For the two and a half decades The Jack Benny Show was on radio, Benny and his writers came up with some of the most beloved gags of the era.
And they mined them like gold.
Just a few of the ongoing jokes were:
Benny's vault
Jack the miser
Jack's old Maxwell automobile
Now boarding on Track 9 for Anaheim, Azusa, and Cucamonga
Mel Blanc's famous Si. Sy. So. Sue.
Phil Harris' love affair with the bottle
And of course there were many more.
One of Jack's favorite bits, and I dare say mine, was the ongoing relationship between Jack and his "next door neighbors," Ronald Colman and Benita Hume (the real life Mrs. Colman).
The Colmans first guest starred on the show in 1945. They played Jack's neighbors, a prop that had been mentioned on prior shows but never actually dramatized. The episode was so popular (you can hear it on my blog) that the Colmans were called back several times that season and for the next several seasons after that.
The gag, of course, was that Ronald and Benita Colman were a proper British couple: Very refined and very reserved in their manners and social graces.
Benny was - well, Benny. He constantly borrowed items from his neighbors and Mr. Colman quietly seethed at the audacity of Benny's miserly ways.
Looking out the front window, Colman regularly observed not only the spectacle next door, but also Jack's antics in the neighborhood. He was constantly bewildered by the way Benny was followed around by his group of "dimwitted" friends, especially "that Phil Harris fellow."
Mr. Colman, much too much the proper English gentleman, could never actually be rude and tell Benny what he thought. Instead, he dumped all his frustrations on his his poor, long suffering wife Benita - who constantly got an ear full.
And as the third person in the room, so did we.
Jack, of course, was completely oblivious to Colman's attitude. Benny considered himself equal to, or superior, to the Colman's on every level: as an actor, as a star, in his social life... well, you get the picture.
The results were hilarious.
One of the funniest great old radio shows, hands down, was The Jack Benny Show. And of all the episodes in my collection, the shows featuring Ronald Colman and Benita Hume as Jack's neighbors are my absolute favorites. They are still laugh out loud funny!
Article written by Robert Bro
Monday, August 24, 2009
All About Astaire and Rogers
No list of Hollywood's famous duos would be complete without those dancing stars Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. This couple didn't make a big bang in Hollywood until RKO Studios slipped them into a movie called "Flying Down to Rio", in 1933. In a later film, "The Carioca", they touch foreheads, and the audience - and the country - was mesmerized.
A studio-savvy producer, Pandro Berman, got RKO to design a movie in which Astaire and Rogers could shine. In the first movie that resulted, "The Gay Divorcee", they romanced and danced, and set a formula for what would work for them for years to come: the devil-may-care playboy and the sweet and spunky girl who get involved.
The movie "Top Hat", produced in 1935, shows RKO's Astaire and Rogers at their best, with a brilliant score by Irving Berlin. In addition to memorable dance numbers, the dialogue was witty, and the whole atmosphere of the movie was one of elegant delight.
To describe the happy union that made up one of the most famous duos in Hollywood, one cliché stated that "Fred gave Ginger class, while she gave him sex appeal". Each person actually had both of those qualities, but when you put them together, it was like they doubled it - or better.
Rogers and Astaire had a formula that worked for all the movies they did together - often they would team with vocal stars like Irene Dunne, in the film "Roberta". And they worked with such legendary songwriters as Jerome Kern and George and Ira Gershwin. And the formula worked like a charm in the next five films they did together. Theirs were the first musicals of screen or stage that really used the dance to help develop character and plot.
Even when the formula plots got tired, Rogers and Astaire would begin dancing, and joy would reign on the screen. Although they were never more than colleagues in real life, their dance numbers positively exuded seductive and playful passion. Astaire had been partnered with more accomplished dancers in his career, but the effect he and Rogers generated was unique and heartwarming.
Astaire and Rogers were still one of Hollywood's hottest famous duos when they finished their partnership with RKO with the film "The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle" in 1939. This film threw the "formula" aside and was still a triumph. Though it didn't please the studio much, the public didn't care about the formula - they only wanted to see Fred and Ginger. But the two wanted to move on to separate career paths, and would rarely work together again. Their works together are still considered classics.
Article written by Peter J Lee
A studio-savvy producer, Pandro Berman, got RKO to design a movie in which Astaire and Rogers could shine. In the first movie that resulted, "The Gay Divorcee", they romanced and danced, and set a formula for what would work for them for years to come: the devil-may-care playboy and the sweet and spunky girl who get involved.
The movie "Top Hat", produced in 1935, shows RKO's Astaire and Rogers at their best, with a brilliant score by Irving Berlin. In addition to memorable dance numbers, the dialogue was witty, and the whole atmosphere of the movie was one of elegant delight.
To describe the happy union that made up one of the most famous duos in Hollywood, one cliché stated that "Fred gave Ginger class, while she gave him sex appeal". Each person actually had both of those qualities, but when you put them together, it was like they doubled it - or better.
Rogers and Astaire had a formula that worked for all the movies they did together - often they would team with vocal stars like Irene Dunne, in the film "Roberta". And they worked with such legendary songwriters as Jerome Kern and George and Ira Gershwin. And the formula worked like a charm in the next five films they did together. Theirs were the first musicals of screen or stage that really used the dance to help develop character and plot.
Even when the formula plots got tired, Rogers and Astaire would begin dancing, and joy would reign on the screen. Although they were never more than colleagues in real life, their dance numbers positively exuded seductive and playful passion. Astaire had been partnered with more accomplished dancers in his career, but the effect he and Rogers generated was unique and heartwarming.
Astaire and Rogers were still one of Hollywood's hottest famous duos when they finished their partnership with RKO with the film "The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle" in 1939. This film threw the "formula" aside and was still a triumph. Though it didn't please the studio much, the public didn't care about the formula - they only wanted to see Fred and Ginger. But the two wanted to move on to separate career paths, and would rarely work together again. Their works together are still considered classics.
Article written by Peter J Lee
Great Old Radio Shows - Burns and Allen - The Early Years
The Burns and Allen Show was one of the most popular of all the great old radio shows. However, it was a long way from the streets of New York City to Beverly Hills.
George Burns was born Nathan Birnbaum on Jan 20, 1896. He began his singing career at the age of eight on street corners and ferry boats in a group called the Pee Wee Quartet. A lover of show business, George eventually found his way into small town vaudeville houses. He once said: "After a playing a town I would change my name. The talent booker would never give me another job if he knew who I was."
Gracie was born Gracel Ethel Cecile Rosalie Allen in 1903 in San Francisco. Her show business career began even earlier than her husband's. Gracie's father was a vaudevillian performer and introduced her to performing on stage at the tender age of three.
The future Mr. And Mrs. Burns met in New Jersey in 1923, and it seems George had quite a reputation as a ladies man.
Gracie was engaged to another Vaudevillian by the name of Benny Ryan. Show business being show business, Gracie and Benny were separated for long periods of time as they made the show circuit. Before Ryan moved on to his next town he made Gracie promise she would stay away from that George Burns character.
Meantime, George had just split with his stage partner, Billie Lorraine. Gracie, looking for work, went back stage to meet Lorraine to see if he would consider her as a new partner. Gracie mistook George for his partner and George went along with it. He told her that he was, indeed, Billy Lorraine and invited her to team up with him to become an act.
George carried on the subterfuge for an entire week before sheepishly telling her that he was George Burns - the fellow her boyfriend had warned her against!
It didn't take long for George to realize he was falling in love with Gracie. He often said it was the first time he had ever fallen for a nice girl. It took him a year to tell Gracie how he felt about her. She was still planning to marry Benny Ryan. All of this was difficult for George because they spent so much time on the road. They slept in separate hotel rooms and had separate bunks on the trains - George always took the upper. They became such close friends that Gracie would frequently talk to George about how much she loved Benny Ryan.
In the meantime, they were appearing together on the Vaudeville circuit, and as the years went by they became more and more successful. Burns and Allen eventually made it all the way to the Palace Theater on Broadway. The year was 1928 they played for 17 weeks with Eddie Cantor and George Jessel.
Their first appearance on radio was on the BBC while touring England in the late 1929. Then, in 1931, back on Broadway working with Eddie Cantor at the Palace, Cantor invited Gracie to be on his radio show. Cantor's show was one of the most popular old time radio shows of the 30's. George agreed to let her appear without him as long as he could write her material.
Gracie was a smash!
Burns and Allen were then were offered a spot on Rudy Vallee's show for a whopping single performance fee of $1000. As a result of that appearance, Burns and Allen were made regulars on Guy Lombardo's radio show in February, 1932.
By this time George and Gracie were married, and they inherited Guy Lombardo's CBS Show In 1934 when Lombardo moved from CBS to NBC.
Their show, which eventually moved to California, was on for over two decades. It is one of the most endearing and popular of all the great old radio shows of the era.
I have several great clips, along with a couple of complete episodes of The Burns and Allen Show on my blog that you can listen to.
Bob Bro has a collection of over
Article written by Robert Bro
George Burns was born Nathan Birnbaum on Jan 20, 1896. He began his singing career at the age of eight on street corners and ferry boats in a group called the Pee Wee Quartet. A lover of show business, George eventually found his way into small town vaudeville houses. He once said: "After a playing a town I would change my name. The talent booker would never give me another job if he knew who I was."
Gracie was born Gracel Ethel Cecile Rosalie Allen in 1903 in San Francisco. Her show business career began even earlier than her husband's. Gracie's father was a vaudevillian performer and introduced her to performing on stage at the tender age of three.
The future Mr. And Mrs. Burns met in New Jersey in 1923, and it seems George had quite a reputation as a ladies man.
Gracie was engaged to another Vaudevillian by the name of Benny Ryan. Show business being show business, Gracie and Benny were separated for long periods of time as they made the show circuit. Before Ryan moved on to his next town he made Gracie promise she would stay away from that George Burns character.
Meantime, George had just split with his stage partner, Billie Lorraine. Gracie, looking for work, went back stage to meet Lorraine to see if he would consider her as a new partner. Gracie mistook George for his partner and George went along with it. He told her that he was, indeed, Billy Lorraine and invited her to team up with him to become an act.
George carried on the subterfuge for an entire week before sheepishly telling her that he was George Burns - the fellow her boyfriend had warned her against!
It didn't take long for George to realize he was falling in love with Gracie. He often said it was the first time he had ever fallen for a nice girl. It took him a year to tell Gracie how he felt about her. She was still planning to marry Benny Ryan. All of this was difficult for George because they spent so much time on the road. They slept in separate hotel rooms and had separate bunks on the trains - George always took the upper. They became such close friends that Gracie would frequently talk to George about how much she loved Benny Ryan.
In the meantime, they were appearing together on the Vaudeville circuit, and as the years went by they became more and more successful. Burns and Allen eventually made it all the way to the Palace Theater on Broadway. The year was 1928 they played for 17 weeks with Eddie Cantor and George Jessel.
Their first appearance on radio was on the BBC while touring England in the late 1929. Then, in 1931, back on Broadway working with Eddie Cantor at the Palace, Cantor invited Gracie to be on his radio show. Cantor's show was one of the most popular old time radio shows of the 30's. George agreed to let her appear without him as long as he could write her material.
Gracie was a smash!
Burns and Allen were then were offered a spot on Rudy Vallee's show for a whopping single performance fee of $1000. As a result of that appearance, Burns and Allen were made regulars on Guy Lombardo's radio show in February, 1932.
By this time George and Gracie were married, and they inherited Guy Lombardo's CBS Show In 1934 when Lombardo moved from CBS to NBC.
Their show, which eventually moved to California, was on for over two decades. It is one of the most endearing and popular of all the great old radio shows of the era.
I have several great clips, along with a couple of complete episodes of The Burns and Allen Show on my blog that you can listen to.
Bob Bro has a collection of over
Article written by Robert Bro
The Many Toys of the Dark Knight
In may 1939, the world was introduced to a new comic hero. Drawn by Bob Kane and written by Bill Finger, Batman immediately captured the attention of fanbase clamoring for something different. What differentiated Batman from other contemporary heroes was the fact that he did not possess any superpowers. Batman fought crime relying on a combination of wit, technology, physical prowess and intimidation striking fear into the hearts of the underworld. Batman's popularity easily transferred into a number of films, television series and toys throughout the decades since his debut. It is no surprise that Batman has produced more action figures than almost any other fictional character.
Mego Corporation would be the first to produce toys based on the Caped Crusader. In 1972, Mego secured the rights to produce Batman toys for National Periodical Publications(later DC Comics) and Marvel Comics. Mego would go on to produce a complete line of DC and Marvel action figures under the title "World's Greatest Super Heroes"!". The entire line lasted for a decade between 1972 and 1983 and included a host of popular Batman characters. The line was also expanded to include the popular 1966 Batman tv series with the Batmobile, Batcycle and playsets such as the Batcave.
As Mego went out of business in 1984, the Kenner toy company took up the popular DC comic character line and modelled it after their popular Star Wars line making them 5" in scale. In 1990, the Warner Bros feature film Batman release created a demand for Batman toys and Kenner quickly released a line of movie toys which included several versions of Batman, the Joker and the Batmobile. Kenner would also release future Batman toys in line with the subsequent release of Batman movies.
Eventually, Kenner would be bought out by Hasbro who would release a line of toys based on the animated series, The New Batman Adventures. The new line dubbed "Mission Masters" created a cartoon look for the Dark Knight which was well received. Over the next few years, Hasbro would release a number of successful Batman lines based primarily around the DC Comic. However, in 2003 Hasbro would relinquish control to Batman's rights to Mattel. Mattel's strategy would also be to release a Batman animated line based upon the WB animated series which would feature more articulation than the previous line.
With a new Batman movie released in 2008, the Batman franchise was rebooted and a whole new line of Batman toys were created to mimic the look of the movie characters. However, the film's main villain, The Joker, bore little resemblance to the Heath Ledger character, displaying a simple cartoon like face and not the psychotic look in the movie. A 6 inch line was also produced dubbed The Dark Knight Movie Masters. The first iteration dubbed Wave 1 was of particular popularity and became difficult to find in stores. The Joker figurine became high in demand due to Heath Ledger's death.
Throughout the years, Batman has enjoyed the support of major toy licensees eager to produce the latest version of the Dark Knight. This is not surprising, given the Batman's popularity and crossover appeal. With major motion pictures and video games scheduled to be released in the near future, there is no doubt that Batman toys will continue to have a place amongst old and new collectors alike.
Article written by Jimmy Li
Mego Corporation would be the first to produce toys based on the Caped Crusader. In 1972, Mego secured the rights to produce Batman toys for National Periodical Publications(later DC Comics) and Marvel Comics. Mego would go on to produce a complete line of DC and Marvel action figures under the title "World's Greatest Super Heroes"!". The entire line lasted for a decade between 1972 and 1983 and included a host of popular Batman characters. The line was also expanded to include the popular 1966 Batman tv series with the Batmobile, Batcycle and playsets such as the Batcave.
As Mego went out of business in 1984, the Kenner toy company took up the popular DC comic character line and modelled it after their popular Star Wars line making them 5" in scale. In 1990, the Warner Bros feature film Batman release created a demand for Batman toys and Kenner quickly released a line of movie toys which included several versions of Batman, the Joker and the Batmobile. Kenner would also release future Batman toys in line with the subsequent release of Batman movies.
Eventually, Kenner would be bought out by Hasbro who would release a line of toys based on the animated series, The New Batman Adventures. The new line dubbed "Mission Masters" created a cartoon look for the Dark Knight which was well received. Over the next few years, Hasbro would release a number of successful Batman lines based primarily around the DC Comic. However, in 2003 Hasbro would relinquish control to Batman's rights to Mattel. Mattel's strategy would also be to release a Batman animated line based upon the WB animated series which would feature more articulation than the previous line.
With a new Batman movie released in 2008, the Batman franchise was rebooted and a whole new line of Batman toys were created to mimic the look of the movie characters. However, the film's main villain, The Joker, bore little resemblance to the Heath Ledger character, displaying a simple cartoon like face and not the psychotic look in the movie. A 6 inch line was also produced dubbed The Dark Knight Movie Masters. The first iteration dubbed Wave 1 was of particular popularity and became difficult to find in stores. The Joker figurine became high in demand due to Heath Ledger's death.
Throughout the years, Batman has enjoyed the support of major toy licensees eager to produce the latest version of the Dark Knight. This is not surprising, given the Batman's popularity and crossover appeal. With major motion pictures and video games scheduled to be released in the near future, there is no doubt that Batman toys will continue to have a place amongst old and new collectors alike.
Article written by Jimmy Li
Miss Universe Pageant - Black Beauties!
Did you know...
USA
In 1986, Halle Berry, Ohio's candidate, failed to capture the crown of Miss USA Universe in Miami, Florida. For this reason, she did not participate in the 34th Miss Universe in Panama City. Today Halle is a world-famous actress.
South Africa
Before a predominantly black audience at the Windhoek Country Club in Namibia ( Africa ), Augustine Masilela became South Africa's first black delegate in the Miss Universe pageant ( 1995 ).
The Bahamas
In July 1982 Ava Marilyn Burke, Miss Bahamas, became the third black to conquer the Miss Photogenic Award after Bermuda's Margaret Hill ( 1971 ) and Trinidad Tobago's Janelle Commissiong ( 1977 ). Surprisingly Miss Bahamas defeated Cinzia Fiordeponti ( Italy ) and Odette Scrooby ( South Africa ). USA
Michigan-born Carole Gist became the first black Miss United States ( it should not be confused with "Miss America Pageant" ) in 1990. She was also the first non-Texas to be elected Miss USA Universe since 1984. This girl came close to winning the Miss Universe title in Los Angeles, California -- she had been defeated by Mona Grundt ( Norway ).
The Democratic Republic of the Congo
In the mid-1980s, Miss Zaire, Kayonga "Benita" Mureka Tete, almost won the global title in Miami, Florida. Her exotic and natural beauty impressed international judges, including Victor Bannerjee ( actor ) and Susan George ( actress ). During her stay in Florida, she was one of the most popular entries. In addition to Miss Zaire 1985, the African nation has sent only three delegates to Miss Universe : Ombayi Mukuta ( Miss Congeniality 1972 ), Lokange Lwali ( 1984 ) and Aimee Likobe Dobala ( semifinalist, 1986 ). Since 1997 Zaire changed its name to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Colombia
On November 14, 2001, Vanessa Mendoza was the first black to win the Miss Colombia contest, one of the most popular events in the South American nation since 1935.Like their countrywomen Aura Maria Mojica ( 1977 ), Patricia López ( 1987 ) and Claudia Elena Vasquez ( 1997 ), she was one of the heavy favorites to win the Miss Universe crown, along with Russian Okasana Fyodorova and American Shauntay Renae Hinton.Unfortunately Vanessa, who admires Nelson Mandela, did not make even the semi-finals in San Juan de Puerto Rico in 2002.
Brazil
In 1986, Deisy Nunes de Souza, Miss Brazil, became the first African-Brazilian woman to make the semi-finals in the Miss Universe Pageant in Panama City's Atlapa Convention Center.
Curacao
In 1968, Anne Marie Braafheid, Miss Curacao, made history when she was first runner-up at the Miss Universe.
USA
America's contestant Chelsy Smith, who was Miss Texas , became the second black woman to be named Miss Universe in 1995 in Windhoek, the capital city of the African country of Namibia. She was also the first black semi-finalist since 1993.
Botswana
After a failed try for the 1997 Miss World title in Mahe, Seychelles ( Africa ), Mpule Kwelagobe, Miss Botswana, became Miss Universe in Chaguaramas ( Trinidad & Tobago ) in 1999. An international panel headed by former ambassador Charles Gargano chose Mpule -- which means in Tswana "one who comes with the rain" -- to be the last Miss Universe of the 20th century. Miss Universe 1999 once said, " Today women use their beauty and brains to stand up for what they believe in, and pageants are platforms to spearhead and promote issues of concern". She is one of Botswana's five national idols.
Venezuela
Venezuela's Carolina Indriago, who had been seen as the first black South American with real chance to capture a global title, finished fourth at the Miss Universe in 1999.
Trinidad & Tobago
Miss Trinidad Tobago, Janelle "Penny" Commissiong, lived up to her reputation as one of the most beautiful women of the Caribbean by winning the Miss Universe crown in 1977.She became the second woman to hold the MU and Miss Photogenic titles at the same time. During her reign, Janelle was seen as someone who could improve the status of race relations in the world.
Belize
Sarita Acosta became the first and only Miss Belize to make the semi-finals in the Miss Universe ( 1979 ). In the 70s, only five other black delegates did it : Cherrie Raphaelia Creque ( American Virgin Island, 1971 ), Maureen Ava Veira ( Aruba, 1974 ), Gerthie David ( Haiti, 1975 ), Janelle Commissiong ( Trinidad Tobago, 1977 ) and Gina Swainson ( Bermuda ).
Lesotho
Lesotho's delegate Joan Libuseng Khoali was one of 12 favorites to win the universal title in Acapulco ( Mexico ) in 1978. She came from Lesotho, a tiny kingdom on the African continent.
Haiti
In the early 60s, Evelyn Miot, Miss Haiti, became the first black woman to make the second round in Miss Universe history.
Bermuda
Miss Bermuda, Margaret Hill, became the first black delegate to win the coveted Miss Photogenic trophy in 1970.
Tanzania
Tanzania, an African nation known for its mountains and wildlife, had a strong contestant in Miss Universe 2007.Her name: Flaviana Matata. "I am very glad to represent my country Tanzania and, above all, to make it to the top ten finals. I finished sixth out of the 77 contestants from across the world", she said during an interview in Mexico City. She is the only MU semi-finalist from Tanzania.
Italy
Dominican-born Italian Denny Mendez came to international attention in 1996 when she was the first black girl to capture the Miss Italy, one of the world's oldest beauty contests. She was chosen Miss Italy in a disputed and controversial election. In 1997 she placed fifth in the Miss Universe.
Panama
Gloria Karamanites was the only black candidate who qualified for the second round in the global contest in Seoul ( South Korea ) in 1980. In this decade, only five other black delegates did it: Benita Mureka ( Zaire, 1985 ), Deysi Nunes de Souza ( Brazil, 1986 ), Aimee Likobe Dobola ( Zaire, 1986 ), Carmelita Louise Ariza ( Turks & Caicos, 1987 ) and Sandra Foster ( Jamaica, 1989 ).
Trinidad and Tobago
Wendy Rachelle Fitzwilliam, a native from Trinidad Tobago, won the 46th Miss Universe title in Honolulu, Hawaii. Wendy once said: "My role model is Audrey Hepburn. Her extraordinary beauty and grace was reflected in all facets of her life. Ms. Hepburn was a good mother, always a lady, a pioneer in her support of UNICEF, and, of course, superb actress".
France
African-born French Sonia Rolland, who escaped from the war in Rwanda, was crowned Miss France in 2000. This girl, now an actress, was one of the first black women to win the European contest. Miss France 2000 qualified for the second round in the 48th Miss Universe Pageant in Nicosia ( Cyprus ).
Alejandro Guevara Onofre: He is a freelance writer. Alejandro is of Italian, African and Peruvian ancestry. He has published more than seventy-five research paper in English, and more than twenty in Spanish, concerning the world issues, olympic sports, countries, and tourism. His next essay is called "The Dictator and Alicia Alonso". He is an expert on foreign affairs. Alejandro is the first author who has published a world-book encyclopedia in Latin America.
He admires Frida Kahlo (Mexican painter), José Gamarra (former president of the Bolivian Olympic Committee ,1970- 1982), Hillary Clinton (ex-First Lady of the USA), and Jimmy Carter (former President of the USA). Alejandro said: "The person who I admire the most is José Gamarra . He devoted his professional and personal life to sport. José played an important role in the promotion of Olympism in Bolivia -it is one of the Third World`s poorest countries- and Latin America. His biography is interesting". The sportspeople he most admire is Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman. "This African-American sportswoman is my idol... "
Article written by Alejandro Guevara Onofre
USA
In 1986, Halle Berry, Ohio's candidate, failed to capture the crown of Miss USA Universe in Miami, Florida. For this reason, she did not participate in the 34th Miss Universe in Panama City. Today Halle is a world-famous actress.
South Africa
Before a predominantly black audience at the Windhoek Country Club in Namibia ( Africa ), Augustine Masilela became South Africa's first black delegate in the Miss Universe pageant ( 1995 ).
The Bahamas
In July 1982 Ava Marilyn Burke, Miss Bahamas, became the third black to conquer the Miss Photogenic Award after Bermuda's Margaret Hill ( 1971 ) and Trinidad Tobago's Janelle Commissiong ( 1977 ). Surprisingly Miss Bahamas defeated Cinzia Fiordeponti ( Italy ) and Odette Scrooby ( South Africa ). USA
Michigan-born Carole Gist became the first black Miss United States ( it should not be confused with "Miss America Pageant" ) in 1990. She was also the first non-Texas to be elected Miss USA Universe since 1984. This girl came close to winning the Miss Universe title in Los Angeles, California -- she had been defeated by Mona Grundt ( Norway ).
The Democratic Republic of the Congo
In the mid-1980s, Miss Zaire, Kayonga "Benita" Mureka Tete, almost won the global title in Miami, Florida. Her exotic and natural beauty impressed international judges, including Victor Bannerjee ( actor ) and Susan George ( actress ). During her stay in Florida, she was one of the most popular entries. In addition to Miss Zaire 1985, the African nation has sent only three delegates to Miss Universe : Ombayi Mukuta ( Miss Congeniality 1972 ), Lokange Lwali ( 1984 ) and Aimee Likobe Dobala ( semifinalist, 1986 ). Since 1997 Zaire changed its name to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Colombia
On November 14, 2001, Vanessa Mendoza was the first black to win the Miss Colombia contest, one of the most popular events in the South American nation since 1935.Like their countrywomen Aura Maria Mojica ( 1977 ), Patricia López ( 1987 ) and Claudia Elena Vasquez ( 1997 ), she was one of the heavy favorites to win the Miss Universe crown, along with Russian Okasana Fyodorova and American Shauntay Renae Hinton.Unfortunately Vanessa, who admires Nelson Mandela, did not make even the semi-finals in San Juan de Puerto Rico in 2002.
Brazil
In 1986, Deisy Nunes de Souza, Miss Brazil, became the first African-Brazilian woman to make the semi-finals in the Miss Universe Pageant in Panama City's Atlapa Convention Center.
Curacao
In 1968, Anne Marie Braafheid, Miss Curacao, made history when she was first runner-up at the Miss Universe.
USA
America's contestant Chelsy Smith, who was Miss Texas , became the second black woman to be named Miss Universe in 1995 in Windhoek, the capital city of the African country of Namibia. She was also the first black semi-finalist since 1993.
Botswana
After a failed try for the 1997 Miss World title in Mahe, Seychelles ( Africa ), Mpule Kwelagobe, Miss Botswana, became Miss Universe in Chaguaramas ( Trinidad & Tobago ) in 1999. An international panel headed by former ambassador Charles Gargano chose Mpule -- which means in Tswana "one who comes with the rain" -- to be the last Miss Universe of the 20th century. Miss Universe 1999 once said, " Today women use their beauty and brains to stand up for what they believe in, and pageants are platforms to spearhead and promote issues of concern". She is one of Botswana's five national idols.
Venezuela
Venezuela's Carolina Indriago, who had been seen as the first black South American with real chance to capture a global title, finished fourth at the Miss Universe in 1999.
Trinidad & Tobago
Miss Trinidad Tobago, Janelle "Penny" Commissiong, lived up to her reputation as one of the most beautiful women of the Caribbean by winning the Miss Universe crown in 1977.She became the second woman to hold the MU and Miss Photogenic titles at the same time. During her reign, Janelle was seen as someone who could improve the status of race relations in the world.
Belize
Sarita Acosta became the first and only Miss Belize to make the semi-finals in the Miss Universe ( 1979 ). In the 70s, only five other black delegates did it : Cherrie Raphaelia Creque ( American Virgin Island, 1971 ), Maureen Ava Veira ( Aruba, 1974 ), Gerthie David ( Haiti, 1975 ), Janelle Commissiong ( Trinidad Tobago, 1977 ) and Gina Swainson ( Bermuda ).
Lesotho
Lesotho's delegate Joan Libuseng Khoali was one of 12 favorites to win the universal title in Acapulco ( Mexico ) in 1978. She came from Lesotho, a tiny kingdom on the African continent.
Haiti
In the early 60s, Evelyn Miot, Miss Haiti, became the first black woman to make the second round in Miss Universe history.
Bermuda
Miss Bermuda, Margaret Hill, became the first black delegate to win the coveted Miss Photogenic trophy in 1970.
Tanzania
Tanzania, an African nation known for its mountains and wildlife, had a strong contestant in Miss Universe 2007.Her name: Flaviana Matata. "I am very glad to represent my country Tanzania and, above all, to make it to the top ten finals. I finished sixth out of the 77 contestants from across the world", she said during an interview in Mexico City. She is the only MU semi-finalist from Tanzania.
Italy
Dominican-born Italian Denny Mendez came to international attention in 1996 when she was the first black girl to capture the Miss Italy, one of the world's oldest beauty contests. She was chosen Miss Italy in a disputed and controversial election. In 1997 she placed fifth in the Miss Universe.
Panama
Gloria Karamanites was the only black candidate who qualified for the second round in the global contest in Seoul ( South Korea ) in 1980. In this decade, only five other black delegates did it: Benita Mureka ( Zaire, 1985 ), Deysi Nunes de Souza ( Brazil, 1986 ), Aimee Likobe Dobola ( Zaire, 1986 ), Carmelita Louise Ariza ( Turks & Caicos, 1987 ) and Sandra Foster ( Jamaica, 1989 ).
Trinidad and Tobago
Wendy Rachelle Fitzwilliam, a native from Trinidad Tobago, won the 46th Miss Universe title in Honolulu, Hawaii. Wendy once said: "My role model is Audrey Hepburn. Her extraordinary beauty and grace was reflected in all facets of her life. Ms. Hepburn was a good mother, always a lady, a pioneer in her support of UNICEF, and, of course, superb actress".
France
African-born French Sonia Rolland, who escaped from the war in Rwanda, was crowned Miss France in 2000. This girl, now an actress, was one of the first black women to win the European contest. Miss France 2000 qualified for the second round in the 48th Miss Universe Pageant in Nicosia ( Cyprus ).
Alejandro Guevara Onofre: He is a freelance writer. Alejandro is of Italian, African and Peruvian ancestry. He has published more than seventy-five research paper in English, and more than twenty in Spanish, concerning the world issues, olympic sports, countries, and tourism. His next essay is called "The Dictator and Alicia Alonso". He is an expert on foreign affairs. Alejandro is the first author who has published a world-book encyclopedia in Latin America.
He admires Frida Kahlo (Mexican painter), José Gamarra (former president of the Bolivian Olympic Committee ,1970- 1982), Hillary Clinton (ex-First Lady of the USA), and Jimmy Carter (former President of the USA). Alejandro said: "The person who I admire the most is José Gamarra . He devoted his professional and personal life to sport. José played an important role in the promotion of Olympism in Bolivia -it is one of the Third World`s poorest countries- and Latin America. His biography is interesting". The sportspeople he most admire is Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman. "This African-American sportswoman is my idol... "
Article written by Alejandro Guevara Onofre
Thursday, August 6, 2009
The Mystery of Stone Ship ((in English and Spanish)(from the Satipo Jungles, Peru))
A Legend out of the Jungles of Satipo)
English Version
(Advance) It's a very old rock structure, brown, with a sandy like texture to it, about the size of a 17th Century Ship, it resides in the middle of the Perene Rio, in the Central Jungles of Peru, called Satipo. Deep within the jungle nearby this rock structure, lived a tribe of natives, the 'Ashaninka,' derived from the earlier natives called the 'Arawak' ...I have visited an Ashaninka tribe myself; they are a warm hearted peaceful people, very creative in the arts. And so now for the Legend...:
Throughout the bloody and frightfully sixteen-hundreds, the so called Colonists (Colonos), with their slave ships, sought out the Ashaninka natives, for slaves, sold them to the highest bidder, in the Lima, and Huancayo markets, and in other parts of Peru, along with other cities of South America. The Colonists jammed an absolutely peaceful people into the guts of the ship; it was absolutely body to body. The officers were very cold and dehumanizing. The aftermath of these years took a toll; the Colonists had rapped the land like fire in dry grass-of its masses, putting them into slavery. These natives: insulted, frightened, none of them to return to their tribes. And the Colonists kept their recurrent surge up, keeping the slave-flesh, in the hole of the ship, with stale, deadly breath and putrid surroundings, many died on the journey to the markets, thrown over the stern of the ship for the fish and vultures to eat, once dead.
On a given day, something took place, that would mold into a legend, something, every Colonist would ponder on thereafter, and ship captains would forever take into account, when they'd sailed down the Rio Perene by what would be named-forevermore the 'The Rock of Stone Ship.'
It was an atrociously hot day. The rain had stopped; the captain had anchored his ship in the middle of the river, scouts lowered a small vessel into the waters, turned the boat towards an orchard like opening of the jungle, they were to search for tribal members, and return to the ship with the information, where they were now, how many of them were useful as slaves. In the meantime the Captain and his crew remained waiting onboard.
In those days, the chief of the Ashaninka kept a look out for the ships. They knew what the Colonists were contemplating, and of course the ship was taller than anything in sight and filled a good portion of the center of the river, and it was of course a symbolical threat once seen. And on this hot summer's day, it was seen by the chief, and his bodyguards.
The path the chief and his bodyguards were on came out on to the top of a hill; there they prayed that none of their kind would be kidnapped into slavery this day.
The scouts from the ship looked about spent quite a lot of their time trying to find stragglers, or the tribe itself, but they saw nothing, nothing but massive trees which shaded them from the hot sun, and would condemn them as they rested and fell to sleep, and when they awoke and went back to inform their captain of their fruitless search, they noticed suddenly the ship was gone. Refusing to believe the ship and its crew, and its captain could have left so anonymously, they moved about, but the only thing they found was a rock island mound in the middle of the river, that wasn't there before, it resided where the ship had been anchored.
It was a brown structure, likened to the ship itself in design and some details, as if it was melted down from wood to soft stone, somewhat circular dimensions, the rock island being the same size of the ship, which was now covered with large ants, running about.
The Chief, now looking down from the top of the hill, could see the newly formed mound, and the three scouts standing on it, in disarray, he said nothing, just bowed his head.
Written 7-17-2009, in part, at the hotel in Satipo, while visiting the rivers and falls and natives of this Central, Peruvian Jungle
Article written by Dennis Siluk Ed.D.
English Version
(Advance) It's a very old rock structure, brown, with a sandy like texture to it, about the size of a 17th Century Ship, it resides in the middle of the Perene Rio, in the Central Jungles of Peru, called Satipo. Deep within the jungle nearby this rock structure, lived a tribe of natives, the 'Ashaninka,' derived from the earlier natives called the 'Arawak' ...I have visited an Ashaninka tribe myself; they are a warm hearted peaceful people, very creative in the arts. And so now for the Legend...:
Throughout the bloody and frightfully sixteen-hundreds, the so called Colonists (Colonos), with their slave ships, sought out the Ashaninka natives, for slaves, sold them to the highest bidder, in the Lima, and Huancayo markets, and in other parts of Peru, along with other cities of South America. The Colonists jammed an absolutely peaceful people into the guts of the ship; it was absolutely body to body. The officers were very cold and dehumanizing. The aftermath of these years took a toll; the Colonists had rapped the land like fire in dry grass-of its masses, putting them into slavery. These natives: insulted, frightened, none of them to return to their tribes. And the Colonists kept their recurrent surge up, keeping the slave-flesh, in the hole of the ship, with stale, deadly breath and putrid surroundings, many died on the journey to the markets, thrown over the stern of the ship for the fish and vultures to eat, once dead.
On a given day, something took place, that would mold into a legend, something, every Colonist would ponder on thereafter, and ship captains would forever take into account, when they'd sailed down the Rio Perene by what would be named-forevermore the 'The Rock of Stone Ship.'
It was an atrociously hot day. The rain had stopped; the captain had anchored his ship in the middle of the river, scouts lowered a small vessel into the waters, turned the boat towards an orchard like opening of the jungle, they were to search for tribal members, and return to the ship with the information, where they were now, how many of them were useful as slaves. In the meantime the Captain and his crew remained waiting onboard.
In those days, the chief of the Ashaninka kept a look out for the ships. They knew what the Colonists were contemplating, and of course the ship was taller than anything in sight and filled a good portion of the center of the river, and it was of course a symbolical threat once seen. And on this hot summer's day, it was seen by the chief, and his bodyguards.
The path the chief and his bodyguards were on came out on to the top of a hill; there they prayed that none of their kind would be kidnapped into slavery this day.
The scouts from the ship looked about spent quite a lot of their time trying to find stragglers, or the tribe itself, but they saw nothing, nothing but massive trees which shaded them from the hot sun, and would condemn them as they rested and fell to sleep, and when they awoke and went back to inform their captain of their fruitless search, they noticed suddenly the ship was gone. Refusing to believe the ship and its crew, and its captain could have left so anonymously, they moved about, but the only thing they found was a rock island mound in the middle of the river, that wasn't there before, it resided where the ship had been anchored.
It was a brown structure, likened to the ship itself in design and some details, as if it was melted down from wood to soft stone, somewhat circular dimensions, the rock island being the same size of the ship, which was now covered with large ants, running about.
The Chief, now looking down from the top of the hill, could see the newly formed mound, and the three scouts standing on it, in disarray, he said nothing, just bowed his head.
Written 7-17-2009, in part, at the hotel in Satipo, while visiting the rivers and falls and natives of this Central, Peruvian Jungle
Article written by Dennis Siluk Ed.D.
Why Choose a Vampire? Fiction and Society
Slowly, blood pooled at his feet. Stunned by the sight, he stared at the slippery liquid as it drained down his chest. The sensation felt both eerie and frightening since it reminded him of slithering snakes, and the inescapable approach of his own death. Yet, he also felt a strange elation, almost erotic attraction.
Unable to speak, for seconds he mentally pleaded with his attacker, Please don't kill me. I have a family. Then felt his muscles weaken and fail.
His heart slowed, stuttered, and stopped. Now, he knew he was beyond the hope of the living.
He felt lips graze his neck, pulling the last drops from within him. Then, as if life was nothing more than a single liquid moment, a large orb of thick cool blood coated his lips, his mouth as he opened it and gasped in air.
His heart resumed pumping, but it felt and sounded vastly different. He could not understand what happened, as strong hands easily lifted him to his feet and a voice said, "Drink this. It is life after death. Do as I command, and live forever."
He obeyed, tasted the eternal elixir, desired another swallow, and begged, "Please, I need more."
He felt too weak to reach out, and leaned against his savior without realizing that he who saved him after death had, beforehand, taken his mortal life without remorse.
--
In the 1980s, bookstores had shelves established for the horror genre. Those years were filled with the fear of world war, high inflation, recession, corruption, and more.
The 1980s gave writers like Stephen King and Anne Rice an opportunity, which both accepted and prospered from.
Then came the Clinton years. Somehow, Bill Clinton brought with him a new optimism. However, many old style politicians, including younger ones who resisted change, immediately went after him as if hope for the future was somehow a threat to their desired goals, which seemed to be maintaining the despair and fear of the past.
They appeared more interested in stopping change, than in welcoming the future as a time of renewed vigor. Of course, Bill Clinton was his own worst enemy, but those who wanted to destroy him wanted to destroy what he symbolically represented too.
During the 1990s, publishers announced that Horror fiction was dead. Bookstores removed it as a separate genre and combined it with science fiction. True science fiction rebounded and carried with it the promise of adventure, and technological advancements that would create a world of equality and promise.
Then came 9/11. The idea "look what science did or failed to do" eroded society. Humanity's cruelest crept from beneath the rocks of Afghanistan, and reminded us that the past was not the only time when men like Hitler boot stomped across innocent life with unjustifiable motivation.
Fiction horror was back, but this time tamed by "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer." Somehow, the once nearly invincible vampire emerged as a vulnerable lovesick boy. Occasionally, the vampire seemed to miss mother's touch more than he cared for his gift of immortality. Movies, TV, and books hunted these creatures of the night as if to replace, or appease the need to crush those who killed without validation.
So, I ask why vampires? Why praise them? Why hunt and slay them? Why do we fear them, yet cannot get enough of what they offer?
Perhaps what they offer somehow makes their existence desirable to us. Immortality, no death, no disease, no fear, no war, no corruption. Injuries heal themselves. Every person is attractive to them and longs for their touch, in spite of the knowledge that a vampire's gift of death and rebirth may well mean the end of life.
2008 reminded me of 1992. An election of hope. I wondered if horror would again be diminished and replaced by true science fiction or another hope-filled genre.
Apparently not this time. Perhaps the despair and hopelessness -- driven by like-minded people such as those who derailed change in the 1990s -- that haunted us since 2001 remains fixed, an immovable object that divided us as a people, so that we now refuse to seek common ground for the most basic of human needs.
Article written by Larry Schliessmann
Unable to speak, for seconds he mentally pleaded with his attacker, Please don't kill me. I have a family. Then felt his muscles weaken and fail.
His heart slowed, stuttered, and stopped. Now, he knew he was beyond the hope of the living.
He felt lips graze his neck, pulling the last drops from within him. Then, as if life was nothing more than a single liquid moment, a large orb of thick cool blood coated his lips, his mouth as he opened it and gasped in air.
His heart resumed pumping, but it felt and sounded vastly different. He could not understand what happened, as strong hands easily lifted him to his feet and a voice said, "Drink this. It is life after death. Do as I command, and live forever."
He obeyed, tasted the eternal elixir, desired another swallow, and begged, "Please, I need more."
He felt too weak to reach out, and leaned against his savior without realizing that he who saved him after death had, beforehand, taken his mortal life without remorse.
--
In the 1980s, bookstores had shelves established for the horror genre. Those years were filled with the fear of world war, high inflation, recession, corruption, and more.
The 1980s gave writers like Stephen King and Anne Rice an opportunity, which both accepted and prospered from.
Then came the Clinton years. Somehow, Bill Clinton brought with him a new optimism. However, many old style politicians, including younger ones who resisted change, immediately went after him as if hope for the future was somehow a threat to their desired goals, which seemed to be maintaining the despair and fear of the past.
They appeared more interested in stopping change, than in welcoming the future as a time of renewed vigor. Of course, Bill Clinton was his own worst enemy, but those who wanted to destroy him wanted to destroy what he symbolically represented too.
During the 1990s, publishers announced that Horror fiction was dead. Bookstores removed it as a separate genre and combined it with science fiction. True science fiction rebounded and carried with it the promise of adventure, and technological advancements that would create a world of equality and promise.
Then came 9/11. The idea "look what science did or failed to do" eroded society. Humanity's cruelest crept from beneath the rocks of Afghanistan, and reminded us that the past was not the only time when men like Hitler boot stomped across innocent life with unjustifiable motivation.
Fiction horror was back, but this time tamed by "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer." Somehow, the once nearly invincible vampire emerged as a vulnerable lovesick boy. Occasionally, the vampire seemed to miss mother's touch more than he cared for his gift of immortality. Movies, TV, and books hunted these creatures of the night as if to replace, or appease the need to crush those who killed without validation.
So, I ask why vampires? Why praise them? Why hunt and slay them? Why do we fear them, yet cannot get enough of what they offer?
Perhaps what they offer somehow makes their existence desirable to us. Immortality, no death, no disease, no fear, no war, no corruption. Injuries heal themselves. Every person is attractive to them and longs for their touch, in spite of the knowledge that a vampire's gift of death and rebirth may well mean the end of life.
2008 reminded me of 1992. An election of hope. I wondered if horror would again be diminished and replaced by true science fiction or another hope-filled genre.
Apparently not this time. Perhaps the despair and hopelessness -- driven by like-minded people such as those who derailed change in the 1990s -- that haunted us since 2001 remains fixed, an immovable object that divided us as a people, so that we now refuse to seek common ground for the most basic of human needs.
Article written by Larry Schliessmann
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