Robert Taylor vs Robert Taylor

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It's late on a Friday night & I've just finished an entertaining comparison on who might play Robert Taylor on a discussion board at: Robert Taylor Movie Star.

I just had to show everyone the Robert Taylor of today, as opposed to THE oh-so-famous Robert Taylor of classic movie fame. What if ... what if there WERE a movie being made of his life, based, of course, on my book, "Reluctant Witness: Robert Taylor, Hollywood, & Communism?" What if?

Who do YOU think should play the young Bob? Just look at these photos. Add the widow's peak to the young Robert Taylor--and, truthfully, the young man's name IS Robert Taylor. He has similar coloring, dark hair, piercing eyes (we'd have to do blue contacts, but that's no big deal) ... and he IS an actor.

So think about it. It's a fun exercise.

Happy weekend, folks. I'm Famous at 54 because I wrote Reluctant Witness: Robert Taylor, Hollywood, & Communism, a book on one of Hollywood's most handsome actors of all times ... & it was a blessing to me to be able to do so.

Robert Taylor here, the young one, he's famous because--1. He's an actor; 2. He has a resemblance to that OTHER Robert Taylor; 3. He lives with the same name as one of Hollywood's most handsome actors of all times; and 3. He could just possibly pull off playing THE MAN himself.

If you saw him in person, you'd surely know what I mean....

It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Francis Scott Key lives in a neighborhood right down the road apiece from mine. Let me amend that. He resides in this nearby neighborhood … well, yes, I can say he resides there. I looked up the word, and it does say, “To be inherently present,” so knowing that Francis Scott Key is inherently present in every inch of his current—and permanent—neighborhood, he does reside there. In fact, there’s a grand statue of him, welcoming you to his home, as soon as you enter the gated community called Mt. Olivet.



Lots of individuals reside in this peaceful, attractive, well-kept neighborhood nestled in between the city’s minor league baseball park—named, appropriately, Francis Scott Key Stadium; with the team, of course, called the Keys—and on its other side … another neighborhood, not as old, not as stately, but still with many locals to call it home.



Francis Scott Key is famous because he incited a passion in the masses. We could all learn a lesson from him. He was in the midst of a country in battle, a civilian, when he heard that a friend had been taken prisoner by the British as they invaded Washington in 1814. Key was determined to do what he could to help. No less than the President of the United States agreed to allow him to be a part of the solution, and Key was placed upon a frigate called, appropriately, The Surprise, in the Baltimore Harbor. Fort McHenry
was visible and Key’s emotions overtook him. An attorney and burgeoning writer, he penned, “The Star Spangled Banner” and the rest, as the story always goes … is history.

And history is what you find when you roam the streets of Frederick, Maryland. Francis Scott Key wasn’t born in this town, but he was born nearby, in a more rural area called, again appropriately, Keymar. Yet it is here, in town, where so very much of his lasting legacy still resides.

Indeed, this city is his neighborhood, yet his closest neighbors are folks in the
Mt. Olivet Cemetery who have not necessarily received the fanfare which followed him into eternity.



For example, we have Minnie C. Dukehart, born on March 28, 1860—can you imagine?!—and died January 5, 1906. Minnie was on this earth for 46 years. In 1870, she lived in Baltimore with her parents and her brother, Eugene. Her dad was a railroad conductor. In 1900, just six years before she passed away, she lived on Fayette Street in Baltimore. Her dad had died, and she was still with her mother and brother. It appears Minnie never married, never had children, so how did she end up in Frederick?

Everyone has a story to tell, and everyone is famous because of their story.

Then there was Merle B. Bantz. Merle was born 1859, and in 1870, he lived with his parents—his mother kept the home fires burning while his dad was a well-to-do tanner. He had two siblings, he worked as a clerk in a local store, and the family had a “domestic,” which means, indeed, they were doing well enough to have live-in help. Merle moved to Winchester, Virginia at eighteen, and became a noted shoe salesman, well-respected in his field. His mother continued to live in Frederick and it’s likely that since his family home was here, this is why he was buried here when he died of spinal meningitis on March 14, 1899.



And guess what? I didn’t know it ‘til I did a very nominal amount of research, but Merle was related to Minnie. It appears they were cousins.

So it is that Minnie is famous at 150, Merle is famous at 151 … and I’m famous at 54. We’re all famous. We all have stories to tell—whether we make a permanent, well-publicized mark, like Francis Scott Key, or we make a quiet yet still important mark, like shoe salesman, Merle Bantz. I encourage everyone to tell their stories, to tell the stories of their family, and to tell any and every story that peaks their interest. As Thomas Carlyle was known to have said, and I never stop repeating, “History is the essence of innumerable biographies.” We need to record every last little bit of it whenever we have the chance.

Be famous … tell your story. Write it here, in fact, in the comments section. I’d love to read about you, about your family, about those people who inspire you. Why? Because we’re all famous. Really, we are.

Winners--BOTH of Them

I sit here watching American Idol. I find myself every season trying to justify why I’m so intrigued with this show, and I’ve finally decided that I don’t want to have to justify it anymore … I like it because I like it. Period. Just because I’m more than old enough to be the mother of anyone who might find themselves in that top spot, why is that a reason I should hide in the corner when I say one or the other is my “favorite?”

So it is that tonight there are two 24-year olds standing on the precipice of stardom. In fact, the truth is that both of them have already won. The history of American Idol shows that oftentimes the runner-up flies when the winner simply slides.

And I just can’t help but smile when I look at
Lee DeWyze. Yes, Crystal Bowersox is an incredible musician. Yes, she’s cute. Yes, she’s a mother. Yes, she’s a woman. And if she takes the #1 spot—good for her. But if Lee is the Big Winner? I’m going to have to quote Ellen DeGeneres on this one, “I couldn’t be prouder if I birthed” him myself.

Why is that? He’s got a quality that can’t be named. He’s a natural, and there’s no other way to pinpoint it. A shy smile. A way about him that doesn’t assume he’s going to be the best … just listen to him, though, and you know he’s got it in him. He doesn’t have to tell you. He doesn’t even have to stand on the stage and act like the king of that stage because what he is already tells you he’s exactly that—and so much more.

So Lee DeWyze, ex-paint store clerk … go for it. I’m Famous at 54 because I recognize it in you, no less than if I were your own mother. And you’re famous because, well, simply because YOU’RE Lee DeWyze. Don’t let anyone intimidate you. Step up to the plate and claim your prize.

Dachshunds and Politicians: It IS the Small Stuff. Smile, Say Thank You

I drive to the post office in downtown Frederick, Maryland most every morning to visit the P.O box I use as a business address. I’m awaiting potentially important paperwork for the completion of my book, A Maverick Life: The Jack Kelly Story. This is the major reason I make this trek from my more suburban spot in Frederick to the downtown area … maybe an entire ten minutes away.



This morning as I drove, I saw a young couple walking two dogs. Not unusual … but the dogs made me smile. They were dachshunds and I can’t help but smile when I see these rolly-polly, low-to-the-ground bundles of energy. I don’t have a dog, haven’t for years, but if I did … it’d be a dachshund. How can I not smile when I see such adorableness? They never seem to walk. They’re always pseudo-galloping, and that doesn’t look easy for an animal with four short, teeny legs to carry a solid bulk of body along every step of the way. Yet they appear delighted with each step. Their ears fly back in the air as they scurry along, and their head—a head too big for the overall size of the body—holds up proudly.



It is impossible for me not smile when I see a dachshund. And if something makes me smile, it’s important. It may be a small thing in the grand scope of life but whatever causes me to smile is crucially important to not only my health but the health of the planet. Why? Because I live on this planet and when I’m smiling, my good health affects the good health of others.

As well as my community. Let’s talk politicians. How many politicians make you smile? Honestly. If you’re anywhere in the Washington, DC area, you're always seeing politicians—national, international, local—and most often, what they do does not elicit a smile. That means that when said politicians do help you crack a smile, they deserve public credit.

I’m not extremely political. I pay attention, speak up at times, and keep an eye out for what may threaten what I see as a positive way of life—not only for me but for others. But let’s face it … politics is subjective. What we support is based on the lives we’ve led, the lives that impact us, and issues that grow closest to our hearts. I don’t vote along party lines. I watch for the small things—office holders who, issue by issue, show me their passion over those things which I also tend to consider important.

That’s why I smiled when I learned County Commissioner Kai Hagen was one of two, in a 3-2 vote, who supported continued funding to the
Frederick Arts Council. Anyone who’s ever been to this quaint, historic town simply must take a drive to understand how crucial the arts are here. Frederick was just named 18 on a list of “Top 25 Small Cities” for the Arts by American Style Magazine. Even after that, three other County Commissioners still voted down funding. This is one of those “small things” on my list which make up my appreciation for who-does-what-for-whom.

I thank Kai Hagen and Jan Gardner for having vision to understand this simple “appeal to the public” principle.

It took my ride through town this morning to make sense of this. To see the most adorable dogs enjoying our small-town beauty … and see its history and art as I passed murals, cityscapes, aqueducts and carefully-planned integration of past and the future—an absolutely artistic effort unto itself … I couldn’t help but appreciate the small things because that’s what makes up life. That makes life worth living. That’s what makes ME smile.

I’m famous at 54 because I can still smile at the small stuff, and fully appreciate its beauty, artistry, and import. What makes you smile? What makes you famous?

Freedom of the Press: I don’t care whether or not Elena Kagan is gay but….

60+ years ago there was unspoken rule—whatever went on behind closed doors in Hollywood wasn’t discussed. It wasn’t that such tidbits wouldn’t sell; those gems would’ve sold lots of newspapers, and glued many an ear to the radio and eyeballs to the TV. How were secrets kept safe? We’re a nosy society. We want to know if we identify, or if we can’t. The press looks for it all, finds it all, tells it all. If you can’t handle it, don’t put yourself in the limelight.

I'm personally not interested in gawking. As a biographer, I don't like to be sensational. I’m often accused of being too soft on the subjects at the end of my pen. Still, I believe that if you want to be in the limelight, you must realize that comes at a price. With the technology available, there’s no hiding. And there’s no reason to hide. If you can’t stand being at the end of the telescope, stay away from the lens.

Today, this cautionary message focuses on Washington. We have a new Supreme Court Justice nominee, a 50-year old single woman. Never married. There are numbers of reasons why a rumor began circulating that she might be gay. Do I care? I don’t. While being a gay woman, if she is a gay woman, will influence her beliefs, that's human nature. I’d hope that a professional common-sense gay woman’s personal beliefs shouldn’t be any more unduly influencing than, say, a divorced heterosexual woman. Or what if she's a heterosexual woman who's had bad male/female relationships and is not interested in doing it all over again? Should that be up for discussion?

The point isn’t if Elena Kagan is gay, it’s the governmental reaction to that idea. I don’t believe our governing body should direct what is or isn’t put out in the press, or squelch freedom of speech. When the idea that Kagan could be gay was publicized, the United States government, in the form of the White House, strongly “suggested” such things shouldn’t be discussed. Even more, retractions were “encouraged” and media was instructed not to discuss the matter.

I ask—have you heard anything about Kagan’s sexuality from network outlets lately? Again, I don’t care. That sort of thing shouldn’t be part of the political process. But if it becomes the conversation, our government has no right to repress it. This country is founded on freedom of the press and freedom of speech. There’s that saying, paraphrased, “I don’t agree with what you say but I will defend your right to say it.”

No one would care about Elena Kagan, sexuality or otherwise, if she weren’t vying for a position with the highest court in the land. That makes her Famous at 50 … not for her sexuality but because she wants to be publicly influential. As a result, the US government has directed the press on her behalf, making a mockery of the very tenets of law this lady would be required to uphold should she get the seat.

REFERENCES:

Andrew Sullivan

KIAH-TV Houston Maggie Flecknoe

Famous People Plan With Google Calendars

When we go from one year to another, we "turn" such-and-such an age. The “turning” part of my 54 odyssey is done-and-gone. No more turning to be had. I done did that this year. I’ve turned. It’s official, and all that’s left is to have the best-est year ever. That’s what being famous is about, isn’t it? Doing what you do best, enjoying the process, and being in love with every moment?



That’s my plan. Speaking of plans, have you used Google Calendars? I looked for years for a system that would feel natural, that I’d automatically use, that would be right there for me whenever something came up. I had every planner you could possibly imagine—leather, non-leather, large, small, with or without all sorts of nifty planning page ideas to keep me on track … and while they seemed logical, they required me to carry a large, bulky, physical piece of planning equipment wherever I went … and along with my handbag, the added piece didn’t work.

Then came electronics. I carry a phone, and my phone has bells and whistles. It has a calendar and I could add appointments there. It’s with me all the time but it requires me to be extraordinarily technically advanced—at least in my mind—and that wasn’t the ticket, either. Tessie Techno is not my style. It wasn’t natural, and that was the problem. An effective tool for any part of life should be an extension of routine.

I’m at my computer most of the day. When I’m out, I usually have a thin, inexpensive, utilitarian calendar book with me. I don’t use it to write down every single appointment, or everything that needs to be done. I use it as a way to carry a calendar I’ve already printed … from my Google online calendar system. I do jot down appointments in the planner when they come up and I’m away from my computer, only to add them to my Google calendar when I get back to my computer.



Google's system offers color coding for each type of appointment, giving an immediate sense of how much time is spent on whatever task. I add personal and professional tasks, points that need a date for future reference, special happenings, etc. I print out a calendar for each day and appointments/entries are color-coded so I’m aware of the different pockets of importance for that day. Also, being on the computer so much, I pull up my calendar in a window and keep it up all day, adding, changing, rearranging as needed. It shows on the screen as solid color—and I picked what colors I wanted for specific parts of my life—so it has become something I’m used to seeing and recognizing.

Everyone has a system. It’s taken me years to get to where my system works to the point that I’m uncomfortable if I don’t use it to stay on track with all the types of work I do each day, and various commitments. And even when traveling, all I do is pull up my Google calendar on my laptop and—POOF!— it’s in front of me.



Did we EVER accomplish anything before computers? Thanks, Google, for making it easier to be Famous at 54. Every little bit helps! Now, it’s time to finish writing that book, "A Maverick Life: The Jack Kelly Story" on famous Jack Kelly.

Me, The Pill, Anne Baxter, Johnny Maestro, & Uncle Dave: Happy Birthday

Okay, it’s official. In one more year, in many locations, I can request a senior discount … and get it legally. The “Big 54” has settled upon me, and I really don’t feel any the worse for it. In fact, I always remember my ex-mother-in-law’s words about birthdays, “You don’t worry about HAVING them. It’s when you STOP having them that you have to worry.” Okay, dear Kay … I’m with you on that one!

Also realized that I'm older than The Pill. We share a birthday month ... but I have a few extra years on me. And The Pill, well, it doesn't look a day over, maybe, what? 49?! It wasn't yet around when I was just a twinkle in my mother's eye.

Anne Baxter, famous movie star of yesterday, was born on May 7 ... in the 1920s. She was part of the now-infamous film, "The Ten Commandments." Now, that's imposing!

And then there was Johnny Maestro ... of Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge. Oh, I listened to THEM when I was growing up, and never did I know he and I had the same birthdate. I even interviewed him once. He was probably tired, had had a long day--and it was not an impressive interview. He said little, and was even a bit curt. Oh well, we all have those days, eh? Johnny has recently passed away, and he's likely singing with the angels.

My Uncle Dave passed away very recently. He was always larger-than-life and I have to admit, I was often just this side of intimidated by him. As he aged, however, I saw his softer side, and truly appreciated his sweetness. There was one thing very specific he and I shared all those years, something no one else in the family shared—our birthdate. Today is also Uncle Dave’s birthday, and I’m sure the angels are singing to him--maybe Johnny Maestro is leading the choir?--right this minute.

And he’s sitting there, with that infamous crooked grin of his, an eyebrow cocked, just waiting for the perfect moment to sink a zinger on those unsuspecting angels. Be gentle, Uncle Dave … after all, they ARE angels, and it IS Heaven, so make it PG, will ya?!

Uncle Dave was always famous for that—his crooked grin, cocked eyebrow, and a dry, seat-of-his-pants comment that no expected placed at exactly the perfect moment in conversation. Everyone would then fall off their chair laughing, and he would just continue to grin. He knew what he was doing.



The Pill is famous forever, Anne Baxter's famous for having a hand in the heaviest set of rules of all times, Johnny Maestro is famous for his fantastic voice, I'm “Famous at 54,” and now my Uncle Dave has entered the “Famous Forever Club.”

Happy birthday to all who have May 7 as their special day ... you're famous, too!