In Memory: Cliff Robertson

 

    Cliff Robertson passed away this past Saturday. He is not a household name but his work is definitely recognized by today’s moviegoers. His performance as Uncle Ben in Spider-man’s was pivotal to the Peter Parker storyline. However, I’ll remember him during the zenith of his career. Robertson was an All-American prototype: handsome, athletic, charming, and easy-going. His career spanned from the late 1940s until 2000s with over 60 films to his name.

    He is known best being handpicked by Mr. President himself to playing JFK during his military years in PT 109. Robertson was also a serious actor with Charly. Based on the famous book Flowers for Algernon (most of us read during school), Robertson played a mentally disable man who undergoes experimental treatment to increase his intelligence. His heartbreaking portrayal led to winning an Academy Award in 1968.

 

    My top favorites are Gidget, Sunday in New York, and My Six Loves. In Gidget, Robertson was the older role model for young surfer wannabe Sandra Dee and it still gets me giddy to see him as Kahuna. *You'll know why as you see the film.* Sunday in New York is a great film with Jane Fonda as his out of town sister looking for a Sunday romance and gets more than she bargains for. Robertson does a supporting comedic turn as a international pilot and ladies man. Lastly, my all time favorite is My Six Loves. This surprising romantic comedy stars Debbie Reynolds as a Broadway diva looking for quiet time in her country home – only to see there are 6 little stowaways living there. Robertson plays a handsome preacher wooing Ms. Reynolds. Oh, the fun that awaits them!

    If you don’t know of his work today, I hope that one day you can catch a movie on TCM or rent a DVD of Cliff Robertson’s work.

Buzzworthy Music Tuesdays: September 13th

Eddie Murphy

    So, it was finally confirmed last week that Eddie Murphy will be hosting the 2012 Oscars. I’d be really excited if this was 1985 but poor Eddie hasn’t had the most successful career in the 2000s. *Pluto Nash, Norbit... do I need to continue?* But I am a fan of Eddie's (see my Coming To America post) and do wish for the best. Must not forget he was nominated for his supporting actor performance in Dreamgirls. Maybe he can choose better projects to highlight his talent after this big profile gig. Here’s hoping Mr. Murphy can bring the goods and maybe do some old SNL skits. Fingers crossed that he opens the ceremony singing the below song (which happens to be my go-to karaoke song).

Home Improvement Cast Reunion

Pic from EW.com

   It's been about 13 years since we last saw the old crew at Tim Allen's family sitcom, Home Improvement. The series ran for 8 seasons. We watched the a funny tool man, his wife, and three boys grow up on our TV sets.  Entertainment Weekly brought the cast together for their October 7th Reunion's issue. I don't know if I'm happy or in shock. Boy, did they age BADLY. I remember my sweet memories of pasting JTT posters all over my room. I still can't believe he's 30. Wasn't yesterday he was doing the rain dance in Man of The House? Or looking super cute in Tom and Huck or Wild America? Wow... yeah... the 90s. I know with Tim Allen's new show, Last Man Standing soon to premiere this Fall season - he needs all the press he can get. Most critics think it will be cancelled instantly. Maybe Allen can bring these actors back to the show? Seriously, where have they been?!

Cool Site: BookLamp

    I recently discovered something for my fellow bookworms! Do you LOVE Pandora? Isn't it wonderful to find new artists that are similar to your musical taste? Well, now you can do the exact same thing with books! *NERD ALERT* Best part about it: it's free! After typing in your favorite book or author, you can find plenty of novels (fiction and non-fiction) that this site thinks you'd be interested in. I know it can be overwhelming to choose a good book. I love the various option this site provides. New authors and classics like Jane Eyre are right at your finger tips. All you need to do is go online or your local book store and dig into that great new novel.

http://booklamp.org/

Coming Soon: The Skin I Live In

    Is there anything director Pedro Almodovar can't do? Seriously, he's created fantastic dramas, comedies, and continues with this psychological thriller coming next month. His last film, Broken Embraces, was along this manic obsession storyline. Antonio Banderas is like we've never seen him before playing a plastic surgeon recreating new skin with unethical experiments. Now, this is NOT the Human Centipede *shivers*. Almodovar has proven himself to be a master storyteller. The eerie music and the suspenseful cinematic shots make me very eager to see this film.  After seeing both clips below repeatedly, I expect a major mind trip. Here's hoping this will be one of the most original films of the year!

What I Learned From: Coming To America

Queens Is The Ideal Place For Love

"But where in New York can one find a woman with grace, elegance, taste and culture? A woman suitable for a king." ... "Queens!"

    Where else can you meet women who quip these gems? “I'm not interested in a man unless he drives a BMW,” “Hey, baby, I'm almost single. My husband's on death row,” or my personal favorite: “I was Joan of Arc in my former life. (lights hand on fire.)”



Forget The Bar, Church Is The Place To Meet Potential Mates

   
    This is where Akeem meets Lisa McDowell, his dream girl. Church also includes great live bands like Randy Watson and Sexual Chocolate.


The Most Accurate History Is From The Barbershop

    Apparently, Joe Louis was 137 when he fought Rocky Marciano. I also didn’t know Martin Luther King Jr. and Frank Sinatra hung out in this barbershop.



"Will you just taste the soup?", "All right, I'll taste the soup. Where's the spoon?", "Ah-ha!"

 Walking On Rose Petals Is The Only Way To Travel

    If King Jaffe Joffer ruler of Zamunda can do it? Why can’t we?



Destination Wedding to Africa Is A Great Idea

    You'll get a expert Wedding Singer with choreographed dancers!

She's your Queen-to-be. A Queen-to-be forever. A Queen who'll do whatever his highness desires. She's your Queen-to-be. A vision of perfection. An object of affection to quench your royal fire. Completely free from infection. To be used at your discretion. Waiting only for your direction. Your Queen-to-be.

Forget Mickie D’s and Head Over To McDowell's

    "I'm McDowell's. They got the Golden Arches, mine is the Golden Arcs. They got the Big Mac, I got the Big Mick. We both got two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles and onions, but their buns have sesame seeds. My buns have no seeds."



"Is It Just Me, Or Does Every Woman in New York Have A Severe Emotional Problem?"

   

    I resent this quote but it's kind of true! Remember the ladies at the bar? And just look at the rep at the telegraph spot!

"As long as you're asking, why not go for a cool million?" "You do not think that would be too much?"  "Naah."

Renouncing Your Throne or Having Arguments On The Train May Not Be The Best Idea

    People are mad noisy in New York. Please try not to air out your business on public transportation.

"Man: So what do you think? [talking to woman] Woman: Go on, honey. Take a chance!"



Who Cares if Your Prince is a Goat Herder

    The boy has got his own money, I mean the boy has got his own MONEY!



Finally, Use Soul Glo To Maintain Those Juicy Locks

    Just let it shine through...



Eww. Get's me every time!



Buzzworthy Music Tuesdays: September 6th

Jay-Z

Oh No, I Din’t!

    I’m throwing it back Brooklyn style. For three straight days, I’ve seen Hova music videos pop up on my screen! It’s like the universe wants me to kick it a little ol’ school.

    Here’s a little doozy from the late 90s that we all love and remember. Of course, Mr. Shawn Carter has grown from this time period to become one of the most successful artists in the history of music. This mega-brand man doesn’t look to retiring anytime soon. I’m so grateful for that! If you haven’t yet heard his newest release with Kanye West, please do immediately. Watch the Throne is not to be missed.