Maria Lopez of Spain was described as the world's oldest blogger. She died on May 20, 2009 in her hometown of Muxia at the age of 97.
The great-grandmother started a blog on her 95th birthday in 2006 after her grandson created the site for her as a present. Her blog attracted a huge following and had over 1.7 million hits. She shared her thoughts about her life over a vast range of topics, including growing up in Spain under the dictatorship of General Fransisco Franco and the war in Iraq.
She urged elderly people to access the internet as she felt it had a profound influence on her life due to her ability to communicate with people all around the world.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Mickey Carroll - Munchkin in "The Wizard of Oz"
Mickey Carroll had a role in only one movie, but it was "The Wizard of Oz". He was recruited, along with 100 other adults and children to play the Munchkins in the iconic 1939 movie. He played the part of the town-crier and was one of the Munchkin soldiers.
Mr Carroll died on May 7, 2009 at the age of 89 in his sleep at a home in Bel-Nor, Missouri. He had recently received a pacemaker in February and succumbed to heart related issues.
The Wizard of Oz was his only movie, but after its release to television in the 1960's, he made numerous appearances at charity and retail events. As a child, he danced and appeared in vaudeville shows as part of the Orpheum Theater circuit.
After the release of the movie, he appeared with President Franklin D Roosevelt during his election campaign, warming up the audiences in New York City. He also made campaign appearances with President Harry Truman.
At his peak, he did Phillip Morriss radios ads and appeared on radio shows with Mae West, George Burns, Gracie Allen, Jack Benny and Al Jolsen.
In the mid-1940's, he settled in St Louis and ran the family business of making cemetery monuments. After he sold it 1996, he continued to do charity work and public appearances.
In November 2007, Mr Carroll, along with six other surviving Munchkins received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Mr Carroll died on May 7, 2009 at the age of 89 in his sleep at a home in Bel-Nor, Missouri. He had recently received a pacemaker in February and succumbed to heart related issues.
The Wizard of Oz was his only movie, but after its release to television in the 1960's, he made numerous appearances at charity and retail events. As a child, he danced and appeared in vaudeville shows as part of the Orpheum Theater circuit.
After the release of the movie, he appeared with President Franklin D Roosevelt during his election campaign, warming up the audiences in New York City. He also made campaign appearances with President Harry Truman.
At his peak, he did Phillip Morriss radios ads and appeared on radio shows with Mae West, George Burns, Gracie Allen, Jack Benny and Al Jolsen.
In the mid-1940's, he settled in St Louis and ran the family business of making cemetery monuments. After he sold it 1996, he continued to do charity work and public appearances.
In November 2007, Mr Carroll, along with six other surviving Munchkins received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Venetia Phair - Named the planet Pluto
Venetia Phair, who at the age of 11 was credited with suggesting the name of Pluto for a newly discovered planet, died on April 30, 2009 in Epsom, England at the age of 90.
In 1930, British astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discovered the planet. One day at breakfast, the 11 year old suggested the name to her grandfather while he was discussing an article about the planet in the London Times. She suggested the name "Pluto".
Her grandfather was Falconer Maden, a librarian at Oxford University. He was friends with Herbert Hall Turner a professor of astronomy at Oxford. Maden suggested the name to Turner who passed it on to the Royal Astronomical Society which was in the process of discussing possible names.
Clyde Tombaugh, the discoverer, agreed to the name and "Pluto" was christened. Over the years, Mrs. Phair denied any connections to naming it after the Disney character as her suggestion predated the cartoon character.
Mrs Phair studied mathematics at Cambridge University and spent a career as teacher of math and economics. He husband died in 2006. She is survived by a son.
In 1930, British astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discovered the planet. One day at breakfast, the 11 year old suggested the name to her grandfather while he was discussing an article about the planet in the London Times. She suggested the name "Pluto".
Her grandfather was Falconer Maden, a librarian at Oxford University. He was friends with Herbert Hall Turner a professor of astronomy at Oxford. Maden suggested the name to Turner who passed it on to the Royal Astronomical Society which was in the process of discussing possible names.
Clyde Tombaugh, the discoverer, agreed to the name and "Pluto" was christened. Over the years, Mrs. Phair denied any connections to naming it after the Disney character as her suggestion predated the cartoon character.
Mrs Phair studied mathematics at Cambridge University and spent a career as teacher of math and economics. He husband died in 2006. She is survived by a son.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Jack Kemp - Many Accomplishments
Jack Kemp died on May 2, 2009 at the age of 73 from cancer. He can best be described as a former NFL quarterback, nine term Congressman, cabinet secretary, vice-presidential candidate and self-described "bleeding heart conservative".
He reached the peak of his career in 1996 when he teamed with Bob Dole in the presidential campaign against Bill Clinton. Kemp was attempting to become one of only 47 Americans to have held the post of vice president. Although they lost, he remained active in conservative issues. He was also an unsuccessful candidate for president in 1988, losing in the primary.
Kemp had many successes in his life. In spite of being cut by four teams, he had an 11 year career in the NFL that included seasons with the Buffalo Bills and lead them to American Football League Championships in 1964 & 1965. He ranks third in most passing records for the Bills.
After his football career ended, he served nine terms in Congress representing western New York. He left Congress upon the election of George H.W. Bush and served four years in Bush's cabinet as Housing Secretary.
After the 1996 election, he remained active in speaking on conservative issues and was very involved with NFL Charities.
He reached the peak of his career in 1996 when he teamed with Bob Dole in the presidential campaign against Bill Clinton. Kemp was attempting to become one of only 47 Americans to have held the post of vice president. Although they lost, he remained active in conservative issues. He was also an unsuccessful candidate for president in 1988, losing in the primary.
Kemp had many successes in his life. In spite of being cut by four teams, he had an 11 year career in the NFL that included seasons with the Buffalo Bills and lead them to American Football League Championships in 1964 & 1965. He ranks third in most passing records for the Bills.
After his football career ended, he served nine terms in Congress representing western New York. He left Congress upon the election of George H.W. Bush and served four years in Bush's cabinet as Housing Secretary.
After the 1996 election, he remained active in speaking on conservative issues and was very involved with NFL Charities.
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