“Forgotten Hollywood”- Let’s Look at the Tote Board (#11)…

March 21st, 2013

Manny P. here

   We’re in the dog days of our FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD Pilot Documentary (Development) funding campaign on INDIEGOGO. After 11 weeks, our team has reached 46% of our stated goal. NOW, is your chance to contribute by clicking on the link below:

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

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CONTRIBUTIONS

westminster-lanes-logo~ RICHARD SHAFER ($100) – Richard is a supporter of the FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD concept. He owns the book series, and he really wants to see the documentary become a reality. Richard resides in Huntington Beach, and he’s a vice president of a trucking business. During his free time, he enjoys bowling at Westminster Lanes.

~ BUTCH LABOSSIERE ($20) – Like Richard, Butch is a reliable bowler at Westminster Lanes. He also lives in Huntington Beach; and during the day, he works at an auto body shop. Butch also has an interesting collection of bowling balls… no really!

darrin jones~ SHERRYL & DARRIN JONES ($40) – A very close mother and son; and longtime friends to Gary Beebe and Candice Worl, they are thrilled to make a joint contribution. Darrin has proudly served in the military, and now he cares for his mother, who is disabled. Together, they enjoy quality time; spending an evening at Westminster Lanes or at a karaoke show. Sherryl owns copies of the FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD Book Series.

angie medrano~ ANGIE MEDRANO ($25) – A native of Fresno, Angie currently lives in Long Beach.  She is a secretary at a sales company in Cypress. Angie is another of my wonderful singers who stops by Mr. B’s in Los Alamitos on a given weekend. Some of her favorite tunes is Proud Mary and I Will Survive. She’s helping me survive by supporting my cinematic project and book series.

pam carter~ PAM CARTER ($20) – Many folks who spend time at Westminster Lanes support efforts in seeing the Development of a FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD Documentary Pilot. Please include Pam Carter on this list. She retired after spending a fruitful career as an employee at the Orange County Superior Court. Pam lives in Garden Grove.

C__Users_Laurie_Pictures_9-15-2012_DSC00077~ MATTHEW BRYDEN ($10) – Matthew is my friend, who sponsored my admission to Buena Park MOOSE LODGE. As Governor of this local chapter, he had an idea for a MOOSEHEART/FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD drive that raised $2400. Matthew will join my wife and me in May, when we are honored by the MOOSE International Convention Recognition Dinner in Milwaukee. $1 of every purchase from my First Edition of my initial literary work was earmarked to this worthy Child City & School. By day, the La Habra resident is an electrician.

~ SANDY KOWALCZYK ($5) – Another member of Buena Park MOOSE LODGE, Sandy is retired and lives in Anaheim. She is quite active on their local board of the Women of the MOOSE. Despite being on a fixed income, Sandy is always prepared to contribute to a worthy fundraiser.

* * * * *

   During the 2013 campaign, I’m asking friends, family, and supporters of our FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD franchise to help us achieve our 120-day (17-week) goal of $500071 total contributors; and the list is steadily growing of fine folks who want to watch quality family-friendly television programs that are intelligently presented.

   YOU can contribute ANY AMOUNT. This step ensures Development, and we’ll be able to:

  1. Hire a research archivist to track down footage and photos; and secure licensing
  2. Hire a consultant / casting director to book actors and behind-the-scenes folks from Hollywood’s Golden Age; plus cinematic historians for original interviews
  3. Set up a production shoot to tape these candid moments

   Here’s the INDIEGOGO link for all the details (and you’re chance to make a contribution):

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

   All participants will receive screen credit in the credits of the Documentary Pilot.

Until next time>                                “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Torch Singer Fran Warren Has Died…

March 20th, 2013

Manny P. here…

   Fran Warren was a popular Big Band singer, best known for her hit A Sunday Kind of Love. She worked with top band leaders of the day, including Art Mooney, Billy Eckstine, Charlie Barnet, and Claude Thornhill. She also joined Tony Martin at RCA to perform best-selling duets.                                                  FRAN WARREN —->

   Warren had a supporting role in the 1952 comedy film Abbott and Costello Meet Captain Kidd. In the 1950s, she appeared in musical productions, performing in The Pajama Game and Finian’s Rainbow;and later playing the title role in Mame. She toured with Harry James in the 1960s.

   She frequently appeared and performed on the television talk shows. Warren was a frequent guest with Johnny Carson, Merv Griffin, Mike Douglas, and Steve Allen. Though her stage career spanned five decades, today’s generation of music critics rarely refer to her contributions as an influential performer. However, in the New York nightclub circuit, she is still remembered and revered. Warren’s only regret is she never fronted for the Duke Ellington Orchestra.

   Fran Warren died on her birthday. She was 87.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Memory of Judy Garland Lives On!

March 19th, 2013

Manny P. here… JUDY316

   With Oz the Great and Powerful holding on theatrically to the #1 spot for the second straight week, it’s obvious that America still has an enduring love-affair with L. Frank Baum’s timeless literary classic. Now, Southern California can enjoy the memory of its star: Judy Garland.

   End of the Rainbow is captivating audiences through April 21st at the Ahmanson Theatre at the Music Center. This sensational musical focuses on Judy Garland’s life in 1968 when she attempts to regain the fame and glory she once had. Set in London, Garland struggles to keep her stardom despite bad press, alcohol and drug addiction, and relationship strains.

end of the rainbow 2   In one of the most celebrated performances on both the London and Broadway stage, Tony Award nominee Tracie Bennett is an irresistible force embodying Judy Garland’s signature cocktail of talent, tenacity, and razor-sharp wit in this savagely funny backstage drama. End of the Rainbow features classic songs like Over the Rainbow, Come Rain or Come Shine, and The Man That Got Away.

   Catch the fascinating End of the Rainbow at the Ahmanson Theatre, 135 Grand Ave., L.A. 90012 from Tuesday to Saturday at 8p nightly and matinee performances at 2p on Saturdays. The Sunday programs are scheduled at 1p and 6p.

   For ticket information to this sensational show, please visit:

http://www.performingartslive.com/Events/End-of-the-Rainbow-at-the-Ahmanson-Theatre-2152013172935

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Van Johnson US Stamp Campaign…

March 17th, 2013

Manny P. here… VJ1

   An underswell of support is building for the creation of a postage stamp honoring Van Johnson, the iconic actor who appeared in A Guy Named Joe, Battleground, and The Last Time I Saw Paris, among others. He co-starred with such film luminaries as Spencer Tracy, Elizabeth Taylor, Irene Dunne, Katharine Hepburn, James Whitmore, Ginger Rogers, Judy Garland, Lana Turner, Adolphe Menjou, Lionel Barrymore, Ward Bond, S.Z. Sakall, James Gleason, Phyllis Thaxter, and Angela Lansbury.

   A petition is being circulated online. It says:

We, the undersigned, respectfully request that the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee approve the issuance of a Van Johnson stamp to celebrate the legacy of the legendary MGM star, known as “The most adored male in the US.”

Van was active through over sixty years in films, on the stage and in television, until his passing at the age of 92. He handsomely and wondrously represented the Golden Era of Hollywood, and millions of motion picture fans went into mourning when he passed away on December 12, 2008.

In his first big picture, Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo, about the Doolittle raid in March 1942, Van played the part of Lieut. Ted Lawson. He gave the character “unusual heart and simplicity.” His surge in popularity from that point on was unprecedented. He was a sensation.

Six foot two, with eyes of blue, red hair, and an openly Swedish-look about him, Van Johnson went on reminding almost everybody of their son, or kid brother, or the boy next door.

In his many wonderful films such as State Of The Union, Miracle In The Rain, Three Guys Named Mike, and In The Good Old Summertime, to name a few, Van stays so true to character that it’s not surprising the Van Johnson craze developed beyond the War years, and beyond his wildest dreams.

His bashful charm is still working for him.

This petition stands the test of time and is consistent with public opinion and broad national and international interest, and features an American-related subject.

Various political interests in government are being contacted to support our interest and cause, and to see the project’s implementation and completion.

By signing this petition, I demonstrate my support of the commemorative stamp and express my willingness to allow my Name to be used, and information provided by me to secure a United States Postal Service commemorative stamp honoring Van Johnson.

Please honor this great actor with a US postal stamp in his memory.

   I have to admit, the petition language offers a compelling positive argument. Here’s a link if you want to participate in the campaign:

www.ipetitions.com/petition/vanjohnsonstamp

Until nex time>                                “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Another Literary Milestone…

March 15th, 2013

Manny P. here… 700_website_header

   With my production team in the Development of the Forgotten Hollywood Documentary, it’s nice to note Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History has reached a super watershed moment. Thanks mostly to the fine folks who belong to the local chapters of the Rotary Club, over 700 copies of my second work has officially been sold in a tad over a year.

   Most recently, Rotarians from the Crescenta /Canada, Fullerton, and East Los Angeles put me over the top with regards to my latest literary accomplishment. Also, positive sales information provided by Danforth Book Distribution is always welcome.

rotary3wheels   Danforth new logo

   As I prepare to go into Production of our latest Forgotten Hollywood venture, I came across a vivid reminder on the importance of literature vs. what today’s latest generation is enjoying on network and cable television. The Forgotten Hollywood franchise must remain dedicated to providing education, information, and entertainment in an intelligent manner.

book motto   FINALfrontcover-sonofforgottenhol

   What a wonderful goal we have established!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Let’s Look at the Tote Board (#10)…

March 14th, 2013

Manny P. here…

   After just under 2 1/2 months of our ongoing Indiegogo FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD Pilot  Documentary (Development) funding campaign, we can proclaim that we have reached just about 42% of our goal in ten weeks. To participate, please click the Indiegogo link below:

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

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CONTRIBUTIONS 

~ DEIRDRE & MICHAEL HARP ($50) – A very active and loving couple, Deirdre and Michael are Huntington Beach residents. Both are immensely involved in the karaoke community. In fact, they met at the Karaokefest Creme de la Creme  contest, and eventually fell in love. Currently, Deirdre works as a debt collector; Michael’s a QA inspector. They’re committed in the development of a Forgotten Hollywood Documentary, which makes me quite gratified.

christel santo~ CHISTEL SANTO ($25) – Christel is the longtime karaoke host at Harvey’s Steakhouse in Huntington Beach (formerly Arbor’s). In the past, she has filled in for me as a KJ at the Starting Gate in Los Alamitos; so I completely endorse her talent. A tremendous fan of the Standards genre, she compiled her greatest hits on a CD, and it’s absolutely wonderful. Christel lives in Cypress.

john dugawitz~ JOHN “DUKIE” DUGAWITZ ($10) – A big fan of quality entertainment, Dukie works as a marketing coordinator at the Lakewood Hop; a fine live music venue. With a home in nearbye Long Beach, John spends many of his weekend evenings at the Starting Gate in Los Alamitos. He’s a close pal with another contributor… and a supporter of the Forgotten Hollywood franchise… Johnny Rodriguez.

stephanie snyder~ STEPHANIE SNYDER ($10) – Here is one very independent and patriotic person! In fact, Stephanie has a son serving in the military. A Westminster resident, she’s very close to her family. Her other son Jonah supports my karaoke show at Mr. B’s in Los Alamitos. They have also visited other karaoke shows, including Pineapple Hill in the heart of Tustin.

* * * * *

   During the 2013 campaign, I’m asking friends, family, and supporters of FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD franchise to help us reach our 120-day (17-week) goal of $500064 total contributors; a list of fine folks who want to insist on quality family-friendly television shows that are intelligently presented.

   YOU can contribute ANY AMOUNT. This step ensures Development, and we’ll be able to:

  1. Hire a research archivist to track down footage and photos; and secure licensing
  2. Hire a consultant / casting director to book actors and behind-the-scenes folks from Hollywood’s Golden Age; plus cinematic historians for original interviews
  3. Set up a production shoot to tape these candid moments

   Again, here’s the Indiegogo link for the complete details (and you’re chance to make a contribution):

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

   I’m thrilled as each day passes by the support for our team’s cause.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Bogart Fest / King Kong Takes Shape!

March 13th, 2013

Manny P. here…

   The mid-Spring Bogart Film Festival in Key Largo, FL is shaping up! The event will be held on May 2nd-5th.

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   Here’s a link for the complete schedule of Bogie films and movies relating to the Golden Age of film noir drama (including Double Indemnity and Sunset Boulevard):

http://bogartfilmfestival.com/filmfestival/

   And, if you’re on the West Coast this weekend… Southern California classic film enthusiasts are going ape!

Kong-Fox-2-1024x708   king kong screening

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Bye Bye Birdie Gets a Makeover…

March 11th, 2013

Manny P. here… Bye_Bye_Birdie_Film_Poster

   Wow! The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is premiering a new digital restoration and screening a Digital Cinema presentation with a newly restored 4-channel stereo soundtrack of Bye Bye Birdie. Adapted from the Tony Award-winning 1960 Broadway production, which was directed by George Sidney. The 1963 film adaptation starred Dick Van Dyke,  and co-starred Janet Leigh, Paul Lynde, Bobby Rydell, Maureen Stapleton, and Ann-Margret. Host Ed Sullivan appears as himself, host of the popular, long-running CBS television variety show. Van Dyke and Lynde also reprised their stage roles. The story was inspired by the phenomenon of Elvis Presley and his being drafted into the US Army in 1957.

   The movie was a two-time Oscar nominee for Music Score – Adaptation (John Green); and Sound (Charles Rice, Columbia Studio Sound Department). Tunes that became popular due to the theatrical soundtrack include the title track, Put On a Happy Face, and Kids. The musical is credited with making Ann-Margret a true superstar during the mid-1960s, leading to her co-starring with the real Elvis in Viva Las Vegas (1964).

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   The screening is scheduled for April 27th, Wednesday at 7:30p at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre, 8949 Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills. Ann-Margaret will join Bobby Rydell and film critic Stephen Farber for the conversation prior to this cinematic event.  Guests are always subject to availability.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Pittsburgh Enjoys Hitchcock & Wood!

March 8th, 2013

Manny P. here…

   Pittsburgh Filmmakers exhibits a wide variety of first-run foreign and independent American films, as well as, classics and documentaries at its three theaters: Regent Square Theater in the East EndHarris Theater in the downtown cultural district; and Melwood Screening Room in the main facility in North Oakland. All three theaters are equipped to project 16mm, 35mm, and digital. The Pittsburgh Filmmakers Galleries in North Oakland exhibits local and national artists with a focus in film, photography, and digital media.

Pittsburgh Filmakers Theaters logo   about_regent

   This month at the Regent Square Theater, a single-screen neighborhood theater in the region, and featuring a Sunday night classic film series, they are honoring the iconic work of Alfred Hitchcock. Each month is organized by era, genre, director, actor, or other connected themes, with a screening usually at 8p. Here’s the March lineup:

sunday_series

~ THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH (March 10th) – This version starring Jimmy Stewart and Doris Day is a remake – in widescreen and Technicolor – of Hitch’s original 1934 film.

~ VERTIGO (March 17th) – One of Hitch’s most debated films, this psychological mystery has actually gained more acclaim over the years. Overall, it’s a beautifuly stunning piece of cinema.

list_tmwktm   list_vertigo

~ NORTH BY NORTHWEST (March 24th) – It’s not just the cleverly written script about mistaken identity, a suspenseful climb over Mt. Rushmore, or the thrilling Bernard Herrmann score that helps make this a favorite Hitchcock motion picture.

~ MARNIE (March 31st) – In this psychological thriller, this minor classic is buoyed by the driving musical score of Bernard Herrmann – his last for Hitchcock.

list_nbnw   list_marnie

   Each evening, a documentary entitled Hitchcock’s Ladies, is presented in crisp DCP.

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ev_kantor

   At the Tiny Harris Gallery through April 8th, original prints from carved woodcuts & linocuts inspired by classic flicks. Loren Kantor is a Los Angeles-based woodcut artist and writer. He’s worked in feature films and television for two decades. He channels his passion for classic films through his original woodcut prints.

   Pittsburgh really understands it’s dwellers continuing love for classic cinema.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Let’s Look at the Tote Board (#9)…

March 7th, 2013

Manny P. here…

   We’re now into the second half of our ongoing Indiegogo FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD Pilot  Documentary (Development) funding campaign; and we are pleased at reaching just about 40% of our goal after nine weeks. To participate, click the Indiegogo link below:

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

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CONTRIBUTIONS

~ DAVE & CONNIE RUPERT ($40) – Related to Bernadine Greenberg (last month, she contributed to the project), Dave & Connie are bowling friends of mine from Westminster Lanes. Dave is a successful landscaper; and Connie is a domestic engineer. Together, they are a wonderful and friendly couple from Santa Ana.

sally pulido

~ SALLY PULIDO ($30) – A book keeper, who is a longtime resident of La Palma, Sally’s family are the owners of the Starting Gate in Los Alamitos. She’s expressed genuine enthusiasm in our cinematic venture; and wishes us the best of luck. Her fine contribution speaks volumes towards the sincerity in her praise.

les hubner~ LUZ C. GADDI ($25) – Luz is a nurse, and  lives in Anaheim. Along with her friend Larry, they spend their quality time at karaoke shows throughout Orange County. Places they visit include Harvey’s Steakhouse in Huntington Beach, and the Starting Gate and Mr. B’s in Los Alamitos.

~ LES HUBNER ($20) – Now retired, Les spends his time bowling at Westminster Lanes. He also likes to ride horses and cook. Les has a home in Huntington Beach. His photograph is my fav in our campaign effort. What a risk-taker!

cheryle ramos~ CHERYLE RAMOS ($10) – A South Gate resident, Cheryle is retired and  disabled. However, she is active, spending weekend afternoons singing karaoke. Cheryle embodies the nature of how folks with a handicap can lead very normal lives. This is the topic of the Forgotten Hollywood Documentary Pilot on how Lionel Barrymore influenced the way Americans embraced people with disabilities.

* * * * *

   During the 2013 campaign, I’m asking friends, family, and supporters of our FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD franchise to help us reach our 120-day (17-week) goal of $500060 individual contributions… and the list is moving in a  positive direction.

   YOU can contribute ANY AMOUNT. This step ensures Development, and we’ll be able to:

  1. Hire a research archivist to track down footage and photos; and secure licensing
  2. Hire a consultant / casting director to book actors and behind-the-scenes folks from Hollywood’s Golden Age; plus cinematic historians for original interviews
  3. Set up a production shoot to tape these candid moments

   Again, here’s the Indiegogo link for your chance to participate:

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

   I’m basking in the afterglow of our latest round of contributors.

Until next time>                                “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Red Skelton Tribute in Branson, MO…

March 6th, 2013

Manny P. here…

   Red Skelton was an entertainer best known for being a national radio and television comedian between 1937 and 1971. He also had a solid career in cinema at RKO and MGM, appearing in such memorable films as DuBarry was a Lady, The Fuller Brush Man, Around the World in Eighty Days, and Ocean’s 11.

branson-missouri

   Beginning on March 13th in Branson, MO, you can enjoy Red – Tom Mullica’s Red Skelton Tribute. This year-long one-man performance will take place each Tuesday – Saturday at the Hamner-Barber Variety Theatre at 10a. According to their press release:

2013 marks the 17th year that the talented impressionist, comedian, and magician Tom Mullica has been paying homage to Red Skelton. Tom has been featured on many national television shows and in theater venues around the world. His Red Skelton show has been described by critics as “the funniest and most successful tribute show in America.” His amazing transformation into America’s favorite clown takes audiences on a hilarious journey back to a simpler time when families would gather around their television sets and share in the laughter of Red’s famous comedic characters, such as Clem Kadiddlehopper, the Mean Widdle Kid, and Freddie the Freeloader, to name a few.

   Red received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild in 1987; he was also one of the International Clown Hall of Fame’s first inductees in 1989. In September 2010, the Red Skelton Gallery and Education Center and the Indiana Historical Society entered into a partnership for a permanent archive of Skelton’s material. The Red Skelton Memorial Bridge spans the Wabash River and provides the highway link between Illinois and Indiana on US Route 50, near Skelton’s hometown of Vincennes, Indiana.

redhatlogothumb    By the way, this is the only Red Skelton Tribute show in America authorized by the Red Skelton Estate and Lothian Skelton.

   Good night and may God bleth…

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- MGM Scores Will Be Celebrated…

March 4th, 2013

Manny P. here…

Pasadena pops logo   Due to the untimely passing of Marvin Hamlisch, Michael Feinstein will assume his 2013 post as Principal Conductor of the Pasadena Symphony and Pops on June 1st. With an unyielding commitment to the Great American Songbook, he has planned wonderful events for Southern California folks to enjoy. Just announced for the Summer of 2013, Feinstein explores Hollywood’s most storied production company with the Pasadena Pops performing rare, original orchestrations from Metro Goldwyn Mayer.

   MGM ushered in the Golden Age of Hollywood with epic titles:  Gone with the Wind, The Philadelphia Story, Ben-Hur, The Wizard of Oz, An American in Paris, Singin’ in the Rain, Gigi, Victor Victoria, Guys and Dolls and more! Guest stars include Christine Ebersole (a two-time Tony Award winner for roles in 42nd Street and Grey Gardens); and Ron Raines (who recently starred in Broadway’s Follies and Newsies) join the orchestra to recreate legendary moments from artists such as Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, June Allyson, and Fred Astaire.

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   MICHAEL FEINSTEIN

   Experience this wonderful evenings on July 13th at the Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia. The festivities begin at 7:30p. Other fine shows featuring Feinstein at the helm: The Great American Songbook on June 1st; and The Gershwin’s and Me on September 7th. Here’s a link for complete information:

http://www.pasadenasymphony-pops.org/concerts-and-tickets/pops-summer-series-2013/

   Pacific Pioneers logo

   Michael Feinstein will be honored by the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters on May 10th at the Sportsman’s Lodge in Studio City. As a member, I plan on being in attendance to witness this well-deserved accolade.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Read eBook Week / eBook Sale (#2)…

March 3rd, 2013

Manny P. here…

ebookglasses   It’s the most wonderful time of the year for folks who own a Kindle, Nook, Kobo eReader, Android Tablets, Diesel iPad, Apple iPad, Sony eBook, etc.

   The online home of my eBook – Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History – is offering for one week: 25% off the purchase of my work. Smashwords is promoting Read an eBook Week, and their website is the origin of this marvelous discount. This is their fifth year sponsoring the event. Over the last couple years, as it’s grown, the Smashwords Read an eBook Week catalog has become the epicenter of much of the action.

   Visit one of the websites below, and after purchasing a copy of my eBook, type in the PROMO CODE: REW25. You will get a 25% savings. This is a great week-long deal!

      

   Here are the website links:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/53041

http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/forgottenhollywood

   March is the perfect time to add Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History to your favorite eReader!

*** This sale is going on NOW through March 9th.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Rona Supports Senior Housing!

February 28th, 2013

Manny P. here… 220px-Rona_Barrett_1975

   Rona Barrett has been a noted columnist since 1957. She began her career with the Bell-McClure newspaper syndicate. In 1966, she broadcast Hollywood gossip daily on KABC-TV in Los Angeles. She later moved to ABC’s nationwide network of five owned and operated stations. Rona appeared on Good Morning America, and eventually paved the way for Barbara Walters and a number of entertainment reporters.

   In 2000, she created The Rona Barrett Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting senior citizens in need. The foundation only takes direct donations, and currently is working on building The Golden Inn and Villages for seniors in need of housing and care facilities. This is a pilot program under development at this time.

   According to their brand new website:

Nearly all of us have an elder loved one. Many know of a senior with no one left to look out for or care for them. Our elders have changing needs, many have fixed incomes and will outlive their savings and investments. Today in the California Tri-Counties of Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo, more than 5,000 people over the age of 75 are living on Social Security alone. Even for those who have lived here for a lifetime, housing is becoming unaffordable.

Friendship House, a Santa Ynez Valley non-profit serving Alzheimer’s and dementia patients through memory care units, recently expanded the number of units available – but still has a waiting list. Santa Barbara also suffers a shortage of memory care units with long waiting lists.

Nothing like The Golden Inn & Village exists in Santa Barbara County or the state; it’s the first of its kind. The Golden Inn & Village is a mixed use development in a neighborhood setting that will provide approximately 150 affordable units for low-income seniors to reside in a comfortable, supportive environment that meets their needs as they age. Services will range from independent to assisted living and memory care to hospice, with staff residing on premises and available 24 hours a day. The programs and services provided will be coordinated in collaboration with multiple community partners.

    GoldenInn-Perspective-590x250

   While focused exclusively on The Golden Inn & VillageThe Rona Barrett Foundation has supported 25 programs serving low-income seniors. To contact or contribute:

By Phone: 805.688.8887
By Mail: P.O. Box 1559, Santa Ynez CA 93460
By Email:  info@ronabarrettfoundation.org; http://ronabarrettfoundation.org/

   Construction on this worthy project begins in 2014; with a projected opening in 2016.

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   Dale Robertson was a television star, best known for his roles on Tales of Wells Fargo, Iron Horse, Death Valley Days, and Harts of the West. He also guest-starred on Dynasty and Dallas. The actor, who died on Tuesday, was also a World War II wounded combat veteran. He was awarded the Bronze and Silver Stars and the Purple Heart.

   An early influence was Will Rogers Jr. Appearing in a number of movie Westerns in the 1950s and 1960s, Robertson was a recipient of the Golden Boot Award in 1985. He was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, and the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City.

   An Oklahoma native, Dale Robertson was 89.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Let’s Look at the Tote Board (#8)…

February 27th, 2013

Manny P. here…

   Eight weeks have just passed on our ongoing Indiegogo FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD Pilot  Documentary (Development) funding campaign; and we’re extremely pleased at reaching 37% of our goal. To participate, I urge you to click on the Indiegogo link below:

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

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CONTRIBUTIONS

~ ERIC AND SHERE TEGGERS ($100) – This is a very talented couple, who has a real appreciation with the Forgotten Hollywood Book Series. Her stage name is Shere Thu Tuy, and was born and raised in Saigon. Her real love is for crafting a song, she has also been active in movies, and in television shows, such as All My Children, One Life To Live, M*A*S*H, Too Close For Comfort, Divorce Court, and Rambo First Blood. Shere’s tunes can be currently purchased on Itunes, Amazon, and CDbaby.com.

   Eric’s early years were spent at Chester-Cheshire in England; a graduate of the University of  Oxford. Using the pen name – Robin Walker, he owns EQ Recordings in Long Beach. He’s promoting his 2008  Flowers For Beth, a stage production in the format of an Audio Book, and created for a young mature audience. Visit Flowersforbeth.com for more info. It’s available on CD and Kindle.

~ JIM AND HELEN GRICE ($50) – Jim and Helen are my longtime friends, and they share a great affinity for karaoke. Beloved by the Southern California singing community, for their unabashed support, you can fine this really adorable couple at Harvey’s Steakhouse in Huntington Beach, Westminster Lanes, Mr. B’s and Starting Gatein Los Alamitos, and many other locales, when the mood strikes.

   Despite a bout with glaucoma leaving Helen without sight, Jim stands by her side providing the words for her to show off her talent. The Forgotten Hollywood Pilot dealing with the issue of disability, and how everyday folks with physical challenges can lead productive and active lives, is in part, my personal tribute to the wonderful Helen Grice. They live in Westminster.

~ MARGARET LUCAS ($50) – Margaret is a very active, who is busily performs in the Long Beach / Los Alamitos area in senior-related events. She is a big advocate for the Humanities, and supports community theatre, karaoke, and, my ongoing Forgotten Hollywood project.

lorilyn craig~ LORILYN CRAIG ($35) – I’ve known Lorilyn since 1982. Currently residing in Corona, she spent much of her career as an ER coordinator in the Long Beach area. She is a real spitfire, with a real soft core. Without nary a word, Lorilyn has supported my entire career as a radio announcer, author, karaoke host, and now, producer of a documentary concept.

~ ANTHONY AND DAYLE RIVERA ($10) – Tony and Dayle are another loving couple who live in Fullerton. He has dabbled as a musician in evenings, while holding a more conventional day job. She, like Helen, is a productive homemaker. Together, they love to sing karaoke as a mutual hobby.

wendy brown~ WENDY BROWN ($10) – Rossmoor, California is a really special quiet community in the heart of Los Alamitos. Wendy is one of those suburbanites who enjoys the Humanities, which include reading, live offerings, and other types of entertainment. Wendy sees all of her hobbies as an opportunity to expand her horizons, which she does often.

cecil boles~ CECIL BOLES ($10) – As you may have guessed, Cecil is from Fort Worth, Texas. A member of the Buena Park Moose, and a karaoke enthusiast at the TomKat Lounge, Cecil is a witty individual who loves to read, including the Forgotten Hollywood Book Series. Now retired, he supports the total concept;  doing so since its inception in 2009.

PROMOTIONS / LINKS

   Helping me share the FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD Documentary on their social network sites:

   JULIE TURNBAUGH is quite familiar with Indiegogo, and finds it to be an ideal way to reach personal goals. She is very candid in helping our team with the Forgotten Hollywood campaign on Facebook. Julie has collaborated with me on a couple of karaoke ventures. ERIC TEGGERS is also actively promoting the project on his Facebook page. Plus, thanks to RICH BOKIDES for Tweeting the link info on his GO FOR LOCATION page

* * * * *

   During the 2013 campaign, I’m asking friends, family, and supporters of our FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD franchise to help us reach our 120-day (17-week) goal of $500055 important contributions… and the list continues to grow.

   YOU can contribute ANY AMOUNT. This step ensures Development, and we’ll be able to:

  1. Hire a research archivist to track down footage and photos; and secure licensing
  2. Hire a consultant / casting director to book actors and behind-the-scenes folks from Hollywood’s Golden Age; plus cinematic historians for original interviews
  3. Set up a production shoot to tape these candid moments

   Again, here’s the Indiegogo link for your chance to participate:

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

   I’m immersed over the flow of your official future consideration… And thrilled, of course, by our latest round of contributors.

Until next time>                               “never forget”