A Tearful Farewell...

'Hawaii Five-O' Actor James MacArthur Dead at 72

October 28, 2010 | Remembered

James MacArthur, best known through the catchphrase "Book 'em, Danno" from the original "Hawaii Five-O," died Thursday. He was 72.
His family was at his side at the time of his death, according to a statement. No further details, including a cause, were given.

The actor son of famed screenwriter Charles MacArthur and theater legend Helen Hayes played Detective Dan Williams on the original 1970s TV series for 11 seasons. He also made several films, including Disney's "Swiss Family Robinson" and "The Battle of the Bulge."
Peter Lenkov, executive producer of the new "Hawaii Five-O" remake, sent regards to MacArthur's family. "We've lost a special part of our heritage today," Lenkov said in a statement to EW.com. "James' talents and memorable role helped bring this series to life and his support of our remake meant the world to us."

Read more: http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2010/10/hawaii_five-o_actor_james_macarthur_dead_at_72.php#ixzz13iOOeLZB

(Jim MacArthur was a very kind, gentlemanly man. I had the privilege of exchanging several e-mail messages with him a few years ago, and I could not have asked for more kindness than I received in his messages. He told me to call him 'Jim', and was very polite and friendly in his responses to my messages. I felt he was more than just a stranger whom I was chatting with via e-mail. I felt he was a friend whom I had long admired from a distance for his acting talent, and whom I was not surprised to find was also a wonderful person in real life. I also feel as though I can say I knew him, a little, and was befriended by him on the internet. He is well loved by millions of fans internationally, and will be mourned and very much missed by all of them, especially me. RIP, Jim. It was an honor knowing you and sharing in your long and multi-faceted acting career. My condolences to your family and friends. Anna)

(Repost) Park Yong Ha Commits Suicide At Age 32

Korean actor and singer Park Yong Ha was found dead in Seoul Nonhyundong on the 30th (KST), hanging lifeless from a cell phone charging cable at his own house.
According to police, Park Yong Ha was discovered dead at around 5:30 AM by his mother. The cause of death is likely suicide, but further details are still under wraps. Although this news was just announced, ‘Park Yong Ha’ immediately took the number one spot on Naver and other search engines across Korea.
It’s also been reported that Mr. Park was seen walking to his room after massaging his father’s legs and back at around 0:40 AM. Park Yong Ha was repeatedly saying “I am sorry” to his family and his father, who is suffering from terminal stomach cancer.
Park Yong Ha is well-known for his roles in many hit dramas, including Winter Sonata, Men’s Story and On Air. Thanks to those successful roles, Park Yong Ha was quite famous in Japan as well. He was also set to play the lead role in Love Song, an upcoming Korean drama adaptation of the Chinese movie Chum Mil Mil (甛蜜蜜), alongside Yoon Eun Hye.
It’s a tragedy to lose such a talented actor so early in his life; our condolences go out to Park Yong Ha’s family.
Source: Naver

(This is such sad news to all Park Yong Ha fans, including yours truly. He is loved and will be very much missed. RIP, Yong Ha-ssi. Love, Anna)
(Article credits: Blog Naver)

Another Flower...

Hello.
I haven't posted here for quite a while, but there's a very good reason for that; computer problems. Major computer problems which I am only now beginning to resolve. Anyway, I have recently heard some news which has me sort of breathless. Ko Yu-Jin and Flower are back together again with a new album and a tour??? I hope this is true!!! KYJ is only my favorite K-pop singer in the whole world!!!
Of course, I got my info from a very reliable source (a friend in Asia) so I must assume it is true. Ko Yu-Jin has the most remarkable singing voice I have ever heard. What an amazing vocal range; especially for a guy. I have only known of one other singer who has that same type of singing range, but that person isn't famous. And KYJ is so absolutely adorable. (Too too cute!) I could just go on for hours, and I could listen to him singing for hours on end, too. In fact, sometimes I do!
I have a Youtube friend who is as crazy about this guy as I, and she and I often message about our favorite videos. All I can say is, the lady has good taste. (She's also a BYJ fan, but that belongs on another blogsite.) Ko Yu-Jin has the best of two worlds; looks and an awesome singing talent. Thanks to 'You (really messed up this time, guys) Tube, he also has a huge international fan following. With a voice like his that is not surprising at all. A.

Another Passing...

Hello,
Today, I am deeply saddened by the news that another creative talent has been taken from us.
The great graphic artist, Frank Frazetta, passed away on Monday May 10, 2010, in Ft. Myers, FL, at the age of 82, after suffering a stroke.
Frazetta was best known, in artistic circles, and among fans, for his bold, graphic illustrations which have graced the covers and pages of the works of such popular writers as Edgar Rice Burrows (famous for his 'Tarzan' and 'Mars' stories), and Robert E. Howard (best known for his 'Conan' novels). Frazetta's skill bestowed a lifelike quality and realistic sense of movement and action to his drawings and paintings.

Yet, only a small portion of the public is aware that Frank suffered a series of strokes during the mid to late 1990's which left him with minimal use of his right hand. Being right-handed, Frazetta actually practiced and retrained himself to the point where he could draw and paint as well with his left hand as he had ever done with his right. An amazing achievement for an amazing man which just goes to show what perseverance and determination can accomplish.
Frazetta is survived by his children and grandchildren; his wife, Ellie, having passed away last year. He will be greatly missed by family, friends, and a large, international fan-base, including yours truly. R.I.P., Frank.
Anna

(Footnote: The reason I had not written this posting sooner is because I wanted to get the words just right in order to make this a fitting tribute to a truly wonderful and talented man. A.)

Baring My Soul, For A Good Cause...

Hello.

I am going to talk, briefly, about something which happened to me when my mother died. I have a dear friend who is facing a crisis in life, and I hope this will help that person to find the inner strength needed to deal with what is happening in my anonymous friend's life, at this point.
Some years ago, after my Mother's death, and the birth of my second child, I hit bottom. Hard. I took care of my babies by instinct alone, or so it seemed to me. I put up a brave front for the rest of my family, yet, inside I felt as though a part of me had died along with my mom, or that that part was frozen. I laughed on the outside, but inside I just wanted to die. I actually considered taking my life, in spite of my little ones who needed me.
To make a long story short, it took seeing the courage and inner strength of a man whom I had never met to help me look inside myself and find my own inner strength, and to be able to move away from the dark place in which I found myself, back toward a brighter spot where I could begin to live again.
I am writing this in hopes of being able to help my friend see that we all have adversities which can overwhelm us if we let them. But, we should also remember that there are people out there who love us, and will help us; if we let them. The most important thing is not to try to face our difficulties alone. There is always someone who cares enough to listen, and talking is one of the best ways of coming to terms with a problem.
My friend has many people who love and respect that person. I just want to offer my help in any way possible, and I know there are others who feel the same way. We are here when we are needed. Please, dear friend, all you need to do is reach out. We're here. Love, Anna

Scenic Beauty...

Hello.

Today, I have been inspired by a special friend, whom I care about as though she were my sister, to post some photographs of one of the most beautiful places in the state of Tennessee; Cove Lake State Park. This is one of the great natural wonders in the eastern part of the state. The lake and its surrounding woodlands cover almost a thousand acres in the Tennessee Valley. The lake, itself, is so huge it is impossible to take one photograph that gives a view of the entire thing. It is situated in a cove, (hence the name Cove Lake) which lies between the mountains just off of Interstate highway 75, at the Caryville, (pronounced care-uh-ville) exit.

As you can see, by the fisherman's size, the lake is very large. Yet, this is just a small portion of its true size. Although you can't tell from this photo, the mountains in the background rise as high as a thousand feet in some parts.

Here is a better view of those towering heights. The clouds often obscure the tops, giving these peaks their nickname "The Smokey Mountains". As a frequent visitor to the lake, I fell in love with these peaks many years ago.

There are numerous waterfalls in the area; many of them only appearing after heavy rains, while others, like Triple Falls (above) are present year-round. This lake area and the surrounding mountains truly are some of Tennessee's most breath-taking natural attractions. If anyone is interested in visiting this area of the state, there are many websites on the internet where further information may be obtained. Please, come and visit our beautiful state. You may even run across a few 'friendly natives'--Tennesseeans, that is. Regards, Anna

(Photos courtesy of Cliff Williams, Knox News, and Tennessee Tourism)

Some Of My Collectibles...

Hello.
Today, I would like to post some images of something which I have had in my collectibles since the late 1970s. These are some issues of 'Starstream' magazine. I have learned, recently, that they are highly collectible. These are issues 1-4 of the magazine.

#1

#2

#3 (above, with its contents page)

and, #4

I hope everyone enjoys seeing these rare issues of a great illustrated comics series. Thank you, Anna