Charlton Heston, 1924 - 2008

Charlton Heston was a great and a giant among those in the acting profession and arts. He played a number of memorable roles in over 50 years of performing. Among his most powerful and greatest roles were in the films Ben-Hur; The Greatest Show on Earth; Planet of the Apes; The Omega Man; Soylent Green; Will Penny; Midway; 55 Days at Peking; and at the top of the list: as Moses in The Ten Commandments. Heston did not hesitate to exercise his freedom of speech rights as he was a tireless supporter of the 2nd Amendment and gun rights as a spokesman for the National Rifle Association. Heston early on supported progressive causes such as civil rights, women's rights, and environmentalism, but in his later life he was an outspoken supporter of such conservative issues as anti-gay rights, affirmative action, and abortion. These stands put him in conflict with most of his peers in Hollywood and throughout popular culture. Heston was nominated and honored professionally throughout his career and won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1959 for his performance in Ben-Hur. Before starting his acting, Heston served two years in World War II in the Army Air Corps in the 11th Air Force. Heston is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lydia, and a son and adopted daughter. His loss makes today truly one of sadness.

http://www.latimes.com/la-me-heston6apr06,0,3675317.story

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlton_Heston

http://www.nndb.com/people/961/000022895/

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A Weekend of Baseball

With my financial circumstances very much in a squeeze, this weekend is one for hibernation and isolation staying in. Work has been very limited in the last month with most weeks ending with less than 20 hours and one week at less than 12. Hopes for more complete and fulfilling employment remain limited for a number of obvious reasons. With things so tough, I opted with little thought to stay home for these three days off. Fortunately, there was some baseball on the television to enjoy for most of the time. I caught the opening day game at Coors Field between the Rockies and Diamondbacks, and Arizona exacted some revenge for their loss to Colorado last October in the NLCS by winning going away. Saturday night's game was a virtual repeat with Arizona winning easily again. FOX commenced their weekly Saturday afternoon game of the week as San Diego dominated Los Angeles with Jake Peavy pitching lights out. Sunday brings three games: the debut of Sunday afternoon baseball on TBS with Boston at Toronto; the series finale between the Rockies and Diamondbacks; and Sunday night baseball on ESPN between the Tigers and White Sox. There is also two NHL games on Sunday: Blackhawks at Redwings on NBC and Wild at Avalanche on Altitude as the final day of the regular season concludes. I had the NCAA tourney semis tuned on my little tv but both games were routs and unworthy as expected of any close viewing. The weather looked okay but still windy like the dickens so I did not venture out even though the temperatures did reach the mid 50s. Meals were somewhat unexciting as I had oatmeal; biscuits; and chicken mushroom broccoll cheddar noodles for the three Friday meals. Saturday's three meals were: toasted frozen waffles; a can of tomato soup with crackers; and two hamburgers with a can of spinach. The phone has not rang in several days so I am truly in solitude. Thank goodness for the internet and cable tv. As Saturday evening wrapped up, I watched a climate special on the History Channel while SNL was on the little TV with Christopher Walken, one of my favorites and among the most talented actors, as the host.

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