Author's posts
Jan 07 2022
To Sir, With Love
Remembering Sidney Poitier, who passed away today at the age of 94. His 1967 film To Sir, With Love is a prime example of Poitier’s poise and passion as an actor. Serving as an inspiration to audiences, teachers, and of films to come, To Sir, with Love (1967) is a lesson in walking with grace, …
Jan 06 2022
Schoolhouse Rock! and “My Hero, Zero”
On January 6, 1973, the educational children’s animated Schoolhouse Rock! series premiered on ABC with the episode “My Hero, Zero,” dedicated to the enigmatic number and the powers of ten, and featuring the song “My Hero, Zero.” However, “My Hero, Zero” was actually the second show to air, since the pilot first aired in 1971 …
Nov 17 2021
Lili Verona – Day-O
Oct 21 2021
Mary Blair, Disney Artist Extraordinaire
Today is the birthday of Disney artist and designer Mary Blair, born on this day October 21, 1911 in McAlester, Oklahoma. Blair was an integral part of Disney, designing incredibly beautiful, unique concept art for a variety of Disney attractions and animated films, including her most well known work on the “It’s a Small World” …
Aug 13 2021
Alfred Hitchcock: Master of Suspense
When I was young, I was led into a homemade haunted house on every Halloween. It was comprised of sheets tunneling through the halls and bedrooms, colored lights, and scary surprises around every corner. I’ll never forget how it was all so delightfully set to a record of Alfred Hitchcock Presents playing. My older sisters …
Jul 27 2021
Drum Rhythms of Haiti Cuba Brazil
Jul 20 2021
Domenique Dumont – People on Sunday
Domenique Dumont’s album People on Sunday glows with synths that dance and bounce with both classical brilliance and the mystique of exotica. The Latvian composer created the album as a modern soundtrack to the 1930 German silent film People On Sunday (Menschen am Sonntag/Les Hommes le Dimanche) which portrays everyday life before the dictatorship. As …
Jul 14 2021
Soviet Film Wednesday: Ballerina on the Boat
Ballerina on the Boat is a wonderful summer-y animation about a ballerina who takes a ride on a ship and dances about, practicing her moves at the delight and distraction of the crew. It is a lovely, humorous, and leisurely voyage until a storm comes, which leads to a surprise ending. There is no need …
Jul 13 2021
The Hilo Hi-Flyers: The Island of My Dreams
“The Island of My Dreams” is from the LA tiki swing quartet The Hilo Hi-Flyers’ debut album Adventure! The album is currently available from Hi-Tide Recordings, where you can buy the LP on vinyl in tiger orange, offered with this cryptic message: Somewhere deep in a rainy jungle lies a stone temple, guarded by a …
Jul 06 2021