1751: We remember James Madison

James Madison, the 4th president of the US, was born on this day in Virginia in 1751.

Madison is also known as "The Father of the Constitution" and a contributor to many of "The Federalist Papers" that were critical to persuade many states to ratify the document.

As President, he faced The War of 1812 and was forced to evacuate Washington, DC.   We also remember that his wife Dolley saved a portrait of George Washington before the British burned down the president's home.

Madison retired to Virginia and died in 1836.   

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1802: We salute West Point

West Point was founded on this day in 1802. It was created by an Act of Congress to train the future leaders of the US Army.

My late father told me that several Cuban military men attended West Point.   It makes sense because of the close relationship between the US and pre-Castro Cuba.     We know the story of Manny Gonzalez, who left Cuba as a kid with his family.

From the Mexican War to today, West Point graduates have served with distinction and honor.

Happy Day Cadets!

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We remember Jerry Lewis (1926-2017)

We remember that Jerry Lewis was born in Newark, New Jersey, on this day in 1926.   He died in 2017.

What else can you say about Jerry Lewis?   He was one very funny man!

 

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A book about James Madison (1751-1836)

We remember President James Madison who was born on this day in 1751.

As a graduate of James Madison High School, I've always been very fond of President Madison and his work with the US Constitution.   Also, let's not forget that Mrs. Madison saved a portrait of President Washington when the British invaded Washington in 1812.

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"Coroner Creek", a 1948 movie

Not long ago, I caught “Coroner creek”, a 1948 Western.   It was about vengeance, romance, surprise and all of those things that happen in Westerns.    

The 1948 movie featured Randolph Scott as “Chris Denning”, the new kid in town, and Marguerite Chapman as “Kate Hardison”, the girl who runs the town hotel for her ailing father.    

Like a lot of the old Westerns, it flies by and the scenery is great.    

It is based on a novel by Luke Short.

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1952: Is "High noon" the best western ever?

Where does "High noon" rank?   My vote is for one of the best westerns ever, somewhere between John Wayne's "The shootist" and "Gunfight at the OK corral".  

The cast is extraordinary:  Gary Cooper, Lloyd Bridges and Grace Kelly.      The film is from 1952 so I don't know if this was Grace Kelly's first major movie.

Excellent movie and the ending scene is fantastic.   

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1970: Tammi Terrell died at age 24

 

A little trip down memory lane

On this day in 1970, Tammi Terrell died at the young age of 24.....she and Marvin Gaye recorded some of the greatest songs of the Motown era.........“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”...."Your Precious Love”....“Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” and “You’re All I Need to Get By.”..........what a terrible loss and what a wonderful talent.......their collection of songs is now available on digital sound.

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