Making a late game push

On the back of a 94 year old man lie the hopes of Cathy H. Mikhail Kalashnikov has died. Inventor of the AK-47, he's done his best to give her a shot at the points lead. Ok, not a real shot, but she's closer! Mikhail Timofeyevich Kalashnikov, dead at the age of 94. Read more HERE.

* points awarded

An early Christmas gift

Ronnie Biggs has died. Robbed a train, got caught, went to prison, escaped, lived on the lam for years bragging about his exploits, turned himself in, was released, died, all to wish a Merry Christmas to Cathy H! Ronald Arthur Biggs, dead at the age of 84. Read more HERE.

* points awarded

JANICE T. SCORES!!!!!

Do you believe in Miracles?!? Janice T. has scored, with a little help from a 5 point buck named Nelson Mandela. Unbelievably old, he defied incredible odds by dying while on her list. When reached for comment, Shaun H. made numerous other smartass remarks... but all in a congratulatory manner. Not to be forgotten, Jennifer T. with the eternal assist. Way to go, ladies! Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, dead at the age of 95. Read more HERE.

* Points awarded (x2)

Broken down Chopper

Chopper Read has died. Murderous Australian thug turned convict turned author turned cancer survivor turned points provider. Even on his deathbed, he admitted guilt in numerous murders. And I think he said something about not wanting to be on Mike's list as it meant a sure death sentence. Mark Brandon Read, dead at the age of 58. Read more HERE.

* points awarded

Velvet Underground takes on a whole new meaning‏

Lewis Allan "Lou" Reed (March 2, 1942 – October 27, 2013).

- Julia T.

Bears make children happy…and adults too.

Whether they are a special treat, potty training bribery, a meeting snack or party sweet, the sight of a gold bag of Haribo Golden Bears brings good memories and cravings for many. There’s nothing like having a handful of your favorite color of gummi bears. Who brought these bears our way? Hans Reigel led Haribo to be a world famous brand. Unfortunately all the sweets in the world don’t save you from dying at the age of 90 on October 15, 2013. Surely he is having a sweet trip with a handful of his favorite Golden Bears.

- Cathy H.

Another American Hero passes

One of the original seven astronauts, Scott Carpenter (1925-2013), test pilot, astronaut and aquanaut takes the Ultimate Space Journey. God's speed Scott.

- Mike M.

HEADLINES: Eydie Gorme

Can't Blame It On the Bossa Nova This Time

-Janice T.

No Points, Bad Timing, No Recognition?‏

Nope Friends, Dennis Farina's death will not go unrecognized. Dennis Farina, police officer turned actor passed away on Monday, July 22 from a blood clot in his lungs. His death was perhaps a bit overshadowed by a wee little boy's birth but he and the 31 points he takes to the grave should be acknowledged.

-Megan De.

Groundbreaking Reporter Dead at 92‏

Helen Thomas (who was among those on my list in 2011) died July 20 at the age of 92 (she would have been worth 10 points two years ago!). Spunky and groundbreaking are words I would etch into her tombstone. She broke many barriers in her reporting from the White House for so many years & she spoke her mind (my kind of lady!). Friends, bow your head, two years late but Helen Thomas, dead at the age of 92.

-Megan De.

The Sport of Kings looses a King

Sir Henry Richard Amherst Cecil (11 January 1943 – 11 June 2013) was a British horse trainer. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest trainers in history. Cecil was Champion Trainer 10 times and, as of June 2012, had trained 25 domestic Classic winners, comprising four winners of the Epsom Derby, eight winners of the Epsom Oaks, six winners of the 1,000 Guineas, three of the 2,000 Guineas and four winners of the St. Leger Stakes. His success in the Epsom Oaks and the 1,000 Guineas made him particularly renowned for his success with fillies. He was the Master Trainer at Royal Ascot, where he successfully trained 75 winners.

- Mike M.

* points awarded

Left foot in the ground, Right hand wave goodbye‏

That's right friends, the inventor of Twister has died. Charles "Chuck" Foley, the father of nine who invented the game of Twister, passed away July 1 at age 82 and had suffered from Alzheimer's disease. Spin your wheel and plant your foot in his honor.

- Megan De.

Tony Soprano Whacked by Cholesterol

Big man James Gandolfini takes stereotypes to new heights as he dies from a heart attack in Italy. Take that, Jimmy Hoffa! At least they found Gandolfini's body. Unfortunately that's 49 points in the ground. Sigh... James Joseph Gandolfini, Jr, dead at the age of 51. Read more HERE.

Headline: Muted Giggling Commence‏

Dick Trickle has passed away of a self-inflicted gun wound, in a cemetery. Dick Trickle called to let the 911 operators know where he would be found. Dick Trickle is gone. Dick Trickle will not be forgotten. Dick Trickle had a funny name. Sorry Trickle family for your loss, Dick Trickle will be missed. Sadly, Dick Trickle did not leave a Dick Trickle Jr.....he had the better sense to name his children more appropriately (Victoria, Tod & Chad).

- Megan De.

Headline: Mac Daddy Leaves Daddy Mac‏

One half of the duo that made us all Jump, Jump and want to wear our clothes backwards has died. Chris Kelly, half of rap duo Kris Kross, passed away at age 34. He used "words" like wiggity and miggity in his lyrics, that is something to pause and remember.

- Megan De.

Headline: He Stopped Loving Her Today...‏

well, her and everyone else. George Jones, dead at 81.

- Megan De.

Watch the Gravy....‏

Those in Heaven will find a change at the dinner table after welcoming Frank Bank as their newest resident. He might have been the dim-witted one on Leave it to Beaver but he was my favorite. Now please pass the lumpy, bumpy gravy!

- Megan De.

Pat Summerall, dead afterall

Pat Summerall has died. Much like the other guy from Wham!, Summerall was the oft-forgotten straight man to John Madden's color commentary for many years. From former kicker to bucket kicker, the circle of life is complete. But it just won't be the same seeing Andy's list next year, minus Summerall. George Allen Summerall, dead at the age of 82. Read more HERE.

* points awarded

HEADLINES: Jonathan Winters

Now is the Winters of our Discontent with Living

- Jennifer T.

F-U-N, I-C-E, L L O She's Dead!

Poor Annette, having to share her special death day with Margaret Thatcher. For what it's worth, I think Funicello was a MUCH better mouseketeer than Thatcher. As far as the beach movies, that might be a closer contest. Little known fact... Margaret Thatcher was originally cast opposite Frankie Avalon in Bikini Beach, but had to back out at the last minute. Oh how different the world would be. But fear not, Ms. Funicello, for your death was not in vain. Our beloved Joe T. has now placed on the scoreboard, putting him firmly in first place in the Kure Beach Division of our little game. Annette Joanne Funicello, dead at the age of 70. Read more HERE.

* points awarded

How many folks just scored, Maggie?

Margaret Thatcher, the only female Prime Minister of Britian, has died. The nicknames are great: The Iron Lady, Thatcher the Milk Snatcher, Attila the Hen. She served for 11 years, and left 13 points. Unfortunately it's difficult to pull funny out of a conservative, British, prime minister. So... Margaret Hilda Roberts Thatcher, Baroness, dead at the age of 87. Read more HERE.

* points awarded (x2)

What has 2 thumbs and just reunited with Siskel... THIS GUY!!!!

Roger Ebert, the father of movie poo-pooing, has died. You know you've truly made it when people look to your thumb for guidance. I won't be able to do his career justice in just a few words, so make sure and check out the link for his life story. With that... Roger Joseph Ebert, dead at the age of 70. Read more HERE.

* Points Awarded (x2)

Mr. Coach it all Jack Pardee has finally retired

Jack Pardee has died. The only man to ever have coached in college, the NFL, the USFL, the WFL, and the CFL. But truly his greatest feat? Bringing Mike M. points... valuable points. Points that knocked the champ out of 1st place. THANK YOU JACK PARDEE! (sorry for your family, though). John Perry Pardee, dead at the age of 76. Read more HERE.

* points awarded

Chavez dead, takes picture with obituary to prove. Plans Weekend at Bernie's remake.

Huggable little socialist teddy bear Hugo Chavez has died.  Positives... he did follow through on promises to change Venenzuela.  And he did bring in a LOT of points this season.  In fact, he's now tied for 2nd place all-time with his in-death BFF Bonnie Franklin.   But as noted by Mike M., his passing is a reminder of a retort from pioneer comedienne Jackie "Moms" Mabley when she was told that, if someone is dead, you should only say good things about them.  She replied, "He's dead.  That's good."   Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías, dead at the age of 58.  Read more HERE.

* Points awarded (x8)

Even Schneider Can't Fix This

One Grave at a Time
6 Feet at a Time
One Day, Out of Time

Too many choices! This is really difficult for me. I mean, relatively speaking. I would imagine Bonnie Franklin's family might beg to differ. Obviously she's most famous for her role as Ann Romano on One Day at a Time, but she now owns the record as the second most popular score ever in Happy Funtime history (8), behind only Etta James in 2012 (9). That's famous, right there! But one must wonder, how did Mackenzie Phillips outlive her? Bonnie Gail Franklin, dead at the age of 69. Read more HERE.

* Points awarded (x8)

HEADLINES: Van Cliburn

On February 27, 2013 Harvey Lavan "Van" Cliburn Jr. joined our greatest generation of musicians at The Great Concert Hall in the sky. It's a safe bet he gets a solo.

- Mike M

* points awarded

Bay Area Professional Sports Team Owner Curse?

On February 18, Laker’s (majority) owner’s shot clock expired. Mr. Jerry Buss’s passing comes exactly 499 days from the loss of the generally grumpier Al Davis, owner of the “better than a bye week” Oakland/LA/Oakland Raiders. Coincidence? Perhaps, but if my statistics class taught me anything, it is that 2 data points makes both an undeniable trend and a curse with a really long name.

Ironically, no points awarded.

-Andy M

Toy inventor inverted; shaken

Andre Cassagnes, inventor of the Etch A Sketch, died on January 16 of undisclosed causes (probably severe carpal tunnel injuries). The toy, originally dubbed the “Telecran”, then later “L’Ecran Magique” (because he was French), has taught countless children how to draw blocky circles, words with connected letters, and more importantly, how to rescue Daisy Duke without backtracking or getting caught by Boss Hogg. Farewell Andre; we are all drawing staircases to heaven for you.


-Andy M

The Ed Koch Death Watch is Officially Over

 

Ed Koch is headed to Trinity Cemetery!  Koch started out in the Army, serving in Europe and achieving the rank of Seargant.  Next he went off to college earning his law degree.  When public service called, Koch answered; first as a congressman, then as mayor of New York City.  He followed this with the challenge of his life; replacing a balding old white law guy on The People's Court.  And he did so brilliantly.  Koch wrote books and reviewed movies.  He taught, spoke publicly, and in death rewarded a man who for 4 years never gave up on him dying.  How's he doin', Ray H?  Edward Irving Koch, dead at the age of 88.  Read more HERE.



* points awarded

Boogie Woogie on the Piano!‏

Patty Andrews, the last surviving member of the Andrews Sisters died January 30, 2013. With their lead singer joining them, Heaven will be rocking to Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy from Company B. Party on Ladies!!

- Megan De

Death is a Special Occasion

In an unplanned moment of life, Hallmark continued its commitment “When You Care Enough to Send the Very Best” as Adele C. Hall arrived in heaven on Saturday.  She was well known for her community service and especially her focus on advancing the lives of children.  She was 81. Read more HERE

One does have to wonder how many cards Mr. Hall will be receiving in the coming days…

- Cathy H

Winner, Winner...

Stupid chicken dinner!  Michael Winner has died.  I suppose it's appropriate the directer of Death Wish is the first to earn points this season.  But even more appropriately, Cathy H. starts the scoring season with the target on her back.  Release the hounds!!!  Robert Michael Winner, dead at the age of 77.  Read more HERE.

- title by Megan De. (picture in her honor)

* points awarded

Points Calculator

Here's a little spreadsheet that might come in handy.  Just put a mark in the column under "Dead?", hit enter, and the points which would be awarded as of today's date will be shown.  If said person is in anyone else's lists, it will also show points that they would earn.  So you should be able to run any possible scenario and see the outcome.  And yes, the spreadsheet does account for the person's birthday and the subsequent change in points.

Just a quick cautionary note, this spreadsheet is through google docs, so I'm sharing it with all of you.  What this means is that any marks you put into the calculator will remain there.  So please be a sweetie and erase your marks when you're done using it.  Also, don't go deleteing the unprotected columns, or unhiding columns.  (Not that I don't trust y'all, but I do have a backup saved just in case.)  Thanks!

Points Calculator can be found HERE, as well as to the left of the website.

HEADLINES:

Dear Abby-

If someone who dispenses wisdom to millions is diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, what is the most appropriate way to tell people we don't know how long she had been losing her marbles and perhaps her advice was not the best?

Sincerely,

Pauline, 94

Dear Pauline-

No need, people figured it out a LONG time ago!

Sincerely,

Abby

 -Megan D

Read more HERE.

HEADLINES:

"Was Conrad Bain the bane of your existence? Worry no more."
- Jennifer T



And a big thank you to Jennifer for being the first to submit a headline.  Your name could be here too!

Read more HERE.

The Official 2013 Picks List is up

The picks have been entered and hopefully they are correct.  You can either view them HERE, or use the link over to the left.  Please review them and make sure everything looks correct.  Also, there will be a cool little tool coming in the next few days, so be on the lookout for it.  Should be helpful.

Year end awards and announcements

Mama needs another new pair of shoes
The woman who originally didn't want to play has won for a second year in a row. Congratulations are due to Cathy H. You excel where others fail; predicting the deaths of the famous and famous-ish in yearly chunks. Enjoy your well earned victory!

And the winner of the 2nd annual Margaret Walker Humanitarian Award is...
the 1st Peggy winner, its namesake, Margaret W.  While Margaret is no longer with us, her spirit of charity continues on.  And since she has the longest run of not scoring (having never scored in this game), she wins hands down.  The Peggy Award comes with a cash prize based on the interest earned for the 1st place prize.  This year, the Peggy Award is 18¢.  Congratulations to Margaret W!

It should be known, when asked if she wanted to play last year, she said of her picks "let them ride".  With that wish, so long as she still has an intact 10 picks, we here at Happy Funtime will continue to grant that wish.  This year, Cathy H has graciously covered Margaret W's entry fee from her winnings so that we can "let them ride".

Picks are due by Sunday at 11:59:59 pm (Tomorrow night)
A couple of folks from last year still haven't gotten their picks in.  There are also a few that have shown interest and not yet submitted.  Let's not miss that deadline (no pun intended).

Just a quick note

We'll call the game on the 5th, and all picks currently received are in play for 2013.