Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

   I’d like to introduce you to Meredy’s Place. She’s a special person who shares a love of classic film and television. Meredy has a blog and website you might like to visit to broaden your horizons regarding cinema.

   Meredy provides informative stories, a massive amount of trivia, links to sites, and items to purchase, including DVD’s, calendars, electronic toys, figurines, photos, magazines, music boxes, and screen savers. The common thread is Hollywood’s Golden Age. Here’s the links to her site and blog:

http://www.meredy.com/

http://mrsskeffington.blogspot.com/

   By the way, Mr. Skeffington was a wonderful motion picture made by Warner Brothers, and starred Bette Davis and Claude Rains. Both actors were nominated for Oscars in 1944. Claude Rains is my proud subject of Chapter One in Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

   There is little doubt that Meredy and I are soul mates…

 MR. SKEFFINGTON  

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here.

Several stories have come across the Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History desk that are worth telling with regards to the first few decades of the 20th Century.

    ~ The last American Doughboy, who died recently, will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday. The passing of a generation is what the White House is calling the ceremony. President Obama has ordered that U.S. flags on official buildings be lowered to half-staff on the day the final American WWI vet is buried.

   Frank Buckles, born in 1901, enlisted at 16 after lying about his age. The veteran devoted his final years to campaigning for more recognition for his comrades during the Great War by suggesting a  memorial be built in Washington D.C. in their honor. Buckles died last month in Charlestown, a month after his 110th birthday.  FRANK BUCKLES —->

   ~ The only color photographs of a devastated San Francisco have been discovered at the Smithsonian Institute. The six newly-found images were taken by photographer Frederick Eugene Ives several months after the Great Quake of 1906. They were snapped during a visit by Ives in October ’06.

   The still-shots are photos of San Francisco’s destroyed downtown, and a visual rooftop  account overlooking miles of ruins. They display buildings damaged by the 8.3 temblor, and gutted by the subsequent fire. Some of these structures remarkably still exist.

   Ives is best-known for creating the halftone reproduction process still used for printing pictures in newspapers. It’s expected that these snapshots will be part of a permanent display at the museum.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Los Angeles citizens have gone to the polls on Tuesday to vote over the fate of Charter Amendment L – Public Library Funding.  Budget cuts last summer forced all branches in the L.A. Public Library system to close on Sundays and Mondays. Measure L was intended to reverse part of these cutbacks.

   Returns show the YES votes at around 63%. With the measure passing, a projected $130 million would be added to the Southern California library budget, overturning staff cutbacks and shorter branch hours. Aside from Detroit, L.A. has been the only significant U.S. municipality to close down its entire library system two days a week. Soon after the funding is restored, public libraries are expected to return to a six-day-a-week schedule citywide.

   Although I completely supported the measure, my blog was never intended to be used as a political forum. This is why I waited until precincts closed on election day to present this important story. The issue of literacy is the story, not the politics of L.A.’s budgetary woes. The best news – The city ballot initiative increases dedicated spending for the Los Angeles Public Library system by $50 million over the next few years without raising taxes.

   As an effort to present full disclosure, I have 9 copies of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History on the shelves of the library system. This includes a reference copy in the Richard J. Riordan Central Library located in Downtown L.A.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

There are several new locations online where you can purchase Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. Both of these sites are pitching my paperback to an international market. These are promising alternatives where you might consider buying my book.

   Harvard Booksellers.com is committed to fostering education and literacy. Here’s a link to their site:

http://www.harvardbooksellers.com/spproduct/c001/1935359169.htm

   Bookhills.com offers my work throughout the U.S., Canada, France, Germany, and the U.K.  On their website, my book is in the Social History category. Here is their link:

http://www.bookhills.com/Forgotten-Hollywood-Forgotten-History-1935359169.htm

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   Let me thank Dominick Garcia, a Southern California Radio Broadcaster, for joining O.C Register radio columnist Gary Lycan, my wife Laurie, and me, held at this past weekend’s booksigning event at BARNES & NOBLE in Montclair. He has been a friend for over two decades. We had a splendid time with the folks who purchased Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

   Another longtime friend, Chris Hayes, who worked closely with me during my time at KRLA in L. A., paid me a visit at last week’s Oscar party at the Flintridge Bookstore and Coffee Shop.

   My opportunity to spend a moment with former colleagues make these events personally special for me.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   What a great start to the first quarter of 2011! Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is showing a steady increase with regards to sales, according to various indicators. Here are the details…

 ~ TOWER.com has seen my book remain in the TOP 10  in their Social History category since before Christmas. This consistent figure is extraordinarily positive from the website which has been my finest ally in my sales journey.

   Here is a link to purchase my book:

http://www.tower.com/forgotten-hollywood-history-manny-pacheco-paperback/wapi/114104227

 ~ The announcement of the unfortunate closing of BORDERS stores throughout Southern California has had one unintended benefit. My work has spent this past week in the TOP 10 in the Local History category, since liquidators started slashing storewide prices on its inventory.

(My gut feeling is this bookstore chain might have avoided Chapter 11 by rewarding customers with weekly sales on selected inventory; and closing their coffee shops, to deter loafers from spending many hours each day reading books for free)

~ Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is reaping the benefit from a great cinematic awards season, and several best-selling classic film books currently available on AMAZON.

   Sales figures are at an 18-month high since the release of my paperback. I’ve dabbled in the TOP-100 in the Social History and the History & Criticism categories. And, my ranking in the all-important BOOKS category (out of 8-million titles) has been in the Top 1% of all product sold on the site. Here’s their link:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1935359169/?tag=forgothollyw-20

   Needless to say, I’m pleasantly surprised by the acceptance of my printed words.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I hope my friends in the Southern California-area will join us this Saturday, March 5th at BARNES & NOBLE in Montclair. Located at 5183 Montclair Plaza Lane (just off the 10 Fwy), my radio partner Gary Lycan and I’ll be personally greeting folks interested in buying a copy of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. This book-signing will be a unique opportunity for us to chat about Hollywood’s Golden Age.

   My paperback is available in 42 BARNES & NOBLE locales in four states including Nevada, California, Washington, and New York. We are thrilled to spend a day with you, our first since the announcement of  the winners at the 2011 Academy Awards.

   Come on by and let’s meet!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Jane Russell, the iconic star from Hollywood’s Golden Age, has died. She’s best known for her memorable performances in The Outlaw, Macao, The Paleface, and Gentleman Prefer Blondes.

   Born in Minnesota, Jane grew up in Burbank. Like your blogger, she attended Van Nuys High School. From urging by her mom,  Russell studied drama from Maria Ouspenskaya (the Gypsy in The Wolfman).

   Howard Hughes signed Russell to a seven-year contract in 1940. Her first movie was an issue with censors, and not because of its plot. Her ample cleavage was the source of the controversy. Hughes used the stir to his advantage while promoting the film. The Outlaw was released in 1946, and Jane Russell became an overnight sensation.

   A highlight in her career was to have her hands and feet placed in cement in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre with Marilyn Monroe in 1953. Russell also has a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Jane suddenly retired from cinema in 1970.

   Away from the silver screen, Jane Russell married  Los Angeles Ram’s quarterback, Bob Waterfield (also a Van Nuys High graduate). In 1955, she founded the World Adoption International Fund, an organization to place children with families that pioneered adoptions from foreign countries by Americans. She also became a popular spokesperson for Playtex.

   She spent her later years in Santa Maria. Jane Russell was 89.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Though we’re in February, Spring Training is officially here. Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History pays homage to  America’s Past Time.

   On Monday, a Montreal duplex housing Jackie and Rachel Robinson during the summer of 1946 will be the focus of a ceremony as part of Black History Month. The event will be attended by Robinson’s daughter, our US Ambassador to Canada, and Montreal’s Mayor. During  commemorations, a plaque will be placed at the site. Jackie Robinson enthralled fans of the minor league Montreal Royals for one season in his final stop before joining the majors the next year with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Baseball’s racial barrier was broken for good in 1947.

   One of those Dodger greats (nicknamed The Boys of Summer) has died. Centerfielder Duke Snider played in Brooklyn and Los Angeles from 1947 to 1962. The eight-time All Star also had  short stints with the New York Mets and the San Francisco Giants. Snider was eventually elected to Cooperstown in 1980 on his 11th attempt. He spent his final years at Valle Vista Convalescent Hospital in Escondido, California. Duke Snider was 84.

   I’ll be honoring the grand old game on my Forgotten Hollywood radio program. The episode will air on April 3rd around the start of the 2011 season. The show runs each Sunday at 3pm on THE SPA – 15 10 AM. Here’s a link to the show if you’re outside the coverage area:

http://tuner1.dc1.sonixtream.com/playlists/am1510kspa/am1510kspaKSPAAM.asx

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here..

   Amoeba Music is the latest location to sell Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. Located at 6400 Sunset Blvd., they’re a Green venue emphasizing the sale of music and movies with a slant on Tinsel Town.

   According to their website:

More than just a record store…together with our customers, we’re a meeting place for California’s most colorful community of progressive and creative minds.

We’re committed to putting a part of our proceeds into people and organizations who work tirelessly to keep our earth safe and our local communities healthy. Our customers help us sustain that commitment and make those efforts possible.

   Included in their non-profit strategy: American Red Cross, Humane Society of America,  Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, Hollywood Arts Council, Amnesty International, and  Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

   It’s the perfect spot to find my paperback! I’m thrilled over the opportunity.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   What a week I have planned. In honor of the upcoming Academy Awards, I’ll be devoting 8 days to Oscar activities, culminating with the actual ceremonies next Sunday, February 27th. As usual, you’re invited to participate…

   15-10 THE SPA will feature Part I of a two-part celebration of songs nominated for an Oscar throughout film history on my Forgotten Hollywood radio program beginning this Sunday at 3p (02/20). Here’s a link to the station if you live outside the Southern California listening area:

http://tuner1.dc1.sonixtream.com/playlists/am1510kspa/am1510kspaKSPAAM.asx

  On Wednesday (02/23), I’ll be chatting with the folks at the Van Nuys Chapter of the Rotary Club at their weekly luncheon, taking place at the 94th Aero Squadron. This is a private gathering of the members.

   On Thursday at 7p (02/24), I’ll be hosting an autograph party at the Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse, located at 964 Foothill Blvd. in La Canada. Everyone is invited to attend. Here’s a link to their website promoting this massively fun event:

http://www.flintridgebooks.com/

   On Saturday at 3p (02/26), I’ll be at an Oscar party and booksigning at Gatsby Books, located at 5535 Spring St. in Long Beach. There will be a trivia contest with prizes; and of course, I’ll be autogaphing copies of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. Again, you’re all welcome to participate at this event.

    Part II of the KSPA tribute to the Oscars will air on Sunday at 3p (02/27) on my weekly edition of Forgotten Hollywood. Use the link above to listen to the show.

   WHEW! What a busy week… I hope you can stop by and visit.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The Partners West regional catalog is now available to literary stores and libraries. Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is one of the many books promoted by the major distributor. This is a great opportunity for my paperback to be appropriately marketed to vendors West of the Rockies.

   Our team has decided to promote my work with an ad in the catalog. Hopefully, this decision will send sales of my book right into a second printing! My personal goal is to introduce Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History by reaching libraries up and down the West Coast.

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   I’m saddened to report the closing of approximately 30% of BORDERS stores nationally. It’s part of a reorganization strategy with the intent for the company to stay solvent.

   The immediate shut-down of 200 locations means the loss of almost 6,000 jobs. Publishers can expect a 1% – 10% revenue shortfall from the sales of paperbacks in 2011. These figures have been reported by the Associated Press, and in the Los Angeles Times (among other news sources).

   On a personal note, 16 Southern California locations carrying Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History are shutting their doors. As much as this is unfortunate news for me, I worry this is a grim situation for the employees involved. My heart goes out to them for their impending unemployment. I  pray they land on their feet…

   And, I hope the chain can resolve their financial woes.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I would like to thank the Arcane Radio Blog site for promoting Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History, and my new radio program on AM 15-10 (Sundays at 3pm). Jose Fritz is the fascinating writer of the blog, and his unusual pen name is Radioman. He describes his efforts as:

Hypergraphia-powered weekday rants on radio history, programming, engineering, media law, and broadcasting ephemera.

   What makes this story so personally exciting is his enthusiasm over my radio career, which has spanned 30-years. The only correction I would make – his reference to my co-host as Larry Elder. This is incorrect. My partner on the Forgotten Hollywood radio show on KSPA is Gary Lycan, the columnist of the Orange County Register. I’m impressed with the writer’s request for corrections to his stories. Radioman wants to get it right, and that’s noble.

   Here is the blog link:

http://tenwatts.blogspot.com/2011/02/hollywood-never-forgets.html

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   I’ve been invited to moderate a panel at the 6th Annual Celebrating Words Festival in May. I’ll be joined by a distinguished panel to discuss the art of Self-Publishing. The event will take place at L.A. Mission College in Sylmar.

   This will be a great opportunity for me to introduce Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History to an audience interested in self-publishing their own work. I’m convinced this is the wave of the future in the literary publishing industry.

   The 6th Annual Celebrating Words Festival is hosted by Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural (a nonprofit center owned by author Luis Rodriguez). In a future blog, I’ll provide the exact date and time of the panel discussion, as well as, participating writers.

   You’re invited to attend this all-day event.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I’ve reached the next plateau in the ongoing story of the First Edition of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. 1400 in confirmed sales has been officially documented; due in part to purchases made yesterday by members of the Los Alamitos / Seal Beach Chapter of The Rotary Club.

   What makes this particularly special? My next appearance will occur at the weekly luncheon of the Van Nuys Chapter of The Rotary Club. Embracing the motto:  Service Above Self, folks from this fine international organization have helped me towards reaching my goal of providing a substantial donation to MOOSEHEART, the book’s official charity.

   BRAVO to this fine group!

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   Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History has climbed into the TOP 3 in the Social History category at TOWER.com. It’s the highest position on this literary website to date!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Noted character actor Kenneth Mars has passed away. He’s best known for his roles in Mel Brooks-directed classic comedies. Mars was Franz Liebkind, the infamous Nazi-playwright of Springtime for Hitler in The Producers; and the police inspector with the wacky artificial arm in Young Frankenstein.

   Mars also appeared in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Parallax View, What’s Up Doc, Fletch, and Radio Days. His voice was used in The Little Mermaid, Batman – The Animated Series,  Thumbelina, and The Land Before Time (TV Series).

   He guest-starred in television on Car 54 Where Are You, Get Smart, Gunsmoke, Love American Style, Becker, and Fernwood 2-Night.

   Kenneth Mars was 75-years of age…

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   On a brighter note, I’d like to wish my wife a very happy 8th anniversary. I love you, my dear Laurie…

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   VISION4MEDIA has developed a web site advertising upcoming projects set for production funding. In addition to Forgotten Hollywood, the sales force is looking to subsidize its slate of current work including Rocks, Snakes, and the Art of Desert Cooking, The High Country, and Beyond the Moonwalk.

   According to David Bojorquez – The VISION4MEDIA Executive and Creative Team is set to shop their projects and prepare them before, during, and after the Festival De Cannes:

    “We are creating a special movie presentation for key international sales agents and motion picture buyers who will be present at the Cannes International Film Festival in May, 2011.”

   Here’s a link to the page for the Forgotten Hollywood project:

http://www.theartofdesertcooking.com/forgottenhollywood.html

   I can personally speak to my complete appreciation for this ambitious strategy. It looks like a busy schedule in 2011 for VISION4MEDIA!

Until next time>                               “never forget”