A Kentucky Writer (Sorta) Remembered

Actually today is all about literature.

-          Perhaps my favorite writer (but ask me again in an hour) is E. B. White. Mr. White gave us the completely charming children’s books CHARLOTTE’S WEB and STUART LITTLE. And then there’s his ELEMENTS OF STYLE which threatens to make decent writers and thinkers of us all, perish the thought. Mr. White was born today in 1899.

-          Harper Lee’s masterpiece TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD was published today in 1960. In it, Atticus Finch explains; “I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do.”

Drink 4cast 4 2day

Today in 1880, Maurice Vernon was born in Lexington. His parents were British and after his schooling at the Kentucky Military Institute, the family returned to England. Mr. Vernon grew up to be a playwright. He wrote “Me and My Gal”, “The Bamboula”, “The Princess and the Dancer”, and…wait for it…a play entitled “Mr. Wu”. This is the play we’re interested in today. “Mr. Wu” went on to about six film productions including a silent version featuring Lon Chaney Sr. in the title role. That, I think, qualifies Mr. Vernon to be our Kentucky writer…sorta. We’ll celebrate today with a;

Wu Wu Cocktail

2 oz. Grays Peak Vodka

1 oz. Orange Juice

1 oz. Cranberry Juice

Pour the vodka over ice in a highball glass.

Add the juices and serve.

One more thought from Atticus Finch; “I think there’s just one kind of folks. Folks.”

Cheers!

Roger

7/11/2012.

What, O’ What Should We Celebrate Today?

How about a shot at the national basketball championship tomorrow night?

It was a great game  and yes, I’m gonna be corny enough to say how fine it was to see two teams from Kentucky play so well and so hard on such a national stage. There will be so much said about the game by others who know more about it than I do, I think I’ll leave it to them and just enjoy it.

Please make a note, though; don’t call my house Monday night – I have a game to watch.

It’s Edible Book Day!

I’m serious.

Now I have “devoured” a good book many times…but not like that.

AND what wine would you have with it? I suppose it could depend on the book. I may have to ponder that.

We have interesting birthdays today.

-          If you’re a fan of “Phantom of the Opera” today is notable. Lon Chaney Sr. was born today in 1883. Mr. Chaney was truly terrifying as the Phantom in the 1920’s silent film version. No more talk of darkness, indeed!

-          Actually, maybe we’ll have a little more talk of darkness. British horror writer Edgar Wallace was born today in 1875. Mr. Wallace is probably best remembered as the co-writer of the novel KING KONG. He also gave us such uplifting novels as; THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE FROG, THE DARK EYES OF LONDON, THE BLACK ABBOT, and THE SQUEAKER. Why these books are not currently taught in our public schools I cannot begin to understand.

-          Actor Toshiro Mifune was born today in 1920. Mr. Mifune collaborated with the great Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa in 16 films. They include; “Rashomon”, “Yojimbo”, “Throne of Blood”, and “Seven Samurai”.

Drink 4cast 4 2day

Today in 1933, English cricketer Wally Hammond set a record for the highest individual Test innings of 336 not out, during a Test match in New Zealand.

Can anyone tell me what any of that means?

Whatever – it sounds important and happy and should be celebrated with a;

Cricket Cocktail

1 splash Brandy

1 oz. Crème de Cacao White

1 oz. Crème de Menthe Green

1 oz. Cream

Shake ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.

Strain into a chilled flute.

I’m bettin’ Anthony Davis could beat Wally Hammond’s record…if we can figure out the rules.

Cheers!

Roger

4/1/12.