Post 83-Happy Birthday Marlee

Today is Marlee Matlins birthday!!! Marlee is a wonderful actress who is deaf.She was born on August 24th,1965 in Morton Grove, Illinois.She lost her hearing when she was 18 months old and speaks in sign language.She grew up in Arlington Heights,Illinois and attended Harper College. Throughout her childhood she did lots of acting and theater with the ICODA (International Center on Deafness and the Arts organization.)A non-profitable organization in Illinois.She was discovered by Henry Winkler while at the ICODA theater.Her movie debut Children of The Lesser God brought her a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for best Actress.I personally love that movie and think that she did a fantastic job.She went on to be in a couple more movies and lots of TV shows such as,Picket Fences,Law and Order,and Dancing with The Stars.She was also a finalists on the show The Celebrity Apprentice,competing to win money for her for her charity(The Starkey Hearing Foundation)and finished second.Although she didn't win she on one episode of The Celebrity Apprentice ("The Art of the Deal" aired on April 3, 2011),raised more money than ever in a single event on television for a charity. Raising $986,000.I love Marlee Matlin.I think she is so inspiring for those who are deaf and inspires me that you can have problems or be disabled but that that shouldn't stop you from doing what you love.That I can do anything!I think she a a wonderful actress and that the way she carries her self is awesome.Today my quotes will be from her. I honor her birthday and hope she has many more!



"At some point we have to stop and say, There's Marlee, not, There's the deaf actress."-Marlee Matlin


"Every one of us is different in some way, but for those of us who are more different, we have to put more effort into convincing the less different that we can do the same thing they can, just differently."-Marlee Matlin


"I've been around since I was 19, I won the Oscar when I was 21, I've had a couple of TV series. I've continued to work despite the predictions of some naysayers."-Marlee Matlin

A book she wrote about her difficulty with being deaf.

Post 82-Happy Birthday Gene Kelly!!

Today is Gene Kellys 100th birthday.I love Gene Kelly.He is one of my biggest inspirations so to finally get to do my blog on him is Amazing!!!! Eugene Curran Kelly was born on August 23,1912 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.His Mom signed up Him and his brother for dance when he was eight but wasn't very fond of it and often got into fights with other boys because of the mean stuff said to him about taking dance.So he didn't get back into dance until he was fifteen.he went to  Pennsylvania State College after graduating from high school in 1929.In 1931 he also went to University of Pittsburgh. It wasn't until 1938 after starting a Dance studio and earning a Bachelor degree of Arts in Economics, did he start his stage career in dancing,acting and singing.He never thought about doing dance as an career when he was a kid ,but after starting a dance studio and going to college he found that his passion to entertain.He was in several shows such as,The Time of Your Life and Best Foot Forward.He also choreographed lots of the shows he did.He started his Hollywood career with the movies Me and My Gal with Judy Garland,Cover girl with Rita Hayworth,and Anchors Aweigh with Jerry Mouse! He then went on to do some of my favorite movies in the late 1940s and early 1950s,(On The Town,American in Paris,and Its Always Fair Weather) and my all time favorite,Singing in The Rain!! He directed,produced,and choreographed a lot of shows and movies in his life time.He had a couple flops in his career(The movie Invitation to the Dance flopped when released but now is loved) but that didn't stop him from being a star! He not only inspired millions of people but also shaped dancing in movies and stage.He inspires me to always be creative,to work hard as he did,and to always chase your dreams just has he did.He is amazing and I love him.Today would have been his 100th birthday and today to celebrate such an amazing and handsome person my quotes will be from the classic Gene Kelly.

Before we get to his quotes here are some things people have said about him and how brilliant he truly is:

"Gene is easygoing as long as you know exactly what you are doing when you're working with him. He's a hard taskmaster and he loves hard work. If you want to play on his team you'd better like hard work, too. He isn't cruel but he is tough, and if Gene believed in something he didn't care who he was talking to, whether it was Louis B. Mayer or the gatekeeper. He wasn't awed by anybody, and he had a good record of getting what he wanted".-Johnny Green

"I wanted to be Gene Kelly. Well really, I just wanted to dance with Cyd Charisse."-Robin Cousins

"I just want people to remember me like I remember Buster Keaton. When they talk about Buster Keaton or Gene Kelly, people say, 'Ah yes, they good.' Maybe one day, they remember Jackie Chan that way."

 Jackie Chan 

 "I watched him rehearsing, and it seemed to me that there was no possible room for improvement. Yet he wasn't satisfied. It was midnight and we had been rehearsing since eight in the morning. I was making my way sleepily down the long flight of stairs when I heard staccato steps coming from the stage...I could see just a single lamp burning. Under it, a figure was dancing...Gene."- Van Johnson 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                   Quotes From Gene Kelly

"I got started dancing because I knew it was one way to meet girls."-Gene Kelly

"When Ginger Rogers danced with Astaire, it was the only time in the movies when you looked at the man, not the woman."-Gene Kelly

"My mother had gotten a job as a receptionist at a dancing school and had the idea that we should open our own dancing school; we did, and it prospered."-Gene Kelly

"I'd studied dance in Chicago every summer end taught it all winter, and I was well-rounded. I wasn't worried about getting a job on Broadway. In fact, I got one the first week."-Gene Kelly

"At 14, I discovered girls. At that time, dancing was the only way you could put your arm around the girl. Dancing was courtship. Only later did I discover that you dance joy. You dance love. You dance dreams."-Gene Kelly

      “Dignity, always Dignity!”-Gene Kelly

Post 81-First day of High School

Today was my first day of high school.High School for me starts in 8th grade because there isn't enough room in our Middle school for the 8th graders.So technically I'm not a high schooler yet but I kinda am because I'm in the High School and take a couple high school classes.So Yesterday I was enduring my last day of summer break and thinking about today.I was anxious,nervous and excited.But today when I walked into the school being a short 8th grader I actually didn't think it was that bad and after a while I got used to the new environment. I'm excited for this school year.My goals are to get good grades,start a dance team,and to improve on the French Horn. I'm hoping to have a good year and hope that everything works out even though I know it wont.There will be drama and PLENTY of other things that I will have to go through/deal with, just like every teen and High School is not only a time to get to drive a car,have love relationships,and prom, but also a time to learn who you are and get strength to stand up for yourself. Because these years matter a little bit as where I'm going to stand when it comes time to find a job or go to college. And if I don't do good in 8th and 9th chances are its going to be harder for me to be good in the upper grades.I want to have the best high school years I can have and I'm very excited to try and make my high school years the best I can make them! So Today since it's my first day of high school,my quotes will be about high school and the troubles in high school.

“True terror is to wake up one morning and discover that your high school class is running the country.” ― Kurt Vonnegut (so true)

“Being kind is one of the hardest thing to be in high school because you're so terrified of being cut down yourself that you're always on your guard. But don't be like that. Be kind and you will be truly different. A standout. Unique and happy.” 

― Wendy Wunder, (from her book-"The Probability of Miracles")

“Take a limitation and turn it into an opportunity. Take an opportunity and turn it into an adventure by dreaming BIG!” 

― Jo Franz

“THE FIRST TEN LIES THEY TELL YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL 

1. We are here to help you. 

2. You will have time to get to your class before the bell rings. 

3. The dress code will be enforced. 

4. No smoking is allowed on school grounds. 

5. Our football team will win the championship this year. 

6. We expect more of you here. 

7. Guidance counselors are always available to listen. 

8. Your schedule was created with you in mind. 

9. Your locker combination is private. 

10. These will be the years you look back on fondly. 

TEN MORE LIES THEY TELL YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL 

1. You will use algebra in your adult lives. 

2. Driving to school is a privilege that can be taken away. 

3. Students must stay on campus during lunch. 

4. The new text books will arrive any day now. 

5. Colleges care more about you than your SAT scores. 

6. We are enforcing the dress code. 

7. We will figure out how to turn off the heat soon. 

8. Our bus drivers are highly trained professionals. 

9. There is nothing wrong with summer school. 

10. We want to hear what you have to say.” 

― Laurie Halse Anderson, Speak 

(I was trying to keep it some what positive but when I saw this I realized most of these are kinda true!)

Post 79/80-Happy Birthday Jamia and Paris.

Today is two amazing singers birthdays.And those singers are Jamia Simone Nash and Paris Bennett.I LOVE both these singers! They are both amazing singer,and just beautiful people.Jamia Simone Nash was born on August 21,1996.In 2002 at the age of six she sang Alicia Keys song "Fallen" at the Apollo Theater.She sang at a lot of places and is also an actress appearing in television shows.In 2007 she was in the amazing movie August Rush(A favorite of mine) as Hope and was the lead vocalist in the song Raise It Up.She Is an amazing singer and actress and has a lot of good opportunities coming her way.I love her singing,her personality,and her acting.She is always uplifting and is a inspiration to all kids who love to sing or act or anything! Here a a couple quotes from her.

"I do what I do to bring them joy." -Jamia Nash

 (about her fans)

"The most important thing is being yourself, not like everybody else."-Jamia Nash

Today is also Paris Bennetts birthday.Paris Ana'is Bennett was born on August 21,1988 in Rockford,Illinois.Her and Jamia from the time they were born were singers.She was raised in  Edina, Minnesota by her Mother and Step-father and began performing at the same age as Jamia(six).At the age of 17 she was talked into auditioning for American Idol(Season 5) by her grandma,Ann Nesby(Her biggest role model and inspiration)and her Grandpa.She didn't win but was in the top 5 finalists.She after that has lead out to albums and has 2 kids.She is an amazing singer and I love her personality and voice!

These two amazing singers are two big inspiration and I love them so Happy Birthday Jamia and Paris!!!!

"I wasn't taught to give up, if you're able to hang in, you're still No. 1. And I rediscovered that music is indeed my soul mate. Singing for me is about love, happiness, and the connection you make with yourself. It's helped me find out who I am."-Paris Bennett

Post 78-Happy Birthday John Deacon!

Today is the famous bassists(from the band Queen) John Deacons birthday. I love Queen in general so to do my blog on any of the members is awesome and a honor!John was born on August 19th,1951 in Oadby, Leicester, England.He lived in Leicester,England for most of his childhood and started his first band in Leicester at age 14.He was the last one and the youngest person to join the band queen at age 19.He known for being the only one in the band that didn't do vocals.But he was also known as the best bassists ever(because he is).He wrote lots of the bands hit songs such as, Another One bites The dust and You're My Best Friend.In 1997 he reitred from music and from the band.He is an excellent musican and I love his work.He is awesome and today to celebrate his birthday my quotes will be from him.


"Arguments are healthy. They clear the air."-John Deacon


"I mean the only thing that is hopefully good about us is after the arguments we can actually still face each other the next day or the day after and talk about something else and sort of get over it."-John Deacon


"Lot's of marriages don't last as long as Queen have been together."-John Deacon

Post 77-Happy Birthday Shelley

Today is Shelley Winters birthday! Shirley Winters was born on August 18th,1920 in St.Louis, Missouri.When Shelley was 3,her and her family moved to Brooklyn,Newyork where she grew up.She studied at The New School also in New York and also studied at The Actor Studio in the 1940s(she was room mates with Marilyn Monroe which is pretty cool).She did a couple theater things in New York before moving to Los Angeles.Her first movie was What a Women! in 1943 and worked in films through the 1940s(usually having small part roles).Her first chance at stardom was in the movie A Double Life in 1947.Her excellent acting in that movie lead her to the leading parts in the films,The Great Gatsby and Winchester 73.And from there she went on to do other films, such as,Meet Danny Wilson(my favorite movie with her in it),A Place in The Sun,and The Diary Of Anne Frank and be in lots of television shows as well.She was nominated four times for an Academy Award as best actress in a leading Role(1)/Supporting Role(3) and won two out of those four.She was an Amazing actress and I think she is amazing.Today to celebrate a wonderful actress's birthday my quotes will be from her!



"Every now and then, when you're on stage, you hear the best sound a player can hear. It's a sound you can't get in movies or in television. It is the sound of a wonderful, deep silence that means you've hit them where they live."-

Shelley Winters

Post 76-Katherine Hepburn

Today I'm doing my blog on Katherine Hepburn since her movies have been on TCM all day and I've been really inspired by her acting.Katherine Hepburn was born on May 12,1907 in Hartford, Connecticut.Katherine grew up in Connecticut and had parents who taught her to exercise freedom of speech and to stand up for what's right.She stayed close to her family her whole life and often said that the foundation of her success as an actress was because of her parents.At a young age Katherine was very interested in the acting/movies and went to see one every Saturday with her friends.When Katherine found her older brother Tom, dead on April 3,1921 she was devastated.She (at the time) a teenager began to become shielded and distant.She dropped out of Oxford school and started receiving a private tutor.She also from then on used Toms birthday as her own,not coming out about her real birthday date until 1991.In 1924 she started going to Bryn Mawr College and didn't like the experience but was in a couple college plays before graduating with a degree in history and philosophy in June 1928.She then decided to pursue a career in acting.She did several acting things before making her break-through, thanks to her role in a production of The Warrior's Husband.Her first film was A Bill of Divorcement.She then went on to become a very successful actress winning a total of four Academy Awards.She is an actress I've always known and looked up to and I always will.She is truly amazing and I love her!!! My two favorite movie with her in them are Women of The Year and The Lion and the Witch.Today my quotes will be from her to thank her for inspiring me!!

"As for me, prizes are nothing. My prize is my work."-Katharine Hepburn

"Death will be a great relief. No more interviews."-Katharine Hepburn
(Katherine did die on June 29th,2003.She was never afraid of death and when she did die she requested there be no memorial service and that her stuff be held for auction.She was-or she seemed to be-fearless which I also love about her.Always brave!)

"I never lose sight of the fact that just being is fun."-Katharine Hepburn

"I think most of the people involved in any art always secretly wonder whether they are really there because they're good or there because they're lucky."-Katharine Hepburn

"If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun."-Katharine Hepburn