Sunday, April 26, 2015

"Beat Girl" Actress Claire Gordon: Obituary

Alas. Another giant of the film industry has passed on.


Daily Telegraph, April 24, 2015

Our Claire was featured in the beatnik film Beat Girl (1959), in which "hop-head UK school girls get in trouble." Great tag line, that. It starred Christopher Lee and Oliver Reed. Other film triumphs included her appearance with scenery-chewing ham actor Michael Gough in the gorilla-themed horror movie Konga (1961).


Beat Girl Poster (1959)
Beat Girl opening credits on YouTube:


Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Centuries of History Unearthed in Quest to Fix Toilet

Repairing a toilet in this old building in Lecce, Italy, Luciano Faggiano discovered a false floor. Beneath it were underground corridors, a Messapian tomb, a Roman granary, a Franciscan chapel, and many relics. I ask again: why can't something like this happen to me? I am always open to uncovering hidden mysteries. But I simply cannot find them.
 New York Times

Link: 
Home Repair Opens a Portal To Italy's Past
New York Times, April 15, 2015

Friday, April 10, 2015

Natalie Dormer: "Game of Thrones" Beauty Tips

Like most normal males, I don't read beauty tips, no matter who they come from. But in this case, I am happy to make an exception. 

Link:
Want That ‘Game of Thrones’ Glow? Beauty Tips From Natalie Dormer

New York Times, April 8, 2015

Carle Comes Calling by Frankie Carle

Columbia Records Inc. Set C-129. 
Copyright 1947. 4 discs. 78 RPM

This record by pianist Frankie Carle was forever around our house throughout my childhood. It was one of my father’s favorites. And now, after a long search, I’ve bought "Carle Comes Calling" on eBay for under $10. 

This is not the time for an agonizing examination of my motives for acquiring this record. I have a more pressing problem. My turntable doesn’t play 78 RPM records. Accordingly, my new purchase is suitable for display purposes only. 

Track List
(all are "piano solo with rhythm accompaniment")
  • 87315: Star Dust/Canadian Capers
  • 87316: I'll Get By (As Long As I Have You)/Deep Purple
  • 87317: Penthouse Serenade (When We're Alone)/I Want a Girl (Just Like The Girl That Married Dear Old Dad)
  • 87318: Chopin's Polonaise in Boogie/If You Were The Only Girl