Frank Beard, Vincent Pastore, Ben Jones, and Plaz Johnson Die

Four more losses to reflect on here, summer of 2026…

These guys were the long time drummer for the rock band ZZ Top; an actor, often cast as a mafioso, best known for his role in The Sopranos; an actor/politician best known as Cooter in the Dukes of Hazzard; and a soul-jazz and hard bop tenor saxophonist, known as the tenor saxophone soloist on Henry Mancini’s “The Pink Panther Theme”.

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The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)

“Klaatu barada nikto”

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) is a landmark science fiction film directed by Robert Wise and produced by Julian Blaustein. The screenplay was written by Edmund H. North, based on the 1940 short story Farewell to the Master by Harry Bates. Released by 20th Century Fox on September 28, 1951, the film is widely regarded as one of the most influential sci-fi movies ever made, blending Cold War-era anxieties with a strong anti-war and pro-unity message.

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