Paul Walker Movie HOURS Has Prophetic Tag Line

Over the weekend, actor Paul Walker died in a car accident. His death was a great shock to his fans and the Hollywood community in general. Though known for his roles in the FAST/FURIOUS films, Walker was trying to break out of that franchise and had recently completed two original features in which he had leading roles.

One of them is a film about a father trying to save his daughter during Hurricane Katrina called HOURS. The film was set for release next week and, despite Walkers untimely death, the producers have decided to keep to that schedule. What is truly strange though is the tag line of the film; "Every Second Counts". The poster was released over the summer and the distributor is not changing it for the release of the film. 

Walker was currently in production on the seventh film in the FF series. The producers of that film have decided to keep working on it, though it's unclear how they will deal with Walker's death as shooting was about halfway complete. The TIMES ArtBeat blog has an interesting item today with more details on the delicate nature of producing and releasing these posthumous films.  

Ran Palillo From WELCOME BACK COTTER Dies At 63

I'm not a big one for obits on this blog but this one struck me today. Ron Palillo, who played "Horshack" on WELCOME BACK KOTTER in the 1970s, the sitcom which launched John Travlota's career, died today in Palm Beach.  He was only 63 and the cause of death at yet is unknown, as reported on the Palm Beach Post website today. It is also reported that he is survived by his partner of 41(!) years Joseph Gramm, a fellow actor.

I loved this show as a kid and I think the fact that Ron and John were in it had a lot to do with that. One was super-hot and gay (though not exactly out yet) while the other was super-funny and gay. Of course, they both played it straight on the show. Still the gaydar came through the TV in a subliminal way and I just adored this show and saw every episode more than a few times....oh the hours spent watch sitcom re-runs after school. Anyway, a sad loss to note but also lovely to see Ron's four decade relationship honored in his obit.

The Queen Of Disco Is Dead, Long Live The Queen

Donna Summer, whose name was synonymous with disco, died today after a battle with cancer.  She was 63 years old.  I grew up with all her disco music and have fond memories of "Last Dance" from high school and beyond.  It seemed that was always the song that was played at the end of any dance or wedding for about 20 years, right?

However, in memory of Donna, I'm posting not one of her disco songs but one of my guilty pleasures; a sizable hit she had from the late 80's call "This Time I Know It's For Real." This song, more than any of hers, has a special personal memory, connected to a certain place and time and, well, even a certain person.  ;)  The video however is a crazy! A catalogue of the decades' music video memes: running in place dance...check, lots of fog...check, hand claps closups....check, big hair/earrings....double check!  But, in the end, the song is the thing, as is Donna's lovely voice. Which is now really gone....