Sunday, August 30, 2015
Oliver Sacks obit
Wes Craven obit
Wes Craven, master of horror and slasher films, dies at 76
Marvin Mandel obit
Former Maryland Gov. Marvin Mandel dies at age 95
He was not on the list.
Former Maryland Gov. Marvin Mandel has died at age 95, his family announced Sunday evening.
Mandel died Sunday afternoon after having spent two days in
St. Mary’s County visiting with his family and the family of his former wife,
Jeanne Dorsey Mandel, while celebrating the 50th birthday of their son Paul
Dorsey, the family said in a statement.
"Governor Mandel was a great governor but more importantly a great father and grandfather," Dorsey said in a statement. "He spent his final weekend with family in St. Mary’s County eating crabs and enjoying the beautiful scenery that St. Mary’s has to offer. He lived life to the fullest."
Gov. Larry Hogan has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Mandel.
"The first lady and I send our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Mandel family and all those who loved and cared for him," Hogan said in a statement . "The state of Maryland lost not only a former governor but also a truly great leader and someone countless people thought of as a friend, including myself. I will be forever grateful for the advice, wisdom, and stories Governor Mandel has shared with me throughout the years.
"No other governor has had the lasting impact on all three branches of Maryland government and while he held elective office for 28 years, he dedicated his life to making our state a better place to live. It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Governor Mandel, but I know that his legacy will live on, through the many people he touched during the course of his life."
The Democrat served as the 56th governor of Maryland from 1969 to 1979. He became governor after the resignation of former Gov. Spiro Agnew before he was elected to two terms.
"So many programs and benefits that Marylander’s have
today and rely upon were established by Governor Mandel, such as The Maryland
Public School Construction Program to relieve county government of the
financial burden of building schools; establishment of the Maryland Shock
Trauma Emergency Medical Services System; enactment of the strictest gun
control laws at that time and the passage of the state’s first public
accommodations statute to prohibit racial discrimination," Mandel's family
said in a statement.
He was born, and educated in Baltimore and received a law degree from the University of Maryland in 1942. That same year, he enlisted in the Army.
Mandel was honorably discharged in 1944, and started practicing law in Baltimore City. His political career started when the city's democratic political machine helped him get appointed to a vacant seat in the Maryland House of Delegates in 1952. He became house speaker in 1963.
When Gov. Spiro Agnew resigned in 1969 to become President Richard Nixon's vice president, the General Assembly appointed Mandel to serve the rest of Agnew's term.
Voters kept Mandel in the governor's seat, but his accomplishments were overshadowed by a 1975 indictment on federal charges of mail fraud and racketeering.
"I think the future will show that during my
administration nothing was ever done to defraud the public of the state of
Maryland," Mandel said at the time.
Federal prosecutors claimed Mandel accepted more than $350,000 in cash, favors and gifts in exchange for pushing through legislation that would benefit the old owners of the Marlboro Race Track in Prince George's County.
Mandel was tried twice. The first trial was dismissed because of allegations of jury tampering. Mandel handled it with humor.
"I thought that the government was going to end up spending $5 million to find out about those gifts. I would've taken the $ 5 million and given them the gifts," Mandel said at the time.
Mandel was convicted in a second trial and served 19 months of a four-year sentence in federal prison. President Ronald Reagan commuted the sentence in 1981. Six years later, a federal court overturned Mandel's conviction.
After his conviction was overturned, Mandel was reinstated as a member of the Maryland Bar in good standing, and he practiced law in Annapolis.
Mandel's personal life while governor also made national headlines. His wife of 32 years, Barbara, kicked him out of the governor's mansion in 1974.
Mandel then pronounced his love for Jean Dorsey, a woman 17 years his junior. He declared he intended to get a divorce and marry her. Three years later, his ex-wife still respected the politician
"I still think he remained honest," Barbara Mandel said. "I do think he's an honorable man, as far as public office is concerned."
Mandel's marriage to Jean lasted 27 years before she died in 2001. Even in his 80's, Mandel continued to practice law in Annapolis, and kept his seat on the University of Maryland Board of Regents.
He remained a behind-the-scenes force in politics and may be
considered by some as the architect of modern state government.
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake also paid tribute to Mandel.
"I join all of Baltimore in expressing my sorrow over
the passing of former Gov. Marvin Mandel," Rawlings-Blake said in a
statement. "I know that Governor Mandel will be remembered for many
accomplishments during his time in state government, particularly the
instrumental role he played in developing and promoting public transit in our
region. I will fondly remember his love of state and local politics and the
stories he would share. My thoughts and prayers are with Governor Mandel's family."
Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz released a statement, saying: “The state of Maryland lost a true gentleman yesterday with the passing of Gov. Marvin Mandel. Like so many others, I was honored to call him both a friend and mentor. During his time as governor, he reshaped government in Maryland as we had come to know it. Many of his reforms are still evident today. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Mandel family.”
"We have lost a legendary leader," Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh said in a statement. "Marvin Mandel transformed our state and built a legacy that is felt in every corner of Maryland. On behalf of all the citizens of Anne Arundel County, our hearts and prayers are with the Mandel family during this difficult time."
In a statement, state Comptroller Peter Franchot said: "Marvin Mandel is a monumental figure in the history of our great state, and more importantly, he was fundamentally a good man and public servant. As a Marylander and as Comptroller, I will forever be grateful for his determination as governor to modernize and streamline state government operations which earned national renown and were vital to Maryland's longstanding reputation for sound fiscal stewardship. On a personal note, I will always treasure his gestures of friendship, whether it was spending an afternoon in my office discussing World War II with my father, offering sage advice, or sharing one of his patented stories from days gone by. It is with deep affection and admiration that Anne and I extend our love and prayers."
U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin released a statement, saying: "Governor Mandel was the Speaker of the House of Delegates when I was first elected to that body. I was witness to and learned from his unique ability to bridge political and geographic divides to get things done for the state of Maryland. Governor Mandel understood that government existed to serve the people, he instilled that ultimate truth into every member of the House of Delegates and that tenet served as the cornerstone of his governorship. During his time as governor, we saw unprecedented investments in education and transportation infrastructure, as well as an overall streamlining of government to make it more effective. Maryland is the strong state it is today thanks in part to decisions Governor Mandel made years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings released a statement, saying: "I join my fellow Marylanders in mourning the death of former Governor Marvin Mandel. Governor Mandel had a lasting impact on Maryland. During his time as Governor, he invested in the state’s public school and public transportation systems, and we are still reaping the benefits of those investments today. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Funeral arrangements set for former Gov. Marvin Mandel
Mandel will be lying in state at the State House in Annapolis from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. The governor and other dignitaries and elected officials will receive Mandel's family at the State House around 10 a.m.
Services are set to take place at 11 a.m. Thursday at Sol Levinson & Bros. Inc., located at 8900 Reisterstown Road.
Mandel had two children, a son Gary and a daughter Ellen, from his first marriage.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Mandel's memory to the ALS Association, 7507 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Ray Hirsch obit
R.I.P Ray Hirsch, Great So-Cal “Swing” Dancer
He was not on the list.
Ray Hirsch, great original Southern California swing dancer, passed away at 94 years of age on Aug. 29, 2015.
Ray was a true “Swing” dancer as they would have called it — meaning, he didn’t do just one dance; he instead did any and every step swing music inspired, mixing the styles and moves of Shag, Balboa, Bal-Swing, Lindy, and the numerous wild tricks he and his partner Patty Lacey could think up. He especially loved performing in contests and films. (For instance, Mad Youth)
He spent the later years of his life traveling the world as a special guest at swing dance events, and was always known for being kind, excited, and in good spirits.
I first heard the news at the International Lindy Hop Championships, an event that celebrates the music and dancing he spent his life doing and its influence across the world.
The final night, Nick Williams and I gave a tribute to Ray over the microphone, ending by urging that Ray was not the kind of guy who would want people sad over his passing. So we instead encouraged the dancers to pay tribute to him by rolling up their pant legs, getting out onto the floor, and dancing any and every step they felt inspired to do.
The next time you’re on a dance floor, take a moment to do the same. The smile on your face will match Ray’s.
Ray Hirsch went dancing home on August 29, 2015 to his wife Betty. He was born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1921 but it all began in Hollywood, dancing at the age of 12. Ray won the National Jitterbug Contest in 1938. He taught Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney and others to dance and did movies with them and various artists in early days of the big screen.
He fought as a Marine in WWII in the Pacific campaign, including the liberation of the Philippines and battles of Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal. After returning from the War, he did a few more movies in Hollywood before eloping with the love of his life of 67 years, Betty Biggs.
He has always entertained in a variety of venues- the St. Bernard Club, San Francisco Fashion Guild, and Mended Hearts since 1961. In 2008, he was inducted to the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame. He was the humorous and larksome type and had endless interesting stories to tell. Ray loved his wife, children, life, Big Band, dance and dogs.
Ray is survived by three children: Rae Dawn, Radley (Paula), Jana (Jim), granddaughter: Larisa, step-granddaughters: Kasey and Sara, and great-grandchildren: Vincent Jr., Autumn and Alyvia.
Hirsch was born on February 6, 1921 in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. He was an actor, known for Her First Romance (1940), Mad Youth (1939) and Music with Spice (2023). He died on August 29, 2015 in San Rafael, California, USA.
Actor
John Garfield, Beatrice Pearson, and Marie Windsor in Force
of Evil (1948)
Force of Evil
7.2
Newsboy (uncredited)
1948
John Carroll, Ruth Hussey, and Vera Ralston in I, Jane Doe
(1948)
I, Jane Doe
7.0
Newsboy (uncredited)
1948
Susan Hayward, Frances Farmer, Harry Carey, and Albert
Dekker in Among the Living (1941)
Among the Living
6.4
Jitterbug Dancer (uncredited)
1941
Her First Romance (1940)
Her First Romance
6.1
Student Butch
1940
Mad Youth (1939)
Mad Youth
5.0
Jitter Bug
1939
Arthur Lake, Larry Simms, and Penny Singleton in Blondie
Meets the Boss (1939)
Blondie Meets the Boss
6.7
Jitterbug Dancer (uncredited)
1939
Henry Gaston obit
Henry Gaston Obituary
He was not n the list.
Henry L. Gaston "Shane" CHARLOTTE - Mr. Henry L. Gaston" Shane" of Charlotte, passed on August 24, 2015. Service will be Saturday, August 29, 2015, at 1 p.m. with visitation at 12 noon at A. E. Grier & Sons Chapel located at 2310 Statesville Ave. A.E. Grier & Sons is entrusted to serve the Gaston family.
He was a member of the music group Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs.
Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs were an American doo-wop and rhythm & blues vocal group, active during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Originally The (Royal) Charms, the band changed its name to The Gladiolas in 1957 and The Excellos in 1958, before finally settling on The Zodiacs in 1959.
Maurice Williams was born 26 April 1938 in Lancaster, South Carolina. His first experience with music was in the church, where his mother and sister both performed. By the time he was six, Williams was performing regularly there. With his childhood friend Earl Gainey, Williams formed the gospel group The Junior Harmonizers. As rock and roll and doo-wop became their primary interest, the Junior Harmonizers changed their name to The Royal Charms.
In addition to Williams and Gainey, The Royal Charms were
made up of Willie Jones (baritone), William Massey (tenor, baritone, trumpet),
and Norman Wade (bass). In the winter of 1956, while still in high school,
Williams and his band traveled to Nashville, Tennessee to record for the
Excello record label. At the time they were going by the name 'The Royal
Charms,' but the founder of Excello Records, Ernie Young, convinced them to
change their name to 'The Gladiolas.' At the time, there were at least two
other bands using the same name.
The song "Little Darlin'" was a #11 hit on the R&B chart in 1957, but did not break the Billboard Hot 100's Top 40. However, when the song was covered by the Canadian group The Diamonds, it moved up to #2.
Williams finished high school and while on the road with the
band (after their station wagon broke down in Bluefield, West Virginia), the
band came across a small car known as "The Zodiac" and the band
changed their name. Shortly thereafter, Henry Gatson replaced Earl Gainey.
In the spring of 1959, Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs performed
at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina. Around that
time, the group split and reformed. The members were Williams, Gatson, Wiley
Bennett, and Charles Thomas. Later, Little Willie Morrow and Albert Hill were
added. One month later, in the early summer of 1959, the band recorded in a
Quonset Hut on Shakespeare Road in Columbia. The recording engineer, Homer
Fesperman, recorded several tracks that the band had hoped would fetch them a
hit. One of the last tracks that they recorded that day was "Stay," a
song that Williams had written a couple of weeks before.
After taking the demo of "Stay" to Al Silver at
Herald Records in New York City, the song was pressed and released in early
1960. "Stay" is the shortest recording ever to reach number one on
the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States (1:39, though the label read
1:50). Later versions of "Stay" by The Four Seasons (1964) and
Jackson Browne (1978) also reached the Top 20, each selling over one million
copies in the United States alone. The inclusion of "Stay" on the
soundtrack to the film Dirty Dancing in 1987 led to the song selling more
records than it had during its original release. At the end of 1963, British
band the Hollies covered "Stay", which gave the group their debut Top
Ten hit single in the UK, peaking at #8.
A 1961 recording by the group, "May I", also released by Herald Records became, over the years, another million selling record.
Williams continued recording, touring, and releasing music
through the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. He is still active on the music industry,
residing in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Williams was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2010.
Friday, August 28, 2015
Al Arbour obit
NHL Hall-Of-Fame Coach Al Arbour Dies At Age 82
He is third to Joel Quenneville for games coached in National Hockey League history and fifth all-time in wins, behind Scotty Bowman, Joel Quenneville, Ken Hitchcock and Barry Trotz.
Career statistics
Regular season and playoffs
Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
1949–50 Windsor
Spitfires OHA 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
1949–50 Detroit
Hettche IHL 33 14 8 22 10 3 0 0 0 4
1950–51 Windsor
Spitfires OHA 31 5 4 9 27 — — — — —
1951–52 Windsor
Spitfires OHA 55 7 12 19 86 — — — — —
1952–53 Windsor
Spitfires OHA 56 5 7 12 92 — — — — —
1952–53 Washington
Lions EAHL 4 0 2 2 0 — — — — —
1952–53 Edmonton
Flyers WHL 8 0 1 1 2 15 0 5 5 10
1953–54 Detroit
Red Wings NHL 36 0 1 1 18 — — — — —
1953–54 Sherbrooke
Saints QHL 19 1 3 4 24 2 0 0 0 2
1954–55 Edmonton
Flyers WHL 41 3 9 12 39 — — — — —
1954–55 Quebec
Aces QHL 20 4 5 9 55 4 0 0 0 2
1955–56 Edmonton
Flyers WHL 70 5 14 19 109 3 0 0 0 4
1955–56 Detroit
Red Wings NHL — — — — — 4 0 1 1 0
1956–57 Detroit
Red Wings NHL 44 1 6 7 38 5 0 0 0 6
1956–57 Edmonton
Flyers WHL 24 2 3 5 24 — — — — —
1957–58 Detroit
Red Wings NHL 69 1 6 7 104 4 0 1 1 4
1958–59 Chicago
Black Hawks NHL 70 2 10 12 86 6 1 2 3 26
1959–60 Chicago
Black Hawks NHL 57 1 5 6 66 4 0 0 0 4
1960–61 Chicago
Black Hawks NHL 53 3 2 5 40 7 0 0 0 2
1961–62 Toronto
Maple Leafs NHL 52 1 5 6 68 8 0 0 0 6
1962–63 Toronto
Maple Leafs NHL 4 1 0 1 4 — — — — —
1962–63 Rochester
Americans AHL 63 6 21 27 97 2 0 2 2 2
1963–64 Toronto
Maple Leafs NHL 6 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0
1963–64 Rochester
Americans AHL 60 3 19 22 62 2 1 0 1 0
1964–65 Rochester
Americans AHL 71 1 16 17 88 10 0 1 1 16
1964–65 Toronto
Maple Leafs NHL — — — — — 1 0 0 0 2
1965–66 Toronto
Maple Leafs NHL 4 0 1 1 2 — — — — —
1965–66 Rochester
Americans AHL 59 2 11 13 86 12 0 2 2 8
1966–67 Rochester
Americans AHL 71 3 19 22 48 13 0 1 1 16
1967–68 St.
Louis Blues NHL 74 1 10 11 50 14 0 3 3 10
1968–69 St.
Louis Blues NHL 67 1 6 7 50 12 0 0 0 10
1969–70 St.
Louis Blues NHL 68 0 3 3 85 14 0 1 1 16
1970–71 St.
Louis Blues NHL 22 0 2 2 6 6 0 0 0 6
NHL totals 626 12 58 70 617 86 1 8 9 92


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