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OC News >> April 2006
04/22/06 -
Mickey Rooney
04/22/06 - Hound Dogs
04/01/06 -
Sign
Law
For Mickey Rooney, leading Doo-Dah Parade just
grand
By MICHAEL MILLER Staff Writer, (609) 463-6712
Press of Atlantic City
Published: Saturday, April 22, 2006
Updated: Saturday, April 22, 2006
OCEAN CITY — Oscar-winner Mickey Rooney is happy to be grand marshal of
today's Doo-Dah Parade.
And he likes to watch his old movies, even if he hates to admit it. But that
was about all the actor had to say about his storied career in film Friday
at the Port-O-Call Hotel.
Rooney was more interested in promoting his current projects, including a
comedy he is filming with Robin Williams and Ben Stiller and his upcoming
stage show in London.
Rooney, 85, much prefers the present.
“My advice is don't stop, keep going,” he said.
Rooney and his wife, Jan Chamberlin, relaxed in fat-cushioned chairs in the
hotel's oceanfront lobby. He was dressed for the cool beach in a gray
turtleneck, khaki pants and tennis shoes.
Locals have been showing them around town. The couple had breakfast Friday
with Ted Prior, the city's Elvis impersonator. Rooney will be honored
tonight with a vaudeville tribute at the Music Pier.
The actor has appeared or starred in more than 200 movies, including
classics such as “National Velvet,” “Breakfast at Tiffany's” and “It's a
Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.” He also lent his skill to less memorable movies
such as “Silent Night Deadly Night 5.”
His wife said they like to watch his movies together at their home in
California.
“About halfway in, he'll say, ‘OK, turn it off,' and I'll say no,” she said
laughing.
According to Hollywood lore, Rooney was the inspiration for Norma Jean
Baker's changing her name to Marilyn Monroe. Rooney said there is no lore
about it. It's absolutely true.
“I said, ‘You have to change your name,'” he recalled. “Marilyn Miller was
very a big star at the time so I said she should be Marilyn. Then a friend
of mine called at that moment. Her last name was Monroe.”
By the end of their encounter, a legend was born.
Rooney adopted a stage name when he was a child to capitalize on a popular
character he played. He was born Joe Yule Jr. in Brooklyn, N.Y.
“I call him Joe sometimes,” his wife confided.
“You better not,” he replied.
Ever the populist, Rooney shrugs off any notion that he is a star.
“Stars are in the heavens, not here,” he said.
Likewise, Rooney was reluctant to name a favorite role or film. He said he
enjoyed acting in dramas as much as in comedies. Every role was a challenge.
He still pays close attention to Hollywood gossip. He scoffed at the recent
media attention surrounding the birth of Tom Cruise's child, Suri.
“I guess the world can sleep now,” he said.
To e-mail Michael Miller at The Press:MMiller@pressofac.com
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Hounding Ocean City
Basset hounds descend upon Ocean City for the 21st annual Doo-Dah Parade
By MICHAEL MILLER Staff Writer, (609) 463-6712Press of Atlantic City
Published: Saturday, April 22, 2006
Updated: Saturday, April 22, 2006
OCEAN CITY — George's ears are so big, they have their own Sirius radio station.
They're so big, that when he shakes his head, he disrupts traffic in three
states.
They're so big, George's iPod is afraid.
They're so big, he can hear a dog whistle … in Cuba.
They're so big, they might be under your chair right now.
George, a 4-year-old basset hound, has ears that measure 13 ¼ inches — each.
That's more than 26 inches from lobe to velvety lobe.
He will defend his title for longest ears today in Ocean City during the annual
Boardwalk Waddle, one of several weekend events that give basset owners an
excuse to meet and socialize with their favorite dogs.
On Friday, George competed in the Basset Hound Olympics, the first of several
weekend events.
Owner Kay Jordan drove all the way from Paint Springs, Texas, so George could
participate.
“If he played football, he would be a (defensive) tackle,” Jordan said. “He
loves to tackle people in the backyard.”
George might have ungainly ears, but they didn't trip him up last year when he
won the low hurdles. Bassets are vertically challenged so there are no high
hurdles.
The events are mostly noncompetitive, but don't tell that to the dogs. They
seemed to enjoy romping over the low bridge and through the fabric tunnels.
Beth Vogel, of Columbus, Ohio, brought her basset Annie. Annie's favorite
competitive sport at home is the belly rub, Vogel said. The black pup practiced
her technique on the lawn at the Ocean City Tabernacle.
Vogel wore a button featuring a droopy basest hound and the phrase, “I'm a
drooler.”
That's what basset owners affectionately call themselves.
City spokesman Mark Soifer said the gathering of hounds and their owners is the
second largest of its kind in the country. As many as 400 of the dogs will
participate in today's Doo-Dah Parade.
But watch your step. George's ears might be underfoot.
To e-mail Michael Miller at The Press:MMiller@pressofac.com
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Ocean City OKs new
signs law
By MICHAEL MILLER Staff Writer, (609) 463-6712
Press of Atlantic City
Published: Saturday, April 1, 2006
Updated: Saturday, April 1, 2006
OCEAN CITY — City Council will tidy up its own campaign signs — but not until
after the May 9 election.
After months of discussion, the council finally approved new rules for campaign
and realty signs. But they won't go into effect until June, long after this
year's contentious mayoral and City Council election.
Under the ordinance, realty signs must be affixed to or planted within a foot of
homes or businesses. The signs can be three square feet.
Campaign signs — including those sprouting last month for local candidates —
will be allowed only 30 days before an election starting with the June primary.
They must be removed within five days.
The city's Board of Realtors endorsed the ordinance. Not everyone was pleased
with the outcome.
Architect Jack Snyder said the ordinance would prevent him from displaying a
small sign in front of new homes he designed. The same would apply to painters,
roofers, landscapers and other trades, he said.
“Everybody takes pride in their work,” he said. “Clients take a certain
satisfaction in letting neighbors know who did the work.”
Real-estate agent Marie Sheehan Boljen said the ordinance reflected an illegal
restraint of trade. Berger Realty General Manager Frank Shoemaker said the
ordinance violates the rights of property owners.
“We believe it is possible to balance the concerns of visual pollution with the
rights of property owners,” Shoemaker said. “Politics cannot override the public
good.”
The council passed the ordinance 6-0. Councilman Gregory Johnson was absent.
To e-mail Michael Miller at The
Press:MMiller@pressofac.com
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