Charles Anthony, 82, was the ironman of the New York City Metropolitan Opera. In a career that spanned from 1954-2010, he sang in 2,928 performances at the Met. It included 11 roles in 69 operas. He died on February 15, 2012.
He was born Calegero Antonio Caruso in New Orleans in 1929. In 1952, he entered a Met competition called "Auditions of the Air" and secured a spot. The Met general manager changed his name 30 minutes before air time because he didn't want the audience to think he was related to Enrico Caruso.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Steve Kordek - Developed Pinball Flippers
Steve Kordek spent his career designing pinball machines for various game manufacturers. In 1947, flippers were first introduced to players.
Mr Kordek was working for Genco at the time. His firm wanted to compete with the others in this new design. He changed the design from six flippers down to two which he located at the bottom of the playing field before the balls fall into he drain. He debut his design at the 1948 pinball trade show where it became an immediate hit with players.
Mr Kordek, 100, died on February 19, 2011 in Park Ridge Illinois.
He left Genco in 1960 and began working at Williams, one of the top pinball game manufacturers. He led a group of designers who developed some of the most popular arcade games that continue to enjoy success.
Mr Kordek was working for Genco at the time. His firm wanted to compete with the others in this new design. He changed the design from six flippers down to two which he located at the bottom of the playing field before the balls fall into he drain. He debut his design at the 1948 pinball trade show where it became an immediate hit with players.
Mr Kordek, 100, died on February 19, 2011 in Park Ridge Illinois.
He left Genco in 1960 and began working at Williams, one of the top pinball game manufacturers. He led a group of designers who developed some of the most popular arcade games that continue to enjoy success.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
John Faifax - Rower
John Fairfax became the first person to row across the Atlantic Ocean back in 1969. His achievement made him an international celebrity at the time. Two years later he rowed across the Pacific Ocean with his girl friend. They were the first two-person crew to accomplish the feat.
Mr Faifax, 74, died of a heart attack at his home in Las Vegas on February 8, 2011.
His Atlantic Ocean crossing started on January 20, 1969 from the Canary Islands to Miami. It took 180 days, covering 5,300 miles. He was blown off course many times, ending up along the west coast of Africa before he was able to get back on track.
His Pacific Ocean attempt started April 26, 1971 from San Francisco with the goal of reaching Australia's Great Barrier Reef. His journey, accompanied by his girl friend lasted 361 days.
He spent the rest of his years living a life of adventure. At various times, he was a shark fighter, ocelot hunter, mink farm operator and authority on baccarat.
Mr Faifax, 74, died of a heart attack at his home in Las Vegas on February 8, 2011.
His Atlantic Ocean crossing started on January 20, 1969 from the Canary Islands to Miami. It took 180 days, covering 5,300 miles. He was blown off course many times, ending up along the west coast of Africa before he was able to get back on track.
His Pacific Ocean attempt started April 26, 1971 from San Francisco with the goal of reaching Australia's Great Barrier Reef. His journey, accompanied by his girl friend lasted 361 days.
He spent the rest of his years living a life of adventure. At various times, he was a shark fighter, ocelot hunter, mink farm operator and authority on baccarat.
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