50% of US Population Lives in Less Than 5% of US Counties

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Did you know that half of the US population lives in just 146 counties?

I didn’t either.  That’s crazy when you think about it.  There are over 3,000 counties in the US, but fully half of the US population lives in less 5% of them.

I was also surprised to discover that where I live — in Volusia County,Florida — is one of the counties in the top 5%. I knew Volusia county was big, but didn’t think it was THAT big.

Wouldn’t you imagine that we’d have a major sports team, a large booming city or something to draw in such a high population density.  We don’t.  While it is true that Volusia County is the home of the Daytona 500, I don’t think that’s the draw.

Perhaps it’s simply because our county is so big in area and we were once the home of the World’s Most Famous Beach.

Thanks to Business Insider for the link.

Married 73 Years, “Sweet Lorraine” and Fred’s Undying Love

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Fred and Lorraine Stobaugh spent a life together in love.  After 73 years of marriage, Lorraine passed away.  A month later, Fred saw a songwriting contest hosted by Green Shoe Studio.  Although Fred can’t play an instrument or sing, he wrote a song as a tribute to Lorraine and their love.

Fred sent the lyrics along with the story of his undying love for his recently deceased Lorraine to Green Shoe Studio.  Simply titled, “Sweet Loraine,”  Fred’s story and lyrics moved the folks behind the contest.  Although Fred’s entry didn’t meet the criteria of the contest, he ended up with something much more valuable than a win.  Green Shoe Studio musicians brought “Sweet Lorraine” to life.

Watch the video below and prepare to be moved to tears of joy.

Thanks to Green Shoe Studio for making “Sweet Lorraine” come to life and to 22 Words for the link.

Alien Found in 13th Century Abbey!

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It’s not unusual to see gargoyles on ancient buildings.  

It is pretty strange to see a movie alien gargoyle on the historic 13th century Paisley Abbey.

How could that be?  Ancient Aliens?  Time-traveling pranksters?

Nope.

It seems the abbey underwent some renovations in the early 1990’s and some of the gargoyles were repaired/replaced.

Well played, mystery repair man!

 

Maberry Talks Zombies, UFO’s, Horror and More!

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Jonathan Maberry is one of my favorite writers.

Everything I’ve ever read by Maberry has been great.  I’m currently reading one of his Joe Ledger novels King of Plagues.  Unless something really goes sideways, King of Plagues will keep Maberry’s streak of awesomeness alive.

If you’re a Maberry fan (or want to know more about him) then you’ll probably enjoy this recent interview.

Behind-the-Scenes on “The Princess Bride”

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The Princess Bride is one of those movies that the only people I know who don’t like it, haven’t seen it.  Truth be told, I didn’t think I’d like The Princess Bride, but after seeing it, loved it.

Recently, Princess Bride director, Rob Reiner attended a live screening and provided commentary and behind-the-scenes anecdotes.

Thanks and an extra finger for his right hand to Bill Crider for the post.

Sly Stallone, John Herzfeld & Kickstarter “Reach Me”

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John Herzfeld is one of Sly’s oldest friends — they met at the University of Miami when both were students there.  Sly and John have remained friends over the years.  

John Herzfeld is best known as a writer/director on films such as 15 Minutes (starring Robert Deniro); 2 Days in the Valley and Inferno: The Making of The Expendables.   

Herzfeld has been working to get his movie Reach Me made.  Herzfeld has filmed most of Reach Me, but wants to add a few more touches and so he’s gone to Kickstarter to raise the additional funds.

Reach Me stars Sylvester Stallone, Lauren Cohen, Terry Crews, Cary Elwes, Elizabeth Henstridge, Tom Berenger, Kyra Sedgwick, Kelsey Grammer, Thomas Jane, Tom Sizemore, Danny Aiello, Danny Trejo and Nelly.

Below is Herzfeld’s pitch and here’s a link to his Kickstarter page.  How often does the chance come along to help get a movie made… especially a movie featuring Sylvester Stallone?  I’m in.

 

New Evidence Points to Black Dahlia Killer

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“What if I did kill the Black Dahlia, they can’t prove it now.”

Steve Hodel has long believed that his father, George Hodel, was the Black Dahlia Killer.

It’s not just that his father was a prime suspect in the case.  Or that his father was a doctor (experts believe that the killer had medical knowledge and experience).  Or that his father’s handwriting matched that of the killer’s.

Steve Hodel has discovered new evidence including receipts tying his father to the murder as well as evidence connecting his father to a symbol carved into Elizabeth Short’s hip and he recently shared it with a CBS Los Angeles station.

43 Years of “Your Song”

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Your Song written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John, and of course, performed by Elton John is one of the most beautiful songs ever.  I thought that when I first heard it nearly 43 years ago and I think it now.

In 1998, Your Song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. In 2004 the song was placed at number 137 on Rolling Stone‘s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time”.

Elton John has performed Your Song thousands of times over the 43 years since it was released… and below is a video compilation taking us through the years as Elton performs it.

 

Thanks to Miss Cellania for the link.

9 Actors That Have Played the Same Role 6 Times

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Recently Den of Geek looked at 9 Actors That Have Played the Same Role 6 Times.

  • Hugh Jackman as Wolverine: Initially I had a problem with Jackman as Logan.  Jackman is just too tall!  I’m okay with him in the role now.  However, when Jackman turns over the claws to someone else, let’s make sure the new guy is vertically challenged.  Okay, Bub? For the record I have probably seen about half of Jackman’s outings as Wolverine.
  • Leonard Nimoy as Spock: I’ve seen all Nimoy’s appearances as Spock. Nimoy is, and forever shall be, Spock.  I do admit that Zachary Quinto is an awesome follow-up in the role!
  • Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa:  This may be hard to believe, but I have seen all of Stallone’s appearances as Rocky.  Let’s cut to the chase.  To many, Stallone is Rocky.  I’m sure someday someone will step into the role when the movie is remade.  Ugh.  (And yeah, I know the role is being played by another actor on Broadway.  I also know that Sly may return to the role in the rumored film, Creed.)
  • Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger:  I saw the first and third outings.  Surprised there haven’t been more… not that they’re my cup of tea.
  • Daniel Radcliff as Harry Potter:  I’ve never seen a single Harry Potter movie.
  • Tyler Perry as Madea: I’ve never seen a single Madea movie, although the clips I’ve seen have been funny, so I wouldn’t be against watching them.
  • Sean Connery as James Bond:  I’ve seen every Connery Bond film (except Never Say Never) multiple times.  Connery is the best Bond.
  • Roger Moore as James Bond: I enjoyed Moore’s Bond, uh, more when I was a kid.  Waaay tooo campy towards the end of his run.
  • Jim Varney as Ernest: I’ve never seen a single Ernest movie.  Don’t know that I ever will…

Here’s a couple of questions…

Have any actresses played the same role 6 times?  Halle Berry as Storm — have there been six appearances?  Others?  

What actor/actress has played the same character the most times in movies?  And how many times?