Winston Churchill : Birthday Today

Today marks the birthday of Winston Churchill. Born in 1874. When I think of England the Beatles come to mind or the BBC or James Bond. So why do I bring up Sir Winston. Perhaps it stems from a simple fact that modern politics is so often a race to the bottom. Bad mouthing the poor for fun , profit and political advantage is so common a theme in American politics as an example. Where is the thinking behind a great or important decision. Probably does not poll well to seem to smart in a campaign , dim witted , gets more votes , atleast it appears that way in America and maybe even places like London. So for a man who had a difficult time in school , Winston thanks for continuing to learn and make those difficult decisions. It really matters. Also thanks for that great quote.....never give up , never ever ever ever give up.

Beware the Sign of The Saint ....He Will Be Back

A few months ago I published a blog talking about the new The Saint series that seemed on the horizon. Well since I have received my second highest # of hits on this blog I wish to add an update. The production has been delayed , reworking of scripts , a financing problem which has been resolved from what I understand. Not sure if James Purefoy is on board still but all actors are replaceable. Anyway , my SAG actress daughter tells me from what she knows there is interest from multiple outlets. So........patience I believe will be rewarded in the end for fans of this venue. With a number of talented people working on it a retelling of the Templar tales will be forthcoming.

The Comfort in 007

I am recovering from recent surgery so I have read a great deal in the past week or so. Carte Blanche , the newest James Bond novel has been a favorite. It has also been reported that the new Bond movie , Skyfall , has started filming. 007 has been there all my life for all intents and purposes. From the books to the films a reasonably steady flow , from my early years to my high school years and beyond. From the cold war to various smaller hot wars , political upheaval , social upheaval , weddings , funerals , graduations , careers......life. The number of dates I took young ladies to see a Bond flick , the number of times I watched Connery or Brosnan say Bond .....James Bond. It has been a steady adventure and I find it in an odd way.....comforting........something that has not gone the way of say vinyl records. My past self and my older being merge and I enjoy that. The continuity some of us need. Keeps me a younger man I guess.

The Word Hippies

I wish to say quite simply but firmly that I am sick of people especially news people using the word HIPPY ! Hippies have not really been around since appx circa 1967 or 1968. They evolved or devolved long ago. Most young people who use the term do not really know what a Hippy really was and adults who use it are generally using it a term of derision. So......Owen Bennett Jones of the BBC or Brian Williams of NBC and everyone else in between find another term......it is a vague , rather useless term.