Suzanne Somers, R.I.P.

Above, Suzanne Somers.

More stars from the days of our youth (if you're a baby boomer) are falling by the wayside it seems.

The latest is Suzanne Somers, who passed away from breast cancer yesterday at age 76.

Many people are posting that they first got their first look at Somers in 1973's American Graffiti as the "blonde in the T-bird". I first took notice of her in another movie from the same year, Magnum Force, the second Dirty Harry movie. Her part wasn't too long, but memorable (and uncredited).

She was in the swimming pool massacre scene.  

R.I.P., Suzanne.

Finally...STEAK!

Above, my first barbecued steak in over a month. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today turned out to be a bit of a milestone for me.

For the first time since I had the heart attack in Wells, Nevada on July 27, I finally had a barbecued t-bone steak for dinner. Along with the steak, I had baked beans and corn.

Above, while the steak was cooking. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While waiting for the charcoals to turn white, I indulged myself with a glass of Mirassou Merlot wine. I first discovered Mirassou wines back in April 1974 at the California Republican Party convention in San Jose. Mirassou took part in a wine tasting event at the convention.

According to the Mayo Clinic:

Red wine, in moderation, has long been thought of as heart healthy. The alcohol and certain substances in red wine called antioxidants may help prevent coronary artery disease, the condition that leads to heart attacks.

Above, a toast to XSNGH Glenn Thornhill's birthday. 

I very much enjoyed having a barbecued steak. I've almost been eating like a rabbit since July 27, mainly eating fruits, vegetables, chicken and fish (primarily salmon). I will continue with my new diet and have an occasional steak (or beef prepared in any way) as a treat to myself. Maybe once or twice a month.

"A man's got to know his limitations!" - Dirty Harry in Magnum Force.

Whatever Became of...Albert Popwell?

Above, Albert Popwell in Magnum Force.

Do you know the name, "Albert Popwell"?

Probably not, but you would probably recognize his face, especially if you're a fan of Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry movies.

According to Wikipedia:

Popwell was a wounded bank robber at the receiving end of Eastwood's "Do you feel lucky?" monologue from Dirty Harry. Popwell was a murderous pimp in Magnum Force, appeared as Big Ed Mustapha in The Enforcer and as Harry's detective colleague Horace King in Sudden Impact. He did not appear in the last film in the series, The Dead Pool, due to a scheduling conflict.

Unfortunately, Albert Popwell is no longer with us. He passed away in 1999 in Los Angeles.

From Wikipedia:

His final film role was opposite Sharon Stone in Scissors. He died eight years later, at age 72, from complications following open heart surgery.

"Hey, I gots to know!" - Albert Popwell in Dirty Harry (1971). 

Loaded Up On A Few DVDs

Yesterday, I went to the local Fry's Electronics store and picked up some DVDs.  They consisted of one new release and three old favorites (to replace my old VHS copies).

I'll start off with the three "oldies but goodies."

Two of them were the first and second sequels to 1971's Dirty Harry with Clint Eastwood:

Magnum Force (1973), which involves rogue motorcycle cops acting as judge, jury and executioner on baddies in San Francisco.  These guys made Inspector Harry Callahan look like a moderate.

The Enforcer (1976), which pits Inspector Callahan against radical killers (inspired by the real-life Symbionese Liberation Army) and a woman partner (played by Tyne Daly).

I had myself a Dirty Harry mini-film festival this morning.

True Grit (1969) with John Wayne as U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn.  Wayne's performance garnered him a Best Actor Oscar.  It was interesting to see some familiar faces such as Myron Healey (uncredited), James McEachin (uncredited), Hank Worden (uncredited) and Jay Silverheels (uncredited).  While watching the movie last night, it dawned on me that I've met two actors who were in this movie: Jeff Corey and Hank Worden.

The new movie I picked up was the Tim Burton/Johnny Depp Dark Shadows.  I bought the Blu-ray edition. As I knew what to expect ahead of time, I was prepared for it.  Fortunately, I found myself enjoying it (not quite as much as Burton's Ed Wood) and was entertained.  It was nice to see the cameos of original series stars Jonathan Frid, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Lara Parker and David Selby.  It was also good to see Christopher Lee's cameo as a grizzled sea captain.  It really looked great in Blu-ray.  My grade: A.