2006 Death List Posted

The 2005 Death Pool ended with Greg winning with 77 points, Jim with 31 points, Dave with 20 points and Izzy with 15 points.

Tonight we gathered at a semi secret location in Hyde Park to pick our lists for 2006 which is posted below. This year we chose 20 names instead of 15 because that allowed us more time to drink beer. After our lists were completed we played poker for a few more hours, again for more beer.

9 minutes into the draft a side wager was proposed and accepted. $5 each to the player whose list contains the first casualty this year. Another $5 for the person whose list contains the last casualty of the year.

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas Greg - From Ariel?

Ariel Sharon was rushed to the hospital today after suffering what appears to be a "non life threatening" mild stroke.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4540550.stm

Because we can trust everything we hear from that Sharon camp....

Greg has pretty much achieved soothsayer status in my book. The $20 I was going to pay to participate in the 2006 death pool is now going directly to Greg in return for some lottery numbers.

We're Not Worthy

As tempting as it is to comment on the life and times of Richard Pryor, given the circumstances, and the $20 I will soon part with, I feel obligated to recognize Mr. Guthrie and his amazing feat of 4 out of the top 5 people on his list cashing in. Quite impressive.

And yes, there is still time for Ladybird to fly the coop for the perfect 5/5.

Maybe Peterson or 50 Cent will send me a nice present this year.

But that's not nice to wish for.

Certainly Greg will pick last in the 2006 draft?

Birthday: Walter Cronkite

Born in St. Joseph's, Missouri in 1916, Walter Cronkite is one of the most influential TV journalists of the 20th Century. Cronkite began his career covering World War II for the United Press. He landed with troops on D-Day, flew bombing missions over Germany and covered the Nuremberg trials. He also opened the first post-war Moscow news bureau.

In 1950 he joined CBS and first made a name for himslef covering the 1952 presidential nominating conventions. After numerous assignments with CBS, Cronkite took over the position of news anchor in April of 1962. Within a year the program was expanded from 15 to 30 minutes and his first half-hour show included an interview with President Kennedy. A few months later Cronkite made television history by announcing, with tears in his eyes, the assassination of the President.

Cronkite's career would continue to be marked by significant moments in American and World history. Upon his return from Vietnam, he declared the war to be a "stalemate" and encouraged the eventual peace talks. During the Apollo XI mission he remained on the air for nearly 30 hours. In 1972 he encouraged CBS News to continue the investigation of the Watergate scandal. In an interview with Anwar Sadat in 1977 he asked if the Egyptian President would be willing to meet with Israel - resulting in the Camp David peace accords.

In 1981 Cronkite retired from CBS. However he has remained active in television. In his retirement he has hosted numerous television shows and documentaries for CBS, PBS, the Discovery Channel and The Learning Channel.

If Walter Cronkite died today he would be worth 11 points for Izzy.

Greg pads his lead

With the passing of Rosa Parks, Greg now has a total of 42 points. That gives him an 11 point lead and with only a few months left that amount may very well hold up. Here's the breakdown:

Greg - 42 points
Jim - 31 points
Dave - 20 points
Izzy - 15 points


"I did not get on that bus to get arrested. I got on the bus to go home."
- Rosa Parks

Birthday: Bob Geldof

Born in 1951 in Dublin, Ireland, Robert Frederick Zenon Geldof first came to fame as the front man for the 70's new wave band The Boomtown Rats. The group had a string of hits in the U.K. including the song "I Don't Like Mondays." In 1982 Geldof took on the role of Pink in the movie Pink Floyd's: The Wall.

In 1984 Geldof organized over 40 British singers and musicians to record the song "Do They Know It's Christmas." The group, known as Band Aid, raised money to help prevent starvation in Africa. The project led to an even big endeavor, Live Aid. Geldof organized the all-day, two-continent charity concert with great success.

Geldof is divorced but has three children. He continues to make music as well as raise awareness of the plight of the African people.

If Bob Geldof died today he would be worth 49 points for Dave.

Birthday: Charlton Heston

Charlton 'Chuck' Heston is known as one of the greatest and most politically controversial actors of the 20th century. Although he began his career on broadway and in television, he made a name for himself in the epic mega-productions of the 1950's. His career took off with a role in The Greatest Show on Earth and skyrocketed with The Ten Commandments. He won his first oscar in 1959 for Ben-Hur.

In the late 1960's Heston turned to science fiction. He starred in Plant of the Apes and followed that with roles in The Omega Man and Soylent Green.

In the 1980's Heston began taking a greater interest in politics. He was named co-chairman of President Reagan's Task Force on the Arts and Humanities. He served on the National Council for the Arts and served four terms as President of the National Rifle Association of America.

Charlton has been married to his wife Lydia for 51 years. They have two children and two grandchildren. He has recently overcome prostate cancer and has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

If Charlton Heston was shot down with a machine gun today, he would be worth 19 points for Greg.

Birthday: Tommy Lee

Born Thomas Lee Bass in 1962 in Athens Greece, Lee received his first drumset at the age of four. Chasing dreams of rock stardom, Lee dropped out of high school to play on the Sunset Strip. Upon meeting bassist Nikki Sixx the two created a band named Motley Crue. The band ended up being one of the prominent 'hair' bands of the 1980's.

In 1995, long after the band faded, Lee made headlines by marrying sex symbol Pamela Anderson. Their infamous sex tape may have been the first major video transported throughout the internet.

Lee has recently released a solo album to coincide with a reality TV show, Tommy Lee Goes to College.

If Tommy Lee died today he would be worth 57 points for Jim.

Birthday: Mickey Rooney

Born Joe Yule Jr., Mickey Rooney was one of the first child stars. And his stage presence came before he was two years old. At the age of 17 months he was in a tuxedo and on stage with his father. Years later, after failing to land a role in "Our Gang" Mickey landed his first film role at the age of six. But his real fame would come as a teenager in movies such as "Boys Town", "Babes in Arms", and the "Andy Hardy" series.

As an adult Mickey continued to work in both movies and television. He appeared in such movies as Breakfast at Tiffany's and It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. He also lent his voice to numerous animated shows including Santa Claus is Coming to Town and The Fox and the Hound. In all, Mickey has appeared in over 200 films.

Although Mickey has been married 8 times, he has been with his current wife since 1978. They are currently on tour together performing a stage production called "Let's Put on a Show".

If Mickey Rooney died today he would be worth 15 points for Izzy.

Birthday: Tommy Lasorda

After a brief career as a pitcher Lasorda made his fame as manager of the Dodgers. He took over the team in 1976 and took them to the World Series in 1977 and 1978. But it wasn't until his third appearance in the fall classic in 1981 that he won the title.

Lasorda was known for arguing with the umpires and his unwavering faith for the Dodgers. He is quoted as saying he bleeds "Dodger Blue."

After retiring from managing in 1996 he took a position as an executive in the Los Angeles organization - one he still holds today.

If Tommy Lasorda died today he would be worth 22 points for Jim.

Birthday: Red Auerbach

Born Arnold Auerbach in 1917 in Brooklyn, New York, Red would go on to be one of the most respected men in the history of the NBA. He played college basketball for George Washington and had a brief stint in professional ball with the Harrisburg Senators. In 1944 he joined the Navy to do his part in World War II.

In 1946 he joined the upstart NBA coaching the Washington Capitols for 3 years. His big break came in 1950 when he was hired to coach the Boston Celtics. As the head of the Celtics from 1950 to 1966, Auerbach won 938 games and 9 championships, including 8 in a row. Beginning in 1967 Auerbach concentrated on his job as General Manager. Boston won 2 more titles in 1968 and 1969 before slumping through most of the 1970's. However, he made a bold move, selecting Larry Bird in the 1978 draft. Behind Bird the Celtics won again in 1981. Aueurbach then made more moves adding such players as Kevin McHale, Robert Parish and Bill Walton. Those players helped Boston win two more titles in the 80's.

Red Auerbach was enshrined into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1968. He was named coach of the year in 1965, a trophy which now bears his name. In 1980 he was named Executive of the year.

Red Auerbach has been in and out of the hospital the past few months. However, his family has requested that his health status not be disclosed.

If Red were to die today he would be worth 12 points for Izzy.

Birthday: B.B. King

Born on a plantation in Mississippi in 1925, Riley B. King began performing at a very young age. As a child he played guitar on streetcorners, traveling from town to town every night. In 1947 he hitchhiked to Memphis to pursue his music career. His first break came in 1948 when he performed on Sonny Boy Williamson's radio show. It was on the radio that he changed his name from Riley to Beale Street Blues Boy to Blues Boy King to finally, B.B. King.

With his first hit "Three O'Clock Blues" King hit the road. He made a national tour in 1956 playing 342 one-night stands. It was in Arkansas where he ran back into a burning club to retreive his guitar. It turns out the fire was started during a fight over a girl named Lucille. From that point he has always named his guitar Lucille to remind him not to do something so stupid as to run into a burning building for a $30 guitar.

In the late 60's King played at the Fillmore West, introducing the blues to a young, white audience. In 1969 he toured with the Rolling Stones. His fame grew from there and in 1987 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. B.B. continues to tour today.

If B.B. King died today he would be worth 20 points for Dave.

Birthday: George Jones

Country legend George Jones was born in Saratoga, Texas. As a child he sang for tips on street corners in nearby Beaumont. At the age age 24 he recorded his first songs and in 1959 had his first #1 hit, "White Lightning." In 1969 Jones married Tammy Wynette and the two began making songs together. While they were a fan favorite on the stage, their marriage was a disaster. Alcohlism led to abuse and the two were divorced in 1976.

In 1980 Jones had perhaps his biggest hit "He Stopped Loving Her Today." The song won him a Grammy Award and was CMA's Single of the Year for both 1980 and 1981.

Jones nearly died in 1998 in an auto accident. He suffered a collapsed lung and a torn liver along with numerous other internal injuries. After several months, Jones recovered and hit the road again.

If George Jones died today he would be worth 26 points for Jim.

Jim Will Do Him Justice

Until then let me say that Chief Justice William Rehnquist passed away tonight, giving Jim 20 more points and moving him into 2nd place.

Take it away, Jim.

Birthday: Kitty Carlisle

Born Catherine Conn in 1910 in the city of New Orleans, Kitty Carlisle has been acting for over 70 years. She first appeared on the silver screen in 1934 in the movie Murder at the Vanities. One year later she appeared in the Marx Brothers production A Night at the Opera. Her most recent film credit was a small part in the 1993 movie Six Degrees of Separation.
Ms. Carlisle is probably best known for her numerous appearances on television games shows. She served as a celebrity panelist numerous times on both What's My Line? and To Tell The Truth.
Kitty Carlisle currently lives in New York City where she is active in supporting the Arts.

If Kitty Carlisle died today, she would be worth 5 points for Jim.

Missed Birthdays

What a great name for a band - Missed Birthdays. They would have to be either punk or 80's new wave. I could hear Morrisey crooning now about how everyone missed his birthday but it doesn't matter because he didn't really care. But screw Morrisey, look at the band that could be put together with the birthdays that I have missed - Les Paul (June 9), John Goodman (June 20), Fifty Cent (July 6), Courtney Love (July 9), Gerald Ford (July 14). Sure, the President could be a problem but I bet he could bang on some drums - or at least fall down over them. Combined with Les and Courtney playing guitar and Big John on the Harmonica I'm fairly sure the music will drown out Fifty Cents rap.

Kirk to Engine Room - Come In Mr. Scott

And as Roger Waters and friends said, "There'd be nobody home."

James Doohan died today giving Izzy 15 points.

They killed me Whitey, they killed me!!

NFL great Hank Stram died Monday from complications from diabetes. Scoring 18 points for Greg and putting him in the lead halfway through the year.

Here is the latest standings:
Greg - 34 pts.
Dave - 20 pts.
Jim- 11 pts.
Izzy - no points

Three Entertainers Die

Within the last few days three not-so-famous entertainers died.

Thurl Ravenscroft died of prostate cancer. He was best known for being the voice of Tony the Tiger (They're Grrrrrrrreat!) He was 91 years old.

Henry Corden died of Emphysema thursday night. He was best known as the voice of Fred Flintstone. He was 85 years old.

On Saturday, actor Howard Morris died. He was best known for his portrayal of Ernest T. Bass on The Andy Griffith Show. He was 85 years old.

No one in our death pool had any of these relatively famous people.

Will Izzy finally score some points?

Augusto Pinochet suffers another stroke.

Birthday: Al Lewis

In his youth, Al Lewis began his career performing in the circus. But instead of continuing in the field of entertainment, Lewis decided on college. He earned a Ph.D. in child psychology from Columbia University. He became a teacher and wrote two children's books. But in 1949 Lewis turned to acting.

After years on Broadway, Lewis landed his first TV Series, Car 54, Where Are You? The show featured Lewis and co-star Fred Gwynne as foolish police officers. Both men would recieve greater fame in their next collaberation together, The Munsters. Lewis played Grandpa Dracula, the father-in-law to Gwynne's Frankenstein character. It was a role that both men would be remembered for their entire lives and beyond.

Since the end of The Munsters, Lewis has appeared on numerous television shows. He also ran for governor of New York in 1998 as a member of the Green Party. In June of 2003 Lewis had his third angioplasty. Complications from the surgery necessitated the ambutation of his right leg and his left foot.

If Grandpa Munster died today he would be worth 5 points for Jim.

Birthday: Ethel Kennedy

Born in 1928 Ethel Skakel married Robert Kennedy on June 17, 1950. As her husband became Attorney General under his brother's administration Ethel became a prominent member of the Kennedy clan. She also proved to be very fertile as she was carrying her eleventh child at the time of her husband's assassination. Two of her sons have died pre-maturely: Michael of a skiing accident and David of suicide. Her daughter Kathleen is currently Lt. Governor of Maryland.

Along with being the matriarch of the Kennedy family Ethel heads numerous charities and is a devout Catholic.

If Ethel Kennedy died today she would be worth 23 points for Izzy.

Birthday: Harry Morgan

Born in Detroit, 1915, Harry Morgan aspired to be a lawyer before discovering the profession of acting. He worked his way on stage to Broadway before moving to California in 1942. His first feature film was The Ox Bow Incident and he appeared in many other familiar movies such as High Noon, Inherit the Wind and Support Your Local Sheriff. But his real fame came from television. In the sixties he appeared alongside Jack Webb in the hit show Dragnet. However, he is most recognized as Col. Sherman Potter on M*A*S*H.

If Harry Morgan died today he would be worth 10 points for Jim.

Greg jumps into 2nd place.

More bad karma by Greg picking the Pope? Time will tell.

Belated Birthday : Karl Malden

He was in THe Streets of San Francisco ....and .... I think thats it.

He he died today and someone noticed before the end of the year, Jim would revieve 7 points

Belated Birthday : Louie Anderson

Fat comedian who made fat jokes about himself
Later in life, still really really fat, hosted Family Feud.

If his stomach exploded like that fat guy after eating a wafer in the Monty Python movie, he would be worth 52 points for Dave.

Dave takes the lead

John Delorean died yesterday. This gives Dave 20 pts.

I now owe Jim $5 because I did not think anyone on Dave's list would kick it this year. (just another lesson on karma for me I guess)

Congrats Dave.

Birthday: Jerry Lewis

Born in New Jersey of parents in the entertainment industry, Jerry Lewis made his debut at the age of five in "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" In 1946 he began working with Dean Martin doing improvised shows. In 1949 the duo appeared in their first film, My Friend Irma. The superstar team would go on to make 16 feature films together as well as numerous live appearances. Through the 1960's, Lewis began directing and won awards for his work throughout Europe. The French were particularly impressed with his work.

Lewis has been widely recognized for his work and telethon to fight Muscular Dystrophy. His annual Labor Day event has not only raised money but also awareness for a horrible disease.

"I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."

If Jerry Lewis died today he would be worth 21 points for Dave.

Belated Birthday: Darryl Strawberry

Strawberry broke into the Major Leagues in 1983 and won the NL Rookie-of-the-year award with the New York Mets. Three years later he helped the Mets win the World Series over the Red Sox. But his best years were the 1987 and 1988 seasons. In 1991 he left the Mets for Los Angeles and although he had some productive years, his problems were just beginning. Back inuries were limiting his play on the field and bad habits were hurting his life off the field. Along with being arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, Strawberry faced income tax problems and numerous bouts with cocaine addiction.

In 1998 Strawberry was diagnosed with cancer and had a tumor removed from his colon. Apparently the life-threating disease did not help him change his ways as he was arrested one year later for solicitation and cocaine posession. In 2002-03 Strawberry served 11 months in prison for cocaine related charges.

Writers Note: As a baseball fan I am appalled by the fact that this man was continually given numerous chances to return to the game while other men have been banned for placing bets.

If Darryl Strawberry died today Jim would receive 57 points.

Birthday: Gabirel Garcia Marquez

Born in Columbia, Marquez established himslef as one of the great writers of the 20th century. Affectionately known as 'Gabo', Marquez first gained prominence with his novel One Hundred Years of Solitude. He went on to lead the Hispanic literary boom felt around the world.

Marquez was born into a very poor family and was raised by his grandparents. Most of his young life was spent not only in poverty but amidst civil war. He was educated in a Jesuit secondary school which helped him to enter the Universidad Nacional in Bogota as a law student. However, law did not interest him and he found himslef intrigued with literature and writing. Kafka's The Metamorphosis had a profound impact on him.

Marquez spent years writing newspaper articles and screenplays for short films. In 1965 inspiration struck and he began writing One Hundred Years of Solitude. The novel was translated into numerous languages and won countless awards. In 1982 Marquez was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Unfortunately, in 1999 Marquez was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer. Through the sickness Gabo has written his memoirs, the first volume of which was published in 2001.

If Gabriel Garcia Marquez died today he would be worth 23 points for Izzy.

Birthday: James Doohan

Born in Vancouver in 1920, James Doohan struggled through his youth as the son of an alcoholic father. At the age of 19 he joined World War II as a captain in the Royal Canadian Artillery. While leading his men into battle on D-Day he was wounded in the leg and lost a finger. He spent the remainder of the war as a pilot observer.

Upon returning from Europe Doohan began his acting career in New York at the Neighborhood Playhouse. He worked with such actors as Leslie Nielson, Tony Randall and Jackie Gleason. For years he traveled between New York and Canada and at one time was known as Canada's busiest actor. In 1966 he earned the role of Scotty on the television show Star Trek. Although the show only lasted a few seasons the characters were bought together for numerous feature films. In the years since the show and movies Doohan has toured the continent giving speeches at universities and 'Trekkie' conventions.

Doohan has four children with his first wife Janet. He remarried in 1975 to his current wife Wende who was 19 years old to his 55. They have three children including a girl born in April of 2000.

In 2004 it was announced that along with Diabetes and Parkinson's Disease, Doohan was suffering from early signs of Alzheimer's Disease.

If James Doohan died today he would be worth 15 points for Izzy.

Belated Birthdays: Ariel Sharon & Elizabeth Taylor

Of all the clebrities on our lists these two people may appear to have the least in common. But on further notice they not only share the same day of birth, they have similar histories. In 1942, at the age of nine, Liz appeared in her first movie, There's One Born Every Minute. That same year Ariel joined Haganah, an organization created to gain independence from British rule. In 1967 Liz won critical acclaim, and her second Oscar for her role in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? One year later, Ariel was the commander of an armored division in the Six Day War.

The similarities go on and on, and think about this one: ten years after Liz played the title role in Cleopatra, Ariel led an army across the Suez canal into Egypt. That victory brought an end to war with Egypt as well as eventual long term peace between two nations. Coincidence, I don't think so.

And finally, in 2001 Ariel was elected Prime Minister of Israel. That same year Liz made what at this point is her last appearance on film in the made-for-TV movie These Old Broads.

My apologies to Ms. Taylor for missing her birthday. And my deepest apologies to Mr. Sharon for not only missing his birthday, but for the above rhetoric.

If Elizabeth Taylor died today she would be worth 27 points for Greg.
If Ariel Sharon died today he would be worth 23 points for Greg.

Birthday: Ron Santo

Born February 25, 1940 in Seattle Washington, Ron Santo would become one of the greatest baseball players to ever wear a Chicgo Cubs uniform. As the thirdbaseman for the Cubs from 1960 through 1973 Santo hit 342 Home Runs and and won 5 Gold Gloves. His best season was 1964 in which he batted .312 with 33 Doubles, 13 Triples, 30 Home Runs and 114 Runs Batted In.

Upon his retirement from playing baseball Santo moved into the broadcast booth covering the Cubs on radio - a position he still holds today. However, after being diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 18, Santo has lost the lower half of both of his legs. He continues to travel with the team as well as fighting for a cure for diabetes.

If Ron Santo died today he would be worth 35 points for Izzy.

Birthday: Abe Vigoda

Born in 1921 in New York, New York Abe Vigoda has enjoyed a long career in acting. He first appeared as Sal Tessio in The Godfather in 1972. Unfortunately his character did not live for the sequel. Vigoda turned to television landing a job on the hit show Barney Miller. His role as Detective Sargeant Phil Fish was so beloved a spin-off was created in 1977, simply titled Fish. The show only lasted one season.

Through the 80's and 90's Vigoda has made numerous appearances in showbusiness. He appeared in such movies as Joe Versus the Volcano and Look Who's Talking. On television he has guest starred in everything from Fantasy Island to Mad About You. He also regularly appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

In 1982 People magazine erroneously reported that Abe Vigoda had died. Since that report there have been numerous rumors concerning his death. He is obviously a popular choice in death pools.

If Abe Vigoda died today he would be worth 16 points for Dave.

Arthur Miller Dies - Jim Scores First Points

Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Arthur Miller died Thursday evening at his home in Roxbury of heart failure. The one time husband of Marylin Monroe won the prestigious award for his creation of Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman.

This is the first death amongst the Circling Buzzards and I have to admit it is nice to be in the lead. But as a former English Literature major it is certainly a sad day.

Arthur Miller was 89 when he died and Jim receives 11 points.

Birhday: Alonzo Mourning

Born in Chesapeake, Virginia, Alonzo Mourning was an outstanding basketball player throughout his youth. After high school he remained near home, attending Georgetown University. As a Hoya he excelled, leading the nation in blocked shots twice and finishing his college career as the all-time Division I-A leader in blocks.

In 1992 Mourning was chosen second overall in the NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets. After his first pro season he was runner up in rookie-of-the-year voting to Shaquille O'Neal. As a center for the Hornets and later the Heat, Mourning won numerous awards including Defensive Player of the Year twice.

In September 2000 Mourning was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a rare kidney disease. He was forced into early retirement and began his search for a new kidney. On December 19, 2003 a kidney transplant was successful.

Although Mourning has recently attempted a comeback, numerous injuries have held him back. He was recently traded from the Nets to the Raptors, but it is unlikely that he will be able to play again.

If Alonzo Mourning died today he would be worth 65 points for Greg.

Birthday: Zsa Zsa Gabor

Born in Budapest, Hungary Zsa Zsa is better known for her off-screen life rather than her actual acting. Gabor's career began in 1936 as she was crowned Miss Hungary. Before filming her first movie she had been married at least four times and had a daughter with Conrad Hilton. She went on to appear in more than twenty feature films and countless television shows. She has been married nine times.

In 1989 Gabor found herself in the news as she was arrested for slapping a police offer who had pulled her over for a traffic violation. She was again in the news in 2002 when a traffic accident left her in a coma.

"I want a man who is kind and understanding. Is that too much to ask of a millionaire?"

If Zsa Zsa died today she would be worth 12 points for Izzy.

Birthday: Red Buttons

Born Aaron Chwatt on the east side of Manhattan, Red Buttons started performing at a very young age. When he was just seven years old he could be found singing on street corners for pennies. By the time he was twelev he was entering every amateur contest he could find. At sixteen he worked as an entertaining bellhop at a hotel called Ryan's in City Island, New York. It was there that he received his nickname due to his red hair and crazy jacket covered in buttons.

Red worked in the Catskills and then did bulesque before it was shut down in 1942. One year later, while in the Army Air Corp, he was chosen for a role in "Winged Victory." He worked the show on Broadway and the movie. He spent the rest of the war entertaining troops with Micky Rooney.

In 1952, "The Red Buttons Show" premiered on CBS and it was a huge hit. Red was awarded an Emmy in 1953 for Best Comedian. But the show only lasted three years and Buttons turned to film. In 1957 the film "Sayonara" starring Marlon Brando gave Red a role as supporting actor for which he won an Oscar and Golden Globe.

Red went on to star in numerous films including "The Big Circus", "Hatari", "Stagecoach", and the "Poseiden Adventure". Red also appeared on numerous television variety and talk shows as well as cameo's on shows such as "Knotts Landing" and "ER."

If Red died today he would be worth 14 points for Greg.

Birthday: Rosa Parks

On December 1st, 1955 Rosa Parks left her job as a seamstress and took the bus home. It was a typical crowd that evening but Rosa managed to find a seat to rest weary feet. However, when a white man was unable to find a seat he demanded that she give her seat to him. Rosa refused and was arrested when the bus driver stopped his route and called for the police.

That incident led to a boycott of the City of Montgomery, Alabama bus company. The boycott lasted 382 days before the Supreme Court struck down the city ordinance under which Parks had been arrested. The ruling outlawed racial segregation on public transportation.

Although Rosa Parks denies that she intended to make that stance on that December evening, she continued to fight social injustice throughout her life.

"I did not get on that bus to get arrested," she has said. "I got on the bus to go home."

If Rosa Parks died today she would be worth 8 points for Greg.

I should be winning now

Max Schmeling died. I know he would have been worth only 1 point and I made the choice not to pick him. I'm just a little bitter.

Birthday: Boris Yeltsin

Born in Sverdlovsk, Russia in 1931, Yeltsin was educated at the Urals Polytechnic Institute. While working as a construction worker he joined the Communist Party in 1961. In 1976 he became first secretary of the Sverdlovsk region and began working his way up the Communist Party. In 1985 he was appointed by Mikhail Gorbachev as Moscow party boss but was ousted from his post for criticizing many of Gorbachevs reforms. In 1991 after the fall of the Communist Party, Yeltsin became the first democratically elected President of Russia.

As President of Russia Yeltsin fought numerous economic battles as well as a rebellion in Chechnya. On December 31, 1999 Yeltsin resigned his presidency due to failing health.

If Boris Yelstin died today he would be worth 26 points for Dave.

Still Getting No Respect At All

From the New York Post Online Edition...
EVEN in death, Rodney Dangerfield gets no respect. The late comedy legend's longtime publicist, Kevin Sasaki, got a call from a booker at CNN last week asking him if "Rodney would be available to share his comments on the passing and legacy of Johnny Carson." Sasaki replied that unless CNN had a new way of linking up to the afterlife via satellite, that would be impossible. Dangerfield, of course, passed away last October.

Birthday: Muhammad Ali

Born Cassius Clay in 1942, Ali started boxing at the age of twelve. As an amateur he won Gold Glove Championships in 1959 and 1960 before winning a gold medal in the 1960 Rome Olympics. Shortly after the Olympics he turned professional and in 1964 he won the heavyweight title by beating the highly favored Sonny Liston. Two days after the fight Ali announced his conversion to Islam. He would defend his title eight times before being called into military service in 1967. He refused the call-up and was stripped of his world title.

Ali returned to the ring in 1971 and lost a tough battle against current World Champ Joe Frazier. Three years later he fought George Foreman in one of the best publicized boxing matches ever - the ‘Rumble in the Jungle.’ Ali knocked out Foreman and regained the heavyweight title. In 1975 Ali defended his title versus Joe Frazier in the ‘Thrilla in Manila.’ After ten more defenses of his title, Ali lost to Leon Spinks but again won it back from him in 1978. His final title loss was to Larry Holmes and shortly afterward Ali retired for good.

Outside of the ring Ali always fought social injustices, including war and civil rights. But in 1982 he began fighting a different kind of opponent – Parkinson’s disease. More specifically, Ali suffers from Pugilistic Parkinsonism, brought on by repetitive trauma to the head. Although the disease has slowed him down, he still remains active in world politics.

If Ali died today he would be worth 37 points for Dave.

Birthday: Willie McCovey

On July 30, 1959 Willie Lee McCovey made his major league debut against the Phillies. He was penciled into the line-up between Willie Mays and Orlando Cepeda as they faced Robin Roberts. McCovey made his mark on the game immediately, going 4 for 4 with two triples, three runs scored and another two runs driven in. He was eventually named Rookie of the Year for the 1959 season.

"Stretch" an Alabama native would go on to play 22 seasons for the Giants, Padres and A's. He was an All-Star six times and MVP of the 1969 season. He finished his career with 521 Home Runs, including 18 Grand Slams. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986.

If he died today he would be worth 33 points for Jim.

Birthday: Stephen Hawking

300 years after the death of Galileo, Stephen Hawking was born in London, England in 1942. His education began at St Albans School, then University College, Oxford where he completed a first class honours degree in Natural Science. He then attended Cambridge and completed a PhD in cosmology.

Hawking was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease at the age of 21. At the time he was only given a few years to live. Obivously he has battled the crippling disease well although his symptoms have gradually worsened. After a tracheostomy in 1985 he has used an electronic voice synthesizer to communicate. He has also lost the use of his arms and legs. His computerized wheel chair is operated by a "Clicker" which allows him to control a computer screen. The computer can also be operated by head or eye movement.

Hawking has written two best selling books: A Brief History of Time and The Universe in a Nutshell. He has three children with his first wife, who he divorced in 1990. He is also a grandfather of one child. He married again in 1995.

If Stephen Hawking died today he would be worth 37 points for Greg.

Nobody thought of him!!!

Danny Sugarman, rock biographer, died. His most famous book is 'No One Gets Out Alive' about the Lizard King himself Jim Morrison. A must read for any rock music fan.

Birthday: John Delorean

Although he was an excellent automotive engineeer, John Delorean is most noted for a sting cocaine operation in the 1980's. Supposedly, Delorean smuggled pounds of the drug in the panels of his stainless steel creations. However, none of that has been proven to be true. The charges against Delorean were actually for money laundering and he was quickly acquitted of all charges due to entrapment by the FBI. However, his company was already on the brink of failure. Not even the use of one his cars in the very popular movie Back to the Future was enough to keep the company afloat.

Since the indictment Delorean has tried to maintain a low profile. However he has spent much of his time in court due to a number of divorces and bankrupcies. In 1999 he lost his 434 acre estate in New Jersey. Currently he is single and still living in NJ.

If he died today he would be worth 20 points for Dave.

One step closer to the grave?

Lady Bird ain't flying too high.

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/2975552

Birthday: Hank Stram

While serving as an assistant coach for his alum, Purdue, Hank Stram was hired to be the first head coach of the Dallas Texans of the new American Football League in 1959. The Texans won the 1962 AFL Championship and proceeded to move to Kansas City where they would become the Chiefs. Stram coached his team to to Superbowl I where he lost to the Packers. But three years later he gave credence to the AFL by beating the favored Vikings in the Superbowl. He ended his career in 1977 with the New Orleans Saints. His Texans/Chiefs teams won more games than any other AFL organization.

Hank Stram was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003.

If he died today, he would be worth 18 points for Greg.

Posts are Final

It took me a few days but all of our picks are in the chart. Please be sure to double-check all of your picks and their birthdays.

The rules are simple enough - when a person from your list dies you will receive points based on their age less 100. That is, if someone dies at the age of 90, you get 10 points. Also, I would suggest as a tie-breaker to go to the team with the most dead people. Or we can calculate the deaths based on years and days. Either way, we'll figure something out.

By the way, I'm currently watching Robert Plant on Austin City Limits and I can't believe no one took Jimmy Page. For that matter, very few rock stars were chosen in our draft. There's a good chance all of the Rolling Stones will be dead by the end of the summer or their next tour - whichever comes first.