Man o' War

Man o' War ~ 1917 - 1947

A large reddish-colored horse, Man o"War is considered by the majority of the horse racing fans as being the greatest race horse that ever run. He was sired by "Fairplay" out of "Mahubah". He was a large horse, typically a dominating effect when compared to the size of the other American racehorses. He was easily recognized, not only by his size but his tremendously long strides when running. He raced only as a two-year old and a three-year old, but in this short time (1919 - 1920) he would win 20 out of his 21 races while setting five world records. His one loss occurred in 1919 to a horse by the name of "Upset", he went on to run second in that controversial race. He was retired and became one of the most renowned stallions in the history of American Thoroughbred racing.

War Admiral ~ 1934 - 1959

"War Admiral" was foaled in 1934, his sire was "Man o' War" out of a mare by the name of "Brushup". He inherited his darker color of brown from his mother, unlike his father who was reddish in color. He was also smaller than his father. However, his temperament and desire to run matched that personality trait of his father. He raced as a two year old, three year old and four year old. During the period of time from 1936 to 1938 he would win twelve major races. Half of those would occur as a four year old. In total, he would have a record of 23 wins against 3 losses. Although, one of the greats in horse racing, he will always be remembered for the race he did not win.

"RACE OF THE CENTURY"

Sea Biscuit ~ 1933 - 1947
"Red" Pollard, Jockey ~ 1909 - 1981

"Sea Biscuit" was born on May 23, 1933. His sire was "Hard Tack", a half brother of "War Admiral" and the grandson of Man o' War. His dam was "Swing On". "Sea Biscuit" did not develop into a good race horse as a young horse, most breeders considered him to small and to lazy. He was used primarily to develop other race horses that demonstrated potential to be champions. With time, "Sea Biscuit" was sold to a car dealer in California that was just entering the race horse business. The Academy Award nominated movie, "Sea Biscuit" portrayed his life and development as a race horse. As in most movies, the director took a few liberties with minor details in the filming but for the most part it is factual portrayal of his story. "Sea Biscuit" became the hope for millions of Americans during the Great Depression era. "Sea Biscuit" would win ten major races between 1937 and 1940. His greatest race would occur on November 1, 1938 when he would go head to head with "War Admiral" and win it handily. "War Admiral" had won six major races in 1938 while "Sea Biscuit" had won seven major races. In 1938, "Sea Biscuit" would win the coveted title of "U.S. Horse of the Year. An honor that was never bestowed on "War Admiral". "Sea Biscuit" would pass away on May 17, 1947, his grandfather, "Man o' War" would pass away six months later.

In 1958, "Sea Biscuit and "War Admiral" were inducted into United States Racing Hall of Fame.

If you have not seen the movie, "Sea Biscuit", I would strongly recommend it. It is not only a very good movie, it is also a very good American History lesson of the this era and the hardships of the Great Depression.

"My Kids"

Jerry Lewis ~ March 16, 1926 ~

"I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any act of kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."
Motto of Jerry Lewis

Since 1931, at the age of five, comedian Jerry Lewis has brightened the smiles and brought laughter to millions. More importantly, he has also brought hope to millions of children or as he prefers to call them, "my kids". Jerry Lewis was born Joseph Levitch on March 16, 1926 in Newark, New Jersey. His parents, Rae and Danny (Levitch) Lewis were professionals in the entertainment world. At age 5, Jerry made his debut in New York's Borscht Circuit singing, "Brother Can You Spare A Dime".

Growing up on the burlesque circuit while performing in the 500 Club in Atlantic city, his career would change. When another entertainer failed to show up for work, a second comedian by the name of Dean Martin joined the show. At first, they worked separately, but then started ad-libbing together and the rest is history. In less than eighteen weeks their salaries soared from $250.00 a week to $5,000.
Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis were perhaps one of the greatest of the comedian partnerships. Following World War II, when Americans needed a little humor in their lives, the comedian duo broke into the movie industry in 1949 with their first film, "My Friend Irma".
As a child, I can remember looking forward to any Saturday that a Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis movie would be showing at the Fox Theater. The cost of
admissionn was a dime but well worth every penny of it.

For ten years, Martin and Lewis completed sixteen money making films while at the same time continuing their nightclub acts, personal appearances, recording sessions, radio shows, and television bookings. Their last movie together was "Hollywood or Bust" in 1956. On July 25th of that year the two made their last appearance together at the Copacabana, tens years to the day that they had become a team. I can recall the devastating news, the controversy being argued was which one would fail with out the other. They would each become individual stars in their own right and in time would return to their friendship.

The popularity of Jerry Lewis skyrocketed in records, albums, and the movie industry. He went into screen writing, directing, producing, as well as acting. In 1959, be entered a contract with Paramount Pictures specifying a payment of $10 million plus 60% of the profits for 14 films over a seven year period.

Although, he did not portray a "athletic build", during the 1950's and 1960's Jerry played first base with numerous professional baseball teams. He would train each year with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Jerry Lewis would also become a Professor at the University of South California, where he taught graduate students a course in film direction. The movie directing talents of Lewis is not a well known fact about his career. He has won the Best Director of the Year Award eight times in Europe since 1960; three in France, and one each in Italy, Belgium, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands.
Jerry Lewis has won far to many awards to list in a single document not only for his ability in the entertainment media but also for his humanity efforts. It is reported that his most prized award is a simple plaque, it reads: "There are three things that are real...God, human folly, and laughter. Since the first two are beyond our comprehension, we must do the best we can with the third". Signed; Your Friend, John F. Kennedy. In June 1985, the Department of Defense presented him the highest award it can bestow upon a civilian, the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service.

Jerry Lewis has won the hearts of "my kids" and the world in his efforts each year to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Since 1959, Jerry Lewis has hosted the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon on Labor Day weekend. Through the year of 2008, they have raised over two billion dollars for the treatment and research of Muscular Dystrophy. Even in poor health, Jerry Lewis is on the scene from the start to the finish of the Telethon. I can recall the days that it was appropriate to start watching the telethon from the time it started until it was finished, just to support Jerry Lewis and his efforts. While stationed in Anchorage, several of us in the Navy, would take our turn on the telephone banks at the local television station.
Since the inception of the telethon, the contributions have increased each year with the exception of 1982 and 2005. This past Labor Day weekend, the telethon once again achieved a new record by raising $65,031,393. Although Jerry Lewis takes no credit since this is a drive that involves thousands across America, however, it is his influence, attitude, and dedication that makes a difference.

Although, Jerry Lewis has had some very serious medical problems involving cancer and heart problems of his own, he has always been there for "my kids". Jerry Lewis is a true "American", he has made a difference and has the touched the lives of each of us.