RIP 2011

[Morrigoon]

Sad cheese :(

[RStar]

Another major loss for us Disneyland fans.

RIP Mr. Boag. And may the after life be happier place with you there!

[flippyshark]

Wally Boag - the only Disneyland performer who ever got his own episode of The Muppet Show (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Am-8QCEXT-w). He's also well represented on the Golden Horseshoe (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-YfnKA476o&feature=related) Anniversary Episode of the Wonderful World of Color, which is on one of those Disney Treasures sets, if you can find it. thank goodness, our Tiki Room here in Florida will soon have him back in proper context.

[Melonballer]

Betty Taylor died today. It seems like Walt has waited long enough to see his favorite show again.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Betty Taylor died today. It seems like Walt has waited long enough to see his favorite show again.:eek:

[Morrigoon]

Well, it is almost Walt and Lillian's anniversary...

[cirquelover]

Andrew Gold has passed and all I can say is Thank You For Being a Friend :D

[Capt Jack]

sorry. took me a minute to get that

:snap:

[Kevy Baby]

sorry. took me a minute to get that

:snap:Yeah, me too

[Kevy Baby]

Clarence "Big Man" Clemons

U2 played a tribute to him at their concert Saturday in Anaheim (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/clarence-clemons-tribute-at-u2-203314)

[CoasterMatt]

Ryan Dunn, from Jackass :(

I'll miss him.

[Kevy Baby]

Ryan Dunn, from Jackass :(Tasteless:Does that mean he is all Dunn?

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Ryan Dunn, from Jackass :(

I'll miss him.
This is terrible! He was so young...his poor family. Drinking and driving....sigh.

He was a great member of the Jackass team, very likable....I'll miss him too.

[Alex]

Tasteless:Does that mean he is all Dunn?


Dunn's Done. Got to go with brevity (like Iz Was back in '98).

I'm not a fan of Jackass and don't know who this is, but must say "Jackass star killed doing something stupid" is not going to go into my shocking headlines files.

An since, in the process of doing something stupid, he managed to kill someone else (who at least was in on the stupidity for being in the car and not a complete innocent bystander), I can't get too moved to feign empathy.

[CoasterMatt]

I'm not feigning empathy. I met Ryan a few years ago, and while not really close, I would still say this is really a bummer.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I'm not a fan of Jackass and don't know who this is, but must say "Jackass star killed doing something stupid" is not going to go into my shocking headlines files.But it was something that's so mundanely stupid.

And, for the record, there is no evidence as yet that he was drunk at the time of the crash. There's a photo of him a couple hours before with a drink in his hand, that's all. Not that it would be terribly surprising if the evidence does eventually confirm the speculation, but it is firmly in the speculation department for the time being.

[Strangler Lewis]

Celebrity + Porsche + 3 a.m. + single car wreck = Duh!

[Alex]

Just in case, did not mean to imply that anybody else's empathy is feigned. Just that mine would be.

I'd only read a couple stories but they said it was the people with him who said he'd had a fair amount to drink before leaving (three shots, three beers). If that turns out to be incorrect then that reason for not feeling empathy will be gone. But I don't have much issue with playing the odds on alcohol having been involved in a fatal solo car crash on the way home from a bar at closing time.

But if I were a more public figure like Roger Ebert I'd probably pretend to hold off on jumping to conclusions.

[cirquelover]

I am very disappointed that Ebert would tweet something like that. Especially since the guy had only been dead for hours. I always liked Ebert but am very disgusted by him at the moment.

When I saw the headline I was expecting it to be one of the other stars. Ryan always seemed like the mellow one. I feel for his family and friends at this sad time.

[Alex]

If that turns out to be incorrect then that reason for not feeling empathy will be gone. But I don't have much issue with playing the odds on alcohol having been involved in a fatal solo car crash on the way home from a bar at closing time.

Looks like the odds were born out. At least he didn't kill any completely innocent bystanders on his way out.

[Stan4dSteph]

Yes, so totally shocked.

[Alex]

Peter Falk, entirely remembered for Columbo but most won't realize he was twice-nominated for an Academy Award.

[JWBear]

To me, he'll always be Max from The Great Race.

[Not Afraid]

And, to me, besides Columbo, he's best remembered for "Wings of Desire".

[Strangler Lewis]

And I've always had a hard time thinking of Carroll O'Connor as anything other than a military man in a supporting role.

[€uroMeinke]

I just saw Carol O'Conner last night as a British Officer in an episode of Time Tunnel. It was hard to envision him yelling meathead.

I may have to pull out Wings of Desire this weekend. One of my favorites, especially so for Peter Falk

[sleepyjeff]

~just one more thing~

~as you wish~

:(

[Capt Jack]

grandpa from The Princess Bride

the list goes on and on...
RIP Mr Falk

[cirquelover]

To me, he'll always be Max from The Great Race.

I love that movie!

I was sad to hear that he had passed.

[lashbear]

Sorry folks, I'm late, but then again, so's Wally Boag!
*Boom, Tish!*

I've been avoiding this thread (for various reasons) but my cheese is extra sad to hear of Wally's passing. I have actually been listening to a lot of the DL recordings off the collectors CD set and there's a couple of Golden Horseshoe versions I've been listening to.

As a tribute to Mr. Boag, I would like to sing one of his favourite songs - it's a little number entitled "The girl next door lived the life of a dog, so I called her [r]over"

[Melonballer]

Sorry folks, I'm late, but then again, so's Wally Boag!
*Boom, Tish!*

I've been avoiding this thread (for various reasons) but my cheese is extra sad to hear of Wally's passing. I have actually been listening to a lot of the DL recordings off the collectors CD set and there's a couple of Golden Horseshoe versions I've been listening to.

As a tribute to Mr. Boag, I would like to sing one of his favourite songs - it's a little number entitled "The girl next door lived the life of a dog, so I called her [r]over"

Brilliant.

At a local Disney fan convention I had some of my cookies with me, and if you said the secret word "Wally" you got one. I figured he could still bring a little happiness, even if he is gone.

I finally bought his book. I had been holding off on the unlikely chance I would get an opportunity to meet him. I got the edition with the signed Balloon Kit. The book is terrific. Buy it when you get a chance.

[JWBear]

Betty Ford (http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/07/08/betty.ford.dies/)

[Ghoulish Delight]

I'll drink a toast to her tonight.

[Chernabog]

I'll drink a toast to her tonight.

Visible Mojo :D

[Alex]

Amy Winehouse, apparently.

[Kevy Baby]

Amy Winehouse, apparently.Wow. CBS New is posting it (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/07/23/entertainment/main20082454.shtml).

Tragic, but sadly not too surprising. Another member of the 27 Club (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/27_club) (she's already been added to the Wikipedia page)

[Not Afraid]

When we saw her at Coachella a few years back, we "joked" that she was a must see because it might be our only chance. We were right. She was great live, great big voice coming out of a tiny, frail body. Very sad.

[RStar]

Amy Winehouse, apparently.

the cause of death was not immediately known.

Gee, I wonder what could have happened.... :rolleyes:

Still, it is tragic.

[€uroMeinke]

She was awesome in 2007

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MQUof_LvS8A/TivDR6QpesI/AAAAAAAAMOU/VgMpkw8e8K0/w500-h375-k/Coachella%2B2007%2B-%2B021.jpg

Glad we saw her when we could, too bad other's won't have the opportunity

[Strangler Lewis]

G.D. Spradlin (http://www.latimes.com/news/la-me-g-d-spradlin-20110726,0,3167317.story?track=rss)

So, two days ago there was some article about some actress whose name I didn't recognize. It turned out to be one of Meryl Streep's daughters. This got me to reading about Meryl Streep and her relationship with John Cazale, which eventually got me to reading about Godfather II, where I saw the name G.D. Spradlin. "Huh, haven't thought about him in years. I wonder if he's still alive, I don't remember him dying." Turned out he was. Now, he's not.

I'm a dangerous man.

[flippyshark]

G.D. Spradlin (http://www.latimes.com/news/la-me-g-d-spradlin-20110726,0,3167317.story?track=rss)

So, two days ago there was some article about some actress whose name I didn't recognize. It turned out to be one of Meryl Streep's daughters. This got me to reading about Meryl Streep and her relationship with John Cazale, which eventually got me to reading about Godfather II, where I saw the name G.D. Spradlin. "Huh, haven't thought about him in years. I wonder if he's still alive, I don't remember him dying." Turned out he was. Now, he's not.

I'm a dangerous man.

Yeah, one of those great character actors one recognizes as soon as he shows up on screen. "Oh, it's that guy!" These sort of rough, careworn everyday types are a vanished breed in movies. Character actors these days aren't allowed to be much more than 36, and only marginally less attractive than their co-stars. Oh, and it helps if they're "wacky." (Too bad, because I'm 46 and getting more and more "character" by the day!)

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Dan Peek (http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/26/us-danpeek-idUSTRE76P7KZ20110726), one of the founding members of the band America.

[blueerica]

Jeret "Speedy" Peterson (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/27/sports/skiing/jeret-speedy-peterson-commits-suicide-police-say.html?_r=1)

[RStar]

Sometimes I wonder, would we have anything to talk about if people stopped dying??

[lashbear]

overpopulation?

[wolfy999]

Bubba Smith

[Capt Jack]

aww :(

[Kevy Baby]

We'll miss Hightower

[katiesue]

Cha Cha (http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/08/04/actress-who-played-cha-cha-in-grease-dies-at-63/) from Grease.

[Ghoulish Delight]

"A lock of hair. From her chest."

First Kenickie, now Cha Cha? Bad year for Grease stars.

[JWBear]

Cliff Robertson (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2011/09/oscar-winning-actor-cliff-robertson-dies-at-88.html)

[Alex]

And to update the list.

Robertson was the 15th oldest living Academy Award nominated actor. His death moves Glynis Johns into his spot and brings in Colette Marchand (86.37) to the list in the 25th spot. Luis Rainer, who is apparently immortal at now more than 101.5 years old remains the oldest.

Robertson was the 6th oldest living Academy Award nominated actor. His death moves Eva Marie Saint into his spot and brings in Shirley Jones (77.45 years old) to the list in the 25th spot. Luis Rainer is also the leader in this category.

[RStar]

...Robertson was the 15th oldest living Academy Award nominated actor....
.....Robertson was the 6th oldest living Academy Award nominated actor....


Am I missing something here?

[Kevy Baby]

Well, according to this list (http://www.whosaliveandwhosdead.com/l_oscar.asp), Robertson would have been the fifth oldest living Academy award winner (his DOB was 9/9/23). However, that list appears to only include leading actor/acrtress recipients (Eva Maria Saint won the award for Supporting Actress for On the Waterfront).

I guess we'll just have to wait for Alex...

[Alex]

Second one should have said "6th oldest living Academy Award winning actor.

Yes, my list is both lead and supporting actor noms/wins. So for Oldest Living Winners, it was:

Luise Rainer (Lead)
Olivia de Havilland (Lead)
Ernest Borgnine (Lead)
Celeste Holm (Supporting)
Joan Fontaine (Lead)
Cliff Robertson (Lead)
Eva Marie Saint (Supporting)

[Strangler Lewis]

A sad farewell to another of the handsome middle aged men of my childhood.

And while my Alan in a 1979 high school production of "Picnic" is probably the definitive interpretation, I have to admit he did a decent job in the film.

[Snowflake]

RIP REM

[JWBear]

I didn't know they were still together.

[Alex]

Steve Jobs

[Ghoulish Delight]

iRIP

[BarTopDancer]

What a loss.

[Kevy Baby]

Apple's home page (http://www.apple.com/)

And tribute (http://www.apple.com/stevejobs/)

[flippyshark]

I'd have no Pixar, iMac, iPod, iPad, or macbook without Steve Jobs. And seeing how utterly hopeless and stupid I am with all things Windows, I just might not have been able to meet all you LoT folks if it weren't for Mac. I'm looking forward to reading the biography that comes out in November. It's long been clear that this day was coming, but I wish it hadn't been today.

[CoasterMatt]

Charles Napier (http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x771640177/Charles-Napier-Bakersfields-leading-man-dies-at-75) :(

[Gn2Dlnd]

While I'm not a brand-loyal computer guy, I do have an iPod, which I love, and an android phone that I'm sure wouldn't exist if Steve Jobs hadn't created such a high standard for the rest of the industry to meet.

I'm moved by this quote from a piece on Huffington Post:

The news of Jobs' passing spread instantly thanks in large part to smart phones, the most popular of which being the iPhone. A sweet irony for the innovative legend, whose vision pushed technology and communications forward in leaps and bounds over the past thirty years.

When those phones finish texting, tweeting and calling with the news, they'll go back to their other, groundbreaking uses: playing music, streaming podcasts and watching TV shows and movies.

[Gn2Dlnd]

A.C. Nielsen Jr. (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i3j3HMsY6iXQvOjfptHOmFOvTynQ?docId=c169e271b e8f42e1ad6722c80dbbad24)

[Ghoulish Delight]

Boing boing have changed their theme for the day in memory of Jobs.

[Alex]

Not that it diminishes the point bit Android is the most popular smartphone platform by a healthy margin. ( assuming we define most popular A's most used. )

[Ghoulish Delight]

Android is the most popular OS, iPhone is still the most popular device.

[Moonliner]

Given the way some folks are talking about him, I'll wait the full three days to offer my condolence, just in case.

[Alex]

I warned of it when he stepped down. The adoration was so over the top I feared what would be necessary to show sufficient grief when he died.

[JWBear]

VMLM!

[Kevy Baby]

Al Davis (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203388804576618862021709594.html?m od=WSJ_GoogleNews&mod=igoogle_wsj_gadgv1) (owner of the Raiders)

[Strangler Lewis]

And if wherever he's going will build him a stadium, I bet he'll move the team there.

[Kevy Baby]

And if wherever he's going will build him a stadium, I bet he'll move the team there.No, he'll just promise some place that if they pay him $10 million he might go there. Just ask Irwindale.

[Moonliner]

Qwikster (http://money.cnn.com/2011/10/10/technology/netflix_qwikster/index.htm?hpt=hp_t1)

Goodbye little buddy, you were so young we hardly even knew you.

[Betty]

Good. It was a terrible idea.

[Alex]

I'm currently at the 5th Avenue Apple Store in NYC.

IT has turned into something of a shrine. Which is not good A's I don't take collective grieving over celebrities nobody grieving ever actually met A's seriously as those around me apparently feel is appropriate.

[Morrigoon]

Even local mall Apple stores seem to be attracting shrines. I'm trying to withhold judgment since I'd have felt that way if I was around when Walt died.

[BarTopDancer]

Al Davis (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203388804576618862021709594.html?m od=WSJ_GoogleNews&mod=igoogle_wsj_gadgv1) (owner of the Raiders)

Was he shot?


---

The Apple Store in the Spectrum and Mission Viejo malls were plastered with post-it notes. I think it's awesome - the impact that this one man had on technology was huge. Without the iPhone I wouldn't have my Android. Without the iPad other tablets wouldn't be around. He changed the way we interact and live our lives.

[CoasterMatt]

I think a great tribute to #SteveJobs would be for people to donate $1 for every #Apple product they own to #cancer research.

(copied from my little Twitter campaign, feel free to RT)

[BarTopDancer]

I think a great tribute to #SteveJobs would be for people to donate $1 for every #Apple product they own to #cancer research.

(copied from my little Twitter campaign, feel free to RT)

I think it's a great idea and did retweet, but the problem is there are so many cancer research organizations.

[Moonliner]

I think it's a great idea and did retweet, but the problem is there are so many cancer research organizations.

And I only need to donate $1.

[flippyshark]

Done. 6 dollars donated to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

[Strangler Lewis]

Done. 6 dollars donated to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

What strange depressing action shows that network must produce.

[Kevy Baby]

Dennis Ritchie (http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/10/13/141316217/dennis-ritchie-c-programmer-and-unix-co-creator-has-died), C Programmer And Unix Co-Creator

[Capt Jack]

/salutes

[Ghoulish Delight]

}

[DreadPirateRoberts]

#include<stdio.h>

main()
{
printf("RIP");
}

[JWBear]

Muammar Gaddafi (http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/20/us-libya-idUSTRE79F1FK20111020?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=71)

[Snowflake]

Barbara Kent at 102, one of the few silent film players who were still with us. She did not have a long career, played most notably in Paul Fejos 1928 film Lonesome (a wonderful film). She refused all interviews about her film career and I suspect that is why so many silent film peeps I know were so obsessed with her.

She retired and was Garbo's assistant for years, all those mysterious Garbo secrets went to the grave with her, unless she left a diary.

Mickey Rooney and Diana Serra Cary aka Baby Peggy are silent film actors still around.

[Alex]

Not sure why it struck me, but she was married once (assuming IMDb is accurate) and that marriage ended with his death. 62 years ago.

[Kevy Baby]

Muammar Gaddafi (http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/20/us-libya-idUSTRE79F1FK20111020?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=71)And yet we still aren't sure how to spell his name (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/236088/nation/nagging-question-on-gaddafis-name-spelling-lingers-after-his-death)

Gaddafi
Qaddafi
Khadafy
Khaddafi
Kadhafi
Quaddafi
Gadhafi

[JWBear]

Sure we do! It's معمر القذافي

[Ghoulish Delight]

"معمر القذافي,"

[CoasterMatt]

http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/2826/sjreo.png

[CoasterMatt]

Barry Feinstein - photographer :(

[Capt Jack]

http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/2826/sjreo.png

ROFL!! :snap: :snap:

[Not Afraid]

Headline "Lindsay Lohan arrives at morgue on time".

I guess she's just doing community service.

[JWBear]

Headline "Lindsay Lohan arrives at morgue on time".

I guess she's just doing community service.

Pity.

[Alex]

Mickey Goldesn. A music publisher (whatever that is), including for Don Ho's "Tiny Bubbles."

That reminded me of a story I learned on this last vacation. The first week, Lani's mom was along with us and Don Ho came up.

Before he moved into arranging, Lani's dad was lead in a pretty successful Japanese pop band and at one point they had reasonably successful tour in the United States. This was why we stayed at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago, they'd played the main room there for two weeks on that tour.

Anyway, at the conclusion of the tour the American promoter tried to sign them to a multi-year deal where the band (and their families) would be moved to Hawaii and using that as a base of operations they'd tour the Pacific Rim. Lani's dad was in favor but the other members of the band didn't want to leave Japan so he had to say know.

Later, they did get booked in Honolulu for several months and again at the end of that gig they were offered a permanent spot at one of the new Waikiki hotels. Again, Lani's dad was all in favor of it, but to his anger (and whoever it was that was trying to hire them) the rest of the band said no.

The person that the hotel hired instead was Don Ho, and that was the gig in which Don Ho became Don Ho.

Later, when Lani's family emigrated and were in Honolulu, apparently they went to Don Ho's show several times and there exists, somewhere, a photo of Lani as a child on stage with Ho. This is a photograph I must eventually possess.

[alphabassettgrrl]

and there exists, somewhere, a photo of Lani as a child on stage with Ho

Cool!

[Alex]

And in looking around for some stuff found this old Japanese Coke commercial. That is Lani's dad's group singing. Apparently they did all the Coke commercials for a while in the '60s.

http://www.poetv.com/video.php?vid=62597

[Gemini Cricket]

Ralphie's dad died today. So sad. I had a good cry this morning. He was such a good man. I f*cked up and posted a memorial to him on Facebook. I didn't know everyone wasn't contacted yet. Dang it. I pulled the post. Kind of embarrassed now. I hope people weren't calling him because of it...
He drove me crazy in a fun way and I'll miss him.

[Gn2Dlnd]

((hugs))

But, yeah, my mom was pretty broken up over that this morning...

[Strangler Lewis]

Sir Jimmy Savile (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2055045/Jimmy-Savile-dead-DJ-Jimll-Fix-It-presenter-dies-home-aged-84.html)

Clunked. Clicked.

[CoasterMatt]

Cory Smoot, better known as Flattus Maximus, guitarist for GWAR (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20111103/us-obit-gwar-guitarist/).

:( I'm terribly saddened by this.

[Kevy Baby]

Andy Rooney (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/06/us/andy-rooney-mainstay-on-60-minutes-dead-at-92.html)

[Kevy Baby]

Smokin Joe Frazier (http://www.npr.org/2011/11/07/142119616/boxing-great-joe-frazier-dies-after-fight-with-cancer?ft=1&f=1001)

[RStar]

Kevy is stalking dead people.....

[Strangler Lewis]

Smokin Joe Frazier (http://www.npr.org/2011/11/07/142119616/boxing-great-joe-frazier-dies-after-fight-with-cancer?ft=1&f=1001)

A champ from when being heavyweight champeen o' da woild still meant something. That first fight with Ali wasn't just a sporting event. It was part of the culture war.

RIP, Joe.

[Capt Jack]

Kevy is stalking dead people.....

well...they are somewhat easier to keep track of than some of the live ones.

[Kevy Baby]

well...they are somewhat easier to keep track of than some of the live ones.They're the only ones who can't out-run me and they never complain about "inappropriate touching"

[Melonballer]

well...they are somewhat easier to keep track of than some of the live ones.

Except for Elvis. For a dead guy he seems to show up in lots of strange places, like Denny's in Arizona, or a trailer park in Colorado.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Heavy D (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/09/arts/music/heavy-d-rap-star-dies-at-44.html)

[Strangler Lewis]

Bil Keane (http://news.yahoo.com/family-circus-creator-bil-keane-dies-89-175700917.html)

I'll be lookin for the strip with the circuitous path Billy takes to visit the grave.

[Melonballer]

I wonder if this means we can finally get that strip out of the papers and let a new comic voice take the spot?

[CoasterMatt]

Well, his son has been doing the strip for a while now.

[Alex]

I wonder if this means we can finally get that strip out of the papers and let a new comic voice take the spot?

Based on the fact that Charles Schultz has been dead for 230 years and still appears in the paper, I'm guessing not (even if he were still the one doing the strip).

[RStar]

Based on the fact that Charles Schultz has been dead for 230 years and still appears in the paper, I'm guessing not (even if he were still the one doing the strip).

I remember when he died. It doesn't feel like it was 230 years ago, more like it was no more that 190 years ago. Time flies!!

[Strangler Lewis]

I wonder if this means we can finally get that strip out of the papers and let a new comic voice take the spot?

Not me.

[Moonliner]

A reliable source tells me Barney the Dinosaur passed away last year, but since I just heard about it I'm going count it as this year.

Which could break the tie between Osama Bin Laden and Muammar Gaddafi for best death of the year.

[katiesue]

Please tell me the Teletubbies proceeded him.

[Kevy Baby]

Please tell me the Teletubbies proceeded him.The last original Teletubbies episode was filmed over 10 years ago.

Although as any parent will tell you, kids have no qualms about watching shows over and over* again.






* And over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over

[katiesue]

yes - and songs as well. I got treated to "What's New Pussycat" for two plus months straight every time we were in the car.

[Not Afraid]

I'm not getting the connection between Tom Jones and the Teletubbies but think it is probably better I stay ignorant.

[Betty]

http://images.somethingawful.com/inserts/articlepics/photoshop/01-30-04-movies/RolandTower.jpg

[Strangler Lewis]

I'm not getting the connection between Tom Jones and the Teletubbies but think it is probably better I stay ignorant.

Tom Jones has a big schlong, and one of the Teletubbies is gay.

It's obvious.

[Melonballer]

Seattle Mariners outfielder Greg Halman.

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2011/11/seattle-mariners-outfielder-greg-halman-stabbed-to-death-brother-arrested/

[Alex]

Anne McCaffrey

The last (I believe) of my childhood reading icons.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Anne McCaffrey's books got me through my teen years.

[Kevy Baby]

Anne McCaffrey's books got me through my teen years. Susan remains a fan well into her adult life. Well, adult in age...

[JWBear]

I want to reread them all again now...

[alphabassettgrrl]

Susan remains a fan well into her adult life. Well, adult in age...

Sure, why not. :)

I want to reread them all again now...

I'm kind of tempted, too. I haven't touched them since junior high, but that's ok. As I remember, they should still be entertaining.

[Alex]

I reread the Pern books a couple years ago and they didn't hold up to my childhood infatuation very well. But the first Crystal Singer book did.

[CoasterMatt]

Ken Russell (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-15917073) :(

[Snowflake]

Ken Russell (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-15917073) :(

Sad face :( very sad cheese

[mousepod]

Glad we got to see him be a lunatic at the Tommy screening last year.

[flippyshark]

I'm very happy I got to join Ken on a visit to the Holy Land Experience theme park. What a surreal and great thing to get to say. Anyway, Tommy and The Music Lovers play at my house tonight.

[Alex]

It would seem I've never seen a Ken Russell movie (he looks to have stopped making them about the time I started to develop a willingness to consume adult and historical titles and I guess I've never landed on one of his).

[Strangler Lewis]

Not even Crimes of Passion?

[Alex]

Not that I recall.

Though it is possible it was one of those movies I tried to watch through the cable's primitive scrambling in the hopes of catching a stray squiggle that I could convince myself was a naked boob.

[€uroMeinke]

Anyone wanna come over and wrestle in front of the fireplace?

[Snowflake]

Alan Sues (http://news.yahoo.com/laugh-comic-actor-alan-sues-dies-85-061944332.html) of Laugh-In.

Nice that he was with his beloved dog at the end. Hope someone will take care of her, too.

[flippyshark]

Nice that he was with his beloved dog at the end. Hope someone will take care of her, too.

I hope you don't mean "take care of her.

I remember when I was a kid, I was highly amused by the Alan Sues Peter Pan (www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFKMDauqQFU) ads. I used to impersonate them, which must have worried my super-conservative dad. I found them goofy and funny. I didn't know that Sues' mannerisms might have any other connotations. (I was similarly amused by Paul Lynde, who I also enjoyed impersonating.)

[Alex]

Harry Morgan was shot down over the Sea of Japan. It spun in, there were no survivors.

(Not an accurate recounting of Harry Morgan's death. Not an accurate recounting of a colonel's death.)

[Kevy Baby]

Had to look up what you were talking about (http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_19488901?source=rss)

[JWBear]

I didn't know he was still alive!

(BTW... It was Colonel Blake that died over the Sea of Japan, not Colonel Potter.)

[Alex]

Yes, thus the parenthetical.

[Strangler Lewis]

Now, that's the way a famous person in their 90s should go: quietly and quickly. None of this Billy Graham/Zsa Zsa Gabor publicity seeking.

[Moonliner]

Harry Morgan was shot down over the Sea of Japan. It spun in, there were no survivors.

(Not an accurate recounting of Harry Morgan's death. Not an accurate recounting of a colonel's death.)

Correct, it is an accurate recounting of a Lieutenant Colonel's death. And with a bit of artistic license a country singers death.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Jerry Robinson, R.I.P (Creator of the Joker)

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=35811

Robinson co-created Robin, the Boy Wonder and is often credited as the primary influence for arch-villain the Joker, though Kane and Robinson would clash over credit for the villain's creation in later years. The artist was soon hired away from Kane's shop by "Batman" publisher DC/National Comics, for which he served as a staff artist, drawing many of the most striking covers of comics Golden Age.

[Snowflake]

Here's the annual recap from Turner Classic Movies (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1ZOlXXwhe0&feature=player_embedded).

[Kevy Baby]

Here's the annual recap from Turner Classic Movies (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1ZOlXXwhe0&feature=player_embedded).What happens if someone kicks within the next couple of weeks?

[Ghoulish Delight]

Their body remains in suspended animation, somewhere between life and death, the mind trapped in excruciating anguish until next year's list can be released.

[3894]

Their body remains in suspended animation, somewhere between life and death, the mind trapped in excruciating anguish

So, that's what the deal was. I think I worked with a guy in this very situation, Univ. of Wisconsin, late 1980's. I wonder if he ever made it to the Other Side.

[Alex]

Anybody who dies in the last two weeks goes unnoticed. Because the alternative is that someone would have to work on the this over the holidays so that it could be released January 2.

[Snowflake]

What happens if someone kicks within the next couple of weeks?

The end up in next year's recap, I guess.

I was amazed, Liz Taylor died? ;-)

[Kevy Baby]

I was amazed, Liz Taylor died? ;-)Her jewelry just sold for $116 million (http://tvnz.co.nz/entertainment-news/liz-taylor-jewels-auction-smashes-records-4640916)

[Snowflake]

Her jewelry just sold for $116 million (http://tvnz.co.nz/entertainment-news/liz-taylor-jewels-auction-smashes-records-4640916)

Yeah, I've been watching with absolute fascination. The prices things are selling for, incredible sales WAY over estimates. The cachet of Taylor's name is selling some of the items (lesser valued) but my goodness things estimated in value of 1200 are selling for 20-30-50k!

[Melonballer]

Joe Simon, co-creator of Captain America.

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/joe-simon-passed-away-111215.html

With the loss of Simon and Robinson I think we have seen the last of the Golden Age creators pass away. Certainly all the big names are gone.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

RIP Joe Simon

And the same day, another fantastic artist. Eduardo Barreto

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=35943

Born in 1954 in Montevideo, Uruguay, Barreto collaborated with legendary Argentine writer Hector German Oesterheld in the 1970s before making the leap in the '80s to the U.S. market, where he was most closely associated with DC Comics, for whom he drew such titles "Superman," "Action Comics," "The Shadow Strikes" and "Martian Manhunter." However, it was his extended run on "The New Teen Titans," succeeding fan-favorite artists George Perez and José Luis García-López, that brought him the most attention. Barreto also collaborated with writer James D. Hudnall on "Lex Luthor: The Unauthorized Biography," the 1989 one-shot considered by many fans to be the artist's best work.

[flippyshark]

Christopher Hitchens (http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/16/us-christopherhitchens-idUSTRE7BF0FI20111216) is gone. An equal-opportunity infuriator, to be sure. His rhetorical skills were formidable. No prayers, please, at his request. (Discount any death-bed conversion stories.)

[Alex]

If he was wrong on the issue of an afterlife, Mother Teresa is currently kicking him in the nuts.

I loved reading him regardless of whether I agreed with him.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

The news about Hitchens isn't unexpected; he'd been very ill. Still, it saddens me deeply to have his voice silenced. He was one of a kind.

[€uroMeinke]

Cesaria Evora (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-16232543)

Singer Cesaria Evora, dubbed the "Barefoot Diva" for often performing without shoes, has died in her native Cape Verde at the age of 70.

[JWBear]

Kim Jong Il (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/18/kim-jong-il-dead-north-korea_n_1156945.html)

[CoasterMatt]

I wonder if he's still so ronery?

[€uroMeinke]

Kim Jong Il (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/18/kim-jong-il-dead-north-korea_n_1156945.html)

Kimchi is celebrating tonight

[JWBear]

You should bake her a little Kim Jong Il shaped meatloaf...

[Gn2Dlnd]

Meatroaf.

Meatrrrroaf.

[Strangler Lewis]

You had me thinking Meat Loaf had died.

Not that it would have been an unforeseeable development.

I don't have many heartfelt favorite makers of the hippie music, but he was one of them.

Is one of them.

Shame on you.

[Moonliner]

Damn!

I guess hell needed one more bat. Rock on you sweet bastard!

[Gn2Dlnd]

Mr. Loaf did not die. Kim Chi wants meatroaf. Your dog wants steak.

[Moonliner]

Mr. Loaf did not die. Kim Chi wants meatroaf. Your dog wants steak.

My Dog Died??? Noooo!!!!

[Gn2Dlnd]

I should have started with "Grandma was up on the roof." Sorry to break it to you so sudden and all.

[Gn2Dlnd]

This guy (http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2011/12/bon_jovi_not_dead_rumor_was_tw.html), not dead yet.

(Why am I seeing a post on this from Snowflake in my email, but not in the thread? Mysterious.)

[Strangler Lewis]

My Dog Died??? Noooo!!!!

For the money I spent on my dog recently, it was supposed to die. Now, I get to do that against at least one more time.

[Snowflake]

This guy (http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2011/12/bon_jovi_not_dead_rumor_was_tw.html), not dead yet.

(Why am I seeing a post on this from Snowflake in my email, but not in the thread? Mysterious.)

Yes, I deleted it as it appears to be a sick joke (especially NSF MMG)

[RStar]

Oh, I see. This is how those rumors get started.

I feel so enlightened!

[Kevy Baby]

So, is this thread dead?

[JWBear]

May it rest in peace.



Now, close the casket and shove this fvcker in the ground before it starts to stink.

[Snowflake]

2011 dead thread not quite dead yet.

Nicol Williamson died on December 16, 2011, not announced until 2012, however.

Reminds me I need to watch Excalibur again, a fun, over the top movie.