Neal Ellis and Ken Stockinger

Congratulations to my friends Neal Ellis and Ken Stockinger, from “Radio Once More,” the Internet radio station which broadcasts Old-Time Radio and nostalgia-themed programming. (I have written previously in this space about the station, which was founded by, and is run by, Neal Ellis—and on which Ellis and Stockinger both appear, as hosts.) 

They received a significant honor, at the 25th annual Cincinnati Old-Time Radio and Nostalgia Convention, which took place May 13-14 (and from which they conducted day-long broadcasts).

They were the co-recipients, at the convention, of the Stone/Waterman Award, named for radio's Ezra Stone (most famous for playing the character Henry Aldrich, on The Aldrich Family) and Willard Waterman (who played The Great Gildersleeve, after the show's original star, Harold Peary, left the program).

The award, given to Ellis and Stockinger for their “outstanding contribution(s) to the Preservation of Old-Time Radio," was presented by Bob Burchett, who runs the yearly convention.

Dick Van Dyke: "My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business"

One of the most talented performers in show business history—Dick Van Dyke—has released a memoir, called My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business. I’m looking forward to reading it.

http://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Life-Out-Show-business/dp/0307592235/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1304664710&sr=1-1

There is no one quite like Dick Van Dyke. He is a wonderfully enjoyable and likeable singer, actor, and dancer. (He has always had a beautiful sense of movement—both when he is dancing, and when he is not.)

Here is Van Dyke, with Janet Leigh, in a scene from the 1963 film Bye Bye Birdie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_CE7GqqrvY

Singer Ellie Goulding

I had not known of British singer Ellie Goulding, until seeing her last weekend on Saturday Night Live.

She performed her version of Elton John's "Your Song"; her rendition, I think, is lovely.

Here is the song's video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9AFMVMl9qE

Osama Bin Laden

Osama Bin Laden was a profoundly evil individual.  He was driven by ruthlessness, hate, and cruelty; he clearly took great pleasure in committing (and promoting) mass murder.

As President Obama said, on Monday:  “Our country has kept its commitment to see that justice is done. The world is safer, it is a better place, because of the death of Osama bin Laden.”