“Forgotten Hollywood”- Memorial Day Prayers…

May 31st, 2010

Manny P. here…civil war

   As you celebrate a well-deserved day off, remember our soldiers active in duty endure to preserve our freedom. Our fallen military from previous campaigns should also never be forgotten for the defense of this country.

   I remind my readers – Memorial Day was established after the Civil War to honor the Union and Confederate dead who battled for what they believed in. Originally called Decoration Day, the holiday was expanded after World War I. In 1971, Congress made the last Monday in May to ensure a three-day holiday, and unofficial start of Summer.MemDayLogo

   Ironton, Ohio lays claim to the nation’s oldest continuously running Memorial Day parade. It’s been an annual tradition since May 5, 1868. And, Memorial Day is a holiday which thankfully most businesses observe.

   A peaceful Memorial Day to one and all…

Until next time…                “never forget…our men in uniform”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- OC Screenwriters Event Sizzles!

May 28th, 2010

Manny P. here…

   Last weekend’s event presented by Orange County Screenwriters Association was amazing by all accounts. It was so good, I don’t know where to begin to sum up the day’s highlights at the Regency South Coast Village Theatre in Santa Ana.

Screenwriters logo        regency

   I can tell you – J. Michael Straczynski lived up to the hype! For two hours, the acclaimed screenwriter held his audience like putty in his hands with stories, accounts, advice, and good natured asides, which put his amazing career in the appropriate light. Orange County Register radio columnist Gary Lycan and I were glad we opened for this fascinating storyteller (instead of following him)… Folks from all over Southern California were present, and showed all involved the proper enthusiasm for a memorable Saturday morning.

   Kudos to Mark Sevi, President of the Orange County Screenwriters Association, for the organization and discipline it took to pull this off! A short summary of his assessment of the event comes from the OC Screenwriters newsletter:

   Saturday we gathered to hear one of the most prolific and versatile writers of our time.      J. Michael Straczynski, aka JMS, aka Joe, put aside his crushing deadlines and came to the Regency South Coast Village Theater to take the stage and make us think, laugh, and feel good about being filmmakers…He still continues to dominate the writing world, now as an A-list writer of features. Joe is charming, funny, gracious and as whipsmart as anyone I’ve ever met. His visit was a total experience in that he also stayed long after and signed anything anyone put in front of him.

   Also on the program were two more consumate pros: radio personality Manny Pacheco and journalist Gary Lycan. Pacheco has written a really cool tabletop book called “Forgotten Hollywood, Forgotten History” detailing actors and movies that both reflected and had an impact on our world. Gary Lycan, an O.C. journalist of note, wrote the Foreword to the book. Both had great and insightful things to say about Hollywood of yesterday and today, and why an understanding of Hollywood history is crucial for anyone working in the business now. In fact, Manny and JMS had exactly the same message about how important story is to all forms of entertainment.

   It was a fun, informative and exciting morning and afternoon. Those who missed it…missed the chance to hear one of the finest speakers on writing I’ve ever heard.”

   Here’s a YouTube link to a “Sizzle Reel” capturing the excitement of the day (you really want to check this out):

http://www.youtube.com/v/WoDT8zUUjHE&hl=en_US&fs=1&”></param><param

   I plan on being at the Orange County Screenwriters Association networking event on June 23rd at the Ritz Restaurant in Newport Beach at 6:30pm.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Author Fair in El Segundo Set!

May 26th, 2010

Manny P. here…

el segundo author fair

   It’s official! I’ve been invited to be a panelist at The Author Fair at The El Segundo Public Library on Sunday, June 6th. All of the festivities begin at 12:45p. Here is what is going on during this day-long event: 35 authors expected to attend, book-signings, and sales of invited scribe’s work, live music, special children’s programs (including a comic book artist demonstration, balloon art, and storytelling), and goody-bag giveaways.

   Now in it’s 10th year, The El Segundo Author Fair expect about 700 avid readers and visitors. Of course, most genres of authored books will be on hand to provide quite a variety for every type of reader. Selections include mystery, children, poetry, and non-fiction.

   Two round-table chats will highlight this entertaining day. I’ll be participating on the panel: Hollywood Legends –  Fact or Fiction. The moderator is Kelly McDowell, the former mayor of El Segundo. This informative discussion begins at 1:15plibrary_1x1

   If you would like to pick up a copy of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History (or any of my gear – hats & shirts), stop on by! The El Segundo Public Library is located at 111 W. Mariposa Ave.

Until next time>                              “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- BORDERS: 3rd Week Begins at #1!

May 24th, 2010

Manny P. here…

   BORDERS is continuing an incredible sales run in May! We begin our third consecutive week  at #1 (Southern California / Local History). What makes this particularly special is I didn’t have a book signing at any BORDERS this weekend, yet Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is still in rarified air. Nationally, my paperback shines as well. Here are the current numbers (as of Monday):

#1 – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA / LOCAL HISTORY (out of 666 books)

#10 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA / LOCAL INTEREST (out of 1,328 books)

#13 CALIFORNIA / LOCAL INTEREST (out of 2,559 books)

#43 – NATIONAL / LOCAL INTEREST PAPERBACK (out of 22,817 books)

#69 NATIONAL / LOCAL INTEREST (out of 30,942 books)

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Kari Moran

If you missed the KFWB interview on Sunday, the podcast is up at the radio site for you to check out. Kari Moran’s Book Radio Show is a fine show for those who love to read or author a book. Here is a link to the website:

http://www.kfwb.com/pages/6771202.php

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Hats and Shirts Now Available…

May 23rd, 2010

Manny P. here…

   Thanks to Teena and Russ Silberman, and their own company – Embroidery Wizards – reasonably priced ball caps and a variety of shirts customizing the Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History logo are now available for sale! As you might expect, they carry all sizes and colors to choose from. They debuted these wearable items at the recent Orange County Screenwriters Association event which took place over the weekend. As you know, stitching on clothes obviously has a longer shelf life than simple silk-screening.

EW_Artwork

  “Where Magical Ideas Become Magical Creations!”

I’ll be carrying an assortment of gear at my Karaoke shows at The Starting Gate and Mr. B’s in Los Alamitos. I’ll also be joined by Teena and Russ at some of my upcoming book events, including the Author Fair at the El Segundo Library on June 6th (more info on this very soon). If you don’t live in the Southern California area, I invite you to check out their website at my navigation bar to the left in the Links / Business Friends section. Here is an additional link:

http://www.embroiderywizards.net/

   They obviously can do more than just Forgotten Hollywood gear for you. Their email address is embroiderywizards@yahoo.com. I offer my complete endorsement to utilize their services if you need anything stitched and embroidered. Russ and Teena are sincere and honest in the work they provide. They are friendly folks who will deliver!

Until next time…                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- KFWB Book Radio Show Schedule…

May 22nd, 2010

Manny P. here…

Kari Moran

   For those interested in listening to KFWB 980AM News/Talk on Sunday to Kari Moran’s Book Radio Show at 3p (PST), I’ve obtained the hour-long schedule of guests for you to check out.

   If you’re interested in reading great books, you’ll find this an inspired lineup of authors:

 KFWB schedule

   Southern California residents: I hope you enjoy the program! If you live outside the area, or miss the show…here’s a link to the online podcast (available by Monday):

http://www.kfwb.com/pages/6771202.php

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- The Hurt Locker Connection…

May 19th, 2010

Manny P. here…jms

Screenwriters logo

   We are drawing near to Saturday’s big Q&A session with J. Michael Straczynski, the Emmy-winning screenwriter of Babylon 5, and the scribe of the acclaimed motion picture Changeling. The Orange County Screenwriter’s Association is sponsoring the event. I’m opening the show with Gary Lycan at 10a (prior to JMS appearance). It’s all taking place at the Regency Theatres South Coast Village Cinemas. You’ll have a chance to get an autograph from JMS after the Q&A and buy Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.           J. Michael Straczynski

HurtPoster111   The site of this event is the very same theater where I saw The Hurt Locker back in January, while I spent many hours watching top films of 2009 as a voting member for the SAG Awards. Who knew at the time this film would win an Oscar for Best Picture. I had never heard of the Regency Theatre. However, they honored my SAG card, which allowed me to watch the flick for FREE. The Hurt Locker was one of my favorite films of the year!

 

   The Regency Theatres South Coast Village Cinemas is located at 1561 W. Sunflower on the border of Costa Mesa and Santa Ana. The O.C. Screenwriter’s Association Q&A event is FREE to attend, and this should be a great way to start your Saturday morning. All aspiring screenwriters and lovers of classic cinema are invited to stop by!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Borders Sales: 2nd Week at #1

May 18th, 2010

Manny P. here…

   Thanks to a successful visit at the Sherman Oaks BORDERS this past Sunday, the figures show Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is still at the top in sales in the Local History section in Southern California (out of 662 books). Thanks to my parents, Gary Zive, Anita Lee Wright, Steve Kolodin, Dolores Parra, Laurie’s family (and Eno) for the visit. It made for a memorable return to my youth! homepage_092209_rewards

   As good as the figures were last week, TODAY they are even more impressive! Here are the current Tuesday numbers:

#1 – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA / LOCAL HISTORY (out of 662 books)

#7 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA / LOCAL INTEREST (out of 1,324 books)

#9 CALIFORNIA / LOCAL INTEREST (out of 2,547 books)

#31 – NATIONAL / LOCAL INTEREST PAPERBACK (out of 22,684 books)

#54 NATIONAL / LOCAL INTEREST (out of 30,782 books)

——————————————    caldwell

   A new library has added my paperback to their shelves. The Caldwell Public Library in Caldwell, Idaho is our newest friend. I hope my work can become as famous as their #1 export in this neck of the woods:  the potato… One can only hope of being the big spud in these parts.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- KFWB 980AM News/Talk Interview!

May 15th, 2010

Manny P. here…

Ksri Moran Pic   I’ve been invited to be a guest on Kari Moran’s Book Radio Show on KFWB 980AM on Sunday, May 23rd at 3pm. Kari has had a wonderful career interviewing publishers, best selling authors, and other literary giants in the business. Her soft-spoken style makes for a confortable setting to discuss one’s work in an intelligent format. This will be a major opportunity for me to talk about Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History to a Southern California audience hungry for new books to read.

Kari Moran

   A remarkable feature about Kari’s program is her podcast, which airs on the KFWB website (in case you miss this particular program). Here is a link to the website:

http://www.kfwb.com/pages/6771202.php

   I’m looking forward to getting back in a radio studio, on the heels of a fabulous morning (the day before), with the Orange County Screenwriter’s Association Q&A FREE event at the Regency South Coast Village Theatre in Santa Ana at 10am. Meeting Emmy-winning screenwriter J. Michael Straczynski is going to be a big thrill, I’m quite sure.

Screenwriters logo

   More on all of this as the week transpires. Plus, I plan on recapping our Sunday visit to BORDERS in Sherman Oaks, this Sunday from 2p-5p.homepage_092209_rewards

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Borders Appearance = #1 in Sales!

May 12th, 2010

Manny P. here…

   I’m happy to report our stop at BORDERS on Sunday was an unqualified success… Thanks to our book signing event on Mother’s Day, we climbed to #1.  I received a warm reception from the staff and patrons at BORDERS in the Los Altos Market Place in Long Beach!  homepage_092209_rewards

   Check out Friday’s impressive sales category numbers:

#1 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA / LOCAL HISTORY (out of 662 books)

#10 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA / LOCAL INTEREST (out of 1,324 books)

#16 CALIFORNIA / LOCAL INTEREST (out of 2,544 books)

#85 NATIONAL / LOCAL INTEREST (out of 30,759 books)

Van Nuys HighTitle

   I expect to do as well (or better) when I return to my high school hometown:  SHERMAN OAKS this weekend! I’ll be at the BORDERS at 14651 Ventura Blvd. this SUNDAY from 2p-5p.  I’ve been told friends from Van Nuys High School (classes of75-‘76) will be on hand to cheer me on!

   This particular location has also been particularly aggressive in promoting my return to the San Fernando Valley, which I appreciate. If you are in the area, stop on by!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- San Francisco Before Quake of ’06!

May 11th, 2010

Manny P. here…

   Thanks to Teresa Preis of Los Alamitos, CA for sending me a YouTube link of San Francisco circa 1906, FOUR days prior to the great earthquake and fire that destroyed the city on April 18th. This is the FIRST 35 mm film ever made (over 104 years ago). The clock tower at the end of Market Street by Embarcadero  Wharf is still there.SF1

    And, David Kiehn with  Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum figured out when it was recorded by researching New York trade papers of the day. The historic piece was shipped by train across the country for processing. The viewing event was celebrated on the East Coast, once the clip was developed. Here is a link (with added music):

http://www.youtube.com/v/NINOxRxze9k&hl=en_US&fs=1&”></param><param  800px-San_Francisco_Fire_Sacramento_Street_1906-04-18

   In 1936, MGM produced a magnificent motion picture called San Francisco, starring Clark Gable, Jeanette McDonald, and Spencer Tracy. In fact, Tracy would be nominated for his first Oscar for this film. The studio’s talented creative team developed a stirring climax with a very realistic temblor that would once again level the city. An amazing segment created considering the technical limitations of the day. Once again, Hollywood meets American history.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Lena Horne Weathered Her Storm!

May 10th, 2010

Manny P. here…

   The beauty of my book Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is its tie between the historical aspects of our great nation with Hollywood’s studio era. The African American struggle to portray characters of substance and avoid nagging stereotypes is something I chose to  explore in a chapter devoted to Eddie “Rochester” Anderson. One of the most prominent and eloquent spokespersons in this area was Lena Horne.

   Lena_Horne

   More than just a jazz singer, Horne was a gifted actress, and a bona-fide star of stage, screen, and Civil Rights. She overcame the short-sighted fears initially displayed by studio bosses. Among the issues she tackled throughout her career included:  press releases disputing her race; her acceptance as a Black person by White America  because of her light skin; segregated minor roles in films that didn’t involve the plot just to showcase her voice; and the unfounded accusation she was a Communist.

   However, bright spots would survive as part of her legacy. Director Vincente Minnelli gave Horne a starring role in his all-Black motion picture for MGM called Cabin In The Sky, which also featured Ethel Waters and Eddie Anderson. She also is known for her interpretation of the American standard Stormy Weather. She would live to see her personal ongoing fight for Civil Rights reach the White House with the election of Barack Obama.                Photo by Carl Van Vechten

   Lena Horne died on Sunday in New York. She was 92. Turner Classic Movies will provide a four-movie tribute to Horne on Friday, May 21st beginning at 5p (PST).

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- FOX 11 Interview on YouTube!

May 7th, 2010

Manny P. here…

   A big THANK YOU to Russ Duke of KNR Entertainment for making sure last week’s FOX 11 Midday Sunday program with Tony Valdez can now be seen all over the globe. Due to YouTube restrictions, it’s in three segment links (for now).  PLEASE ENJOY…

Part 1:

http://www.youtube.com/v/LftC7UpWKNY&hl=en_US&fs=1&”></param><param

Part 2:

http://www.youtube.com/v/aTX_a1K8wCE&hl=en_US&fs=1&”></param><param

Part 3:

http://www.youtube.com/v/oxUnL6y3how&hl=en_US&fs=1&”></param><param

——————

   By the way… see you SUNDAY at BORDERS / Long Beach at the Los Altos Market Place from 2p-4p. I’ll be signing FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD FORGOTTEN HISTORY for your mom on Mothers’s Day.

Until next time>                               “never forget”       homepage_092209_rewards

“Forgotten Hollywood”- LA Looks to Limit City Library Budget!

May 6th, 2010

Manny P. here…

   LA’s City Council and Mayor are about to cut spending with regards to the Los Angeles Public Library system. This is bad news for all generations of Angelenos who use these treasured sites as informational and educational resource locations.

   Unfortunately, the city has created a precedent for this slashing of LAPL funds over the last three years. The effect of these government decisions include Sunday closures, reduced weekday evening hours, and the pending loss of hundreds of experienced staff members and popular community programs. Despite thousands of petitions and emails circulated to city officials by library supporters, the cuts continue.

lapl

   These misguided decisions are a result of LA experiencing a major financial crises that has put a target squarely on the back of the LAPL. The City Council’s Budget and Finance Committee will send recommendations to the full City Council on May 17, with deliberations continuing until the budget is passed on June 5.

   I urge you to visit the Save LAPL website http://www.savelapl.org, where with a single click they can send a message to the Mayor and all members of City Council – urging them to restore library funding to its current level, retaining staff, weekend and evening hours, and community programs. For more information on this evolving story, visit the Save The Library website at http://www.savethelibrary.org.

save libraries Logo

   SaveLAPL website creators Kim Cooper and Richard Schave are also available — contact Kim at amscray@gmail.com, or call her at 323-223-2767. Let’s all work together to save our children’s future, whether you live in Los Angeles, or anywhere in this great nation.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Pacific Pioneer’s Promotion of Book…

May 4th, 2010

Manny P. here…

   As one of the fledgling members of the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters, I’m humbly pleased to belong to a veteran echelon of extremely creative film, television, and radio talent from Southern California. I now have learned how loyal they are in support of one’s cherished work.

Pacific Pioneers logo

   The April newsletter has been sent to everyone in this prestigious group including icons who were part of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History has reached the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters. It would be my honor to see any of these folks take the time to read my award-winning paperback.

   Here’s a link to their latest newsletter:

http://www.ppbwebsite.org/newsletters/PPB_Newsletter_11in_0410.pdf

   Members of this esteemed organization include Ed Asner, Ernest Borgnine, Robert Wagner, Betty White, Jane Withers, and James Darren.

       800px-Robert_wagner_broken_lance2       427px-Ernest-Borgnine_2004

                                                                                   ERNEST BORGNINE

———————————————–

    McCrackenlogo

   Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History has found more interest in the South. The McCracken County Public Library in Paducah is a brand new Kentucky home. What fascinates me is a continued nationwide interest in Hollywood’s glorious past.

   Happy to include this fine location to our family of libraries, which now numbers:  18.

Until next time>                               “never forget”