Movies and TV - Ron Howard - A Tribute

Double-Oscar winning actor/director Ron Howard is one of those rare child actors that made it very good indeed.Howard started acting when he was just a little boy with the active encouragement of his father who was a part of the New York TV scene. When the TV business started to sag, the family packed up their 1952 Plymouth and resettled in California.Howard's career turned a corner when he landed the role of the "son" in "The Andy Griffith Show." He was just 6 years old.As a young man in his twenties he had the foresight and c ourage to leave the prestigious USC fim school not to miss the "Richie" part in Gary Marshall 's "Happy Days" opposite Henry Winkler's "Fonz." The show was a tremendous hit and Ron Howard never looked back.Next step in his evolution as a Hollywood great was Roger Corman's workshop."I did not not graduate from USC but graduated from Roger Corman school," is how Howard put it in an AMC documentary aired to honor his wonderful and inspiring career."Grand Theft Auto" was a concept Howard developed with his father years ago but they could never find a chance to produce it. Then one day Corman said if he and his dad could come up with the story he would allow them to direct it as well. "It was the fastest screen green-light I had ever," Howard reminisced years later.In "Skyward (1980)," his first drama as a director, he directed Betty Davis, one of Hollywood's more difficult actors, he survived the experience and got stronger for it.That was followed by such memorable films as "Co coon," "Backdraft," "A Beautiful Mind," "Cinderella Man," "Apollo 13," and his latest at this writing: "Frost/Nixon."Ron Howard - we movie fans salute you, your talent and your vision. Your career is nowhere near but we still say: thanks for the memories.

Famous People From Little Rock, Arkansas

There were many people that were either born or raised in Little Rock Arkansas that become famous for writing books. Others became a famous actor or actress playing in popular movies and other television programs. Joey Lauren Adams is one of them, an actress born in Little Rock who played a role as Bud Bundy's girlfriend in Married with Children, she also played in Chasing Amy, Cone heads, Second Noah, Mallrats and Hercules. Julie Adams was an actress raised in Little Rock Arkansas who played in the television series Murder She Wrote. She also appeared in various movies over the years. Gilbert Maxwell Anderson born in Little Rock played in western movies such as The Great Train Robbery. Frank Bonner was a director and actor born in Little Rock. He played as Herb Tarlek in the television series WKRP in Cincinnati. He also played parts in television series like Night Court and Newhart.Other famous people from Little Rock Arkansas were Gail Davis who was born in Little Rock. She was known to people as Annie Oakley on television. She played in other shows such as The Andy Griffith Show and The Bob Hope Special. Al Hibbler who was born in Little Rock was a popular baritone singer who rose to fame with the Duke Ellington band. He had been blind since birth and went on to sing with local bands. In 1955 he recorded the hit Unchained Melody along with other hits. Wayland Holyfield is from Little Rock Arkansas and is a songwriter for recording artist such as Don Williams and Waylon Jennings. George Newbern is a native of Little Rock and starred in television series like the Boys are Back and went on to star in movies like Adventures in Babysitting and Father of the Bride. He is starring on the television series Providence at the current time.Fred Graham a Little Rock native was a CBS news correspondent and covered the Watergate and Agnew scandal. He was the author of two books one being The Self Inflicted Wound and the other being The Alias Program. John Gould Fletcher was born in Little Rock and was the first southern poet to get the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry. He was respected as a critic and prose writer. These were just some of the famous people that came from Little Rock Arkansas making a career in film or as writers.

5 Fun Things To Do On An Elevator

Technology is an amazing thing, isn't it? Just look at the advances technology has made over the years. We have picture within a picture television, which is good if you can focus on more than one thing at a time - like a fly. There are airbags in our cars to prevent us from injury, unless, of course, a sharp piece of metal punctures the airbag, during the crash, causing it to deflate and sending the steering wheel column out the back of your head. And there's the elevator. Many jokes have been written about the elevator, like, "The stock market has been up and down more than an elevator." Or, uh, okay, maybe that's the only joke.Some elevators feature security cameras, many have digital floor readings and some are even voice activated. "Thirty-ninth floor. Please watch your step." I can only imagine that it will be just a matter of time before elevators, in tall buildings, will be featuring stewards handing out meals and showing in-flight movies. "Today's prese ntation will be 'The Towering Inferno.'"One thing that hasn't changed about the elevator is Elevator Etiquette. People will get on an elevator, like voiceless mannequins, staring up at the numbers of the floors as they pass by and hoping that someone in the elevator doesn't speak to them.Has Society become that rigid that we're afraid that someone is going to speak to us in an elevator? I say, "Yes." I also say, "Lighten up." We're all on this crazy planet together, so why not be a little less rigid and a little more pleasant? That's why I've developed the "Carl Megill Handbook of Elevator Etiquette in the New Millennium." Here are some fun things you can do on your next elevator ride.1. Even if you are spoken to on an elevator, most elevator trips are only about thirty seconds long. It's not likely you are going to develop some lifelong relationship with that person. And, what topic would you most likely be discussing? The effects of American involvement in the Mid dle East? I don't think so. Most likely, you'll be discussing the age old favorite - the weather. Here's a simple conversation even you could initiate:You: Nice day out there.Them: Beautiful.You: May rain tomorrow.Them: I hope not.You: Well, this is my floor.Them: Have a nice day.You: Take care.Almost nauseating, isn't it? But, a real no-brainer. You've been courteous, informative and, yet, no threat of any future involvement with that person.2. If you would like to make the conversation a little less impersonal and perhaps even get you a laugh, you can say something like, "Isn't it amazing that this elevator was made by the same guy who used to get drunk on Saturday nights and would lock himself up in the jail on 'The Andy Griffith Show?'"3. If you're feeling daring the next time you are on a crowded elevator, get a sing-a-long going with the music being piped in from WDUL. Of course, it will be necessary for you to know the words to "Tie A Yellow Ribbon", "Somewhere My Love" and "Muskrat Love."4. If you're really feeling daring, call the radio station from the handy, emergency telephone that the elevator supplies and have them dedicate a song to the group on the elevator. "Alright, this is Bobby Boring on WDUL dedicating the next number to those wacky folks on Elevator Number Three, in the Hitchcock Building. Here you go guys, it's the Fifth Dimension and 'Up, Up And Away.'"5. Speaking of using the telephone, if everyone on the elevator has the time, hit the Emergency Button and let everyon e have a chance to call someone and ask them if their refrigerator is running. It will loosen things up and make for a memorable ride for everyone.If you follow these suggestions, this should make for a less rigid Society and a lot more fun for all. (Incidentally, if the building custodian should complain about the misuse of the elevator, the next time, use the emergency telephone to have a dozen pizzas sent to his house.)

Suppress Those Stereotypes - Cure Your "Hardening of the Categories"

A few months after the infamous 9/11 disaster in New York City, I was directing a communication training seminar in New York for a major sporting goods company. I asked the group for examples of how stereotypes-our preconceived opinions about people, based more on assumptions than facts-had impacted their communication recently. One participant said:"Shortly after the World Trade Center disaster, our hunting lodge got a request to host a two-day shoot for people whose names reflected mid-Eastern origins. We were quite suspicious, even fearful. Did they want to improve their marksmanship so they could destroy Americans? Were we in danger ourselves? Yet when the group arrived, we saw right away that they were well mannered, exceptionally cooperative. In fact, they became some of the most pleasant guests we ever hosted. Soon, nothing about them frightened us. We discovered that our stereotypes were unfair and misleading."Have you ever felt that you were a victim of stereotyp ing? As women have moved into managerial posts, they have referred to a "glass ceiling"-the barrier to greater advancement because of the stereotype which questions their ability to handle leadership responsibilities at the highest levels. Out of those rigid expectations have emerged comments like these: "But what if her child gets sick?" and "Will she have enough emotional stability when the going gets tough?" or "I'm not sure the men will want to report to her."Many professional people who live in the southern region of the Unites States experience stereotypes when they travel elsewhere. You have to break through the exaggerated, obsolete images of the South created by Hee Haw, Dukes of Hazard, the Andy Griffith Show, Gomer Pyle, and other television programs. Uninformed people who accept those perceptions almost expect you to show up barefooted, use terrible grammar, and be totally uninformed about manners, business and national affairs.Throughout my childhood, I had to fight the stereotype that came with being an identical twin. Because my brother Ben and I looked alike, people-even family members-concluded that we would have identical opinions on every topic, and that we wanted to do the same things. Those notions were way off base. Even today, although we share some interests and ideas, our differences out weigh our similarities.To subdue stereotypes-both in yourself and in others-and clear the way for fair and productive communication, I recommend these steps:" Identify the stereotypes that ha ve marred your judgment, such as "All athletes are poor students" and "All wealthy people are selfish and greedy."" Look for exceptions to your stereotypes. You will find brilliant athletes and you'll meet rich people who support philanthropic causes." Eliminate harmful words and phrases from your vocabulary, such as "Every" and "That's just like a . . ."" Challenge stereotypes people express about others. Example: Someone says, "All bosses are just out for themselves." You reply, "That may be true in some cases. But my supervisor makes sure that everybody on his team enjoys an equal opportunity to get promoted."" Challenge categories people assign you to automatically. Suggest politely, "You're mistaken in your opinion about me. Let me tell you why." With tact and goodwill, you and I can resist accepting the labels we don't fit. We'll win respect, and we will pave the way for unblemished communication.When I shared these thoughts with Joe Pinner, a prominent South Carolina television broadcaster, he sent me this wonderful reply: "We are so often and so quick to lump, generalize and paint all with the same brush. Sometimes, in a fit of stupidity, I am guilty of the same-and thank God I stop and realize how devastating that stupidity is, especially when I joyously see an African-American, a Jew, a Muslim, or even a Baptist (being Methodist) friend of mine or someone I admire, and do not see race or creed, but feel absolute friendship, admiration or even love. People who are mired in hatred and prejudice are dangerous and to be pitied."

I Love You, You Love Me

Why is it that every time I go to the grocery store I get in line behind this rather large woman with four small kids and two buggies of groceries and a clenched fistful of coupons? And why is it that half of the things she's buying require a price check? This happens to me all the time and I swear it's always the same woman. I just thank God that the grocery store had the foresight to put all the tabloids there for me to read while I'm waiting. I guess I should thank that woman, too. If it wasn't for her I'd have no idea what was happening in the world.Take the other day, for example. There I was, standing in line like always, waiting for the bag boy to get a price on the woman's six pack of SlimFast. I scanned the tabloid headlines before me, looking for something interesting to read. The one about Elvis showing up at a Detroit McDonald's demanding to know why in hell they did away with the Arch Deluxe did not peak my interest in the least. The story about Pamela Anders on Lee's left breast melting in the hot sun during the shooting of a Baywatch episode just made me yawn. And the story about Ellen DeGeneres dating RuPaul just made me nauseous. Why can't these people just make up their minds?Then, the headline across the front of the National Excretioner caught my eye: FEATHERS FLY AS COSTUMED CELEBS GO TO WAR! THE DIRTY DETAILS INSIDE!As luck would have it, the rather large woman finished checking out and I had to move along before getting to read the story for free. Generally, I have a rule about wasting my hard-earned dollar on trash, but this was trash I had to have. I had to read the dirty details!What was the Excretioner headline talking about? Why, the feud between Barney the Dinosaur (hereafter referred to as "plaintiff") and The Famous San Diego Chicken (hereafter referred to as "defendant") of course. These two high energy, high profile celebs are going at each other like constipated pitbulls on crack, slinging mud and styrofoam, calling names, making threats. This is the kind of story tabloid editors live for. This is a movie of the week in the making. This is a Court TV special with a gallery filled with Muppets!According to the Excretioner, lawyers for Barney (a dinosaur so popular he needs only one name) have filed a copyright and trademark infringement suit against The Famous Chicken for "ridiculing and assaulting a Barney-like character during performances at sporting events across the country.""In his act, The Chicken punches, flips, stands on and otherwise assaults a putative Barney," an attorney representing Barney reportedly said. "That's just not nice." The suit further claims that The Chicken's antics have caused irreparable damage to Barney's wholesome image, effectively making him the Marv Albert of the Jurassic set."Barney worries that his younger fans will be unable to distinguish between the fake Barney that The Chicken assaults during his act and the real thing," the attorney went o n to say. "This could be emotionally devastating to them."The real thing? Emotionally devastating? I just hope the little rugrats never find out Barney is really just some sweaty guy in a big, purple suit. It could mean years of therapy!Ken Fitzgerald, legal counsel for The Famous Chicken, said his client's act is just a parody and the Great Purple One doesn't have a prehistoric leg to stand on. "This is clearly a case of costume envy. I've got two words for Barney: fossil fuel."When asked to comment, the eternally jovial Barney just giggled and waved an underdeveloped arm through the air. "This is just a little misunderstanding between friends. I love The Chicken. In fact, if he were here right now, I'd give him a great, big hug and say, I love you!"In a related case, Don Knotts, the actor who played Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show, is contemplating legal action of his own. "I am the original Barney," Knotts has told reporters. "If one more kid asks me to sing that stupid 'I Love You' song I'm gonna scream!"I'll keep you posted as things develop in the case. In the meantime, if you happen to be at the grocery store and you see a rather large woman with four small kids and two buggies of groceries and a clenched fistful of coupons, you tell her Tim Knox says hi.

A Beautiful Mind (Movie Review)

Nominated for eight Academy Awards, and winner of four Oscars including Best Picture, A Beautiful Mind is one of the premier dramas of the decade. The brainchild of popular director Ron Howard (Opie from The Andy Griffith Show), A Beautiful Mind debuted to widespread critical acclaim due to the depth of its screenplay, the brilliant performances of Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly, and the in-depth portrayal of a victim of mental illness. Based on the true story of John Nash, a schizophrenic mathematical genius who overcame his illness and went on to win the prestigious Nobel Prize for his "Game Theory," A Beautiful Mind is one of the best films of the decade...A young mathematical genius, John Nash (Russell Crowe) enjoys the early success of a budding career in academia. Able to complete mathematical formulas that baffle many of the greatest minds of his time, a young Nash stands on the brink of profound discovery with a limitless future and seemingly inevitable fame at his doorstep. Meeting a beautiful girl at an evening party, Alicia (Jennifer Connelly) would later become Nash's wife. The two seem destined for a life of bliss. But Nash's problems were not confined to the mathematical arena...Suffering from schizophrenia, Nash develops an acute sense of paranoia, decoding encrypted non-existent Soviet spy messages from comic books and newspaper advertisements. The reality in which he lives does not exist, and it threatens to tear apart his marriage, his career, and the very life which he hold s dear... Can Nash overcome his debilitating disease and pursue the course of excellence to which he once seemed destined? The cast and crew of A Beautiful Mind allow us to see a whole new world through the eyes of suffering genius...Russell Crowe's follow up performance to smash hits LA Confidential and Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind is an unbelievable journey into one man's reality. Russell Crowe's brilliant portrayal of the schizophrenic Nash and Jennifer Connelly's standout performance as the woman who loved him form an onscreen synergy that continually drives the screenplay of A Beautiful Mind. Exhibiting quality direction from Ron Howard, the film stands as an eternal testament to the beauty of the human mind and the durability of the human spirit to overcome obstacles and shine at its brightest.A fascinating film which successfully blurs the lines between John Nash's imagination and the world of reality, A Beautiful Mind vividly illustrates one man's struggle against gre at odds. As Nash's paranoia and hallucinations collude to blot out the genius of a beautiful mind, the power of the human spirit rallies to great heights - achieving a Nobel Prize and even the immortalization of one's own life in film! Nash should be lauded for his triumph against a paralyzing disease, and Ron Howard should be praised for delivering a cinematic masterpiece that shows us the true beauty of one man's plight. For these reasons and more, A Beautiful Mind is definite must-see film - perhaps one of the fifty best films of all time...

The Meaning of Family

It has been many years since we have experienced the true meaning of family in the media. Years ago there were television programs that offered however so gently, honest, home grown values, beliefs and characters so true you felt like they were family. What happen to the days of watching sincere people, portray honorable characters and live humble lives? Is it old fashion to still enjoy the Andy Griffith Show, the Waltons, and the Cosby Show?Deep inside most people there is a profound desire to hold on to the safe security t hat accompanies knowing nice, sweet, caring, none threatening people, even if they are only on television.This may be why Oprah remains cherished in the hearts and minds of her viewers after twenty years. She is as Dr. Phil would say, "a soft place to fall" despite that fact we must experience her via the "idiot box" as my dad once called it.What we see most in those television programs is that innocent sense of togetherness, dare I say that sense of family. Dictionary.com first defines family as "a fundamental social group in society typically consisting of one or two parents and their children."It is the second definition that is perhaps more accurate however, defining a family as "two or more people who share goals and values, have long-term commitments to one another, and reside usually in the same dwelling place."Is a grandmother living with her adult son and her drug addicted daughter's three children a family? Definition number one would say no, but definition numb er two would agree unequivocally. In fact we can take the definition one step further and say a family is "two or more people who share goals and values, have long-term commitments to one another, may reside usually in the same dwelling place and believe that the spirit and meaning of family exist through good times and bad."A real family fights and makes up, argues and agrees to disagree and loves unconditionally. As we step into 2006 remember that you define your family every day by your actions, your words, your belief and your unconditional love or lack of. The Chinese called the year 2006 the Year of the Dog, I propose to call it the year of the family and ask that we begin to invest, build and commit to developing loving caring families. Nothing beats a failure but a try. Let's try.