Who Let The Cat Out?

Hello Kitty!
Elizabeth Taylor

"Maggie the cat is alive. I'm alive" - Maggie, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof

Whilst Tweeting this morning this photo Elizabeth Taylor from Cat On A Hot Tin Roof came through my feed.

It brought me back to a few things. One how great the film is and two how truly immortal Ms. Taylor is.

That's correct Minions, while I know she has passed on Elizabeth Taylor's place in the history of cinema will live forever and her humanitarian work, especially her AIDS activism is her legacy. 

Nobody did it better than Elizabeth, while many have come close she was a one of a kind trailblazer and talent.

I now believe it's time for me to view Cat On A Hot Tin Roof again...STAT! 

See ya!!!

Elizabeth Taylor on the WWW -

https://elizabethtaylor.com/  

Waxing Nostalgic

Together Again
Bruce Willis & Demi Moore

Yesterday was Father's Day thus a lot of celebrities and common folk took to Social Media posting photos to pay tribute to that special man in their lives.

Well whilst hitting the round-up of said photos I came across this current one of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore. Captioned: "Happy Father's Day, Bruce! Your kids are so lucky to have you," 

This took me back to when they were actually married for eleven years, they were a Hollywood power couple starring in many movies that brought them both big paychecks. In fact Moore became the highest paid actress (at the time) in film history receiving a then unheard of $12.5 million for Striptease. Willis made as much as $20 million at the time depending on the role.

However this is not what I will remember their legacy for, what I will look back on is a small film they did together that Demi produced called Mortal Thoughts. Her is the synopsis for it:

"Mortal Thoughts is a low-key thriller revolving around the relationship between two best friends who are involved in the death of one of their husbands. The movie unfolds as the events leading to a confession are shown in flashback. Joyce (Glenne Headly) is married to the abusive, unfaithful James (Bruce Willis). During an outing at a carnival, James is killed, and Joyce and her best friend Cynthia (Demi Moore) try to cover up the murder."

Of course it was so much more than this, as legendary film critic Roger Ebert puts it:

"There is another level to Mortal Thoughts than either the guilt or innocence of the characters, or the wit with which Rudolph portrays their world. It is the level on which ordinary people cut themselves loose from ordinary morality."

Ebert nailed the truth of this film and this is the reason I love it! Make your day a good one!

Mortal Thoughts on Rotten Tomatoes:
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mortal_thoughts  

Hump Day & Chill

Fanny

ROCK GROUP FANNY’S CDs FACING EXTINCTION

Fanny negotiates to become the sole source of their four albums on CD.

Today I thought we'd engage in a different sort of Hump Day & Chill and rock out with our Fanny out!!!

 When rock group Fanny first hit the music scene in 1970, no one could fathom what their future would be like. The group reached moderate success with the single “Charity Ball” cracking the Top 40, but Fanny’s true legacy was never fully realized.

That is until now.

With the release of a live video performance of Fanny posted on YouTube from the German TV program “Beat-Club”, nearly a million new fans have discovered Fanny’s music. But sadly, their albums are on the brink of no longer being available on CD.

With a heavy contribution from Fanny drummer Alice de Buhr, independent record label Real Gone Music contracted with Warner Music Group to bring the first four albums originally released on Reprise Records to CD starting back in 2012. But Real Gone Music’s stock of the albums has run out and they are not going to reproduce any additional CDs.

Starting September 4^th, 2019, Alice is taking up the challenge of raising money via Indiegogo to cover the cost of replicating and licensing new CDs for fans new and old alike to enjoy Fanny’s music. As part of the arrangement, the CDs will be available only on the band’s “FannyRocks” official website. To entice contributors, Alice is offering up a variety of rewards ranging from reproduction of classic Fanny stickers, autographed drum sticks, signed copies of the new CDs, plus limited copies of the Rhino Fanny CD pack featuring autographs of three of the four members. A big bonus is you do not have to wait as all rewards will be shipped out by Alice as the contributions are made. (See below for complete list)

Starting September 4^th, find Alice’s “Help Save Fanny’s CDs!” Indiegogo campaign at the following link: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-save-fanny-s-music/

  

About FannyRocks (https://fannyrocks.com/)

FannyRocks is a website founded in 2008 that is dedicated to archiving the rock group Fanny’s history and music. It is owned and operated by drummer Alice de Buhr and managed by webmaster Byron Wilkins.

3” ROUND STICKERS

Get Behind Fanny - Allez Derrier Fanny - Die Erste Weibliche Rock

·         $5.00 - Your choice of one-of-three 3” stickers.

·         $10.00 - Your choice of two-of-three 3” stickers.

·         $15.00 - Your choice of three-of-three 3” stickers.

4” HEART-SHAPED “LOVE FANNY” STICKERS - CHOICE OF RED, BLUE, OR GREEN

·         $5.00 - Your choice of one-of-three “Love Fanny” 3” stickers.

·         $10.00 - Your choice of two-of-three “Love Fanny” 3” stickers.

·         $15.00 - Your choice of three-of-three “Love Fanny” 3” stickers.

POSTCARD “FANNY - END OF AN ERA”

·         $5.00 - End of Era postcard

T-SHIRTS

·         $40.00 - White Retro Fanny Album t-shirt (Large or XL sizes only)

CDs Autographed by Alice only

·         $25.00 - Your choice of 1-of-4 studio album CDs.

·         $50.00 - Your choice of 2-of-4 studio album CDs.

·         $75.00 - Your choice of 3-of-4 studio album CDs.

·         $100.00 - Receive all four studio album CDs.

EXCLUSIVE AUTOGRAPHED ITEMS

·         $30.00 - Autographed 8.5” x 11” B&W glossy photograph of drummer Alice de Buhr.

·         $50.00 - A single, autographed drum stick from drummer Alice de Buhr.

·         $100.00 - FIVE AVAILABLE: Autographed copies of the “Mothers Price” CD signed by drummer Alice de Buhr, guitarist June Millington, and bassist Jean Millington.

·         $100.00 - TEN AVAILABLE: Autographed copies of the “Fanny” CD (the first album) signed by drummer Alice de Buhr, guitarist June Millington, and bassist Jean Millington.

·         $500.00 - TEN AVAILABLE: Autographed copies of the Rhino CD set “First Time in a Long Time” signed by drummer Alice de Buhr.

KISS My Poster Book!

This takes me back to the days of yore...

Fantasm Media Releases The Official KISS Poster Book #2

New edition offers 6 pull-out posters, exclusive interviews, extensive "End Of The Road" tour photo gallery, and a completely new collectible KISS card set

With an epic 45-year career that changed music and entertainment forever, KISS will be hanging up their touring boots at the conclusion of the current multi-year "End Of The Road" tour. To celebrate their legacy, Texas-based publisher Fantasm Media has teamed up with the rock icons again to release The Official KISS Poster Book #2. For die-hard KISS fans, collectors and completists, the second issue brings the current bombastic stage show to life and celebrates their amazing past. This issue is packed with 6 giant pull-out posters featuring the current band members onstage doing what they do best, as well as classic era shots. It's also loaded with articles, interviews, and photos covering both the current and classic incarnations of the band.

"We're absolutely thrilled to continue working with KISS," says Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Brian Steward. "As a lifelong KISS fan and collector, I approach creating The Official KISS Poster Book from the perspective of, 'What would I want to see as a fan?' That's what's most important." And one thing KISS fans definitely do is collect. To meet that collector need, Fantasm Media is offering six alternate covers, each featuring different images not only on the front but also the back.

As with issue #1, this issue of The Official KISS Poster Book features exclusive interviews and a completely new collectible KISS card set. Fans also get an extensive "End Of The Road" photo gallery. Featured interviews include director Adam Rifkin on the 20th anniversary of the KISS film, Detroit Rock City; Jim Neff on how he helped orchestrate the historic 1975 appearance of KISS in Cadillac, Michigan; and David Pea on designing Sammy the Serpent and Gene's current Demon costume.

The Official KISS Poster Book #2 and The Official KISS Poster Book #1 and the two issues of The Official KISS Magazine are available exclusively at Fantasm-Media.com. The next issue of The Official KISS Poster Book will be released later this year and will be accompanied by yet another original KISS card set.

Just Because...Michelle Obama

Still Making a Difference
Michelle Obama

Just Because we need some grace, dignity & class right here, right now. Just Because I miss her and Just Because she is still out there making a positive impact on people's lives -"Yes" it's a Michelle Obama kind of day!

Here she is encouraging higher education to the youth of our country by making an appearance at the 5th annual College Signing Day.

Although I loved the image of President Obama making Melania Trump smile, since she needed one. I love this even more.

Honestly, Michelle was one of our greatest First Ladies ever. I would never say greatest about anyone, I don't play favorites. There are other First Ladies who have done wonderful things as well.

She is also proving it by continuing the legacy she started and not remaining quiet, when she could have easily done that.

Empowerment to the people!

Michelle on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/MichelleObama   

Prince Harry, Rocker With A Cause

Wild About Prince Harry

"And we'll never be royals (royals). It don't run in our blood"  - Lorde "Royals"

Honestly I have never really been a follower of the Royal Family, it has never been my thing. That being stated the major exception to that rule was of course Princess Diana. She was the only princess that really crossed over and made a huge impact on the world around her.

Kudos to Prince Harry for keeping his mother's legacy of philanthropy and giving alive. Last night the Prince belted out a tune with the band Coldplay in the backyard of Kensington Palace who was headlining a benefit for his Sentebale Charity which he aided in establishing in 2006. 

The proceeds went to the people of Lesotho in South Africa battling HIV and AIDS.
"Sentebale, meaning forget me not in Sesotho, has helped tens of thousands of children in just over a decade." The Prince stated.

He continued: "What we know is that HIV is a virus that thrives off silence and feeds on stigma. We must follow the example of the young people of Lesotho, and meet one of the great challenges of our generation with optimism, energy, and openness. That's what tonight is all about. When people come together for a purpose we can achieve extraordinary things."

Somewhere Diana is one proud Mama. 
Harry on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Prince___Harry

Gone Too Soon, Scott Weiland

Scott Weiland
Keep On Rockin'

Addiction is an all to real thing. Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver were two of the best bands ever!

Of course do in no small part to one Mr. Scott Weiland. Who recently passed from cardiac arrest brought on by his addiction to drugs.

Such a great talent, cut short at age 48. Here is a musical memory of his legacy below. Plush by Stone Temple Pilots.

R.I.P. Your talent will live forever.

If you know someone who has addiction issues, please direct them to help. It's out there. Peace.

"Fashion Police" Will Still Be On Patrol

Pull Over In The Name Of Fashion: Fashion Police

Joan Rivers' Fashion Police legacy will still go on without her. Cue My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion, kidding, I am sure Joan would appreciated the joke though...

E! Announced recently after a lot of consideration, Rivers' colleagues came to the conclusion that the show must go on.

"We decided, with Melissa Rivers' blessing, that Joan would have wanted the franchise to continue," the statement continued. "Fashion Police will return in 2015 commencing with Golden Globes coverage on Monday, January 12. No further details will be announced at this time."

Joan was the face of the show and her high heels are big ones to fill. 

"They are looking at different scenarios, a lot of that will be up to [Melissa] and how she's feeling and how she decides what she wants to do, along with the execs here at E!. There is no word now -- they are seeing what Fashion Police looks like without Joan."

Fashion Police will not be the same without Joan, how could it? She was one of a kind, but her legacy should continue and will, that's the way she would have wanted it.

Keep Calm And Joan Rivers

Stay Fashionable at: https://www.facebook.com/e.fashionpolice

Film Buff Friday: Lose Something? "The Lost Empire"

"The Lost Empire"   You all know how I love "B" movies, right?! Well here comes another from the master and fan of the genre himself Jim Wynorski. Extra! Extra! Available April 22nd (That's Tuesday, got it?!)

In 1983, a young director stepped behind the camera for the first time and began to shoot a film which he thought might be both his first and his last. An ardent fan of "B" cinema, Jim Wynorski decided to cram this film with everything he loved. "I got my first break doing The Lost Empire for Plitt Theatres," says Jim Wynorski. "The late owner, Henry Plitt (a decorated war hero), wanted to make a low budget sci-fi action picture as a tax loss. I never knew that when I made the show, so I put my heart and soul into the project. When it finally got completed, Plitt actually liked it enough to give it a wide theatrical release - where it actually made some money," comments Wynorski.  The film had a limited theatrical release followed by an initial release on VHS. As a result of a series of corporate changes at Plitt, "The Lost Empire" was set aside and lost to generations of genre movie fans. Wynorski's career took off and resulted in an immense body of work. "It was always a deep regret of mine that my first film was caught in this limbo," says Wynorski "For years I did all kinds of detective work trying to get my film seen."  In 2007, Wynorski began working with Indiana based producer, Bill Dever. Dever was more than familiar with Wynorski's work and was by his own admission "a big fan". Off and on they began searching for The Lost Empire. " We had a lucky break when we discovered who purchased the assets of Plitt," says Dever. "From there the pieces fell into place; for me it was an honor to be involved in the resurrection of The Lost Empire."  They re-acquired the rights and Wynorski went to work readying his first born to the  world for the second time. Dever engaged the sponsorship of Doremi Labs, a leader in digital cinema technology. Doremi has been in the forefront of leading the digital cinema revolution. "Doremi not only is a company deeply involved financially in digital cinema," says Michael Archer VP Of Digital Cinema for Doremi, "We also care deeply for the legacy and tradition of cinema and for us this was a natural fit."  In the fall of 2013 projection lamps throughout North America illuminated screens with Wynorski's vision with the help of some friends and the dedication of a company very much aware of the history of the industry it serves.     Find Your "Empire" Here: http://www.seeofsound.com/p.php?s=PMG1002

Lita Ford & Cherie Currie, Are Here To "Rock This Christmas Down" !

Merry Rockin' Christmas

Are you ready to "Rock This Christmas Down" ?! I know I am, even though I am a HUGE music fan of almost every genre, my favorite type of music is, and always will be rock! 

Guess what? You are all in for a treat, two of the legends of rock music have combined forces and created an awesome new kind of Christmas single, "Rock This Christmas Down!" Here is what Ms. Cherie Currie sent me about the new Holiday favorite yesterday....

Two of the most influential women in Rock and Roll have reunited for a special holiday song.  LITA FORD has partnered up with her former Runaways band mate CHERIE CURRIE for what is sure to be a new Christmas Classic.  The song “Rock This Christmas Down” is the first time LITA and CHERIE have recorded new music together since 1977.

Tired of the same old Christmas songs LITA was ready for something new:

"I thought the world could use a new Christmas song.   The song was Written by Mitch Perry, my guitarist and Michael Dan Ehmig, my lyricist, along with Marty O'Brien on bass, and Rodger Carter on drums. We so rocked it!

What I didn't know is that I'd be singing it as a duet with my long lost sister, CHERIE CURRIE.  I am blessed to have her back in my life, and what an appropriate time and song to rehash an old friendship.  CHRISTMAS!!!"

CHERIE hopped a plane from Chicago to L.A., and drove straight to the studio and threw down her vocal track on this rocking song!  Needless to say, it was magic and history in the making.

Lita & Cherie: Reunited, Happy Holidays!

We were left with such a smoking track for everyone to hear, every Christmas, every year!  Let's "ROCK THIS CHRISTMAS DOWN!!!”

CHERIE was equally as excited to reunite and work with LITA again:

"I have dreamed, literally, of seeing LITA again for over three decades.  Even after all that time I still thought of her often.  The Runaways was something that was always left unfinished to me. Especially when it came to LITA, but I only knew her as a child.

What floored me more then the unbelievable gift of working with her again was the woman she had become.  She is the bravest, kindest, strongest, most loving human being I have met.

LITA asking me to be a part of this amazing song and a part of her astonishing life has filled that void, that hole I had in my heart that maybe we both shared.  It is now filled with love, support and admiration for a dear and wonderful friend whom I am so proud to say is LITA FORD."

“Rock This Christmas Down” has the flare of our Runaways legacy but its pure LITA.  It rocks like only she can.   We took a dim, negative and unfinished past and turned it into a positive future.  It doesn't get any better then that.  I know this will be the best Christmas I have had in decades.  Thank you sister!

What does “Rock This Christmas Down” signify?  Possibly more collaborations between the former Runaway members in the future…only time will tell....

I say "Yes! Let's hope so!" 

Buy Yourself The Gift of a Rocking Christmas at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/rock-this-christmas-down/id747299458?i=747299646

Rock with Lita at: http://litafordonline.com

Rock with Cherie at: http://www.cheriecurrie.com

Celebrating 50 Years Of "Close To Cathy": Mike Clifford

Vintage Mike Clifford Photo

Former Teen Idol and "Entertain Me" staple Mike Clifford is celebrating - today July 25th 2012 marks the 50th Anniversary of his signature hit "Close To Cathy".

Mike "I'm Not Dead Yet" Clifford has a few things to say about CTC's 50th...

MC: It feels like 10 years since I recorded it

MS: Did you think the song would be this enduring?

MC: Never. I was hoping it would last 15 days on the charts, but it actually lasted 12 weeks in the top 100. It's just amazing - I'm still identified with it and I have so many memories associated with it, along with so much wonderful feedback, it's just amazing!

MS: What do you want your legacy to be?

MC: Everyone is given some kind of talent whatever it may be. Mine was singing and other things shot off of that with the acting and the dancing. I just tried to make the most of what I had at the time, and constantly improve myself to be the best I could always be...I worked hard to make the most of what little talent I had. (laughs) My legacy is for people to remember, whatever I did, I always tried 100% ! The proof is in the pudding, if you are still listening to my music, not just "Close To Cathy" 50 years later...

MS: Cool!

Check out Mike in a more recent performance of his signature hit "Close To Cathy"

Rock on with Mike Clifford at:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mike-Clifford-Close-to-Cathy/432999335318