Third Degree, Stan Laurel and Fourth Degree (through Stan), Oliver Hardy were comedy stars of the 20s, 30s and 40s. They were lifelong friends and wonderful comedians.
Here is an interview with third degree, Stan Laurel shortly after the death of Oliver Hardy.
Second Degree, Jerry Lewis was a protege and admirer of Mr. Laurel.
First degree, Michael Jackson performed on Jerry's telethon in 1974.
Michael Jackson, Mikail Gorbachev, and Pope John Paul II were honored at the 2002 World Awards. Here is Mikail Gorbachev meeting Pope John Paul II in December of 1989. Mr. Gorbachev was baptized into the Russian Orthodox faith as an infant, but claims to be an atheist to this day.
You may remember Don Knotts as the loveable Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show. But he did many other gigs. In the 70s and 80s he made many guest appearances on The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Matlock, and scores of others.
Don's legacy is long and far-reaching. He has given millions of people laughter and smiles. Read here how he inspired a teenage boy recovering from a spinal injury.
In this clip, see Don plugging tax preparation services and appearing on that Saturday's episode of Fantasy Island. Note also second degree, Warren Beaty. This is a blast from the past, so get your bellbottoms, Tab, and hairspray ready!
Don Knotts appeared on the first season of The Love Boat in the episode, Who killed Maxwell Thorn? So was Barbi Benton, a lover of fifth degree, Hugh Heffner. Find full episodes of Love Boat here.
3 Degrees
I was unable to find footage of third degree, Don Knotts on The Love Boat, but here he is in a wonderful clip from The Ghost and Mister Chicken.
Second degree, Fred Grandy was a core cast member of The Love Boat. He had a career change later in life to become a member of the United States Congress for four terms, most of them during the presidency of first degree presidents Bill Clinton, H.W. Bush, and W. Bush. President Clinton is mentioned in the Gabrielle Giffords, Jimmy McMillan, Asia Cottom, and George Stephanopoulos posts. President George W. Bush was mentioned in the King Tut #1 post, the Glenn McDuffie post, and the Beyonce Knowles post.
Fred Grandy is a centrist Republican. If you care to hear a good interview with him, here it is. Enjoy.
Third Degree: John Belushi
John Belushi was an original member of the cast of Saturday Night Live. Here he is with Jane Curtin, Dan Akroyd, Lorraine Newman, Bill Murry, and Gilda Radner in "Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger."
John Belushi partied with Robert DeNiro and Robin Williams at the Marmont Hotel the night he died. Here is Williams saluting DeNiro with an AFI lifetime achievement award.
After Robin Williams and Robert DeNiro left John Belushi, his dealer shot Belushi up that night with a speedball (cocaine and heroine,) he died a little while afterward.
Second Degree: Kevin Bacon
Here's another classic from 1978, Animal House. Here John has a scene with second degree, Kevin Bacon.
First Degrees, Bill Clinton and Bono were in the 2002 documentary, "Elvis Lives" with Kevin Bacon. This also gets Cher, Mary J. Blige, Eric Clapton, John Corbett, and Jon Bon Jovi closer to Pope John Paul II!
Although I could have done this in fewer degrees, I got to the papacy through the Eastern Orthodox Church in . The videos at the end are amazing. What a way to end Greek month! Enjoy!
Fifth Degree: Carrie Bradshaw
The iconic character from HBO's "Sex and the City" loves fashion. So does Pope Benedict. For that post click here. Fourth Degree: Sarah Jessica Parker
Sarah played Carrie Bradshaw for years. Here she is discussing that role on The View.
Carrie Bradshaw
Third Degree: George Stephanopoulos
Sarah Jessica Parker is married to Matthew Broderick, a Broadway star and movie actor. The couple naturally live in the New York metropolitan area and go to very fancy parties with very fancy people. Here they are with another power couple, the Stephanopouloses.
George Stephanopoulos, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ali Wentworth (Mrs. Stephanopoulos),
and Matthew Broderick
Second Degree: Robert George Stephanopoulos
Father Robert George Stephanopoulos
George Stephanopoulos is the son of an Orthodox priest. The Reverend Doctor Robert George Stephanopoulos wrote a book about Archbiship Iakovos. To read more about Father Stephanopoulos click here.
Second Degree: Archbishop Iakovos
Patriarch Athenagoras and Archbishop Iakovos
First Degree: Pope Paul VI
Archbishop Iakovos accompanied Patriarch Athenagoras to Rome to meet with Pope Paul VI when the two brother patriarchs lifted the excommunications that have separated the Orthodox and Catholic churches for over 1000 years. read about Iakovos here
The documentary below shows Iakovos with John Paul II. What a wonderful man.
Iakovos or John Paul?
Yes! Both!
Foruth Degree: Anne Geddes, baby photographer extrordinaire,
hosted a party in1985 at her home in San Francisco
Arianna Stassinopoulos and Michael Huffington met at
that party, they married soon after.
The two became a political power-couple and founded
The Huffington Post
Hob Knobbing with powerful people is a big part of what the Huffingtons
do. Here Michael is next to First Degrees: Archbishop Methodios,
Archbishop Dimitrios, and Cardinal Sean O'Malley. Huffington is
the tallest in the photo, Methodios is to his left.
Will Cardinal O'Malley become Pope Patrick someday?
Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Clergy blessing Pope John Paul II's coffin. They begin by singing "Christos Anesti," (Christ is Risen), the Easter Hymn in Greek three times. There is then Byzantine chanting. The Eastern petition is much different than the Latin one. You will recognize "Kyrie Eleison," (Lord have mercy). The priest is praying for the repose of the soul of the pope and he is answered with "Lord have mercy." You can hear an Eastern bishop pray for John Paul, listen for "Ivano Pavli, Papa Romus". He's praying in Greek. When he breaks into song, it's in Arabic or Aramaic. The Eastern hymn is sung three times in Greek again.
I can find no evidence that Dick Clark ever met the Holy Father, but he sure does rub elbows with people who are close to the pontiff. Let's take a "Rockin' New Year's Eve" look at celebrities who Dick knows who know the pope or are close to someone who knew the pope.
This post is in the spirit of Janus, the Roman god of the new year. This god has two faces, one looking back and the other looking ahead. Let's see who Dick Clark knows who has already been mentioned in the blog or who may be mentioned in 2011.
Dick Clark and Bono: 2 Degrees
As mentioned in a previous post, Bono met Pope John Paul II and gave him so rad shades.
Dick Clark and Nicole Scherzinger: 4 Degrees
A member of The Pussycat Dolls, Scherzinger met Dick as we see her performing at last year's show below. She also appeared in "Dancing With the Stars" with second degreer, Buzz Aldren as see in this post from October.
Dick Clark and Betty White: 5 Degrees
Betty White appeared on $25,000 Pyramid, a game show hosted by Dick Clark. She also appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Johnny Carson filled in for Red Skelton when Red was in Europe with his family, see that post here. Red Skelton and his family met and were blessed by Pope Pius XII.
Dick Clark to Ralph Edwards: 5 Degrees
Dick Clark was on "This is your life" hosted by TV giant, Ralph Edwards in 1959.
Ralph Edwards is pictured here with
Marilyn Monroe
Lovely Marilyn was the girlfriend of President John F. Kennedy. The Jerry Lewis post in which President Kennedy and Miss Monroe are degrees is here. President Kennedy met Pope Paul VI, the pope who elevated John Paul II to cardinal.
Caesar Augustus
Statues like this were in every
city in town of the empire
3 Degrees
Caesar to Jesus to Saint Peter to JPII
Caesar Augustus was the first Caesar of the Pax Romana, two centuries of peace that blessed the Roman Empire. Sure there was Nero and Caligula, but every institution that lasts is going to have its stinkers. It's Christmastime, and we don't need to mention Nero's fondness for flaming Christians on a stick. Let's keep the post cheery.
Caesar Augustus was arguably the greatest political mind in history. He attained his office at the age of 30 and reigned for over 40 years. Busts were made of him in his youthful prime. These images of him never changed. He was adored and revered by the citizens of Rome as a young, vibrant ruler. This image is retained by Caesar Augustus to this day. For the complete BBC program on a bust of Caesar Augustusclick here. To view the head of Caesar Augustus click here.
Saint Luke tells us that Caesar Augustus was emperor when Jesus was born. Below are two accounts of the nativity story from Luke. The Charlie Brown version and the original King James Version from 1611.
Luke 2:1-12 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. ([And] this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
"Render unto Caesar…" is the beginning of a phrase attributed to Jesus in the synoptic gospels, which reads in full, “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s” (“Ἀπόδοτε οὖν τὰ Καίσαρος Καίσαρι καὶ τὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ τῷ Θεῷ”) (Matthew 22:21). Perhaps Jesus was holding a coin that bore the head of Caesar Augustus. No doubt, these coins were still in circulation when Jesus came of age.
The home of Caesar Augustus was recently excavated. Let's take a tour.
It's my name day! St. Susanna the Deaconesswas born into the Kingdom on December 15. I'm giving myself a treat with this post. I just love Rudolf and Burl Ives. My father was very fond of these claymation specials from the 60s. General Electric, the company my dad worked for for decades, was the sponsor of Rudolf. I don't think the blatant electricity of his nose was an accident!
4 Degrees
Fourth Degree: Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer Third Degree: Burl Ives Rudolf's film debut was with Burl Ives. Burl played the snowman who narrates the Rudolf saga. Part 1 of the first film is embedded above.
Second Degree: Gary Cooper Burl Ives appeared on "What's my line" August 7, 1955. Gary Cooper was on the program October 18, 1959. Here are the clips of their appearances.
First Degree: Pope Pius XII Gary Cooper converted to Catholicism well into adulthood. For the story of his conversion and his encounter with Pope Pius XII, click here.
Gary Cooper with Pope Pius XII (source: Janis, 79; photo credit: G. Felici)
Pius XII is on the road to sainthood. He was made "venerable" by Benedict XVI. For an article about his elevation to venerable, click here.
1 Degree: Benedict (also) also elevated his predecessor, John Paul II.
Benedict at tomb of Pius XII
photo by Getty Images and AFP
Rudolf is all about light. Children look to him for a light in the darkness of a winter's night. We look to the saints for light when we are in darkness. May you find the light you need to find your way this Christmas season.
To read the origin of the Rudolf story, click here. I warn you, you'll need tissues!
This post is made up entirely of ideas. There are NO points of actual contact. Each contact simply expounds on the next contact. The goal here is to help you in your journey through Advent. It's a mini-Lent you know.
Fourth Degree: Tiger Woods
Tiger comments on his own behaviorin this video. He apologizes for repeated, opportunistic adultery over the course of their relationship. It was objectifying of women and of himself. The problem probably began with Tiger objectifying his wife. In this season of Advent, it's a good time to reevaluate our marriages and look at one another with love instead of objectification.
Third Degree: Brit Hume
On an opinion segment on Fox News Sunday, Brit Hume commented on Tiger Woods' spiritual life and family life by means of faith. Here is Keith Olbermann and Dan Savage commenting and Brit's remarks. It is very funny in spots and some great points are made.
Second Degree: Father Rober Barron comments on Jesus through the first chapter of Matthew. Think of this as you enter the Christmas Holidays.
1 Degree: Jesus and Peter
We know that Jesus instituted the papacy through Peter. Here He also addresses our topic at hand. He tells a parable that encourages us to go to confession (a great idea during the Advent Season). Then we have Peter telling Jesus that he's not worthy and is sinful. Jesus calls him to be a fisher of men.
0 Degree: John Paul II
Before he was shot, before he was ill, before all the troubles in his papacy, but certainly not in his life, he came to the US. Some thoughts from JP2 to help you begin the Advent season.
* please note that journeying toward John Paul is not always going "up". John Paul was a sinner and imperfect like the rest of us. As I noted in the title of the blog, we want to be 0 degrees from Christ. That is the ultimate goal.
She's sexy and she can sing, but she's not the brightest scarab in the tomb according to Zahi Hawass. Ms. Knowles traveled to Egypt and evidently she "doesn't understand anything she doesn't want to." Dr. Hawass pawned her off onto an assistant in disgust. "She just wants to take pictures," he said.
Beyonce's Arabic is non-existant, so she did not understand the constant jabs that Dr. Hawass was slamming her way. According to the good doctor, she should not venture outside the US because "only Americans are willing to overlook how stupid she is." OUCH!
To read the whole story click here. and here too.
I love this man. He's a treasure. If you haven't seen "Life is Beautiful," you must. See it in the afternoon, it will be too upsetting before bed. You will cry like a baby! Here are Roberto's musings on Graham Norton, the trailer for the movie he wrote, directed, and starred in, and a favorite scene from it.
Dane's cousin, Father Kevin Cook, is a parish priest in Taunton, Massachusetts. Father Cook met John Paul II.
Dane,
Do you remember Bill Cosby? Do you still look up his bits and laugh today? Can you share those bits with anyone? Do you want to be remembered that way? Dude, get your ass to mass and try coming up with some material that can stand the test of time like the Cosby bits. Your atheist routine is awesome. The swears don't make it, the material itself is great. Give this some thought. You'll expand your audience and increase your income if you take my advice.
John Paul II wore modest clothing. He continued the tradition set by Paul VI and John Paul I of not wearing the Papal tiara.
Papal Tiara, not worn in over 40 years
We have a Fashionisto in Pope Benedict XVI
Much has been written about Benedict XVI's fashion sense. He was named "The Best Accessorized Man of 2007" by Esquire Magazine. Though he has continued to abstain from the tiara, Benedict still looks sharp and knows how to raid the papal closet. Listen to the NPR story and check out some of The Holy Father's fantastic looks. As mentioned in a previous post, he really could use concealer under the eyes, but he's not gone into the realm of metrosexual and shows no hints of doing so.
This article is hysterical and enormously entertaining. Read"Red Hot Papa"
Father, if you're going with the fancy filligree cross
with emeralds, you need to wear the red hat. The
straw hat goes with the plain cross.
This "Santa" cap has gotten lots of
attention. Both it and the ermine-trimmed
cape were in his closet. He wears them
for warmth during the Christmas season
He loves this hat and wears it all the time
Liturgical vestments should be beautiful. The Pope is
standing in the place of Christ. Remember the woman
with the expensive perfume. She annointed Jesus' feet.
"This could have been sold to feed the poor," said JUDAS.
The loving care with which his stole was embroidered strikes me.
Those who came before did this with love.
Handmade lace, gold embroidery, silk, and jewels. The only place
he can wear this is when he's serving Jesus Christ. I think that's
just beautiful.
Note the gorgeous emerald cross. It's much
flashier than John Paul's look, but each pope
is different. The New York Times article
linked above discusses the cross.
I asked a priest once about the pomp and the ceremony, does it ever go to the bishop's head? He said...
The bishop is the donkey who carries Jesus Christ to the people,
he would be a fool indeed if he thought they were waving palm
branches for him. I think Benedict XVI does realize whose clothes
he's wearing. Look to his actions and his words. Don't be like Judas
You may remember Don Knotts as the loveable Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show. But he did many other gigs. In the 70s and 80s he made many guest appearances on The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Matlock, and scores of others. 
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