Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

   We are right around the corner from MCAI MediaProCamp II, which takes place this Saturday from 8:30a-3:00p. The event is scheduled at Santa Ana College’s Digital Media Center (between the college and South Coast Plaza) at 1300 S. Bristol St.

   If you would like to network with some of O.C.’s top media experts, this is the place to be. Expected to attend:

• John Coleman –  President and CEO of Twin Oaks Communications
• Mark Sevi – President of the Orange County Screenwriter’s Association
• Tommy James – Panasonic Rep and Video Tech guru
• Janice Arrington – Orange County Film Commissioner
• James Mathers –  President of Digital Cinema Society
• Bruce Nazarian – CEO of Digital Media Consulting Group

JOHN COLEMAN        

   This is a partial list of heavyweights lending their expertise about Southern California’s media market. Tim Keenan, President of Creative Media, and Gary Lycan, Orange County Register’s radio reporter will be there too!  I plan on lending my expertise on self-publishing a book. Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History will be on display.

   The best part of this day-long event (which includes lunch) – it’s FREE! According to the MCAI website, here is what participants had to say about last year’s MediaProCamp event:

Tons of information…liked the openness…sharing real-world knowledge…great people…everyone was helpful…made great connections…important networking, information and resources!…liked exchanging business ideas in non-threatening environment…liked people with knowledge to share…casual and friendly…loved the flexibility of discussions and groups.

   MediaProCamp II is an intensely productive open series of professional roundtable discussions which provides for fabulous networking for professionals in every area of the media: film, TV, internet, radio, print, etc. If you work in a creative industry, whether you are in technical, performance, or suppliers – you should be at this all-day event on Saturday.

   Here are two links for more information about MediaProCamp II:

http://www.mcai-oc.org/articles/meeting-notes/mediaprocamp-ii-faqs/

http://www.mcai-oc.org/articles/media-pro-camp-ii/media-notables-to-attend-mediaprocamp-ii/

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   A new store is selling Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. The sister outlet to the Hollywoodland Experience has decided to carry my paperback. Located at the corner of Hollywood Blvd. and Highland Ave., Souvenirs of Hollywood is the newest location in our family.

   This is the one of the most traveled spots by tourists who want to experience all that is Tinsel Town. According to their website:

The Zahavi Family have owned and operated four separate stores in Hollywood for 20 years and have developed a well-respected name within the community for style, taste, management, service, hard work and dedication. Through the years, their experiences have provided them with the ability to create a qualitative and well-presented inventory for their diversified clients.

With a constant eye on the latest trends in the Hollywood and entertainment industries, the Zahavis have continued to update their inventory and have retained the most recent licensed Hollywood specialty items from Disney, Warner Bros., Universal Studios and many others.

We have taken steps to bring Hollywood to everyone!

   My book is certainly available for their patrons from all over the world to discover…

Until next time>                               “never forget”      

Manny P. here…

   I really want to thank my wife Laurie for capturing our attendance at the Author Fair at the El Segundo Public Library on Sunday. Her photos tell the story of our day:  From arrival…to set up…to panel discussion…to book-signing.

   A pictures paints a thousand words, so what else can I say. Thanks to Ellen Cunningham and her staff for their superb organization of the event; to fellow panelists Steve Goldstein, Michael Barry, Judy Artunian, and Mike Oldham (I own a copy of his book Classic Hollywood Stars, which he autographed for me); moderator Kelly McDowell, former mayor of El Segundo; and my folks for their constant and loving support.

   I hope you enjoy the photos, which puts you right in the day’s events, as we saw it… And, everyone had a lot of fun!

Until next time…                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Dennis Batchelder of Bellevue, Washington is a writer and contributor on Amazon.com. He has 37 reviews to his credit. One of his latest subjects involves must-read books for the average person looking to purchase. Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History has made the list.

   He writes:

Here’s another set of great new thrillers from authors very eager to be read by YOU…Manny says: It (his book) tells America’s story through the eyes of character actors of Hollywood’s Golden Era including Claude Rains, Ward Bond, Van Heflin, Thelma Ritter, Walter Brennan and Basil Rathbone.                   

      Dennis Batchelder  

   Of course, my paperback is available on Amazon.com. I hope you’ll consider Dennis Batchelder’s unsolicited suggestion. It’s nice to know American history is still considered thrilling!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   We are around the corner from the 10th Annual Author Fair to be held at The El Segundo Library this Sunday beginning at 12:45. The local press is starting to provide information on this heavily-attended event.

   The Beach Reporter, which serves the Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, and El Segundo communities is prepared to offer a lively story promoting the Book Fair. A bevy of authors have promised to attend, and panel discussions are on tap as a highlight to the day’s activities. I have been selected to be on the Hollywood Legends: Fact or Fiction panel.

   Here’s a link to The Beach Reporter website with their current update:

http://www.tbrnews.com/articles/2010/06/04/stepping_out/step1.txt  

   Come by and pick up an autographed copy of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History, especially if you live in the South Bay area. The El Segundo Library is located at 111 W. Mariposa Ave., near Main Street.

   Go to http://www.elsegundo.org/library/ for complete info about The El Segundo Author Fair.

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   We have another fine feather in our cap! Media Communications International Association is now recognizing my work as an author. This fine organization has allowed me to tell my journey of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

   You may read the printed article using the link below:

http://www.mcai-oc.org/articles/articles/an-author%27s-journey/

   I’ll contribute future articles to this website to discuss a variety of subjects including:

– How to self publish a book

– The state of the current radio industry in Southern California

   I also plan on visiting their MCAI Media ProCamp II on June 12th to chat about topics that pertain to my paperback (among other things). This networking event is sponsored by the  L.A./Orange County chapter of MCAI, and will be held at Santa Ana College’s Digital Media Center, 1300 S. Bristol St. MCAI’s MediaProCamp II is FREE (including morning coffee and lunch), but YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER ONLINE to attend. The event runs from 8:30a-3p.

   I’m delighted about the acknowledgement by the MCAI!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History now resides in 20 libraries around the US (in 11 states). The latest location to carry my paperback is The Library Network in South Gate, Michigan.

   FYI, the numbers of libraries by state now owning a copy of my work:

• CALIFORNIA – 7
• MISSOURI  – 2
• NEW YORK  – 2
• ILLINOIS  – 2
• OREGON – 1
• IDAHO – 1
• KENTUCKY – 1
• INDIANA – 1
• OHIO – 1
• MICHIGAN – 1
• FLORIDA – 1

   Like this country, my paperback definitely stretches from sea to shining sea…

Until next time…                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   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.

   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”

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.

   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”

Manny P. here…

   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 1:15p. 

   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”

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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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”

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.

  “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”

Manny P. here…

   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:

   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”

Manny P. here…

   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

   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”

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!

   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)

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   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”