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 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.)

Wesley's Artwork

Hi,
I got several very positive responses to my son's paint picture, so I decided to post some of his drawings here. Some of these were done when he was a teenager, and others are more recent. All of them make me proud to have such a talented son. Please, enjoy! Anna  (click on images to enlarge)