." Photo by: Gene Glasser

It comes from another era. It was a time on television when horror hosts mingled with kiddie-show clowns, afternoon heroes of sci-fi adventures, sock-hop DJs, and live wrestling announcers. Like rockabilly revivalists and modern pin-up and burlesque babes, there is a whole new generation taking on the mantle and trying not to let the chills and thrills die, but what we cannot do is recreate the world of a generation born in the shadow of the atom cloud. Sure we have our own terrors and nightmares (terrorism being only one) but it is with some touch of nostalgia now that we can look back on the early 1950’s and the great grandfathers of the modern horrorheads with sincere appreciation of being the first to bring to us through the eerie glow from the one-eyed monster known as television pulsating brains, battling giant monsters, and creeping horrors of all sorts.

The horror show has come a long way since 1953. Photo by Gene Glasser

I am talking here about the horror show hosts. It is generally accepted the first horror host came in the form of Vampira, who hosted low-budget suspense films in 1953. In October 1957 old Universal horror movies were syndicated to television in a collection known as “Shock!”, which encouraged local outlets to host these movies and from then on all across the nation new legions of creepy “Uncles”, “Earls” and, of course, “Counts” arose as weathermen and booth announcers rushed from their day jobs to another part of the studio so that they too might bring their alter egos to life. “Shock!” was followed by others like “Creature Features,” which added to the growing plethora of traditional monsters, the Hammer films, the Toho Studios, the Japanese giant monsters and other schlock B-movies well into the 1960’s and 1970’s. These monster show hosts continued into the 1980’s and where they became a part of my own childhood. Although it comes from another era, it feeds into something larger that lurks in the dark shadows of our minds.

"I vant to drink your vlood!" Photo by: Lacey Dillard

In Oklahoma City, we have our own horror host, John Ferguson. He had been a small town kid from Indiana, the proverbial 90lb weakling by his own account. He worked as a naval typist to “giving the whole Hollywood thing a go for a few years” and eventually settling into Oklahoma as an announcer in radio and the early days of live television with NBC affiliate, WKY Channel 4. John Ferguson was able to secure a role on the weekday afternoon “3-D DANNY” show, which was hosted by local television legend Danny Williams (Williams had served as a mentor for Mary Hart of who co-hosted Entertainment Tonight). Ferguson got the role after experimenting with make-up. Originally inspired by Ming the Merciless, Ferguson created Duke of Mukedom who was the archrival for Danny D. Dynamo, the show’s star. In an era of live television and non-existent production budgets, John found himself playing multiple roles on the show as he mastered voices and villainous poses. John was asked by station management to experiment with his make-up kit again, much like he did to get on Danny’s show, and invent a character who would host late night horror movies for the “Shock!” package of films. John’s career as “Count Gregor” (an –e was added at the end somewhere along the line) began on a Saturday night, May 10th 1958 at 11:30 p.m., which on-air immediately after live-wrestling hosted by Danny Williams.

John Ferguson as "Count Gregore" still going strong. Photo by Gene Glasser

“Shock!” morphed into “Thriller” in 1962 and aired at midnight. In 1964, John switched networks to KOCO channel 5 and his program became, “Nightmare Theatre”, which aired through 1972. In 1973, John returned to WKY and the Count was seen on “Sleepwalker’s Matinee” until 1979. The national package known as “Creature Features” followed. The Count moved again to “Count Gregore’s Horror Theater” on independent channel KOKH 25 and then to KAUT Channel 43 and “Saturday Horror Theater” which ran until 1988. Count Gregore’s thirty year run with local television leaves him well-remembered and he continues to be recognized by fans today.
Which brings us to present day.
Like rockabilly revivalists and modern pin-up and burlesque babes, there is a whole new generation that is not ready to let go of this classic part of American culture. The Count has made appearances on KAUT’s “2 Movie Guys” hosted by Lucas Ross and Ryan Beldgardt. He has also mentored a whole new generation of hosts such as Brian Young aka Dr. Fear of “The Mysterious Lab” and also Gordon Grimly of the groovy internet radio program, “The Grimly Show”.
John Ferguson has become my close friend, but it is without bias that I declare in the world of late night horror hosts our Count Gregore to be among the top of the heap. John jokes with me, “Count Gregore is the creation that wouldn’t die!” He gives a thoughtful pause before concluding, “Nor would we ever want him to…” Local channel, KSBI 52 will be airing a Halloween special and has already sold out every single advertising block. It is NOT an easily accomplished feat for a small channel built on a “live and local” philosophy to sell all it’s blocks of advertising from 11 p.m. to 1a.m. Rather it is able to achieve these sales with the help of an internet following that refuses to let the legend of Count Gregore die. It has been said that these sorts of horror hosts are irrelevant in the new century and are seen by most as a part of television history. Why is it that so many are clamoring to see the Count reborn yet again? Now on KSBI, John brings back the camp and hosts a public domain piece of schlock, “The Brain that Wouldn’t Die” (shot in 1959, but released in 1963) with bits produced on a budget that cost practically nothing. KSBI was willing to air but not produce what is being billed as “Count Gregore’s Nightmare Theatre”. John is recycling the same title sequence from his 1960’s “Nightmare” series. The program was produced by John Ferguson using a production studio volunteered by Boiling Point Media’s Hugh Hale and a cast and crew of friends (such as Ryan Beldgardt behind the camera and even myself operating the fog machine and helping to decorate the low-rent set with Halloween store finds and random junk). John writes (and mostly adlibs) the bits that borrow vaudeville style oneliners and wacky horror silliness.

Yet, it still works.
The secret as to why it works might come from remarkable X factor, much like in the movie where the mad scientist refuses to let his love die and hunts the night for replacement bodies for her brain. Quite simply: the fans refuse to accept mortality of John’s creation. The Count is our love and we will not let him die or else that inner-child bundled with and blankets on the basement couch munching popcorn and jumping at shadows will die too. That is something that we will not let happen, born in the shadow of the atom cloud, creeping through the smoke of the sixties, discoing through the seventies and nearly fading into obscurity in the eighties and nineties…our Count is a part of our regional culture that must not be forgotten. So here we are in the last days of 2011, ready to bring our own trick-or-treating spawn before our big-screen plasmas with their fresh haul of Halloween candy to watch John Ferguson reanimate our horror host Count Gregore at least one more time.
If you are an undying fan of all things horror and a fan of Count Gregore, then let KSBI know that you want to see him return to being the ghoulish grandpa of Saturday night local television. Let them know that you will be watching this Saturday, October 29th at 11 p.m. on KSBI and any other time they bring Count Gregore back to our sets. This legend, like the vampires it draws inspiration from, is meant to be immortal. It will take more than stakes, silver bullets or an ever-changing media culture to kill the Count.

A few bits with the birds..

2011-08-30T23:46:00.000-07:00

Spending a little time with Omar by the pool on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Kylie and Ella having some intimate moments

The Autograph Book, January 23, 1890

2011-08-10T23:58:00.000-07:00

My previous post has put me in the mood to think about my family.. So I thought I'd share this with my blog.

On January 23, 1890 my Great Great Grandmother wrote to my Great Grandmother when she was around 17 years old....

In an inscription made in my Great Grandmothers "Autograph" (what they called a sort of friendship blog back then)

Complements of your Mother Ida, When far away in distant lands, these lines you chance to see. Oh then , do not forget to think of the one that put them here for thee....
From your Mother, Lizzie Converse, Remembrance of your Mother.

I just love that I have this note... Love is a powerful thing...

My Great Grandmother and Great Great Grandmother in
their later years...Great Great lived to be 99 years old.

I've got lots of this stuff...

Happy Thursday!!!
RoDan

Bridesmaids and Mrs. Hancock

2011-06-13T18:45:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Hancock

I think every June a lot of my friends and co-workers are always getting invited to weddings and all the social engagement that these events bring, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, etc. I'm no real expert on these events but my good friend Mrs. Hancock is for sure. Recently she's been on Sonoran Living and on Smart Family programs on ABC15. And I'm really impressed by her knowledge and her ease in explaining it to those of us (me for sure) that are just not that couth. With that being said. I have to enjoy all that goes along with the efforts being made by my friends to make things go smoothly at the events with which they've become entangled.

Xavier and I recently went to see the new film Bridesmaids and to be sure...I kept thinking of Mrs. Hancock all throughout the film. Anyone who is interested in pulling off an event this June or any other time of year when these nuptial esque events seem to be on the calendar should see this film. If for no other reason than to get a little stress relief.

Just sayin... It's one of the funniest films I've seen in quite a while

BRIDESMAIDS

Mind your manners...

2011-03-29T19:33:00.000-07:00

My good friend Zoe Hancock (Mrs. Hancock) was a special guest on today's Sonoran Living show on ABC15. She had some very important tips on "How dya doo's and don'ts". Check out Mrs.Hancock at Mrs. Hancock Online.
I was so happy that we could finally get Zoe on the Sonoran Living show. There's always something more to learn when it comes to good manners.

Really excited about the new Pooh!

2010-11-12T20:56:00.000-08:00

Winnie The Pooh (2011)

The Associated Press has posted the first image (above) from Disney’s forthcoming old school 2D Winnie The Pooh feature, scheduled for release next summer. This is the flick most of The Princess and the Frog crew moved over to. Here are some choice excerpts from Derrik J. Lang’s AP story:

The new “Winnie the Pooh,” the first big-screen “Pooh” adventure from Disney animators in more than 30 years, will more closely resemble the classic short films from the 1960s and ’70s. “We wanted to create a movie for the big screen that had the charm and wit of those original shorts,” said Peter Del Vecho, the film’s producer. “What originally endeared all of us — adults and children — to these characters was that they were stuffed animals that came to life in the imagination of a child. We wanted to rekindle that imagination in a big way.”
“Winnie the Pooh,” loosely based on five stories from A.A. Milne’s books, finds Pooh, Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Kanga, Roo, Owl, Eeyore and Christopher Robin searching for a new tail for Eeyore in a watercolour-drenched Hundred Acre Wood. The gang will also hunt for a mysterious creature called a Backson, briefly mentioned in 1928’s “The House at Pooh Corner.”
While this version of “Pooh” won’t be generated by a computer or projected in 3-D, Del Vecho cautioned it wouldn’t simply be a redux of past “Pooh” projects. He said the film, spearheaded by Disney and Pixar animation chief John Lasseter, will feature five new original songs and a faster pace punctuated with humour that’s appropriate for modern audiences.

UPDATE: Just recieved this larger publicity image from the forthcoming film (below). See the trailer here.

Oct 12, 2010 ~ Farewell Lady Sutherland~

2010-10-12T04:37:00.000-07:00

Probably the first real Diva I remember hearing as a child. Dame Joan Sutherland was "LA STUPENDA" And to me shear heaven to hear her perform. I can think of no other voice which always raised my mind to a level of euphoric, yet simple joy.

It so saddens me that she's gone but I'm so thankful to have lived in a time where she can be enjoyed over and over again thanks to her marvelous recordings.

Dame Joan Sutherland

Ella in the Evening...

2010-10-04T19:05:00.000-07:00

Ella in September 2006

The past 4 years have rushed by so quickly.... It's sure been a memorable time. I'll focus now on one of the highlighted accomplishments. Ella...

She's sure grown a lot. When Omar came along I thought he was the best thing. He still is though some would disagree.... Omar isn't the cutest of Umbrellas....(he plucks) but his attitude and love for his surroundings and in his own way I think he's happy. But Ella, she's a joy right now. I know that could change (I hope not) But she is an Umbrella...nothing is sure with these birds. Xavier and I worked so hard taking care of her when we got her in September of 06. Ella was UGLY as a chick. (The breeder gave us an "ugly feather" discount) Though it was from his neglect more than anything. Ella was probably a second hatch in a clutch. Umbrellas will only care for one of their chicks. So Ella was not cared for by her parent Umbrellas. So the "breeder" in Tucson AZ should have taken her out and took better care of her... he let the parent's mistreat her under-nourish her and abuse her by plucking her feathers....she was in real sad state by the time Xavier and I came along. We worked hard with her feeding her and loving her... Well here she is

Check out the slide show of her progress.. A real mini survivor episode.... ENJOY.

And so now, four years later Ella has all of her feathers... plays constantly and loves pestering Kylie her chum and future mate. They're quite the couple.

Ella does not like the camera...

Bronx famed Bernard Schwartz gone...

2010-09-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

Hollywood Legend Tony Curtis Dead at 85


Tony Curtis woos Marilyn Monroe in Some Like it Hot 1958

"It's not how long you wait.... it's who your waiting for..."

So long "Mister Shell Oil" We'll sure miss you...

In Long Beach California this weekend!

2010-09-14T22:16:00.000-07:00

I wanted to let my friends in Southern California know about an event that's happening this weekend. September 17th 18th and 19th. Sergio Vellatti will be performing Friday and Saturday for the Masters of the Macabre presentation at this years GhostFest stage show. GhostFest 4 Expo is being held on board the Queen Mary in Long Beach.

At this Year's GhostFest4 Expo.

Your ghost hosts present Masters of the Macabre. This custom created show features performances worthy only of a GhostFest Expo: Singer and YouTube phenom, Sergio Vellatti, convinces you why many fans think he is a direct channeler of Frank Sinatra; Renegade dancer and performer, Tonya Kay, wildly displays the danger in 'danger arts'; and famous Hollywood Magis Castle memeber, mentalist and magician Scary Larry, will boggle your mind with illusions not performed by any other magician. All this madness will be directed by Beyond Investigation's Pat and Brian who will add a little comedy with their questionable illusionist skills.

“Lisa and the Orange Juice” by Nicolas Fong

2010-09-14T04:04:00.000-07:00

A commissioned film for Oxfam, Lisa and the Orange Juice shows how the organization helps local farmers in South America remain competitive against corporate factory farming. The film is in French, but the director Nicolas Fong communicates the message visually so that it is understandable to any viewer. The production design by the Belgian illustrator Cream is bright and appealing, and graphically reinforces the idea that local farming is better.

Funny Hit's and Misses

2010-09-08T17:29:00.000-07:00

While going through some friends posts on Facebook this afternoon. I thought some of the videos mostly the political ones quite memorable. All funny.

First one was a Democratic Paid for video which they obviously put a lot of effort into. "Stop Jan Brewer before it's too late! "28 Days Later" (in Arizona) Parody"

Can't say I thought much of the message but it was interesting to watch.
I could have said the same thing about Terry Goddard. It's not that
original an idea. So, I'm still voting for Brewer.

The second one titled "Arizona" by Brian Haner This one was a very well done Political Statement also. Oh I think it could be called a little bit politically incorrect. We conservatives aren't allowed to go down that road. IT'S RESTRICTED.

How'd he sand up on the back of that car? Hmmm....

The third, I have to say the funny of the day goes to Phillippe Raynaud of France. I have a craving for some of Mom's Banana Pudding now. Thanks Phillippe, I got a kick out of this one! I did not know of Henri before Phillippe posted this video. Love to see more of his comedy. He's my kind of funny.

I'm a Henri Salvador convert now.

Juanita Banana - Henri Salvador (1966)

More tomorrow....

ALERT: Canadians be on the lookout for this man....

2010-09-04T16:19:00.000-07:00

JMI's Canadian tour for fabled Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney will take him from the Pacific to the Atlantic, with the first date taking place Whitehorse, Yukon. Mr. Rooney will turn 90 in September, and this is truly a unique chance to spend some time with one of the great veterans of not only Hollywood, but of Vaudeville as well.

Here is where you can catch him on the upcoming tour;

Sep 08	Whitehorse	YK	Yukon Arts Centre
Sep 10	Kelowna	BC	Kelowna Community Theatre
Sep 11	Chilliwack	BC	Chilliwack Cultural Centre
Sep 14	Vancouver	BC	Kay Meek Centre
Sep 15	Edmonton	AB	Festival Place
Sep 16	Trochu	AB	Trochu Community Centre
Sep 18	Regina	SK	Casino Regina
Sep 19	New York City	NY	Feinstein's
Sep 20	New York City	NY	Feinstein's
BREAK
Sep 26	Halifax	NS	Casino Nova Scotia
Sep 27	Sydney	NS	Membertou Trade & Convention Centre
Sep 29	Kingston	ON	The Grand Theatre
Sep 30	Toronto	ON	Hugh's Room
Oct 01	Brantford	ON	Sanderson Centre
Oct 02	Owen Sound	ON	The Roxy Theatre
Oct 03	Huntsville	ON	The Algonquin Theatre

Mr. Rooney will be signing autographs after each performance.

What did they do to Matthew McConaughey?

2010-09-03T12:12:00.000-07:00

Recently on Fox Entertainment.... some writer decided that he'd have fun with Matthew McConaughey's recent photos for Dolce Gabbana advertisements. They said that they went overboad with the airbrushing. I think they just did a very good job of photographing him. What do you think?


Very little difference from the Emmys Red Carpet photo.

In the ARTICLE,

Stay tuned on WRD TV for segments from....

2010-08-31T22:32:00.000-07:00

An Evening With DANNY KAYE and the NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC

ZUBIN MEHTA Music Director

Musicians' Pension Fund Benefit Concert September 23,1981

Having fun today with ...

2010-08-29T16:23:00.000-07:00

THE MICK!

This next month on September 23rd Actor Mickey Rooney will celebrate his 90th Birthday.

I just want to be among the first to help him celebrate this fantastic accomplishment of life. What a wonderful and amazing life he's had.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICKEY!

All my very best to you!
RODAN

The Count Gregore Benefit Account

2010-08-29T03:18:00.000-07:00

Count Gregore Benefit Group

Fans and friends of Count Gregore AKA John Ferguson who wish to assist in saving his home from foreclosure.

Donations made by cash or check can be made at any branch of the Bank of Oklahoma. Please make checks payable to the Count Gregore Benefit Account. Checks can also be mailed to The Count Gregore Benefit Account, c/o The Bank of Oklahoma, PO Box 960051, Oklahoma City, Ok 73196-0051 or the address listed on the Info page. Donations by credit card can be made through Paypal using the email address of CountGregoreFans@yahoo.com

Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated!

A new WB Roadrunner Short !!!!

2010-07-23T02:25:00.000-07:00

Coyote Falls is the first one out (it’ll be attached to Cats and Dogs 2 opening next Friday, July 30th). These are three-minute, three-dimensional cartoons in widescreen (scope). It works perfectly for these characters – the feeling of space in the vast desert only adds to Coyote’s desperation. This time he has ordered an ACME bungee cord and has set up a birdseed trap under a highway bridge. It’s a “foolproof” plan that takes everything into consideration … except oncoming traffic.

Sad Passing of a legendary lady....

2010-07-23T02:08:00.000-07:00

Betty Kimball, R.I.P.
by amid
July 4, 2010 4:37 pm

Betty Kimball

Betty Lawyer Kimball passed away last Thursday evening at the age of 97. She died from natural causes.

Betty (birth name: Mary Elizabeth Lawyer) was born on October 14, 1912 in Alhambra, California. After high school, she attended Pasadena Junior College and worked on various stage productions at the Alhambra Theater. In the mid-1930s, she directed one-act plays at the Pasadena Playhouse as part of a WPA arts project. In 1935, she was hired at Walt Disney Productions to work in the ink-and-paint department. At Disney, she met animator Ward Kimball whom she married in 1936. Their marriage last 66 years until Ward’s death in 2002.

Betty worked her way up the ranks at Disney and her duties expanded from painting cels to also choosing colors and creating color models to guide the work of other painters. She “did a lot of experimenting for Fantasia,” her husband Ward said. “She developed the dry-brush technique on cels.” She also provided live-action reference modeling for the title character in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs when the live-action model, Marjorie Belcher, was unavailable.

She left the studio in mid-1939 to raise a family. Her life as a homemaker was hardly conventional due to the couple’s decision to install full-sized locomotives in their backyard which became known as the Grizzly Flats Railroad. She assumed an integral role in the railroad’s operation as it attracted national media attention and a steady stream of visitors.

Her husband Ward is an undeniable legend, one of Disney’s Nine Old Men and a great artist and director, but Ward’s achievements cannot be explained without some acknowledgment of Betty’s role. Beneath her petite frame was a resilient and strong woman. She was a teammate in many of Ward’s endeavors, and provided encouragement, grounding, and support throughout her lifetime. I had the privilege of getting to know Betty a little bit in the past few years, and she was one of the sweetest people one could hope to meet. It was inspiring to meet someone who maintained a positive outlook and sense of humor throughout their lifetime.

She is survived by three children, Kelly, John, and Chloe, and five grandchildren.

Here are some moments celebrating Betty’s life. All of the photos are from the Kimball Family Collection:

Betty as a baby with mother Ida and brother Lewis


Betty (center) with brothers Dick (l.) and Lewis (r.)

Betty at age 15 in 1927

Betty and Ward in 1936

Betty working at Disney’s Hyperion Studios ca. 1936

Betty and Ward at the Snow White wrap party in 1938


1930s drawing by Ward Kimball

Betty and Ward at The Three Caballeros wrap party

Betty and Ward at a Horseless Carriage Club outing

Betty, Ward, and children (l. to r.) Kelly, John and Chloe

Late-1940s drawing of Betty by Ward

Ward, Betty and daughter Chloe in 1968

Drawings of Betty by Ward

Dressed up for the 1970 Oscar ceremony

Betty posing as reference for a painting by Ward

Betty and Ward with Michael Jackson

1993 restaurant placemat drawing of Betty by Ward

Videographer and Video Editor

2010-07-15T10:37:00.000-07:00

In this show I did the camera work for the show. And I also shot and edited the Miss Arizona and Padre's Restaurant stories. I also edited the Taco Review.

Thanks for watching
RODAN

Re-posted from, The Evening Class

2010-06-24T17:15:00.000-07:00

Mark A. Vieira—Hollywood Dreams Made Real: Irving Thalberg and the Rise of M-G-M

Mark Vieira has an undisputed eye for beauty, especially the glamorized beauty of Hollywood's golden studio era. A portrait photographer, film historian, and the author of four previous volumes—Hurrell's Hollywood Portraits, Sin in Soft Focus: Pre-Code Hollywood, Hollywood Horror: From Gothic to Cosmic, and Greta Garbo: A Cinematic Legacy, all published by Harry N. Abrams, Inc.—Vieira graciously forwarded me his latest Abrams publication, Hollywood Dreams Made Real: Irving Thalberg and the Rise of M-G-M, and I've been admittedly ensorcelled by Vieira's stunning selection of previously unpublished photographs and his informative and revelatory commentary.

Nicknamed Hollywood's "Boy Wonder," Irving Thalberg was running Universal Pictures at the age of 20 and M-G-M at 23. From 1924 to his untimely death in 1936, he supervised more than 400 M-G-M films; made stars of—among others—Norma Shearer, Jean Harlow, Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, Lon Chaney, and Greta Garbo; and helped to elevate film to the level of fine art. Hollywood Dreams Made Real tells the story of Thalberg's short but productive life and confirms his role as the prime architect of the Hollywood studio system.

Thalberg pioneered many of today's filmmaking practices, including story conferences, sneak previews and the resulting retakes. But he was a complex and often contradictory man, regarded by some as a genius and by others as an exploiter of writers. In Hollywood Dreams Made Real, Vieira sets the record straight. The author includes accounts of Thalberg's rise to prominence in the company of colleagues who later unseated him; anecdotes of Crawford's competition with Shearer; and evocative stories of the making of Thalberg films, from the brilliant all-star vehicle Grand Hotel to the bizarre horror film Freaks, which literally sickened viewers. Vieira interweaves the recollections of Thalberg's wife, Norma Shearer, and those of other M-G-M veterans with newly discovered interviews and data from unseen production records. More than 200 previously unpublished photographs comprise a treasure trove of images from Thalberg's films. The result is both a portrait of a Hollywood pioneer and an enchanting tour of the magical world he created.

To celebrate the publication of this lustrous volume, the Rafael Film Center has programmed three rare treasures from this legendary producer. On Wednesday, October 29, 7:00PM, Vieira will present Red Dust and on Thursday, October 30, 7:00PM, he will present The Merry Widow. Vieira will guide discussion after each screening and then sign copies of his new book, which will be made available for purchase at the Rafael. On Sunday, November 2, 7:00PM San Francisco Chronicle film critic Mick LaSalle will round out the series with a screening of Private Lives and guide discussion afterwards.

2010-05-14T01:18:00.000-07:00

Have a great weekend everyone!

A very special 12 years of my life came to an end on Friday the 26th of March.

2010-03-27T05:41:00.000-07:00

March 21st 2010

Dear Terri,

I do not know how to begin this letter...but I wanted to write to you and tell you from the bottom of my heart how much your friendship and Floyd's has meant to me over these many years. I know you lived in our neighborhood and raised your sweet family long before I ever came along. But I just wanted you to know that the day I found the little white house on the corner of 8th Ave and Piccadilly I had no idea how blessed I was to have found a home next to you and your dear Floyd. Your friendship over the years has meant so much.

It's so easy to have neighbors...everyone has neighbors...but to have such good friends is a blessing from God. So it is like this... I thank God above for blessing me with such good friends as you and Floyd.

I miss having you next door and want you to know how much Xavier and I love you and how anxious we are to have you back home again. I know things for you have changed beyond all description and explanation. Nothing will ever be the same again. Terri If things were different and I were telling Floyd this instead of you, I would still be saying the exact same thing to Floyd as I am to you. We love you, We miss you and want you to come home. Your such an important part of the neighborhood.

I do realize that some things are in Gods hands alone... but Terri, If nothing else moves you by this letter... Please know that we love you.

Terri died Friday the 26th of March 2010.

And now Terri, we'll miss you. I'm listening to the faint sound of your back porch wind chimes and looking towards your back yard. The lights still on inside but I know things now will never be the same. Thank you so much for your loving friendship. You'll always have a special place in our hearts. And I know that you are now home again....with your loving husband Floyd.

All my love

RODAN

Because

2010-01-26T04:11:00.000-08:00

"This is the beginning of a new day...God has givin me this day to use as I will.
I can waist it or use it for some good purpose... But what I do with this day is important.
Because I have exchanged one day of my life for it."

A quote that hung in the hallway of my Great Grandparents home.

Have a great day everyone!

~R O D A N~

Tammy---Tammy

2010-01-26T03:28:00.000-08:00

In 2003 I was able to spend some time with this wonderful lady. I just feel so certain that when she passed she went straight to heaven God Bless you Tammy Faye You will always be remembered for your accepting and unconditional love and the sweetest singing soul.

Thank you for your love.
~R~

I must add that when thinking about Tammy that I'm left with the thought of how wonderful she is feeling now that she's in Heaven singing like never before.... and maybe just maybe when Saint Peters on smoke break she's giving maybe just a slight kick in the arse to a certain Rev. Falwell.. maybe...

See you again Tammy. I can wait a while..but until then. Much love....

A Zsa Zsa kind of a day...

2010-01-26T03:20:00.000-08:00

Now I don't usually care to put things like this in my blog...but I read on CNN.COM how Zsa Zsa now almost 90 years young, but suffering from an accident she now has to have some kind of surgury to fight an infection in her legs. I just wish her the very best. What a dear (albeit, scrappy)lady. I just have to take a moment to wish her well. and a speedy recovery.

Here for your great enjoyment, is one of the most hilarious bits she did with David Letterman. Please watch for a hearty laugh. I was left rolling on the floor and laughing out so very loud.

Cheers and happy Humpday!

~RODAN~

For my friend...

2010-01-24T15:12:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when things just aren't happening the way you want them to you just lay in bed at night with certain names, faces, and voices passing through your mind. I love where I live here in Phoenix. Our home is a comfortable one, big enough for Xavier and Myself and our menagerie of birds. Omar, Kylie and Ella . They're the dragons that surround our castle and protect us from the dullness an ordinary boringness that some people seem to be consumed by. Outside our home...the neighborhood is pretty dull,. Pretty dull indeed , except for our next door neighbors. For the past 12 years living here at "Piccadilly Circus" has been such a special place to live. For the past 12 years our closest friends and dearest neighbors have been the elderly couple that lived on the west side of our home. They've been our only neighbors as our home is situated on a corner. My first experiences with them when I moved in to Piccadilly Circus was so warm and charming. Terri and Floyd were in there late seventies then I guess. When I first moved in Terri came over and welcomed me to Piccadilly Road. Floyd would always challenge me to a round of weekend golf (a challenge which I'd never take because he always had a gleam in his eye that he wanted to pummel me on the fairway) Through the years Floyd and Terry came to be so much more than next door neighbors. Whether it was chats across the fence or sitting in their front porch swing. Maybe borrowing a ladder, or a table spoon of some spice or something or other... We were next door neighbors in the very best way...Terri always has some charming unique observations about what's really going on in the neighborhood. She always has some interesting gossip or tidbit of news about goings on that I'm simply oblivious to.

So many instances of what neighbors should be are just what Terri, Floyd, Xavier and Myself shared. Running outside at the stroke of midnight on the 31'st of December 1999 to watch and see if the Y2K was really going to cause the city to blackout. Seeing that it didn't we proceeded to bang our pots and lids and make some noise to ring in the year 2000. Through the years, over the backyard fence and on their front porch swing we've shared so many laughs about life's many challenges and joys. We've said so much, but I still have so many more things to share. Many times I wanted to go with them during the summer to get away to their cabin "up the hill" as she'd always say...near Flagstaff to escape the summer heat of Phoenix. So many things we never got to do. Maybe never will...

Floyd died about 4 days after Christmas after a being ill for quite a time. It was so sad seeing Terri alone. And now, Terri is in the hospital. Exhausted from her loneliness. After 12 years of solid loving neighborly friendship I am now at a loss for what to do or say to Terri or her family. I visited with her today. at the hospital. She looked a little bit better than she did the day before yesterday. I sat by her bedside and we spoke about what she wanted. She said she didn't know what she wanted. I said that it's really up to her but we all want her to be here with us of course. She stretched out her arm and pulled me close and gave me a hug and a kiss. I am praying for my dear friend. What more can I do?

Love my Pookah...

2010-01-21T11:10:00.000-08:00

Omar

MY POOKAH

"The pookah takes many forms, but is most famous when he appears as a giant, six-foot white rabbit - which is the form most Americans know from the play and film, Harvey. Whatever form the pookah takes, he retains the special ability of his species, which is like that of Thoth in Egyptian legend, Coyote in Native American myth or Hanuman the Divine Monkey in Hindu lore - he can move us from one universe, or Belief System, into another, and he likes to play games with our ideas about 'reality.'"

Great Grandfather GW Dunn's Ambition

2010-01-19T12:06:00.000-08:00

THANK YOU ME!

2010-01-16T01:28:00.000-08:00

Me the Spirit meets Me the flesh...or vice-versa...

My observations of my own mood and reflection of who I see in the mirror have become clearer than they have ever been. But even as clear a revelation that this has been, it has only reinforced my belief that I am dealing with two separate beings. And these two have become closer than they have ever been before. Or so I had thought.

I feel that we've discovered each other in retrospect, with the passage of time. And it is then that we've discovered that we do not know each other very well after all. That is perhaps a good thing. Perhaps for the moment all that interest me with a greedy inquisitive fever, is the future.

Okay Me, I'll be here whenever you need me!

Thank you remorseless spirit

Don't mention it, all to solid flesh.

Aly Tadros and Douglas Jay Boyd in Phoenix at Hob Nobs

2010-01-14T02:48:00.001-08:00

Aly and Doug at Hob Nobs in Phoenix from RODAN on Vimeo.

2010-01-13T01:17:00.000-08:00

This week so far has really been fun.. even though I've been working. Sunday there arrived to our house there arrived two musicaly gifted entites that go by the names Aly Tadros and Douglas Jay Boyde. Doug and Aly are on tour and stayed here at Piccadilly Circus. It was such fun gettig to know Aly all over again and ...Doug for the first time. While I did not get to attend there gigs while they were here This morning Doug sat up in the "backlot" and sang for my camera... Just Doug, Me and my little neighbors across the back fence. You can here them singing back-up for Doug.

If your not familiar with Douglas or Aly they will be performing tomorrow in San Diego.

1/13/2010 8:00 PM at The Ruby Room w/ Aly Tadros and Dave Booda and Cannons and Clouds
1271 University Ave, San Diego, California 92103

If your in San Diego Wednesday Go check them out!

Thanks Aly! Thanks Doug! You really made my week!!!

~cheers~

RODAN

2010 Week three...

2010-01-11T10:56:00.000-08:00

The weekend was very relaxing and refreshing. Among the highlights was capturing this shot of Ella at her most inquisitive. I just love how she cocks her head to one side when she looks at me. She sometimes twists her neck so she's looking at you upside down. Who knows why...

Sunday was spent experimenting in the kitchen. I had thawed out some chicken on Thursday and it needed to be cooked so I decided to make Cocovan (Baked chicken in a red wine sauce) I'd never made it before. But decided it was time for a challenge. The sauce takes about an hour and 10 minutes to make properly. It has to be reduced. Well I must say it came out very nice. X liked it. I think he did. Well, later that night some friends from out of town came in and I thought I'd make some more. I'd try and do it all over again ... A sort of quick version, but with no mushrooms. I think it came off okay. But the full hour and 10 minutes is the key to making a really good sauce. I'll be making it again, I loved it and how it smelled while cooking.

It's now afternoon on Monday and I need to get moving for work.

Here's to a fabulous day!

From 1927

2010-01-02T09:22:00.001-08:00

It's not much to really read unless you knew my Grandmother and were familure with the things she's talking about. But to me (and I didn't come along until much much later.) I know and understand just what she's talking about. Here, she is writing to her Mother, and sisters, Blanch, Florence and Helen. They were living in Liberal, Kansas in 1927. George is her brother who she's talking about towards the end.
I can read a letter of her's and hear her voice and feel her feelings as if she's in the room with me now. It makes me feel good to share these moments within my journal... I hope you enjoy.

Duncan Okla-
Oct-8th 1927

Dear Mother & all,

Should have written before now- But, we have been real busy. We sold our place while we had a buyer- (They had been living in Ryan, Oklahoma. My Grandfather worked for Halliburton Company. And just moved to Duncan where the company had it's headquarters.) we sold it for $500.00. More than we paid for it- & the payments we made on it since march is ours clear too- So we made $650.00 on that deal- Not bad- We were going to remodel that place but it would cost about $650.00 then it wouldn't be what we would want- We don't like the south part of town either, they are building in the n.w. part- there has been more cute new houses being built this summer-- but none in this part- So, we intend to build soon. Maybe not until spring - We struck it lucky too! Got a good house (A rented house for the winter.) just across from where we was - Pay $30.00, houses are scarce. No desirable houses vacant and this is close to Dan's work for this winter- A plastered house - Fireplace- Bookcase- Built in Features- (I'm presuming she means a bathroom.)

Muriel and her awkward piano.

Well, I sold my piano- Got tired of moving it around - Couldn't play anything on it, so out of tune & pedal wouldn't work- Well it shure needed a lot of work done to it. Then wouldn't be anything... Going to get a midgett or a grand, when we get into our home. These new midgetts are just 3 ft. 10 inches high- The music store just got a car load of them in the other day-- $350.00 piano for $295.00, nice looking after seeing your piano & then mine just looked awful- Mine's so tall and awkward looking- We moved last Saturday morning about 7:30 in the morning- just got moved and then it started to rain. And it rained all day long- So we was just lucky all around-
It has been a rainy week here and turned cold- Has been a beautiful day today- if it is pretty tomorrow we will go to Ryan. Haven't been down there in 3 or 4 Sundays- I haven't heard from George since we were there. So they have moved again- guess I will have to wait then- they sure won't write out of their town-
I have made Mary M- 5 dresses with long sleeves- 3 with bloomers to match- I have got to make her some white bloomers.

Mary M- and bloomers...?

Well this weather sure bad on the farmers who have cotton- I hope the frost don't get your crops- But spect frost i snot far away- They say Oklahoma will have frost in less than two weeks.

Blanch, you ask if I knew a cute way to make a velvet dress. I haven't paid much attention to the fashions lately- I know I see lots of velvet & saten or crepe combined. I would like to have a black velvet dress myself- I want to go to the City & get myself a pair of shoes and hat and Mary M- shoes and hat to match her coat.- get cute things in the City- Dan has to have a new suit too..

Guess you read about Chickasha Okla having 2 & 3 ft of water in Main Street- the basement's of all businesses, houses filled with water. They had a cloud burst near Chickasha. It's about 50 miles north of Duncan Ok and Oklahoma City is 40 miles from Chickasha. Sure had a tornado in St. Louis Mo. wasn't it?

How's Florence and her school comming along- She has a birthday the 20th.-- Don't know what in the world to get her. Can you tell me something?

I bet Helen's coat is pretty-- I'm going to have my spring coat cleaned and wear it this winter. I don't go anywhere much to wear a coat. In a closed car a person don't have to wrap up so much...

Well guess I will stop this time -- Don't wait so long to write me..

Lot's of Love
Muriel

I remember sitting on the back porch and having this photo taken by my Mom. The back porch of the home she wrote about in 1927..And had built that next spring.
I always find these letters interesting. It amazes me how for granted we take things these days. I can't imagine making my own clothes, let alone underwear. And even back then riding around in a closed car was a new experience for most people. Well she left so many to read through that I just thought I'd share one. My Mom and Dad will get a kick out of reading this because I don't think that they have ever seen these letters.

The weekend is near everyone! ~ENJOY!~

~RODAN~

Big Brothers playin in the Rain

2009-12-26T15:35:00.000-08:00

June 2nd 1962

2009-12-26T15:21:00.000-08:00

Mom and Pop get married...

Christmas Time 1965

2009-12-25T13:45:00.000-08:00

I came across some old home movies not long ago and thought I'd put up a few snippits here to share with the family.

First one is Christmas Morning 1965. My brothers Lee and Dana and I awake to explore the Christmas tree and it's new fruit. We all look so happy with what Santa Brought. What a happy time.

Christmas 1965, Me and my big brothers from RODAN on Vimeo.

The memories of so many Christmas pasts are such treasures. Each holiday season we all meet together (when possible) and touch hands around the dinner table... Old hands touch new younger hands passing down the traditions and stories of Christmas's gone by. I cherish each one and pray for many more. But the special meaning of the time is Love and Gifts. We never know which Christmas guests will make it to the next one. Each one is so special and a blessing.

As we gather around the Christmas Table and touch hands let us remember the Christmas's gone by and spread the joy and happiness to the young ones who will carry on the traditions.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

The weekend before...

2009-12-06T23:32:00.000-08:00

The weekend was a very good one.. slow going due to a nasty bug... but all in all...got some shopping in and had a nice Sunday relaxing at home... X and I went out shopping for some jeans and a few scarves and gloves. When we got back home we spoke about the coming week and some plans. X did a few Christmas cards which is what I need to do. I hope I can get them done this week. I made dinner baked a chicken in the oven and made a salad. Then done it looked tasty but I decided to make toasted cheese/club sandwiches. Tasty diner. Xavier went off to bed or a long nap...I went to do the front bedroom. It desperately needed attention. Dust-bunnies under the bed were getting big...needed to send them on their way. I flipped the mattress and sorted through some old papers and letters which were years old. Tossed the rubbish washed sheets changed the bed and vacuumed.I know I should have done this earlier in the day but I seem to get my burst of energy late in the day, I suppose due to my late work schedule which is 2 - 11pm Mon-Fri.

While cleaning the room I put on my favorite web radio programs from WWW.OTRCAT.COM
I love the website because I can listen to old radio plays from the 30 and 40's with some of the very best Hollywood stars. I was able to find Joan Fontaine in Ninotchka. It was so entertaining to hear and the radio drama was so professionally produced it felt as if I were watching a movie but in my head while I was cleaning. What a different way of entertaining yourself. You can't get that type of entertainment these days. I highly recommend it. Well I need to shower and finish up a couple of things and get ready for Monday work. ~adios~

BLISTERS!!!!

2009-06-09T17:18:00.000-07:00

Been workn it hard in the backyard all day...removing stumps, weeding, trimming limbs from a slowly dieing orange tree... poor tree. I guess I worked about 5 hours in the back yard and probably have a zippy sunburn...good thing I thought to take my teeshirt off or I'd be wearing a skin colored wifebeater teeshirt for the rest of June... So I suppose I'll look more like a lobster tomorrow... jumped into the pool and cooled off..now I'm heading out to the nursery to buy some bougainvilleas for the yard. probably get about 10 or 20.. .I want some color out there.

My hands are all blistered from using my tools...(just thought I'd through that ammo out there for you)

Saturday

2009-06-06T12:08:00.000-07:00

Well the weekend is here. Wednesday at work I shot a story for Lissette. She had to anchor so I was heading out alone. The story was a press conference being held by the City of Mesa's Chief of Police to bring to light events going on within the police department. There were two seperate events he wanted to talk about. One where an individual was kind of roughed up by an arresting officer. It was all caught on tape and the thing didn't look that bad. The guy was kind of shoved down on the trunk of the car and then moved to the side of the building. I couldn't see any beating or any really rough treatment. And the guy in his mugshot was kind of smiling not just a few minutes later. So that wasn't much... The second event the chief wanted to talk about was a call the police got to respond to a hotel where a lady had had a miscarriage ... long story short she went to the hospital and the police simply flushed the 4" fetus down the toilet. YUK!

Tuesday I worked with VHR and we did a story on a west valley homicide...some guy shot his longtime girlfriends 26 year old daughter. He fled the scene but was caught later. Later that evening I edited a cute story for Friday's 5PM show. A young high school athlete was graduating and wanted to study music... he worked as a DJ. I liked how that story turned out.

Friday went well... did a story on how Hispanic people here in the valley are learning their rights and how to deal with immigration issues. Plain and simple story. I like that.

Well it's Saturday. I slept late. But have to work later this evening.
Can't wait for my weekend to begin...

Request the pleasure of your company.

2009-06-06T03:08:00.000-07:00

In March of 1994, I had been working for the Actress Joan Fonatine for about a month... I'd moved in to my bungalow right under her library overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I'd gotten use to "The Boys" (her gang of five rescued dogs from the Humain Society) Muldoon a huge Alaskan Husky who had been mistreated and beaten before he'd had the luck to wind up in the kennels and then in the pristine care of Ms. Fontaine. Then there were three other dogs a German Shepherd and a Sitter mix...and Paco a blind Dachshund. You might say that's only four...But Muldoon was so big I always said I counted him twice.... Those guys were just amazing pets.

Now I am targeting March because I remember that it was about this time of the year that I was cleaning out her closets in the den. She'd asked me to go through them and carefully sort out the items and see what we could through out. I arranged things in piles, and continued to clean up the closets. There were about five large closets stuffed so that you could barely open the folding doors. As I was going through them, there were furs in varying stages of decay (some dried out and not suitable to wear. Some were still quite nice. There were also a few stage costumes. fancy items and odd assortment of shoes. I remember asking her about a few of them.
She'd say out or in..and I put them aside or hung them back up.

One particular item was a very odd looking dress made from cords and knots...It use to be white. I could tell. But now it was yellow with a few spots of orange. Time had taken it's toll on this very unique item. I held it up and it was a mess. It looked like some old fishing net. As I continued to hold it up. I spread it out to see just how big this thing was.
I asked her then... What about this? Oh! She said...What do you think? She asked me.. I wore it to a party once she said.. That was it. Then she added.. Better through it out... I almost complied.... Then I thought for some reason I couldn't. And I said... It's not that bad.. Just yellow with age. I think a dry cleaner worth his salt might be able to bring some life back into it. So I carefully put it back. And continued on with my work. Not thinking much about it again. A few years ago... I was watching a Biography episode about the life of Truman Capote. And low and behold, when they came to describe what was the Social Event of the Decade. There was Joan Fontaine arriving by limo in front of the Newsreels adorned with that fishnet of a dress. I thought to myself wow... I held that dress in my hands and was either savior OR trashman of an almost iconic artifact from the Social Event of the Decade of my birth....

Well I just thought I'd share that with you. If you click on the photo you can see a slide show from that party witch Lady Fontaine wore the dress of which I speak.

~CHEERS~
R O D A N

Now I included a few links above. There you will find a list of all those who attended the famous party in 1966. And if you click on the photo you'll see the slideshow I mentioned. Enjoy.

My favorite film of all time comes out on Blue Ray March 10th. I CAN'T WAIT!

2009-03-03T02:55:00.000-08:00

Nobody knows how much this film means to me.

It brings out the kid in me and soothes my soul like no other film ever has.

I love it!

Bill Tytla, Grumpy get's a bath....

2009-03-03T02:16:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share these drawing that come from Michael Sporn's Animation Blog. Amazing stuff here.
Bill Tytla was a genius with a pencil.

Tytla’s Dwarf Fight

Here is a scene from Snow White, animated by Bill Tytla, in which all seven dwarfs are in a fight. The drawing above is the first of these drawings and it shows what it looked like in color - lots of red pencil notes, yellow pencil for rough structural lines. The rest of the drawings I have are B&W copies.

By the way, if you like this material check out Hans Perk ’s site today. It deals with forces vs. forms in animation. This is what Tytla was all about in animating.

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(Click any image to enlarge.)

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Check out Happy’s face on this inbetween.

Then check out Tytla’s drawing (the next one) of Happy.

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Tytla marked his own drawings with an “X” in the upper right corner.

The other drawings are the work of inbetweeners. The writing looks

to be all the work of Tytla.

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Some of these drawings are just hilarious in their own right.

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Click here to see a quick time of this sequence.
Amazing!

HISTORY

2009-03-02T12:46:00.000-08:00

I was up late reading some very old letters last night. This morning I sat down at the computer and found this biography on line of my Great Great Grandmother Elizabeth Bahr (Mrs H.S. Converse) brother William D. Bahr.

Well, I had fun trying to decipher the generations and just where each name fell in the grand scheme of things. I wrote more about it all
below.

William and Mary

WILLIAM D. BAHR, one of the well-known and progressive farmers of Sullivan county, where he has lived during his entire life as one of its most respected citizens, was born May 13, 1849, a son of Daniel and Mary (Graifly) Bahr, of Berks county, Pennsylvania. His
education was obtained in the common schools of Cherry township, after which he made his home with his parents until twenty-five years of age, when he was married and took up his residence on the place where he now lives. This property he purchased from his father and at that time it was but partially cleared.He at once began making improvements and in the course of a few years had the property under excellent cultivation, had built himself a comfortable home and to-day is classed among the well-to-do and up-to-date farmers of his
locality. He held the office of school director for six years, and has always taken a great interest in the cause of
education as well as other questions of the day affecting the growth and welfare of the community. He is a
member of Dushore Lodge, I. O. O. F., at Dushore; belongs to the Evangelical church, and in political belief is a Republican.

Mr. Bahr was united in marriage February 6, 1873, to Miss Mary A. Zaner, who was born in Cherry township, November 9, 1853, a daughter of A. H. Zaner, of Dushore, whose sketch will be found on another page. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bahr: Clayton A., who married Miss Carrie Bradley and is farming in Cherry township; Warden and Sherman Z., who are at their parental home.

Daniel Bahr, the father of our subject, came to Sullivan county with his parents when eight years of age. They settled in Cherry township, where his mother died in 1863, aged thirty-two years. His father remained in Cherry township until 1892, when he went to Bradford county, to reside with his son Lewis. He was a well-known citizen of this county and was school director for two terms.He was twice married, and by his first wife had seven children, as follows: William D., subject of this sketch; Wesley, deceased; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Henry Converse, and living in Great Bend, Kansas; Ada, who married George Dieffenbach, and is deceased; Celestia, deceased;

1890's

Lewis M. Bahr ran this store for more than 50 years
in Hollenback PA,North-east of Muncie Indiana. He opened it in 1884.
He was the Brother of my Great Great Grandmother Elizebeth Bahr (Mrs. H.S. Converse)From Dushore PA.

Lewis M. Bahr, taken April 13, 1934 for The Daily Review , Towanda PA. Newspaper hales my Great Great Grandmothers brother as an Unusual Man. He'd ran the store for more than 50 years buying it in 1884 after the owner had died. In those days Hollenback PA was a busy place, timber mills, saw mills etc. Later farmers and such. He was postmaster for 20 years. And Justice of the Peace for 18 years. Called a square dealing arbiter of local disputes. His decisions were accepted as fair and final.

Lewis; and Daniel, who resides in Sylvania. His second wife was Miss Margaret Zaner, who died in 1885, aged thirty-six years, leaving one child, George.

The paternal grandparents of our subject were John and Mary A. (Reeser) Bahr, of Berks county, Pennsylvania, where they lived until 1834, when they came to Sullivan county, locating in Cherry township.Mr. Bahr accumulated a large property and was an influential man. He died October 27, 1855, at the age of seventy-two years, four months and twenty-four days, his wife surviving him for thirteen years, dying June 3, 1868, and reaching the good old age of eighty-one years, five months and eighteen days.They were members of the Evangelical church.

This biography was written at a web page. I found on line. After sitting up half the night reading letters written by my Great Great Grandmother Elizabeth Bahr (Mrs. H.S. Converse) Mother to my Great Grandmother Ida May Converse (Mrs. George Washington Dunn) Mother to my Grandmother Muriel A. Dunn (Mrs Daniel Thompson) Mother to my Father Donald Thompson.

Ida Converse( Dunn), 1918
My Great Grandmother

Muriel A. Dunn (Thompson), 1916
My Grandmother

Donald Thompson around 1944
My Dad

What I was reading were letters written in 1893 and 1898 the year my Grandmother was born. The letters were addressed from Mrs. H.S. Converse to her daughter Ida M Converse then living in Great Bend Kansas.

These letters always amaze me. What great handwriting the people had years ago. I wish I could write as well as they did.

Now I suppose if I read this correctly William D. Bahr was brother to my Great Great Grandmother Elizabeth Bahr.

Mr and Mrs H.S. Converse
Elizabeth Bahr Converse, and Henry Steven Converse.

Their Father Daniel Bahr was my Great Great Great Grandfather. And the names listed at the bottom of the biography, John and Mary A.(Reeser) Bahr were my Great Great Great Great Grandparents. who here described, were from Berks County PA and in 1834 moved to Sullivan County PA. Cherry Township. John Bahr was born 1783, Died 1855. His wife Mary was born 1787 and died in 1868.

It's amazing reading, Sitting here learning all this. It makes a
person just want to know more and more about their family history.

My Great Grandmother Elizabeth Bahr Converse (Mrs. H.S. Converse)

2009-03-01T02:11:00.000-08:00

This would have been around 1951

My G-G Grandparents, The H.S. Converse's cir. 1916

Generations four...

2009-02-28T03:33:00.000-08:00

Sometime after 1920. My Grandmother Muriel Dunn Thompson. (holding my Aunt Mary Margaret Thompson) My Great grandmother Ida May Converse Dunn. My Great Great Grandmother, Mrs H.S. Converse born Elizabeth Bhar January 18,1853.

Earlier in the year I worked very hard on a family project. Going over more than a hundred plus years of family history..
No small task believe me.

Many of the letters I have are so very interesting One by my Great Grandmother Elizabeth Converse written October 21, 1948 when she was 95 years old. Now I never met her but I feel so close to her after going over all of this material. She sounds so sweet....The letter is old yellow and her handwriting at her age is hard to make out.

Her letter reads:

Great Bend Kansas , Oct. 21 1948

Dear Ida and Grand Children, received the lovely gifts. Sure do thank you one and all. Sure was fine. I am not very well but thankful I can eat and sleep. I get so lonesome and am glad you can all go. We are having cold weather....sure takes the gas. Edna is sure having time with her feet . She goes to the Doctor to have them treated, cost her 5 dollars..... It sure cost to be sick.... I am glad I have some money to pay...
It won't be long till X-mas I am glad you can be with your dear ones. I am writing this without glasses...Ain't no good, I hope you can read this scribbling. I am quite nervous, if we never meet here on Earth We want to meet in Heaven. God Bless you all my dear ones.

Your Old mother 95 years
Please answer, I love to get your letters..
MOTHER

I know this sounds so sad...but to me it's very interesting... she lived to be 99 years old.

BEST FRIENDS , 1891

2009-02-28T03:24:00.000-08:00

GREAT BEND KANSAS*JULY 23, 1891
A note to my Great Grandmother Ida, (born 1877)
put in her Autograph book.

DEAR FRIEND,

LIVE LONG AND HAVE GOOD TIMES.
AND MARRY THE FELLOW THAT HAS THE DIMES*
HA-HA-HA! IT MAKES ME LAUGH TO WRITE IN IDA'S AUTOGRAPH...
YOUR TRUE FRIEND,
DORA TYLER

Brush of Stardust

2009-02-25T00:17:00.000-08:00

JOAN FONTAINE

As far back as I can remember I have had this infatuation with Hollywood. I knew the back streets of Tinseltown before I had ever stepped a foot in California. I knew where the old Chaplin Studios were. And the Original Disney Studios (on Hyperion Ave.) A few odd places as well. The Vault where Valentino was interred. Such oddities.

I am a fan of Classic Hollywood and all its tinsel tossed history.

BILLY WILDER(RIP) Director of such grand classics as Sunset Blvd. Some Like it Hot, The Apartment.

SIR ALFRED HITCHCOCK,Director:Psycho, Birds, Rebecca,Suspicion, to name a few.

VICTOR FLEMING,Director: The Wizard of Oz, Gone With the Wind

DAVID O. SELZNICK, Producer: Gone With the Wind. Rebecca etc...

GEORGE CUCKOR, Director: The Women, parts of The Wizard of Oz, Gone With the Wind, My Fair Lady....etc

I name these greats because through a certain happening in my life I feel a semi-personal connection with these great men and the films that they are connected to.

Upon my completion of my two hitches in the U.S. Navy I took for a few months a job as personal secretary and moreover the position as Major Domo for one of the greatest actresses of the often called Classic Hollywood Era. I was living in Carmel California working part time for a Local Television station. I had just about had it with the unpredictable freelance schedule and asked a friend to help me find a more regular job. My friend ran an agency for domestic help.
after a few offers I had turned down....and about a month later I got a call asking if I'd like to work for the actress Joan Fontaine. I had no idea she was living in Carmel...I had no idea she was even living.

I said uuuh-errr, okay...lets have an interview and see how it goes. A day later I got a call from a woman with a low distinguished voice. She asked for Dan Thompson. NEVER has anyone said my name in just quite that way.... Daaaaaaan Thooooompson~my goodness I thought to my self... a bit like Garbo. She asked me to come by her place the next day. I said okay Joan I'll be there! UHH---UHHH I would prefer it if you would call me Ms. Fontaine if you don't mind. she shot back quickly. Oh yes of course.*(my my my I thought) I will see you tomorrow? Oh yes I replied. All right then tomorrow, she said.

I remember this all very well... If you have seen the opening to the movie Rebecca.*(of which Joan is the Star) You will remember the long drive leading up to Mandalay. Such is the drive to the front to Joan's (oops!) Ms.Fontaines ocean side home... Waves crashing on the rocks below and all. As I arrived, she met on the driveway. She walked me through her home as if it were a museum. It was immaculate. Italian motif in the main living room. Big Fireplace, for those cool evenings just listening to the ocean waves. We walked down some stairs to what I thought was going to be a basement area. There tucked away in a corner niche was her Oscar statuette. She hardly gave it any notice as she turned. I stared at it and she picked it up and handed it to me. She showed me around what was a very cozy bungalow under her main home. That was to be my apartment. We went back upstairs and stopped out on one of the Balcony's overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Waves crashing on the rocks below. Such a setting! Now, I cannot describe the thoughts that were going on in my head. My whole conscience was determined not to be star-struck and I must say that I held my own quite well. We had such a nice talk about me my history and background in the military. And she seemed so happy and eager to have someone around who spoke English. Her Maid and Gardener (a married Mexican couple, who couldn't speak any English,more about those two later,Please remind me if I forget there is quite a story there) She had been starved around the house for someone to talk to. In English. She asked me if this were the type of job that I thought I wanted to do. And I said yes. (why not I thought to myself.) She had explained that It was not going to be long term. That she was getting ready down the road to do a few films and wanted someone around to help her get organized. We actually became good friends, in as much as she would invite me to dinner on occasions cook for me. we'd play rummy cube, a concert or two. But for the most part I was helping her prepare for her trips.

One March afternoon I as I was preparing to leave to go to a party in town (a fundraiser) Academy Awards Dinner. We were going to watch the Show live on a big Screen and have dinner. Ms. Fontaine asked me what I was doing for the evening. I told her that I was going to this function. What a bore-!she said. As she was playing
Rummy cube with neighbor Walter. She suggested that I go and take her little statue (*she had won Best Actress for Suspicion w/ Cary Grant in 1942) Uhhhhh My pals will think I swiped it if I do...so she gave me a note to go along with it...I cherish it. And keep that note in an album with lots of memorabilia.

I LOVE THE WAY SHE USE TO CALL ME DAAAAAAAAAHHHN ! ! ! She had a big house and loved to use the intercom....
There is so much more to this story... I love telling this..I will have to do it in chapters so I don't leave anything out....
MS. FONTAINE HAS WORKED WITH ALL OF THE MEN I LISTED ABOVE EXCEPT BILLY WILDER. I Went to see Sunset Blvd the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical with Joan in London. We had such fun there. more on that later as well...

Joan, Ummmm...(clears throat) I mean, Lady Fontaine, was such a nice person with me. Shortly after I began my stint working with her. She made such a fuss over me, because she'd been without anyone in the home other than the maid and gardener (whom were a married couple) They spoke very little English. What English they did speak was crude to say the least. And she went on and on about how nice it was to have someone to talk to. I was honored and embarrassed at the thought that someone such as herself was so starved that she'd be happy to talk to someone as boring as myself. The Spanish speakers:Gaston the gardener was a tall sturdy chap. A very hard working gardener. Ms. Fontaine kept him very busy. His wife Asailia was a very quiet steely eyed gal who kept to herself took orders and kept quiet. On occasion I could and would catch her rolling her eyes at a request by our lady.

Upon the start of my second week on the household staff I began my routine of fixing coffee in a French press and preparing a tray of cereal for the mistress. I heard her call me "Daaaaaan"--- Headed into her bedroom, I took in with me her morning paper. She was propped up in her canopy bed reading a book. She sat the book down beside her and began to tell me that Gaston her gardener had phoned her very early this morning and told her that I had called him during the night and propositioned him over the phone.

Needless to say, I was stunned to the core. I said outright to her clearly that I did not do any such thing. That I did not know Gastons last name. That she nor anyone else had given me his home telephone number and that I had no idea how I would call him if I hadn't a telephone number. Then I said to her that while I am a gay man... I have not nor have I ever had to preposition a man via the telephone. She laughed slightly at that and called Asailia who was vacuuming just outside in the hall. I had to go out and fetch her into the bedroom. I guess she didn't hear over the vacume. Asailia must have been waiting for this. She seemed so prepared she switched off her machine with a flair. turned up her nose to me and bolted into the bedroom. Our lady told Asailia that it was not me that had called and that .....The maid interrupted and said that "Yes it was him." I was flabbergasted.... JFD continues to say that it must have been someone else from Gastons second job. And that she didn't want to hear another thing about this. Asailia so obviously reluctant to give up, but nodded....and left the room. JFD looked at me and said don't worry Dan..I have dealt with this kind of thing before. She must have seen that I was still shaking from such an accusation. I said that in my eight years in the military I have never been accused of such a thing. She said let's continue with our day. And we did. I thought to myself how jealous can two people be. And it was obvious to me from that point on there was a real coolness between the household staffers. And JFD knew that there would be. Later that day she walked up to me and gave me a big hug. She apologized for the incident and told me again that she'd seen this between household staff's before. And for me not to worry about it... It was so obvious to me and to her that they were just trying to get rid of me. I was upsetting their apple cart.An intruder. From that point on she always introduced me as her House Manager...which always upset,(pissed) off Gaston and Asailia. And I was very direct with them when it came to any work. They were so shocked when she told them that I was going to Europe with her.

Ps, I didn't I didn't I didn't....to this day I laugh with embarrassment that someone might doubt that I told JFD the truth. While I might have checked out his booty while he was planting begonias. I never ever made such a call or propositioned him electronically or in person. I was earnestly in shock at that accusation. Now it all seems like a humorous scene from a play. But then I was shaking at the thought that I was a target of such a scandalous accusation. ( perhaps I overstate that because it is such a funny story now)

God this sounds so Queenie!

~~R O D A N~~

A good hair day?

2009-02-24T18:02:00.000-08:00

It's interesting sometimes when you think that the now is all that there is and the past is long gone and hasn't any clue just what you are doing in today's world, or how tough times have gotten. But I don't really think that they're all that tough.
Not to long ago, I found a faded yellow envelope. Upon opening it and looking inside, problems that seemed overwhelming, and things that seemed out of place or just to tough to take just faded away... My family has a strong hardworking background and has always been an inspiration. I have no idea what reason someone decided to take my Grandmothers hair and place it in an envelope. But, whatever that reason was My Grandmother paid me a visit in an extraordinary way today.... My Grandmother was born in 1898, and who died in 1989.

My Grandmother Muriel Dunn Thompson's hair. I found in an envelope with her name on it. "Muriel Dunn's Hair" She was born in 1898. I have no idea just how old this is...

My Grandmother at age 10. In 1908 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma USA.

FROM 1927

2009-02-24T17:49:00.000-08:00

It's not much to really read unless you knew my Grandmother and were familiar with the things she's talking about. But to me (and I didn't come along until much much later.) I know and understand just what she's talking about. Here, she is writing to her Mother, and sisters, Blanch, Florence and Helen. They were living in Liberal, Kansas in 1927. George is her brother who she's talking about towards the end.
I can read a letter of hers and hear her voice and feel her feelings as if she's in the room with me now. It makes me feel good to share these moments within my journal... I hope you enjoy.

Duncan Okla-
Oct-8th 1927

Dear Mother & all,

Should have written before now- But, we have been real busy. We sold our place while we had a buyer- (They had been living in Ryan, Oklahoma. My Grandfather worked for Halliburton Company. And just moved to Duncan where the company had it's headquarters.) we sold it for $500.00. More than we paid for it- & the payments we made on it since march is ours clear too- So we made $650.00 on that deal- Not bad- We were going to remodel that place but it would cost about $650.00 then it wouldn't be what we would want- We don't like the south part of town either, they are building in the n.w. part- there has been more cute new houses being built this summer-- but none in this part- So, we intend to build soon. Maybe not until spring - We struck it lucky too! Got a good house (A rented house for the winter.) just across from where we was - Pay $30.00, houses are scarce. No desirable houses vacant and this is close to Dan's work for this winter- A plastered house - Fireplace- Bookcase- Built in Features- (I'm presuming she means a bathroom.)

Muriel and her awkward piano.

Well, I sold my piano- Got tired of moving it around - Couldn't play anything on it, so out of tune & pedal wouldn't work- Well it sure needed a lot of work done to it. Then wouldn't be anything... Going to get a midget or a grand, when we get into our home. These new midgets are just 3 ft. 10 inches high- The music store just got a car load of them in the other day-- $350.00 piano for $295.00, nice looking after seeing your piano & then mine just looked awful- Mine's so tall and awkward looking- We moved last Saturday morning about 7:30 in the morning- just got moved and then it started to rain. And it rained all day long- So we was just lucky all around-
It has been a rainy week here and turned cold- Has been a beautiful day today- if it is pretty tomorrow we will go to Ryan. Haven't been down there in 3 or 4 Sundays- I haven't heard from George since we were there. So they have moved again- guess I will have to wait then- they sure won't write out of their town-
I have made Mary M- 5 dresses with long sleeves- 3 with bloomers to match- I have got to make her some white bloomers.

Mary M- and bloomers...?

Well this weather sure bad on the farmers who have cotton- I hope the frost don't get your crops- But spect frost is not far away- They say Oklahoma will have frost in less than two weeks.

Blanch, you ask if I knew a cute way to make a velvet dress. I haven't paid much attention to the fashions lately- I know I see lots of velvet & saten or crepe combined. I would like to have a black velvet dress myself- I want to go to the City & get myself a pair of shoes and hat and Mary M- shoes and hat to match her coat.- get cute things in the City- Dan has to have a new suit too..

Guess you read about Chickasha Okla having 2 & 3 ft of water in Main Street- the basement's of all businesses, houses filled with water. They had a cloud burst near Chickasha. It's about 50 miles north of Duncan OK and Oklahoma City is 40 miles from Chickasha. Sure had a tornado in St. Louis Mo. wasn't it?

How's Florence and her school coming along- She has a birthday the 20th.-- Don't know what in the world to get her. Can you tell me something?

I bet Helen's coat is pretty-- I'm going to have my spring coat cleaned and wear it this winter. I don't go anywhere much to wear a coat. In a closed car a person don't have to wrap up so much...

Well guess I will stop this time -- Don't wait so long to write me..

Lot's of Love
Muriel

I remember sitting on the back porch and having this photo taken by my Mom. The back porch of the home she wrote about in 1927..And had built that next spring.
I always find these letters interesting. It amazes me how for granted we take things these days. I can't imagine making my own clothes, let alone underwear. And even back then riding around in a closed car was a new experience for most people. Well she left so many to read through that I just thought I'd share one. My Mom and Dad will get a kick out of reading this because I don't think that they have ever seen these letters.

~RODAN~

2009-02-24T17:46:00.000-08:00

RODAN

This is a re-post from OKC.NET

I wanted to re-post this article here as the Count has been a life long hero of mine and John a long time friend whom I've known ever since I was 14 years old. Way to go John!!!

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