Salvatore "Sammy" Chioda, R.I.P.

Above, Salvatore Chioda at Sammy C's.

The following news certainly came as a shock yesterday.

Salvatore "Sammy" Chioda, known to Gallup and western New Mexico residents as "Sammy C", has passed away.

He was the owner of Sammy C's, a restaurant and sports bar in Gallup, and an announcer of KYAT-FM (broadcasting out of Gallup and Window Rock, Arizona). 

His wife Marie posted the following on Facebook:

It is with my deepest sadness that I have to post the passing of my amazing husband, Salvatore “Sammy C” Chioda. He was the most outstanding husband, father, friend, and pillar of our community. We appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers at this time. At this time, we ask that all please respect the privacy of our family while we mourn this tremendous loss. Thank you.

I met him several years ago and last chatted with him at Sammy C's just before it closed. He was a nice guy and had a great voice that will be missed on KYAT-FM. 

My condolences to Sammy's family and friends. 

UPDATE: 

A friend of Chioda's said that he died of pancreatic cancer.

Russell Azbill, R.I.P.

Above, Russell and I at Jerry's Cafe in Gallup last year.

Our Jamestown, New Mexico group received some sad news yesterday. One of our friends, Russell Azbill, was found deceased near his home's front porch. He either died yesterday morning or yesterday night.

He may have been heading to his main outer gate to retrieve a package when stricken and was turning back to go back into the house when he fell. 

Another friend, who was to take him to a doctor appointment was trying to reach him by phone. He went to Russell's home where he found his body on the ground just inside an inner gate at the house. 

Above, Russell and the Jamestown group at Grandpa's Grill September 6.

We last saw Russell on Tuesday at our regular coffee gathering at Denny's at the Flying J. He was in good spirits and said he was feeling pretty good. He had several medical issues and had a heart attack a few months ago, which he seemed to have recovered from. 

Russell was a writer, a racecar enthusiast and interested in UFOs, Bigfoot and other paranormal topics. He and I regularly swapped UFO and Bigfoot stories on Messenger. He last sent me a text on Messenger October 6 on Funny Car Acronyms. He has one published book, Darkest Hour. He was working on another book at the time of his death.

He is survived by two brothers and his dogs, Watson and Derek. He will be missed.

Claudia Cardinale Dies At 87

Above, John Wayne and Claudia Cardinale in Circus World.

Italian actress Claudia Cardinale has died at the age of 87.

According to the BBC:

Claudia Cardinale, the Tunisian-born Italian star of The Leopard, 8 1/2 and Pink Panther, has died at the age of 87.

She had a six-decade long career, rising to fame during the golden age of Italian cinema, and was directed by greats such as Federico Fellini and Luchino Visconti.

The actress died at Nemours in France in the company of her children, according to her agent Laurent Savry.

"She leaves us the legacy of a free and inspired woman both as a woman and as an artiste," Savry told AFP news agency.

Born in Tunisia to Sicilian parents in April 1938, Cardinale won a beauty contest at 16 that saw her declared "the most beautiful Italian woman in Tunis". 

Last year, I visited the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum in Winterset, Iowa and picked up a DVD copy of Circus World (1964) starring Wayne, Rita Hayworth and Claudia Cardinale. 

To read more, go here.

Tenth Anniversary of Jack Larson's Passing

Above, the Superman Plaque Dedication in August 2014
in Tarzana as covered by the Los Angeles Daily News.

Jim Nolt of The Adventures Continue posted on Facebook that it was ten years ago today that Jack Larson, who immortalized the character of Jimmy Olsen on the Adventures of Superman, passed away.

He died at his home in Brentwood, California.

A memorial service was held at UCLA a few months later at the James Bridges Theater, which I attended. Afterwards, several of us went over to the Smoke House Restaurant in Burbank, within walking distance of Warner Bros. Studios. 

Above, the memorial booklet.

It is hard to believe that ten years has passed.  

Robert Redford Dies At 89

This is a big one.

I think the only Robert Redford movie I have is All The President's Men from 1976. My favorite movie of his is The Sting (1973).

BREAKING: Hollywood legend Robert Redford has died at age 89. pic.twitter.com/x1uMd7nror

— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 16, 2025

RV Travel: 7 Ways To Accidentally Die In Your RV

Hardly a week goes by that a news report about someone getting killed in an RV, either in a motorhome or a towable, is posted online or in the news.

RV Travel in today's Newsletter spells out seven ways to accidentally die in an RV.

They start with:

We all know it can be a dangerous world out there and we know that driving or towing an RV can be fraught with mortal accidents. This isn’t about the driving hazards of low bridges, wrong turns, road construction, tire blowouts or errant drivers. There are other ways to accidentally die in an RV. Here they are.

To read further, go here. 

Erika Kirk At Charlie's Casket

 The Donald Trump For President Facebook page posted this:

Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, shared a heartbreaking image at his coffin as she delivered her first public remarks since his assassination.

 

Ed Faulkner, Longtime John Wayne Co-Star, Dies At 93

Above, Ed Faulkner in Chisum (1970).

The name Ed Faulkner may not conjure up any recollections, but his face is quite familiar to fans of John Wayne and Elvis Presley movies.

The  Daily Beast reported:

Actor Edward Faulkner, who appeared in six films with John Wayne and two with Elvis Presley, has died at 93 of natural causes. Faulkner died Aug. 26 at a health care facility in Vista, California, his daughter Leslie Wadsworth revealed to The Hollywood Reporter. The McLintock!, Rio Lobo, and The Green Berets actor had a long-standing chess rivalry with Wayne. “I occasionally let him win,” Faulkner said, who once kept a plane idled to keep from interrupting a match between the actor and Wayne. Faulkner, a 6′3″ Kentucky native, saddled up on horses in multiple TV westerns, but his debut on the silver screen came in the form of an uncredited role on the 1960 film G.I. Blues, starring Elvis Presley.

Faulkner also appeared in The Undefeated, Chisum and Hellfighters with Wayne.

To read more, go here.

48th Anniversary of Elvis Presley's Death

Above, Elvis Presley's Grave at Graceland in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was a rainy August day in Hawthorne, California and I was watching the James Cagney movie, One, Two, Three when a news bulletin interrupted the movie.

Elvis Presley had died.

My mom was working out in the yard (she was an Elvis fan) and I went out and immediately told her the news.

It was one of those news events where people can remember where and what they were doing when hearing the news. That is still true with this story, even though we're two years shy of the fiftieth anniversary.

Here's a video from NBC News with David Brinkley reporting:

Comic Book Icon Jim Shooter Dies

Above, Jim Shooter during his younger days. Photo by Alan Light.

It has been announced that former Marvel Comics Editor-In-Chief Jim Shooter has passed away from cancer. He was 73.

Shooter's stint as writer (and teaming up with artist Curt Swan) of the Legion of Super-Heroes in DC's Adventure Comics was, in my opinion, was the zenith of Legion stories. I still have those comic books today.

One of the greatest stories of the Shooter/Swan collaboration:

Image supplied by Dan Hagen at Facebook.

From Comic Book Resources:

Jim Shooter, the iconic comic book writer who broke into writing comics for DC when he was just 14 years old, and who later became one of the most influential Editors-in-Chief in Marvel history, has died at the age of 73, according to comic book writer, Mark Waid, who noted that Shooter had been suffering from esophogeal cancer for a few years now.

Famously (it was literally the first legend I did as part of Comic Book Legends Revealed), Shooter started writing for DC when he was just 14 years old. As a big comic book fan, he understood that the Marvel Comics of 1964-65 were a good deal sharper than most DC books of the era, so Shooter's idea was to pitch DC on stories that were more like Marvel ones. Really thoughtful idea, right? He also actively looked for a comic book that he felt had the biggest problems with its story, and pitched that title, which was Adventure Comics, starring the Legion of Super-Heroes.

The bewildering idea is that Shooter, who didn't really know how comics were done at the time, literally just wrote and penciled a two-part Legion of Super-Heroes story in 1965 (when he was 13 years old still) and sent it to Mort Weisinger to see if he wanted to buy it! Shooter was a heck of a young writer, but he was not what you would call a professional artist by any stretch of the imagination. However, shockingly enough, not only did Weisinger buy the two-parter in early 1966, he even decided to tell artists Sheldon Moldoff and Curt Swan (who drew the first part and second part, respectively) to use the pages by Shooter as the layouts for the issue!

 To read more, go here.

June 16, 1959: 66 Years Ago

Today in history from Yellow Advertiser:

1959: TV’s Superman George Reeves dies from a gunshot to the head aged 45. The coroner rules it as suicide but mystery remains over the complete absence of fingerprints on the gun or gunpowder residue on the body. Theories include a mafia hit or murder by Reeves’ fiancee.

This has to be one of Hollywood's most perplexing mysteries. Was Reeves's death really a suicide? An accident? Ot murder? 

Above, George Reeves's home in Benedict Canyon in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was 66 years ago today that Reeves died from a gunshot wound to the head in his Benedict Canyon home. Books and a movie (Hollywoodland in 2006) have covered the story. 

Fan Brad Shey puts it this way:

June 16, 2025, the 66th anniversary of George Reeves' untimely passing. A day to remember not how he died, but to celebrate his life. Super hero, role model and father figure, his wink and smile created a bond with his fans. His legacy continues to create memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

 

Above, George Reeves with his rifle collection about 72 hours before his death. 

Brian Wilson, R.I.P.

Updated 6/12/25

The world of popular music is in mourning today.

Brian Wilson, the co-founder of the Beach Boys passed away today. He was 82. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

For those of us who attended Hawthorne High School, the Beach Boys were a major part of our lives and were considered part of the school's extended family. Brian graduated in 1960 (I graduated in 1972). In 1969, the Beach Boys performed at the Senior Prom. Brian was our school's most famous alumnus. A few years ago, the school changed his "F" grade in music to an "A" with an apology.

I attended the Beach Boys New Year's Eve concert in 1980 at the Forum. Brian was there playing piano. Interestingly, the Beach Boys were introduced by none other than Priscilla Presley.

About 13 years ago, while in-between insurance claims jobs, I worked as a security patrol officer at the gated community where Brian and his family lived. I never saw him but I did meet Christina Aguilera and Shakira's husband (she was sound asleep next to him in their car). 

Later, I sent him a copy of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan as a thank-you for all of the years of great music he provided. I inscribed the book thanking him.

Brian Wilson had a tortured life due to mental issues. But once he was correctly diagnosed, he was able to reach new heights in music. The 2014 movie, Love & Mercy details how he was taken advantage of by Eugene Landy, a quack psychologist and how he met his wife Melinda Ledbetter. She passed away last year. Brian considered her to be his savior.

Brian Wilson left a music legacy that will live through the ages. He is now reunited with his brothers Dennis and Carl and his wife Melinda.

R.I.P. Brian. 

The History of the Sea Diamond (Video)

Here is the history of the Sea Diamond, a cruise ship that hit an underwater reef that was well marked near a Greek island.

The ship sank the next day. It claimed two lives. Over 1,500 were rescued.

Actor James McEachin Dies At 94

Above, James McEachin.

It has been announced that actor James McEachin passed away at 94.

I remember him as a bailiff in John Wayne's True Grit (1969). He also appeared with Wayne in The Undefeated (1969) as Jimmy Collins. He appeared in several Clint Eastwood films, including Coogan's Bluff (1968). Every Which Way But Loose (1978), Play Misty For Me (1971) and Sudden Impact (1983).

According to the Hollywood Reporter:

James McEachin, who wrote and produced songs for Otis Redding before turning to acting to portray cops on his own NBC Mystery Movie series and in 18 of the popular Perry Mason telefilms, has died. He was 94.

McEachin died Jan. 11 and was interred last month at Los Angeles National Cemetery.

To read more, go here. 

Neal Adams: 3rd Anniversary of His Passing

Above, the Neal Adams cover of Batman no. 200.

It is hard to believe that already it has been three years since the passing of comic book giant, artist Neal Adams.

The third anniversary came yesterday. Adams passed at age 80 from sepsis (which also took my mother in 2010). 

Yesterday, Dennis Hayes wrote this about Adams:

On this date April 28, 2022 Neal Adams died in New York City at the age of 80..

Adams was an American comic book and commercial artist known for helping to create some of the definitive modern imagery of the DC Comics characters Superman, Batman, and Green Arrow; as the co-founder of the graphic design studio Continuity Associates; and as a creators-rights advocate who helped secure a pension and recognition for Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

Adams was inducted into the Eisner Award's Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 1998, and the Harvey Awards' Jack Kirby Hall of Fame in 1999.

When he came on the scene in the later 1960s, I didn't like his style at first. It was too jarringly different. But his artwork grew on me and he became one of my favorite comic book artists (just behind Curt Swan).

I had the pleasure of meeting him in 2012 at the Comikaze Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center. He was quite friendly and was easy to talk to. I was there to take part in a Godzilla panel.

Above, Neal Adams and I at Comikaze Expo in 2012.

His influence in the comic book industry is still felt today.

R.I.P.

George Foreman, 1949 - 2025

George Foreman's passing on Friday reminded me of the heyday of heavyweight boxing during the 1960s through the 1990s. It was an era that is missed by many. 

I can't think of any active big name boxers of today. 

Foreman was a real class act. He will be missed.

Above, my George Foreman grill. I bought it when I still lived in California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In 2017, I bought a George Foreman ceramic grill while I still lived in California. I gave it a grade A+ after first using it. I still use it, most recently when I made chicken enchiladas. I read that Foreman made more money in grill sales than he did boxing.

Gene Hackman Found Dead

Above, Gene Hackman in 1972,

Actor Gene Hackman, his wife and dog were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home. Foul play is not suspected according to reports.

Their passing sounds like, to me, a case of accidental carbon monoxide asphyxiation. I had a family member who died by carbon monoxide asphyxiation. I don't know if this is the case, but based upon the initial reports, it sounds like it. Or, a possible gas leak. I'm just speculating.

Fox News reported:

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman was found dead alongside his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, and their dog in their Santa Fe home on Wednesday afternoon.

Hackman was 95 at the time of his death and his wife 63. The office confirmed that foul play is not suspected as a factor in the deaths at this time, but the cause of death has not been determined. 

"On February 26, 2025 at approximately 1:45 p.m., Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to an address on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park where Gene Hackman, 95 and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64, and a dog were found deceased," the Santa Fe County Sheriff's office told Fox News Digital early Thursday morning. 

Hackman was best known for his Oscar-winning performances in "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven."

I saw Hackman one year at the Long Beach Grand Prix. He was in the garage area of the event talking to some people. This was in the mid-1980s.

To read more, go here. 

Remembering Michelle Trachtenberg

Back in the late 1990s, my favorite television show was Buffy The Vampire Slayer, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar.

Later in the show's run, the character Dawn Summers, was introduced. She was played by Michelle Trachtenberg. She immediately became a fan favorite. 

In tribute, here's my favorite scene featuring Trachtenberg:

Clint Hill, R.I.P.

Above, Clint Hill at Book Passage in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Clint Hill, the sole Secret Service Agent who acted during the assassination of President Kennedy, passed away at home on February 21. He was 93.

His wife, Lisa McCubbin, made the announcement this morning: 

In June 2016, I attended a book signing and discussion by Mr. Hill at Book Passage in Corte Madera, California. It was a well attended event and I was able to get some autographed books from Mr. Hill and Miss McCubbin. 

Above, Clint Hill and Lisa McCubbin at Book Passage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here is a video I recorded of Mr. Hill's talk: 

I have sent Lisa McCubbin my condolences. 

Yesterday

Above, the left front tire blew out yesterday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday was the 32nd anniversary of my 39th birthday. 

It is a weird feeling that I am now at the same age my dad was when he passed away 25 years ago. 

It was a good birthday, but it could have been better. 

First off, on the way home from the Flying J's Denny's restaurant where we had our usual Tuesday coffee gathering, the left front tire on the Jeep blew out. Now I have to deal with that. I have to go into Gallup and pay a deposit for a replacement tire (Cooper Discoverer). When the dealer gets it in, I'll have to bring the wheel into town for it to be mounted on the rim. It was a couple of blocks from home when it happened, so I managed to get the Jeep into the garage. 

Above, Richard Pusateri at the Big Pool at Toho Studios in 2001. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Then, in the afternoon, I learned that Richard Pusateri, one of the gang of kaiju enthusiasts (formerly from L.A.), passed away after a 2-3 year battle with cancer. Richard was the one who coined the name "GINO" (Godzilla In Name Only) for the Tri-Star Godzilla of 1998. We met at G-FEST 1999 in Burbank. We went to the premiere of Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack at the 2001 Tokyo International Film Festival and toured Toho Studios with Koichi Kawakita and Shogo Tomiyama. We attended many screenings in Hollywood and at the American Film Market in Santa Monica. Some used to refer to us as the "Mario Brothers". He will be missed. 

As we get older, it seems that more often life throws curve balls at us.