Ann Cooper was lauded by President Obama in his election night speech. Mrs Cooper was 106 when she cast her vote for Obama. In his speech, Obama mentioned that she was born during a time when women and Blacks could not vote.
She died at her home in Atlanta, Georgia on December 21, 2009 at the age of 107. The President issued a statement in honor and testimony to her life saying that he was inspired by her.
On his Inauguration Day, she hosted a party at her home for guests and the media. She felt that she played a part in helping him become President.
She first registered to vote in 1941, but did not exercise her right for years due to the segregation and sexist nature of the South at the time.
She was a very active woman, performing aerobics until she was 100. She claimed friendship with Andrew Young, former mayor of Atlanta who was also a member of her church.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Robert Heft - Flag maker
Robert Heft was credited with designing and sewing the first American flag with 50 stars. He died on December 12, 2009 at the age of 67 at a hospital in Saginaw, Michigan.
Heft made the flag in 1958 as part of a high school history project while school student in Lancaster, Ohio. He spent more than 12 hours sewing the design on his mother's sewing machine.
He entered his design into a contest to determine the new flag design after the admission of Alaska and Hawaii into statehood. President Dwight Eisenhower chose Heft's design to replace the 48 star flag.
He spent his career as a professor at Northwest State Community College in Archbold, Ohio before returning to his hometown of Saginaw in recent years.
Heft made the flag in 1958 as part of a high school history project while school student in Lancaster, Ohio. He spent more than 12 hours sewing the design on his mother's sewing machine.
He entered his design into a contest to determine the new flag design after the admission of Alaska and Hawaii into statehood. President Dwight Eisenhower chose Heft's design to replace the 48 star flag.
He spent his career as a professor at Northwest State Community College in Archbold, Ohio before returning to his hometown of Saginaw in recent years.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Jack Pitchford - POW with John McCain
Retired Air Force Colonel Jack Pitchford, 83, died December 2, 2009 after battling a brain tumor.
He survived seven years of torture after being shot down over North Vietnam on December 20, 1965 during a dangerous combat mission. He was taken to Hoa Lo prison, nicknamed the "Hanoi Hilton," where he was tortured along with John McCain. He was released in 1973, but never fully recovered from his brutal incarceration.
He was a veteran of World War II and Korea, but missed combat assignments in both wars. While in Vietnam, he flew low altitude missions to hunt down and destroy surface-to-air-missile sights. On the day of his capture, he was shot in the arm three times. His co-pilot was killed in the gun battle.
After his retirement, he returned to his hometown of Natchez, Mississippi where he enjoyed horse racing.
He survived seven years of torture after being shot down over North Vietnam on December 20, 1965 during a dangerous combat mission. He was taken to Hoa Lo prison, nicknamed the "Hanoi Hilton," where he was tortured along with John McCain. He was released in 1973, but never fully recovered from his brutal incarceration.
He was a veteran of World War II and Korea, but missed combat assignments in both wars. While in Vietnam, he flew low altitude missions to hunt down and destroy surface-to-air-missile sights. On the day of his capture, he was shot in the arm three times. His co-pilot was killed in the gun battle.
After his retirement, he returned to his hometown of Natchez, Mississippi where he enjoyed horse racing.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Ward Hussey - Drafted Congressional Bills
Ward Hussey spent 43 years in the Congressional Office of Legislative Counsel. During that time, he was chief legislative draftsman of bills being presented to Congress. With his specialty in tax law, he had a part in drafting nearly all tax law legislation passed during his time. From 1962-1979 he supervised the staff of lawyers who drafted the bills.
Mr Hussey,89, died on November 16,2009 in Fairfax ,VA from complications from a fall at his house.
He began his federal service in 1936. He received an undergraduate degree from Harvard, a master's degree in political science from Columbia University and was a graduate of Harvard Law School.
Mr Hussey,89, died on November 16,2009 in Fairfax ,VA from complications from a fall at his house.
He began his federal service in 1936. He received an undergraduate degree from Harvard, a master's degree in political science from Columbia University and was a graduate of Harvard Law School.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Carl Ballantine - "McHale's Navy" Actor
Carl Ballantine, who played the role of Lester Gruber on the 1960's comedy hit "McHale's Navy" died on November 3, 2009 at his home in Hollywood Hills, CA. He died in his sleep of natural causes according to his daughter.
"McHale's Navy", starring Ernest Borgnine and Tim Conway, ran from 1962-1966. He was also a magician who appeared on the "Ed Sullivan Show" under the headline of "The Amazing Ballantine". He achieved notoriety in the 1940's for combining magic and comedy. In 2007, he was presented a Lifetime Achievement Award from Steve Martin at the Magic Castle in Hollywood. Magician David Copperfield was also a huge fan of Mr. Ballantine.
He was born as Meyer Kessler in Chicago and started to perform magic tricks when he was 9. He was exempted from service in World War 2 because of back problems and entertained troops in England. His last magic performance as a magician was last year when he appeared at the Kodak Theatre. He appeared in numerous films including "Mr. Saturday Night" and the "Shakiest Gun in the West".
He did hundreds of voice overs for commercials and cartoons. His biggest role was for the "California Raisins" where he voiced a Claymation character that resembled him.
"McHale's Navy", starring Ernest Borgnine and Tim Conway, ran from 1962-1966. He was also a magician who appeared on the "Ed Sullivan Show" under the headline of "The Amazing Ballantine". He achieved notoriety in the 1940's for combining magic and comedy. In 2007, he was presented a Lifetime Achievement Award from Steve Martin at the Magic Castle in Hollywood. Magician David Copperfield was also a huge fan of Mr. Ballantine.
He was born as Meyer Kessler in Chicago and started to perform magic tricks when he was 9. He was exempted from service in World War 2 because of back problems and entertained troops in England. His last magic performance as a magician was last year when he appeared at the Kodak Theatre. He appeared in numerous films including "Mr. Saturday Night" and the "Shakiest Gun in the West".
He did hundreds of voice overs for commercials and cartoons. His biggest role was for the "California Raisins" where he voiced a Claymation character that resembled him.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Lou Filippo - Boxer & Referee Appeared in "Rocky"
Lou Filippo was a former boxer who became a referee and ring judge, but achieved a legacy by appearing in all five "Rocky" movies. He is best remembered for counting out Sylvester Stallone's rival Apollo Creed in "Rocky 2".
Mr. Filippo died on November 2, 2009 at a hospital in Los Angeles after suffering a stroke. He was 83.
He fought 250 bouts as an amateur and had a 23-9-3 record as a professional. He later became a boxing referee and judge. He officiated at 85 world championship fights, including the controversial split-decision win by Sugar Ray Leonard over Marvin Hagler in 1987. He scored the fight in Hagler's favor. He also judged Shane Mosley's split-decision over Oscar De La Hoya in 2000.
His reputation for integrity as a judge and referee attracted the attention of Stallone who cast him in the referee role in all five of his "Rocky" films.
Mr. Filippo died on November 2, 2009 at a hospital in Los Angeles after suffering a stroke. He was 83.
He fought 250 bouts as an amateur and had a 23-9-3 record as a professional. He later became a boxing referee and judge. He officiated at 85 world championship fights, including the controversial split-decision win by Sugar Ray Leonard over Marvin Hagler in 1987. He scored the fight in Hagler's favor. He also judged Shane Mosley's split-decision over Oscar De La Hoya in 2000.
His reputation for integrity as a judge and referee attracted the attention of Stallone who cast him in the referee role in all five of his "Rocky" films.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Vic Mizzy - Theme Composer
Vic Mizzy, a film and television composer best known for writing the theme songs to the 1960's comedy hits "Green Acres" and "The Adams Family," died on October 17, 2009 at the age of 93 at his home in the Bel-Air section of Los Angeles.
He wrote a number of other theme songs including ones for the shows of Don Rickles and Phyllis Diller as well as several comedies of Don Knotts. His biggest hit was "The Adams Family". He also played the harpsichord which gave the song its unique style. Since he didn't want to pay for singers, he sang the song himself and overdubbed it three times to create its choral effect. He also choreographed the snapping of the fingers by the shows cast to the playing of the song.
He was a shrewed businessman. By owning the copyrights to his music, he ensured himself a lifetime of royalties.
He wrote a number of other theme songs including ones for the shows of Don Rickles and Phyllis Diller as well as several comedies of Don Knotts. His biggest hit was "The Adams Family". He also played the harpsichord which gave the song its unique style. Since he didn't want to pay for singers, he sang the song himself and overdubbed it three times to create its choral effect. He also choreographed the snapping of the fingers by the shows cast to the playing of the song.
He was a shrewed businessman. By owning the copyrights to his music, he ensured himself a lifetime of royalties.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Larry Jansen - Major League Pitcher
Larry Jansen, a nine year pitcher in the National League, died at the age of 89 on October 10, 2009 at his home in Verboort, Oregon. His cause of death was congestive heart failure and pneumonia.
His biggest moment came as the winning pitcher in the 1951 National League playoff game between the New York Giants and the Brooklyn Dodgers. The game was decided by Bobby Thomson's home run in the ninth inning which became known as "The shot hear around the world".
Jansen pitched the last two innings of the game in relief of Sal Magli. The Giants were trailing by four runs going into the bottom of the ninth inning until Thomson's three run home run beat the Dodgers 5-4 in the third and final playoff game to decide the winner of the National League pennant.
He won 23 games that year and finished his career with a 122-89 record and 3.58 ERA. He spent his first eight seasons with the Giants before finishing his final year in Cincinnati.
He allowed Mickey Mantle's first World Series hit, a bunt single in Game 2 of the 1951 series. He gave up a double in Game 6 to Joe Dimaggio in the last at-bat of the Hall of Famer's career. He was the losing pitcher for Games 2 and 5 of that series.
He spent 11 years as the pitching coach for the Giants and later served the same role with the Chicago Cubs.
His biggest moment came as the winning pitcher in the 1951 National League playoff game between the New York Giants and the Brooklyn Dodgers. The game was decided by Bobby Thomson's home run in the ninth inning which became known as "The shot hear around the world".
Jansen pitched the last two innings of the game in relief of Sal Magli. The Giants were trailing by four runs going into the bottom of the ninth inning until Thomson's three run home run beat the Dodgers 5-4 in the third and final playoff game to decide the winner of the National League pennant.
He won 23 games that year and finished his career with a 122-89 record and 3.58 ERA. He spent his first eight seasons with the Giants before finishing his final year in Cincinnati.
He allowed Mickey Mantle's first World Series hit, a bunt single in Game 2 of the 1951 series. He gave up a double in Game 6 to Joe Dimaggio in the last at-bat of the Hall of Famer's career. He was the losing pitcher for Games 2 and 5 of that series.
He spent 11 years as the pitching coach for the Giants and later served the same role with the Chicago Cubs.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Lucy Vodden - Ispiration for "Lucy in the Sky"
When Lucy Vodden was four years old. she befriended Julian Lennon, the son of the Beatle's John Lennon. One day he drew a picture of her, brought it home and showed it to his father. Julian called it "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds".
John Lennon seized the thought and gave it the titlt to one of the signature songs of the 1967 iconic album "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band." The song was controversial with it's eye opening lyrics and references to the drug LSD.
Ms Vodden, 46, died on September 28, 2009 in a London hospital where she was being treated for lupus.
In recent times, she reconnected with Julian Lennon after losing touch with him for many years. Lennon tried to comfort her with her illness by sending her flowers and text messages.
Although she was identified with the song, Ms Vodden did not like being associated with the drug references behind it.
John Lennon seized the thought and gave it the titlt to one of the signature songs of the 1967 iconic album "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band." The song was controversial with it's eye opening lyrics and references to the drug LSD.
Ms Vodden, 46, died on September 28, 2009 in a London hospital where she was being treated for lupus.
In recent times, she reconnected with Julian Lennon after losing touch with him for many years. Lennon tried to comfort her with her illness by sending her flowers and text messages.
Although she was identified with the song, Ms Vodden did not like being associated with the drug references behind it.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Don Yarborough - Path Crossed With JFK
In 1963, Don Yarborough was a Democratic candidate for Governor of Texas running against the incumbent John Connally. Although both were members of the same party, Yarborough was associated with the liberal wing and had come within 27,000 votes of defeating Connally in the 1962 election.
Vice President Lyndon Johnson was concerned that a win by Yarborough would encourage conservative Democrats to switch to the Republican party and jeopardize President John F Kennedy's chances at winning a second term in 1964.
LBJ convinced President Kennedy to visit Texas on November 22, 1963. On that fateful Friday, Connally was riding in the same limousine when Kennedy was assassinated. Connally was also wounded, but recovered and easily defeated Yarborough in the 1964 election.
Mr Yarborough died on September 22, 2009 at the age of 83 in Houston from complications from Parkinson's Disease. Yarborough would make a third run for governor in 1968 before quitting politics.
He served as a lobbyist in Washington from 1968-1981 before returning to Houston and resuming his law practice.
Vice President Lyndon Johnson was concerned that a win by Yarborough would encourage conservative Democrats to switch to the Republican party and jeopardize President John F Kennedy's chances at winning a second term in 1964.
LBJ convinced President Kennedy to visit Texas on November 22, 1963. On that fateful Friday, Connally was riding in the same limousine when Kennedy was assassinated. Connally was also wounded, but recovered and easily defeated Yarborough in the 1964 election.
Mr Yarborough died on September 22, 2009 at the age of 83 in Houston from complications from Parkinson's Disease. Yarborough would make a third run for governor in 1968 before quitting politics.
He served as a lobbyist in Washington from 1968-1981 before returning to Houston and resuming his law practice.
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