THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB. 29

     On February 29, 46 B.C., the first Leap Day was proclaimed by Julius Caesar. (Ladies, this is your day to pop the question).

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB. 28

    On February 28, 1983 the final episode of M*A*S*H aired. It was the most watched television program in history.  While the show was immensely popular in its day (airing during the height of the Vietnam Era) is appears somewhat dated when seen today.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB. 27

     On February 27, 1951 the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, limiting the President to two terms.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB. 26

On February 26, 1901,  leaders of the Boxer Uprising in China, Chi-hsui and Hsu Cheng-yu, were beheaded.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB. 25

      On February 25, 1964 Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) became world heavyweight boxing champion for the first time by knocking out Sonny Liston in Miami Beach.  Ali was once quoted as saying, "I am the greatest. I said that before I even knew I was".  A legendary fighter, but one not particularly known for his modesty.

GROOMED FOR MURDER

            Over the years, many people have asked to read copies of the first murder mystery I had published, Groomed for Murder. I’ve had to tell them that, unfortunately, the book is out of print. However, with the recent breakthroughs in technology having drastically changed the publishing field, I made a decision to make GFM available as an “e-book”.  Since the rights had reverted to me several years ago, I was able to do so with little difficulty. 
            When I took a fresh look at the story I had written decades ago but had not re-visited in recent years, I realized two things at once.  First, the book would need to be edited. Yes, it was edited upon its first release by Ballantine Books, a division of Random House, but apparently not well enough. I found an error or two on the first page alone. (I suppose in my delirium of having published my first novel, I’d neglected to catch this when the book first came out). As a result of this, I’ve spent the past few months editing and revising the original manuscript (while doing this, by the way, I added a chapter, revamped the cover art, and made a few other, minor changes).

            The other thing I realized, in taking a second look at my first novel, was that the fact that GFM was written so many years ago was not a bad thing at all. On the contrary, it was wonderful. As those of you who follow my blog know, I love all things retro. Well, here was a mystery set in 1978 Los Angeles. More than thirty years ago! How’s that for retro? It was a time of sex, drugs and rock and roll – no, make that disco. There were no cell phones, no Facebook, in fact, no Internet at all.
            It was an interesting time, to say the least, and certainly worthy of a second look.
            It was also a time when hairdressers ruled, particularly Beverly Hills hairdressers. (Think SHAMPOO). GFM tells the story of the death of one such hairdresser. Our protagonist, Susan, a children’s author, suspects that his death is no accident and embarks on an investigation to prove her case.

            There are some pop cultural references with which readers (particularly those under thirty-five) might be unfamiliar, I’ve included a glossary of sorts in the introduction of the revised edition.

            The electronic version of the book is now available for purchase at a very “retro” price of $.99 on NOOK (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/groomed-for-murder-vivian-rhodes/1000875721?ean=2940013965348&itm=1&usri=groomed+for+murder) and on Kindle here.

            I’ve been asked why I’m pricing the book so inexpensively. The answer to this is that I’d like to get greater exposure, increase my name recognition, and, hopefully, pave the way for future books I might choose to make available as e-books.

            Groomed for Murder is a racy, romp through retro L.A. -- hope you enjoy the ride.  

Thanks for joining me on this week’s journey along RHODES LESS TRAVELED,

Vivian

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB. 24

     On February 24, 1868 Andrew Johnson, 17th president of the United States, became the first president to have impeachment proceedings brought against him by the House of Representatives.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB. 23

     On February 23, 1896 the Tootsie Roll was introduced by Leo Hirshfield.  Was never a huge fan of the Tootsie Roll itself.  Only the pop.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB. 22

     February 22, 1879 Frank Winfield Woolworth opened his first "Five Cent Store" in Utica, New York.  I can still smell the scent of the Woolworth's I frequented as a kid and if I'm not mistaken it had fountain service.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB.21

On February 21, 1613 Michael Romanov was elected czar of Russia, beginning the Romanov imperial line and we all know how that ended. (Aside from the restaurant, not so good).

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB. 20

     On February 20, 1792 President George Washington signed the Post Office Act, establishing a permanent Post Office Department. Mail was probably delivered only a fraction slower back then.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB. 19

      On February 19, 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt signed an executive order that resulted in the internment of thousands of Japanese-Americans living on the West Coast.  A terrific book dealing with this subject matter is the memoir, "Farewell to Manzanar" written by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston.

THE SIMPSONS

           My entire family is fond of animation.  My late husband, Rick, collected Popeye memorabilia, my son was primarily a Warner Bros. aficionado (Foghorn Leghorn in particular), my daughter was partial to Disney heroines, and I was a fan of Hanna Barbara, especially The Flintstones and The Jetsons.

            If The Flintstones represented the stone age family and The Jetsons, the futuristic family, it was only a matter of time that someone created the modern animated family. Matt Groening did just that in 1989 with The Simpsons, an average, albeit dysfunctional, family.

            Originally spun off The Tracy Ulman Show, The Simpsons are extraordinary. It isn’t only their physical traits (blue hair, orange toned skin) that are unique but their personalities as well. We’ve come to love not only the core family: befuddled, often clueless Homer, wise and motherly Marge, smart and sensitive Lisa, silent Maggie, and of course, devilish Bart, but the supporting cast of characters as well (Grandpa Simpson, Patti and Selma, Mr. Burns,  Apu, Principal Skinner, Moe, Chief Wiggum, and so on).

            The voices of Nancy Cartwright, Harry Shearer, Hank Azaria, Julie Kavner, Dan Castellaneta, and the late, great Phil Hartman have given us years of entertainment. And the stars who have clamored for guest appearances are numerous. They include: Bob Hope, Elizabeth Taylor, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Michael Jackson, Mel Gibson, Robert Goulet, and Barbra Streisand to name a few.

            Some parents discouraged their kids from watching The Simpsons but I certainly wasn’t one of them.  On the contrary, the thing I admire most about the series is that the writing assumes a certain degree of intelligence on the part of the viewer. (Recall the Halloween parody of Poe’s “The Raven”)?

            We all have our favorite episodes.  My two favorites starred Marge (the ‘double-boloney’ episode in which she has a nervous breakdown on a popular thoroughfare and the other in which she appears in a Springfield production of A Streetcar Named Desire).

            Incidentally, I should mention that my friend, Alf Clausen has been responsible for the phenomenal Simpsons music for over twenty years. Kudos to you, Alf, for a terrific job.

            The Simpsons has been a springboard for many animated series. Its influence can be seen on series such as: Family Guy, Futurama, King of the Hill, South Park, Beavis and Butthead, and others.

            This Sunday The Simpsons’ 500^th episode will air on Fox. Congratulations to a truly legendary show.

Have a great weekend and thanks for joining me this week along RHODES LESS TRAVELED,

Vivian                                                           

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB 17

     On February 17,  1904 Puccini's opera Madama Butterfly premiered in Milan.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB. 16

     On February 16, 1968 the country's first 911 phone system went into service in Haleyville, Ala. Prior to that we called "O" and hoped for the best.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB. 15

     On Feb. 15, 1879 President Rutherford Hayes signed a bill allowing female attorneys to argue cases before the Supreme Court thus paving the way for Gloria Allred.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB. 14

     On February 14, 1929, members of Al Capone's gang killed rival gang members in the St. Valentine's Day massacre.  One of the most memorable scenes in the classic Billy Wilder film Some Like It Hot. Jack Lemmon as Daphne, "we wouldn't be caught dead with men. Rough, hairy beasts!".

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB. 13

     On February 13, 1866, the gang that included Jesse James and Cole Younger committed their first bank robbery in Liberty, Mo.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB. 12

     On February 12, 2002, Yugoslavian ex-president Slobodan Milosevic went on trial for war crimes.  He was charged with acts of Serbian genocide during the Bosnian War (1992-1995).

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB. 11

     On February 11, 1945 the Yalta Agreement was signed by President Franklin Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Soviet leader Josef Stalin during World War II.  Today is also my son's birthday. Happy Birthday, Adam:)

THE MADONNA INN

           Most residents of California are familiar with one of our most treasured landmarks on the Central Coast of California.  I am not referring to the Hearst Castle, (although it is in close proximity) but rather to the unique and magnificent Madonna Inn.

            The Madonna Inn is a lavish resort that opened in San Luis Obispo, California in 1958.  The Inn was the brainstorm of successful construction magnate and entrepreneur, Alex Madonna and his wife, Phyllis.

            Located on the west side of US Route 101, the property is adorned with pseudo-Swiss-Alps exterior and lavish common rooms accented by pink roses, Western murals, and hammered copper.  Each of the 109 guest rooms and suites is uniquely designed and themed aimed to appeal to a variety of tastes. A few of the rooms have names such as: the Yahoo, Love Nest, Old Mill, Kona Rock, Irish Hills, Cloud Nine, Just Heaven, Hearts & Flowers, Rock Bottom, Austrian Suite, Cabin Still, Old World Suite, Caveman Room, Elegance, Daisy Mae, Safari Room, Highway Suite, Jungle Rock, American Home, Bridal Falls and the Carin.

            The inn opened with just twelve rooms in 1958 but expanded, due to popular demand, to forty during 1959. In 1966, the Inn's original units were burned to the ground in a dramatic fire. It reopened a year later, and by the end of the decade, all of the rooms had been rebuilt in the over the top manner they are known for today.

            I stayed at the Madonna Inn for the first time while on my honeymoon (Cupid Room) and was struck by how it seemed to be caught in somewhat of a time limbo. My husband and I ate in a mid century style dining room and danced to a big band. This feeling was reinforced when we returned many years later as a family. My son came to the room with a slice of cake he had purchased from the bakery: a gigantic, pink-frosted, June Cleaver type affair.  (He was also very impressed by the waterfall urinal located in the men's washroom, a feature designed by Hollywood set designer Harvey Allen Warren.)

            Reservations are sometimes hard to get and rooms book up quickly so whether you’d like to make this part of a planned trip along the coast or a weekend getaway, call way in advance.

            Alex’s son Jack was once quoted as saying, "Anybody can build one room and a thousand like it. It's more economical. Most places try to give you as little as possible. I try to give people a decent place to stay where they receive more than they are entitled to for what they're paying. I want people to come in with a smile and leave with a smile. It's fun."

Have a great weekend and thank you for traveling this week along Rhodes Less Traveled,

Vivian

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB 10

     On February 10, 1942 Glenn Miller received the first ever gold record for selling a million copies of "Chattanooga Choo Choo." (Pardon me boys….etc).

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB 9

     On February 9, 1950 Senator Joseph McCarthy claimed he had evidence there were card-carrying members of the Communist Party in the State Department.  Good fictional sources that deal with this era are The Crucible and The Manchurian Candidate.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB. 8

     On February 8, 1960 The payola (pay for broadcast airplay) hearings opened in the U.S. House of Representatives. Dick Clark would testify in April.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB. 7

     On February 7, 1964 The Beatles arrived in the U.S. for the first time. Who can forget the famous photo of the “fab 4” disembarking from the plane? I remember the chills I got from listening to “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and “She Loves You” and how excited I was to watch their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.  Obviously my mother was not as in awe of the group as I was or she could never have gotten rid of the 500 Beatle cards I painstakingly collected.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB. 6

     On February 6, 1935, the popular board game Monopoly® went on sale for the first time.

In the midst of a depression the ability to be able to purchase parcels of land, such as a boardwalk, at a whim must have been very alluring (despite the fact that one was using paper money).

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB. 5

     On February 5, 1994 Byron De La Beckwith was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Medgar Evers, 30 years after the crime in Jackson, Mississippi.  The murder of civil rights figure, Evers, plays a prominent part in the recent book and film The Help.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB. 4

     On February 4, 1974, Patricia Hearst, granddaughter of newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst, was kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army. While many people came down hard on “Tanya” (the name by which she went in her revolutionary days), I empathized with her. She did not ask to be kidnapped and I believe that she truly was a victim of Stockholm Syndrome.

A DAY AT THE ZOO

            On my birthday, my son asked what I would like to do to make the day special. Impulsively I said that I’d like to visit the L.A. Zoo. When was the last time you visited the zoo?  Like me, I would bet that most people visited a zoo last when their kids were small. Either that or they’ve taken their grandkids there once. (Or had to write a paper for a college class in Zoology).

            The zoo is an often forgotten venue available to just about everyone located near even a middle sized city.  It’s a place to wander, take in the beauty of nature, and learn a little about some extraordinary creatures.  And it’s far less expensive than spending the day at, say, an amusement park.

            Growing up in New York, the zoos I remember going to were the Prospect Park Zoo in Brooklyn, the Central Park Zoo, and the Bronx Zoo. The Bronx Zoo had a little train that took you past various exhibits. I haven’t been back in years and don’t know what it is like now though I do know that it is the world’s largest metropolitan zoo.

            My most vivid memory of the L.A. Zoo was the time my children were small and we took them to the “children’s zoo” section where one was free to walk amongst the animals, feeding the goats, sheep, etc.  My family couldn’t stop laughing when they discovered that a small goat had eaten half way through the straw purse I was holding.

            A little background here.  The Griffith Park Zoo opened in 1912 (just celebrated its 100^th birthday).  It opened with only 15 animals. By 1956 the citizens of Los Angeles knew that the Griffith Park Zoo needed to be expanded and a $6.6 million bond measure was passed to build a new one. (The adjacent Travel Town Museum was another popular draw, especially for train enthusiasts and families with small children).

            On my visit this time, the weather was perfect and we got a lot of exercise traipsing up and down the hills, exploring different areas. My favorite has always been the ape exhibit. Probably because these primates are our closest relatives. Yesterday, we saw Bruno, a 33 year old, 250 lb. orangutan. Bruno, apparently, does well with “the ladies” and is considered somewhat of a “gentle giant”. We were also able to watch a four month old orangutan being nursed by her mother. It was priceless.

            In addition to this we had the opportunity of seeing two baby tiger cubs being watched protectively by their mother

            If you haven’t visited your nearest zoo in a while, I’d strongly recommend doing so. Elephants, lions, bears, giraffes, zebras…it was a wonderful way in which to spend my birthday.

Here’s a dozen of some of the most popular American zoos.  What’s your favorite zoo?

The Pittsburgh Zoo

The Oregon Zoo

The Indianapolis Zoo

The Bronx Zoo

The Kansas City Zoo

The Smithsonian National Zoological Park

The Milwaukee County Zoo

The San Diego Zoo

Zoo Atlanta

The San Antonio Zoo

The Columbus Zoo

The Cincinnati Zoo

Hope you enjoy the weekend whatever you do, thanks for joining me on today's journey along, RHODES LESS TRAVELED, 

Vivian

 

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB. 3

     On February 3, 1959 Rock legends, Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and The Big Bopper died in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa. The tour bus they had been using was not well equipped and lacked heat (one of the drummers had suffered from frostbite while touring). There were two ironic aspects to this tragedy. Singer, Dion (of Dion and The Belmonts) chose not to fly because he felt the $36 fee being asked was too much and Waylon Jennings gave up his seat to the pilot. Before departing, Holly joked to Waylon “hope your bus freezes over” to which Jennings replied, “hope your plane crashes”. He was to regret those words forever. Don McLean immortalized “the day the music died” in his song, “American Pie.”

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB. 2

On February 2, 1971 Idi Amin became dictator of Uganda. Today, Groundhog’s Day is also my birthday.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY FEB. 1

     On Feb. 1, 2004, Janet Jackson's famous "wardrobe malfunction" occurred at Super Bowl XXXVIII. Let’s see if anyone drops his or her drawers this Sunday.