Author: DOuG pRATt

A Kink kicks

Since returning from North Carolina I’m trying to get caught up on things I missed, and I’ve just learned that the Kinks’ original bassist, Pete Quaife, has died. How did all of these guys who were in their 20’s in the 1960’s get to be in their 60’s?? Don’t answer that!

[audio:https://s3.amazonaws.com/dogratcom/Audio/2012/04/Pleasant.mp3|titles=Mr. Pleasant by The Kinks]

Special guest post — Taking leave of my Census

Historian and genealogist Denro sets us straight on the United State Census:

The countdown to the release of the 1940 Census on April 2, 2012 has begun! Genealogists are salivating already! You posted some concerns about the 2010 Census. There’s nothing new under the sun — detailed questions have always been asked, especially in the 20th Century. The Census is the Genealogist’s friend!

Just watch these films. They are actually on the Archives.gov site, but they have also been posted to YouTube. The 1st is a Patriotic Infomercial, 1940s style – “Cooperate” with a Census-taking Uncle Sam! “Census of Housing” is hilariously bad on the acting front — and filled with detail upon hilarious detail. I believe that David Lynch watched this one continually for 24 hrs. straight, and then made “Eraserhead.”

Thanks, Denro! The Census of Population and Agriculture films likewise have some deliciously stilted acting.

From sad to worst

I’ve not been writing because I’m away for a few days, but tonight I was saddened to learn that Gene Colan’s wife Adrienne has died.

My buddy Dennis and I first met Gene and Adrienne over ten years ago, when they made appearances at Paul Howley’s store, That’s Entertainment, in Worcester, MA. Those of us who know what’s been going on recently in the Colan family had been hoping it wouldn’t come to this, but it has.

The last time I spoke with Gene and Adrienne, I was calling to make sure they received a $2000 check I had sent to them. It was a straight gift. I asked for nothing in return, not even a sketch. I told Gene that it was my way of saying thanks for drawing so many great comic-books.

Adrienne was very appreciative, and she said the money would help pay for Gene’s medications. A few minutes before calling, I had told Steranko (who I first met in 1972) I would be speaking with Gene, and he said, with great intensity, “I want you to tell him that I am the world’s number one Gene Colan fan. Would you do that for me, please?” I promised I would, and when I told Gene, he said, “Jim Steranko said that? Oh my, that’s wonderful. What an honor that is.”

With the tremendous success of the first Iron Man movie, I was pleased that Marvel Comics did the right thing and kicked in with some substantial cash for Gene. It meant a lot to me to be able to help the Colan’s through one of their tougher times, and it hurts that the situation later became as bad as it did. Now is a time for peace, rest, and healing.