People Who Are Really Celebrating Their Birthday Today (That's Right-I'm Talking to You Georgie)

Note to all bus drivers reading this blog-make sure that all wheelchair brakes are on when you are driving your bus.

I'm going to assume this is very important advice to at least one of the following people. I mean you have to assume that a 101 year old isn't walking by himself anymore

Today is somebody's birthday! Whose Birthday? Screenwriter Oscar Brodney's Birthday. How Old Is He? 1,2,3,4... 101! And Never been Kissed By... Death

Oscar Brodney's name appears on "Oldies But Goodies'" roster

• Brodney was nominated for an Oscar for "The Glenn Miller Story" screenplay which he wrote with Valentine Davies in 1954.
  

Maybe if he would have thought of a more creative title he would've won that Oscar.

Today is somebody else's birthday! Whose Birthday? Author and Publisher Helen Gurley Brown's Birthday. How Old Is She? 1,2,3,4... 86! And Never been Kissed By... Death

Helen Gurley Brown's name appears on "the Garden of eden's" roster

• In the mid 1990s Brown was ousted from her role as the US editor of Cosmopolitan and was replaced by Bonnie Fuller. However, Brown stayed on at Hearst publishing and remains the international editor for all 59 international editions of Cosmo.
  

If as she says "Good girls go to heaven, bad girls go everywhere" looks like she's a bad girl.

Today is somebody else's else's birthday! Whose Birthday? Musician and Artisit Yoko Ono's Birthday. How Old Is She? 1,2,3,4... 75! And Never been Kissed By... Death

Yoko Ono's name appears on "Deep Sleepers'" roster

• Lennon's first personal encounter with Ono involved her passing him a card that read simply "Breathe". He was taken with the positivity, humor, and interactivity of her work, such as a ladder leading up to a black canvas with a spyglass on a chain allowing John to read the word "Yes" written on the canvas along with a real apple displayed with a card reading "APPLE."

Sounds pretty DUMB to me. i have to blame it on too much pot for the both of them.

Today is somebody else's else's else's birthday (what is it with holidays? Groundhog's Day had 4 birthdays, now President's Day? Sheesh)! Whose Birthday? Former Soccer Player and Manager Bobby Robson's Birthday. How Old Is He? 1,2,3,4... 75! And Never been Kissed By... Death

Bobby Robson's name appears on "Yiz-Score:2007 DP Champ's" and "Future Corpses of America's" rosters

• Robson was knighted in 2002, is a member of the English Football Hall of Fame and is the honorary president of Ipswich Town.
  

If the President of the United States is considered the most powerful man in the world, the Honorary President of Ipswich Town is like what? The 3,763 most powerful man in the world?

... And Many More!

Long After Fall of Communism, Nancy Reagan Just Falls

Former first lady Nancy Reagan was hospitalized after falling in her home in Bel-Air but is doing well, her spokeswoman said.

Reagan, 86, was taken to St. John's Health Center, where doctors determined she did not break a hip Sunday as feared, spokeswoman Joanne Drake said. Drake said Reagan was doing well and would stay the night in the same room where former President Ronald Reagan stayed after he broke his hip at home in 2001. He died June 5, 2004.

The former first lady is "joking and visiting in her room," Drake said. Reagan's family physician recommended the overnight stay "as a precaution," Drake said.

If they offer Nancy advice and devices to prevent future falls, some DP participants are hoping she will "Just Say No."

[MSNBC]

He's Still Got It

It's tough to say what's worse here. That he got murdered or that he, well, umm y'know...

On to happier things...

Yesterday was somebody's birthday! Whose Birthday? Sprinter Philip Rabinowitz's Birthday. How Old Is He? 1,2,3,4... 104! And Never been Kissed By... Death

Philip Rabinowitz's name appears on "Live Like You Were Dying's" roster

• Rabinowitz finished the 100 meters in a time of 30.86 seconds becoming the fastest 100 year old in the 100 meters. A week before, the centenarian broke the record, but a faulty electronic timer kept the mark out of the books.
  

If you think about it, since he was 100, and the world record holder was set by a 24 year old at 9.74 seconds, Rabinowitz beats the world record in seconds/year.

... And Many More!

Death is Equal for Blacks, Whites and Oranges

The Rev. James Orange, a civil rights activist whose 1965 jailing sparked a fatal protest that ultimately led to the famed Selma-to-Montgomery march and the Voting Rights Act, died Saturday at Atlanta's Crawford Long Hospital, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference said in a statement. He was 65.

Orange was a native of Birmingham, Alabama, "who resided in southwest Atlanta for four decades while fighting the good fight for equality and social justice for all mankind," said the SCLC, a civil rights organization.

Orange was arrested and jailed in Perry County, Alabama, in 1965 on charges of disorderly conduct and contributing to the delinquency of minors for enlisting students to aid in voting rights drives.

Someone once described the reverend as "a gentle giant" because of his large frame. A gentle Orange giant.

[CNN]

Blake Fielder-Civil Seeking New Ways to Overdose

You might think that prison is the safest place for Blake Fielder-Civil to be. He won't find any drugs there that could hurt him, right? Well, it's right in some sense.

[H]e collapsed in agony after taking what he thought was heroin. Guards found the 35-year-old writhing in pain and vomiting violently in a cell. They instantly set off alarms and activated emergency procedures to save his life.

A probe was launched and prison officers found he had taken a drug believed to be heroin, mixed with a toxic substance. A jail source said: "This was a close call, but he might not be so lucky next time. If he carries on taking so many drugs, he'll end up dead before long."

Authorities have not revealed what that substance actually was. We have some idea of an explanation.

[NewsOfTheWorld.co.UK]

While One Fawcett Fights, Another Fossett is Turned Off

Self-made business tycoon Steve Fossett, whose thirst for adrenaline drove him to fly around the world solo in a balloon, climb mountains and aim for speed records, has been declared dead, 5 months after his small plane vanished. He was 63.

"Steve's lived his life to the full, and he hasn't wasted a minute of his life," his rival-turned-comrade, British billionaire Sir Richard Branson, said after Fossett's single-engine plane disappeared on Sept. 3. "Everything he's done, he's taken a calculated risk with."

Fossett was last seen after taking off in a single-engine plane from an airstrip near Yerington, Nev., heading toward Bishop, Calif. Cook County Judge Jeffrey Malak's declaration Friday at the request of Fossett's wife, Peggy V. Fossett, ended the legal limbo of his estate, said her attorney, Michael LoVallo. The judge heard testimony from Peggy Fossett, a family friend and a search-and-rescue expert before deciding there was sufficient evidence to declare him dead.

Fossett's death is the latest in a series of deaths in absentia that includes the likes of Jimmy Hoffa, Amelia Earhart and D.B. Cooper. Fossett's family first requested the pronouncement late last year, releasing them from the uncertainty of his return.

[AP]

Treehouse of Horror

You would think that if you wanted to commit suicide there are easier ways to do it than this. At least he kept a diary to chronicle why he did it.

Speaking of people who kept diaries...

Today is somebody's birthday! Whose Birthday? Humanitarian and hider of Anne Frank Miep Gies' Birthday. How Old Is She? 1,2,3,4... 99! And Never been Kissed By... Death

Miep Gies' name appears on "Deep Sleepers'" and "Daddy to Be Dead Mates'" rosters

• Gies avoided arrest for hiding the Franks because the officer who came to question her was Austrian. Gies was born in Vienna, Austria which led the officer to felt a connection to her.
  

They could reminisce of days eating wiener schnitzel and singing Mozart tunes.

Today is somebody else's birthday! Whose Birthday? Actor Kevin McCarthy's Birthday. How Old Is He? 1,2,3,4... 94! And Never been Kissed By... Death

Kevin McCarthy's name appears on "Whoaa-ooah, Dying on the Edge's" roster

• McCarthy was quite accomplished at a young age in the theater. In 1949, he was cast as Biff in the London company of Death of a Salesman, starring Paul Muni. A film was made in 1951 and he was nominated for an Academy Award for his role.

Since he didn't win, he must have been liked, but not well liked.

... And Many More!

Sir Bobby Robson's Goal is to Kick Cancer

Sir Bobby Robson, former soccer player and manager, has kicked cancer four times since 1991. Despite the score being Robson 4 and Cancer 0, the illness returned for a fifth time.

“There is still some fight in me yet,” said Robson, who is currently being treated for cancer for the fifth time. “I’m still going and I’m still strong. I’ve had my health problems and I’m still fighting them, but I’ve always been a fighter."

Robson’s health is fragile and the treatment for his condition saps his strength, but the mind remains sharp whenever football is mentioned. Enquire about his health and all you get is “I’m doing okay.” Enquire about his thoughts on football and he will talk for hours, particularly about his beloved Newcastle.

It looks like he's still managing just fine.

[The Journal]

♫ Modell Had to Go... Mo-dell! (yeah...) ♫

The man whose name is synonymous with sporting goods in the Northeast part of the country, William Modell, died yesterday at the age of 86.

Mr. Modell joined Modell’s, a 118-year old family-owned business, at the end of World War II and became chairman in 1985. But he had effectively run the corporation since 1963, working alongside his father, Henry, who was chairman. In 1975, the chain consisted of 10 stores in New York City and on Long Island, with annual revenue of about $10.5 million. There are now 136 Modell’s stores in eight states and Washington, with revenue last year of approximately $635 million.

As I mentioned above, his name is truly synonymous with sporting goods. Of course, that famous last name also belongs to his cousin Art, whose name is synonymous with much worse things in the city of Cleveland.

[NY Times]

Graham's Brain Surgery Leaves Him Medical Bill-y

Evangelist Billy Graham underwent successful surgery Wednesday to update a shunt that controls excess fluid in his brain, and was expected to remain in the hospital for several days.

Graham was listed in fair condition at Asheville's Mission Hospitals after the 28-minute procedure. "He's on a soft diet tonight, will be on a regular diet tomorrow and should be up and walking around," said Larry Ross, Graham's spokesman.

Even into his old age and through his health problems, Graham continues to produce a daily advice column in many newspapers. We're confident that if Graham wanted to take some time off from the column, the papers could surely rerun older advice columns with past questions. It's what we feel JWD if he was the editor and forced to make a decision at this difficult time.

[Fox News]

Birthdays that Didn't Suspend Alternate Side Parking in New York City

Some people just can't wait to be part of death pool Even if it means faking their own death.

Alas, some people remain picked but not worth any points (yet). But at least they get to celebrate their own birthdays...

Yesterday was somebody's birthday! Whose Birthday? Former Boston Celtic Bill Russell's Birthday. How Old Is He? 1,2,3,4... 74! And Never been Kissed By... Death

Bill Russell's name appears on "the Garden of eden's" roster

• Before the 1966-67 NBA season, legendary Celtics coach Red Auerbach retired and named Russell as a player-coach. Russell thus became the first African-American head coach in NBA history.
  

I have nothing funny to say about this. Good for Bill.

Yesterday was somebody else's birthday! Whose Birthday? Senator Arlen Specter's Birthday. How Old Is He? 1,2,3,4... 78! And Never been Kissed By... Death

Arlen Specter's name appears on "Yiz-Score: 2007 DP Champ's" roster

• At the recommendation of Rep. Gerald R. Ford, he worked for the Warren Commission, investigating the assassination of John F. Kennedy. As an assistant counsel for the commission, he authored or co-authored the controversial "single bullet theory," which suggested the non-fatal wounds to President Kennedy and Texas Governor John Connally were caused by the same bullet.

How did he think that theory made sense? I wouldn't vote for him for Senate just becuase he obviously lives in a fantasy land.

... And Many More!

Japanese Film King Kon Ichikawa is Slayed to Rest

Japanese film director Kon Ichikawa, who won a raft of awards for his work in the 1950s and 1960s, has died of pneumonia, movie studio Toho Co said on Wednesday. He was 92.

One of the country's best-known directors at a time when the West was discovering Japanese cinema, Ichikawa often worked with his wife, Natto Wada, a respected scriptwriter, until she became disillusioned with the industry in the 1960s.

Perhaps they will now remake 1955's Seven Year Itch as a Japanese film titled The 92 Year Ichikawa.

[Reuters]

Dale Earnhardt's Legacy Brings Not So Hard-Earned Money

When it comes to selecting a roster of celebrities to take for the upcoming year, DP participants will sometimes choose people who are in industries or who live lifestyles that are more prone to death. Take recently deceased Evel Knievel for instance. Those who chose Evel in 2007 benefitted from taking the daredevil.

On the other hand, these coyld be "red herrings," people who have seemingly dangerous professions yet don't pose more of a risk of dying doing what they do best. When Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin died last year, it was very much a fluke that the stingray got him in the heart instantly killing him.

It's hard to say where racecar driving fits into the equation. A severe crash at those speeds and a driver could very well find himself in a morgue rather than a hospital. That was of course the case for fan favorite Dale Earnhardt Sr. back in 2001. Now, some are looking to So collect on the fallen driver's fame.

Motorsports Authentics (which is owned by International Speedway Corp. and Speedway Motorsports Inc.) is selling die-cast collectible versions of this fantasy car for $74.99. It's another effort to make money off Earnhardt, who died after wrecking in the 2001 Daytona 500.

No one could dispute Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig when he said at the news conference, "We certainly make some money off of Dale, let's put it that way."

This isn't something unique to racecar driving. Whenever a prominent entertainer passes, the name resonates with people who remain fans of the industry. At times, fans long to have him or her back. Most often, though, they want to honor and remember the deceased celebrity with a souvenir.

Some wonder if that is necessarily a real tribute or merely a way to capitalize on the recognizable name.

The culture of the dead celebrity has a long history (Elvis, anyone?) and isn't going away. And it's no secret that newspapers and magazines run "anniversary" stories, often about deceased subjects, because we think people will read them and, you know, buy our product.

But we can at least do him the courtesy of remembering him the way he was, not the way that will sell the most $74.99 souvenirs.

We tend to think that some souvenirs are more appropriate than others. We know that we are often comforted by our Kurt Cobain bobblehead doll that "moshes" to this day.

[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]

Musharraf More Focused on Fitness, Less on His Country's Instability

So, your country is in a state of emergency. Doesn't mean you can't stay in shape!

President Pervez Musharraf is paying more attention to his physical fitness after stepping down as the chief of army staff, according to a close friend of the president.

The article goes on to mention the grueling physical activites Musharraf is undertaking: table tennis, lawn tennis, and golf. This plan will probably be as effective as a political opponent challenging Musharraf's power. Zing!

[Daily Times]

The Final Insult

Often times it is difficult to find a roommate you can connect with and get along with. And when you do, you want to hang on to them until they die. Or until after they die. Either way, really.

What's this got to do with birthdays? Nothing, except these two people are one day closer to being a corpse in someone's apartment for 8 years. If that's not a reason to celebrate, I don't know what is.

Yesterday was somebody's birthday! Whose Birthday? Actor Leslie Nielsen's Birthday. How Old Is He? 1,2,3,4... 82! And Never been Kissed By... Death

Leslie Nielsen's name appears on "M"h By You Buddy's" roster

• Nielsen briefly appeared in the World Wrestling Federation in the summer of 1994. Capitalizing on his Frank Drebin character, Nielsen (and George Kennedy) were hired as "super-sleuths" to unravel the mystery of The Undertaker, who had disappeared at January's Royal Rumble event.
  

This is actually the point of my life when I figured out for myself wrestling was fake.

Yesterday was somebody else's birthday! Whose Birthday? Former dictator of Panama Manuel Noriega's Birthday. How Old Is He? 1,2,3,4... 74! And Never been Kissed By... Death

Manuel Noriega's name appears on "Genesis 6:7's" roster

• Noriega was convicted in April of 1992 on charges of racketeering, money laundering, and drug trafficking, and sentenced to 40 years in prison.

That's exactly what every country wants out of their dictator, isn't it?

... And Many More!

Every Time a Freddie Bell Sings, an Angel Gets His Wings

… And it looks like there are going to be less aerial mythical beings. Freddie Bell, an originator in the 1950’s rock and roll movement, with hits later covered by Elvis such as “Hound Dog” and “Giddy Up a Ding Dong,” died of complications from cancer in Las Vegas at the age of 76.

Bell was performing at the Sands casino-hotel on the Las Vegas Strip in the mid-1950s when Presley was just an opening act across the street at the New Frontier. Bell's upbeat covers, and perhaps his knee-wiggling dance moves, inspired Presley, (publicist Norm) Johnson said. "He loved Freddie's version," Johnson said. "He added new words and a better beat."

Bell also appeared in movies such as “Rock Around the Clock,” until his time ran out. Join us as we say goodbye to the man who gave birth to Elvis Presley. I wonder if that pregnancy inspired him to giddy up a ding dong. Yeah... Enjoy that visual...

[Yahoo! News]

Arsenic Poisoning Ruled Out in Napoleon Cold Case

We're always interested in learning about the deaths of the famous people who lived before the inaugural year of DP. After all, their famous deaths paved the way for the famous deaths of 2008.

With some of those deaths come unaswered questions. What were Gandhi's last words? Who did Abe Lincoln leave his possessions to? And what exactly did Napoleon die of?

While we may never know the real answers to the first questions, some Italian researchers have set out to disprove the myth that the French leader died from arsenic poisoning.

"It's not arsenic poisoning that killed Napoleon at Saint Helena," said the National Nuclear Physics Institute (INFN) after what it called a "new meticulous examination" of the emperor's hair, that of his first wife and his son, Napoleon II.

Theories abound about the cause of the emperor's death, aged 51 on May 5 1821, ranging from stomach cancer to arsenic poisoning.

Napoleon did have a detectable level of arsenic in his body, though that was not uncommon at the time of his death in 1821. It was not enough to kill the man.

Might we suggest...alcohol overdose? Or maybe he ate too many of his eponymous pastries.

[News 24]
[Bloomberg]

Who Does Number 2 Work For?

Many people argue that breast feeding is best for babies. I think this article would argue otherwise. Maybe this will stem the tide of women whipping out their boobs in supermarkets. We can only hope.

Speaking of boobs, we had someone's birthday yesterday...

Yesterday was somebody's birthday! Whose Birthday? Actor Robert Wagner's Birthday. How Old Is She? 1,2,3,4... 78! And Never been Kissed By... Death

Robert Wagner's name appears on "Remains to Be Seen's" roster

• Wagner is currently pitching reverse mortgage company the Senior Lending Network.

And here I thought he was working for Virtucon trying to steal "lasers" and blow up the world.

... And Many More!

Tom Lantos' Impending Retirement Derailed by Cancer

Tom Lantos, the only Holocuast survivor to ever serve in the United States Congress, died this morning of cancer at the age of 80. Lantos may be better known to people in Death Pool 2008 as the grandfather of Charity Sunshine.

Lantos was frequently described as having an aristocratic, Old World bearing, but he was also known for scolding those he felt did not measure up ethically. He targeted independent counsel Donald C. Smaltz, who investigated President Bill Clinton's fundraising practices, for being a registered Republican and likened Smaltz to Kurt Waldheim (ed. a pick in Death Pool 2007), the former U.N. secretary general who "conveniently forgot several years when he was a Nazi."

I don't think you can compare an independent investigator to the Nazis. But I guess if I can compare the Yankees to the Nazis, he can do whatever he wants.

[Washington Post]

TV Exec Ron Leavitt Dead (With Children)

The man who gave the world Al Bundy has passed away.

Ron Leavitt, who co-created the sitcom "Married With Children," died Sunday. He was 60. Leavitt died of lung cancer at his home in Los Angeles, said his publicist Larry Winokur. Leavitt was best known for teaming up with Michael G. Moye to create "Married With Children," a sitcom about the luckless shoe salesman Al Bundy and his dysfunctional family. "Married With Children" ran on the Fox network from 1987 to 1997 and became the network's second-longest running sitcom behind "The Simpsons."

In his memory, I fully endorse screaming "Woooooooooooooooh!!!" anytime an attractive girl named Kely walks into a room this week. What a visionary.

[San Jose Mercury News]

Of Death and Dogs

Since this week is the Westminster Dog Show, I though it be appropriate to share a story about death and dogs.

As far as I know, none of yesterday's birthday have dogs and therefore can concentrate on keeping themselves alive.

Yesterday was somebody's birthday! Whose Birthday? Actress Kathryn Grayson's Birthday. How Old Is She? 1,2,3,4... 86! And Never been Kissed By... Death

Kathryn Grayson's name appears on "Remains to Be Seen's" roster

• Grayson's first TV appearances were in the 1950's, and she received an Emmy nomination in 1956 for her performance in the General Electric Theater episode Shadow on the Heart with John Ericson. Most recently, she appeared in several episodes of Angela Lansbury's long-running series Murder, She Wrote in the late 1980's.
  

If your most recent work includes "Murder, She Wrote" you are probably a pretty good pick for a Death Pool.

Yesterday was somebody else's birthday! Whose Birthday? Artist, writer, and musician Holly Johnson's Birthday. How Old Is He? 1,2,3,4... 48! And Never been Kissed By... Death

Holly Johnson's name appears on "Dead Place's" roster

• Johnson played bass with Big in Japan and released several solo singles on the Eric's label, before finding fame as the lead singer and lyricist of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, who enjoyed considerable controversy and commercial success during their heyday in the early 1980s.

In fact, he was the one who led to Mugatu's ousting from the band before their hit "Relax"

... And Many More!

Roy Scheider Can't Escape the Jaws of Death

Scoring Update! The points change, death remains the same...

Roy Scheider, a stage actor with a background in the classics who became one of the leading figures in the American film renaissance of the 1970s, died on Sunday afternoon in Little Rock, Ark. He was 75.

Mr. Scheider’s rangy figure, gaunt face and emotional openness made him particularly appealing in everyman roles, most famously as the agonized police chief of “Jaws,” Steven Spielberg’s 1975 breakthrough hit, about a New England resort town haunted by the knowledge that a killer shark is preying on the local beaches.

Congratulations and 24 points awarded to Haaaave You Met Dead? The Rosters and Standings have been updated.

[New York Times]

Curtis Salgado No Longer Singing the Blues

Without Curtis Salgado, John Belushi might never have become "Joliet" Jake Blues in the movie The Blues Brothers. In recent years, though, Salgado's had more personal reasons to sing his harmonica-heavy blues.

Curtis Salgado, who has endured a roller-coaster of life crisis during the last two years, is getting a second chance. Optimistic that his medical issues may be behind him, Curtis is excited about the prospect of a healthy and prosperous 2008.

Salgado received great news this month when test results gave him a clean bill of health.

We think it'll be interesting to see how Salgado's music is affected by his increasing health. Jazz, after all, was heavily influenced by mental illness.

[AllAboutJazz.com]

Old Metal Van Johnson Still Chugging Along

Been wondering why you haven't heard about Van Johnson lately? Someone wrote in to the Belleville News-Democrat to find out what's going on in the actor's life.

Q. Is actor Van Johnson still alive? If so, where is he living? How about his wife and children?--T.G. of St. Libory

A. Despite a near-fatal car wreck 65 years ago, Charles Van Johnson continues to roll along at 91 as he lives a quiet life in Nyack, N.Y. That auto accident came just as Johnson had signed a seven-year contract with MGM and left him with a metal plate in his head.

Johnson was nursed back to health at the home of Keenan Wynn and his wife, Eve. Five years later, in 1947, Johnson married Eve on the very day that her divorce with Keenan was finalized.

Johnson also beat skin cancer in 1963. We're confident that whenever it's Van's time to go, there will be appropriate coverage.

[Belleville News-Democrat]

Marie Fredriksson and Her Tumor at a Draw

Talk about drawing on inspiration.

Former member of the Swedish pop group Roxette, Marie Fredriksson, has taken up drawing as a hobby while recovering from a tumor. She hasn't ruled out a return to her former career, filled with writing and singing.

In an open hearted interview with TV4's Lasse Bengtsson Marie Fredriksson reveals that the tumor took away her sight on the right eye. "I bump into things all the time, it takes a long time to get used to," Marie says to Lasse. Marie also says that she finally got a clean bill of health last summer, and that's when everything changed, she became a new person.

We suppose it's Win, Lose or Draw for Fredriksson in her battle.

[TheDailyRoxette.com]

A Farrah Cher of Good News

Friends can give support and comfort during tough times. If you have Cher as a friend, though, you'll get a recommendation of where to get treated. The doctor she knows is "the best."

Cher says her showbiz pal Farrah Fawcett is ‘cancer free.’ Now the star is once again in complete remission, according to Cher. The 61-year-old singer said: “She’s tough. I don’t think I could’ve gone through what she did.

“She is now cancer free so this will be a real interesting thing.” Cher told U.S. show Access Hollywood that it was her that encouraged Farrah to visit the German cinic for treatment. “It is a completely different kind of treatment,” Cher said.

Farrah must have dropped Cher's name for the correct medication. (Cher's name is Cherilyn Sarkisian.)

[ShowbizSpy.com]

Weiland When You Can Fly?

Scott Weiland may be with Velvet Revolver but he is still putting the "Stone" in Temple Pilots. Weiland, who has long been embattled with drug and alcohol addictions, is back in rehab. Velvet Revolver has canceled their show in San Diego this Thursday, but they say that Weiland's rehab tour will not derail the rest of their scheduled plans.:

"Weiland voluntarily entered a rehab facility" following the group's performance, reads a statement provided to MTV News. "[Thursday's] San Diego show at the House of Blues has been postponed; the rescheduled date for San Diego is TBA. Velvet Revolver deeply apologize to their fans and thank them for sticking by the group."

Velvet Revolver fans stick with the group, much as Scott Weiland sticks needles in his arm. That's the kind of commitment they have to each other.

[MTV]

Phyllis A. Whitney Exercises Her Write to Die

Scoring Update! The points change, death remains the same...

Phyllis A. Whitney, a prolific best-selling author of romantic mysteries, young-adult novels and children’s mysteries for more than a half-century, died on Friday in Faber, Va. She was 104.

In 1988 Ms. Whitney received the prestigious Grand Master Award for lifetime achievement from the Mystery Writers of America.

“I always told myself that when I get old I’ll reread all my books, but I never seem to get old,” Ms. Whitney said in an interview with The Times when she was 79.

Congratulations and 9 points awarded to Haaaave You Met Dead?, Blue, The Kick the Bucket List, and Whoaa-ooah, Dying on the Edge. The Rosters and Standings have been updated.

[New York Times]

"Gimme a Strokes"

Whenever I watched the show Diff'rent Strokes, I always wondered what happened to Mrs. Drummond. I always assumed she died some sort of normal death. Now, while Mr. Drummond was extremely skinny, maybe he was at one time fat, and that his wife's demise was due to something like this.

On second thought, this idea makes more sense if Diff'rent Strokes merged with Gimme a Break and Nell Carter sat on Mrs. Drummond because she was jealous of her extravagant lifestyle.

On third thought, maybe none of this makes any sense at all. Let's just go to the birthday, shall we?

Today is somebody's birthday! Whose Birthday? Actor Gary Coleman's Birthday. How Old Is He? 1,2,3,4... 40! And Never been Kissed By... Death

Gary Coleman's name appears on "I Am Ready to Meet My Maker's" roster

• Coleman was a candidate for governor in the 2003 California recall election. He placed 8th in a field of 135 candidates, receiving 14,242 votes.
  

He really took it to Mary Carey though (she finished 10th). No pun intended. Well, yes pun intended.

... And Many More!

JFK Blown Away. What Else Do I Have to Say?

For those of us who remember Deathpool1963, we know the shock of seeing President John F. Kennedy assassinated (he was on two rosters: “Cuban Missile Die-sis” and – presciently - “Happy Birthday, Mr. Deadisent”). And we remember the aftermath when we found out that it was the Federal Reserve, the CIA, the KGB, the Illuminati, the Mafia, FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Fidel Castro, George H. W. Bush someone behind it.

When it comes to the Kennedy assassination, conspiracy theories abound, including not only who did it, but also how many people did it, the nature of the wound, where there was a decoy hearse. Crazy, right? The thing is… this is not going to help: The Dallas hospital room where JFK died, Parkland Memorial Hospital Trauma Room No. 1, now resides in Kansas.

Parkland modernized their hospital 35 years ago and the entire room- including the examination table, clocks, tiling, lockers, trash cans, surgical instruments, gloves, cotton balls, and a towel dispenser – was bought by the federal government. All of it was placed in a locked vault in a Fort Worth warehouse run by the National Archives and Records Administration where it stayed until September, when they were moved to an archives facility in Lenexa, Kansas.

The question on all our minds: When can we go to Kansas to see it?

"It's in a secure location," Reed Whitaker, the agency's Central Plains Region administrator, confirmed last week. "Basically, it's not to be examined, not to be shown to the press, not to be photographed, not to be exhibited to the public."

I see. Maybe we should un-strikethrough that first paragraph. I guess we will have to track down Dr. Stanley Goodspeed if we ever want to know the truth…

[Dallas Morning News]

Abdullah Ocalan is Like a Cat

He has fur, a tail, claws, hairballs, and always lands on his feet. And if Garfield is right, he loves lasagna.

But mostly, he seems to have nine lives. Abdullah Ocalan (looking at that picture... can we dub him "Fat Saddam"? Too Soon?) is the founder and leader of the Kurdistan Worker's party (PKK), which is listed as a terrorist organization by governing bodies such as the USA, EU, and NATO. He was captured, arrested, and sentenced to death in 1999, but his sentence was transformed to life in prison when the death penalty was abolished in Turkey, in 2002.

So what to do with this imprisoned terrorist?

Lawmaker Emine Ayla called for an improvement in the "living and health conditions" of Abdullah Ocalan, the founder of the PKK who is serving a life sentence on an island prison... Ocalan's welfare is a chief concern for lawmakers from the Democratic Society Party, reflecting the sway that the imprisoned leader holds over many Kurds.

Worry for his welfare. Food. Health. No Torture. I wonder if they can still waterboard him?

[Kurdish Aspect]

Bob Sheppard's Health Failing; Average Yankee Fan Doesn't Give a Flock

Good morning... ladies and gentlemen... and welcome... to Best Death Pool Ever... Your attention please... we have an update... someone picked on four rosters... Yankees public address announcer... Bob Sheppard... Picked on four rosters.

Sheppard, the Yankees’ distinctive public-address announcer since 1951, who missed the division series last October because of a bronchial infection, “is struggling to recover his health,” a spokesman for the Yankees, Howard Rubenstein, said Wednesday. The team “hopes he can return to the booth,” Rubenstein added.

I know he's a "legend," and "beloved," and "old," but I'm with Rick Reilly:

Everybody is so charmed by Yankee Stadium public address announcer Bob Sheppard, with his teeth-clenched, perfect-diction English. He sounds British. Is he British? No, he's from Long Island! Why, then, does he speak like Thurston Howell III? Bunch of Yankees fans drunk on lighter fluid in the stands, screaming, "I paid a buck to see ya mutha naked, Rocker!" and the club has some guy on the P.A. making like Alistair Cooke.

[NY Times]
[Sports Illustrated]

Mary Travers' Back is Better Than Ever but Tour Twisted

The folk singing group Peter, Paul and Mary is still touring. Recent surgeries though have left Mary Travers less glee-ful. And the band has had to adjust its tour.

Peter, Paul and Mary, scheduled to perform at the McCallum Theatre April 17, have cancelled their show due to medical reasons. The group cancelled concerts through the summer on Mary Travers' doctor's advice so she can recover from two back surgeries, acording to the group's management. No make up date has been scheduled.Ticket holders may exchange their tickets for another performance or receive a refund by taking them to McCallum Theatre Box Office.

If I had a hammer for every time Travers had an operation, I'd have a lot of hammers.

[Desert Sun]

And Then There Was One; Harry Landis Stops Fighting

Harry Richard Landis, who enlisted in the Army in 1918 and was one of only two known surviving U.S. veterans of World War I, has died. He was 108.

You may recognize his name. Now there's just one living American survivor of WWI. He is Frank Buckles, 107, of Charles Town, W.Va.

Landis trained as a U.S. Army recruit for 60 days at the end of the war and never went overseas. But the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs counts him among the 4.7 million men and woman who served during the Great War.

When asked whether he had wanted to get into the fight, Landis said, "No." When the war ended on Nov. 11, 1918, Landis recalled a final march with his unit.

There's one other Canadian soldier who is still alive, joining Buckles. However, Generalissimo Francisco Franco is still dead.

[Yahoo! News]

Even The Strongest Brew Won't Wake Ernesto Illy

Ernesto Illy (the one on the right) will never again experience the best part of waking up, and that is a shame because Illy, dead today at the age of 82, pioneered the science of making coffee. Illy was an Italian chemist who, in 1963, took charge of Illycaffe and was a self proclaimed coffee perfectionist:

Illy constructed a lab in Trieste that analyzed the beans from every batch the company bought with gas chromatographs, infrared emission pyrometers and other sophisticated equipment... He was fond of saying, "fine espresso paints the tongue."

Family members declined to name a cause of death. We certainly hope it was not related to after-effects of a certain hidden camera commercial.

[UPI]

Happy Happy Birthday Birthday Zsa Zsa

I had always heard that using Q-TIPS would damage my hearing. I never imagined in a million years that it could actually kill me.

Much like everyone has two ears, our birthday for today has two of the same first name...

Today is somebody's birthday! Whose Birthday? Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor's Birthday. How Old Is She? 1,2,3,4... 93! And Never been Kissed By... Death

Zsa Zsa Gabor's name appears on "Famous Last Words'", "TIREMAN422's", "Live Like You Were Dying's", and "M"h By You Buddy's" rosters

• Following studies at a Swiss boarding-school Gábor won the Miss Hungary beauty contest in 1936, but was disqualified for being underage.
  

Yet she was plenty old enough to get married the next year. Go figure.

... And Many More!

Chea (chā) nuon - Cambodian Communist with Bad Health

Now that Chea's been defined, what's that mean?

Former Khmer Rouge leader Nuon Chea is facing charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity between 1975 and 1979. While he waits for the trial to begin, Chea is dealing with other difficulties, according to his lawyer.

Son Arun, Nuon Chea's lawyer, said his client would appeal his detention and ask that he be released on bail because he "feels an absence of freedom in his detention, where all he does is eat and sleep."

"It is not like when he used to live with his family,'' Son Arun said, adding his client was in normal health and ready to appear before the hearing.

Chea's safety also is a concern if he were to be released.

[Guardian Unlimited]

Russell Watson's Not Over Till The Fat Lady Sings

Russel Watson, the British opera singer whose tomour returned in October, causing him to undergo immediate therapy, has successfully completed his intensive medical procedures. Now a series of tests will determine if the procedures were successful. Watson, for his part, is cautiously optimistic:

The 41-year-old said the intensive treatment was "no walk in the park..." Writing in his blog, the star said the side effects had caught up with him, but his hair was "hanging in there".

What about the question on everyone's mind: Can he return to his status as "The Voice?"

His manager Giles Baxendale said Watson's eyesight and voice did not appear to have been damaged by the radiotherapy as feared... "We're hoping at some point he will return to doing what he loves to do," Mr Baxendale said.

With any luck, this story may go from needing a basso profundo to a basso buffo in no time.

[BBC]

Last Time Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's Eyes Close

Scoring Update! The points change, death remains the same...

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a guru to the Beatles who introduced the West to transcendental meditation, has died at his home in the Dutch town of Vlodrop, a spokesman said Tuesday. He was thought to be 91 years old.

"He died peacefully at about 7 p.m.," said Bob Roth, a spokesman for the Transcendental Meditation movement that the Maharishi founded. He said his death appeared to be due to "natural causes, his age."

Congratulations and 18 points awarded to Angelos or Bust and Grateful(ly) Dead. The Rosters and Standings have been updated.

[AP]

Barry Morse Dies, Claims it Was the One Armed Man

In Barry's honor, we shall post in his code. If there was only a way to highlight it all and paste it - to read it for the rest of us...

-... .- .-. .-. -.-- / -- --- .-. ... . --..-- / .-- .... --- / .--. .-.. .- -.-- . -.. / .- / -.. . - . -.-. - .. ...- . / .--. ..- .-. ... ..- .. -. --. / - .... . / .-- .-. --- -. --. .-.. -.-- / .- -.-. -.-. ..- ... . -.. / -.. .-. .-.-.- / .-. .. -.-. .... .- .-. -.. / -.- .. -- -... .-.. . / .. -. / .---- ----. -.... ----- ... / - ...- / ... . .-. .. . ... / .-..-. - .... . / ..-. ..- --. .. - .. ...- . --..-- .-..-. -.. .. . -.. / - --- -.. .- -.-- / .- - / - .... . / .- --. . / --- ..-. / ---.. ----. .-.-.- / .-..-. .... . / - .... --- ..- --. .... - / .. - / .-- .- ... / .- / --. --- --- -.. / ... .... --- .-- / ? / .-- . .-.. .-.. / ..-. .. .-.. -- . -.. --..-- / .-- . .-.. .-.. / -.. .. .-. . -.-. - . -.. / .- -. -.. / .-- . .-.. .-.. / .- -.-. - . -.. --..-- .-..-. / .... .- -.-- .-- .- .-. -.. / -- --- .-. ... . --..-- / -... .- .-. .-. -.-- .----. ... / ... --- -. / ... .- .. -.. .-.-.- / .-..-. .... . / .... .- -.. / -. --- - .... .. -. --. / -.. .. ... .--. .- .-. .- --. .. -. --. / - --- / ... .- -.-- / .- -... --- ..- - / .----. - .... . / ..-. ..- --. .. - .. ...- . .-.-.- .----. .-..-. / .- ... .. -.. . / ..-. --- .-. / - .... --- ... . / ... - . .-. .-.. .. -. --. / .-- --- .-. -.. ... --..-- / -- --- .-. ... . .----. ... / .-- . -... / ... .. - . / . ... - .. -- .- - . -.. / .... . / .--. .-.. .- -.-- . -.. / -- --- .-. . / - .... .- -. / ...-- --..-- ----- ----- ----- / .-. --- .-.. . ... / --- -. / .-. .- -.. .. --- --..-- / - ...- --..-- / ... - .- --. . / .- -. -.. / ... -.-. .-. . . -. / --- ...- . .-. / .- / ... . ...- . -. -....- -.. . -.-. .- -.. . / -.-. .- .-. . . .-. .-.-.- / ...-- --..-- ----- ----- ----- / .-. --- .-.. . ... ..--.. / - .... --- ... . / .- .-. . / .--. --- .-. -. / -. ..- -- -... . .-. ... .-.-.- / -- .- -.-- -... . / - .... .- - .----. ... / .-- .... .- - / .- .-.. .-.. / - .... . / .-..-. --- -. . / .- .-. -- . -.. / -- .- -. .-..-. / - .- .-.. -.- / .-- .- ... / .- -... --- ..- - .-.-.- .-.-.- .-.-.-

[International Herald Tribune]

Cool Running is Keeping Willie Nelson Fit

Newly healthy country star Willie Nelson has taken up jogging at the age of 74, in a bid to stay fit.

"I have started running. What I was trying to do was do at least as much good in the daytime as I was destroying in the nighttime. But it got to the point where I was losing ground. I had to start trying to stay alive or I was going to die. So I've had to give up the smoking and drinking. And when I quit that and started running, I got a lot healthier."

The dividends of Nelson's new exercise are paying off...for some. Astronaut Alvin Drew was at his running club recently when he was approached by a mutual friend of his and Willie's.

"So we get all done running and cleaned up, and he says, 'Hey, you want us to go over and spend some time at Willie Nelson's bar?' The friend I was with in Austin is a huge Willie Nelson fan, so he said, 'Why don't you come with us. It would be a great thing to go do. We'll go over to Willie Nelson's bar and have a beer, meet Willie Nelson and then have a relaxing afternoon.'" recalled Drew.

Drew wound up being an extra in Nelson's latest music video, set to hit MTV for the first time this weekend. We guess someone's happy Nelson changed his policy on running.

[PR-Inside.com]
[Space.com]

Life Imitates Soap Opera: Shell Kepler Dead at 49

Sadly, life isn't a soap. Thus, no chance that the writers will bring her back to life.

Actress Shell Kepler, who for years played the gossipy nurse Amy Vining on the TV soap opera "General Hospital," has died. She was 49. Kepler died Friday at Oregon Health & Science University hospital, which did not give the cause of death. Kepler's busybody character on "General Hospital" was a fan favorite and enjoyed a long run, 1979-2002.

[Miami Herald]

Generally Speaking, Dementia Paves Its Shwe

You might know Than Shwe by his other name: Dying.

Than Shwe's health is rapidly worsening, according to diplomats, who have seen him recently. "He may be getting Alzheimer's – he periodically forgets things; he recently asked where several officers were, all of whom were sacked last year during the mass retirements of middle ranking officers," according to a government source.

"He's rapidly going senile, and now has increasing heart problems," according to another government source. He already suffers from chronic diabetes and has regular bouts of hypertension. Several years ago he also suffered a mild stroke. Now with heart coronary problems and dementia, he is becoming increasingly incapacitated.

Burma faces all kinds of troubles in the wake of their leader's health deterioration. There's change in the air, mostly for the worse.

"Nothing is happening at all, everyone is waiting for Than Shwe to die," according to a senior Asian government minister.

During these difficult times, Shwe remains focused on fighting back against a revolution led by one of his comrades. Life has gone on as usual despite the probability that Shwe won't hang on much longer.

And to make matters worse:

[M]any Burmese astrologers are predicting black times for the senior general. The solar eclipse later this week is seen as a bad omen for Than Shwe's health and family fortunes. While the wily old general has survived previous astrological predictions of doom, his grip on power is being increasingly weakened by ill-health and inertia.

Shwe celebrated his 75th birthday this past weekend. Based on the "predictions" we've seen, we think that 2008 might be could be may possibly be the year of the Dying of the Age of Aquarius.

General...ciao?

[Mizzima News]

Vargo Gets Ejected, Sent to Eternal Locker Room

Ed Vargo, a longtime National League umpire who worked in four World Series and was behind the plate when Hank Aaron tied Babe Ruth's career home run mark, has died. He was 79.

Vargo umpired in the National League from 1960-83, worked the 1965, 1971, 1978 and 1983 World Series and in four All-Star games. Vargo is the only major league umpire to call a no-hitter and a perfect game for the same pitcher, according to MLB's Web site. He was behind home plate for Sandy Koufax's no-hitter on June 4, 1964, and his perfect game on Sept. 9, 1965.

Busy guy. You'd think MLB would pay him enough to get new clothes...

Vargo wore the same jacket when he worked Koufax's perfect game, the first World Series night game in 1971 and Hank Aaron's 714th home run in 1974. He gave the jacket to amateur umpire Ray Gouley, who donated it to the Hall of Fame after he learned of its historical significance.

And after he decided it was too old and tattered to actually be useful as a jacket.

[USA Today]

Joe Ferguson's Health Scare is Going Long

After a successful battle against Burkitt's lymphoma almost two years ago, former Bills quarterback Joe Ferguson is now facing a new and more serious fight with cancer. A few weeks ago Ferguson was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.

"He had a good night and is beginning to get some of his color back," said Ferguson's wife Sandy. "He is still on the oxygen but both his blood pressure and heart rate are lower. Joe's blood count is still low, but better than it was previously."

The former Buffalo signal caller (1973-84) developed pneumonia over the weekend and was on as many as five antibiotics. He also underwent a series of blood transfusions to boost his white blood cell count before being taken to the ICU Sunday.

Sandy updates her friends and family on Ferguson's condition on a Web site found here. We have noted, however, that she does not tag health updates with "Alive and Loving It."

[BuffaloBills.com]

Raymond Jacobs, Meet Philo Farnsworth

Normally, I would suggest that Jacobs see Aaron Sorkin's new play and learn the story for himself, but Raymond Jacobs is dead at the age of 82.

Philo Farnsworth was the first person to engineer a working glass video tube to pick up images electronically and the first to effectively demonstrate the viability of electric television. He did not reap the benefits of being first though. RCA, led by David Sarnoff, despite designing television second, reaped the credits and benefits.

Raymond Jacobs spent part of his life fighting for that first place recognition. Those who have seen "Flags of Our Fathers" or - you know- studied history, know that the famous Iwo Jima photo (you can see it by looking slightly up and to your right) was the second raising of the flag on the island. The first? Raymond Jacobs says he was involved:

The radioman's face isn't fully visible in the first photograph taken of the first flag-raising by Lou Lowery, a photographer for Leatherneck magazine, leading some veterans to question Jacobs' claim. However, other negatives from the same roll of film show the radioman is Jacobs, said retired Col. Walt Ford, editor of Leatherneck. "It's clearly a front-on face shot of Ray Jacobs," Ford said.

There is no official record, though, so it's a close call as to whether he was one of the original flag placers. It could be a photo finish...

[Yahoo! News]

The Wisdom of the Ant

I'm going to be honest. I have absolutely no idea what an "ant-breeding" scheme is. But it seems a bit harsh to put someone to death for being behind one. Alas, Wang Zhendong can no longer be chosen for DP 2009.

In case any of our readers are involved with ant-breeding schemes and are now scared for their lives, I have decided to write about some birthdays to help keep their minds at ease.

Today is somebody's birthday! Whose Birthday? English comedian, singer, and actor Norman Wisdom's Birthday. How Old Is He? 1,2,3,4... 93! And Never been Kissed By... Death

Norman Wisdom's name appears on "Yiz-Score: 2007 DP Champ's" and "CraigsDeathList.org's" rosters

• Wisdom is a well-known and loved cult film icon in Albania and was the only Western actor whose films were allowed in the country during the Communist dictatorship of Enver Hoxha.
  

I believe David Hasselhoff is officially jealous.

Today is somebody else's birthday! Whose Birthday? Musician Curtis Salgado's Birthday. How Old Is He? 1,2,3,4... 54! And Never been Kissed By... Death

Curtis Salgado's name appears on "Famous Last Words''" roster

• Salgado was the inspiration behind John Belushi's creation of the Blues Brothers characters in the late 1970s.

He was not, however, the inspiration behind his cocaine habit.

... And Many More!

Last Laugh for Cartoonist Gus Arriola

Cartoonist Gus Arriola, whose comic strip about a Mexican bean farmer-turned-tour guide appeared in The Chronicle for 43 years and was syndicated in 220 newspapers, died Saturday at his home in Carmel, according to his publicist. He was 90 years old.

"Long ago, a friend asked me why Gordo only drove women tourists," Arriola said in 1989. "In the strip, Gordo says, 'Life is short. And I don't want my last sight on Earth to be some hairy-legged man with a cigar.' "

Arriola told The Chronicle that he identified with Gordo "not because he chases girls but because of the freedom he enjoys."

The cartoonist died with his wife of nearly 70 years by his side. If he was alive today, Gordo would be proud.

[San Francisco Chronicle]

Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed Transitions Out of Hospital

The Internet may have died this week in Africa but on the plus side we found out that death there isn't contagious.

The interim president of Somalia's transitional government, Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, left a hospital in London Saturday night where he was receiving medical treatment in recent weeks, sources said.

The president is "very healthy and happy," according to inside sources in London.

[AllAfrica.com]

The Day the Internet Died

We on BDPE concentrate a lot on the death of people. However, sometimes it's important to reflect on the deaths of other things (even though they may not be eligible for selection)

I know the untimely demise of the Original World Wide Web has got most of you down. So to compensate we're going to celebrate 4 (count 'em, 4) birthdays.

Today is somebody's birthday! Whose Birthday? Titanic Survivor Millvina Dean's Birthday. How Old Is She? 1,2,3,4... 95! And Never been Kissed By... Death

Millvina Dean's name appears on "A Time to Kill's" and "Dead Place's" rosters

• In December 2007, Millvina openly criticized the BBC for 'poking fun' at the Titanic tragedy in a Doctor Who Christmas special, despite not having seen the program, nor any details about its content.

How didn't she realize it was a celebration of life? Sounds to me as though Ms. Dean wouldn't be a fan of this here Death Pool.

Today is somebody else's birthday! Whose Birthday? Emmy and Tony Award Winning Actress Elaine Strich's Birthday. How Old Is She? 1,2,3,4... 82! And Never been Kissed By... Death

Elaine Stritch's name appears on "Extended Weekend at Bernie's'" and "Remains to Be Seen's" rosters

• Stritch was the original Trixie in an early The Honeymooners sketch with Jackie Gleason, Art Carney and Pert Kelton, but she was replaced after a single appearance

At least she didn't pull a Pete Best. An Emmy and Tony aren't anything to be ashamed of.

Today is somebody's else's else's birthday! Whose Birthday? General and De Facto Ruler of Myanmar Than Shwe's Birthday. How Old Is He? 1,2,3,4... 74! And Never been Kissed By... Death

Than Shwe's name appears on "It's Always Sunny in Philadeadphia's" roster

• When Shwe reached the mandatory retirement age of 60, he simply extended it, which has led to suggestions that he may remain as head of state for the rest of his life.
  

Fool! Why wouldn't he want to go down to Florida and wear his pants really high 5 years earlier?

Today is somebody else's else's else's birthday (jeez who knew that Groundhog's Day was such a popular birthday day)! Whose Birthday? Actress Farrah Fawcett's Birthday. How Old Is She? 1,2,3,4... 60! And Never been Kissed By... Death

Farrah Fawcett's name appears on "Haaaave You Met Dead?'s", "Go to Hell's", and "Whoaa-ooah, Dying on the Edge's" rosters

• Fawcett achieved critical praise and the first of three Emmy Award nominations as a serious actress for her role as a battered wife in the 1984 television movie The Burning Bed.
  

Mmmmm, I'd like to burn her bed if you know what I'm saying. If you don't know what I'm saying, you need to work on getting entendres.

... And Many More!

We're Looking to Seymour Butz.... Can we see more Butz?

Scoring Update! The points change, death remains the same...

Earl Butz, the former agriculture secretary to Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford died overnight at the age of 98. Butz earned his doctoral degree in agricultural economics from Purdue in 1937. He went on to become the Purdue dean of agricultre from 1957 to 1967, before serving in his government position.

"He was a tireless advocate for agriculture and his efforts helped bring Purdue Agriculture into international prominence," said Randy Woodson, Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture atPurdue

Congratulations and 7.2 points awarded to Angelos or Bust, The South Shall Rise (from the Grave) Again, Blue, The Kick the Bucket List, and Kraut's Picks. The Rosters and Standings have been updated.

[Indianapolis Star]

Like a fine Winehouse...

She gets better with age. Oh, not better physically, I meant "better" in terms of stories for us to cover. Not to be out-Britney'd, Amy Winehouse is back in the hospital, this time on an IV to help her recover from dehydration she is suffering while rehabbing from her addiction to crack.

How is she doing? The Sun quotes a source "close to the London Clinic:"

“Amy was looking very pale and thin. She looked ropey and exhausted. Let’s hope she hasn’t taken a turn for the worse.”

She looked ropey? She looked like a strong, thick line or cord, commonly composed of twisted or braided strands of hemp, flax, or the like, or of wire or other material? Wow, that does sound bad...

Why is she doing so badly?

Doctor Carol Cooper said: “Going on a drip is a sign that things have got pretty bad. Crack is notoriously difficult to get off.”

So is writing posts about Amy Winehouse.

[The Sun]

How to Steal a Million (or a Playstation)

Important lesson for all readers looking into a career in burglary: The best way to not get caught by the person you're robbing is for him to be dead when you get there. Dead people are terrible at catching thieves.

Important lesson for all readers looking for a cheap and easy birthday present: rob a dead person. Sometimes they have good stuff.

Today is somebody's birthday! Whose Birthday? World War I Veteran Frank Buckles' Birthday. How Old Is He? 1,2,3,4... 106! And Never been Kissed By... Death

Frank Buckles' name appears on "Tomb Raiders Redux (This Time with Candy)'s" roster

• In the Second World War, in the 1940s, Buckles was a civilian working for an American shipping line. He was captured by the Japanese, however, and spent three years in a Japanese prison camp during most of that war.

Rough break. You figure you've fought in one World War you can sit the second one out. On a happier note for him, many Japanese-Americans were also sent to internment camps for no reason during WWII, so he wasn't alone in getting screwed.

Today is somebody else's birthday! Whose Birthday? Gospel Singer/Songwriter George Beverly Shea's Birthday. How Old Is He? 1,2,3,4... 98! And Never been Kissed By... Death

George Beverly Shea's name appears on "Blue's", "Oldies But Goodies'", and "The Kick the Bucket List's" rosters

• Arguably Shea's most popular hymn is "The Wonder of It All", the title of which was also used by the University of North Carolina Center for Public Television for their 1998 production of his life story.

They really "took a chance" with that production. From what I understand, though, they "made it happen."

Today is somebody's else's else's birthday! Whose Birthday? Welsh Comedian Terry Jones' Birthday. How Old Is He? 1,2,3,4... 65! And Never been Kissed By... Death

Terry Jones' name appears on "Future Corpses of America's" roster

• Jones wrote the screenplay for "Labyrinth," which was also the final feature film directed by Muppet-Master Jim Henson before his death.
  

Some say David Bowie's makeup in this movie was Jones' greatest comedic achievement.

... And Many More!