James Gandolfini
Thursday starts off with news from Rome about the passing of actor James Gandolfini who starred in the iconic role of Tony Soprano. My area of Bay Ridge Brooklyn was home to many of the characters on the show, often seen in their favorite local hangouts. Restaurant 101, across the street, was one of them and still acts as a "social meeting place" sometimes for the actors but mostly for some of the older local "boys" - who say hello when I walk by. The energies are like a scene out of a mob movie, or the housewives of NJ, or the characters on the TV series the Jersey Shore that many find colorful, while others find offensive and dysfunctional.
James Gandolfini was a great actor whose overweight and history spoke of emotional problems. All you had to do is look in his eyes to see that part of his consciousness was here - the rest disconnected. His character represented outdated, off-the-boat thinking - another subroutine in the program. In real life, people living the Guido dramas - tell me they are trying to escape from the issues they create. Good-bye Tony ... you'll be missed. I'll stop by and see the "boys" later to pay my respects. I wonder what the death of Tony Soprano symbolizes?
New York is filled with tell-tale signature accents, most of which I can mimic after listening to a few sentences. Ron and I have a few favorites but never did I expect to see this. Hey Ron ... there's a small sign I noticed on the Belt Parkway as I drove by on Sunday that says ... "Fuggedaboutit". :)
James Gandolfini, Sopranos star, dies in Italy aged 51 BBC - June 20, 2013
James Gandolfini, the US actor best known for his role as a therapy-seeking mob boss in The Sopranos, has died at the age of 51.
James Gandolfini's remains await autopsy in Rome CNN - June 20, 2013
The body of actor James Gandolfini was transferred to a hospital morgue in Rome early Thursday, where it awaits an autopsy. By law, medical examiners in Italy are required to carry out the postmortem 24 hours after the body's arrival in the morgue, a hospital spokesman said. Before Italian authorities can release his remains for transport back to the United States, the U.S. Embassy in Rome must issue a death certificate. Gandolfini was not alive when he arrived by ambulance at the Policlinico hospital late Wednesday, spokesman Antonio Spasola said.
James Gandolfini Google Videos
James Gandolfini was an award winning American actor. Filmography
All due respect, you got no f-----g idea what it's like to be Number One.
Every decision you make affects every facet of every other f-----g thing.
It's too much to deal with almost. And in the end you're completely alone with it all.
World Refugee Day
World Refugee Day Google Videos
World Refugee Day is dedicated to raising awareness
of the situation of refugees throughout the world.
More than seven million refugees displaced in 2012 - UN BBC - June 19, 2013
