_________________________________________________________ F A M E F O R U M N E W S L E T T E R N A T I O N A L W O M E N 'S B A S E B A L L H A L L O F F A M E National Syndicated Column (contents are protected) Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2007 TXU877085, TXU959430, TXU973266, TXU013972, TXU986753, TXU949885, TXU004037, TXU022893, TXU026161, TXU047111, TXU050230, TXU061149, TXU088068, TXU120937, TXU148132, TXU163784, TXU170668, TXU196853, TXU211917, TXU216769, TXU234252, TXU253116, TXU260664, TXU276615, TXU288273, TXU311442, TXU348663, TXU346055. Issue Number 00380 _________________________________________________________ Volume X, Number 23 Publisher and Author June 30, 2007 Richard C. Jaffeson Washington, DC HallFame@usa.com http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame _________________________________________________________ 2006 NWB HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS NELSON, DOMINGUEZ, TRIOLO SEE THE WEBSITE FOR ALL "HALL OF FAMERS" http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/albums DIDRIKSON, HOWARD, SCHILLACE, DANCER, FERGUSON, WINTER, WRIGHT, LUKASIK, MILLIKEN, BALLENTINE, GEYER, WALLACE, CIULLA, GUIDACE, MACURIO, SHELDON, BEAUCHAMP, HUDSON, BRENNEMAN, FERENO, SWEENEY TED WILLIAMS WEBSITE http://www.saveted.net _________________________________________________________ A. COLUMN: RETURN OF YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN Does Mary Shelley ride again? No! But, the return of "Young Frankenstein" is scheduled November 8, 2007 at the Hilton Theater on Broadway as perennial Mel Brooks resurrects his highly acclaimed 1974 movie based upon a novel by author a.k.a. Gilbert Pearlman. The screenplay was written by Brooks and Gene Wilder, who starred as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein practicing and instructing at Baltimore General Hospital (novel reference), but there was a twist which may and can transport him to his ancestral home in Transylvania. Brooks pulled a similar hat trick in "The Producers," the 1968 movie which reappeared on Broadway in 2001 until recently, and garnered 12 Tony Awards. With Brooks' repertoire of films from which to select, What eventually could be the capstone of his charge on Broadway? "Oh, heavy burden..., Methinks I hear the handsome young prince coming my Lord!" Yes, there were Fame Forum versions of "The Producers," "To Be or Not to Be" (Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft 1983, and Jack Benny and Carole Lombard 1942, from the work of Ernst Lubitch), and of course, "...Frankenstein." "To Be or Not to Be" Fame Forum, Volume IX, Number 07, February 24, 2006 http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/handouts/files/C-Feb06D.txt "Springtime for Washington" (The Producers) Fame Forum, Volume V, Number 18, June 19, 2002 http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/handouts/files/C-AA15.txt The Fame Forum version of "...Frankenstein" pertained to the creation of life after death allegorically starring Ted Williams, and is resurrected below. http://www.SaveTed.net Fame Forum, Volume VII, Number 11, March 30, 2004 "DAUGHTER OF FRANKENSTEIN" by Richard C. Jaffeson It was a damp chilly misty moonless night, and into the swirling gray hiss of a soon departing steam locomotive, an unsure inquiring voice from a window seat inside one of the passenger coaches sang out... "Oh, pardon me boy, is this the Transylvania Station?" A young street urchin was the only person visible on the desolate platform who responded in rhyme, "Ya, Track 29. Oh, by the way, do you need a shine?" "Ah, thanks and no thanks," the passenger was surprised not only with the melodic answer in such a dismal place regarding her current location, but also because of the accompanying request since she was still inside the car. However, the presently disembarking passenger politely and instinctively chimed-in with her rendition of the follow-up lines, "Not right now, these boots are fine. I'm expecting to meet someone here on time." But, before the explanation could be finished, already the lad mysteriously vanished into the haunting shadows. Thus, the weary traveler, a respected medical specialist, a surgeon of international renown, found herself on an abandoned railway platform in a strange and distant land, at least momentarily alone. As the great-great granddaughter of the infamous and yet famous Baron Victor von Frankenstein touched the ground of her ancestral land for the first time, the train began lurching forward and instantly disappeared engulfed into the surrounding night. However, the momentous occasion of this ceremonial return was not necessarily on her mind, it was far overshadowed by more practical considerations. Rather, she thought, "What is this insidious place?" and "Where is my guide?" "Shhhrupp, shhhrupp, thump!" an eerie sound approached. "Shhhrupp, shhhrupp, thump!" ominously it was repeated. Nothing could be seen past the misty gloom, as she stood alone on the desolate platform straining to see what or whom was slowly but steadily advancing in her direction. "Shhhrupp, shhhrupp, thump!" again the sound was heard. "Enough, all ready!" she desperately and exasperatedly cried into the darkness, "Where are you? Who are you?" From out of the shadows, a faint voice and ghostly face materialized, "It's only me!" "You must be the one I was told would meet me to afford transportation. I am Dr. Fredericka Frankenstein (which she pronounced Fronken-steen)," the visitor announced. "Are you Igor (which she pronounced Eee-gore)?" "No, I'm Igor (which he pronounced Eye-gore). And, I'm suppose to meet a Dr. Frankenstein (which he pronounced Franken-stine) at the station. Might that be you?" "Yes, that is I, however I was told your name was Igor (which she pronounced Eee-gore)." the doctor explained. "Well, they were wrong, weren't they." Igor responded. "And, I was informed you were Dr. Frankenstein. (which he continued to deliberately pronounce Franken-stine)." "I prefer 'steen,' it's 'Fronken-steen,'" the doctor firmly corrected her new acquaintance, and insistently stomped one clean boot for emphasis. "Well, then I prefer 'Eye-gore,' don't I," her guide oddly smiled, and in a strange manner rolled his eyes. "Look, I am tired, hungry, dusty; and just completed a lengthily journey of nearly 5,000 miles to be here. Isn't it sufficient that I am the doctor in question, and you are to be my guide and driver? Agreed!" "Oh, I see. Sure, I'm easy." Igor picked up one of the smaller valises, and motioned the doctor towards a waiting carriage. "I've been here a very long time, and worked for your grandfather and great-grandfather. I know where all the bodies are buried, so to speak." "You can't possibly be that old." the doctor thought to herself, but she was far too weary to argue further. "Which way to your car?" she instead inquired. "What car?" Igor quipped. "Follow me, walk this way, the horses are waiting." They quickly reached the carriage and climbed inside, Igor took the coachman's seat up front and the doctor boarded behind into one of the open passenger benches, which contained several warm blankets. "Tell me good doctor," Igor decided to offer congenial conversation on the circuitous roadway to the historic ancestral castle, "what brings you to this neck of the woods? Certainly, it can't be the climate or waters. Perhaps, you wanted to see the old family homestead?" "Goodness, has nothing to do with this," the doctor quietly explained. "Furthermore, I was not misinformed about the local conditions, either." "We were told you were returning to proceed with your forefather's work," Igor probed carefully. "Yes, that's correct, in part," the doctor concurred. "There are many missing pieces of the puzzle for the experiments in which they engaged. I plan to uncover and explain those secrets." "Oh, I see, and what on earth could that be?" Igor knowingly smiled and inquired further. "You assisted them, you should understand, they were engaged in monumental work of the upmost importance on none other than... 'the secret of life!'" Suddenly, from out of nowhere a solo violin was heard echoing strains of foreboding background music, which initially startled the doctor. "What was that weird sound?" she timidly inquired. "It was only wind through the trees, it often plays tricks on folks hereabouts," was the terse explanation as Igor frantically cracked the whip to encourage the horses forward on their journey. "What have you found so far," Igor wanted to occupy the doctor's thoughts with something besides sounds in the night, "perhaps I might have some ideas." "As you know," young Dr. Frankenstein began her tale, "my forebear Victor was obsessed with 'creationism,' that is to say, reanimation of life after death, and he believed that tissues, organs, and entire bodies of deceased individuals eventually could be repaired, and with the spark of life fully restored." "This was a most noble thesis, '...to defeat disease and death, and live healthy forever.' My great-great grandfather actually saw himself as 'benefactor of the human species.' But, we in the family understood his true motivation was the unfortunate death of Caroline his mother during childbirth, while nothing could be done to save her. Victor was a teenager at the time, and did not fully understand the nature of life and finality of death. And, he wanted to bring her back. Thus, he dedicated the remainder of his life to prove no one need ever die. At age 17, Victor commenced to study medicine at Ingolstadt University in Germany, and became a gifted surgeon, although he maintained an obsession to recreate life." "In his work," the young doctor observed, "he viewed body parts as raw materials for godless experiments, but he always lacked the final ingredient, the spark or spirit of life, however it may be called, which is necessary for reanimation to become successful." "I have studied many sources throughout the history of the world, and there has always been a quest to somehow cheat death, and attempt to stop or reverse the inevitable process in which we must all proceed. Each thought they had the answer, using the advanced techniques available at the time, and could not be convinced otherwise. They were committed to their research, and could not conceivably even consider they would be incorrect." "True," Igor reflected, "we all tend to internalize our work, it's part of human nature." "Ah," the doctor continued, "but these 'scientists' were eventually found to be charlatans and alchemist. I agreed when I pondered the voluminous papers and reports of Paracelsus, Low of Prague, Albertus Magnus, and Cornelius Agripa for all claimed they alone had discovered the secret. Such fantasies also can be traced back to the ancient epic tale of Gilgamesh and the monster Enkidu 4,000 years ago." "However, I am now on a slightly expanded mission," the doctor clarified. "Yes, if possible, to uncover that secret, but I am also on a special case." Suddenly, again from a solo violin was heard echoing strains of foreboding background music. They turned to look unsuccessfully for the unknown source. "What kind of case?" Igor turned sideways to inquire, and rapidly cracked the whip several more times. "I am here to gather evidence," the doctor explained, "in order to serve as an expert witness for a class action suit regarding fraudulent claims, procedural misrepresentation, and false advertising related to this topic. I expect our secret family records will provide necessary facts revealed through scientific notation and empiric logic." "Oh, I see," Igor calmly responded without expression or a blink of an eyelash, "however it's not a secret. Your great-great grandfather described it all in his journal. It's a best seller in all the local stores, for the tourist, you know." "You mean his life's work was written down in a book?" was the unknowing response. "It's not a real book." Igor again defiantly insisted. "Hemingway wrote books. Steinbeck wrote many books. Shelley wrote a book. This was a journal, a report on thoughts, research, and accompanying commentaries." "Oh, I see," this time it was the doctor's turn to invoke that reply, but she wasn't altogether certain about the subtle distinction. "Here I have a copy. I always keep one in the glove compartment for my passengers." Igor tossed a worn edition into the back seat. The doctor fumbled to catch it, finally grabbed the publication in midair, and began eagerly reading with unreserved fascination, "The Journal of Baron Victor von Frankenstein." "Look! There is an entire chapter devoted to the 'spark of life,'" the doctor exclaimed and hurriedly thumbed to that section. "Grandfather listed all the sources that did not work, apparently there were many failed experiments. Some of these were childish by today's standards, because he included eels, catfish, sting rays, certain corals, and even fireflies." "Indeed, I know," Igor proudly reminded the doctor. "I had to collect them." "As expected, there were many non-biological sources, electricity, lightening, and various forms of heat. He attempted crude applications of solar and geothermal energy. He even applied acupuncture, magnetism, and spiritualism. It states that these also produced no successful results." "Here, listen to what he wrote," the doctor reported, "Although the newly formed bodies were anatomically correct and physically capable of sustaining life in every respect, all permutations and combinations of techniques to create the spark of life were lacking." "Hmmm, this appears to be as far as he proceeded," the doctor surmised. "However, it corroborates my current medical findings on the cerebral cortex and central nervous system with the continuous stream of motor impulses. Once flow is permanently broken and life has definitely ceased, there is no way to reverse the process. Quite simply, dead is dead!" "So it seems," Igor noted, "and has been for years." "Hello, what's this?" the doctor found a loose note that fell out of the journal. "Someone else, it appears, used this exact text for research decades ago judging by the watermark on the notepaper. Hmmm, it's some type of cryptic formula on it from a Dr. Melvin Kaminsky. I can't quite make it out, it is somewhat faded, but appears to read, 'Springtime for Hitler' equals 'Life is Beautiful' 'Young Frankenstein' equals Albacore...(illegible)" "I believe we may be on to something here," the doctor was astonished. "If this is correct, it might be safe to assume that comedic science could become distorted subjective reality. People will accept whatever they are told no matter how fantastic, in fact, the more unrealistic the better. Is this an evil joke being perpetuated on America, if not the world? But, why? Is there no answer?" Suddenly, once more a solo violin was heard echoing strains of foreboding background music, however this time there were accompanying words... "Ah, sweet mystery of life, I have not found thee. Sweet mystery of life, alas where can thou be? Ah, for when will I know the secret of it all, longing, seeking, striving, waiting, yearning, burning hopes, joy, and idle tears that fall!" "Is it life, and life alone, the world is seeking? Control the key, and see what can be restored, 'tis the answer, tis the end of all not living, unlock the secret, for it alone rules for aye!" Notes: Adapted from the movie "Young Frankenstein" 1974. The song "Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life" 1931 was written by Victor Herbert and originally sung by Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy. The song "Chattanooga Choo Choo" 1941 was written by Mack Gordon and popularized by Glenn Miller. See the following website for articles and more items on Ted Williams and references to the book, "Saving Ted Williams" by Richard C. Jaffeson. http://www.SaveTed.net B. NWB HALL OF FAME PRODUCTS These baseball items are available from the NWB Hall of Fame: new induction poster, commemorative buttons (2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, and 1999), personalized magnet locker nametags, t-shirts, caps, knife, and bats. Free commemorative ribbons are also available. The website main page has an order form, and the photo page displays several items. http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame C. HISTORIC TIMELINE June 26, 1819 Abner Doubleday birthdate. June 26, 1914 Babe Didrikson birthdate, NWB Hall of Fame. June 26, 1916 Cleveland originates use of uniform numbers. June 27, 1876 Davy Force first with 6 hits in one game. June 28, 1906 Marie Goeppert Mayer birthdate, Nobel Prize. June 28, 1910 Joe Tinker steals home twice in one game. June 28, 1926 Melvin Kaminsky birthdate, 27 hits in one game. June 28, 1949 Don Baylor birthdate, MLB player. June 29, 1905 Moonlight Graham plays only MLB game. June 29, 1936 Harmon Killebrew birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. June 29, 1990 Two no-hitters on the same day, Athletics in Toronto, Dodgers in Saint Louis. June 30, 1908 Cy Young at 41 pitches third career no-hitter. June 30, 1929 Bobby Jones wins US Open by 23 shots. July 1, 1857 Roger Connor, birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 1, 1859 First intercollegiate baseball game. July 1, 1861 John Clarkson, birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 1, 1908 Estee Lauder birthdate, business owner. July 1, 1910 Comiskey Park opens in Chicago. July 2, 1903 Ed Delahanty drowns in the Niagara River. July 3, 1966 Tony Cloninger, pitcher, hits two grand slam homeruns in one game. July 4, 1918 Ann Landers and Abigail Van Buren birthdates. July 4, 1930 George Steinbrenner birthdate, Yankees owner. July 4, 1939 Lou Gehrig Day at Yankee Stadium, speech, "Today I consider myself the luckiest..." July 4, 1984 Phil Niekro 3,000th strikeout. July 5, 1884 Jack Quinn birthdate, oldest MLB pitcher retired at 49, and oldest to hit a homerun. July 6, 1933 MLB first All-Star game in Comiskey Park. July 6, 1983 USPS issues Babe Ruth commemorative stamp. July 6, 1986 Bob Homer hits 4 homeruns in one game. July 7, 1906 Satchel Paige birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 7, 1909 Billy Herman birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 7, 1980 Michelle Kwan birthdate, Olympic skater. July 8, 1862 Hank O'Day birthdate, player and umpire, called first World Series, called Merkle out. July 8, 1930 Glen Gorbous birthdate, MLB player, world record 445'10" baseball throw. July 9, 1940 Joe Torre birthdate, MLB player and manager. July 10, 1868 Bobby Lowe birthdate, first player to hit 4 homeruns in one game. July 10, 1934 Carl Hubbell retires Ruth, Gehrig, Foxx, Simmons, and Cronin in succession. July 10, 1936 Chuck Klein hits 4 homeruns in one game. July 10, 1945 Virginia Wade birthdate, tennis champion. D. FAME FORUM ISSUES Volume IX, 2007 Season Publications Number 23, Return of Young Frankenstein (Williams), June 30, 2007. Number 22, 2007 NWB Hall of Fame Induction Form, June 1, 2007. Number 21, Clifford Carries the Flag (Memorial Day), May 25, 2007. Number 20, Call for Philip Morr-razz (billboards), May 24, 2007. Number 19, Bodacious Broadcast (radio story), May 18, 2007. Number 18, Alibi Isis Augurs a Perfect Game, May 11, 2007. Number 17, Guideposts and Sentinels (code ribbons), May 4, 2007. Number 16, Fenway Bats and Panther Jets (VMF-311 Williams), April 27. Number 15, How to Succeed in Baseball Without Really Trying, April 20. Number 14, Personal Courage and National Resolve, April 16. Number 13, Talkin' with Bat and Glove (Robinson), April 13. Number 12, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Fame Forum, April 5. Number 11, High Jinxes and High Hopes in Havana, March 28. Number 10, Clifford's Gigantic Gamer (gloves), March 23. Number 09, Great Caesar's Ghost (Williams), March 15. Number 08, The Night They KO'ed Hemingway, March 9. Number 07, Rumble at Ritchie (boxing), February 27. Number 06, Million Dollar Mermaid (Belles), February 14. Number 05, Clifford's Pennsylvania Pilgrimage, February 1. Number 04, Beisbol Belles Broadcast (training), January 30. Number 03, Liberty Heights Revisited, January 18. Number 02, In Remembrance of President Jerry Ford, January 3. Number 01, That Was the Year That Was, January 1. http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/handouts E. NWB HALL OF FAME PROGRAMS The National Women's Baseball Hall of Fame, an independent not-for-profit organization established September 1998, is situated in suburban Washington, DC. The objective is to recognize achievements of women in regulation baseball. The NWB Hall of Fame offers these programs for participants in regulation baseball with organized leagues. Managers are are encouraged to recommend recognition awards and suggest articles on their teams, players, or events. Applications are available through email and are posted on the website. NWB HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS Nominations for the NWB Hall of Fame are due September 30. Inductions may include four current and one previous players by formal application or candidate statement. NATIONAL MVP AND MANAGER AWARDS MVP player and manager award requests are due December 31. Season nominations should be by a manager or administrator. One MVP player per team may be selected annually. Membership covers transmission of newsletters, announcements, invitations, applications, and access to all website pages. Membership is $9.00 renewed annually, and an application is available on the NWB Hall of Fame website. _________________________________________________________ NATIONAL WOMEN'S BASEBALL HALL OF FAME Richard C. Jaffeson, Executive Director PO Box 15282, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20825 301-847-0102 HallFame@USA.com http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame "National Women's Baseball Hall of Fame" is a registered trade name with the State of Maryland. MD672265, October 19, 1998. Programs, articles, and contents presented herein are protected under provisions of the U.S. Copyright Office, Library of Congress. Fame Forum registrations are listed below. TXU877085, TXU959430, TXU973266, TXU013972, TXU986753, TXU949885, TXU004037, TXU022893, TXU026161, TXU047111, TXU050230, TXU061149, TXU088068, TXU120937, TXU148132, TXU163784, TXU170668, TXU196853, TXU211917, TXU216769, TXU234252, TXU253116, TXU260664, TXU276615, TXU288273, TXU311442, TXU348663, TXU346055. Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2007 __________________________________________________________