AS SEEN ON TV: THE MAGI

Since we reached the Feast of the Epiphany yesterday.....

THE THREE WISE MEN

AS SEEN IN:
'Jesus Of Nazareth'

AS PLAYED BY:
Balthazar - James Earl Jones
Melchior - Donald Pleasance
Gaspar - Fernando Rey

From Wikipedia:
In Christian tradition, the Magi, also referred to as the (Three) Wise Men, (Three) Kings, or Kings from the East, are a group of distinguished foreigners who are said to have visited Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense. They are regular figures in traditional accounts of the Nativity and in celebrations of Christmas. Magi is a term derived from Greek (meaning a priest of Zoroaster). The Gospel of Matthew, the only one of the four Gospels to mention the Magi, states that they came "from the east" to worship the Christ, "born King of the Jews".

Although the account does not tell how many they were, the three gifts led to a widespread assumption that they were three as well. Their identification as kings in later Christian writings is linked to Old Testament prophesies such as that in Isaiah 60:3, which describe the Messiah being worshipped by kings. This interpretation was challenged by the Protestant Reformation.

Traditions identify a variety of different names for the Magi. In the Western Christian church they have been commonly known as:

Melchior
Gaspar
Balthasar

Bible historian Chuck Missler mentions an Armenian tradition identifying the Magi as Balthasar of Arabia, Melchior of Persia and Gasper of India.

Embedding was disabled, but you can see the Magi in these YouTube clips:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ja5EhlQ6SPg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bksg2mRsiv4&NR

BCnU!

HIMYM: COUNTDOWN TOWARDS AGONY

If you watched 'How I Met Your Mother' this past Monday night, you probably noticed the gimmick used throughout the episode - a countdown from fifty which was embedded into the scenes until they reached the "Bad News" of the episode's title.

ClickClaque TV was nice enough to supply a list of the sightings for the countdown:

50 – Doctor’s Calendar
49 – Doctor’s Calendar in next scene
48 – Steak sauce (Marshall putting on food)
47 – 47th Annual Laser Tag tournament (Barney’s hand)
46 – 46th Society Certificate (Behind Lily)
45 – 45¢ Hot Wings (On table in front of Barney)
44 – 44 Beers on Tap (Behind Bar)
44 – Football Jersey
43 – Fertility Brochure (Marshall’s Hands)
42 – Fertility Brochure (Marshall’s Hands)
41 – Car poster (behind Dr. Stangel)
40 – NY’s 40 Greatest Landmarks Book (Ted’s hands)
39 – Room Number (Behind Robin)
38 – 38 Degrees (On newspaper)
37 – 37 Recipes (On Lily’s magazine)
36 – Marshall’s Dad’s beer
35 – Stock Market up 35.34 Points (On monitor)
34 – Stock Market up 35.34 Points (On monitor)
33 – Miners rescued from mine (On monitor)
32 – Lottery numbers (On monitor)
31 – Lottery numbers (On monitor)
30 – Lottery numbers (On monitor)
29 – Lottery numbers (On monitor)
28 – Lottery numbers (On monitor)
27 – Lottery numbers (On monitor)
26 – Home improvement shortcuts (Marshall’s dad’s book)
25 – The 25 Greatest Bridges (Ted’s Book)
24 – Basketball’s newest star #24 (On Magazine)
23 – Metro News 23 Logo
22 – Japanese news show 22 logo
21 – Today is 21 (Calendar behind Dr. Stangel)
20 – “Private” room 20
19 – Top 19 (Nekkid magazine in “Private” room 20)
18 – Lily and Marshall’s apartment number
17 – Specimen jar number
16 – Specimen jar number
15 – Bran Stix (Robin’s cereal)
14 – Sandy’s apartment number (1413)
13 – Sandy’s apartment number (1413)
12 – Days of Christmas card (Behind Marshall)
11 – America’s 11 Greatest Water Towers (Ted’s book)
10 – Robin Sparkles’ denim jacket
9 – On Marhsall’s fake file
8 – Exam room number
7 – Champagne
6 – On Marshall’s fake file part two
5 – Marshall’s high five
4 – Layers of the uterus sign
3 – Open ‘til 3 sign
2 – Clock on Marshall’s Dad’s desk
1 – Lily’s cab number

And as we learned the "Bad News", there was an expired parking meter nearby.....

I only missed two of the numbers: Number Five and Number Fifteen. I should have realized it was the high five, but when I first thought of the possibility during the episode, I realized ti was too soon for it to be used. (There were at least four instances of the "High Fives".

As for Number Fifteen being on the Bran Stix box? I studied that box and I never saw it. I'm thinking that shot, maybe the whole series,. was meant for HDTV screens back home. I think ith "15" was off to the right of the screen.....

All in all, a very entertaining episode and probably in the running already for the 2011 Toobits Awards.

BCnU.....

AS SEEN ON TV: MICKEY HARGITAY

Mickey Hargitay, the Hungarian-born bodybuilder and actor, was born on this date in 1926.....

MICKEY HARGITAY

AS SEEN IN:
"The Jayne Mansfield Story"

AS PLAYED BY:
Arnold Schwarzenegger

From Wikipedia:
Miklós "Mickey" Hargitay (January 6, 1926 – September 14, 2006) was an actor and Mr. Universe 1955. He was born in Budapest, Hungary. He also is noted for his marriage to Jayne Mansfield, and as the father of actress Mariska Hargitay.

He acted in two films featuring Jayne Mansfield - "The Loves of Hercules" (1960) and "Promises! Promises!" (1963), and had a cameo (as Mansfield's boyfriend) in the film version of "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?".

From 1959 to 1961, Hargitay hosted a television exercise show. He also starred as Travis Anderson in the Italian horror film "Bloody Pit of Horror".

He also acted in Hungarian director György Szomjas' 1988 film, "Mr. Universe".

Hargitay's final acting appearance was in an episode of his daughter Mariska's series, 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'. In the episode "Control", Hargitay played a man on a subway station escalator who witnesses the aftermath of a brutal assault. Mariska's character, Olivia Benson, is later seen interviewing him.

BCnU!

THE HAT SQUAD: BILL ERWIN

I have Bill Erwin, Emmy nominated for a guest appearance on 'Seinfeld', listed in the Hat Squad tributes as the last actor to pass away in 2010. However, it looks as though Per Oscarsson of Sweden actually takes that final spot in the roll call - two bodies have been found in the burned ruins of his home and they are believed to be the award-winning octogenarian and his wife.

But even so, I wanted to tip my cap to Mr. Erwin. I've always been a big fan of the character actors and it saddens me deeply every time one of them finally leaves the stage. Not only for the contributions they made to the Tele-Folks Directory of Earth Prime-Time, but because I fear there will never be anyone coming along of their caliber to take their place.

Mr. Erwin is probably best known to TV audiences as he looked as an old man in shows of the last twenty years, like 'Seinfeld' and 'Star Trek: The Next Generation': But he was knocking around in the different time periods of Toobworld for many years, providing many characters to the TV roster.

As an example, here's how he looked in an episode of 'The Rifleman': I'm not sure the argument could be made that his character of Joe Flecker of the Old West was related to Sid Fields of New York City, but he could be an ancestor to Dr. Dalen Quaice who was seen on board the Enterprise.....

Good night and may God bless, good sir.

BCnU....

WHAT'S NEW AT TOOB HQ: "THE NEW INTERNS"

In case anyone out there was actually wondering when the annual Toobits Awards were going to be presented (I can dream, can't I?), I just wanted to let you know that I am working on them and they should be ready to roll here at Inner Toob at least by Friday.

It's been taking a bit longer than usual because Toobworld Central has acquired two new interns here at headquarters:

NUCKY & LEELA O'B

They're brother and sister, 8 months old, and they chose me at an adoption fair in NYC back in the middle of December.

The reason why there's been kind of a work slowdown here is because Leela commandeers the desk and is always chasing the cursor on the screen, blocking my view. This is probably the only activity which tires her out. She's one hyper-kitty!Like I said, most of the time.....

Nucky had a recent health scare with a bronchial infection, but after taking him to the vet and giving him daily antibiotics, he's well on the way to recovery - no wheezing, his appetite has GREATLY improved and he's drinking his water so he's not as dehydrated as he was. They're both still sneezing - usually into my face while I'm sleeping - but I think everything's going to be good from this point on. They may not be ready to take on the Laser Cats in battle, but I'm looking forward to a long association with them both here at Toobworld Central.......

BCnU!

AS SEEN ON TV: "THE CRAIG'S LIST KILLER"

The Lifetime channel recently ran a movie about this would-be serial killer who took his own life last year... supposedly*.

PHILIP MARKOFF

AS SEEN IN:
"The Craigslist Killer"

AS PLAYED BY:
Jake McDorman

From Wikipedia:
Philip Haynes Markoff (February 12, 1986 – August 15, 2010) was an American medical student who was charged with the armed robbery and murder of Julissa Brisman in a Boston, Massachusetts, hotel on April 14, 2009, and two other armed robberies. The media have referred to the Brisman murder as a "Craigslist Killing" because the killer was alleged to have met his victims through ads they placed on Craigslist offering erotic services.

Markoff maintained his innocence of all charges and pleaded not guilty at his arraignment. A grand jury indicted Markoff for first-degree murder, armed robbery, and other charges.

On August 15, 2010, the Suffolk County Sheriff reported that Markoff died of an apparent suicide in Boston's Nashua Street Jail, where he was being held in custody awaiting trial. The district attorney later confirmed the cause of death as suicide. Markoff's death while in custody raised concerns about the safety of inmates in Massachusetts prisons, which currently has a death rate four times higher than the national average.

BCnU!

* I typed "supposedly" because I love fostering conspiracy theories......

"THE TWILIGHT ZONE - THE AFTER HOURS"

The late Anne Francis had a memorable role in an episode of 'The Twilight Zone'. I found it at YouTube and would like to share it with you here:

"THE AFTER HOURS"
PART ONE



PART TWO



PART THREE



For me, her other most memorable role after this and of course after 'Honey West' came in an episode of 'Columbo', "A Stitch In Crime". (She was also in the episode "Short Fuse".) I found a video that shows some of her involvement in "A Stitch In Crime", but as that was a mystery show, I didn't want to ruin it for you by sharing that video clip. Nothing stops you from checking it out yourself, however.....

BCnU!

"HONEY WEST - THE SWINGIN' MRS. JONES"

Since a few of the 'Honey West' episodes are available at YouTube, I though I'd offer up one so you could get the feel of the show in general (and as to why the character played by the late Anne Francis should be considered an icon for those times):


PART ONE




PART TWO




PART THREE

BCnU!

THE HAT SQUAD: ANNE FRANCIS

Monday morning I posted this on Facebook:
I knew the 2011 edition of the Toobworld Hat Squad would have to begin soon, but why did it have to start with Anne Francis? Rest in peace, Honey West.......

Anne Francis has passed away at the age of 80. For this Caretaker of Toobworld, she'll always be remembered for her two roles in 'Columbo' episodes, the "After-Hours" episode of 'The Twilight Zone', and of course, for that private eye/feminist icon, 'Honey West'.

I think we have to consider Honey West to have passed away as well. At the very least, there could never be another Honey West in the main Toobworld. I have a feeling somebody will try to do a remake; I'm surprised we haven't seen one before now, considering how often TV properties are translated for the big screen as well as for TV. (Perhaps there were development deals in the past that I'm just not aware of.)

As with Patricia Crowley, my crush on Anne Francis back in the day was tempered by the disturbing realization that they're both the same age as my mother. (Although Mom was more in the 'Please Don't Eat The Daisies' mode than as 'Honey West'.)

To mark her passing, Inner Toob offers up a variety of videos:

First up, here's an interview with Anne Francis conducted by the late Hollywood columnist Army Archerd, who himself passed away last year......





But Anne Francis as herself wasn't as instrumental to Toobworld as her character of Honey West was. Here's the opening credits to the show, very much a sixties feel to them:





And here's the ABC promo advertising the show's premiere:





Here are a couple of fight scenes from the series:





Here's a more serious use of her skills, in a tag team fight with her partner Sam Bolt against that particular episode's villains:





And here she is in battle with the great Kevin McCarthy. I have no idea why she was tagged as June Cleaver's sister for this YouTube video. If she's related to anybody in the TV Universe, she's the great-grand-daughter of Secret Service agent James T. West of 'The Wild, Wild West'.....





There'll be more to come......

AS SEEN ON TV: GENERAL HOWE

GENERAL SIR WILLIAM HOWE

AS SEEN IN:
'You Are There'
"Washington Crosses The Delaware"

AS PLAYED BY:
Gavin Muir



AS SEEN IN:
'The Rebels'

AS PLAYED BY:
Wilfred Hyde White

From Wikipedia:
William Howe, 5th Viscount Howe, KB, PC (10 August 1729 – 12 July 1814) was a British army officer who rose to become Commander-in-Chief of British forces during the American War of Independence. Howe was one of three brothers who enjoyed distinguished military careers.

Having joined the army in 1746 Howe saw extensive service in the War of the Austrian Succession and Seven Years' War. He became known for his role in the capture of Quebec in 1759 when he led a British force to capture the cliffs at Anse-au-Foulon, allowing James Wolfe to land his army and engage the French. Howe also participated in the campaigns to take Louisbourg, Belle Île and Havana.

In May 1775 Howe arrived in Boston with reinforcements for the besieged British forces, taking command from Thomas Gage in September of that year. Howe's record in North America was marked by the costly victory in the Battle of Bunker Hill, and the successful capture of both New York City and Philadelphia. Poor British campaign planning for 1777 contributed to the failure of John Burgoyne's Saratoga campaign, which resulted in the entry of France into the war. Howe's role in developing those plans, and the degree to which he was responsible for British failures that year (despite his personal success at Philadelphia) have been a subject of contemporary and historic debate.

He resigned his post as Commander in Chief, North America, in 1778, and returned to England, where he was at times active in the defence of the British Isles. He served for many years in Parliament, and was knighted after his successes in 1776. He inherited the Viscountcy of Howe upon the death of his brother Richard in 1799. He married, but had no children, and the viscountcy was extinguished with his death in 1814.

Two for Tuesday.....

BCnU!