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Messages - frank b

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16
Current Talk '09 II / 40 years ago today… the episode I missed
« on: October 16, 2009, 01:43:10 PM »
Forty years ago today was the happiest day of my life (at least to that point). Normally, I would be “running home from school” to watch Dark Shadows. But on October 16, 1969 I “ran home” to watch my Mets win the World Series. In those glorious and wonderful days of my childhood, all World Series games were televised during the day so kids could watch. My second grade teacher, Sister Carmina, actually put the beginning of the game on for us. I had to run home to watch the remainder.

After the Mets won, I remember running outside and celebrating in my Queens neighborhood. I don’t remember even missing Dark Shadows that day. Bear in mind that in those days there were no VCR’s, so if you missed an episode, that was it. I have since looked it up and it was episode 864 that aired that day. Humbert Astredo had a big part in that one.

Now that I think about it, that is probably still the happiest day of my life. Does anyone remember anything about that day, either for the Mets or Dark Shadows?

Frank

17
Calendar Events / Announcements '09 II / Re: Collinwood in the new Depp/Burton DS film
« on: September 02, 2009, 01:54:35 PM »
Once again, I want to respond to Guy’s desire to have Seaview used as Collinwood in the Depp/Burton movie. This entire discussion began when a group of us went on a Dark Shadows road trip after the festival to Norwalk, Essex and finally Newport. We stayed two days both inside and on the grounds of Seaview at the invitation and blessing of the owners, the Carey family. I had been to Seaview in 2003, but only on the outside. A handful of people were making their first trip. Needless to say, the consensus was that it is a big thrill to walk the grounds, as well as the halls, stairways, corridors, and even the tower room of Collinwood.

When the Carey family said they would love to have the mansion used in the Depp movie, we began discussing some sort of movement to get Depp/Burton to use Seaview. This can be done most effectively if there is a huge groundswell of support for Seaview.

I can only reiterate my own view, which is that Seaview will always be Collinwood, more than Lyndhurst, and certainly much more than Greystone. What makes any kind of remake of Dark Shadows appealing is its connection to the original series, in whatever forms that may take. Seaview is the only star that appeared in every episode (save the first one, I believe). There is no doubt that the emotional attachment to Seaview is the main factor. To me, all other considerations, such as clean up and computer enhancements, are purely technical, with no bearing on my wish to have the true Collinwood used in the movie.

Frank

18
Calendar Events / Announcements '09 II / Re: 2010 Fest
« on: August 27, 2009, 05:00:35 PM »
Unless I am mistaken, I believe I was the first person to post about the rumor (on a different thread) of the next two festivals being in Burbank in order to accomodate the Depp/Burton film's production and release. I heard this at the festival last week but I did not hear it from Jim Pierson, so it most certainly qualifies as only a rumor. As someone else pointed out, it does make sense from the movie's point of view.

As far as having the fest in a central location, I can tell you that Jim has told me that it is always on the coasts in order to accomodate the actors and to save on Jim's expense of flying everyone to a central location, since most of the stars live on the coasts. Since I started going in 1999, all the fests have been in the Los Angeles area (L.A., Anaheim, Hollywood, Burbank) or what we call the greater New York or NY metropolitan area (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Tarrytown, Newark).

I think it's all about expense and accomodating the stars, although I pray Jim never has it in Newark again. (For my reasons, see my post on the recent Festival thread).

Frank Borzellieri

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Calendar Events / Announcements '09 II / Re: Collinwood in the new Depp/Burton DS film
« on: August 25, 2009, 12:55:31 PM »
I want to follow up on Guy’s remarks because I was part of the group that spent two days at our beloved Collinwood. Right now, the current owners of Seaview, the Carey family, are living in a wing of the mansion. For years, the house was a dorm for a girls’ school, but the lease is not being renewed. So for the most part, the mansion was empty and Mr. and Mrs. Carey gave us the run of the house. We spent all day Tuesday at the mansion before having dinner at the Black Pearl (Blue Whale), then went back that night for a party in Collinwood. Having spent all that time with the Careys, they expressed to us how much they would love the house to be used for Collinwood in the Depp movie. All of us greeted this with great enthusiasm.

I am certainly no expert on what is a French or English style house, but I think Guy’s point is that the Seaview mansion is now, and will always be, Collinwood in the hearts and minds of Dark Shadows fans. Therefore, we would like to start some kind of movement to get Depp and Burton to use it for the movie.

Frank Borzellieri

20
Calendar Events / Announcements '09 II / Re: Fest Report / was Re: Time to "sign in".
« on: August 24, 2009, 02:09:48 PM »
I wanted to add my comments about the fest, especially to the general remarks about the location. Obviously, Profstokes has detailed the events better and more thoroughly than I ever could, including the details of my own presentation on time travel.

I thought within the friendly confines of the hotel it was a wonderful festival. Outside was another story. Newark was an awful location. I parked my car in the parking lot on Thursday afternoon and didn’t leave the hotel once during the entire weekend. There was absolutely nowhere to go and nothing to do in that neighborhood. Jim Pierson probably got a good price; I can’t imagine any other reason for having it there.

I live in New York City, and like Jimbo, I also took a wrong turn trying to find the place. But other people had far worse horror stories. Two people got lost for more than an hour trying to find the hotel and one of those needed an escort from a good Samaritan local resident. I heard similar stories all weekend. It seems the only people who arrived easily were those who flew in and took the shuttle from the airport.

As Profstokes said, I was the first speaker on Saturday. Jim Pierson had asked me months ago if I would give the time travel presentation again. He wanted it twice – once for each of the different audiences on each coast. Before I began, I asked the audience to raise their hands if they had not seen my presentation last year in Burbank. About 90 percent of the hands went up, so I was happy about that. My talk was slightly updated. The man I refer to as the “real life Professor Stokes”, Dr. Ronald Mallett, is now having a major motion picture done on his life for his work on building a time machine to send particles to the past.

This year, I had one of my students, the lovely Ashley, work my dealer table selling my books because I wanted to enjoy the fest as a fan, the way I always do.

I was happy that the program listed next year’s fest already in Burbank. I heard an unconfirmed rumor that in fact the next two fests will be in Burbank, so as to accommodate the production and release of the Depp movie. My favorite fest location was Hollywood, but Burbank is just a short ride away.

After the fest, beginning Monday morning, about 20 of us went on a planned Dark Shadows road trip, where we visited DS locations including the Lockwood Mathews mansion (from House of Dark Shadows) in Norwalk, CT; in Essex, CT, we went to the Evans cottage, the police station (which is the Essex post office) and the Griswold Inn (Collinsport Inn). We also saw the warehouse that was the cannery in the pre-Barnabas episodes. Finally, we spent Tuesday and Wednesday at the Seaview Terrace (Collinwood) courtesy of the Carey family, the current owners. We ate dinner at both Griswold and the Black Pearl (which was the Blue Whale in the show). The entire trip was organized by Bobubas.

All in all, a great festival. I cannot adequately express my affection and respect for Jonathan Frid, who seemed especially chipper and exuberant. He seemed to be having such a great time that it wouldn’t surprise me if he came back next year.

Frank Borzellieri

21
Current Talk '09 II / Re: Abe Vigoda on the #6 train
« on: August 05, 2009, 01:07:59 PM »
It's interesting, but living in New York City you get used to seeing famous people. I always ignore them. In Abe's case, the only thing that compelled me to speak to him was the fact that I had met him and his daughter personally at a Dark Shadows Festival. And there's no doubt that no one has ever approached him about his involvement in Dark Shadows. It was obvious that he got the biggest kick out of that.

Frank Borzellieri

22
Current Talk '09 II / Abe Vigoda on the #6 train
« on: August 04, 2009, 03:16:09 PM »
Hello Everyone,

I emailed this message to some Dark Shadows fans on Friday and thought I would share it with the forum.

I have a story about Abe Vigoda on the #6 train in Manhattan today which I thought you would appreciate. Abe has got to be around 88 or 89 but he looked terrific. He was by himself, dressed in jeans and a baseball cap. When he sat down, I found myself standing right in front of him when I recognized him. I normally stand on the subway even if there are seats available (a strange New York habit) but when I said hello to him I sat down next to him.

I told him that I had met him and his daughter at the Dark Shadows Festival in 1999 at the World Trade Center Marriott. He was genuinely warm and friendly, smiling broadly and conversing with enthusiasm. It was my honest impression that he was genuinely warmed by my mention of Dark Shadows and my memory of meeting his daughter, too. It's obvious that everyone remembers him as Tessio in The Godfather and Fish from Barney Miller. I would bet no one in his life ever approached him mentioning Dark Shadows. I reminded him that he was joking on stage with David Selby and he had a clear recollection of that. He asked me if I knew how Selby was. I told him I'm not friends with Selby; that I'm only in touch with KL Scott, L Parker, and Donna McKechnie. (If anyone knows how Selby is, Abe would like to know).

He went on about what a great show Dark Shadows was and how much he enjoyed it. He joked about one of the characters he played, "Brathwaite", when he had to dress up as an old man. "Now I could play the part without dressing up," he said. I asked him if he would ever come back to a festival and he said he didn't know, but that he continues to get literature from the fest (presumably from Marcy, I suppose). At one point in the middle of our talk, he tilted his head back so as to get a better look at me and said grinning, "So you're a Dark Shadows fan!" clearly indicating what a big kick he was getting out of our conversation.

I got off before him, at Grand Central, so I wished him luck. He said, "Tell everyone I said hello." I assured him I would, and that I would tell the fans what a pleasure it was to see him again.

Frank Borzellieri


23
Calendar Events / Announcements '08 I / Re: New DS Book! The Physics of Dark Shadows
« on: June 20, 2008, 03:12:12 PM »
I want to thank everyone who has posted positive comments about my book, "The Physics of Dark Shadows." I'm happy that the books were shipped out so quickly and that so many of you have read it already. I am also grateful for the private emails I've received in this regard. There are several magazine and newspaper articles about the book coming out. I will post those links when they are published, although some of you find the links before I do. I would add that there was overwhelming reaction to my two-hour radio appearance on Coast to Coast AM. Many of you have posted comments here about that, too.

In addition to local appearances on New York media, I have been asked to appear on Coast to Coast AM again. It may actually be in studio during the week of the Festival. The radio studio is only a few minutes from Burbank. I'll keep you all posted on that when I know the exact date. Midnite has provided the link for anyone interested in hearing the last show.

One interesting anecdote form the show was a caller who was such a big Dark Shadows fan that she legally changed her name to "Josette." She remarked that she was now blind and could not afford to go to the Festival, but had done so many years ago. The host George Noory offered to pay for her entire trip and hotel. She almost started crying on the air. I remarked, "See, anything is possible with Dark Shadows!" George asked me to secure her entrance, and Jim Pierson agreed to comp her admission at my request. Jim also told me her original name was Wendy. It seems she is an old-time fan known to some people. Nice story.

So in the final weeks leading up to the Festival, I will continue to keep this site updated. Thank you.

Frank

24
Calendar Events / Announcements '08 I / Re: New DS Book! The Physics of Dark Shadows
« on: June 06, 2008, 03:15:32 PM »
I will be a guest on the radio program "Coast to Coast AM" with George Noory tonight to talk about my new book, "The Physics of Dark Shadows."

"Coast to Coast AM" is the number one radio show for science fiction and the paranormal. It is an international show. I have listed links below which give you the show's website, plus the "where to find" page, where you click on your home state and it tells you on what radio station you can hear the show.

Unfortunately, the show airs very late. I go on at 1am here in New York City. On the west coast, I go on at 10pm. If you must miss the show, I believe there is a way to listen to the show through the site's archives.

I also think, in addition to hearing the show on the radio, you can listen straight through the internet. I'm not an expert on how that all works, so check out the site.

I would also like to thank all of you for the very kind messages you have left me on this site over the past couple of days. I especially want to thank Midnite, who am I told is the owner of this wonderful place.

I also want to thank Diane for your lovely comments. (I did not know your user name was "Adamsgirl" but I recognize your picture. I thought you were my girl; well, it's my loss and Robert Rodan's gain.)

To EmeraldRose and madscntst, I'm very pleased that you received the book already. Miss Rose, thanks for the favorable review already, too!

In answer to Sally Collins' question, anyone who wants both ProfStokes' and my signature, just drop a note through the service email on the publisher's website when you order. I'll be signing more books this weekend and will get them to ProfStokes.

And to the lovely Amanda (ProfStokes), my Preface writer, it's always nice to see you, whether in person or on this site.

Thanks again to all. I will continue to keep you posted on other programs or reviews about the book.

http://www.coasttocoastam.com/info/wheretolisten.html

http://www.coasttocoastam.com/

25
Calendar Events / Announcements '08 I / Re: New DS Book! The Physics of Dark Shadows
« on: June 04, 2008, 03:22:46 PM »
Hello,

My name is Frank and I have joined this forum to promote my book, “The Physics of Dark Shadows,” which is officially released today. I spent this past Saturday signing a ton of books at a New York warehouse. Thank you to those who pre-ordered the book. I understand from the publisher that they will be shipped imminently.

My main purpose for joining this site, in addition to promoting the book, is to answer any questions anyone might have. There are several things I would like to say in anticipation of, and in response to, the most common questions.

First of all, as a huge Dark Shadows fan, I have been told that this is the best forum for fans to gather. I would have liked to have joined sooner, but I have three teaching jobs, plus I’m a student, plus I have contracts for three other books, all of which keeps me away from my computer during the day. I will get back to this site and answer all questions as frequently as I can. I have a good number of personal friends who belong to this site, though I confess I don’t know what creative user names they use. My very close friend Amanda, who goes by “ProfStokes”, did write the preface to the book. Kathryn Leigh Scott, who is not a member, wrote the foreword. I understand Jonathan Frid is now a member here, which automatically makes this the most prestigious forum for fans, I presume.

With the official release of the book, orders are no longer considered “pre-orders” but I will continue to sign books ordered from the publisher until the Dark Shadows Festival. I will be speaking at the Festival on Sunday July 20th at 12 noon and books will be available for sale, too. In addition to me, both Amanda and Kathryn will sign books at the Festival for anyone who would like. If you would like Amanda's signature but are not going to the Festival, I can arrange that, too.

By the way, the best reason to buy this book is for the value of Amanda’s signature, which will be one day worth more than mine and Kathryn’s combined. Amanda’s preface, which gives voice to the fan’s point of view, is truly indispensable.

On the current Festival schedule, my speaking spot is titled somewhat inaccurately. It’s listed as “The World of Parallel Time”, but the real title of my talk should be “The scientific reality of time travel” which does include parallel time. Jim Pierson has told me he will change it for the program. My talk will encompass that which is in the first part of my book – time travel. I will be happy to take questions at the Festival on the other sections about the science of ESP.

I will not at this time go into the details of the book because the promotional summary was posted by Amanda at the beginning of this topic. The website to order is also listed above – culturalstudiespress.com.

I have attended Dark Shadows Festivals every year since 1999 and have many friends that I’ve made through the years. I may very well have more friends from this site than I currently realize. If anyone has attended a Festival, you may have seen me and know me from there.

So what else can an author possibly say about his own book? I guess I’m supposed to say it is indispensable. You cannot live without it. It is a vital addition to your personal collection. And you will be forever lacking in Dark Shadows enrichment without it.

Seriously, I'm a college professor and the book began as a magazine article; researching the physics of time travel is something I also assign my journalism students. To make a long story short, my agent got me a publisher for what became a book and I think the final product is an interesting examination of the physics and science behind many of the strange events on Dark Shadows. It is written in a manner that is understandable for the average fan. So while it’s not really for young children, neither is it an undecipherable science book. It should be both interesting and fun.

In addition to answering your questions on this forum, I’ll post any related links from newspapers that are published in the next few weeks.

Thank you.

Frank Borzellieri


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