Andy & Don - again :-)
One of the great things about the internet is that you can find out, in pretty great detail, about the contents of a book, the style of writing, and the author well in advance of the official release/publication of the book. If you are a bit patient, you can even wait and read reviews written by "every day" readers of a book on Amazon. It just might help you decide whether you'd be interested in purchasing a book - or not. A very nice aspect of thjs daily WBMUTBB Digest is that it allows its readers to voice a wide range of opinion, so I'll humbly add mine this time. Daniel de Visé, the author of Andy & Don, does not strike me as a "make a quick buck from muck-raking" kind of writer. He did not work for the National Enquirer or other rags of its ilk when he worked as a journalist, but rather was highly regarded for his investigative reporting. Twice his reporting led to the release of wrongly convicted men from life terms in Florida prisons, which I think is a good indicator of the depth of his research skills. I had read his first book, I Forgot to Remember, co-authored by Sue Meck, and I liked it... Don Knotts' third wife is the sister of De Visé's wife - the author is family, in other words. It looked like a book I'd be interested in reading. I live in Mount Airy, where our family has very long and deep roots. Some time ago (2010, I believe), I emailed a link to an interesting article to one of our older relatives who had gone to school with Andy Griffith. She wrote back: "Thanks Bisse, It was a great read and took me back to Rockford Street Elementary School where Andy, a year older than me, would play on the girl's side of the playground because there was a girl he was sweet on. It also took me back to Mt. Airy High School where he copied my Algebra papers until I gave him the wrong answers and our teacher, Annie Fawcett Jackson, caught on to OUR cheating. He sat behind me and could look over my shoulder if I moved a little. I loved his show, his mother Geneva & dad Carl, but I never liked Andy! I always thought there was something "FAKE" about him." Emmett Forrest, Mr. Griffith's best friend from school, never had anything but wonderful, positive things to say about him, while also acknowledging that the students who went to Rockford Elementary did not always have it easy when they got to the city-wide High School since they "came from the wrong side of town, the poor side." So, there are two different views of Mr. Griffith from his childhood and youth, both authentic and neither "wrong." I dare say the same could be said about most of us...and I was certainly willing to see what De Visé had found in his research. Briefly: I liked the book. I found it to be well written, well researched and annotated, nuanced, sensitive and informative. I agree with the 80+ % of reader reviews that gave the book 5 stars on Amazon. In my opinion, the author did not resort to trashing "the names of our beloved sheriff and deputy for his own gain," seeing as how he did not criticize the two fictional characters, but wrote about what he had learned about the two actors who created and portrayed them. He added some insights from people who knew the two men, insights that rounded out much of what was already publicly known and that, rather than sensationalize, did so with warmth and understanding. Bisse Bowman ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Re: Andy Unmasked and Otis Impersonator's Health
Re: While in our local Walmart today, we noticed Andy Griffith'spicture on the front of The Globe with the headline Andy Unmasked. Italleged Andy had severe paranoia; went into rages and once beat Don Knotts toa pulp. We do not read these rag magazines and have no intention of readingthis one. Of course we don't believe a word of it! I picked up the rag and read the article while waiting in line at the grocery store. It really is far less sensational than the attention grabbing headlines. It might be worth remembering that the authors of the articles do NOT get to compose the headlines on the cover. The article describes a few of the stories in a book which will be published in November this year by Simon Schuster (far more reputable than the Globe) titled Andy and Don: the Making of a Friendship and a Classic American TV Show. It is written by Daniel de Visé, an accomplished reporter and author who also happens to be Don Knott's brother-in-law. I'm sure the rag chose to highlight the more eye-grabbing bits from the book - no surprise there. You might want to check out the book's listing on Amazon - and consider that neither Andy nor Don *were* the people they portrayed as actors on the show. Like the rest of us, not perfect, in other words. :-) Here's the book: http://www.amazon.com/Andy-Don-Friendship-Classic-American/dp/1476747733/ref=sr_1_1?s=booksie=UTF8qid=1437704409sr=1-1keywords=andy+and+don Re: The other day, someone mentioned that a Mount Airy resident who often dresses up as Otis, and joins parades and plays checkers with tourists outside his store, had been severely injured (burned) in an accident and asked for his name. His name is James Slate, and according to his son, he is on the road to recovery. Here's a 7/22 article about the incident and James Slate from Mount Airy News, the local paper: http://mtairynews.com/news/31608/otis-severely-burned-in-squad-car-incident Bisse Bowman ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
reply to TAGS Episode in today's world
Things are so different now. Some of the episodes would not make it today as episodes made light of domestic violence, alcoholism and women's rights. It is amazing how crazy life has become these days and that is why so many people long for the Mayberry way of life. Well. I, for one, am not sorry that those particular examples can't be made light of anymore, especially since they still cause considerable heartache for folks. That said - I wish all readers a peaceful, enjoyable Christmas and a Happy New Year! Bisse ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Our Town
Here's a Youtube video with Iris Dement singing Our Town. Enjoy. :-) Bisse https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9-pDSYPrio ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
essay about mourning Andy Griffith, reflections about Mayberry
Here's a good read I found on one of my meanderings on the internet. It's a must-read for those of us living in Mount Airy - but a thoughtful, well written, interesting (if long) essay for any reader. At least I think so. :-) Our Town: Andy Griffith and the Humor of Mourning, an essay by Evan Smith Rakoff http://lareviewofbooks.org/article.php?type=id=1597fulltext=1media=#article-text-cutpoint Bisse ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Emmett Forrrest - Andy's Friend
From Mount Airy News: http://www.mtairynews.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Emmett+Forrest-+long-time+Andy+Griffith+friend-+has+died%20id=21397392instance=top_stories Emmett Forrest, long-time Andy Griffith friend, has died by Keith Strange Staff Reporter 01.12.13 - 03:08 pm Just months after the death of his long-time friend, Andy Griffith’s best friend and most ardent supporter has died. Emmett Forrest died during the early morning hours Saturday at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson. He was 85. Forrest had been moved to the home just days ago after suffering an extended illness. For much of his life, Forrest devoted his time to preserving the memory of Griffith, donating many of the items on display today in the Andy Griffith Museum. Tanya Jones, director of the Surry Arts Council and a long-time friend of Forrest, said she, like many in the community, was shaken by the news. “We’re just stunned,” she said. “Emmett was absolutely wonderful. He was my best and most trusted friend, but more than that he was someone I totally trusted.” Jones said she has worked with Forrest for more than 25 years. “I worked so closely with him to help him achieve his dream of having an Andy Griffith Museum and preserving his legacy,” she said. “Most of the items in the museum were collected by Emmett. It was his collection that was the seed for the pursuit of a permanent museum. “He’s also meant an enormous amount to the Surry Arts Council and local economic development efforts through his work to bring tourists to the area,” Jones added. Funeral services will be held Tuesday Jan. 15, at 2 p.m., at Grace Moravian Church with Rev. Tony Hayworth officiating. The Forrest family will receive friends at the Moody Funeral Home of Mount Airy on Monday night from 6 until 8 p.m. Reach Keith Strange at kstra...@civitasmedia.com or 719-1929. © mtairynews.com 2013 ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
To Bee or not to Bea - yet another time :-)
Happy New Year, everybody! Google is a fun tool to use. If you google Andy Griffith Show cast you'll find numerous references to Aunt Bee, who was indeed named Beatrice (Taylor), but spelled her nickname Bee. Apparently, the character name Aunt Bee can be seen on screen in a couple of episodes. From the Andy Griffith Show Rerun Watchers Club : How do you spell Aunt Bee's name? The correct spelling is B-E-E. The spelling can be seen on a couple of episodes, color ones. When she had the Chinese Restaurant (Aunt Bee's Restaurant episode #209) and when she ran for council (Politics Begin at Home episode #200). The spelling can also be seen on the closing credits of almost every episode of TAGS. Sure, Bee is short for Beatrice but she still spelled her name B-E-E. I guess if you can get Bill from the name William or Jim from James, you can get Bee from Beatrice. Bee is listed as a short form of Beatrice in The Name Book which lists names for expecting parents. Love that last point. How about Chuck from Charles, Bob from Robert, Dick from Richard this list could go on and on. And just think of the many ways both given and sur names may be spelled, and they're all correct because because that's how they're spelled on the birth certificates. Johnson, Jonson, Jonsson, Johnsson, anyone? Christine, Christina, Kristina, Kristine, etc. etc. One of my students was named Destayne - pronounced destiny. Lastly, I think that Frances E. Bavier, who played the character Aunt Bee, should have the last word regarding the spelling. She had Aunt Bee inscribed on her grave stone below her name. And Ms. Bavier ought to have known. You can see it here, or just google... http://www.mrshappyhomemaker.com/2012/07/carrying-a-little-mayberry-with-me/ All the best, Bisse (and yes, that's how I spell it) ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
NC trivia :-)
Found this brief article this morning, and thought ya'll might enjoy it. Link here: http://www.lib.unc.edu/blogs/ncm/index.php/2012/12/19/apr16-xword/?utm_source=rssutm_medium=rssutm_campaign=apr16-xword NY Times crossword loves its ‘Mayberry moppet’ December 19, 2012 by Lew Powell I’ve been disappointed to find such ho-hum North Caroliniana in the digital archives of the venerable New York Times crossword puzzle. The archives go back to 1993, covering the editorship of NPR stalwart Will Shortz. OK, I did laugh at seeing our Venus flytrap described as “botanical snapper.” A sampling: –“North Carolina” (that is, NORTHCAROLINA) has been an answer only once, in the same puzzle that included “Kitty Hawk” and “powered flight.” – “Raleigh” has appeared six times, as the answer to “North Carolina’s capital” (thrice), “Durham’s twin city,” “Elizabethan knight” and “Andrew Johnson’s birthplace.” – “Charlotte”? Once — as “Eastern Conference N.B.A. city.” Am I being an insufferable homer to consider this a lame representation? – “UNC” has made it 13 times, including “James K. Polk’s alma mater” and “Jordan left it after his jr. year.” “Duke”: “Where Nixon went to law school” and five others. But here’s what really startled me: One character on “The Andy Griffith Show” has made no fewer than 90 appearances. Ninety! What ever would the Times’ puzzle constructors do without “Opie”? Merry Christmas! Bisse ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
A Hometown Tribute to Andy Griffith
I just received the email below, and thought you'd all be interested. Bisse Bowman - Original Message - From: Lizzie Morrison GRIFFITH: 09/30/2012 A HOMETOWN TRIBUTE TO ANDY GRIFFITH 09/30/2012 Mount Airy A celebration of music and praise, as fellow entertainers, friends, and fans remember and salute Andy Griffith and his legacy on Sunday morning from 9:30 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. at Blackmon Amphitheatre (Rockford Spring Street, across from the Andy Griffith Playhouse in Mount Airy). FREE. For more information, please call the Surry Arts Council. http://www.surryarts.org/main/displaypage.php?page=main/indexframe.html (336)786-7998 ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Mount Airy tribute to Andy Griffith - September
Excerpts from Mount Airy News article: Andy tribute not planned until September by Tom Joyce Staff Reporter Andy Griffith fans seeking to honor hismemory through an organized public event in his hometown will have to waituntil September, according to city and Surry Arts Council officials…. Instead of a Mount Airy memorial service or similar event being held inclose proximity to the actor’s death, which occurred last week, a tribute to Griffith is planned forMayberry Days. This year the annual celebration of characters and events of“The Andy Griffith Show” is slated for Sept. 27-30 — more than two months away…. Mayor Deborah Cochran added that the September observance might be betterfrom the public’s standpoint. “We are confident that we will have a largenumber of fans from all over the United States, some from othercountries, and we want to give them enough time to make plans to be here.”…. In addition to the salute to Griffith,the upcoming Mayberry Days will include two tribute concerts to Doug Dillard onSept. 28. Dillard, known for his role as a member of the Darling family on “TheAndy Griffith Show,” had performed here during each of the previous 22 years ofMayberry Days until his death on May 16…. Read more: Mount Airy News - Andy tribute not planned untilSeptember Bisse ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Mount Airy Tribute to Andy Griffith?
David Oberley asked what the city is planning - nothing firm yet, but here's the latest news from the mayor. :-) http://www.mtairynews.com/view/full_story/19213454/article-City-planning-event-to-honor-Griffith? Visitors to Mount Airy have been leaving their own tributes - it's touching. Bisse Bowman ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
Wynken, Blynken Nod origin
Hi - Here's to hoping this is the correct email address... Wynken, Blynken and Nod is a poem written by the journalist Eugene Field in 1889. More here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wynken,_Blynken,_and_Nod Bisse Bowman ___ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
