Happy Birthday Elon!

Today is Elon Musk’s birthday (born in 1971) and I found an article written by “The Historian” on the HAVEFUNWITHHISTORY.COM website detailing some interesting facts about Elon.

10 Facts About Elon Musk

Elon Musk is a globally recognized entrepreneur and innovator known for his pioneering work in multiple industries. Born in South Africa in 1971, Musk has left an indelible mark on technology, transportation, and space exploration. He co-founded Zip2, played a pivotal role in PayPal, founded SpaceX, revolutionized electric vehicles with Tesla, and promoted sustainable energy through SolarCity. Additionally, he proposed the Hyperloop, founded The Boring Company, created Neuralink, and co-founded OpenAI to advance artificial intelligence research.

Elon Musk Facts

1 Born on June 28, 1971, in Pretoria, South Africa

His full name is Elon Reeve Musk. Growing up, Musk showed an early aptitude for computers and technology, often spending his time programming and experimenting with computers. His interest in technology and innovation would play a significant role in his later career.

2 Co-founder of Zip2

In 1996, Musk co-founded Zip2, a web software company that aimed to help newspapers create an online presence. The company provided online business directories and maps for newspapers, allowing them to offer digital services to their readers. Zip2 was one of Musk’s earliest ventures and provided valuable experience in the tech industry.

3 Co-founded X.com, which later became PayPal

In 1999, Musk founded X.com, an online payment company. X.com offered services for online money transfers and payments. Over time, it evolved into PayPal, which became a leading online payment platform. In 2002, eBay acquired PayPal for $1.5 billion in stock, marking a significant financial success for Musk and demonstrating his ability to innovate in the financial technology sector.

4 Founder of SpaceX

Elon Musk founded SpaceX in 2002 with the ambitious goal of reducing space transportation costs and making space exploration more accessible. SpaceX has achieved numerous milestones under Musk’s leadership, including the development of the Falcon 1, Falcon 9, and Falcon Heavy rockets. One of the most significant achievements has been the successful launch and landing of reusable rockets, which has the potential to revolutionize space travel by significantly reducing costs. SpaceX has also been involved in resupplying the International Space Station (ISS) and plans to play a crucial role in future missions to Mars.

5 CEO and product architect of Tesla, Inc

In 2004, Musk joined Tesla Motors (now known as Tesla, Inc.) as chairman of the board and later became its CEO and product architect. Tesla is renowned for its electric vehicles (EVs) and its mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.  Under Musk’s leadership, Tesla has released several groundbreaking electric car models, including the Roadster, Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y. Tesla’s EVs have gained popularity for their performance, range, and commitment to reducing carbon emissions. The company has also developed energy storage products and solar energy solutions to further its sustainable energy mission.

6 Played a role in SolarCity, which Tesla later acquired

Elon Musk played a significant role in SolarCity, a solar energy services company founded by his cousins Lyndon and Peter Rive in 2006. SolarCity aimed to make solar energy more accessible to homeowners and businesses by providing solar panel installation and financing options.  In 2016, Tesla acquired SolarCity in an all-stock deal valued at around $2.6 billion. The acquisition allowed Tesla to integrate solar energy generation and storage solutions into its ecosystem, offering customers a comprehensive suite of sustainable energy products.

7 Proposed the Hyperloop and founded The Boring Company

Elon Musk proposed the Hyperloop concept in 2013. It’s a high-speed transportation system that envisions passenger pods traveling through low-pressure tubes at near-supersonic speeds.  Although Musk did not directly develop the Hyperloop, he released a white paper outlining the concept, which sparked interest and research into the idea by various companies and organizations. In 2016, Musk founded The Boring Company, an infrastructure and tunnel construction company. The company’s primary goal is to address urban congestion by creating underground transportation tunnels.  These tunnels aim to alleviate traffic by providing high-speed transit options for cars and public transportation. The Boring Company has conducted tunneling projects in cities like Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

8 Co-founder of Neuralink

Elon Musk co-founded Neuralink in 2016. This neurotechnology company is focused on developing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). The ultimate goal of Neuralink is to enable a direct connection between the human brain and computers, which could have profound implications for medical treatments and human-computer interaction. Neuralink’s BCIs have the potential to help individuals with neurological disorders, such as paralysis, by restoring lost motor functions. They could also advance the field of neurobiology and enhance human cognition and communication capabilities.

9 Co-founder of OpenAI

Musk co-founded OpenAI in 2015 with the mission of ensuring that artificial general intelligence (AGI) benefits all of humanity. AGI refers to highly autonomous systems capable of outperforming humans in most economically valuable work. OpenAI conducts research in AI and promotes the development of AI technologies that are safe, ethical, and beneficial. The organization is dedicated to avoiding AI’s misuse while ensuring its responsible deployment for the betterment of society.

10 Committed to significant philanthropy through The Giving Pledge

Elon Musk has accumulated significant wealth through his entrepreneurial ventures and investments. He has been listed among the richest individuals globally due to his holdings in companies like Tesla and SpaceX. Musk has pledged to donate a substantial portion of his wealth to philanthropic causes. He joined The Giving Pledge, a commitment by some of the world’s wealthiest individuals and families to give away the majority of their wealth during their lifetimes or in their wills.  Through philanthropic initiatives, Musk aims to address various global challenges, including climate change, education, and healthcare.

SOURCE: HAVEFUNWITHHISTORY.COM  The Historian

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday John

Today is John Goodman’s birthday (born in 1952) and I really liked him in Roseann. I found this article on FAME10.COM.

From FAME10:

Everything John Goodman does, he does well. The endearing actor has gained a very loyal and passionate fanbase over his notable career for many reasons, but most of all because he is one of those actors that it is just very hard not to like. From Dan Conner on Roseanne to his recent role in Kong: Skull Island, there is nothing that John Goodman can’t do, and no matter what role he takes on, fans love it, and despite his many years as one of Hollywood’s finest actors, he has remained rather elusive to fans. So, here are 10 things you didn’t know about John Goodman.

Off To War?

In the early ’70s, after turning 18, like so many young Americans, Goodman was drafted into the army for the Vietnam War, but somehow Goodman got out of it. “I want to take my physical. But they measured me two inches shorter than I am. They measured me at six foot instead of six foot two. I was eleven pounds overweight for that height. They told me to lose weight and come back, but by the time I was scheduled to come back, the draft was abolished,” he explained in a 2008 interview.

Charity Work

While John Goodman might be a Hollywood star, his heart lies in New Orleans where he has resided for years with his family and where he has stepped up to be one of the most charitable citizens. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina the actor stepped in to help wherever he could and used his fame to appear in many recovery commercials in Louisiana. He also used his fame, alongside many fellow celebrities with ties to the area to bring awareness to the tragic Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Early Life

John Stephen Goodman was born on June 20, 1952 in Affton, Missouri, to Leslie Francis and Virginia Roos Goodman. When John was only two years old, his father who was a postal worker, passed away from a heart attack. Growing up with his siblings Elisabeth and Leslie, John’s mother worked as a waitress, a retail associate, and washed laundry in order to support the family. While in high school, Goodman focused on football and, after graduation he earned a scholarship to Missouri State University, but it was while there he discovered the drama program.

Being A Celebrity

Thanks to many of his on-screen personalities, John Goodman is known as a jovial and always laughing kind of guy, but that isn’t always the case. When it comes to being famous, Goodman has never been a fan, once stating, “Celebrity is a dirty word. People are conditioned to hate you if you’re famous or in show business. It’s that love-hate thing. They can’t wait for you to fail or get pulled over with a hooker or a stripper or a teenage boy with a lot of blow in the car.” Not to mention, his 2012 interview with The Guardian was anything but what the journalist expected. Of his interview with Goodman, Xan Brooks wrote, “From time to time, he emits a long, breathy groan, as though invisible doctors are subjecting him to some invasive medical procedure. I don’t know whether he’s exhausted or sick; whether he hates interviews or this particular interviewer. On balance, with the benefit of hindsight, I decide it’s all four of these things with the gas turned up.” After the interview went so poorly, the Brooks said he was “a little bruised” and so confused by Goodman’s mood that he even emailed Roseanne Barr asking her what their relationship was like on the set of Roseanne and what Goodman is like off-screen. Despite his interview experience with Goodman, Barr replied, “John is the funniest and deepest actor in the world. He has only gotten more open, more sweet, more expansive and giving, on-screen and off, if that were possible, since the Roseanne show.”

Getting Started

Although he became interested in drama in University, it wasn’t until after he suffered a career-ending injury in football that he actually took acting seriously as a career. After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1975, Goodman left Missouri to go to New York City to pursue his dream of becoming an actor. Thanks to a loan from his brother Leslie, Goodman was able to secure an apartment near the Theater District and began working as a bouncer, bartender, and waiter to make ends meet while he tried to get roles. After working on stage, he began landing TV and film appearances as well as commercials, and while starring in a stage production of Antony and Cleopatra in 1987, an ABC talent scout recruited the lovable actor for an upcoming sitcom — Roseanne.

Getting Sober

Despite his happy, and strong characters that audiences saw, off-screen Goodman endured many personal struggles, and one of his biggest was with alcohol. In 2007 the actor checked himself into rehab after he felt things had finally gone too far with his drinking. “It was 30 years of a disease that was taking its toll on everyone around me and it had got to the point where, every time I did it, it was becoming more and more debilitating. It was life or death. It was time to stop,” he told The Guardian in a 2012 interview while adding that the alcohol was affecting his work as well as his temperament, memory and depression. Following the completion of his stint in rehab, the actor simply stated, “For my family and myself, I voluntarily took the necessary steps to remain sober the rest of my life.”

Health Improvements

As well as getting sober in 2007, Goodman has taken many other steps over the years to improve his health. In 2003, the actor quit smoking and described it as one of the hardest times of his life. “I quit smoking a year and a half ago and I turned into a werewolf. I went nuts. I’ve been smoking since I was in junior high school. I did a couple of episodes of The West Wing two years ago and I was in the middle of one of these psycho things and turned around and smacked the stage door as hard as I could and my fist immediately swelled up. Thank God I didn’t break anything, but that was the last episode I had of nicotine withdrawal.” Of course, more recently, fans have noticed a major physical transformation in the actor after he shed over 100 pounds, going from 300 pounds to 400 pounds in 2010, and has continued his weight loss and healthy living since. Goodman revealed he took to journaling his diet, exercising, hired health coach Mackie Shilstone, and cut sugar from his diet while working out six days a week. “I know it sounds sappy, but it was a waste. It takes a lot of creative energy to sit on your a– and figure out what you’re going to eat next… I want to live a better life,” Goodman said of his transformation.

Personal Life

John Goodman may be a well-known actor but he has never prescribed to the celebrity lifestyle, meaning he is often not in the headlines and he doesn’t publicize his personal life. The actor first met his wife Annabeth Hartzog in New Orleans while filming 1988’s Everbody’s All-American. The pair then married in October of 1989 and welcomed their only child, daughter Molly Evangeline, on August 31, 1990. Molly took an interest in the entertainment industry and now works as a production assistant on films.

Net Worth

After getting his start in plays, John Goodman’s first on-screen appearance came in a Burger King commercial, and he has seen nothing but success since! For more than three decades, Goodman has been in every genre through TV and film with some of his biggest and most popular roles coming with Roseanne, The Big Lebowski, The Flintstones, Coyote Ugly, O Brother, Where Art Thou? and more, not to mention his extensive voice work in animated hits such as The Emperor’s New Groove, Monsters Inc., Cars, The Princess and the Frog and Transformers. Most recently, Goodman has starred in Kong: Skull Island and Atomic Blonde, and is confirmed to have a part in the Roseanne revival series despite his character’s death in the show. Through it all, he has amassed an estimated net worth of $65 million.

Favorite Roles

Since officially beginning his on-screen career in 1983’s The Face of Rage, John Goodman has created a resume with over 150 acting credits to his name which is absolutely astounding. Of course, like all actors he has had many roles he is proud of while there are others he doesn’t look back on as fondly. During an appearance on ‘Inside the Actors Studio’ he revealed that his favorite movie out of them all that he has worked on was The Big Lebowski, but his favorite role was as Charlie Meadows in Barton Fink. Unfortunately for Coyote Ugly fans he simply said the only reason he took the part was “For the money. Honest to God, that’s the only reason I did it.”

SOURCE: FAME10.COM; TELISHA CARTER

Happy Birthday, Sir!

Gail, from Wolf’s, made an open out of wonderful Trump stories that many have never heard about.  This is only a partial listing from her original but I excluded the links she provided because many opened to PAGE REMOVED or not a valid link anymore.

From Frankenstein@breitbart.com

And with such a great man – like Trump – running, why even bother with a candidate under criminal investigation, like Hillary?

(1) In 1986, Trump prevented the foreclosure of Annabell Hill’s family farm after her husband committed suicide on the day of the auction. He personally called to stop the sale and gave Hill $77,000.00 to pay off the mortgage. Trump decided to do this after seeing her pleas for help in the news.

(2) In 1988, a commercial airline refused to fly Andrew Ten, a sick Orthodox Jewish child with a rare illness, cross-country for medical care because he had to travel with an elaborate life-support system. His grief-stricken parents contacted Trump for help and he didn’t hesitate to send his own plane to take the child from L.A. to New York so he could get treatment.

(3) In 1990, Ryan White (18), died of AIDS. Trump called his family at home after his death.

(4) In 1991, 200 Marines who served in Operation Desert Storm spent time at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina before they were scheduled to return home to their families. However, the Marines were told that a mistake had been made and an aircraft would not be able to take them home on their scheduled departure date. When Trump got wind of this, he sent his plane to make two trips from North Carolina to Miami to safely return the Marines to their families.

(5) In 1991 Trump saved a man from a mugging. He told his limo driver to pull over and he confronted the mugger, who was beating the other man with a baseball bat. After that, the mugger recognized Trump and ran away.

(6) In 1995, a motorist stopped to help Trump after the limo he was traveling in got a flat tire. Trump asked the Good Samaritan how he could repay him for his help. All the man asked for was a bouquet of flowers for his wife. A few weeks later Trump sent the flowers with a note that read: “We’ve paid off your mortgage.”

(7) In 1996, Trump filed a lawsuit against the city of Palm Beach, Florida accusing the town of discriminating against his Mar-a-Lago resort club because it allowed Jews and blacks. Abraham Foxman, who was the Anti-Defamation League Director at the time, said Trump “put the light on Palm Beach not on the beauty and the glitter, but on its seamier side of discrimination.” Foxman also noted that Trump’s charge had a trickle-down effect because other clubs followed his lead and began admitting Jews and blacks.

(8) In 1997, Trump & Mel Farr teamed up to help young Detroit artists appear at Carnegie Hall.

(9) In 2000, Maury Povich featured a little girl named Megan who struggled with Brittle Bone Disease on his show and Trump happened to be watching. Trump said the little girl’s story and positive attitude touched his heart. So, he contacted Maury and gifted the little girl and her family with a very generous check.

(10) After 9/11, Trump sent over 200 of his own people to look for survivors in the wreckage.

(11) After 9/11, Trump “learned about Clyde Frazier Jr., who ran the Harlem Hoops tournament in the inner city and was killed in the 9/11 attacks” and “searched down the family and donated the money to keep that tournament going.”

(12) In 2007, Trump sued the city of Palm Beach for fining him for having a tall flagpole w/ the American Flag. The case settled. Trump donated the $100,000 settlement proceeds he received to Iraqi War Veterans and his local VA hospital. [While we were in Iraq, he also let military members use his Mar-a-Lago resort for free every Monday].

(13) In 2008, after Jennifer Hudson’s family members were tragically murdered in Chicago, Trump put the Oscar-winning actress and her family up at his Chicago hotel for free. Trump even hired extra security for her. He said: “She’s a great girl. And we’re protecting them well. They are very safe.”

(14) In 2008, Ed McMahon’s house went into foreclosure. Trump purchased it and allowed Ed to continue living there.

(15) In 2011, Trump & his siblings gifted $1 million to a hospital that treated their parents.

(16) In 2013, New York bus driver Darnell Barton spotted a woman close to the edge of a bridge staring at traffic below as he drove by. He stopped the bus, got out and put his arm around the woman and saved her life by convincing her to not jump. When Trump heard about this story, he sent the bus driver a $10,000 check simply because he believed his good deed deserved to be rewarded.

(17) In 2014, Trump gave $25,000 to Sgt. Andrew Tamoressi after he spent 7 months in a Mexican jail for accidentally crossing the US-Mexico border. President Obama couldn’t even be bothered to make one phone call to assist with the Marine’s release; however, Trump opened his pocketbook to help this serviceman get back on his feet.

(18) In 2016, Melissa Consin Young attended a Trump rally and tearfully thanked Trump for changing her life. She said she proudly stood on stage with Trump as Miss Wisconsin USA in 2005. However, years later she found herself struggling with an incurable illness and during her darkest days she explained that she received a handwritten letter from Trump telling her she’s the bravest woman, I know. She said the opportunities that she got from Trump and his organizations ultimately provided her Mexican-American son with a full-ride to college.

Additionally:
– Trump helped Maytag keep some of its stores in the U.S. by buying items from them that could be used in his hotels.

– Trump saved an ice-skating rink in Central Park by taking over the project, and finishing the rink by Christmas time for free. He was two months ahead of schedule, and $750,000 under budget. He also operated the rink for a year, and donated all profits to charity.

– Barbara Res, at 33 years old, became the first women to ever be put in charge of supervising the construction of a skyscraper, when Trump hired her in 1980.
– Trump donated $100,000 to a large Christian ministry after Jerry Falwell Jr. told Trump the ministry needed help.

– Trump has donated his money to several health organizations including the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, Alliance for Lupus Research, Autism Speaks, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, and many more.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIR!!

THANKS GAIL!!!!!

Happy National Classic Movie Day!

In honor of the holiday, I brought an article on facts about Operation Petticoat from FACTS.NET.

The movie starred two Hollywood legends.

The dynamic duo of Cary Grant and Tony Curtis took the lead roles in Operation Petticoat, bringing their incredible talent and charisma to the screen.

The film was a box office success.

Operation Petticoat proved to be a hit at the box office, grossing over $9 million in the United States alone.

It was inspired by real-life events.

The movie was loosely based on the true story of the USS Sea Poacher, a submarine that was painted pink in order to camouflage it during the war.

The pink submarine became an iconic symbol.

The striking image of the pink submarine from the film has become one of the most recognizable movie icons of all time.

The movie features a stellar supporting cast.

In addition to Grant and Curtis, Operation Petticoat also features memorable performances from Joan O’Brien, Dina Merrill, and Arthur O’Connell, among others.

The film was nominated for an Academy Award.

Operation Petticoat received an Oscar nomination for Best Writing, Original Screenplay, recognizing the clever and witty script.

The movie was a blend of comedy and drama.

While Operation Petticoat is primarily known as a comedy, it also touches on serious themes such as war and resilience.

Cary Grant had reservations about his role.

Initially, Cary Grant was hesitant to take on a comedic role, but he ultimately embraced the character and delivered a memorable performance.

Tony Curtis showcased his comedic abilities.

Operation Petticoat allowed Tony Curtis to showcase his talent for comedy, establishing him as a versatile actor.

The film features incredible wardrobe creativity.

The costume designers for Operation Petticoat had to create uniforms for a crew on a pink submarine, resulting in imaginative and eye-catching outfits.

Operation Petticoat was a critical success.

Aside from its commercial success, the film was also well-received by critics, praising its witty dialogue and entertaining performances.

It was one of Blake Edwards’ earliest successes.

Blake Edwards, known for directing iconic films like Breakfast at Tiffany’s and The Pink Panther, achieved early success with Operation Petticoat.

The script went through several rewrites.

The screenplay for Operation Petticoat underwent multiple revisions before reaching its final form, ensuring the perfect balance of humor and heart.

The film showcases the camaraderie of the crew.

Operation Petticoat highlights the close-knit bonds and teamwork among the submarine crew, emphasizing the importance of trust and unity.

The pink submarine became a tourist attraction.

Following the release of the movie, fans flocked to see the real-life pink submarine, USS Sea Poacher, in Key West, Florida.

The movie was an influence for later submarine films.

Operation Petticoat’s unique portrayal of life on a submarine had a lasting impact on subsequent submarine-themed movies and TV shows.

It is considered a classic of the comedy genre.

Operation Petticoat has stood the test of time, remaining a beloved classic in the comedy genre and a favorite among movie enthusiasts.

The film boasts memorable comedic moments.

From hilarious mishaps to witty one-liners, Operation Petticoat is filled with comedic moments that will leave audiences chuckling.

The movie was a product of its time.

Operation Petticoat reflects the societal norms and humor of the 1950s, offering a glimpse into the cultural landscape of the era.

The movie’s theme song became popular.

The theme song of Operation Petticoat, titled “Operation Petticoat,” became a hit and is still associated with the film today.

Operation Petticoat was Curtis’ favorite film.

Tony Curtis once mentioned that out of all the movies he appeared in, Operation Petticoat held a special place in his heart.

It continues to captivate new generations.

Decades after its release, Operation Petticoat continues to entertain and engage audiences of all ages, cementing its status as a timeless classic.

The movie’s success inspired a television series.

Operation Petticoat’s popularity led to a television series adaptation that aired from 1977 to 1979, bringing new adventures to the small screen.

The film’s humor transcends language barriers.

Operation Petticoat’s physical comedy and universal humor make it enjoyable for audiences around the world, even in different languages.

The film showcases the ingenuity of the crew.

Amidst the chaos and challenges, the crew of the pink submarine displays resourcefulness and quick thinking, leading to creative solutions.

Operation Petticoat is a feel-good movie.

With its light-hearted tone and uplifting moments, the film offers a positive and enjoyable viewing experience.

The movie’s success contributed to its cultural impact.

Operation Petticoat’s popularity helped solidify its place in pop culture, becoming a film that is often referenced and celebrated.

The film showcases the importance of adaptability.

Operation Petticoat teaches us that in a challenging situation, it’s crucial to be open to change and make the best out of unexpected circumstances.

It offers a unique perspective on war.

While Operation Petticoat primarily focuses on comedy, it also provides a lighthearted glimpse at the realities of war.

The movie’s success led to other collaborations.

The success of Operation Petticoat led to future collaborations between Blake Edwards and Tony Curtis, including The Great Race.

Operation Petticoat showcases the power of teamwork.

The crew’s ability to work together and overcome obstacles highlights the importance of collaboration and unity, even in challenging circumstances.

The film contains memorable lines.

Operation Petticoat is filled with quotable lines that have become popular among fans of the movie.

It remains a favorite among fans of the genre.

For fans of classic comedy, Operation Petticoat is often listed as a must-watch film, brimming with laughter and charm.

The movie’s success influenced future war comedies.

Operation Petticoat set a benchmark for war comedies, inspiring later films to incorporate humor into wartime narratives.

The film’s runtime allows for a delightful viewing experience.

With a runtime of just over two hours, Operation Petticoat offers an enjoyable and entertaining escape into a world of laughter and adventure.

The movie appeals to a wide audience.

From fans of classic cinema to lovers of comedy, Operation Petticoat has something to offer everyone.

The pink submarine became an iconic movie prop.

The pink submarine from Operation Petticoat has been recreated and displayed in various film and military exhibits over the years.

The film’s success helped pave the way for future comedies.

Operation Petticoat’s popularity and positive reception contributed to the ongoing evolution of the comedy genre in Hollywood.

The movie’s legacy lives on.

Operation Petticoat continues to be celebrated and remembered as one of the most enjoyable and beloved comedies from the golden age of Hollywood.

It remains a testament to the power of laughter.

Operation Petticoat reminds us of the healing and uplifting power of laughter, offering an escape from reality and a joyful cinematic experience.

SOURCE: FACTS.NET

“Seven Words You Can Never Say on TV…”

Today is George Carlin’s birthday (born May 12, 1937 and died June 22, 2008).  In honor of his birthday, I found an interesting article on Mental Floss about him.

From Mental Floss:

George Carlin did more than make people laugh—he made them think. Over the course of his long and storied career, the legendary comedian released more than 20 albums, recorded more than a dozen HBO comedy specials, and challenged both conventional American thinking and governmental procedure. From being described as a “significant social satirist” in a Supreme Court ruling regarding indecency to serving as the conductor in Shining Time Station, Carlin touched the lives of generations of fans. Here are some facts about the comedian/actor/author in honor of what would have been his 80th birthday.

HE INHERITED HIS LOVE OF LANGUAGE.

George’s father, Patrick, was an advertising manager for the New York newspaper The Sun. He won a nationwide Dale Carnegie public speaking contest in 1935 with his speech “The Power of Mental Demand.” “He had a real line of sh*t, boy,” Carlin said of his father. “He could talk your donkey’s ear off.” Carlin’s grandfather, a New York City police officer, wrote out Shakespeare’s tragedies in longhand for fun.

GROWING UP, HE WANTED TO BE LIKE DANNY KAYE.

“Danny Kaye was my childhood dream when I was 10, 11,” Carlin said of the actor/singer/dancer/physical comedian/musician. “I kind of looked at that and thought, ‘Gee, I can do that … He makes funny faces, he talks in funny accents and he can do very, very intricate vocal pieces.”‘

HE WENT TO THE SAME HIGH SCHOOL AS MARTIN SCORSESE, REGIS PHILBIN, AND DON DELILLO.

Unlike Regis Philbin, Martin Scorsese, and Don DeLillo, Carlin didn’t graduate from Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx—because he was expelled. In an interview with Playboy, Carlin admitted that he was failing subjects and running away from home for days at a time while he attended Hayes. His scholastic career included stealing money from the visiting team’s locker room during a basketball game, and getting caught telling kids on the playground he had heroin. In 1983, Carlin performed at a Hayes school fundraiser in honor of Msgr. Stanislaus P. Jablonski—the very man who threw him out. Despite the fears of some in the alumni association, Carlin kept his act clean, and Jablonski enjoyed the tribute. Jablonski at one point read old detention slips he had issued Carlin. One read, “He thinks he’s a comedian.”

HE WAS COURT-MARTIALED (MORE THAN ONCE) IN THE AIR FORCE.

Carlin worked as a radar technician on B-47s at Louisiana’s Barksdale Air Force Base. He smoked pot he had mailed to him from New York on the base; the others did not recognize the smell. He was court-martialed once after celebrating the Brooklyn Dodgers winning the 1955 World Series by downing cooking wine and telling off his tech sergeant. He was court-martialed again after falling asleep during a simulated combat drill.

HE HAD A LIFELONG INTEREST IN CURSE WORDS.

He wrote down the “most colorful” profanities he heard in his neighborhood and put them in his pocket. When he was 13, his mother found them in the wallet. Carlin claimed he overheard her saying to his uncle that she believed George needed a psychiatrist.

HIS ARREST OVER SAYING THE SEVEN DIRTY WORDS WAS ALMOST A LOT WORSE.

Carlin was arrested in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1972 for obscenity after giving a stand-up performance at Summerfest. What the six cops didn’t realize was that Carlin had cocaine in his pocket moments before they got to him.

During the show, Carlin’s wife came up on stage to bring him a pitcher of water, and to inform him that he should go offstage to the right, because police were waiting on the left. When he finished his performance, he exited, stage right, and handed the drugs off to a band.

HE WAS THE FIRST-EVER HOST OF SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, BUT DIDN’T REMEMBER THE EXPERIENCE.

He was “loaded on cocaine all week long” leading up to October 11, 1975, when he performed stand-up and introduced the inaugural episode’s musical guests, Billy Preston and Janis Ian. Carlin and the longtime SNL director Dave Wilson had gone to summer camp together as kids. For the Saturday night talent shows, a young George would do monologues. After years of Wilson winning the contests, Carlin finally beat him. (George eventually got kicked out of camp for stealing film from the owner’s camera to take his own photographs.) When Lorne Michaels interviewed Carlin about performing the hosting duties, he said, “Well, I know the director.”

Carlin was also the first-ever host of Fridays (1980-1982), ABC’s attempted version of SNL.

HIS SECOND OF THREE HEART ATTACKS OCCURRED DURING A BASEBALL GAME.

Carlin was taking in a New York Mets/Los Angeles Dodgers contest at Dodger Stadium with his agent in May 1982—Carlin was a Mets fan since the Dodgers moved from Brooklyn to L.A.—when he had his second heart attack. After realizing the park’s first aid station was, as daughter Kelly Carlin wrote, “nothing more than a glorified place to get a Band-Aid,” their limo driver booked it to St. John’s Hospital. George didn’t believe it was as serious as a heart attack, but it in fact was an almost full blockage of the right descending artery. The doctors used an experimental anticoagulant, Streptokinase; they had gotten it that week. It did its job of unclotting.

HE LIED TO KIDS WHO RECOGNIZED HIM AS MR. CONDUCTOR.

A perk to Carlin taking the role of Mr. Conductor in Shining Time Station in the first place was that he didn’t have to deal with other actors, as it was all green-screened. But he would inadvertently traumatize children, who spotted him at airports—out of uniform and much bigger than depicted on TV. “I’m not on the island of Sodor, I’m not working today,” he would gently tell them. “But I am Mr. Conductor.” This didn’t lessen the kids’ confusion.

THE IRS HELPED HIM BECOME A BETTER COMIC.

About the Internal Revenue Service taking a large percentage of his money after years of owing taxes, Carlin saw the bright side of it all:

“It made me a way better comedian, because I had to stay out on the road, and I couldn’t pursue a movie career—which would have gone nowhere—and I became a really good comic and writer eventually, saving all my files and thoughts and things. I had to be prepared for that, because HBO was coming along, and about every two years—at my choice—I had to have another hour ready. So my having to stay on the road turned me into a g**damn good comedian. So there’s a bright part of everything.”

SOURCE: MENTALFLOSS.COM

America’s Little Sweetheart

Today is Shirley Temple’s birthday (born April 23, 1928 and died February 10, 2014) and in honor of the day, I found this article on interestingfacts.com:

She Began Acting at 3 Years Old

In 1931, at just 3 years old, Temple earned her first acting contract with Educational Pictures. The studio signed her to appear in a series of low-budget shorts titled Baby Burlesks, which Temple later criticized for being “a cynical exploitation of our childish innocence.” While this project may have been problematic, it nonetheless helped jettison Temple into the limelight. She received her first speaking role in 1932’s War Babies, and later earned her first leading role in the 1934 film Little Miss Marker.  By 1940, at just 11 years old, Temple had already appeared in 43 films. However, she found it difficult to book new roles as she continued to grow older, and she appeared in her final films in 1949, thus ending her Hollywood career less than two decades after it began. Temple went on to make several sporadic appearances on various TV shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s, though she stopped performing altogether after that.

She’s the Youngest-Ever Oscar Recipient

The young Shirley Temple experienced a breakout year in 1934, as she appeared in a plethora of films that included such hits as Bright Eyes and Baby Take a Bow. Her impressive rise to fame was undeniable, which is why the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences decided to create a new Academy Juvenile Award to honor her at the 1935 Oscars. This honorary trophy was around 7 inches high, about half the size of a standard Oscar statuette. Upon earning this accolade, the then-6-year-old Temple became the youngest-ever Oscar recipient — a record she’s continued to hold for nine decades. (The youngest winner of a competitive Oscar is 10-year-old Tatum O’Neal, who won Best Supporting Actress for her work in the 1973 film Paper Moon.)

She Received 135,000 Presents on Her Ninth Birthday

According to biographer Robert Windeler, Temple had quite the memorable birthday in 1937. That year marked Temple’s ninth birthday, though not if you asked 20th Century Fox, her movie studio, who lied that it was her eighth birthday to keep her young in the eyes of the public. Temple’s immense stardom at the time meant that her birthday attracted the attention of fans around the globe. Those fans collectively sent Temple a whopping 135,000 presents, ranging from a baby kangaroo sent by an Australian fan to a prize calf gifted to her by a group of students in Oregon. This global outpouring of admiration just goes to show how popular Temple was at the peak of her fame.

She Disliked Her Namesake Drink

A Shirley Temple is a popular mocktail made using ginger ale, grenadine, and a maraschino cherry. There’s some debate over the drink’s exact origins, but one popular story is it was originally concocted to satisfy a “whining” Shirley Temple at dinner. During the meal, Temple supposedly lamented the fact that her parents were drinking Old Fashioneds — a cocktail featuring a maraschino cherry — and so the bartender cleverly whipped up a nonalcoholic version to placate the young star. Despite the beverage’s enduring popularity, Temple was never a big fan of the drink. During a 1986 interview with NPR, she commented, “I hate them. Too sweet.” Despite her aversion to the sugary mocktail, however, she fought hard to protect the drink’s name. In 1988, Temple sued several soft drink manufacturers who attempted to trademark and mass-produce “Shirley T” sodas, a bottled version of the mocktail, promoting it as “The Shirley Temple SoftDrink” without the former actress’ permission. She pushed back against the attempt, saying, “All a celebrity has is their name.”

She Served as U.S. Ambassador to Two Different Countries

Long after her acting career came to an end, Shirley Temple Black — as she was known after marrying Charles Black in 1950 — carved out a new career as a political diplomat. Her active involvement in politics began in 1967, when she ran for Congress to represent California’s 11th district, albeit unsuccessfully. Two years later, President Richard Nixon appointed her as the U.S. delegate to the United Nations, and she went on to deliver an impassioned speech to the U.N. General Assembly about environmental issues. During the subsequent administration of Gerald Ford, Black was appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, a role she held from 1974 to 1976. She later became the first woman to serve as chief of protocol at the U.S. State Department, a post she held until Ford left office in 1977. From 1989 to 1992, Black played a pivotal diplomatic role once again, serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Czechoslovakia (now Czechia and Slovakia) under President George H.W. Bush. During her time in this role, she helped establish diplomatic relations with the newly elected Czech government in the wake of 1989’s Velvet Revolution.

SOURCE: INTERESTINGFACTS.COM   BENNETT KLEINMAN 

Happy Birthday Bruce!

I found an interesting site called 15FunFacts and this article is about Bruce Willis.  Today is Willis’s birthday (born in 1955) and it breaks my heart to read about his physical/mental decline.

Bruce Willis originally wanted to become a journalist before pursuing acting.

He worked as a security guard and private investigator while struggling to break into Hollywood.

Willis has perfect pitch, allowing him to identify musical notes without reference tones.

He speaks some German fluently, a skill developed during his childhood in West Germany.

In the 1980s, he appeared in commercials for products like Levi’s jeans and Honda motorcycles.

Willis nearly lost the role of John McClane in Die Hard due to his height—he’s just 5’9”.

He once scuba dived with sharks while filming a movie, demonstrating his adventurous spirit.

Bruce Willis founded a production company called Cheyenne Enterprises early in his career.

His first major TV role was as detective David Addison in the series Moonlighting.

Willis collects rare sports cars and has owned several Ferraris and Jaguars.

He co-starred with Matthew Perry in a stage play before achieving Hollywood fame.

Willis famously shaved his head for the Die Hard role, creating his signature look.

He has actively raised money for charities supporting children and veterans.

He sings and released several blues albums, showing a passion for music aside from acting.

Willis performed many of his own stunts in action films, including gripping rooftop scenes.

SOURCE: 15FUNFACTS