Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Bob Hope Wasn't The Only One Who Used Idiot Cards

When Bob Hope moved into television, he lost the opportunity to hold his script in his hand , something he had gotten used to working in radio. The presentation would look too stiff to his audience. He tried to memorize his monologues, but that proved to be too cumbersome of a task and it took away from his golf game. The solution was cue cards, or idiot cards as they are known in the industry.. . .

Bob Hope Stories

Once when he was a little boy in England, Leslie Hope (He later renamed himself Bob after a race car driver he idolized) wanted to pick an apple off a tree. Symbolic of his career, he didn't want just any apple but the highest one possible. He lost his balance, fell and permanently changed the shape of his nose. His big break in Hollywood was getting the part Jack Benny turned down in the Param. . .

Hungry For Overkill

I don't have much time to watch television. Being the lazy person that I am, I usually let other people in the family do my watching for me. But some events are just so important that I have to watch them myself. Such was the case with the finals of this year's American Idol. The space shuttle Columbia crash in Texas earlier in the year was another event that (sadly) I just had to watch. A. . .

Pretty Women Have Stayed At The Beverly Wilshire

Since it was built in 1929, The Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel has attracted rich and famous guests from around the world. To the general public the hotel is most famous for being used in the 1990 movie Pretty Woman. They have disappointed thousands of people by turning down requests from around the world who would like to stay in the same suite that Julia Roberts and Richard Gere had in the mov. . .

Do You Know Who I Am?

One dilemma that the super famous face is balancing the needs of privacy and recognition. One time in New York an unnoticed Marilyn Monroe was walking down Madison Avenue accompanied by Eli Wallach. " My God, don't these people know who you are?" Wallach asked her. Marilyn, whose application of make-up took nearly as long Boris Karloff''s Frankenstein Monster, grinned at him. "I'm only recogniz. . .

A Miraculous Movie

It was originally called The Big Heart. Daryl Zanuck the shrewd head of Twentieth Century Fox couldn't buy the image of Santa Claus in a court room. But like so many ventures Miracle On 34th Street (1947) came about because of passion, in this case that of Director George Seaton who had gone to New York on his own and made arrangements with the real Mr. Macy and Mr. Gimbel to film inside their . . .

Tales Of The Warner Brothers

The four Warner Brothers, which included the womanizing Jack, the conservative Harry, the quiet Albert and the visionary Sam, had risen from obscurity with The Jazz Singer (1927) the first famous and financially successful talking movie ever made. Tragically, Sam Warner, the real brains behind the whole project, died of a brain tumor two days before The Jazz Singer's debut. Jack was thrilled by. . .

Tales Of Hollywood And Politics

Arnold Schwarzenegger's surprise announcement that he was seeking the California Governorship brought to mind the many times Hollywood figures have been involved in politics. Here are some related anecdotes: When actors first came to Hollywood there were signs put up in front of hotels and apartments that said no dogs or actors allowed, with the performers ruefully complaining about not getting. . .

Tales Of A Hollywood Tour Guide

Author/Narrator Stephen Schochet researched Hollywood and Disney stories and lore for 10 years while giving tours of Hollywood. He had the unique idea the stories could be told anywhere and that's what led him to create the critically acclaimed audiobooks "Fascinating Walt Disney" and "Tales Of Hollywood". Here he shares some stories that happened while he was actually giving tours: On one tour. . .

Titanic Anecdotes

Studio executives in High Concept Hollywood have very short attention spans. When pitching a film idea, many believe if you can't do it in one sentence it is an unmarketable product. For example Planet Of the Apes (1968) starring Charlton Heston was pitched by producer Arthur Jacobs as "Moses Talks To Monkeys". Passenger 57( 1992) with Wesley Snipes was known as "Diehard On a Plane." Director J. . .

The Warner Brothers Make Noise

Hollywood was an attractive place for the early filmmakers to settle, full of good weather, orange and lemon trees. For producers who owed money on borrowed camera equipment if a creditor came after them, they could hide among the trees. It was a hard business full of causalities and took a pirate's mentality to survive. Most of the studio heads were from poor backgrounds, with limited English . . .

Ten Percent Of Jimmy Stewart

Jimmy Stewart was seen one night in 1933 in New York performing on stage as a female impersonator by an MGM talent scout. He was signed to a contract to come to California to work for the prestigious studio. Studio Head Louis B. Mayer expressed doubt when he first saw him,"He's so skinny! A beanpole." Efforts were made to put weight on him, the 133 pound actor was constantly sharing butterfinge. . .

It's A Wonderful Movie

It's A Wonderful Life (1946) began as a short story called "The Greatest Gift". Writer Philip Van Doren Stern was unable to sell it to a publisher, so he sent the tale out as a long Christmas card to friends. His agent subsequently sold the fable to RKO pictures, where it went through several transformations. In one version a losing political candidate contemplated suicide, only to have an an. . .

Fond Memories And A Common Sense Approach To Living In Mo...

For me, living in Morelia was a very rewarding experience. It was certainly far different than what I had been used to in the United States. When I went there in 1997, technology existed, however, technicians were at times limited in their knowledge compared to their counterparts in the United States. Therefore, on occasion, computer equipment did not work as well as what I had been accustomed . . .

Silent Macau

A failed or neglected city springs to mind when walking around Macau during the day time. Around the outskirts of the Islands the doors of modern buildings never seem to open. Hotel restaurants tend to sole customers with reluctance: public gardens remain empty except for the lone tramp rooting around in the bins, roads remain unsullied with tyre tracks and the silence is loud all around. Insid. . .

The Singapore Taxi

Fast, easy and efficient could describe life in Singapore. You don’t stroll along the streets in a world of your own with time to spare and you definitely do not walk when a taxi is waiting nearby. Life in Singapore is geared towards the making of money and any spare moment given is put to that task. So if one should need to get to work or get to the office, go shopping or attend the cinema (be. . .

Travel Doctor Q&A

Dr. Suni BorastonVancouver, BCQ: I am going on a vacation to Mexico and have been told that you cannot eat or drink anything without being affected by Montezuma's Revenge. Is this true and is it worth going if I am going to be sick for the entire trip?Signed: "questioning my vacation choice"A: There is no reason to question your trip; you simply have to be a smart traveller. Travellers' Diarrhe. . .

Vacationers… Did you know?

(NC)—The long-awaited vacations of 1.3 million Canadians may be ruined every year by Travellers' Diarrhea, also referred to as Montezuma's Revenge. While rarely life threatening, Travellers' Diarrhea has a way of disrupting a perfectly planned vacation by keeping you running to the bathroom or even stuck in bed.To make sure your vacation is as wonderful as can be, travellers to Mexico, the Cari. . .

You Don't Need To Fear Montezuma

By: Dr. Suni Boraston, Vancouver, Travel Medicine Specialist(NC)—Emporiatic enteritis, Rangoon runs, Maladie de la Mer Rouge, Aden gut, Aztec two-step, Montezuma's revenge…I learned the definition of all of these terms when I was on vacation in Mexico. As a doctor, I am always very careful with what I eat and drink while travelling. I took all of the necessary precautions — drank bottled water,. . .

Flights Of Fancy: An Air Of Gratitude

Feeling cranky about air travel? Get a grip. Not on the arm of your passenger seat--on reality, history, and the incredible accomplishment of human flight. We've just celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers' historic flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Although there werecertainly others who were experimenting with flying machines--most notably, Alberto Santos-Dumont, a Brazil. . .

Strange Encounters With Hollywood Legends

Meeting famous people is often a surreal experience for both parties. In 1956 when Elvis Presley arrived in Hollywood he and his entourage stayed at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. One day he got into the elevator. "What floor?" asked the operator. "Tenth please." The operator looked at him with disdain. "You can't go up to the tenth floor. Elvis is staying there. No one is allowed there. . .

When Stars Collide

During the silent era it was thought a waste of money to make a movie with more than one star. Personalities like Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd and Buster Keaton were considered potent enough box office on their own. But with dwindling attendance during the great depression MGM decided to feature Hollywood's first all star ensemble cast in Grand Hotel (1932) starring the mammoth egos of Joan Cr. . .

Who Lives In The Star Wars Galaxy?

It's hard to say where old Hollywood ended and new Hollywood began. People in the industry don't think of themselves as making history, they are just going to work. But the day in 1967 that Jack Warner cleaned out his desk at Warner Bros. studio, George Lucas and Frances Ford Coppola arrived on the lot. The two young filmmakers were very different in demeanor. Coppola a legend at UCLA film scho. . .

Amazon Expeditions with Time Magazine “Hero of the Planet...

The Amazonat Jungle Lodge is offering in addition to her standard programming combined land/water expeditions in which the guests will stay part of the time at the lodge and part of the time in a regional boat.In addition the Lodge is working exclusively with the worldwide re-known primatologist (Time Magazine; “Hero of the Planet Year 2000”) Dr. Marc van Roosmalen.Dr. van Roosmalen, discoverer. . .

Amazon Lodges

Amazon Lodges I had always been told that if you wanted to see wildlife do not go to the Amazon. That the jungle was so dense that you could never see the wildlife and that the wildlife was mostly nocturnal. Well, I recently decided to venture into the Jungle, after a conference in Manaus, and was pleasantly surprised. I spent 2 days at the Uacari lodge and saw more wildlife than I had ever in . . .

Masters Of Disguise

Gene Hackman once lamented that the worst thing about becoming a famous actor is that you lose the ability to observe people without being noticed yourself. But some performers are so good at disguises that notoriety is no obstacle. A case in point was John Barrymore trying to buy his first house in Beverly Hills in 1926. Frustrated by rising real estate prices due to stars like Tom Mix and . . .

Travel Answers

(NC)-Here are the answers to this season's most frequently asked questions:Internet IssuesQ: Am I missing something if I don't use the Internet to research and book my vacation?- Peter T., WinnipegA: Opinions on this vary widely, so let's start with researching. The Internet is one of the easiest ways research destinations and it makes planning a breeze. Paying money over the Internet is the la. . .

It Is Smoke Free In This Paradise : Take A Caribbean Crui...

(NC)-Would a "smoke-free casino" be an oxymoron?Until recently, I might have bet good money on that, considering it's a pretty rare occasion when one can enjoy a cocktail in a smoke-free bar, nightclub or lounge - let alone in a casino where all around the world gambling and nicotine just naturally go together. But here's the exception:A policy of "no cigarettes, no cigars, no ashtrays, and no . . .

Traveler CheckList

The following is a List that I have gathered through years of experience and research. They don't neccessarily apply to an Outdoor Adventurer. You Pick and choose your priorities according to your destination and the length of your stay. Visit http://www.thecampingguide.com for more information and the necessary gear for your trip.Gear Essentials Day Pack (X) Flashlight . . .

Ten "Travel" Commandments

I. Thou shalt pack HALF the clothes you want.II. Thou shalt take TWICE the money you will need.III. Thou shalt pack an abundance of Patience.IV. Thou shalt NOT count calories, especially on cruises.V. Your extra large luggage shalt have wheels.VI. Thou shalt NOT feel guilty if you don’t write and mail postcards until after you return home.VII. Thou shalt pack a little Caution.VIII. Thou shalt p. . .

Borneo - Exotic Island Paradise

SABAH is Malaysia's premier nature adventure destination situated in the northern tip of Borneo Island, the third largest island in the world. Sabah is popular for its wildlife conservation attractions, rain forest, surrounding nature and islands, beach resorts, tropical white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and its warm and friendly people. If you are thinking of visiting Borneo, these pl. . .

Vegas and the Ride of a Lifetime

Most people envision Las Vegas as one big casino. Admittedly I was one of them, until I undertook the ride of a lifetime. Imagine soaring hundreds of feet above canyons of red and orange, walking over rocks that been sculpted by mother nature herself and floating down a river of dreams. These are the images that I will carry with me forever when I think of Las Vegas, Nevada.After taking a break. . .

Happy Trails for a Stress-Free Year

Finding happiness is easier than you might think. Happiness is all around us, and all we have to do is hop in the car and hit the road to find it. Actually, there is more to true happiness than just jumping in the car, but for many people, self-actualization does involve discovering new places, new cultures, beautiful nature and secret little hideaways. Kathleen Walls, publisher of American Roa. . .

Healthy and Happy Feet While Travelling - A Travel Expert...

(NC)-Whether hiking in Canada's Rocky Mountains or admiring art at the Musée du Louvre in Paris, travelling takes its toll on the feet, and sore feet can ruin the pleasure of a vacation. Toby Saltzman is a freelance travel writer and editor and publisher of the travel website, www.travelterrific.com. Her globe-trotting job takes her to destinations around the world and requires her to spend cou. . .

Florida Is The Mythical Endless Summer

(NC)-A complete break from routine - with guaranteed sunshine, sand and surf - is the only way to get a genuine taste of the mythical endless summer.During July and August when the kids are at loose ends, when the corporate world finally slows down and our pace of life allows a little more time for relaxation, consider exploring a lot more of Florida at your leisure - and for as long as you lik. . .

Keeping Feet One Step Ahead

(NC)-Foot care is essential, even for those vacationers relaxing at beaches and resorts. If taking the occasional walk on the beach or a leisurely swim in the ocean is the extent of your vacation activity, be sure to listen to your feet. Toby Saltzman is a freelance travel writer and editor and publisher of the travel website, www.travelterrific.com. The following footcare tips are Toby Saltzma. . .

The Witches' Market

"Son para dinero y trabajo," the plump little witch raises the talismans to eye level. "Con estos tu tendras buena suerte." Magic talismans for money and jobs? Do they work? Of course not, but I need all the luck I can get, so I purchase the talismans for five Bolivianos. Darn cheap if they'll do as claimed. Depositing the new toys in my leather shoulder bag I continue down the street, with . . .

Summer Traveller Checklist

(NC)-If you're going to hit the road this summer, it pays to plan ahead. Long trips by car can be exhausting if you don't take precautions. St. John Ambulance, Canada's leader in safety-oriented™ first aid training and high quality products, offers this Traveller's Checklist to help ensure you get there safely.Is your vehicle up to the journey?Check:Tires and air pressure;Fluid levels;Lig. . .

Houseboats Give Us The Freedom To Explore

(NC)-Ask those who do it. Most people say it is a very special kind of freedom to cruise this continent's most beautiful inland water routes in their own private family houseboat.The 386-kilometre Trent-Severn Waterway of Ontario for example is a National Historic Site illustrating an extraordinary engineering feat of 36 conventional locks, a boat railway, and two of the highest hydraulic lift . . .

Discover the Llyn Peninsula

Stretching from the peak of Snowdon to Bardsey Island (or Ynys Enlli - the Island of the Tides), the Llyn Peninsula is a unique and beautiful part of North Wales, renown for its natural charm and mild climate. So spectacular is its coastline that many thousands of acres have been protected by the National Trust, and vast tracts of land have been designated Areas of Special Scientific Interest. . . .

The Sights, Sounds, and People of Morelia, Mexico

As the sun set on my first evening in Morelia, I found myself reflecting on the day’s events and my initial impressions of this old colonial style city that would be my home for the next several months. After arriving by air into Guadalajara, my bus trip from there to Morelia with Primera Plus, one of Mexico’s first class bus systems, had taken about three or three and one-half hours over the f. . .

Living Like A Native In Morelia, Mexico

The beautiful, rustic, old, colonial city of Morelia is situated about halfway in between Guadalajara and Mexico City and has a thriving population of around 1,000,000 people. It has everything from historical buildings and monuments to modern-day conveniences, shopping centers, restaurants, movie houses, universities and colleges, etc. What makes Morelia special, though, is its people. Their b. . .

Newsletter from East Africa August 2003

Newsletter from East Africa August 2003KQ direct service to Cape TownKenya Airways plans direct flights between Nairobi and Cape Town from 1st October 2003. The flight will be operated Wednesday and Fridays. The Cape Town flight will connect conveniently with the Hong Kong and Bangkok service.A Wedding Out Of AfricaKenya has always brought out the romantic in its overseas visitors, from the day. . .

Shearling Coat Care

Shearling coats and jackets are easy to take care of, although you do have to keep in mind a few things to avoid accidental damage to them. Here's our care guide.If your shearling jacket gets wet, let the coat dry naturally. Don't place by a fire or other high heat source. Heat can dry out the natural oils in the hides.Do not wash your shearling coat or jacket in a washing machine or put in a. . .

Europe's New Jews

They inhabit self-imposed ghettoes, subject to derision and worse, the perennial targets of far-right thugs and populist politicians of all persuasions. They are mostly confined to menial jobs. They are accused of spreading crime, terrorism and disease, of being backward and violent, of refusing to fit in.Their religion, atavistic and rigid, insists on ritual slaughter and male circumcision. Th. . .

Chile, The Ultimate Adventure

I’ve written a great deal on Chile but I’ve for the most part concentrated on Santiago and the major outlying areas. In this article I’ll concentrate more on the beach and coastal areas.I frequent these areas just about every single weekend and had, for a time, planned on building my cottage near the coastal areas. I can say there’s still a great deal of readily available land for purchase in t. . .

Eight Great Tips For The Adventure Traveler

1. Embrace the place. Be sure to explore around the corners, go into the one of kind shops and meet the locals. Find out where the towns folk go for coffee and the newspaper in the morning and join them. DON'T have breakfast at the hotel.2. Plan a trip with a theme and find an expert in that field to give you advise. For example an archeology trip, a wildlife safari, or a trip to discover local. . .

Travellers: Make Your Health Policy Work For You

(NC)—The purchase of travel health insurance is a sensible idea for anyone taking trips outside Canada. If you get sick unexpectedly or have an accident while you are away, the health services in other countries are generally much more costly than those which OHIP covers. When buying your insurance however, it is important to take all the time needed to fully understand the coverage as well as . . .

Travel Health Insurance: Reimbursement Depends On Followi...

(NC)—Travelling, whether for business or pleasure, involves risk. A personal emergency may necessitate an early return, or you may need hospital treatment or air evacuation due to a medical problem. Travellers should be aware that the Ontario government health plan (OHIP) is rarely enough when it comes to medical treatment outside the country, so without supplementary insurance during an emerge. . .

Travel Health Insurance: Know Your Coverage Before An Eme...

(NC)—Buying travel health insurance is an important step for sufficient medical coverage while outside Canada, but it is only the first step. To make your policy work, say industry regulators, there has to be a co-operative relationship between the policyholder and the company.Indeed, the range of medical treatment around the world is so broad and varied, home-based insurance companies will pro. . .