Periodically this happens to me. I get stuck. I’m always working on Posts and I have several in the offing, Just haven’t been able to get anything on the board. I’ve been sick. I was Depressed for over a week which is very unusual for me. I was really low. Don’t know where it came from, but it affected me greatly. We all have our ups and downs of course, but I usually pop right back up and carry on. I’m the guy who is usually cheering everybody else up. Santa Claus. Not this time. I think I’m OK now. ?? Now I’m also working 9 out of 10 days. Crazy schedule. Then I go on a 10 day Holiday – where we had planned to go to Vancouver Island. Then Covid hit and everybody’s plans flew out the window. All things could change back shortly (who knows?) and I expect we will progressively get back to a more usual routine. It’s an amazing experience though and I think we will appreciate what we have here, but that it all can swept away overnight. Love, and our families, friends, are vastly more important than our material things. Love – that irrational and unprovable thing is what we are all here for and all about. Yet, we do have to survive. I hope that you are making it through OK.
I’ll be up and running shortly – like a flower emerging from the snow. Take care All.
GP Cox over at Pacific Paratrooper https://pacificparatrooper.wordpress.com/2020/04/20/francis-the-talking-mule/ has been posting some Wartime Recipes on his blog. This reminded me of a particular dish my (English) Mum used to serve us kids: ‘Creamed Eggs on Toast’!
Now I gotta tell ya that Creamed Eggs on Toast don’t look like much.
BUT Boy!!! it is tasty!!
I’ve heard it said that the the English/Brits don’t have ‘Cuisine’?? They might have a point there?? but they sure got some good honest food.
This is one of ’em. Simple as can be.
‘Down home’ as heck.
This guy shows how it’s done.
I like how he tosses the sausage patty into the pan.
That’s optional though – don’t need no sausage.
He also says this is Cowboy Food.
But I can’t imagine Cowboys sitting around the campfire eating Creamed Eggs on Toast.
You can also use more than 2 boiled eggs. I’d use about 4.
NUM NUM Thank You MUM!
Francis the Talking Mule with the great Donald O’Connor“Singin; in he Rain” Donald O’Connor with Debbie Reynolds and Gene Kelly.
Donald O’Connor: His best-known works came in the film Singin’ in the Rain (1952), for which O’Connor was awarded a Golden Globe.
He also won a Primetime Emmy Award from four nominations and received two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame throughout his career. In other words, he was damn good.
I was inspired by the Pandemic to try to come up with something that would lift people up during these times. The Lord of the Rings seemed to (me) have some inspiring elements that I could try to so something with …
When I start a project/Post an idea first comes to me. An inspiration. It is Art. And like all Art is it alive. It has a Will and Mission of it’s own – that I am just a vehicle/vessel for it’s message. The greater I am at allowing this – the greater the Art. I do not own it and It is not me. Or mine. It has a life of it’s own. I don’t know where it comes from. I do know that if I don’t allow this, mostly what I do is not worth much. Is there a formula for this? If so, I don’t know it. I can’t make it happen, I can only put my pencil to the paper and start – with no idea if will occur or not. Maybe the greatest Artists, Writers, Musicians, etc (for ANYTHING can be an Artform) were the best at this. I don’t know. I do know when it’s happening though. I can feel it. Writers know I mean – when if flows you can’t get the words down fast enough – and the words aren’t yours.
Here are two pages that I’m working on in Corel Draw: I started with simple idea: Reforge the Ring. Then I started working. Then the project expanded – and truly took on a life of it’s own. This is good – though it may mean I won’t be able to Post much right away. I’m not even sure anything useful may happen. Sometimes I’ll work on a project for days – then weeks – even months. And I have several unfinished. Possibly never to be Posted. Hopefully, eventually, something emerges that is worth something. To somebody. ???
Firstly, I strongly believe there are Spiritual elements / purposes behind all things. Knowing this helps me immensely. Even in my darkest times I could see the great hand moulding me to something of greater use. My Destiny / Fate are a reality, but not premade patterns of my unfoldment. My choices are not limited. I am Soul. A perfect atom of God. His child. And the throne will mine. But not to rule over others – but to serve in any way I can. Total Service / Total Love. Unconfined in all aspects I move higher, deeper, farther toward an infinite horizon …
We’ll get through this thing. And we can help each other.
Blessings … and take care.
John Prine died on April 7th. He had been stricken with COVID-19. He was 73. He won two Grammy Awards in his career and was also presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.
He leaves us with a tremendous legacy of songs.
John and I never saw eye to eye on Spiritual things. But I’m sure there’s lots of fishing in Heaven.
It is not despair, for despair is only for those
who see the end beyond all doubt. We do not.” Gandalf the Grey / Fellowship of the Ring / JR Tolkien
“Home is behind, the world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread
Through shadows to the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.
Then world behind and home ahead,
We’ll wander back and home to bed.
Mist and twilight, cloud and shade,
Away shall fade! Away shall fade!” J.R.R. Tolkien / The Fellowship of the Ring
“I had holes in my jeans well before it was fashionable.” – Kenny Rogers
He went from Folk, to Psychedelic, to Rock, to Country… to become the greatest Ballad singer I’ve heard.
Kenny Rogers has passed at age 81. Kenny was one of the Greatest Entertainment Star of our time
with an immensely successful career in Country and Popular music. Legendary Status.
Along the way he also made a 1980 TV Western called The Gambler that was spearheaded by an iconic Hit Song also called The Gambler which all led to a series of 5 TV Westerns with Kenny Starring as Brady Hawkes, a fictional old-west gambler. Most of these Movies were … well not so good. They rode completely on Kenny’s Star Power and his Song.
(Originally sung by Bobby Bare, Johnny Cash, among others) But only Kenny’s version clicked.
Grammy award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 1980.
It’s one of those songs that sticks in your head.
A winner.
The TV Movies
Kenny’s first movie,The Gambler (1980) was OK …
Worth a couple of watches – despite Bruce Boxleitner.
“6.4” That’s about right.
It’s popularity led to 4 sequels. Most of ’em pretty bad.
Awards and Honors:
Islands in the Stream with Dolly Parton Written by Maurice Gibb, Robin Gibb, Barry Gibb
2017 Texas Country Music Hall of Fame Inductee 2013 Country Music Association Awards Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award 2013 Country Music Hall of Fame Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame 2010 American Eagle Award American Eagle Award[62] 2009 ACM Honors Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award (w/ Jerry Reed, Randy Travis, Hank Williams Jr.) 2007 ASCAP Golden Note Award ASCAP Golden Note Award 2007 CMT Music Awards Album of the Year—Water & Bridges 2005 CMT Music Awards Favorite All Time Country Duet—”Islands In the Stream” (w/Dolly Parton) 2004 CMT’s 100 Greatest Cheating Songs “Ruby Don’t Take Your Love to Town”—No. 6 2003 International Entertainment Buyers Association Lifetime Achievement Award 2003 CMT’s 100 Greatest Country Songs “The Gambler”—No. 26 2002 CMT’s 40 Greatest Men of Country Music Ranking—No. 19 2000 TNN Music Awards Career Achievement Award 1999 BBC’s Greatest Country Singer Ranking—No. 2 1988 Grammy Awards Best Duo Country Vocal Performance—”Make No Mistake She’s Mine” (w/ Ronnie Milsap) 1986 USA Today Favorite Singer of All Time 1985 American Music Awards Favorite Country Album—Eyes That See in the Dark 1985 American Music Awards Favorite Male Country Artist 1983 Academy of Country Music Awards Single of the Year—”Islands In the Stream” (w/ Dolly Parton) 1983 Academy of Country Music Awards Top Vocal Duet (w/ Dolly Parton) 1983 American Music Awards Favorite Pop/Rock Country Artist 1983 American Music Awards Favorite Country Single—”Love Will Turn You Around” 1983 ASAP Awards Favorite Single—”Islands In the Stream” (w/Dolly Parton) 1982 American Music Awards Favorite Country Album—Greatest Hits 1981 American Music Awards Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist 1981 American Music Awards Favorite Country Album—The Gambler 1981 American Music Awards Favorite Country Single—”Coward of the County” 1980 American Music Awards Favorite Male Country Artist 1980 American Music Awards Favorite Country Album—The Gambler 1980 Music City News Country Single of the Year 1979 American Music Awards Favorite Male Country Artist 1979 American Music Awards Favorite Country Album—10 Years of Gold 1979 Country Music Association Awards Male Vocalist of the Year 1979 Country Music Association Awards Vocal Duo of the Year (w/ Dottie West) 1979 Country Music Association Awards Album of the Year—The Gambler 1979 Music City News Country Male Artist of the Year 1979 Music City News Country Single of the Year—”The Gambler” 1979 Grammy Awards Best Male Country Vocal Performance—”The Gambler” 1978 American Music Awards Favorite Single—”Lucille” 1978 Country Music Association Awards Vocal Duo of the Year (w/Dottie West) 1978 Academy of Country Music Awards Entertainer of the Year 1978 Academy of Country Music Awards Top Male Vocalist 1977 Country Music Association Awards Single of the Year—”Lucille” 1977 Academy of Country Music Awards Top Male Vocalist 1977 Academy of Country Music Awards Single of the Year—”Lucille” 1977 Academy of Country Music Awards Song of the Year—”Lucille” 1977 Grammy Awards Best Male Country Vocal Performance—”Lucille”
Goodbye Kenny Rogers
Charities & foundations supported 7
Kenny Rogers has supported the following charities:
La Golondrina / Soundtrack The Wild Bunch / Jerry Fielding
“Hmmmm …”
The big talk in Western Film these days is the News about the ‘Remake of The Wild Bunch’. (I’m a bit slow on the draw so I just herd about this recently)
It’s a shocker to be sure.
Here’s one Newsbit:
‘The Wild Bunch’ Remake Hoping to Recruit Michael Fassbender, Jamie Foxx, Peter Dinklage for Director Mel Gibson
Posted on Monday, May 20th, 2019 by Chris Evangelista
Proving that there are indeed second, third, and even forth acts in Hollywood, Mel Gibson is being given the keys to a major motion picture yet again. The controversial actor and filmmaker is set to helm a remake of The Wild Bunch, and some heavy-hitting talent is already lining-up to work with him. Michael Fassbender, Jamie Foxx, and Peter Dinklage are all in talks to join the Wild Bunchremake cast, indicating that Warner Bros. wants to put together an impressive cast for this contemporary remake of the violent Sam Peckinpah Western.
Mel Gibson can often be an excellent actor and a strong filmmaker. But he’s also a highly controversial figure known for misogynist, racist remarks and actions that many feel should disqualify him from being attached to major projects. Gibson was a bit of a pariah for a short period of time, but it’s clear that time has ended. Warner Bros. has booked him to direct their Wild Bunch remake, which features a script by Gibson and Bryan Bagby.
And now, Deadline says Michael Fassbender, Jamie Foxx, and Peter Dinklage are all in talks to join the cast of the film. Nothing is officially in place yet, but word has it the movie will begin production this fall. This Wild Bunch is a contemporary remake of Sam Peckinpah’s classic 1969 Western, which was set in 1913. Here’s the original synopsis:
In this gritty Western classic, aging outlaw Pike Bishop prepares to retire after one final robbery. Joined by his gang, which includes Dutch Engstrom and brothers Lyle and Tector Gorch, Bishop discovers the heist is a setup orchestrated in part by his old partner, Deke Thornton. As the remaining gang takes refuge in Mexican territory, Thornton trails them, resulting in fierce gunfights with plenty of casualties.
Hollywood has been hoping to mount a Wild Bunch remake for a few years now. Tony Scott was originally set to helm a version, but his 2012 suicide ended up putting the project on hold. Since then, a remake with Will Smith possibly set to produce and star popped up, along with one directed by Hands of Stone filmmaker Jonathan Jakubowicz. Neither incarnation came to pass.
While Gibson, a filmmaker who doesn’t shy away from movie violence, seems like a good fit to remake this violent Western, I can’t help but feel this is a film we really don’t need, no matter who ends up being cast in the project.
Mel sure knows how to kick up some dust. I can’t see this project as a mere Western yarn – and it’s pretty obvious by the casting that this is not going to be a carbon copy of the original.The inclusion of Dinklage and Fox certainly tells us it’s to be pretty different right away – and Gibson has said it will be a different angle from a Social/Political viewpoint. There’s plenty of scepticism, of course, and it does seem like a daunting task. We’ll just have to wait and see.
All the Major players in the original production have passed.
Including Sam himself.
April 17, 1918 – November 12, 1981January 24, 1917 – July 8, 2012July 5, 1928 – April 3, 1982June 13, 1918 – April 8, 1996November 11, 1909 – July 11, 1973
Charles Bronson right?
But Charles Bronson died in 2003. Didn’t he?
‘Fraid so.
This guy is Robert “Bronzi”.
Who just happens to look exactly like Charles Bronson! (below).
And they’ve been exploiting this likeness for a while now.
Most recently in this Western:
Here’s the Trailer/Preview:
Ratings weren’t favorable.“2.7” outta 10! Bang! Yor ‘one shot’ dead.
Even Chuck’s ghost couldn’t save this thing.
But Bronzi isn’t just some ‘one trick cowpoke’
trying to ride Bronson’s pony.
Internet Movie Database Mini Bio
Hungarian born performer Robert Bronzi is world traveled actor and professional horseman with a love for the wild west and classic American film. Bronzi has worked as a Carpenter, Horsetrainer, Musician and former Military Service Member. Professionally Trained Actor at Maria Mezey Theatre School (Budapest) as well as stuntman, acrobat and Judo Player. Robert speaks multiple languages including English, Spanish and Hungarian. With a film resume building, Bronzi has honed his craft in Live Performances and Wild West Theme Shows, including ” Fort Bravo ” Almeria, Spain ” Port Aventura ” – Costa Dorada, Spain, ” Rancho Texas Park ” – Canary Islands. and Feature Films, The Seven Gallant, Death Kiss, Escape From Death Block 13 and most recent has signed to to play ” The Dago ” in Knighted Entertainments upcoming comedy feature Mat Rats.
– IMDb Mini Biography By: Katrina Gellet
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8459909/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm
Obviously and interesting guy who has some chops and paid some dues.
Ride on Bronzi!
Let’s just hope this doesn’t start a trend of ‘look alike’ Actors mimicing other Cowboys.
“A bone to the dog is not charity. Charity is the bone shared with the dog,
when you are just as hungry as the dog.”
– Jack London
Wikipedia: John Griffith London (born John Griffith Chaney; born in San Francisco on January 12, 1876 – November 22, 1916 was an American novelist, journalist, and social activist. A pioneer in the world of commercial magazine fiction, he was one of the first writers to become a worldwide celebrity and earn a large fortune from writing. He was also an innovator in the genre that would later become known as science fiction.
His most famous works include The Call of the Wild and White Fang, both set in the Klondike Gold Rush, as well as the short stories “To Build a Fire”, “An Odyssey of the North”, and “Love of Life”. He also wrote about the South Pacific in stories such as “The Pearls of Parlay”, and “The Heathen”.
London was part of the radical literary group “The Crowd” in San Francisco and a passionate advocate of unionization, workers’ rights, socialism, and eugenics. He wrote several works dealing with these topics, such as his dystopian novel The Iron Heel, his non-fiction exposé The People of the Abyss, The War of the Classes, and Before Adam.
Buck was a St. Bernard/Scotch shepherd mix breed.
Klondike Gold Rush / The Legendary Chilkoot Pass between British Columbia and Alaska
Most people in this world don’t have what I have.
Some are lucky to get even one meal a day. Yet I live in opulence. A Wonderful home. A Wonderful companion. Many Blessings. Too many to count.
But I try.
So I truly do give thanks. And like to express Good Will to All.
And I Thank you all for coming around this year. I hope that I’ve offered something
that adds something to You and your day.
My pleasure. My honor. And may we all pass our good fortune on to others.
