Today is the 110th birthday of Vincent Price.  I think my first exposure to him was probably the Hawaiian episodes of the Brady Bunch, followed next by the Michael Jackson “Thriller” music video.  I have since made up for the lack of well-rounded knowledge.  I actually have a copy of “The Bat” on this very computer, as well as the original “House on Haunted Hill.”  Even last night, I listened to a radio episode of “The Saint” he did in the early 1950s.  The world is a better place because he was in it and still feels the loss that he has left.

Fifty-three years ago today, the film Boom! premiered. Take Elizabeth Taylor, add Richard Burton and Noel Coward, mix in a screenplay written by Tennessee Williams based on a play by Tennessee Williams, music by John Barry (think James Bond themes), and even that hat she wears is designed by Karl Lagerfeld (for Tiziani of Rome). This movie does not fuck around, it is insane screaming over the house intercom and slapping the servants.  It’s having a cocktail while getting a blood transfusion.  It is perfection. Do yourself a favor and watch the full film included below.

Today is the 126th birthday of one of the world’s most recognizable photographers:  Dorothea Lange.  The images that she captured of the dustbowl during the Great Depression change politics and  policies and the hearts and minds of anyone fortunate enough to view them.  The world is a better place because she was in it and still feels the loss that she has left.

Today is the 208th birthday of poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. The world is a better place because he is in it and still feels the loss that he has left.

Today is the 139th birthday of the stage and silent film actress Marie Doro. Huge worldwide fame, then walked away from all of it and went into hiding. I adore a recluse. The world is a better place because she was in it and still feels the loss that she has left.

Eighty-seven years ago today, the film The Thin Man premiered. This is by far one of my very favorite movies for a multitude of reasons, it is a screwball comedy murder mystery written by a master and performed by masters. I remember the first time I watched it and how quickly I sought out it’s five sequels. It lead me to going to a small revival movie house every Friday for six weeks to see them all in a theater. You must watch this film. I have attached The Thin Man radio play below.

Lux Radio Theatre airing of The Thin Man

Today is the 151st birthday of the botanist Ynes Mexia. She is considered one of the most successful botanists and plant collectors of her time, and she didn’t begin her career until she was 55 years old. Second acts and longevity are running themes of inspiration here and her story of it never being too late is great. The world is a better place because she was in it and still feels the loss that she has left.

Today is the 93rd birthday of the actress and singer Rosemary Clooney. She had a big bold voice, a quick wit, a longevity envied by many, and a legacy that endures. The world is a better place because she was in it and still feels the loss that she has left.

Today is the 91st birthday of the artist Marisol. Her pieces are so completely original and beautiful. The world is a better place because she was in it and still feels the loss that she has left.

Today is the 177th birthday of artist Mary Cassatt. The world is a better place because she was in it and still feels the loss that she has left.