“Forgotten Hollywood” – US Capitol to Honor Helen Keller…

October 7th, 2009

Manny P. here…

   Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History‘s second chapter is devoted to the enduring struggle to change how America perceives individuals with disabilities. Actor Lionel Barrymore was a pioneer, sitting in a wheelchair during many of his performances.

 Hellen Keller in 1920

Helen Keller in 1920

 

   Washington D.C. is finally showing their appreciation to those who rose to the occasion despite physical limitations. The U.S. Capitol unveiled a statue of Helen Keller today as part of their National Statuary Hall collection. Keller overcame the fact that she was deaf and blind to become a successful author and educator. A bronze depiction of this gifted advocate will be placed in The Capitol Visitor Center. 35 members of her family were in attendance. Alabama is footing the bill for the honor, since Keller was a native of the state.

   Patty Duke portrayed the amazing Keller in her Oscar winning role in The Miracle Worker in 1962. Helen Keller died in 1968 after a lifetime of accomplishments.

   I display several photos of Keller in my book.

 

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Book Signings…

October 5th, 2009

Manny P. here…

   I’m proud to announce an added appearance for the debut of my book: an autograph party at Chester Washington Golf Course in Los Angeles. The event is scheduled on Monday, October 26th beginning at 6:30pm. I invite all my friends in LA for this first autograph party to kick off Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

   There will be a short presentation, followed by a book signing for those that have their paperback in hand.  The entertainment for the evening will be Karaoke hosted by “C.J.” – Karaoke “KJ” of the Year 2009 in Los Angeles (south). Books will be available for purchase at the event.

   Remember, the Orange County debut of my book will take place the very next day on Tuesday, October 2th (7pm) at Mr. B’s Sports Lounge in Los Alamitos. The evening will replicate much of the previous event, down to the Karaoke entertainment, this time hosted by Candice Worl.

   Orange County Register radio columnist Gary Lycan (who wrote the eloquent Forward to my book) is scheduled to join me, along with other O.C. dignitaries. We will also have classic movie DVD’s and film poster framed prints available to anyone that wants to purchase Hollywood memorabilia along with their copy of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

   Chester Washington Golf Course is at 1930 W. 120th St. in Los Angeles, CA.  Mr. B’s Sports Lounge is at 11272 Los Alamitos Blvd. in Los Alamitos, CA.

   Books will be also on sale on Saturday and Sunday, October 24th & 25th at the Seattle Book Festival in the Columbia City Event Center, 3526 S. Edmunds, Seattle WA.

   Mark your calendars and do your holiday shopping early by visiting these wonderful events. Refer to the navigation bar on your left for additional reminders (in the Forgotten Hollywood {book} section).

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Ken Burns Documentary (pt. 2)…

October 3rd, 2009

Manny P. here…

   I’m still marveling at the wonderful job Ken Burns has accomplished in National Parks, America’s Best Idea. He is the best when it comes to original documentaries.  In his 5th day of the program, I was impressed at how he tied together the Depression and World War II with the subject of the series.

Marian Anderson

Marian Anderson

   At the end of the segment, Burns tells a story that is referenced in Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. He chronicles the moment when Marian Anderson was able to sing before the thousands at an outdoor ceremony before the Lincoln Memorial (part of the Washington DC – National Park) in 1939. Secretary of the Interior Harold Ickes supported the idea of the concert to thumb his nose at the targeted racism that had kept Anderson from performing at a previous ceremony hosted by the Daughters of the American Revolution. He sided with Eleanor Roosevelt in her fight against the DAR.2005_Penny_Rev_Unc_D

   To watch Anderson sing Ave Maria, while the marble Abraham Lincoln looks on, gave me goosebumps. What a great way to end this particular installment of the program. I invite you to buy my book and read Chapter 11. I have some wonderful photos that help me put in my two cents about this compelling story.

Untl next time>                                “never forget” 

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Anne Frank Channel on YouTube…

October 2nd, 2009

Manny P. here…

   Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History offers many historical references to compliment the subjects of each chapter. I believe the book says a lot about our collective past from around the world.

   For example…

Anne Frank Memorial, Bergen-Belsen, Germany. Photo by Arne List, October 2003

ANNE FRANK MEMORIAL – Bergen-Belsen, Germany. Photo by Arne List, October 2003

   One thing that should never be forgotten is The Holocaust during Hitler’s campaign of terror. There are some folks that would like to tell the world that the extermination of a people never existed during World War II. This horrible fact of the human race should always be remembered if only not to ever be repeated in the future.

   My wife and I visited the Anne Frank House on a trip to Europe about 6 years ago. I am proud of the information they provide that was generated from a simple diary from a young Jewish girl. I reference this fact in my new book in Chapter Seven.

   Anne Frank died of typhus at the tender age of 15 in the Bergen-Belsen camp in March, 1945. She was one of six million who fell victim to a vicious agenda.

 

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Until next time>                               “never forget”