I just paid $4.00 for a bottle of Italian Spring Water at my hotel.
I wish I could say that when I close my eyes and drink it, the taste is evocative of Italy... but all I taste is wet. That's a darn shame.
So here I am in San Diego. It's a wonderful place that everybody should visit at least once in their life. If, for no other reason, to make a pilgrimage to the city of my birth. There isn't a temple here in honor of the occasion, but there really should be. Or maybe instead of a temple there could be a statue of me standing in Balboa Park. I dunno. There just needs to be someplace my worshippers can go to go pay their respects and place flowers to celebrate my greatness. And make a donation to the Dave Monument I'm planning to build in the land formerly occupied by Mt. Ranier National Park.
Hmmm... I don't know why it didn't occur to me before, but San Diego would be the perfect place to put my Daveland amusement park! I will convince the city to plow under the San Diego Zoo and put Daveland there instead! What a great location!
Boy, being back to the city of my birth really has me firing on all cylinders tonight.
And speaking of San Diego... there's a few people in town wanting to meet up for dinner on Friday night, if you're in the area and would like to come along, please send me an email ASAP so we can make plans. My email address is at the top of the sidebar on every page.
Unfortunately, I landed to learn of the terrible news that Ricardo Montalban had died.
I, of course, loved him as Mr. Roarke on the show Fantasy Island. Every kid growing up in the late 70's did, because he was the epitome of coolness. He'd walk around in those flawless white suits being all friendly and good-natured and "Welcome to Fantasy Island" and stuff. But then he'd occasionally show his darker side... proving that he could be a total badass as well. It's unthinkable to envision anybody else playing the character except Mr. Montalban (indeed, even the brilliant Malcolm McDowell couldn't manage it when there was a failed revival series twenty years later).
But, to me and so many others, Ricardo Montalban will forever be Khan...
The role of the maniacal villain in the second Star Trek film was not an easy one to play. Indeed, I'd say it was a thankless and impossible role to play. As written, the part was so badly over-the-top... almost to the point of being comical.
Until it was performed by Ricardo Montalban.
He played the character deadly-serious, and turned in a performance so riveting that it cemented Khan as one of the greatest movie villains of all time (indeed, even the brilliant Malcolm McDowell couldn't top it in a follow-up film, Star Trek: Generations). After watching Star Trek II, I fell in love with all things Trek again, and I really have Ricardo Montalban to thank for it. He will definitely be missed.
Even if you don't like Star Trek, you should absolutely check out Wrath of Khan. Montalban's performance is totally worth it. Oh, and don't forget his masterful performance in the first The Naked Gun movie as well!
Lastly, I urge you to read a fantastic blog entry about what it was like working with Mr. Montalban over at Mark Evanier's News From Me site. He was truly an amazing guy and a class-act.
P.S. All my best wishes to my personal hero, Steve Jobs, for a speedy and full recovery.
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As long as you put a Pinkberry in Daveland, all will be well! See you soon. 🙂
I would like to remember Patrick McGoohan who died Tuesday. The TV series “The Prisoner” comes to mind; as well his portrayal of King Edward (Longshanks) in “Braveheart”
Don’t complain about wet in your mouth…at any price. Sorry I didn’t run into you tonight. My loss.
I have no idea how many times I watched Wrath of Khan when I was a kid. No Star Trek movie since has come close.
“He tasks me. He tasks me, and I shall have him….”.
Oh I didn’t know Ricardo Montalban had died! That is so sad :o(
Now it’s bugging me that he was in something else that I can’t remember the name of. I guess it’s Google time.
I also enjoyed his appearance on ‘Freakazoid’.
“He tasks me.” Damn funny.
Easily the best movie in the Star Trek franchise. It had action, drama, and the heaving Spanish pectorals of an alien with a higher-than-average IQ. Everything that a good sci-fi flick needs.
I haven’t been to KSAN in a few years. The arrival for rwy 27 is overtop of a parking garage on a hill- it’s hard to force yourself to stay on glidepath when you see this thing. Must be a great place for aircraft spotting…
Good golly, he was a handsome man. Sexy even into elderliness, he was. And a seriously under-appreciated actor. You will be missed, Boss.
I was saddened about the news of Ricardo Montalban as well. He not only revived Trek but starred in my favorite tv show.
At least now Herve Villechaiz can hang with his boss while watching “de plane”…
Cor-ee-nthian leather, bitch!
Look at Cap’n Noise talking shit about a tough a landing! 🙂
Have fun in my favorite city. You could always go to Ocean Beach and wave at everyone on the live Webcam.
It’s a great (hippie) part of town and would make a thrilling Twitter event.
I could just imagine the drive home from work/looking outside at home if that statue was there instead of the mountain. At least the torches would give us a little more light on our short winter days!
It was sad to hear of Montalban’s death. I enjoyed his work too.
Have a great time in San Diego…sounds fun.
“Oh, I’ve done something far worse to you Kirk…”
That was sad news about Mr. Montalban… He rocked as Khan. Wish we could join you in San Diego this Friday, but until I get some maternity clothes, I’m pretty much housebound. Have fun frolicking in this great So Cal weather we’ve been having!
I *heart* Mr. Roark!
I remember as a little girl looking up to him because he was one of the few Latinos I saw on t.v.
And he had the accent and everything! Back then (to me) it was a big deal to see somebody “represent” my nationality.
I love San Diego. I haven’t been there in a long actually now that I think about it.
Hmm I’m thinking road trip after spring semester is over. Only 14 more weeks.
¿Quien es mas macho?
¡Ricardo Mantalban!
WRATH IT, BABY!!!!!!
Death and taxes.
I don’t think I’ll ever forgive Montalban for making this role so famous that I’m tortured with a joke regarding it at least once a month even 25 years later. (Because — my last name is Khaaaaaaaan. Awesome.)
RIP Ricardo Montalban. Another loss for Trek, too soon after Majel.
Have a good time in San Diego, wish I was closer so I could come by and say “Hi”. I look forward one day to DaveAngeles!
Khaaaaaaaaaannnnnn!! You will be missed!
Yeah, I too knew him from Fantasy Island… I was a little too young to actually follow what was going on in the episodes, but I liked how he spoke and how he carried himself 🙂 About 4 years ago I went through the main Star Trek movies and certainly enjoyed his performance (especially as a counterpoint to Kirk). More recently I “discovered” him in Freakazoid, and the Planet of the Apes series (he was in 2 of them).
Can’t believe he was already 88 though … he certainly aged gracefully!
“Surely, I have made my meaning plain. I mean to avenge myself upon you, Admiral. I deprived your ship of power, and when I swing around, I mean to deprive you of your life.” I can imagine no other actor who could deliver on this role.